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Porto, Lisbon, Algarve

Posted by on

We are in the process of booking our flights and looking at flying open jaw from NYC to Porto, then back to NYC from Fago. Seeing Porto, Lisbon (Sintra day trip) and spending some days at the beach/hiking in Algarve is important to us (I know many say to skip Algarve but we love the beach and need some relaxation time after exploring the other parts of the country).

My questions are, we leave July 2 (overnight flight) and head back to NYC July 14 or 15 (whichever is cheaper when we actually book the ticket), so that gives us 11-12 days- How many days should we spend in Porto/Lisbon/Algarve? Is there time to do Duoro Valley (is there other wine there besides Port wine)?

Should we do Nazaré and Coimbra and limit some time in Lisbon/Porto?

We are open to renting a car if that makes getting around easier. We will likely try to do Airbnb’s, and need to keep in mind we will have our luggage with us (which made me unsure of Coimbra enroute to Lisbon from Porto since they don’t have luggage lockers if we took public transportation).

I should add we are not museum people.

What’s a good home base for Algarve-Lagos?

Thank you

Posted by
1671 posts

I’m not going to tell you to skip the Algarve. Rather, I will remind you Portugal has over 1000 miles of coastline! So, you could easily have your beach time without going all the way to the Algarve - and likely have a more restful experience because of fewer tourists.

In Porto, there are many companies that do day trips into the Douro for wine tasting, etc. And, yes, the Douro has other wines beside Port. And, some of the Port lodges across the river in Porto do regular wine tastings - not just Port.

Coimbra is well worth a stop. You could stop for a night on your way between Lisbon and Porto and really be able to enjoy the town rather than a brief stop. Or, you could rent a car for a couple of days and drive around the central area of Portugal and see things like Nazare, Alcobaca, etc. There are nice beach towns in this area. Driving in the Silver Coast area is easy.

And, yes, if you must do the Algarve, Lagos is a good home base. But, it is very busy in the summer so you should book accommodations ASAP.

Posted by
6113 posts

I would advise you to drop the Algarve unless you want to spend more time in transit than actually seeing places. The Algarve will be heaving in July and there are many good beaches further north.

You really need a car to explore the Algarve. I would balk at trying to cover this much ground with only 2 full weeks on the ground at that time of year. You have less time.

Most of the character of Portugal lies north of the Algarve.

Posted by
7667 posts

Sorry, we don't fly to Europe to go to the beach. The beaches in Florida or the Caribbean are better.

Porto is amazing as is the Douro River Valley. We did a great 7 day cruise on the Douro.
If you don't take a cruise, take the train, that run on the north bank of the river.

Posted by
5384 posts

I thought that the Algarve was horribly tacky and not authentic at all (full of British and Dutch fast food places). Worst place I have ever been in Europe, hands down - and I've been pretty much everywhere.

Posted by
31 posts

Thank you for the feedback so far. Really looking for help with number of days in each place.

I understand people don’t support my decision with the Algarve, but that is okay. I should have mentioned before, in 2009 I went to Portugal and saw Porto, Coimbra, Nazaré, Lisbon, And Evora and did not get a chance to see the Algarve. When I look up the Silver Coast it does not look spectacular or worthwhile to see like the interesting landscapes of the Algarve.

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