We’ll be spending 2½ weeks in Portugal. First four days in Lisbon/Sintra then we’ll head north to Porto. Trying to decide if we should rent a car in Lisbon and stop at Obidos and perhaps Aveiro, or skip those and take the train and pick up our rental car in Porto (though it appears one could get off the train at Aveiro, store their luggage, and spend time there before reboarding and heading the rest of the way to Porto). What do you Portugal experts recommend? We’ll be spending a full day in Porto the next day, before heading off to the Douro Valley the following day. Thank you!
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1826 posts
If you want to stop in Obidos, a car is very useful, as there are no trains to Obidos. However, Aveiro is right on the train line, so an easy stop on the way to Porto.
Aveiro is much less touristy than Obidos, but they are very different. I’d recommend doing some research on both then deciding if Obidos is worth the expense and added stress of renting a car in Lisbon. Driving out of Lisbon will be somewhat stressful, but when you get closer to Obidos, it’s quite easy driving with good highway/toll roads. Also, you don’t need or want a car in Porto any more than you do in Lisbon. But, a car in the Douro is a good idea.
Posted by
OP
U.S.A.
64 posts
Thanks, Kathryn. We've done a lot of reading on Obidos and Aveiro but are wondering from those who've been there if they are worth the time and bit of a transportation hassle or if it would be better to go straight to Porto and spend more time there? What do you say?
Posted by
Boston, MA
1829 posts
Not sure how legitimate but I read multiple reports of rental car break-ins while parked in Obidos.
Assuming you will have your luggage inside your parked car it might be a concern.
In Portugal for some bizarre reason many of the rental car companies put big stickers on their cars making them obvious targets.
The huge Green square for Europcar was the worst, I could spot them a mile away!
A couple of other options where at least to me the parking even with luggage inside seemed safe mid day if you do decide to rent the car are
Fatima and Batalha both were good stops. ; Fatima's lot is so large and overturns so quickly it did not seem a likely target and Batalha is a little more off the main tourist path, a fast stop and parking spots are right in front of storefronts so seemed very safe.
Drove right by Obidos and it did look very nice, the walls are impressive but did not have time to stop.
It was not out of fear, just ran out of time.
Posted by
8322 posts
Definitely stop and see Obidos, it only takes a couple of hours. Walk the walls that date back to Roman times. Also, recommend a stop at Batila Cathedral as well. Are you planning to visit Sintra?
Porto is wonderful, check out the InPatio Guesthouse a great B & B.
Do a cruise on the Douro.