Hello,
We are planning a trip that has a similar itinerary to Rick's 12 d Portugal trip. We will be dropping in to Porto from Santiago de Campostela, Spain, so travelling north to south in a rental car. We are spending 3 d in Porto, then travelling to the Algarve for 5 d, and ending with 3 d in Lisbon. My question is about the medieval villages along the way. I definitely want to see Tomar and Evora, so thinking of stopping for the night in Evora enroute to Algarve. Monsaraz is near so could be an option to see. With those 3 villages, should we also see Obidos? It could be a day trip from Lisbon. So many sites! I welcome your expert input.
Many thanks,
Elizabeth
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7540 posts
Óbidos is worth a couple hours with its wall being the main attraction. Its castle is a hotel so you see it from its exterior. Tomar is worth a full day or two. Since you will have a car, 30 minutes from Tomar is Almourol Castle. The castle is on an island and you take a boat (a few Euros round trip per person) to reach it. The castle itself is free to enter and is small, so the 30 minutes you’re there is adequate. You could stop at it between Tomar and Evora.
Posted by
11908 posts
We stayed in the Pousada in Evora which was fun. We did not want to leave that hotel, Pousada Convento(?) Evora has a lot to see, very interesting town, historic.
We also stayed in Obidos, in the Pousada do Castelo.
The town is good for two hours, cute, touristy. But a good base to visit Slcobaça, Batalha. We loved the Cathedral at Alcobaça.
Coimbra is special and a visit to the university’s library is a must see.
We stayed at the Quinta de las Lagrimas, a lovely hotel in walking distance to city center. Read up on the love story of King Pedro and his lover Ines which took place partly at this Quinta. .
Posted by
1 posts
Sintra is a MUST see!