Would be interested to hear what people feel are must sees for 2 novice travelers on their first European trip! We start in Porto & fly out of Lisbon 2 weeks later. Would be interested in some day hiking/biking.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Here is Rick's favorite 2 week Portugal itinerary: click
Posted by
Ypsilanti, MI, USA
233 posts
I enjoyed the Moorish Castle in Sintra, Portugal when I was there in December. I took the bus up and back, but you could hike back down. The area is beautiful.
Posted by
Ridgefield, WA, USA
160 posts
You might try walking part of the Camino Portuguese pilgrimage trail to Santiago, Spain. That's one of the Camino Santiago pilgrimage routes. I did the 500-mile Camino Frances route last summer, and it was a blast.
As a pilgrim (you have to get a credencial and have it stamped - I believe you can get one at the cathedral in Porto), you can stay in pilgrim hostels (called refugios or albergues) for cheap, around 5 or 10 Euros a night (but they tend to be co-ed, bathrooms and all). Once you reach Santiago, you can present your credencial and get a compostela certificate at the pilgrim office next to the cathedral.
Anyway, you can google Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and get lots more info. But be careful - it can change your life, and it's kind of addicting... ;-)
EDIT: just so you know, you don't have to be Catholic (or even religious) to walk the Way. Many do it just for the cultural experience. It's a great way to meet people, especially Europeans.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
That's a great idea Erik! I loved Santiago de Compostela. At the end of your walk you could consider staying at the Hotel Residencia Costa Vella--it's such a nice hotel!
Costa Vella
Coimbra, Portugal between Porto and Lisbon is a great town to visit as well.