We will be spending the 1st 2 weeks of July 2014 in Portugal with a 13 and 16 year old. Believe in really doing a country well vs. jumping around to the regions "sexy" spots. Starting in Lisboa/Sintra on business (4 days) then want to do a round-about of Portugal. Got GREAT advise on the forum in 2011 on Cotswold vs. York, UK with teens- (York!!) and hopefully looking for the same with Portugal. Kids are super travelers and will appreciate the history we drag them through once they are home!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Rick's Portugal summary gives you an overview of the areas that are fleshed out in the book. I would say don't miss Coimbra's old town and historic university. Nazare is a convenient location to fit in a beach day, if going south to the Algarve seems like too far off your path.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1555 posts
Nazare is a great place to stay and from there you can visit Coimbra (don't miss the historic university and especially the library). You could also visit the walled town of Obidos, the monasterys of Alcobaca and/or Batalha, and Tomar. Porto is another interesting city and if you go to the Douro Valley, you can take a boat ride on the river or a train ride alongside. The town of Pinhao is a neat place to stay. If you can plan ahead and are interested, you can visit the Archaeological Park of Foz Coa with its 15,000+ year old rock carvings. You need to reserve a tour as a guide is required. Nearby you could also visit Guimaraes, an interesting town which is near Citania de Briteiros, the ruins of an iron age settlement. From Lisbon north there is more than enough for a 2 week visit.
Happy planning!
Posted by
OP
Cary, NC, USA
6 posts
Awesome! Thanks for all the info!
We are driving by car and are now looking at traveling down the east side of Portugal, after doing the coast side. What are some good home bases/must -sees? Having a harder time finding info on that part of the country.
Thanks for all the help