Algarve 4 nts after Christmas

Where will you be before and after the Algarve stay?

Are you two adults?

You certainly don’t want to be splitting so few nights between 2 destinations.

Why the Algarve at that time of year? What do you want to do there? It’s mainly about beaches and golf and that isn’t the best time for either.

I would opt for Tavira if it has to be the Algarve. At least it’s preserved some character and there are some decent restaurants. My second option would be Lagos, which is much bigger and has expanded rapidly over the past 20 years. My third option would be Silves, slightly inland - not sure if the castle would be open at that time of year. I don’t really have a fourth option.

I would avoid the soulless Vilamoura and the hideous Albufeira (unless you want lots of Irish bars etc). Many smaller places will be closed up for the winter.

You need to rent a car - public transport is scant enough when not in the holiday season. I would head to Lisbon, not the Algarve.

We will be in Lisbon prior, 2 adults, and will likely visit Sintra and/or Obidos from there. We will return there for a night for our return flight.

Our primary reason for wanting to head south is the scenery. We do not hang out at beaches even in the summer, but thought it would be a beautiful place to spend some time since we will be in the country already. Perhaps 2 or 3 nights? As long as there is somewhere to stay, places to eat, and scenery to see.

I would go to Lagos. That's where the scenery is. The town center is OK (none of the Algarve towns are exceptional compared to others in Portugal) but the scenery to the west of the city center is magnificent. Of course winter can mean clouds and rain so a few days to give you more chance of good weather days is a good idea. Here's my photos of what the scenery looks like - https://andiamo.zenfolio.com/p713635492 (These photos were taken in March)

The scenery is stunning north of Vila do Bispo and around Aljezur, but it’s more like the real Portugal, rather than the southern Algarve coast ie touristy Lagos.

I would go to Porto and forget the Algarve altogether. Porto is beautiful and a real city where locals live, eat, drink and shop. The Algarve is not my favorite place because there isn't much going on, especially off season. Another great town is Evora, but that is more of a two night stay than four. It sounds like you only have a week or so, I would split the time between Lisbon and Porto and see Obidos on the way. Obidos is a tourist town and spending half a day there could be pleasant .

Thanks Debbi. We are actually "saving" Porto for a summer trip when we are going to do a week-long kayak trip on the Douro, so that is why we are not including it in this trip. But we will look into Evora.