Portugal - Coastal Guidance
 

Hi Fine Fodorians,

I'm really stumped, and have difficulty making decisions so hoping this group can help.

I have about 5 days (4.5 days/4 nights) to explore the coast of Portugal. I will spend 5 days first in Lisbon, with a day trip to Sintra. I will then spend 1 night in Evora exploring a little on day 1 and a little on day 2. Then it's off to the coast.

Likes - hiking, being high up (coastal walks, going to top of things), swimming, surfing, culture, food, and seeing interesting architecture. This phase of trip should lead some relaxation I hope.

I'm struggling between these options:
- OPTION 1
-- Nazare - spend 2 nights (really only 1 full day) - I would love to swim in water a little bit, hike up the hill. Also would love a side trip to Batahla.
-- drive 2 hours south to Sesimbra
-- Sesimbra - spend 2 nights (really only 1 full day) - I would like to do the coastal walk a little south high on the cliffs, maybe swim for an hour, enjoy the town a bit, and hike up to the castle.
-- OPTION 2
-- Just spend 4 nights in one place, if I do, which one?

Towns on my radar are - Nazare, Sesimbra, and Ericeira.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Sound like a dumb idea to break this up into 2 nights at 2 places?

Which is better, Ericiera or Nazare?

Thanks.

Chris

Also would love a side trip to Batahla.> Albaca's almost as famous and imposing monatery is closer but not as awesome as Batahla - but with a car easy to hit them all.

I based in Nazarre for some days visiting such placds - I loved Nazarre, still a real active fishing village with the day's catch lovingly grilled at small fires in the tiny whitewashed lanes - selling grilled fish to tourists and locals.

Know nothing about the other towns you mention staying in but can't top Nazarre IME.

PS - I will be in a rental car.

Hi, Chris,
I agree with PalenQ that Nazare is really nice. You would then have easy day trips to Batalha, Alcobaca, even Obidos. Ericeira is great if you want to paraglide (I think that's what it's called), but the old fishing village part is kind of dwarfed by lots of modern construction.

Sesimbra is pretty, and I've eaten great fish there, the drive along the coastal hills is also nice. Not sure about walking up to thte pousada/castle, you may be stuck walking on the side of the road.

It's your decision whether it's worth the driving -- Sesimrbra is SE of Lisbon and Nazare is north. I would pick one or the other (if you go to Sesimbra, you could continue on south on the coast. Troia peninsula has some nice spots, Santiago do Cacem is nice (love the roman ruins), and there are nice beaches not too far (Vila Nova de Milfontes and south).

Hi folks, thanks for the advice. Helpful to get other opinions. Soooo many options.

I agree, and have decided to not split between Nazare and Sesimbra, but instead I will stay 3 nights in Nazare, chill, explore Batalha and Alcobaha and then stay my final night in Portugal in Obidos in the castle! Probably silly, and ridiculously expensive, but you can't do that in the US, we don't really have castles.

Any specific tips on special things to do in Nazare? I have some clue but wondering if there are hidden gems guide books might not spell out.

Thanks again.

Not much to do in Nazare itself except trek up the hill to the church area and forget what else is up there - hovers high above the town. Nice beach - lively fish cooking in the narrow lanes and sales to the public.

If you go in summer, try the boat from Peniche out to the Isle of Berlanga. Close to Nazare.

Hi

Nazaré - Not a soft ocean for beginner swimmers. Nothing mouch to see, but you have 3 UNESCO heritage sites near: Alcobaça Monastery, Batalha Monastery and Convent of Christ in Tomar (my favourite). Also nice, the Almourol Castle (near Tomar).

Sesimbra - on highseason, almost impossible to park your car, be sure to choose an hotel that provides that. Near the Arrabida Mountains (national park with coast), very good and beautiful beaches (Portinho da Arrábida is a must), wineries. You can go also to Setúbal, where you can jump a boat and see the residential population of dolphins of Sado. Both Sesimbra and Setúbal have great restaurants serving fish.