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Itinerary Help/Suggestions 9/7-9/14

Posted by on

Hi All
"I posted this a few days ago and have received some helpful suggestions. I do thank all of you who answered very much.
Arriving afternoon of 9/7 departing morning of 9/15 both in and out of Lisbon Airport.I am fortunate to be able to stay at a friends place in Caldas da Rainha. Wish list is simple and I can keep it basic. maybe a couple days at the beach.. What nice beach/beaches do you suggest? A nice castle,Fatima,maybe Porto.I have no problem renting a car and doing the driving or taking a train. I'll take any suggestions.Thanks!"

Because we are staying at a friends place in Caldas da Rainha we can visit some local beaches there in that area ,Sao Martinho do Porto or Foz do Arelho as either day trips or if we want some privacy an overnight.No need for Algarve.We would like to make a stop at Fatima.If we can do Porto for a night or 2 that would be great if people here think its worth our while.Also if time allows
Coimbra, Evora, Obidos,Tomar..We have no problem taking trains or renting a car if needed Just need some assistance with scheduling and timing out theses trips.If we cant see everything that is not a problem.We would;d be content living like a local with our friend ,but it would be nice to get out and about.Thanks in advance!

Don

Posted by
1826 posts

São Martinho is a nice town with a beach with very calm water as it’s a large bay. Foz is also nice with a very large sandy beach. Not sure which I prefer. I stayed for a week in São Martinho on my scouting trip before moving here and made day trips to most of the places in central Portugal you mention. You might want to look at pics of both towns/beaches then decide.
I think renting a car for central Portugal is a good idea. Some of the towns would be difficult to access on the train.
Porto is definitely worth your time but only if you have at least two nights.

There is a lovely castle outside of Tomar. It can be accessed by boat or car. Almourol Castle is remote with few tourists. Of course, Tomar has the convent above town that is pretty spectacular.
And, since you have friends that live in the area, they can also likely give you some good ideas.

Posted by
42 posts

I would suggest Sintra as a must-see near Lisbon. In addition to the cities you name, I'd suggest Nazare (an old fishing village with the biggest surf in the world, so they hold the world surfing championships there) and I echo Castle Almourol as an interesting old castle. If you do want to visit all of these smaller cities, renting a car will be much more convenient. In Lisbon be sure to go to a bar or cafe the Alfama that has Fado singing.

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