We're heading to Lisbon at the end of May/beginning of June for 6 days. I was planning on spending 2 days seeing Lisbon, 1 day visiting Sintra and the remaining three days outside of Lisbon, most likely by car. With such a short time frame, is it best to go east toward Evora or north toward Coimbra? Although Evora looks like an interesting place to visit, I can't really find much else in the same direction except Monsaraz. Are Alcobaca, Batalha, <BR>Obidos or Tomar worth a visit? We're not really beach people, looking more for charming towns, interesting architecture (palaces, churches, etc.), good food. <BR> <BR>Thanks for any advice you may have!

Kristi, I would go north and stay in <BR>Obidos and do Nazare and Batahla from <BR>there. Also, I would stay in Cascais and <BR>take the commuter train into Lisbon. Of <BR>course, do Sintra from there as well as <BR>Cabo de Roca. Evora is OK, but more to see in a short time north.

Thanks Bob. What is in Nazare and Cabo de Roca? My guide book doesn't list either.

Kristi-I agree with Bob, North from Lisbon for sure! Nazare' is just North of Alcobaca, it's on the coast(great flea mkts)I know you said you guys weren't much beach people, trust me beaches there are not like any other here in the States. My husband is the best example, hates the beach but loves Portugal's coast (esp. Algarve). If you ever find yourselves in Portugal again I would recommend Algarve it's like no other! Have a good trip, take lots of pictures!

Tomar is a charming old city with the Castle of the Knights of Templar and an old synagogue. Batalha is a big church. Both are interesting, and not far from Lisbon.

Thanks Dave and Gida! Gida, are the flea markets in Nazare or Alcobaca or generally on the coast? Are they held every day? <BR> <BR>We have decided to head north and are probably trying to see way too much but we'll figure it out as we go along. We are staying one night in Coimbra and two nights in Fatima (it looks like it's close to the highway and sort of in the center of the things we want to see) and will try to see Batalha, Tomar, Coimbra, Alcobaca and Nazare. <BR> <BR>Sintra and Quelez we'll try to see on a daytrip from Lisbon, it sounded like there was a fair amount of theft from cars there, so we'll probably try the train instead.

Hey, Great Choice! Well let's see since you're going North...Must stop in Porto de Mos just east(I think) about 20min the best kept secret in the area. The Caves!(Grutas). Grutas de Mira de Aire are the only ones worth seeing out of the three. It descends 300-400ft I think. Wear your sneakers. Fatima is only another 15 min away so it'll be right there. You could since your staying in Fatima see the caves,batalha and be back in time to sip afternoon cafe'. Whatever you do and wherever you go I promise only this...You will be enchanted and love it, Portugal is truly a beautiful country. Promise me you will take lots of film and take many pictures! Have a great time, I'll be there in a few days myself with my family.

Thanks Gida, I promise we will take lots and lots of pictures and if you have any other tips or suggestions after you get back, I'd love to hear them, leaving at the end of May.