Planning a trip to Portugal for 12 full days in December. Flying into Lisbon and out of Porto. Using only public transportation.in Rick's book he ranks the Algarve as a 'Must See' but later says beach towns can be "Lifeless and Dreary" in the winter. Is it worth taking the train 5 hours to the Algarve region and then 5 hours back towards Lisbon or should I focus on the Lisbon and Porto areas with multiple side trips? I like smaller towns and historic sites but not looking for beach time. Thank you!
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1006 posts
It’s not worth it. There’s lots to see around Lisbon and Porto and no need to go to the Algarve. The Algarve gets visitors all year round as it’s pretty much permanently sunny. Some restaurants close up but not all. It’s a popular place for Christmas and New Year trips.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1673 posts
With only 12 days, I wouldn’t do the Algarve any time of the year. Lisbon and Porto and places in between are much more quintessential Portugal. BTW - remember that RS includes what he likes and misses some things that are pretty amazing IMO. So, don’t limit yourself to only those things in his book. If you like small towns, you might find Julie Dawn Fox’s blog a good resource. She includes allot about the smaller areas of Portugal, and I’ve found her recommendations to be really good.
Posted by
88 posts
Second the Julie Dawn Fox recommendations. She kinda 'led' us to visit the Schist village region, and I've returned twice. Tons of castles and small villages, and in shoulder season I have visited castles where we have been the only visitor, or they may be a few other groups. She has lots of good advice.
Why only public transportation. Driving is very easy outside the bigger cities. Trickiest part is making sure mirrors are pulled in for town walls, gate openings, etc.
Posted by
OP
USA
19 posts
Thank you for your replies and suggestions. I will definitely check out the blog. I am a solo traveler and have a medical condition so I can't drive but I wish I could because it seems so much more efficient. Thank you!