ShannonLynArnold

Hi! I'm planning a solo trip to Spain and Portugal, flying into Barcelona on Saturday, April 8th and out of Faro on Monday, April 17th.

I'd like to see one more city and I'm trying to decide whether to add Seville or Lisbon. I could fly into either from Barcelona and take the bus to The Algarve. I'm not a huge sightseer, I just love the outdoors so I'm looking for beauty and uniqueness and gorgeous views.

I will only have a day and a night to spend in either Seville or Lisbon and I will be traveling on Thursday, April 13 - which is Holy Week. I didn't realize that when I began planning the trip and from what I've read, Seville may either be a great choice or not the best during Holy Week, based on the crowds and increased costs. I really don't want to be fighting crowds and I am traveling on a bit of a budget.

I'd love to know what you recommend! This is only my second trip to Europe and I don't want to plan an overly complicated itinerary, so if any of you see flaws in my planning I'm all ears.

I'd also appreciate recommendations for where to stay in the Algarve. I've read that Lagos has the most beautiful beaches but it also sounds a little touristy.

kja

You might want to wait to visit Sevilla until you can see the rest of Andalusia. Just a thought....

ShannonLynArnold

Thanks, Kja. I feel that way about Portugal as well! I wish I had more time to spend in both areas. I'm just trying to make the best of the time I have.

kimhe

Thursday night April 13th into good Friday is the highlight of the Holy Week in Sevilla. All the city on its feet, everybody plus tens of thousands of tourists following the many processions through the night into the next morning and noon, the so called madrugá. Fiesta and devotion hand in hand, bars and restaurants are filled to the brim, could be an experience for life, but Sevilla is never as crowded and in a celebration mood than on exactly these 24 hours of the year. http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/festi...-week-seville/

Lisboa is also a magical city, old grandeur, the hillsides with spectacular views, and, of course, fado:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal/lisbon
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/portugal...n/introduction
Fado: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pure-a...b_3912860.html
The most famous fado singer Mariza on Letterman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLjPI0It68Q

ShannonLynArnold

Thank you kimhe! The information and links are so helpful.

PalenQ

I've read that Lagos has the most beautiful beaches but it also sounds a little touristy.>

I loved Lagos - one of the few cities on the generally very modern Algarve that has an old-world feeling.

ShannonLynArnold

Thank you all so much for your help! I've decided on Lisbon because while I love the idea of experiencing Holy Week in Seville, I don't love the idea of fighting the crowds solo, and it sounds like I won't get to see as much because so many of the streets will be closed for processions.

And I'm staying in Lagos in The Algarve. That part of the trip is what I'm looking forward to the most.

I appreciate the time all of you took to give me your insights and expertise.

Adzas

Make sure you go to Praia da Marinha (not far from Lagos, in between Carvoeiro and Albufeira) and the caves of Benagil. The caves are still on my list to do (although I don´t live far from it), this year for sure! Enjoy your time in Portugal

ShannonLynArnold

Adzas, thank you! I've added both to my list.

I have an airline question for you all. I have to fly with either TAP Portugal or Vueling from Barcelona to Lisbon. I've read terrible reviews on both! Long delays, rescheduled flights without an explanation, canceled flights and lost luggage.

Is there one you'd recommend over the other?

Asmi_Kx

Hey I didn't get to visit Seville but I visited Lisbon immediately a month after my Barcelona tour. So I would totally recommend them doing back to back. Both places are magical! I wrote blog posts about both the places. I hope it will help you to make a decision

http://traumchaser.com/the-understat...isbon-portugal

http://traumchaser.com/an-eclectic-mix-barcelona-spain

Asmi_Kx

Oh and they were solo trips