Does anyone have any suggestions on towns to go to in the Algarve? We were thinking Taveria? Also, what is the best mode of transportation to get there from Lisbon,bus or train?

Thanks.

Both trains and buses from Lisbon to the Algarve coast. Bus line EVA at [email protected] and Expresso at www.rede.expressos.pt - this latter one I am having trouble opening. Moved??? Trains, you have to change at Tunes - to and from Lisbon. CP (Cahminos Portuguese) is the govt. owned rail line, goes throughout the country. A good web site for Algarve info is www.portugal-info.net/algarve-home3.htm.

Vicky:
We spent two months in the Algarve last year, mid-January to mid-March, and are returning for three months this year (beginning of January to end of March)

If I knew when you were going, and for how long, and what you are looking for as far as location is concerned, I might be able to help you.

The journey from Lisbon to the central coastal point of the Algarve (Albufeira) is four-and-a-half hours by bus. I don't know how long the train journey would be, but based on my own experience, if I could afford to fly , I'd fly from Lisbon to Faro and take the bus to my chosen location from there.

Muriel

Muriel,

We are planning to go the first week in June. We need to end up in Seville for a wedding on June 13th so we thought we would spend 3-4 days in the Algarve. I have read a lot about Tavera and it sounded like a nice, not too crowded, place. We would also like to take a day trip to some other parts of the Algarve, maybe Cape St. Vincent, but thought our "home base" would be Tavera. It would be easier, I think, then staying one night here or there. Do you know how much a one way ticket from Lisbon to Faro would be?

Thanks for any advice you can give us! Do you know of any inexpensive places to stay in Tavera?

Vicky. I apologise for the delay in replying. Been busy with the usual Christmas activities.
However. Tavera is a lovely, rather hilly little town, far less 'touristy' than most towns in the Algarve. I don't know how crowded it would be in June,but probably less crowded than most other places. I'm sorry I can't help regarding accomodation, nor the cost of rail travel from Lisbon to Tavera.Perhaps some other contributor can help with this.

Cape St. Vincent is right at the opposite end of the coast to Tavera, and it would take you a good couple of hours to get there due to the heavy traffic you will likely encounter at that time of the year. It is a wild, desolate place, with a landscape reminiscent of the Scottish moors.The cliffs here are awe-inspiring. Do try to stop in Lagos which is on your way. It is also an interesting town, and you'll have no shortage of places to eat (no refreshment or toilet facilities at Cape St. Vincent). Caldas de Monchique, to the North of the road that you will be travelling on, is also worth a visit if you have the time.

For more detailed information,try typing "Portugal" in any of the search engines (e.g. Yahoo).I got some information when we were going, from www.hotwired.com/rough/europe/portugal

If you rent a car, remember to use the hard shoulder to let cars that wish to overtake get past you. Also, try not to be the lead car of the group. Portuguese drivers, while very polite, overtake on two lane highways with complete disregard for safety. The accident rate is the highest in Europe.

Cars are relatively cheap to rent,(gear shift) but gas will cost you about $1.00 American per litre. However, the cars are small, so it's not quite as bad as it sounds!
I hope this is of some help. Enjoy your holiday and the wedding.!

Muriel