9-10 days in Portugal
Jul 21st, 2012, 04:33 PM
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9-10 days in Portugal
Hi all!
I am trying to plan a trip to Portugal with one of my girlfriends in October, and I think we have between 9-10 days. I know that I want to spend a few days in Lisbon (obviously), and then I'm not sure what to do from there. Is Sintra a day trip, or is it worth staying over for a night? If we want to spend a day on a beach and possibly stay overnight, where's the best place for that?
I'm really unfamiliar with Portugal, which is why I want to go.
Looking at a map, it seems that we are going to have to stay in a few different hotels, rather than one hotel the whole time. I'd like to fit in Porto and Coimbra, but also be able to spend some time in Albufeira and Faro. Is that possible?
Any tips that anyone has would be really helpful. Once I'm in a city, I know what there is to do, it's just structuring the trip that I am having a hard time with.
Thanks!
I am trying to plan a trip to Portugal with one of my girlfriends in October, and I think we have between 9-10 days. I know that I want to spend a few days in Lisbon (obviously), and then I'm not sure what to do from there. Is Sintra a day trip, or is it worth staying over for a night? If we want to spend a day on a beach and possibly stay overnight, where's the best place for that?
I'm really unfamiliar with Portugal, which is why I want to go.
Looking at a map, it seems that we are going to have to stay in a few different hotels, rather than one hotel the whole time. I'd like to fit in Porto and Coimbra, but also be able to spend some time in Albufeira and Faro. Is that possible?
Any tips that anyone has would be really helpful. Once I'm in a city, I know what there is to do, it's just structuring the trip that I am having a hard time with.
Thanks!
Jul 21st, 2012, 05:23 PM
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I can answer a few of your questions, not all:
-- Sintra is a great day trip from Lisbon, no need to stay overnight unless you wish to.
-- I don't know if this will help, but in between Cascais and Sintra are some lovely albeit small beaches. (I liked them because of the rock formations.)
-- I think you need to choose between Faro/Albufeira and Porto/Coimbra. Definitely don't think there's enough time in 9 days for both.
-- Sintra is a great day trip from Lisbon, no need to stay overnight unless you wish to.
-- I don't know if this will help, but in between Cascais and Sintra are some lovely albeit small beaches. (I liked them because of the rock formations.)
-- I think you need to choose between Faro/Albufeira and Porto/Coimbra. Definitely don't think there's enough time in 9 days for both.
Jul 22nd, 2012, 12:44 AM
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It depends on how you like to vacation. Head north if you like a more cultural vacation with beautiful, smaller cities, wineries, etc. Head south if you like beaches and a more relaxing vibe. If you are American, I would usually advise to head north as you may find the Algarve too much of a Florida mentality.
If you do go south, I would recommend cities other than Faro or Albufeira though. Visits to Lagos, Tavira, Silves and Monchique would be preferable. But really, imo, the only reason to head to the Algarve is for sun, fun, bbqs and sheer relaxation.
If you do go south, I would recommend cities other than Faro or Albufeira though. Visits to Lagos, Tavira, Silves and Monchique would be preferable. But really, imo, the only reason to head to the Algarve is for sun, fun, bbqs and sheer relaxation.
Jul 22nd, 2012, 06:40 AM
#5
Well in October much of the holiday crowd will have dropped off but most of the pensioners wintering flights should not have started yet.
Faro itself is an aquired taste, i like it but most european visitors would want to stay in a modern beach complex.
I think that the Algarve is a good visit for October and there is plenty to see if you have car. The region to the North of the Algarve (Alentejo) is even nicer with a national park and real restrictions on development. You will find the people very friendly and many restaurants and bars in the area operate to the mixed sittinng principle where you just grab a seat with the locals and are generally made very welcome. The wine in the Alentejo is very good and cheap as it has yet to be discovered. My favorite place along the coast are E to W
Tavira, salt pans, beach, roman bridge etc
The water poodle centre
Faro
Albufiera
Portimao ( again not a normal destination, but good local restaurants and real shops)and if you cross the river to the East some lovely little sea front towns
The cape and the little towns around the cape
There is a walk you can do from one side of the country to the other and a bike ride. If this interests you I can link you to loads more details
Faro itself is an aquired taste, i like it but most european visitors would want to stay in a modern beach complex.
