Visiting Portugal for 14 days in mid January. Considering 2-3 day visit to Algarve to experience the natural beauty, hiking, etc, not beach-combing or hanging at a resort (which are presumably closed in January?). Is it worth doing this or should I focus on Lisbon, Porto, Douro and the other places oft mentioned in central Portugal?
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1006 posts
I think you’ll enjoy the other places on your list more. The Algarve gets visitors all year round as it’s mild and sunny pretty much all the time. People go to play golf or for a little bit of winter sun. Some places will close as it’s not as busy as summer, but it’s not totally shut up.
However, there’s more to see elsewhere I’d say.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1672 posts
Skip the Algarve. With your amount of time, it would be a stretch to go that far anyway. If you want beaches and hiking, Sintra, Ericeira and Foz come to mind - a lot closer to Lisbon.