I'm taking a guided tour of Portugal in March 2025. We are visiting Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, Douro Valley and Porto. After my tour finishes in Porto, I have 5 days (4 nights) to make my way back to Lisbon for my flight home. I love road trips, quaint villages, beautiful scenery and national parks. It would be nice to explore more rural areas since most of the guided trip is in busy cities. I'm considering flying to the Azores from Porto, staying there for 3 nights then returning to Lisbon the day before my return flight. Is that enough time? Or should I stay on the mainland? Any recommendations on where to go?
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Rhode Island, USA
487 posts
I recommend saving the Azores, as there are nine islands to choose from, for a future trip.
There is plenty more to see and do on the mainland. Perhaps venturing over to Braga, Guimarães, or more in depth of any of the cities you listed is worthwhile. Viseu and Guarda are also not too far from Porto.
I visited Tomar last year and loved it! A must see is the Convento de Cristo. An overnight stay is worthwhile.
Castelo Branco is also beautiful. The highlight there is Jardim do Paço Episcopal.