First Timers in Southern Portugal and Spain
 

Three of my friends and I are going on a fly and drive and would love to have some recommendations on great places to eat and things to see. We will be arriving on the 16th of April in Lisbon. Visiting Estoril, Evora, Cordoba, Marbella, Seville, and the Algarve.

I would see Sintra over Evora - much more to see in Sintra. It was my favorite town in Portugal. Sintra is in the same direction as Estoril; Evora is 2 hours the other side of Lisbon.

How long is the trip?

I like both Evora an Sintra, it all depends on the time they have and mode of transport.

How long is your trip? Is there a reason why you're not visiting Granada? If this is your first visit to Andalucia I wouldn't miss Granada.

We have a car and are in the country for 14 days. Yes, I did want to see Granada and the Alhambra. Possibly on my way from Cordoba to Marbella we would go to the Alhambra. Do you think it is worth it?

We are in Estoril for a couple of days. I would make Sintra a day trip?

would suggest Sintra as base and both Estoril and Cascais as part of a circular, very scenic day trip via Cabo da Roca.

Do not miss Granada - whatever you do.

Also - be prepared for the heat. We have been to souther Spain twice in April and both times the high temps were in the 80s, hotel pools were full and a lot of people were swimming in the sea. Be sure you always carry water with you and stay well hydrated.

April weather should be quite comfortable. It may actually be chilly (low 60's) and rainy. I've visited Andalucia several times in April over the last 10 years. It's often similar at this time to the beaches in Southern California (where I live) - where you still need a jacket at night. But there have been trips where I needed a heavy jacket or raincoat most of the time.

How I would love to be visiting Spain and Portugal again!

I'd highly recommend you visit both Sintra and Granada. If you have any interest at all, please don't miss the Alhambra. Next time you visit Portugal, and you will want to do so after your first visit, plan to travel north and see Coimbra and Porto, too!

Have a great trip. Saige