MissMarble25

I'm currently in the process of planning a last-minute, short break to Lisbon in either mid or late July for one week with my boyfriend. As I begin to search for and plan the itinerary, I'd like to seek some advice from those who have visited Lisbon & the surrounding area before.

I had in mind spending a few days in Lisbon, before venturing a little further via train (to Lagos or elsewhere) to spend two nights, followed by a final two night stay in Lisbon.

I've researched Lagos and can see it's got stunning beaches and it is easily accessible via train but I've read it's quite the party central. We are in our mid-20s and while I don't mind a few nice bars - I'd rather avoid places which can be a bit more of a 18-30s scene. Am I getting this wrong or is Lagos actually not like that? I was also wondering whether beaches in Lagos have umbrellas to rent or if it's a case of bringing your own?

I'd like to know if anyone can recommend any alternative places to Lagos which we can reach via train? I'm thinking after spending a few days in Lisbon a break to a nice beach would be most welcomed. I know Cascais is nearby but I'm thinking if we were to do a few day trip to the beach - I'd like it to be somewhere pretty different. From pictures of Cascais it reminds me slightly of places we've visited before.

I've got quite a few ideas of things to do in and nearby Lisbon - but thought I'd cast the net out a little further and hear from experiences.

Thank you!

DebitNM

Following for a trip next May.

We are going to Porto for a few days. That's as far as I've gotten with plans beyond Lisbon.

frencharmoire

I've been collecting material for a while about no-party places to go in the Algarve.

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...s-beach-hotels

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life...ticle30573567/

http://www.myhiddengems.co.uk/2011/05/unspoilt-algarve/

http://portugalconfidential.com/ilha...-all-the-fuss/

thursdaysd

How long do you have in total? How important are beaches?

MissMarble25

@DebitNM - Glad to hear your early preparations! I feel a bit silly organising it so late - but we're in need of a short break.

@frencharmoire - Thank you for all those links. I'll be sure to have a read through! We're after somewhere which we can easily access via public transport (train or bus) from Lisbon.

@thursdaysd - In total we have 8 days (7 nights). My itinerary is based on the following:

- Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon
- Day 2: Explore Lisbon
- Day 3: Day trip to Sintra
- Day 4: Travel from Lisbon to destination (first day/night in said place)
- Day 5: Explore destination
- Day 6: Explore destination/head back to Lisbon
- Day 7: Lisbon
- Day 8: Lisbon and fly home

I had considered going on a 5 day trip which would just explore Lisbon & Sintra - however I think I'll weigh up some alternative options as extending it to 7 days could be possible dependent on how much more it will cost!

Beaches are important as I can see how stunning the coast looks and we'd quite like to take a boat ride (I've seen this can also be done in Lisbon too) around the coves. However my main necessity would be to have a place to hire umbrellas/loungers. I just thought the beach aspect of the trip may be a nice break from being in the sweltering heat in the city - especially considering there's few hotels with a pool!


Thanks all for your help and replies

thursdaysd

So, depending on when you arrive in Lisbon, you have six and a half days. I would spend them all in Lisbon, you can visit the coast at Cascais. Note that the weather in May should not be excessively hot.

For some things to do in Lisbon for a week click on my name for my Lisbon TR.

PalenQ

If beaches are top then for those days after Lisbon head for the Algarve and some of the most popular beaches in Europe- get a hotel on the beach for a few days. Take a train there and back - for lots of info on trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. Booking early at the Portguese Railways site can save money but trains are not that expensive and always can get on -no need to pre-book -buses also run extensive routes in Portugal.

thursdaysd

"some of the most popular beaches in Europe" - IF you read the OP it appears that they are looking for somewhere not too overrun.

PalenQ

OK - then head north to say Figuera de Foz or many others.