Seeking suggestions for 3 day stay north of Lisbon

Posted by MH (Maryland) on 10/12/23 01:07 AM

I'm looking for ideas on where to spend 3 nights/days when my husband and I first arrive in Portugal in early April. We plan to arrive on a Sunday, rent a car, and would like to drive one to 3 hours north of Lisbon (perhaps Coimbra or the Silver Coast), and would like to stay in one location to get adjusted to the time change, and sightsee, walk, hike, before returning to Lisbon. When we get back to Lisbon, we will return the car, and have an additional 2 and a half days to see Sintra, and the sights in Lisbon. Then we will join a bike tour that takes us to the Evora and Algarve.

I'd love suggestions for either an area north of Lisbon to base ourselves or even specific hotels or pousadas. Thanks!

Posted by lnbsig 🌍

North Carolina

10/12/23 01:24 AM

2457 posts

Coimbra sounds good, but for safety’s sake, you could take public transportation there rather than driving while jet lagged.

Posted by kathrynj

Cascais, Portugal

10/12/23 07:28 AM

1680 posts

If you don’t want to go as far as Coimbra, you might take a look at Ericeira. It’s smaller but right on the coast and is a lovely small town with stunning views. Mafra is very close and worth a visit. There would likely be fewer tourists, too.
Be aware that Easter is in early April and Portugal gets an influx of tourists during that time. If you can avoid the week before and after Easter, things will be a bit calmer. If you must come during those two weeks, be sure to book accommodations and car well in advance.

Posted by jaimeelsabio

Mid-Atlantic area

10/12/23 01:17 PM

6586 posts

Coimbra is just over a two hours drive from Lisbon. We recently enjoyed our stay there. A little closer to Lisbon is Tomar (1.5 hours) and we enjoyed it too. Both places have plenty of history. From either you could take day trips to Alcobaca or Batalha monasteries. Almourol castle, Conimbriga Roman ruins, Fátima, Lamego, or a few other places.

Our lodgings
Coimbra - Hotel Mondego. It had some from free parking in front of the hotel. Otherwise, there’s a nearby parking garage (it accepts cash only).
Tomar - Thomar Boutique Hotel. There is a free parking lot right by the hotel
Nazaré - Hotel Magic. It has its own parking garage a few minutes walk from the hotel.
Penalva Do Castelo - Parador Casa de Ínsua. Probably further away than you’d like to go, but a beautiful hotel. It has plenty of free parking.

Photos from the trip are on my website.

Posted by balso

Paris

10/12/23 04:05 PM

6918 posts

If you don’t want to go as far as Coimbra, you might take a look at Ericeira. It’s smaller but right on the coast and is a lovely small town with stunning views. Mafra is very close and worth a visit. There would likely be fewer tourists, too.
Be aware that Easter is in early April and Portugal gets an influx of tourists during that time. If you can avoid the week before and after Easter, things will be a bit calmer. If you must come during those two weeks, be sure to book accommodations and car well in advance.

Ericeira was going to be my suggestion. I had a lovely stay there in 2019 (at Casa das Aguarelas), there are excellent restaurants, and the area has many attractions. You could even use it as a base for Sintra, if you do not want to eat into your Lisbon sightseeing time later.