My husband and I are planning on visiting Portugal for 3 months beginning in March, 2023. We will start our visit in Lisbon. From there? With this amount of time in Portugal we would like to make one or two areas “home bases” for ourselves. We’re open to renting a car, traveling on trains, tours, small towns, big cities, as well meandering down unbeaten paths and exploring hidden gems. We’re eager to explore Portugal and its wonders. Any suggestions on how to structure theses months would be appreciated.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you, we are familiar with the Schengen parameters. Our selected Portugal dates will work out fine. There seem to be many options for our “home bases.”We are hopeful to receive suggestions from those that have already experienced Portugal.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
I would suggest you read some travel guides -RS and others to get an idea of what interests you. I would put the Algarve later in your trip for better weather - if that area interests you. Lisbon and Porto are obvious choices and you might look at the Silver Coast area - where you will need a car. You don’t need or want one in the big cities.
There are a number of nice car trips. The 12 historic villages comes to mind. Julie Dawn Fox has a great website with many, many off the beaten tracks suggestions.
Once you have some general ideas, and ask some specific questions, I’m guessing you will get a lot of feedback.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
You won’t find any hidden gems in the Algarve. It’s a busy holiday area.
I would suggest Lisbon, Caldas da Rainha (hire a car here) and Porto as your bases. If you want to add the Algarve, look at Lagos or Tavira. There are fewer places offering the stay for 4 weeks, pay for 3 deal (November to the end of March), but some still offer this. April means Easter holidays, so you won’t find any deals then.