We are spending 4 nights in the Azores (1 excursion booked for 4 x 4 buggys in Ribiera Grande). Gin library and Terra Nostra hot springs were recommended. Spending 3 nights in Porto, planning 1 day to Douro valley wine country but love suggestions if anyone used particular compalny that was great, 2 nights in Lisbon, still looking for ideas here, last 3 nights in Algarve. Benagil caves were mentioned but love some tips here as far as best way to see as well. We will have a car in Azores and Algarve, not Porto or Lisbon. Thanks!!
Posted by
78 posts
Have you searched for some of the recent Portugal trip reports? You will find lots of ideas and names of things to so in all of the places. It would also help to know when you are planning to be in Portugal.
Posted by
OP
Boston
32 posts
We are traveling in late June. I have been looking online but always seem to get some good tips from people on this forum so thought I would check to see if anyone had a particular excursion or event they attended that they recommend. Thanks!
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
518 posts
Late June in São Miguel should be gorgeous!
Having a car will give you lots of opportunities to explore, but deciding where to explore with four days is a big decision.
Certainly a full day is needed to walk to all the sites in Ponta Delgada. A very long, full day of driving, is required to check out the many miradouros, and at least one of the two tea factories/plantations, on the way to Nordeste. The city of Ribeira Grande can also fill up a day of walking to many locations. A visit to a pineapple plantation is well worth your time. The village of Furnas is worth another full day of exploration, including time spent indulging in a thermal bath at either Poça da Dona Beija or Parque Terra Nostra. Nearby, Lagoa das Furnas, is a must-stop before or after visiting Furnas. Across the island are too many to name, interesting sites and outright jaw dropping vistas such as Miradouro da Visto do Rei and Miradouro do Pico do Ferro.
Late June will also be busy. Be sure to make restaurant reservations at least a few days ahead of time. If you choose to visit Poça da Dona Beija or Caldeira Velha, reserve your entry ticket online and at least a few weeks before arriving.
Lots of feasts (festas) should be happening during your time there, especially on weekends. Although the following Facebook page is in Portuguese, you can see events all over the island: "Onde ha festa". The page is updated regularly.
This is just a brief overview of this magnificent island that I have been blessed to visit since 1994!
Posted by
78 posts
In Lisbon we enjoyed:
TimeOut Market
Castelo (tickets bought in advance)
QUAKE Lisboa - an interactive museum in Belem
in the Algarve:
Portimao and Ferragudo
Silves
Caves tour with Atlantis Tours out of Portimao harbor
Posted by
OP
Boston
32 posts
Thanks for the great tips! I found an amazing site for Azores that is super easy to navigate and gives a great idea of the lay out and must do's, time needed etc. in each area. In case it helps someone else! Saomiguelguide.com.