I am planning a trip to Portugal in early May with my husband for about 11-12 days. We will start with 3 nights in Lisbon, with a day trip to Sintra, and then rent car and drive to Fatima and Coimbra. Not sure if we’ll stay in Coimbra one night or go straight to Porto. Then 3 nights in Porto with side trips to Douro Valley, perhaps Alviero or north to the Peneda-Geres National Park. Next, drive south for 3 nights in the Algarve. I’m thinking of making a stop for 2 nights in a small town along the way to the Algarve. I read Monsaraz, while small, is near a large lake with biking and hiking. There are so many villages that sound beautiful I’m not sure which to choose. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
Posted by
Australia
1072 posts
Evora which is fairly close to Monsaraz might be a better option. It's larger and so will have more hotels and restaurants. It also has some nice Roman sites.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you for you reply. Good point about the restaurants, although I think I found a hotel. Any other suggestions for towns will be appreciated.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1780 posts
I realize you didn’t ask the question but if you stick with this itinerary, you are going to spend all of your time driving. For 11-12 days, trying to drive to Porto then back down to the Algarve is not the best use of your time. Skip the Algarve this time. If you want beaches, there are a number of nice ones in the Lisbon and Silver Coast area. May is too early for the beach on most days anyway. And definitely too cool to actually get in the very cold Atlantic water.
Even though Portugal is a small country, driving times are more than they appear. One of my favorite things about Portugal is the slower pace of life - long lunches and dinners, great views and savoring the little things. If you slow down a bit, you will get more of a taste of Portugal.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you for looking at the itinerary. The distance and driving was one of my concerns as well. I may consider flying into Porto then home from Lisbon but that may be a considerable cost increase. Or I just see less and relax more!