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Honeymoon in Portugal: Is this too busy a schedule?

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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
1006 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
1925 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
1082 posts

Too busy, maybe depending on your travel style, but I do like how you have thought thru the logistics and they make sense if you plan to do all 3 cities. I've been to Portugal a few times, but have not made it yet to the Algarve. But that is on my bucket list, and the town I would stay in is Lagos. This trip will give you a taste of Portugal and you can always return to the areas in the future that appeal to you the most to spend more time.

Porto, I like the sunset from Jardim do Morro, which is on the other side of the bridge in Gaia. I also like to head to São Jorge Castle (Lisbon) a bit before sunset and look out as the sun goes down. It's fun wandering around in the dark too, they light it up and it adds a bit of mystery. I do like my sunsets.

The Ribeira neighborhood (Porto) is enjoyable to wander around in the evenings, looking out at the river and enjoying the music. We stayed in this area. Possible day trips from Porto include Braga and Guimaraes. Might not have the time, but I thought I'd list them anyways. I really like the Minho region (North of Porto). And if you like street art, there's a lot of it in Lisbon and Porto. We walked around Porto looking for it.

Posted by
11159 posts

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

Posted by
1673 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.

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