dpara

Hello --

First time poster. Thanks so much to everyone for such great info about Portugal. We will be traveling there the first week of June. Wondering what not to miss in each city/region. We've got 4 days in Porto, three in the Algarve area and, alas, only a quick 22 hours in Lisbon. Any advice you can provide would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

hacsutton

Hi!

I've been to Porto and Lisbon and both were great! Depending on what you like to do, I don't know that you need 4 days in Porto... Have you considered flying over to Madeira?? It is truly a beautiful and unique island and was definitely our favorite portion of our vacation to Portugal. We are big hikers and outdoors types so, again, don't know what types of activities you're looking for. You can get flights out of either Porto or Lisbon. Have not been to the Algarve, but I here it is great!

dpara

Would love to hit Madeira and other locales. We are at a conference in Porto, hence the four days there. Thanks for the suggestions.

JJBhoy

dpara,

I've noticed in the past that requests for info on Portugal don't always seem to get a great response. You may have seen it already but, just in case, here's a link to another thread which might help:

http://www.fodors.com/forums_reg/pgM...10&start=0

Jim

ThinGorjus

You can hit some of the major tourist attractions of Lisboa in one day. I would suggest you go to Belem and see Jeronimos Monastery (a must), Torre de Belem, and Coach Museum (it doesn't take that much time).

You can also head for Alfama to see the Castle of St. Jorge. There are spectacular views of Lisboa and the Tagus from the castle. Afterward, wander down towards Baixa to shop. This is a good place to buy gold, which is 19K by law in Portugal.

Stop and have a drink sometime at Cafe Brasileira in Chiado.

Bom Dia, John G.

xxxx

Will you have a car while in Porto?

dpara

Hi -- thanks for all the great suggestions so far.

Was not planning on a car, but it is a possibility -- especially with 4 days on our hands!!!

blorg

If you do consider Madeira, Air Luxor (www.airluxor.com) can have cheap flights there from both Porto and Lisbon. Don't know if I would recommend Madeira with only 4 days however. Lisbon is a uniquely peculiar place.

Sintra is well worth a visit, particularly for the "Moorish" castle which overlooks the town; you'd have to allow an extra day in Lisbon to make that possible.

Ryan

In old section of Albufeira (sp?), there is nice restaurant in the old looking fortress right near the beach. You pick the fish you want and the style you want them to prepare it in. If you can get an outdoor table, it makes it that much nicer.

Praia De Rocha is also worth a visit. If not to lay on the beach, at least to walk around by the rock formations.

BTW, you will need a car in the Algarve. If you drive, you will also need a sense of humor as the road signs are either non-existant or confusing. A good map is key.

socal

While in Porto... consider a short 20 minute drive south from the center of Porto over the Douro River to see the Roman ruins/archeological digs/museum at Coimbra. It's a only short drive to the Pousada in Condeixa a Nova Beiras where you can have a nice lunch or dinner. In Lisbon take the cable car up to the Bario Alta and eat dinner there or in the restaurants around the Alfama district. When you visit the Castle take the trolley up to the top of the Hill and walk to the entrance. See the castle at Sintra and if you've got a car, drive north to the Castle Walled town of Obidos and have a drink in the Pousada. I'd spend less time in the Algarve, unless you're a beach person, and more in the Lisbon/Porto. Try to catch a Sunday bull fight. ( The Bull doesn't always lose...cheers