I think that the Algarve is a good visit for October and there is plenty to see if you have car. The region to the North of the Algarve (Alentejo) is even nicer with a national park and real restrictions on development. You will find the people very friendly and many restaurants and bars in the area operate to the mixed sittinng principle where you just grab a seat with the locals and are generally made very welcome. The wine in the Alentejo is very good and cheap as it has yet to be discovered. My favorite place along the coast are E to W
Tavira, salt pans, beach, roman bridge etc
The water poodle centre
Faro
Albufiera
Portimao ( again not a normal destination, but good local restaurants and real shops)and if you cross the river to the East some lovely little sea front towns
The cape and the little towns around the cape
There is a walk you can do from one side of the country to the other and a bike ride. If this interests you I can link you to loads more details
Jul 23rd, 2012, 03:28 AM
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Julie, I am planning a trip with my husband in OCt to Portugal for 9 days too. We are thinking of spending a few days in Lisbon, taking the train up to Porto and then flying down to the Algarve before heading back up to Lisbon to fly home. Ryanair has a direct flight (1 hr) from Porto to Faro, whcih we plan to take. I know that we will be missing some of the smaller towns, but I would like to visit the wine country and relax at the beach on this visit. Let me know what you decide to do, we are still planning are trip.
Does anyone have any recs on where we should stay in Lisbon? What is the best area to stay in?
Does anyone have any recs on where we should stay in Lisbon? What is the best area to stay in?
Jul 23rd, 2012, 06:06 AM
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With just over a week and with Lisbon on the list, I suggest you concentrate only on the south, especially when in October it may already be quite rainy in Porto. You can dedicate two or three days to the capital, and another to Sintra. It's an easy daytrip which most people do, but I must say an overnight stay does enhance the experience in what is a highly magical town.
Just one hour north of Lisbon is the wonderful medieval village of Obidos (to me, a highlight of Portugal -- try the local specialty cherry liquor which is often served in a chocolate cup), while less than two hours east is the historic town of Evora, wonderful to relax and with a landmark Roman temple.
If you're looking for beaches, Albufeira is the least Portuguese of all. It's more like a British colony although it may be much less crowded at that time of the year. In Algarve, I prefer Lagos, Tavira and Sagres.
For beaches closer to Lisbon, there is Cascais and Estoril and at that time you may have the sand all for yourself.
To the south of the city (about one hour and you'd need a car) is the magnificent Troia peninsula. It's a rather upscale place but you may get great deals in October: http://www.lisbonlux.com/troia/
Just one hour north of Lisbon is the wonderful medieval village of Obidos (to me, a highlight of Portugal -- try the local specialty cherry liquor which is often served in a chocolate cup), while less than two hours east is the historic town of Evora, wonderful to relax and with a landmark Roman temple.
If you're looking for beaches, Albufeira is the least Portuguese of all. It's more like a British colony although it may be much less crowded at that time of the year. In Algarve, I prefer Lagos, Tavira and Sagres.
For beaches closer to Lisbon, there is Cascais and Estoril and at that time you may have the sand all for yourself.
To the south of the city (about one hour and you'd need a car) is the magnificent Troia peninsula. It's a rather upscale place but you may get great deals in October: http://www.lisbonlux.com/troia/
Jul 24th, 2012, 02:48 PM
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I have a temporary itinerary, and need some opinions. If anyone can tell me what's wrong (or right) with this, it would be very helpful!
