JES28

I'm planning part of my honeymoon in Portugal and have never been. There are so many beautiful places I'd love to explore but so little time. We will have 3 or 4 nights and We can fly in anywhere (coming from Spain)but we will be departing from Lisbon.
We were thinking we would like to head to the Algarve. Any recommendations of beautiful spots w a good higher end place to stay w views and options for some of the wonderful eating spots nearby?
Anything closer to Lisbon or more worthwhile to go further?
Thanks for any advice!

thursdaysd

If you have never been to Portugal, and have so little time, I would stay in Lisbon.

I haven't been to the Algarve, but I am not really interested in beach time. If that is what you want you might also consider a day trip to one of the towns nearer Lisbon, like Cascais or Estoril.

JES28

Thanks Thursday, ill definitely check those towns out. We'd love to see Lisbon for a day but I think for time of year and honeymoon we're looking to stay mostly out of the city. We love the beach and coastal areas if that helps.

thursdaysd

Yes, different priorities! Some people like to stay in Sintra rather than Lisbon and day trip. My only concern with the Algarve would be that my impression is that it is too popular - as in too many tourists.

Also, I notice you are going in August. It will be VERY hot.

JES28

Yes, the timing isn't ideal but with the hot weather, we also felt being by the water was probably the best spot

HappyTrvlr

You could stay outside of Lisbon on the beaxh at Caiscais or Estoril.

JES28

Thanks, these towns look beautiful. However I just mapquested Lisbon to Algarve and it's less than 2 1/2 hrs away. Very doable especially for 3-4 nts. So the question is, are these towns more recommended to see/stay than the Algarve? Any other recommendations of anywhere we shouldn't miss while there?

JES28

TTT

JES28

omg, just looking at some towns in the Algarve such as this: http://static2.mydestination.com/lib...71_680_474.jpg
and feel the need to point out that we are not looking for parties and nightlife like this on our honeymoon. We prefer to beach, shop, eat & drink in lively but not jam-packed places. Our idea of after dinner fun is listening to music (singer or small band in a local hangout). Knowing that as well, we would love more advice on coastal towns for our honeymoon, anywhere within 4 hours or so of Lisbon.
Thanks!

thursdaysd

Maybe you should be looking at the Atlantic coast?

JES28

We're open to anything! Do you have recommendations there based on what we're looking for?

thursdaysd

Sorry, I don't do beaches these days, but my impression is that the Atlantic is less touristed than the Algarve.

If Cascais and Estoril aren't adequate, I believe Nazare is fairly close, although the last time I saw it it had grown considerably. Once upon a time I enjoyed Viano do Costelo and Figueira da Foz, but they are further north.

I'd consult a guidebook.

Alec

Algarve in August will be manic. The population swells by 300% and accommodation, restaurants and beaches are bursting at the seams, with families and groups of young people (stags and hens in many resorts). OK, there are some 5-star properties without the worst of excesses, like the Sheraton resorts, but overall you should stay away if you want peaceful, romantic times. If you want beach life, suggest Estoril or Caiscais. Still busy, but mainly with locals and some smart places. You should book ASAP for this August.

JES28

Thanks Alec, I'm thinking the same thing and thank you to both you and Thursday for the advice on these 2 towns. They look absolutely beautiful, I just wanted to make sure they weren't being recommended only because of their proximity to Lisbon vs other areas. And it doesn't sound like it is.
Any recommendations for a higher end, boutique type inn or hotel in those areas - preferably with water views?
Many thanks!

Alec

Cascais: 5-star Senhora da Guia is well regarded.

Tabernash2

We had lunch in an elegant oceanside hotel in Cascais. I am sure I wrote down it's name. I'll find it for you. Perfect for a honeymoon.

Tabernash2

Found my notes. This is exactly what I wrote about the hotel, in my Lisbon notes, from a few years ago:

2. We also took the train to Cascais, which we liked a lot. Very small town, lots of beach activity, and small shops.
While there, we found a classy and expensive-looking beachside hotel with a café overlooking the water. We stopped for lunch there. It is pricey, with very disginguished-looking hotel clientele. Looked like a great place for
a honeymoon:
The Albatroz Hotel in Cascai
Rua Frederico Arouca
100- 2750- 353 Cascais
www.thealbatrozcollection.com (http://www.thealbatrozcollection.com)


I think in August, this would be preferable beach time than the Algarve which will be hot and crowded. This hotel is right at a popular little crescent beach.

The town of Cascais is tiny and cute. Some nice shops. Highly recommend!

Tabernash2

If you need a hotel in Lisbon, I can recommend the Hotel Avenida Palace. Excellent customer service, gorgeous property, classic style, fantastic breakfast buffet, right in the center for walking old Lisbon. Right next to the train station and the square. We loved it.

luz_de_lisboa

I wholeheartedly agree with the recommendation of Cascais. It's beautiful and clean and picturesque and the waterfront area is lovely.

However, as far as towns go, I wouldn't say that it is tiny. Just in case you're looking for something remote and quiet and quaint. It will in fact be crowded. Otherwise, you will love it!

Tabernash2

You're probably right about "tiny". I should have clarified that there is a tiny, 'old town' area right next to the hotel I recommended. We took the train to Cascais from Lisbon, and stayed walking distance from the train station.

Do you know if it is it possible to take the train from Cascais to Sintra? Or do you have to connect in Lisbon?

BTW, the pronunciation of Cascais is much different than we expected. They say it something like 'kahsh kye'. Portuguese is a pretty language, we thought. Sounds much different than Spanish.

Anywho, we would love to re-visit Portugal.