We arrive in Lisbon on 6/15 and have about 6 days. We (a couple with an 8 year old) hoped to spend about 4 days in Lisbon and then 2 in a seaside city - Cascais or shall we head to the Algarve? Train or Bus, no car for this leg of the trip. Thanks for any help in advance!
Posted by
US
157 posts
Hi Cherie, I was in Portugal for 5 days and managed to see the places you referenced. I chose Lagos as it is less touristy than Faro. I spent two nights and a full day in Lagos. I explored Lagos in the morning and took the afternoon bus to Sagres and Salema. Beautiful beaches in Algarves. I took the 8:00a.m. (EVA bus) to Lisbon and arrived around 13:00. Spent a day and a half exploring Lisbon and took a day trip to Sintra/Cabo da Roca/Cascais in one day. I feel a bit rushed and feel like I missed out on somethings. There is a direct bus from Lisbon to Lagos. The train takes longer and requires a connection. Have fun! Here's the link to the bus schedule and price http://www.rede-expressos.pt/default.aspx
Posted by
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
172 posts
Cherie,
With an 8 yr. old, I think the Algarve would be better. We spent about 5 days on the Algarve, Stayed in Lagos and Tavira (at the other end of the Algarve and far less touristed with fantastic beaches). There is lots to do in and around Lagos. A trip around the rocks in one of the little former fisherman's boats was a delight, as the rocks look like an elephant, etc. Again, absolutely fantastic beaches! Stay away from the Algarve between Lagos and Tavira, tho, horribly touristy, with very little Portugese heritage left. If you decide to stay in Lagos there is regular bus service to the smaller places nearby, so don't miss Salema and Sagres, both have wonderful beaches and Sagres is home to Henry the Navigator's 'school'. We easily did this as a day trip using the buses. The bus trip from Lisbon to Lagos was pleasant as we got to see different scenery. We took the day trip from Lisbon to Sintra (doesn't do Sintra justice, not enough time),Cabo da Roca (western most edge of Europe, beaut.), and Cascais. We loved Lisbon and the Portugese people. Have a great trip!
Posted by
san mateo, ca, usa
53 posts
With an 8-year old - and more time - I'd definitely head to the Algave for some quality beaches. That being said, Cascais is so much closer and quite nice. But the tour buses also know about Cascais, if ya know what I mean. With only 2 days for the sea, I guess I'd cast my vote for Cascais and try to avoid the crowds. (Sintra is worse.) But don't ignore the bucket of mussels in garlic/wine sauce or the roasted sardines on a skewer! You don't want to spend too much time in transit so try to stay as close to Lisboa as possible.