My husband and I are taking the Rick Steves' tour from Lisbon to Porto in June. After that ends we will head south to the Algarve and we have 10 days. I would appreciate your advice as to how to get there from Porto, where to stay in the Algarve (Lagos, smaller villages?), for how long, and whether this is enough time to head to Seville as well. Should we rent a car in the Algarve area to travel along the coast or settle into one spot and enjoy the sun? Thanks so much for your help.
Posted by
Portland
3595 posts
Getting from Portugal to southern Spain is not as easy as one might think. If you rent a car in one and drop it in the other, you will be hit with a hefty fee,maybe $500 or more. You would need to plan your itinerary so that your return flight is from Lisbon. Another reason to scratch Seville from your plan is that it will be hellishly hot in July, temps over 100 F every day.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
Instead of the Algarve and Sevilla, you could think about going to Northern Spain--Galicia and Asturias. It would be cooler there and the coast there looks pretty amazing. If you have access to it, watch Aerial Spain on Amazon, otherwise I'm told its on Smithsonian channel for those that have cable
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1669 posts
Taking the train from Porto to the Algarve is likely your best bet. It would be much cheaper than driving due to the high tolls. I’ve taken the train to both Porto and the Algarve from Lisbon but never then entire way. It will be an all day affair and it might include a change in Lisbon. If you settle in Lagos (which is a good option), you will change trains in Tunes. But, it’s a very easy change as the station is very small.
If you stay any length of time in the Algarve, you need a car. Renting once you get there is smart. You would have time to go over to Sevilla, but it will be very hot. The Algarve in the summer is packed with tourists, so be aware of that.
I like the other posters idea of going up into Galicia. It’s green and much cooler. And, not as overrun by tourists. But, the beaches and rock formations in the Algarve are pretty spectacular.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
The Algarve is one of the busiest coastlines in Europe in July, full of us pasty Northern Europeans seeking some beach time. The best accommodation will have been booked by now.
Lagos is probably the best place to stay all round, but I prefer Tavira at the eastern end of the Algarve, albeit the beaches here are out on the barrier island. It’s easier to get to Seville from Tavira, as it’s much closer. Seville will be very hot.
Take the train from Porto or hire a car and take a few days to drive down to the Algarve.
Personally, in July, I would head north from Porto, not south, as others have suggested.
Posted by
OP
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
17 posts
Thanks everyone for these very helpful suggestions. We will take a closer look at the north.