@Michelle - this is what I think I am going to do. I don't know if you and your husband want to go north or south from Lisbon, but only one seems doable in the time frame.
9/28-10/1 --> Lisbon
9/27 - leave Los Angeles for Lisbon
9/28 - arrive in Lisbon in the morning
9/29 - Lisbon
9/30 - Lisbon
10/1 - Day trip to Sintra
10/2 --> Alentejo
10/2 - Leave Lisbon for Evora (stay overnight)
10/3-10/7 --> Algarve (staying in Lagos & doing day trips)
10/3 - Lagos
10/4 - Albufeira
10/5 - Ponte Piedade/Cabo Sao Vicente
10/6 - Portimao
10/7 - Faro
10/8 - Back to Lisbon
10/9 - fly back to Los Angeles
Everything in the Alentejo & Algarve are based on tips from friends and other sites. Does anyone have anything else? Is there anything I can take out or must add?
I appreciate the help!
@Michelle - this is what I think I am going to do. I don't know if you and your husband want to go north or south from Lisbon, but only one seems doable in the time frame.
9/28-10/1 --> Lisbon
9/27 - leave Los Angeles for Lisbon
9/28 - arrive in Lisbon in the morning
9/29 - Lisbon
9/30 - Lisbon
10/1 - Day trip to Sintra
10/2 --> Alentejo
10/2 - Leave Lisbon for Evora (stay overnight)
10/3-10/7 --> Algarve (staying in Lagos & doing day trips)
10/3 - Lagos
10/4 - Albufeira
10/5 - Ponte Piedade/Cabo Sao Vicente
10/6 - Portimao
10/7 - Faro
10/8 - Back to Lisbon
10/9 - fly back to Los Angeles
Everything in the Alentejo & Algarve are based on tips from friends and other sites. Does anyone have anything else? Is there anything I can take out or must add?
I appreciate the help!
Jul 25th, 2012, 12:13 AM
#9
If you want to stay in the Alentejo then you might find Casa Fajara Rustic Boutique House & Hotel as attractive as we did.
In Portimao there is a hotel called Hotel Globo. From TA etc you will realise that this is not your usual beach hotel (its in the town) but despite the bright green sign on the roof the rooms are very nice, the breakfast very credible, the views from the restaurant wonderful and the price (they are giving it away) we also ate at the Unicorn in town.
In Portimao there is a hotel called Hotel Globo. From TA etc you will realise that this is not your usual beach hotel (its in the town) but despite the bright green sign on the roof the rooms are very nice, the breakfast very credible, the views from the restaurant wonderful and the price (they are giving it away) we also ate at the Unicorn in town.
Jul 25th, 2012, 02:06 AM
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You will most likely be driving the n125 in the Algarve. Ferragudo is a sweet old fishing village. From there, following signs to Carvoeiro, there is a couple of good beach restaurants: The Beach Restaurant at Praia de Pintadinho--very casual and relaxed. A bit farther on is Caneiros with Rei dos Praias restaurant. This is a bit posher and more spendy but on stilts on the beach.
I would skip Albufeira unless you like fish and chip and go to Silves instead. There is a moorish castle there, plus the cork museum, and some good restaurants.
If you want to buy pottery, the best selection is on the road up to Monchique (imo). Otherwise, you will see tons of places off of the N125.
I would skip Albufeira unless you like fish and chip and go to Silves instead. There is a moorish castle there, plus the cork museum, and some good restaurants.
If you want to buy pottery, the best selection is on the road up to Monchique (imo). Otherwise, you will see tons of places off of the N125.
Jul 25th, 2012, 05:39 AM
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In Évora, stay at Albergaria do Calvário and have dinner at the BL Lounge.
I would also skip Albufeira. Silves is pretty, and of course a drive to Ponta de Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente is a Must!
The Serra de Monchique is very nice, too. Lots of cork trees, and storks everywhere.
I would also skip Albufeira. Silves is pretty, and of course a drive to Ponta de Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente is a Must!
