I've been to other parts of Spain but never Barcelona. My wife has never been. And we've never been to Portugal. We have 8 nights. I have a choice of spending all in Portugal (May 2017)--fly in to Porto and take train to Lisbon, doing day trips in both--or just flying into Lisbon and staying there for 4 nights and then flying to Barcelona for 4 nights and then home. Any advice? I just don't know if I'm that interested in Porto--but I don't really know. Thanks..
Posted by
Port St Joe Florida
513 posts
Blue -
I would recommend devoting this upcoming trip to Portugal. Save Barcelona, and its environs, for another visit when you can do it justice.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Since Portugal is somewhat removed from Spain and the rest of Europe (by which I mean very few train connections), it makes sense to give Portugal more time while you're there. I didn't visit Porto myself, but enjoyed Coimbra and Nazare, among other stops around Lisbon. You can also use Porto as a gateway to the Duoro wine valley.
It looks like a similar consensus building on the Spain forum version of the question.
Posted by
Portland
3603 posts
If you had more time, I would advise that there is no comparison between Barcelona and Porto. The latter is very minor league compared to the former. However, with just 8 nights, you can hardly do justice to Portugal, let alone fly to another country. Right there you would consume the better part of one of your days. I suggest you start in Lisbon, and make your way north to Porto. Another poster has mentioned several towns along the way that are worthy of visits. Renting a car will give you flexibility. When we did it, rates were not very high; and roads, good.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
I'd stick to just Portugal for a short time. Barcelona is easy as a standalone (or combined with south of France) down the track.
Day 1 Arrive Lisbon - 4 nights
Day 2 Lisbon sights
Day 3 Excursion to Sintra
Day 4 Afternoon to Cascais
Day 5 Train to Coimbra - 1 night
Day 6 Train to Porto - 3 nights
Day 7 Porto sights
Day 8 Douro Valley excursion
Day 9 Depart
Posted by
7688 posts
Stick to Portugal for just 8 days.
We had a great trip to Portugal in May. Spend 4 days in Lisbon (consider day trips to Evora and/or Sintra).
Move on up to Porto. I would plan on minimum of 2 days there. Don't miss Obidos on the way to Porto. It is an ancient walled city. You can see it in half a day. Others have mentioned interesting places in route.
There is a fast train from Lisbon to Porto, but you would miss the interesting places in between. Consider renting a car.
In Porto, I highly recommend the InPatio Guesthouse. It is a fantastic B and B in a great location. Price is reasonable, about 95 Euros per night. Book early, it only has five rooms.