Going to the Algarve
 

My husband and I are maybe planning a trip to the Algarve or Lisbon? mid-May.<BR>I know nothing about what there is to see or do here, and need advice on accomodations.<BR>Thanks.<BR>I just found this message board after I had posted this message elsewhere!<BR>After reading some of the postings, I'm not sure where to go now!

I think you will get more helpful answers if you first do some basic research and also determine if you want beach, inland, cities, nature and outdoor activities, museums, wineries, etc. As this is a Fodor's site, you might consider buying Fodor's Portugal ($19) You can buy it here on this site, click Products. At a minimum, take a look at the &quot;Destination&quot; guide for Lisbon which has already been prepared by Fodor's on this site (click on Destinations above, scroll down to Europe). The Destination overview provides a suggested itinerary. <BR>The Karen Brown guides, which are popular on this site, should be useful, she has written one on Spain and one on Portugal. She has suggested itineraries and her choices of inns and B&amp;B. You can buy the books and find a wealth of other information on her website: karenbrown.com<BR><BR>I have not used her Spain or Portugal guides, but have used her guides in other parts of Europe and found them very useful and accurate.<BR>

We went to the Algarve last May and had a wonderful time! It was before the high season so there was no crowds on the beach. We visited for 10 days, rented a car and explored much of the area. We found that we preferred the western Algarve b/c it was less touristy and less of a party atmosphere.<BR><BR>WE rented a house which was perfect as we have kids.<BR><BR>OK...ask some specific questions and I will see how I can help! ;-)<BR>Cheers,<BR>Jan

Also, try doing a search here for Portugal. You will find some recent posts, including mine, although not limited to the Algarve.<BR>Although I usually like Fodor's travel guides, I was not thrilled with their Portugal book. I liked the &quot;Eyewitness Guide&quot; much better this time. But those listings are alphabetical and won't help with geographical planning. <BR>Cicerone gave you good advice regarding doing some basic planning first. Start with what is it that made you choose the Algarve/Lisbon if you don't know anything about it--I'm sure there's something you know and want.

Thanks everyone! This is such a great way to get travel information.<BR>Well, I'm from Canada and want somewhere kind of warm. I wanted to go to Greece but my husband thinks it may not be the best time to go there with the war so close?<BR>I've done the resort thing and want to see something different.Experience some of the world!

FYI, Lisbon does not really get &quot;warm&quot;. Average temps in May in Lisbon are only in the mid-60s. I think you will find the same in most of the Algarve, esp points near the Atlantic. It may be in the mid-70s F esp towards the end of May into June.<BR><BR>Most of Europe (including Greeece) is not really warm in May.

&quot;Warm&quot; is a relative term depending on where you live and what you want to do on your vacation. We returned from Portugal last week. We were never farther south than roughly Evora-Lisbon. Perhaps, we were just blessed with exceptional weather but every day, except one, was in the low 60 to low 70 degree range. Of course, it was cooler at night. As we live in the midwest, that was &quot;warm&quot; for us. The handful of other Americans or Canadians we met, were in shirtsleeves. The Portugese, however, were all in jackets, sweaters and coats that I might wear at home in March. So, it all depends on your perspective.

So true! Temperatures in the 70's sounds just fine to me.<BR>Two weekends ago we had some sunny weather and the temperature was in the 60's, and everywhere you looked people here in Canada were out and about in short-sleeves, just loving it!

OK! Now, we are getting closer!<BR><BR>I would fly into Lisbon and spend 4 days, exploring the city, Sintra and Cascais. I find Lisbon to be an amazing city with gracious people and fabulous architecture.<BR><BR>Then, I would rent a car and wind my way south toward the Algarve. We stayed in a house in Figuiera which is about 9 kms west of Lagos. We loved the area b/c it was a little more remote, but had beautiful beaches (some deserted). We explored different cities during the day and different beaches during the afternoon.<BR><BR>Some other towns that we enjoyed were Marvao (on the Eastern border with Spain), Evora and Obidos.<BR><BR>Depending on how much time you have, you may be able to fit them (or others) in. Our first trip to Portugal, we drove through Central Portugal for 10 days and then flew to Madeira for 10 days. Great trip and very relaxing! The second trip was 8 days in the Algarve (70's weatherwise). We found that to be plenty of time.<BR><BR>Ok...these were just some ideas. One of the Bob's of Fodors has put together some great itineraries of Portugal. You will need to search for them here.<BR><BR>Cheers,<BR>Jan

