We are traveling to Lisbon the end of June after spending a week in Spain. 2 adults/3 teens. Thinking about renting a place north of Lisbon for 3 nts as home base. Looking for something along coast/beach, maybe Nazare area? (boys are surfers) After a week on the move in Spain would like a place where some may want to relax and chill, but not too far if some of us want to explore. Maybe rent a car? We are pretty short on time --basically 2 1/2 days north of Lisbon with 2 days left to explore Lisbon. As this is the kids first trip to Europe I want to balance our sightseeing with some down time. Suggestions or thoughts appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Nazare isn't a surfers beach, it's a sunbathers beach comprising row after row of sun loungers and umbrellas. For surfing, try Peniche or Foz do Arelha.
Book your accommodation asap as places are filling up rapidly and most are seeking accommodation for a week, not 3 nights, so your choice maybe more limited. A car is useful outside of Lisbon.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks for your response. Surfing aside....not sure about conditions etc and we're from CA so they can surf at home, which area do you think we be best as home base location? Ideally would like an area where there is a town to walk around and then be able to drive to some other areas near by.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1506 posts
We enjoy Nazare. It's on the sea with beautiful views. It's not really a historic town but does have good restaurants, good ice cream and desserts, a seaside promenade, and it's fun to wander through the streets. We stay at Hotel Adega Oceano which is right on the sea. You can check it out on booking.com. From there you can visit Obidos, Alcobaca, Batalha, Coimbra, Conimbriga (Roman ruins), which are all fairly nearby. You do need a car. Are you flying into Lisbon from Spain? We generally rent a car at the airport and return it there before going to our hotel in Lisbon. There is little on street parking in Nazare but there is a pay underground garage near the beach which was very convenient.
Posted by
Porto - Portugal
233 posts
The biggest wave ever surfed in the world was in Nazaré.
But with only 2 1/2 days I believe you should go to Ericeira, nice village, nice beach, good fish, 60 kms from Lisbon.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thanks Carol. I've been looking at MarBravo and a VRBO-Dom Dinis luxury apartment, and will look at Hotel Adega Oceano as well. (are you familiar with either of the two I mentioned in comparison?) We are flying into Lisbon and will be renting a car for this portion, returning before 2 nt stay in Lisbon. Appreciate list of suggestions on places to visit.
And thanks for another suggestion Helena. I will look into Ericeria as well. My boys have heard the big wave stories of Nazare so that's what brought it to our attention.
One other question....we have an early 7a (ugh) flight out of Lisbon to Madrid for connection home. Looks like it's a 20min taxi ride from hotel in downtown Historical center. How far in advance of flight would we need to be at airport?
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1506 posts
We have walked by Mar Bravo but that's about it; not familiar with Dom Dinis. As to arrival time at the airport, the airlines usually say 3 hours but the Lisbon hotels usually say 2 hours is enough. We were there in September but unfortunately don't remember (sorry, old age) how early we arrived at the airport. It was probably close to 3 hours but we left at 10:30am. At the time you're leaving you could probably get there closer to your departure time. If you're staying in a hotel in Lisbon they should be able to give you advice on this.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you!