Ideas for quickie trip to Portugal?
 

My husband and I just found out that we're going to Portugal in two weeks for three full days only (arriving Sept 30 and leaving Oct. 3). It's our first trip there and given that I'm half Portuguese, I'm eager to see as much as I can. We had tentatively thought of splitting our time in Lisbon, Porto, and somewhere south (maybe Faro) but fear this may be overly ambitious. Also not sure if we should try to see Madeira instead? We're very interested in lovely natural sights (especially beaches/coastal), churches/castles, love Port wine too. Seafaring and exploration history of Portugal also of interest. Any suggestions for itineraries, hotels,transportation (e.g., is driving a hair-raising experience?) and anything else would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!!

Hi curtandlori,
We have a week in the algarve in October and I have just started digging around, having never been there before. Anyway I came across this website which seems to be a good starting point for research.
http://www.portugal-info.net/index.htm

If you should find anything special in your search, please post it here.
It will be of great use to me too.
Thanks
Good Luck

Muck

You only have 3 days! Skip Faro and Madeira. My advice is stick in the Lisbon area. Tour Lisbon, Sintra and the coast. If you still have time, you can head up to Obidos or over to Evora. Use the time to figure out if you want to come back.

Faro is lousy, although the coastline of the Algarve is beautiful. If you must head south, go for Lagos.

Madeira is fabulous but a 2-3 hour plane trip (I think?). Save it for a time when you can enjoy it properly.

I agree with SloJan: There's enough stuff in and around Lisbon (incl. Sintra, Cascais & Estoril) for a weekend. Just Belem will take up most of a day.

I agree with everybody who said "stick to the Lisbon area". There's plenty to do just visiting Lisbon, Sintra, Setubal, and the Estoril coast.
Here's the URL of my web page which describes our recent trip to portugal. Hope it helps you!
http://www.travel.stv77.com/portugal/pt.htm

For only 3 full days: Lisbon of course if your flightdestination is LIS. Stay at Almirante Hotel or Travel Park Hotel for just € 280 :good value. Destination Porto : excellent offer for € 283 in Meridien Park Atlantic Hotel for 3 nights 2 pax. Hotel bookings: via www.ryanair.com. We love Lisbon: lunch at Nicola's or Versailles,stroll with the streetcars, taxis and metros. Shop at Colombo Mall and El Corte Ingles. Go on sunday to Calouste Gulbenkian Museum for lunch: free entree.

Thanks to everyone for your very helpful replies! I will keep checking every day since we don't have much time to plan, and am definitely taking your advice to heart.

For Muck: you may have this already but the site you recommended had a forum post recommending this site: http://www.simplylagos.com . I've just started reviewing it but thought it may be useful to you since you'll be in the Algarve. Thanks again!

Thanks curtandlori, Lagos looks truly fabulous, I will definately pay it a few visits.

Muck

My husband and I will be going to Lisbon/Sintra at the end of November. Does anyone know what is the weather like at that time of the year? Thanks!