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Finalizing Portugal Itinerary- help!

Posted by on

Hi-
My husband, three daughters (ages 10, and twins who are 8) are traveling to Portugal in early July. Any suggestions on itinerary appreciated! Trying to search for interesting, non-touristy beach towns. Also, is Coimbra a must-see? The only lodging I have booked so far is in Lisbon at an Air Bnb. I thought to keep things simpler, and since our kids wouldn't be able to appreciate wineries, etc., that we would skip traveling to the North.

Days 1-4 stay in Lisbon (One day trip from Lisbon to Sintra)

Days 5 and 6- Evora

Days 7 and 8 - Sagres

Days 9 and 10- Salema

Day 11- back to Lisbon for overnight then early departure from airport the next day

Thanks!

Posted by
1826 posts

If you must go to the Algarve, I would recommend staying in one place rather than two. And, Salema is not it! Sagres is very far west, making it difficult to see some of the more eastern areas. Lagos is my favorite and from it, you can visit Salema and Sagres. But, I didn’t feel it was worth my 10 minute detour to see Salema two years ago.
And, with only 11 days, I would suggest you consider not going to the Algarve. It will be very busy and overcrowded, and there are nice beaches much closer to Lisbon.

Instead, you might want to consider the silver coast area in central Portugal. It has nice beaches plus towns like Coimbra and Tomar. São Martinho do Porto has a great beach for children and it’s in a good location to visit a number of other places in the area. And it would be much less crowded ( and closer to Lisbon) than the Algarve.

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks for your help! What did you not like about Salema? Also, do you have any lodging recommendations on the Silver Coast?

Posted by
6113 posts

Sorry, but if you haven’t booked Algarve accommodation by now for peak season July, you aren’t going to be left with the best choice of properties.

I presume you are going to have a car?

Sagres is a cold, windy spot even in July, popular with surfers. It’s supposedly the windiest spot in Europe. Salema is only 20 minutes away and has been ruined by over development. There wouldn’t be anything there of an evening to keep your children amused.

If you want non-touristy, then the Algarve isn’t for you.

I would consider places such as Foz do Arelha (the lagoon is good for younger children) and the villages around this stretch of coast. Inland Portugal can be very hot in July.

Posted by
1826 posts

Salema was just a small beach with few restaurants or anything else. There are apartment developments as you drive into the town that have ruined any quaintness it once had. I (and several others on this forum) have no idea why RS sings it’s praises!
Regarding the silver coast accommodations - I can’t seem to find the apartment I rented three years ago, but there are still many available. I liked the São Martinho area, but if you google ‘vacation rentals silver coast Portugal’ you will get many to choose from. Once nice thing for you in São Martinho is the very calm waters at the lovely beach. It would be perfect for your children to play in the water without concern.
If you find something in another town, I might be able to give you some feedback about the area - and would be happy to do so.

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