Hello,
My mom husband and I will be doing the Best of Portugal October 11-22. We are arriving in Lisbon a few days early to see Sintra and Cascai. When the tour ends, we have 4 more days to explore. I am considering flying to Madeira. Another option is to explore the Algarve, but worry it will be too wet and windy.
Any suggestions/idea's?
I can tell u the douro valley is a great visit , either by boat on river or train we really enjoyed it. Have u thought of n. Spain as in Santiago de compostela? It is catholic of course and tied usually to a personal pilgrimage.
The azores are close by also.
The Duoro Valley is on the Rick Steves tour. I have considered the Azores but think Madeira looks nicer (weather wise) in late October. I will look into Spain as well.....
If you are flying back to the U.S. or Canada, then Sao Miguel, Azores would cap off an amazing Portugal trip and have the easiest connection vs Madeira. The best reason to visit Sao Miguel is this different perspective of "Portugal" will surely make you do a double take of this amazing country. These islands are off the American radar for some reason that I can't figure out. They truly are the gem of this country. Europeans have known about these "secret" islands forever. Granted, the weather could be hit or miss there or Madeira. Rain never stops us when we are there as there is so much to explore.
I would not bother with Spain for only a few days. A 2 hour flight from Lisbon is easy and inexpensive using the different airline options.
If you want to look over my PDF guide I wrote of the Azores islands I have visited, just give me your email address here or in a private message or directly at brengina2@hotmail.com. It may help you make an informed decision.
Hi Carl,
I sent you an email to read your PDF file on Azores.
Kim
Kim,
I just sent the email. I should have added that there are many daily flights from Porto to Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, as well as from Lisbon.
Take care.
