We will be traveling to Portugal and Spain - 16 nights in Portugal and 16 nights in Spain - leaving 9/15/24 and returning 10/18/24. Flying into Porto and out of Madrid. We will be renting a car once we leave Porto and will turn it in when we arrive in Lisbon. We plan to fly from Lisbon to Sevilla and rent a car there to visit Sevilla, Ronda, Granada. Then use public transportation to visit Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid, Following is our itinerary:
Porto: 4 nights including a day trip to the Douro Valley
Coimbra: 2 nights
Tomar: 2 nights (hope to see Nazare, Batalha on the way and possibly visit Obidos and Alcobaca on the way to our next destination
Evora: 1 night - or day trip from Lisbon?
Algarve?? for 3 nights - not sure where to stay (Salema, Lagos, or Tavira?) or if we should even go there
Lisbon: 4 nights with day trips to Sintra, Belem, Cascais,
We have the Spain Itinerary worked out as well - but for purposes of this post, just trying how to be use our time in Portugal - we enjoy museums, castles, hiking, beaches - just love to travel, and we are not getting any younger!
Many thanks for any help you can provide regarding this part of our itinerary and of course whether we include the Algarve or spend our time between Porto and Lisbon. Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.
Posted by
OP
seattle
37 posts
Thank you! - I have read your fantastic trip reports and have fashioned much of our trip based on your recommendations! I have printed out each of them and refer to them as I plan- just so well organized!
Posted by
State of Washington, USA
269 posts
PeggyJ, great to hear that the trip reports were useful for you. I'll delete my post as you already have the info. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4273 posts
We are doing a similar trip to just Portugal September 24. Arrive Porto from Santiago de Compostela.
Porto 3 nights - pick up rent a car.
Tomar 4 nights with day or half day trips to Fatima, Obidos, Alcobaca, and Batalha.
Lisbon 6 nights with day trips to Belem and Sintra. (Return car arrival in Lisbon)
So far I have only booked 2 cooking classes with Cooking Lisbon. I plan in more reservations after we return from our Norway trip in mid June.
We are 2 couples and didn’t want too many hotel changes. We have no interest in any beaches.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1421 posts
Peggy, I think you have a great trip planned and would keep the Algarve in the mix. The beach time will be relaxing for you. In 2015 I stayed in Salema at a wonderful BnB called Al Mare. I don’t know Lagos or Tavira, so cannot compare. Attached is the link for the accommodation I enjoyed back then. It looks like it may be going through some changes since I was there but still a nice comfortable accommodation.
Posted by
OP
seattle
37 posts
Many thanks to Geoff, Barbara, and Linda! Your trip sounds wonderful Barbara - and Linda - I am a beach girl at heart so think I may go ahead with the Algarve. I did look at places to stay in Salema - saw the place you recommended Linda - a studio is available with a view of the town. The other place is called Casa Praiamar and has a sea view double with a kitchenette with balcony - have emailed the site - so if anyone has stayed there - let me know your thoughts! Just love this forum - used it on our trip to Switzerland a few years ago and received invaluable info!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5511 posts
I’ve traveled all over Europe in the 17 years I’ve lived here. The Algarve is the worst place I’ve been and we left early. It was like a European version of Myrtle Beach. If I’m going to the beach, I’m going to the US.
Posted by
Tulsa, OK
355 posts
Im pretty consistently in the ‘skip the Algarve ‘ column. Since you are planning days in the center of the country, there are numerous beaches close by. Nazaré has a nice beach but I’m not a fan of the town. Peniche and Ericeira are great beach towns.
In short, you can get your beach fix easily without going all the way to the Algarve.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1420 posts
The Alentejo region has beautiful beaches and is much quieter than the Algarve.
Personally, I’ve had lovely holidays in the Algarve so I would never say never. It’s well developed for tourism but still retains Portuguese charm. Ferragudo and Carvoeiro are places I’ve enjoyed staying. You have plenty of time so you might want to relax for a few days. I would say that you need a car to make the most of this area unless you plan to base yourself in a town and not really leave for a few days.
Posted by
OP
seattle
37 posts
Many thanks Emily, Kathryn, and Helen for your ideas - still trying to figure it all out - but will certainly check out your recommendations! Love this forum!