We are set for the first 3 weeks of May for a trip to Portugal, Lisbon and north into Galicia region of Spain. We have been to Lisbon once for just a couple of days and did get to Sintra. We wanted to focus on north of Lisbon this trip mostly, more coastal areas, with some time in northwestern Spain. We will be driving except first leg will be via train from Lisbon to Porto.
We are wondering if we should change it a little to add more time in Porto, which would probably mean eliminating staying in Douro Valley. Hotels are already booked but we could make some changes if there is still availability. We wanted to avoid having just one night anywhere. We are arriving late morning in Lisbon from California so that will be a slow day. Here is what is currently planned:
Lisbon, 3 nights then train to Porto.
Porto 2 nights. Pick up rental car.
Pinhao, Douro Valley, 2 nights.
Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain, 2 nights.
Santiago de Compostela, 2 nights.
Back to Portugal, Averio, 2 nights.
Obidos, 2 nights.
Evora, 3 nights.
Cascais, 2 nights.
Any thoughts whether we should stay 4 nights in Porto and just do a day trip on Douro River, or worth it to stick with Pinhao plan? Also, do the two places in Galicia make sense for doing day trips in the area and best choices for food and culture in general?
Thank you for any suggestions or other input on any of these destinations.

I would stick with spending the 2 nights in the Alto Douro as planned. The weather is May should cooperate and not be too warm to enjoy some wine tastings.
https://iberiantraveler.wordpress.co...he-alto-douro/
https://travelswithmaribel.wordpress...ine-and-celts/

Porto requires more time, 3 to 4 days at least. Ssve it for another adventure.

Some of favorite towns in northern Portugal-Braga, Coimbra, Amarante, and Viana do Castelo

For those two locations for just 2/3days I would not bother with Galicia on this trip.
Keep to Portugal. thus slow down and see more.

Thank you for the replies, all very helpful. Robert2016, the links are much appreciated and have some great info and beautiful photos. We do hope to have another adventure to this area and will plan a more extended stay in Porto next time then. We are retired so finally have some time.
IMDonehere a couple of those places are on our list for at least a stop and I will look at them in more depth, thank you for the input.
Ribeirasacre, good advice. As we will be close to Spain though I think feel we at least want to go and see a little. Maybe stay 4 nights in one place instead of 2 different ones? This trip is in part to explore where we might like to spend more time the next time so I guess we are trying to cover more. Thank you again.

Obidos rates a couple of hours, not a couple of nights.You can do Braga as a day trip from Porto, but I recommend a couple of nights for Coimbra, at least.

Then take your time now and take your time next vacation. These 2 locations in Galicia will never give you a taste of Galicia.

Perhaps spend more time north of Porto and save northern Spain then for next time ribeirasacra. We are in our late sixties so want to see as much as we can, while we can, always so difficult to narrow it down.
We picked Obidos in part so we would be able to spend a little time on a day trip to some of the surf areas which we are interested in seeing. Thursdaysd, Coimbra looks amazing also so will look at arranging time there and maybe a few surf beach stops on the way south and less time in Obidos if that would work.
Thank you again, your time and input is much appreciated.

Book your Lisbon-Porto train yourselves online at www.cp.pt - Portugeuse Railways get discounted fares if book early enough. Other sources rail info - www.seat61.com; BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com.

We have had A Texan couple visitor many years.They were well into their late 70's. I say were because the husband unfortunately passed away. However, pleased to say his wife visited Northern Spain last September.
So you have loads of live left to see Galicia.

Thanks for the positive outlook ribeirasacra. It is always nice to hear of others who have been able to make the overseas trips at an advanced age and I will just plan on being one of them.
Thank you for the info and links on trains PalenQ. We have not done very much travel in Europe so have a lot to learn about getting around and train travel has a great appeal.
(I am also not experienced on Fodors Travel Forum so apologies if I am not getting it quite right in any way.)

Trains are great but in Portugal they are limited to a few main lines so a car is a great idea there and take train maybe Lisbon-Portugal.

Consider Guimaręs in the Minho region too. One less day in Obidos! Add Coimbra.
We enjoyed staying in Baiona, Galicia at the oceanfront parador there. It was our first stop after Porto, before the Rias Baixas and Santiago de Compostela.

Spend two nights in the Douro. It is spectacular! It was our favorite part of Portugal.

Loved Guimares a lot. And Braga too.

Much appreciate the additional comments and suggestions. We will have just a day stop in Guimares between places, at least something. Glad for another vote to keep the time in the Douro, will do for sure.
I have a friend who stayed in Baiona and recommended it as well, thank you HappyTrvlr. Will also readjust time in Obidos for some in Coimbra, maybe trade some of the Aveiro time? Thank you again.

If you want to visit Galicia, you should forget about Porto and Pinhão. Galícia is a magical place, where the fingers of God rested after building the world (see the map). Pontevedra and Santiago are not enough. Coruña is something out of the world, and you need at least 3 meals in Grove to taste Galician (the best) dishes. Just my opinion, of course.

Thank you HelenaFatima. Your description of Galicia is beautiful and certainly is inspiration to devote more time to going there!