The Serra de Monchique is very nice, too. Lots of cork trees, and storks everywhere.
Jul 26th, 2012, 07:35 AM
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Hi everyone! Thank you so much for your responses! There's been a small hitch in my plans...my girlfriend backed out of our trip. Rather than cancel myself, I am doing this alone. If you have recommendations for a single, 30-something female, that would be amazing! Obviously I am looking for the safest way to do this, even if it means spending a bit more! I don't plan on renting a car unless absolutely necessary (I'm a bit nervous about driving in a foreign country), but is the rail travel safe? Any tips for a solo traveler would be appreciated!
Jul 26th, 2012, 07:50 AM
#13
well the train system is pretty good and follows the main algarve E W roadway pretty well but you cannot easily get to the Cape St Vincent without a car so lets assume that is out. That said I've gone there on a bus, so you may need to do some web surfing on buses for the area.
I would think Portugal is pretty safe for single woman, and there is very little machismo in the culture.
I would think Portugal is pretty safe for single woman, and there is very little machismo in the culture.
Jul 26th, 2012, 09:31 AM
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Portugal is safe for a single woman but there is a lot of machismo here. Rail travel is very safe as well. There is also a good network of long distance buses. Rede expresos being just one. Eva is another.
You can do the Algarve without a car as long as you are patient. I am just not sure that it will be as fun.
You can do the Algarve without a car as long as you are patient. I am just not sure that it will be as fun.
Jul 26th, 2012, 09:36 AM
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Looking at your itinerary, I would encourage you to rethink it if you are traveling alone. Imo, you may get a bit lonely in the Algarve if you are traveling alone in October. Coimbra and Oporto may be more fun.
Jul 28th, 2012, 10:07 AM
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Hi Julie,
I think that you have a good plan there (although I would rather leave out Algarve and suggest Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto).
But my comment is more to point out that if you're not driving a car, you can do less things and your itinerary has to be more focused on popular destinations and circuits. Not that it's not as enjoyable...but it must be thought out differently taking travel more into account.
For example, you can forget many of the recommendations above as either you'll take a lot longer to get from A to B or it will be virtually impossible (no way you'll get to the beach restaurant in Praia dos Caneiros....).
I understand you may be afraid of driving in a foreign country, but I think you need to put in some adventurous spirit for you first few drives around, to finally get to the part where you realise it's actually as simple as back home.
A final word for safety for a solo female... be sensible as you would be back home and I would say you're safer around here.
cheers,
Miguel
I think that you have a good plan there (although I would rather leave out Algarve and suggest Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto).
But my comment is more to point out that if you're not driving a car, you can do less things and your itinerary has to be more focused on popular destinations and circuits. Not that it's not as enjoyable...but it must be thought out differently taking travel more into account.
For example, you can forget many of the recommendations above as either you'll take a lot longer to get from A to B or it will be virtually impossible (no way you'll get to the beach restaurant in Praia dos Caneiros....).
I understand you may be afraid of driving in a foreign country, but I think you need to put in some adventurous spirit for you first few drives around, to finally get to the part where you realise it's actually as simple as back home.
A final word for safety for a solo female... be sensible as you would be back home and I would say you're safer around here.
cheers,
Miguel
Jul 29th, 2012, 01:43 PM
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Just to say about the driving - I was very nervous as my recent post explained! We have returned and I can honestly say my fears were unfounded.the roads were mainly quiet apart from around Lisbon and the airport and if looking for a parking space at the beach. I would recommend taking a sat nav if you go as the signs can be a bit sporadic. Wev have tried to tarvel in Portugal by train before and you can spend a lot of time getting from A-b although of course you can see the countryside on the way. having a car enabled us to visit remote villages, small towns and non- touristy places. Portugal felt very safe to me but like any country, if you are in a city or big town, use the usual common sense. Hope you have a great time.
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