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Honeymoon in Portugal: Is this too busy a schedule?

My fiancee and I will be traveling to Portugal for 12 days/11 nights at the end of October/start of November for our honeymoon. The only things we booked so far are a flight in from the US to Porto and then a flight back to the US from Lisbon. When dividing up destinations and timing, our first plan looks something like this:

  • 3 or 4 nights in Porto - would likely include a day trip to the Douro Valley
  • 3 or 4 nights in the Algarve - would take a cheap flight from Porto to Faro and then take a taxi/car service to our destination (thinking Lagos?)
  • 4 nights in Lisbon - would take taxi/car service to Faro and then high-speed rail to Lisbon. Planning to take a day trip to Sintra and possibly Cascais as well.

Does this seem doable or are we trying to get to too much? What are some things we should make sure to do regardless? Thanks in advance.

Posted by
1420 posts

I would skip the Algarve. It’s mainly a beach and golf destination and out of season there won’t be much to detain you there.

There is plenty to do in and around Lisbon and Porto for 11 nights.

Posted by
2300 posts

How romantic.

I would suggest when in Lisbon, try Belem as well for a day excursion.

If you need a hotel, I loved Be Poet Baixa.

Posted by
11579 posts

Wrong season for Algarve. Use those days for Douro Valley and Coimbra.

Posted by
1817 posts

I’ll add my vote to skipping the Algarve - for the reasons already mentioned.

You might consider a night or two in a Quinta in the Douro. Very romantic and unique. I also like Coimbra and Evora.