Planning 7 days in Portugal starting the 2nd week of May 2022. We will spend most of our week in Lisbon (4.5 days) but want to add some beach time. Will the Algarve area be a good place to visit during this time of year? Thinking of driving down to Salema as a home base and side trip to Cape Sagres for 2 to 3 before heading back to Lisbon to fly out. Basically using Rick Steves suggestions as a template for our trip. But wondering if its the best time of year to head down there. Open to all suggestions! TY in advance!
Posted by
374 posts
Hi
The Algarve has some great beaches and is always warmer and less rainy than the Lisbon area.
I suggest that before you drive to the Algarve, check out the beaches in the Lisbon - Cascais area and see if they're to your liking.
Carcavelos beach is the best in the area, at the south end of the beach there is an old fort after the fort is a small beach ( Praia da Torre) I find it warmer because the fort walls block the wind and reflect the sunlight to the sand.
https://lisbonlisboaportugal.com/lisbon-beaches/Praia-Carcavelos-beach-Lisbon.html
Happy travels
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I have been to the Algarve several times in late May as a beach holiday for a fortnight and the weather is usually good.
If I had a week in Portugal and I was based in Lisbon, would I head to the Algarve? No. There are many beaches as good as the Algarve that are much closer to Lisbon such as the Comporta to Melides coastline or Foz do Arelho or Sao Martinho.
If you do head to the Algarve, I suggest Lagos as a base or Luz if you want something smaller. Sagres and the Cape will be windy and feel much cooler, so you will need warm clothing.
Posted by
Washington DC
28247 posts
I recommend searching this website for mentions of Salema. I recall quite a few negative comments to the effect that the town is so overbuilt now that it has lost most of its charm. (I haven't been there myself.)