We are planning a trip to Portugal in late September 2022. We will have 11 sightseeing days. We will start in Porto for 3-4 days and then down to Lisbon for 5-6 days. We want to see Coimbra, Fatima, Sintra and possibly Evora. My husband has asked that we not change hotels every other night so I am thinking of making Lisbon a base for some side trips. Does it make sense to try and see Coimbra and Fatima as a day trip from Lisbon or more sense to hit it on the way from Porto to Lisbon which means more hotels. We need at least 2 of the 11 days to work our way to Tarifa for the second phase of our trip in Morocco. Getting to Tangier from Lisbon is presenting quite a challenge. I would appreciate any advice on how to make the most of our time in Portugal.
Posted by
Bay Area, California
1430 posts
I will add Braga as a daytrip destination from Porto. Bom Jesus is not to be missed.
Posted by
OP
Prescott, AZ
8 posts
Thank you for your response. I will definitely add Braga to our day trip list.
Posted by
Irving
2948 posts
There are direct trains from the Porto Campanha station to Coimbra-B station (1h 15m) making Coimbra a good day trip option from Porto.
Fatima, Sintra and Évora are more doable from Lisbon. According to Rome2rio you can take a direct bus from the Lisboa (Lisbon) Sete Rios station to Fatima (1h 30m). From the Lisboa Oriente station you can take a direct train to Sintra (1h) and from the Lisboa Sete Rios train station you can get to Évora (1h 30m).
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1669 posts
Stop in Coimbra on your way to Lisbon. It’s a bit far for a day trip IMO and very easy to stop on the way.
Getting from Portugal to Spain is a bit of an unexpected challenge as there are no trains. Buses seem to be the way most people choose but it’s also possible to fly from Lisbon to Sevilla, from which you could train south. Rome2Rio is a great resource and will give you your different options, complete with times and costs.
Posted by
7662 posts
Porto is great as is the amazing Douro River Valley. Consider taking a train up the river to stay a day or two on the river.
Fatima is mainly a place for Catholic pilgrims, ok if that interests you.
Stop in Obidos, a quaint city with an ancient Roman wall. Evora and Sintra are great, haven't been to Coimbra, but I hear it is nice.
Skip Tangier