Advice wanted for Portugal in May
 

We are hoping to travel to Portugal in May, and I would like some advice:<BR><BR>1) Is it reasonable to see Lisbon, Sintra, Belem, Fatima, Porto, a short boat trip on the Douro, the Algarve, and Seville (Spain) in a 15-day trip or should I talk my husband into a few more days?<BR>2) How many days are needed in Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto?<BR>3) I am not Catholic or particularly religious... is Fatima for the pilgrimmage in May still worth it?<BR>4) If I am not into beaches, is the Algarve worth it?<BR><BR>We like architecture, medieval history, wine, food, walking the back streets, meeting the locals. My husband is really into boats and marinas. We like to hike but are not big on eco-toursim thing as a destination. We are definitely not into ruins (I don't like to spend my time imagining what it used to be when I could see a cool real thing), beaches, crowds/lineups, or the club scene (used to be but getting older).<BR><BR>Suggestions?

Good for you---Portugal is unique.<BR>You have so many questions it is hard to know where to start. So, let me give you an overview for 15 days. You can do it all from 5 overnite locations, not counting the last nite. Here is what I would do:<BR>Lisbon area--3 nites--includes Sintra<BR>Obidos/Nazare--2 nites<BR>Viano do Castelo--Porto enroute--3 nites<BR>Evora--2 nites<BR>Lagos/Sagres---Algarve--3 nites<BR>Last nite at Palmela south of Lisbon<BR><BR>That is a real good start. I did that itinerary in 1994 for 15 days, and then went back for 2 weeks to fill in the baps. Portugal is the last unspoiled venue in western Europe---especially the Minho area in the north. Let me know if you need more details.

I have often read Bob's comments on places I know with admiration but I think his suggested itinerary packs in too much for the time and I notice he had to go back for what he had missed.<BR>If you recognize that you will want to go again - and you will - why not concentrate on some areas a bit more this time? I am e-mailing you some notes I made which might help but I certainly think you should try to include Obidos as Bob suggests.<BR>

The algarve is still a bit cool this time of year, also be aware of the very aggressive gypsy's and their children. Also, sadly the country doesn't have an organized humane society, and pet responsiblity seems to be non existent. The stray cat and dog population tends to be high and they are all over, esp. run over in the street and sidewalks. That is my memory of a week in the Algarve in May of 1999. My souvenir was a liter of kittens thats mother had been run over, and the resort was going to use rat bait to poison them. I was appalled and spent a few bucks ( escudos) to see a very kind british vet, who gave me all the wrong paperwork to bring the kittens home to Germany with me. The german customs guys told me to take the kittens and go. I managed to find good homes for all 4 of them in a matter of days. I get little Pedro myself and he is a healthy, happy cat now. I realize this did not answer the original posters question but the overwhelming stray population really left a negative impresion on me and I would never return to Portugal. It was just to sad...

use bait to poison rats? These guys are barbarians!

We went to the Algarve in January--definitely not beach weather although a few diehard types (British and German, I think) were shivering under the cliffs in their bikinis trying to catch a few rays. Nonetheless it's a lovely area, especially to the extent you can get away from the overtouristed stuff (I thought Albufeira was not worth the time--the only place we regretted taking the time to visit). We especially enjoyed a day trip to Monchique (and walking around Caldas de Monchique--lovely village) as well as Sagres (saw it in a gale and the waves crashing below the cliffs were gorgeous). So for us the Algarve sans beaches was definitely worth it. Would have been even better if it had been a little warmer--as it will be in May.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip.

Thanks for all of the advice so far! <BR>I am looking for highlights, max 3 weeks, as we find we get homesick after about 15 days... we miss the cats. It has worked well for us on trips to Germany and Austria, Italy and France, Greece and Turkey.<BR><BR>We have to spend time in the Douro valley, as we love wine. We already plan to spend at least 3 days in Lisbon and Sintra. My husband likes boats, so Porto is a must. We are also interested in the Ottoman history, so we would like to see at least part of Andalusia, since I understand that nothing in Portugal approaches the Moorish architecture in Sevilla and environs.<BR><BR>I still have not heard anyone who has done Portugal and Andalusia both,in 2-3 weeks. I could do Bob's Portugal and on to Seville for a week and fly in and out of either Lisbon or Faro?<BR><BR>I also have not heard about whether the pilgrimage at Fatima in May is worth it if I am not Catholic.

I have been to Fatima. You will not need more than 3 hours there, for it is not that big. It is worth a visit (I am not Catholic) just to see the devotion of some of the visitors. You will see people walking on their knees around the statue of Mary, which is in front of the church. Others will throw themselves on altars, graves of Jacinta and her brother, etc. I have never seen such devotion. The most interesting thing about Fatima is the smell in the air; it is like perfume. I think it comes from the trees in the garden at the back of the church, but Im not sure. It certainly makes you feel like you are in a special place, however. The only thing bad about Fatima is all the souvenir shops nearby. It certainly makes the town look junky.<BR>

Hi Carol<BR>I call your attention to the name of two cities in the south. Silves and Mertola. Both are very ordinary cities in modern Portugal but very important centers during the Al-Gharb Al-Andalus (Islamic Portugal). The first was a important cultural center and the second a major trade center.<BR>Recently, extensive archeological works have been carried out and both have very active museums. Both cities have rivers and boats. <BR>Some bad news for your husband, the Ottoman Empire have never ventured to Portuguese shores. <BR>If you need some more support, please let me know.<BR>

You will love Portugal! We went last year for 11 days, spent 3 nights in Lisboa, 1 night in Evora, 1 night in Albuferra (sp?), 3 nights in Praia da Roche (which were great), 1 in Sagres, & 2 in Sintra. It was warm--very warm in the Algarve.<BR><BR>The people are very warm & friendly, it was unbelievably affordable--stayed in a 4-star hotel in Praia da Roche for $75 a night (on the beach, with a pool, & small kitchennette--the room was huge). Our biggest extravagance was spending $126/night in Sintra which I thought was absolutely "magical." It was like a fairy tale come true.<BR><BR>Highways are marked well, food is terrific, and I'd like to go back and buy a place of my own. But I'll settle for a return trip. Most affordable European trip I ever took! (and after 10 days in France of which 8 were in Paris, it was very relaxing.)<BR><BR>If you would like more information, feel free to e-mail me directly, and I'll oblige--complete with correct spellings.<BR><BR>Jean

I forgot to mention when we were there. Arrived in Lisboa on Easter Sunday, which I believe was April 15th. A light coat was all that I ever needed, primarily in the morning in Lisboa. Weather was quite warm, especially in the Algarve where it was in the high 70's & up to 80.