ricster

I am at the early stages of planning a trip for beginning of Sept. We are flying in and out of London and am trying to figure out where to go in Portugal. We are a couple in our early 30's no kids. We arrive in Portugal the evening of Sept 4 and leave Sept 12th or 13th. How much can we realistically do in that time? We are looking for a combination of experiencing the culture, see some sights, and some r&r.

Should we go up north? South to the algarve? Madeira? Into Spain? How long approximately would we need in each place?

Thanks!

WallyKringen

South is touristy, all Brits and Germans etc.

For peaceful culture experience and take-it-as-it-comes gallivanting, first do the obligatory around Lisbon - reserve a room for a couple of days and explore Sintra, Estoril, Cascais, Ericeire, then head north - Obidos, Batalha, Coimbra and out to the ocean at Figueira da Foz and Cabo Mondego. No need to reserve, just find lodgings as you go.

When you get to Vigo you enter a different country, and by the time you've made it to Santiago de Compostela and to the ocean at Noya Noya and the scenic coastal drive to Muros and Fisterra, you won't be missing the beach razzamattazz of the Algarve. Make sure you drive through the countryside, on lesser roads, and stop in small towns.

You could fly to London from Porto, dirt cheap - you'd save the gas back to Lisbon, and the cheap fare could make up for the one-way car rental. Try it (Air Berlin and Ryanair) - I don't know your dates, of course.

WK

BonnieN

just spent 3 days on madeira (loved it) and then flew to porto, rented car and drove through north to lisbon and stayed there for 4 days (one day to sintra) we really enjoyed the north. stay in quintas in small towns. the people were wonderful. there is a great new hotel in lisbon, barrio alta hotel, little expensive, but great place. from talking to people on our travels, azores is nice also, but no personal experience.
bonnie

DavRan

Ricster if you need a place to stay in Figueira da Foz. Please let me know, it is my home town. Portugal is amazing. Please do visit, Lisbon, Obidos, Coimbra, Porto and the Douro Valley is a must if care for wine and vineyards.

Thanks,
David

namaka

And when in Lisbon, don't forget to meet up with "Matt from England" and "Lobo Mau" for dinner (LDC). You can read all about the dinners that other fodorites have had with them on the "Lisbon Dining Club".

Our night at the LDC was wonderful!