Hi. My husband and I fly to Lisbon mid August. We are currently spending four nights in the city. Then we go to sintra for two nights and Cascais for two nights so we could take our time there and relax.

sounds good. However, then we go to the algarve, Lagos and tavira. I love the beach and quaint towns and chilling but I fear this is too much of the resort life. Any thoughts?

Welcome to the Fodors Forums. We removed the Trip Report flag and tagged your thread for Portugal.

Thank you! First time poster

If you have a car you could use Lagos as a base to explore the interior of the Algarve. That's what we did.

We don’t have a car but thanks for the idea!

I'm not sure how any of us can answer that question for you. If you're concerned, you might plan more time in Lisbon (or another city). You can always lay back if that's what you want.

If you are interested in historical sites I would recommend these in Lagos

​​​​​​Forte da Ponta da Bandeira: A 17th-century fort that offers great views of the coastline and has a small museum inside.
Igreja de Santo António: This church is famous for its richly decorated interior with gilded woodwork and beautiful azulejos (ceramic tiles).
Museu Municipal Dr. José Formosinho: Located next to the Igreja de Santo António, this museum covers local history, archaeology, and religious art.

Although it could be a tad hot in August!

Also consider a boat tour around Benagil cave or a spot of dolphin watching.

put it this way, and I know this is weird as I don’t know you, but would you enjoy this. Or would someone you know who enjoys the beach and relaxing enjoy this? Or is it too much even for the resort lover?

Thank you! These are great sites. Definitely doing a boat ride or dolphin watching. Would you suggest setting this up now or is it something we can do once we arrive?

[QUOTE=9198064702;17578640]Thank you! These are great sites. Definitely doing a boat ride or dolphin watching. Would you suggest setting this up now or is it something we can do once we arrive?

[/QUOTE
You can combine a trip to the beautiful quaint town of Faro with dolphin watching]. It would be a shame to be in the Algarve and skip Faro.

Such a shame that you didn't include Porto and the Douro Valley in your trip.

I can only lay around for about an hour. So, no, I would not enjoy this.

But for people that do enjoy a resort style vacation, the movement you are doing would be too much for ​​​​them. Or not. Not sure.

But for you? Only people that can answer is you.

You know yourselves best. And if you want to move more, then do so. If you don't, keep your plans as they are.

You only have to do as much as you want. Or don't want.

This is your vacation, not ours or anyone elses.

You could do it when you arrive, but bear in mind it will probably be very busy in August. I would personally book in advance, I have the info below to the dolphin watching and the cave tour.

Dolphin watching

Benagil caves

I agree, the Douro Valley is a must visit!

We just came back from Lisbon last week over 5 days. Things to do: Historical Tram 28 ride, Lisbon Castle, Belem, Pena Palace and Moorish Castle trekking. Solar Dos Restaurant and Ramiro have great seafood. Can also try the peri peri chicken near Restorante area. Upmarket Caido is great for food and drink as well. And don't forget the egg tarts and Ginja Cherry wine. Enjoy yr trip.

Sounds great, thanks

We don’t drink so are skipping the wineries