Traveling next month and will be driving from the Algarve up to Porto. We currently have two nights in Porto, but have one extra night to play with. Trying to decide if we’d like to plan a one night stop in either Evora or Coimbra to break up the drive, or just have one longer day of driving and then add a third night onto Porto. Would love recommendations!
Posted by
Paris
6889 posts
What is your starting point in the Algarve? Do you have other stops beyond Porto?
If you're not too far from Albufeira or Faro, I'd drop the car and take the train, it takes 6 hours vs 5.5 driving and you don't need the car in Porto (actually it's a hassle). I would then spend three nights in Porto. You don't need three nights but it'll be more relaxed than seeing Porto in just one full day.
Otherwise, if you drive, Coimbra doesn't really break the journey - you're almost in Porto - so my vote goes for Évora, despite the detour.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1669 posts
I agree with taking the train. It is easier than driving IMO, and definitely more relaxing. And, I will echo the fact that you don’t want or need a car in Porto.
And, while both Coimbrã and Evora are very nice, it doesn’t seem worth going all the way to Porto for just two nights - one day.