Hi everyone...newbie here.
My husband and I are just starting to research a 2-3 week trip to Portugal for the end of September and are looking for a base in which to experiment with the slow travel concept. A bit about us. We enjoy hiking, biking(him more than me, unless there is a sweet treat at the end) history etc. We are looking for a small town/village, but large enough to have some excitement. We don't plan on renting a car, so we will be dependant on public transportation...bus/trains. The thing we enjoy the most is people watching. It's just so nice to sit in a cafe and watch the world go by, while chit chatting with people. As we don't know where to start, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
485 posts
Wow, this sounds fun starting from scratch! Hmmmm...as I point out to many others wanting to visit Portugal, Azores islands have everything you are looking for...And the ones I know very well are Sao Miguel and Santa Maria. The main city on Sao Miguel is Ponta Delgada and will definitely deliver...trust me. Of course Azores are off the beaten path but truly embody slooooooowwww travel. The islands do not have the same must see sites as are on the mainland, but even if you stay one week there and two on the mainland this trip could work nicely. No crowds, just real people living their lives. Biking and hiking is available everywhere on the islands, as are the small cafes. My ideas and recommendations regarding the Azores are in other posts (in this forum) if you want to check them out.
On the mainland we really liked Sintra, even with the crowds, and you are only 20 minutes from Lisbon. I dare say even staying in Lisbon for a couple of weeks would be amazing for what you are looking to experience. Of course it is a BIG city and not a small village, but you are close enough for so many day trip options and the day-life and night-life cannot be beat. The food is great, very easy to navigate Lisbon with the Metro and trams, many historical and modern sites, people friendly...etc. At least hundreds of small cafes everywhere to people watch. I feel Lisbon blends the old and the new perfectly! Of course reading Rick's "Portugal" book is the first step, but keep reaching out for ideas and opinions on this forum from many experienced travelers...good luck!
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
568 posts
I would put a plug in for Evora. Fabulous historical hill town, it is small, but with lots to see and do. Its walkable, very pretty. You can catch the bus from Lisbon there, and I believe there are buses to some of the other towns nearby in the Alentejo region. There are definitely hiking and biking, and wineries!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thanks everyone for your posts. Makes me wish we were there now, instead of September. We are so looking forward to a little R&R and Portugal sounds like the perfect place. I shall return for sure with more questions as we work on our itinerary.
Cheers
Posted by
Merlin, Ontario, Canada
100 posts
Hello..we love Portugal and sounds like when you leave you also will love this beautiful country..if you decide to stay in or near Lisbon I would look into a trip to Porto..there are lots of hotels right at the train station..I believe we stayed at Mercure hotel only steps away..it is lots of fun to take the hop on hop off..an older city..we learn a few Portuguese words like hello..good morning..good afternoon.good night ..thank you..you will get many smiles..we stay in the Algarve..in a little fishing village Alvor which is the past years has become more tourist but a small village...any questions please send me an email..we have gone 8 times and going in March..we always rent a car and driving is not a problem and so much fun to stop and have a galo steamed milk and coffee and watch the world go buy and do not to get a Portuguese pastry too a pastel de nada.so yummy