I am planning a trip to Portugal in March or April. Are most places closed or packed during Easter holy week? I am looking for a good travel plan and have come up with staying in Lisbon 4-5 nights with day trips out of Lisbon to Sinatra, Evora and Fatima. Any other suggestions? I will then travel up to Porto for a few nights and taking a bus tour to Santiago de Compastela. What is a good part of town to stay at in Porto? What is a good part of town to stay at in Lisbon? I usually stay in youth hostels because I like the experience of meeting other fellow travelers. Any good youth hostel suggestions?
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
Do you have a copy of RS Portugal Guide Book yet? If so, good. If not, you can order one elsewhere on this web site and it has lots of useful information that we used when we visited Portugal.
Posted by
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
I loved Portugal. In Lisbon we stayed at the Sofitel. We also stayed in Cascais and took daytrip to Sintra. The we drove out to Alejento region and stayed in Evora. Our favorite hotel ever was Albagaria do Cavario (may have mangled that, it is number one on TA in Evora). I enjoyed exploring region ... We visited Estremoz and Monsaraz. I have spelled everything wrong. Sorry. Posting from train. Portugal has best food ever. I didn't expect to love it so much (whole country not just the food).
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
We stayed in the Baixa area and found it to be a great location. Lots of good restaurants in that area and i agree with another poster that the food in Portugal is very good. Definitely get the RS guide book-his restaurant suggestions were good. Sintra is a must see-just gorgeous-a UNESCO awarded town if I remember correctly.
Posted by
Nashville, TN, United States
6 posts
I was in Portugal for 2 weeks this past October. I agree that side trips to Sintra and Casais are a must. We actually went back to Sintra for a second visit because it is so lovely. If you like casinos the one in Estoril is very nice. We loved, loved loved Porto. We ate at the most wonderful restaurant for lunch called Costume. The specials were to die for and were 9 euros! Nazare is a beautiful beach resort area where some of the Portuguese women still wear traditional dress. We went to Fatima, and although I am Catholic I would not go out of my way to go there again.Didn't make it to Obidos or Lagos because we ran out of time. The food in Portugal is very good, with generous portions and is generally inexpensive. If you are a wine drinker wine, the wines are wonderful and very inexpensive. Make sure to stop in several times during your visit for a daily ginginha at the litlle Ginginha stores that sell shots of the deliciious cherry flavored brandy to go! Enjoy your trip. We had a wonderul time!
Posted by
San Diego, CA
129 posts
Lisbon lounge hostel in the downtown part was awesome. Great breakfast, and they have nightly dinners. Very clean and modern looking, and the building is beautiful. You will love Portugal, it is probably my favorite place ever!