We wil be traveling from Coimbra to Salema in late October. Does anyone have a suggestion for the fastest and most direct route ? Train or bus .
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3293 posts
I drove from Seville to Evora with a stop in Salema in early November. The little town is ok but was absolutely dead at that time of year. Few restaurants open, no one on the beach, stores closed after the season. I would not bother taking the time for a visit when there is so much more to see and do in Portugal.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I agree with post #1 re how dead Salema will be. I would suggest Lagos or Tavira if you must visit the Algarve at this time of year, as they have more character.
To Salema. The fastest route would be to drive, which would take c 5.5/6 hours by toll motorway and much longer by local roads. Trains take c 7.5 hours + involving 2 trains and a bus or the bus takes c 9 hours.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
We appreciate your input. We're thinking of using Salema as a home base for few days,, would that still be your opinion if we were planning to day trip in the area ?
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Salema is ok as a base if you have a car, but it has been ruined by overdevelopment, with more planned. Lagos has much more to offer including better public transport links and more cafes and restaurants will be open.
Salema is very hilly if that is an issue.