Are there any locales NOT recommended to visit? 😉 It seems like the entire country is just brimming with must-see sights! Our trip is still four-ish months away, and I’m getting so excited I can hardly stand myself.
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
481 posts
Well I think the answer may depend on how long you are going to be there, as well as what time of year. For example, you will get advice to skip the Algarve at certain times of year, ( winter months) or if trying to fit it into a 2 week trip when also trying to see everything else ( Porto, Lisbon etc). The Rick Steves book recommends Salema as where to stay in the Algarve, and most posters say it is not as charming as he finds it. I stayed there and liked it, but might not go again.
The other caution I would say is to give yourself enough time to enjoy it and not fill your day with the popular recommended attractions. Lisbon and Sintra in particular can be very crowded at the must-see sights, particularly if cruise ships are there. Make sure to add in some time to enjoy a mirador ( viewpoint) with a snack or a drink.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1680 posts
It really depends on your interests and preferences as to what to skip.
I agree with the previous poster about Salema - one I would skip. I am not a fan of Nazaré and Caldas da Rainha but others love them.
I also agree with not rushing about but going a bit more slowly to really appreciate the long lunches and dinners. One of the things I love about Portugal is the slower pace of life. You will miss that if you are always rushing to the next ‘must see’.
Posted by
Lubbock, TX
404 posts
I spent three weeks this summer visiting most of central/northern Portugal (basically everything north of Lisbon/Evora). The Algarve never seemed like something I would enjoy, so I didn't bother going down there, although I've visited lots of beach areas in other parts of Europe. Of all the places I went to, I would only caution about Nazare that it's super busy on the weekends, to the point that I almost couldn't find a parking spot one day, and the crowds were insane. Being a beach town, this really shouldn't be surprising, but the town is squished in the bottom of a valley and that makes the parking options really limited. In hindsight I would have stayed in one of the inland towns (Tomar, Batalha, etc) and toured the region from there.