We are a couple in our early 60s who are going to use all the credits from cancelled vacations for an Iberian trip in May 2023. We have chosen Portugal, where we have never been, and are struggling with going to the Algarve region. Our interests are photography, history, architecture, nature, good food, and making memories. I have added some places in Spain to this itinerary that I have always wanted to see, but would consider saving those for another time if the Algarve matches our interests.
I have watched many videos on visiting the Algarve, and some show some beautiful scenery with very walkable beaches. Others show small cities with "ex-pats" going to American-style shopping areas and talking about golf. I have nothing against shopping or golf, but those are activities I see every day. A couple videos I have watched on youtube brag that "you'll feel just like you are in the United States because everyone speaks English and you can watch the NFL in local bars." Those aren't the places that would be home runs for us.
So far, the Algarve city that seems most interesting to me would be Tavira, mainly because of the architecture. My wife is more into beach communities preferably with a hotel on the waterfront. I haven't seen too many places like that in my research.
I have been planning an itinerary, and was wondering if you think I should substitute some of these destinations with somewhere in the Algarve:
May 10 FLY TO LISBON
May 11 LISBON STAY IN LISBON
May 12 LISBON
May 13 LISBON
May 14 SINTRA
MAY 15 SINTRA
MAY 16 Coimbra
MAY 17 Coimbra
MAY 18 Porto
MAY 19 Porto
MAY 20 Porto
MAY 21 Fly to Granada
MAY 22 Granada
MAY 23 Granada
MAY 24 Train to Seville
May 25 Seville
MAY 26 Sevilla
MAY 27 Fly to Lisbon
MAY 28 Fly home
Obrigado pelo seu tempo!