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Planning a Portugal trip

I'm starting to plan an 11 day/9 night solo trip during last half of May. The primary stops will be Porto and Lisbon, also where I'll be flying in and out of, respectively. I'm mostly interested in historical, architectural sites and food (maybe most important). While I can spend some time on a beach, I'm not really one to sit on the beach all day. I'm more of a city person. To that end I was thinking about including Tavira (maybe one or two nights) as my timing coincides with the seafood festival, but not sure if the trip from lisbon is worth it just for that. I don't see much else that would occupy my time, other than the beach and vistas. Looking to be convinced one way or the other by others' thoughts on Tavira. Thanks.

Posted by
355 posts

Your post sounds really familiar as I recently planned a trip to Portugal and had some of the same questions. I finally decided to spend time on the Silver Coast rather than making the trip down to the Algarve. You might want to do some research about the coast between Porto and Lisbon. It seems like a good way to spend time in beach areas without the extra travel.

Posted by
317 posts

Thanks. I'm actually thinking along those lines. Thinking about Nazaré instead of the Algarve. Will give more time for stops between Porto and Lisbon. Thanks again.

Posted by
1554 posts

Agree that Tavira, although interesting and with possibly the best tuna dish in Portugal, is too far from Lisbon to fit into this trip. Nazare is a great stop between Porto and Lisbon. We like to stay at Adega Oceano which is right on the beach. Great view from the balconies and the breakfast room/restaurant. From there you can visit the ancient Roman ruins of Conimbriga, the university town of Coimbra, the walled town of Obidos, as well as the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaca. Will you have a car or will you be using public transportation? With a car, you can visit some sights between Porto and Nazare. Nine nights sounds like a long time but you will find that you will have more than enough in each of your locations to fill that time. Have a great trip!

Posted by
317 posts

Thanks Carol. All the places you mention are on my list, but I'm just getting started. I'm thinking the first three nights in Porto, the last three in Lisbon, and then figure out the middle three. I'd also like to do Evora, so if I have to I'll chop a night off Porto. Thanks also for the hotel recommendation.