Flying into Porto and have 1 week before meeting friends in Algarve. Thinking 3 nts Porto and going by train to Pinhao one day with a short cruise on arrival. Trying to figure out from Porto to avoid a car until leaving Lisbon ..want to possibly see Obidos. 2 nts Lisbon with a day trip to Sintra. If we pick up a car when leaving Lisbon we can do Evora enroute to Tavira. Keeping the car to explore Algarve the last week.
Need suggestions on transport from Porto and what not to miss.. so undecided. Would rather not have the cost of the car if we were to rent in Porto and have it til end of trip but will we miss a lot of opportunity if we don’t have it
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1411 posts
Linda, your plan is good with waiting to pick up the car rental in Lisbon, but I suggest visiting Coimbra instead of Obidos because Coimbra is on the major train line and Obidos is not a place to drive in. Coimbra is a wonderful college town that you may enjoy. Another area to visit that is probably accessed by bus is Fatima if you are religious and into pilgrimage sites.
I just returned from my second trip in Portugal (October 3-19) and was without a car rental. My itinerary was opposite from what you are planning. I flew into Lisbon and out of Porto and did not go to the Algarve on this trip. For the coastal area (Obidos, Nazare, etc.) I booked day tours because I did not want to drive.
The Algarve will probably be pretty quiet in October and a nice place to wind down after Porto and Lisbon. Have fun planning.
Edited to add the Portugal train website: https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks ! Is it easy enough to book day tours when I arrive or should I plan those ahead. From where did you day tour to Nazire
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1411 posts
Yes, it was easy and I had them booked before I left for my trip. YMMV - if you want to be flexible you could probably wait until you arrive in Portugal to book. My day trips were out of Lisbon because I did the opposite of your trip. I did 5 nights in Lisbon, 4 nights Coimbra, 2 nights Porto, 3 nights Douro Valley. The thing is, if you have not traveled to Lisbon before, I would add more nights in Lisbon because there is so much to do and see there.
I did a trip report if you are interested.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Would love that
Posted by
Austin, TX
2132 posts
I spent four nights in Lisbon last October and it was not enough. It is a fabulous city.
Yes, you most definitely want to spend a day in Sintra but I also suggest a day in Belem if possible.
I was in Lisbon at the end of October and it rained every day, sometimes lightly and sometimes heavy. It was also still very crowded.
I had taken a cruise. We ported in Porto but I took an excursion to Braga. Would most highly recommend Braga.
I can recommend a three star hotel in the Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon: Be Poet Baixa Hotel.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
I’m not much of a city person but am
giving in for Lisbon. I will definitely look at your suggestions. And thanks for the hotel tip. Much appreciated
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1411 posts
Here is a link to my trip report. I was traveling solo and had visited Lisbon and the Algarve back in 2015.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1780 posts
I agree with the option of taking the train and stopping in Coimbra in lieu of Obidos. It’s a much nicer town with more to see and right on the train line. If you must see Obidos, a day tour from Lisbon is better.
Two nights in Lisbon isn’t enough. You would definitely not have time for Sintra. Remember, two nights in a city is really one full day.