So four of us from NY (mid 40's) will be in Portugal roughly 7/1-7/14. We were thinking of the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto. We don't mind paying a touch more for comfort so we were thinking of hiring a driver to drive us from the Algarve to Lisbon instead of flying. anyone have an idea of where to hire someone for that long of a drive?
Some other info or thoughts are that we trying to stay at airbnb's so we wouldn't be able to ask the hotel for help. and I know Portugal got rid of the golden visa program but I assume airbnb's are still legal there? Is the drive tough into Lisbon? Driving into cities always seem challenging. Is there a recommended order ? We were thinking of the Algarve first to relax and recharge, then Lisbon... and if we go to Porto (as we are thinking of maybe a ten day stay) it would be last but we probably have to fly back to the states from Lisbon. We have been to Lisbon right before covid be but our friends have never been to Portugal.
Posted by
Uppsala, Sweden
7055 posts
If you want a comfortable trip, why not just take the train?
Posted by
OP
22 posts
hej hej ... the train is a thought but also because of the luggage we were thinking door to door service but if we are in lagos (our thought for the algarve not sure how close the train is. right now everything is a possibility as we just decided to go. so even trying to plan out our trip and how many days in lagos would be a question. (not sure what is too long or two short in lagos to relax) Still trying to plan everything out but I guess how many days depends on how we get from place to place
Posted by
Big Island of Hawaii
759 posts
Go to the Travel Portugal Facebook page. Private drivers are recommended there frequently, and some will even respond directly to your question.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
Airbnb is still legal. They are simply not authorizing new ones at this point. You will be able to find many in the three places you mention.
A car would be a hindrance in Lisbon and Porto but pretty much a necessity for the Algarve. Parking in the big cities in problematic and you don’t need a car since public transport, Uber and taxis are plentiful and cheap.
Be aware the Algarve will be in high season with many British tourists ( and other nationalities) so, if you must do the Algarve, start looking for your flat now.
And, if you have not booked tickets, you could fly into Lisbon and out of Porto.