We are flying back in mid Oct . to Porto , spending 4 nights and plan a day trip to Douro Valley. We plan to rent a car from Porto airport when leaving Porto. The plan as of now is to drive to a Coimbra for 2 nights. Do some site seeing on the drive there. Then maybe drive to Evora and spend a night . Then spend 3 nights along the Algarve coast since we love walking on beaches and hiking. Afterwards drive to Lisbon, turn in the car, and spend 5 nights and then home., day trip to Sintra.
Questions where in the Algarve region would you recommend us staying. We like to site see, so easy to get to different places. As I mention love walking on beaches and hiking. . The days will be short so we will want to be back to our hotel before dark and be able walk to grab dinner if possible. Also recommendations any accommodations as well.
Any suggestions on itinerary would be appreciated ?
I have reservations at hotels only in Porto and Lisbon which I found in the Rick Steves book.
Thank you
Posted by
332 posts
Since you have a car you can stay almost anywhere in the Algarve.
The Seven Hanging Valleys trail is considered the most beautiful in the Algarve but it's on top of the cliffs not on the sand.
https://www.walkalgarve.com/algarve-walking-sightseeing-birding-routes/seven-hanging-valleys-trail-lagoa-western-algarve
Do you want to stay in one location in the Algarve or move around.
From Évora you can drive south to the Eastern part of the Algarve ( with the calmest ocean and less wind), Monte Gordo has a nice beach ( night 1).
Second night Armação de Pêra which is close to the Seven Hanging Valleys trail and Benagil cave.
Third night Sagres, Sagres fort has the original Compass Rose used by Henry the Navigator ( it's on the ground), or spend the day at Salema beach. Sagres is the windiest area in the Algarve.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for the last response to suggesting 3 locations.
I am hoping to stay in a central location in the Algarve region . Also somewhere we can walk to restaurants since it will be getting dark early in late October. Any suggestions .
Thank you.
Posted by
Georgetown,KY
136 posts
We stayed near Carvoeiro a few years ago and took day trips from there.
Posted by
7 posts
We are going to stay in Lagos in early October. Decided the history and beaches were more appealing than Portimao and Albufiera (seems more familly-oriented?). Old town, marina and beaches appear to be very walkable. Easy to get to Benigal Cave, Sagres and wineries within the area. Planning on driving from Lisbon area.
Posted by
54 posts
We were in Portugal last year, but driving from the south to the north, as we then went into northern Spain. Our itinerary included two nights in Coimbra, which we loved. En route from Coimbra to Porto, we stopped in Aveiro; worth a stop for you from Porto to Coimbra. While in Coimbra we had a great dining experience, from the food to the ambiance, at Ze Manel dos Ossos ~ authentic, classic, rustic, casual, and super reasonable. Otherwise, when driving from Lisbon to Coimbra, we stopped in Obidos and Batalha; both worthwhile stops as well. Otherwise, good luck as you plan out the Algarve ~ that's what brought me here, as we're returning to Portugal and Spain next year, and it will be our first time in the Algarve, so looking for suggestions on the best town to base as we explore the area by car, etc.
Posted by
10 posts
We are going in October as well, driving from Lisbon to Lagos (via the coastal route). Staying at Cascade Wellness Resort, right near the Ponta da Piedade for 3 nights. Also, not far from the 7 Hanging Valleys trail. Then heading to Evora for 1 night - Albergaria Do Calvario. Then to Coimbra for 1 night at Quinta Das Lagrimas before heading to the Douro Valley for 3 nights and then Porto for 3 nights. Enjoy!
Posted by
4 posts
We will be there in Oct and we are staying at Belmar Spa and Beach Resort it was recommended by many RS travlers.
Posted by
New Zealand
77 posts
My family live in Alvor on the Algarve. Alvor is a smallish fishing village in the heart of the Algarve located on a beach and marina. We visit yearly between November and February. October is still a busy month. Alvor has many restaurants. We feel safe walking at night, any time of the year.
There are stunning walks from Alvor. One option is walking from the old fishing huts on Alvor beach to Praia do Vau, or carry on to Praia da Rocha. Part cliff top and part beach walk.
I’ve visited most of the Algarve villages and towns over the years. My favorite village is Burgau, a stunning 1 hour cliff top walk from Praia da Luz. We park in Luz and walk over the cliff. It's a moderately easy walk.
As you have such limited time, 3 nights, 2 full days and enjoy walking the beach, I can recommend Alvor, it’s the cutest village. I also enjoy Lagos and Ferragudo.