I'm planning a 10 day trip this January. I am planning to start with 4-5 days in Lisbon with a day trip or 2. Is it worth it to go to the Algarve that time of year? I love scenic views and hiking and I know that the water will be too cold, but are things open in the winter? If I don't go to the Algarve, would you recommend Porto or the Nazaré area for the rest of my time? Thanks for your advice.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
January isn’t the best time of year for the Algarve. Some of the bigger places are open, but some of the smaller places will be dead, with little open. January is one of the coldest and wettest months.
How many days do you actually have on the ground - does 10 days include travel days?
Lisbon itself can easily fill 5 full days plus day trips to Cascais and Sintra. Porto would be a good base for 3 nights, including a day trip to the Douro. Evora would be another good option for at least 1 night.
I am not a Nazaré fan and January isn’t the best time of year to visit. Will you be hiring a car? The towns north of Lisbon such as Obidos, Tomar, Alcobaca, Batalha and Coimbra are all worth visiting, which is easier by car.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1671 posts
With 10 days, and the time of the year, I would suggest skipping the Algarve. Porto is lovely but it is colder and wetter than the central portion of the country. I agree with Jennifer about the possibility of renting a car and visiting some of the areas in central Portugal. Evora is also quite nice and an easy train ride from Lisbon.
If you like hiking, and the weather is good, the Sintra hills and along the coast is lovely. I would only go to Nazaré if the big waves happen. January has a good potential for them. Coimbra is also very nice, and accessible by train from Lisbon.
Plan for at least some rainy weather during your time here. But, the sunny days in January are wonderful with few tourists and beautiful blue skies.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for your thoughtful replies. I have 10 full days / 11 nights in country - that does not include travel days. I enjoy staying in one or two places and then going out from there instead of a lot of hoping around. I was not planning on hiring a car, but I could for a few days if that is the best option. Now I'm thinking maybe 3 nights in Porto, 2 in Evora and the rest based in Lisbon. Will definitely plan for some rain and try to have some good indoor options.