I am traveling to Portugal for Easter 2011. I am going solo. Public bus and trains would be easier on my budget. I would like to rent a car for convenience, but I have read much about crooked cops and thieves in Portugal. Can I easily do The Algarve from Lisbon, then on to Evora w/o my own wheels? Also, does anyone have any advice on the best way to navigate at Easter? Should I hit the Algarve mid-week? I will be there from the Saturday prior to palm Sunday through Saturday (flying back to NY on Easter Sunday). I am thinking that it is best to be in Lisbon at the end as small towns might close up a bit by Holy Thursday. Any thoughts?
Posted by
Dallas
1022 posts
The German rail website is good for planning, though you most likely won't be able to purchase tickets there. www.bahn.de/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtml According to it, there are trains from Lisbon to Albufeira and to Evora. Another factor to consider is that the Portugese are some of the worst drivers in the world.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
It really depends on where exactly you want to go and how flexible you are willing to be. The train system is not the best and is limited in routes. Busses are far more frequent and can get you to smaller towns. And unless I had been there before and knew the area well, I would never want to drive solo - just too many ways to get lost and miss traffic control signs.
Posted by
Kirkland
223 posts
William, we spent two weeks in Portugal last year. We toured Lisbon on foot and using mass transit. We also used mass transit to Sintra. We then took the train to Porto and used local transit around town. On our way out of town we rented a car with AutoEurope (assigned to Europcar), touring through the Duoro on our way south to Evora - all worked well; good roads with no problems. After departing Evora we returned the car to the Lisbon airport on our way home. A good experience.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1548 posts
We have travelled to Portugal several times and have rented cars every time. That said, we were always two or more in the car. Roads between towns are good and we have never had any trouble with the police or thieves but, of course, that can happen anywhere. For convenience and as a time saver, a car would be best. You can pick it up at the Lisbon airport and drive to the Algarve and then to Evora, stopping at small towns if you like along the way. Go directly to the airport upon return to Lisbon as a car is not useful in the city. You can get a transit pass at metro station for the number of days you will be there. It will work on the metro, bus, electric cars, funiculars, and Elevador Santa Justa and will be a real time and money saver, allowing you to sample the sights. You have to be at least a little brave &/or adventurous to go solo. Whichever way you decide to go, have a great time!!
Posted by
Plattsburg, MO
11 posts
William[INVALID]I was in Portugal in May and used the bus to travel from Porto to Lisbon making two overnight stops along the way. I found the buses to be clean, on time and cheap. I have never rented a car in Europe as I have found the public transportation fits my needs.
Enjoy your trip.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Alot of Portugal can be sen easily by bus/train however during catholic holidays schedules can be spotty or not avail. best ck your itin very carefully and schedule accordingly in detail. Car rental is usually fairly reasonable if rented from USA bef you leave . Get your est. from autoeurope.com then plan from there within your budget. I usually do a combo of car rental and public transport.
Posted by
gaston, oregon, usa
842 posts
William, four of us did Portugal at XMass a couple of years ago. We picked up our rental car at one airport and dropped it off at another. I personlly think that Portugal is the best/easiest EU county to drive in. All the freways are new, and there is virtually no traffic problems; even during the Holidays. (We flew home on XMass day)
We usually use AutoEurope for our EU rentals, but found a lot better deal thru "Guerin".
I agree that it would be best to spend the holiday in a major town......that is what we did. The small towns did close down.