Can't decide when to go to Lisbon...help!
 

We have three opportunities to visit Portugal (never been there before); will travel with family of four, 2 girrls ages 3 and 16. From all the research and posts on this board, looks like Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais are the must sees during a 7-10 day trip. The three windows of opportunity are between Christmas and New Years 2002 (tgis coming); Easter week 2002; or August 2002. <BR>We like beaches, historical architecture, port wine, aquariums/nature, and fine cuisine. Anyone have suggestions? <BR>thanks so much <BR>Roberta

<BR> <BR> I would certainly absolutely avoid august, due to the hot temperatures (and also the high touristic season) but some people not only accept but even expect such weather during their vacations. Amongst your three windows, I'd pick Easter week, but since I never went to Portugal in winter, I don't know, perhaps it's a pleasant period to go...

Roberta, <BR> <BR>Among your 3 choices, I would pick Easter. <BR> <BR> August will be extremely hot and crowded. <BR> <BR> We have been in Portugal in late November, and the weather was spring-like (light weight jacket), but certainly not beach or swimming weather. Also, in late December/early January, you will probably find some of the smaller hotels and many restaurants will be closed in the Estoril/Cascais (Such was the situation in late November.)

August is nice if you like warmer weather (beach weather?) and the days are quite long then... (I don't remember there ever being too, too many tourists at ANY time, but certainly summertime attracts them the most.) <BR>I think Christmastime in Lisbon is very pretty as they do a beautiful job hanging lights all over the streets. It can be a bit cool then, but you can always warm up by buying some roasted chestnuts off a street vender... <BR>Seems like Eastertime is (weather-wise) fine, but too early for the Spring wildflowers and festivals that abound in May... <BR> <BR>Do not miss Sintra!

Thanks for all responses; we are tied to school vacations so that puts a limit on windows of time...I guess then June (late) would be nice as well(?). I hate to go somewhere that has gorgeous beaches and oceans and not be able to swim...are these places swimming beaches/any snorkeling or is the coast more rocky/rough water type? thanks again for all suggestions