portugal feiras nova, and choosing between minho and algarve
 

Planning to be in Portugal for two weeks at the end of September. Right now the itinerary looks like ponte de lima during feiras novas(2 days), bucao(1 day), Marvao (2 days), evora (2 days), sintra (2 days) lisbon (3 days.) Wondering if we should do the algarve or the minho. Haven't been able to find any detailed info re: feiras novas--is it worth planning around and what should we expect for events?...couldn't find an event schedule after many googles, any ideas? The other cities and towns were chosen as bases for exploring nearby sights, towns and doing lots of walks and hikes. Natural beauty of landscapes is a traveling prioity. Charm of towns is also valued. Could really use some help. Don't know anyone who has been to Portugal and need to at least make the first committment to fly into Lisbon (if we're doing Algarve)or Opporto (if we're doing Minho.) Thanks

One small suggestion that I would make. It is something that we did not do on our recent trip to Portugal.
I would fly into Porto and out of Lisbon if it is at all possible. That way you do not have to retrace your travel. Or you could do the opposite.
We did not do the Algarve.
Try doing a search on this Forum using Lisbon in the search and Portugal ans the country.
There have been several reports on this lovely country lately.

I like what you are doing. And, Ponte de Lima is the Minho to me. I would just add more time in that region and try to include Viano do Castello .

We spent a week in the Algarve over New Year's about 2 years ago. You state an interest in "charm of towns," and I would not really label the places we saw "charming." We spent our week touring town from Sagres to Faro. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip, but the highlights were the natural beauties and not the towns. I'm glad we went, but I've heard much greater raves about heading north from Lisbon and that is where I would go for our next trip.

Sher,
Thank you for the airport advice.

Phyllis

bobthenavigator,

Your messaage helped me feel more confident about the itinerary. Any favorite place to stay in Ponte de Lima. Many Fodor-Talkers seem to like Pousada Santa Luiza in Viana do Costelo. Is that area and posada so special that we should try and stay there-Ponte de Lima seems better located for Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres. Are you familiar with the wine festival? I'm wondering if it might be chaotic staying right in Ponte de Lima or whether it will be festive and fun. Do you have favorite hikes, walks, towns and should we take the day from Bucao or one from Marvao to spend more time in the Minho? Thank you. Phyllis

beanweb24

Thanks for responding. I'm also thinking we should stay with the Minho.

We stayed in a very special manor house about 4 miles for Ponte de Lima. It is named Paco de Calheiros and is quite unique. You can find it with a search--perhaps at a site called Turimos Habitacion[sp] But, the Pousada at Viano is also special---tough choice. Try to hit the Thursday market at Barcelos---a real cultural expereience. You will love Marvao as well. Have you seen my Portugal photo gallery at www.worldisround.com?

Berny, here is the gallery. The " Minho" shot is the manor house just after a storm. Good luck !

Opps !
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/108338/index.html

In Ponte de lima, paca de calheiros is full. I would really appreciate another suggestion for a nice place to stay. Ponte de lima seems best located for exploring the national park, the coast and the towns. Am a bit concerned, but don't know if I need be, about staying right in town during the wine festival--just don't know if crowds, noise traffic and so on would be a problem. Should I visit after the festival? Still hoping to speak with someone who has been to the festival. Thank you all again.

Sorry, cannot help with that.