We are planning a bit over 2 weeks to tour Portugal keeping north of Lisbon. we are planning 5 nights in Lisbon where we will end our trip. Between Porto and Lisbon, we were planning to rent a car to see Coimbra, Tomar, Obidos, Sintra, Evora -- not necessarily in that order. We have no problem renting a car but also like taking trains where we can. Is our best strategy to stick with a car for the most sight seeing opportunities?
Posted by
11606 posts
I recommend renting a car. Then you can also wander your planned itinerary to add other points of interest such as Alcobaça or Nazare. Enjoy Portugal; it’s a special country to visit.
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
I recommend a rental car for the Obidos, Tomar, Evora part. You can see a lot in a little time in that area, Alcobaca and Nazare too. On our 2008 trip my wife we did a trip much like this. You don't want the car for Sintra, and stay overnight for a couple of nights there, don't do it as a day trip. Evora the car is good for expediency as it's the only one not on the north-south axis of your route. Depending upon the order in which you visit these places, you could stop by Marvao on the way to/from Evora. It's a bit out of the way but worth it. We took that route between Tomar and Evora and did not regret it. You don't want or need the car for Coimbra or Porto, it's a good place to pick up or drop the car.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR, USA
283 posts
Thank you! Very helpful.