Thanks Jan.<BR>Wow, would I ever love to take a trip longer than a week, which is as long as I've been away before. This trip will be 10 days because two full days will be flying time just to get there and get home.I will investigate your suggestions.

I agree with SloJan on Lisbon, Sintra, Obidos and Marvao. Didn't care for Cascais and after really looking forward to it, was disappointed in Evora. But it's all in what you want.

I was in Lisbon several years ago when someone told me about the Algarve. I went there and spend two of the best weeks I have ever spent anywhere.

We found ourselves in the Algarve somewhat by chance 5 years ago. Our family is flung all across the world and this was a sort of central point for a family reunion.I wasn't thrilled by what I had read about it in guide books &quot;the Miami beach of the Brits&quot; etc and was cursing my Dad for picking this locale. <BR><BR>Boy was I wrong! We had a wonderful time exploring all those small towns just off the, admittedly touristy, beach area of Albufiera. <BR><BR>Go see the ancient springs and communal bakeoven in Monchique, the ruins of Roman baths in Estoi, the authentic family piri-piri (BBQ)houses of Goa.See the fishermen attached by nothing to the sides of cliffs trying their luck.<BR><BR><BR>The Moorish architecture is fascinating, the food is fresh and delicious as long as you stay away from places that offer a &quot;real English tea&quot; or menus in 5 languages.<BR><BR>Later, we went to Lisbon and that was great too, but I am glad we gave the Algarve a chance.

I've been researching all afternoon and found a great website - www.discoverportugal2day.com<BR>However, does anyone know how long it would take to drive from Lisbon to the Algarve?

I don't think it took more than 1/2 a day. But it was nerve-wracking. The Portuguese drive very fast, very recklessly (although they would say they take educated risks). I know my husband, who drives happily in Italy 8 months out of every 12, thought it was harrowing to drive in Portugal.

I can't emphasize stongly enough to invest in a good map if you will be driving. I had a Michelin map nearly 5 feet long. While its size posed some problems, it was our very best friend as it was the most accurate. While all the roads were in wonderful condition, &quot;educated risks&quot; is an understatement! Add to that roads so steep and winding that I spent most of it in 2nd gear and you have a good picture. However, any place that can be accessed by a tollway is fast and easy, even if not cheap.

We will probably fly into Lisbon, but I am thinking it might be nicer to stay in Sintra rather than Lisbon?<BR>Does anyone know how far away from the airport that would be?

One more question. I'm unsure from my research about accommodations once we get to the algarve. Hotel Belavista looks nice, but I'm not sure. I definitely don't want the great big resort type.<BR>Thanks for any info.

We were in Alvor, in the Algarve, in october of 2001. Alvor is a very modest little village not far from Portimao, and outside Praia de Rocha(which is a very touristy place). We stayed at the Dom Joao II hotel, and were very pleased with it. Right on the beach, no big &quot;resort&quot;-type places near, quite nice.

We stayed in Sintra at Casa Miradoura and daytripped into Lisbon rather than doing it the other way around. It served us well as we had arranged with Frederic to pick us up at the airport and to take us to Cascais to pick up our rental car. He is most helpful. Part of our decision was based on the fact that we usually prefer smaller towns to larger cities. But that being said, we both liked Lisbon more than we anticipated. Although guide books mention daytrips to Sintra, it is unbelieveably easy to do: train from Rossio runs directly to Sintra (every 15 min. approx. 40 min long), come out of the train station, turn right and the city buses run a tourist route that for a 3.50 ticket (good for a day) runs the route to the National Palace, Pena Palace and the Castelo.<BR><BR>