We are planning a 10 day trip in May, flying into Lisbon and out of Porto. We have 3 nights in Lisbon, will then rent a car and drive to Lagos-- where we will spend 2 nights. Our last 3nights are in Porto. The question is how should we travel from Lagos to Porto and what should we see/where should we stay along the way with our remaining 2 days? Should we drive our rental car and stay over night in Evora, Coimbra or somewhere else? I understand we could fly or take a train from Faro to Porto, which would mean skipping Evora and other stops? All suggestions welcome. We are in our mid-50s and are active. We love history, food/wine, outdoor adventures, beauty of all kinds, museums, etc.
Thank you!
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7172 posts
You could stop in Evora on your way north, spend a few hours, then continue on to Tomar or Coimbra. While we liked both Tomar and Coimbra, we enjoyed Tomar more. It was less hectic and the Convent of Christ is impressive. Also, there are a couple free parking lots that are easy to reach.
On our trip we stayed at the Thomar Boutique Hotel. One free lot was right beside it. In Porto we stayed at NH Porto Jardim. It was easy to reach coming into town and has its own parking garage. We walked all over town from it.
Posted by
USA
134 posts
If driving:
Evora
Obidos
Fatima
Coimbra
Then drive to Pinhao and end in Porto
Just one suggestion.
Others will give you different other nicer suggestions.
Posted by
OP
Whistler to Olympic National Park
38 posts
Thank you so much! I wonder if we should just skip the Algarve? It seems like Rick Steves crowd does not tend to go there we are not particularly beachy people we just like beauty and history and culture and food. If the Algarve is mostly just beach town maybe we should skip it? Would be very interested in peoples thoughts on this topic. Thank you.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7172 posts
Skipping it on this trip would give you two nights you could use elsewhere. While writing my initial response I wondered why you wanted to head 3 hours south just to turn around and head north a couple days later, but it’s your trip.