isabel

I’m considering a trip to the Portugal in March. We’d have nine nights total and am thinking 2-3 nights Lisbon (6 am arrival the first day, jet lag is not usually a concern for either of us), 5-6 nights Algarve and last night Lisbon (before a 10:45 departure the following day). I spent about a week in Lisbon, although it was about 10 years ago, and my traveling companion has never been. For the Algarve our priorities are seeing the coastal cliffs and caves and historic towns. So I have several questions.

Is March an OK time for the Algarve? I know it’s too early for swimming, not interested in sitting on a beach but want to walk along them –both at beach level and up on top of cliffs. Praia Dona Ana, Praia Camilo and Ponta da Piedade near Lagos look great as well as Benagil. Any others I should be looking at?

In addition to Lagos, we’d like to visit Tavira, Faro and maybe Alvor. Are these the best towns in terms of picturesque towns, historic centers?

We’d prefer to use public transportation but if really necessary we wouldn’t be opposed to renting a car. Is this possible (reasonable) by train and/or bus. If we don’t need a car we would consider going to the Algarve that first day and putting all the Lisbon at the end.

We were thinking of 2 or 3 bases in the Algarve (Lagos, Faro and Tavira) – is this good?

Thanks for any advice or tips or suggestions.

isabel

Thanks for the reply. And the link to that site is very useful.

Do you think 5 days is enough to do what we want to or would six be better? Also, do you know if the boats to the caves run year round or is that only a summer thing.

I definitely want to visit Porto but won't have time this trip. I will plan another trip to include Porto in the near future.

isabel

Thanks for the info and the link.

I did visit Evora the last time I was in Portugal and it was great. But thanks for the suggestion.

luz_de_lisboa

I think that given your intentions, a rental car would make for a better experience.

MyriamC

I'd spend a few days at the Costa Vicentina as suggested by PauloMartins (Vila Nova de Milfontes, or Aljezur). Such unspoilt natural beauty! We met a lot of hikers there during our stay this June.
You will definitely need a car, but driving is very easy. The Portuguese are very courteous drivers and the Costa Vicentina area is very quiet.

The coastline of the Western Algarve is stunning, too.

We used to vacation in Tavira which, to me, is the most authentic town in the Algarve. I second the tip of visiting Ria Formosa and Cacela Velha.

You can see pictures of our trip (Costa Vicentina and western Algarve of June 2017) on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mnmstr...7683143256270/

isabel

Myriam - thanks for the link. I enjoyed your photos and all the places you went look great.

luz - I agree that a car would probably offer the most flexibility and the ability to get to some places we might not be able to without one. On the other hand, I'd really like to try to do this trip without one. I might have to look at it as this would be a 'research' trip to see if I like the area enough to spend a more extended trip in the future during which I would think I'd definitely want a car.