Can anyone tell me what would be the best city to visit in the Algarve in late November? Also, how long is it to drive to the Algarve from Lisbon? <BR> <BR>My husband and I will be heading South from Lisbon and thought we'd spend a night or 2 in the Algarve before heading to Seville and we love to hear any advice. Thanks. <BR>

Suzanne, The point can be augued but I <BR>would opt for Lagos as your best choice. <BR>It is a charming village with tons of <BR>history--do your homework--and it is <BR>close to Cape St. Vincent which is a <BR>must if you plan to be so close. <BR>Praia de Rocha is another good choice. <BR>The rock formations on the beach are <BR>great here and a good place to stay is <BR>the Bellavista--you cannot miss this former private mansion on the crest above the main beach---small but nice. <BR>As for Lisbon in your previous question, <BR>I would always opt to stay out of Lisbon <BR>at Cascais---if you have a car. Also, the Pousada de Infante at Sagres is a <BR>spectacular setting overlooking the <BR>"end of the world" at the Cape if you <BR>want the best natural setting for your <BR>Algarve stay--but somewhat isolated. <BR>

i can recommend Albufeira-nice small city, very old-fashioned but cosy. <BR>You will drive not more than 4 hours from Lisbon

We spent a week at a villa near Ferragudo (next to Praia da Rocha) in mid-May and went to Lagos for a day. It was very charming and pretty, but I can't speak to what it would be like in late November.

If you want a less touristy place than the previous posts try Tavira or <BR>Villa Real.Albufeira and Praia de Rocha <BR>are package tourist traps - in Nov they will be <BR>quiet but there is something depressing about tourist towns out of season... <BR> Tavira & Villa Real don't have beaches, that's why they missed the tourist hordes.(Actually they have - you can get a ferry to the big sandspits <BR>or iliahos which have bars and campsites - this is too difficult for <BR>package tourists so they have left these <BR>charming towns alone) <BR> 2 points to watch- <BR>There is now a bridge from Villa Real <BR>to Spain!You don't need to get the ferry. <BR> There is a 1 hour time difference between Portugal & Spain. <BR> Be careful parking in Seville(a fantastic place!)cars with foreign plates (eg portugese) are liable to be broken into so don't leave any valuables in it.Seriously!!Also, don't miss the Alcazar! <BR>I like your itinery it should work out well.

Thanks for everyone's replies! <BR>

I agree with the suggestion to go to Lagos. I found it very scenic. It is walled and has places of architectural interest. It is very close to Prai da Rocha and reasonably placed to visit most areas west of FAro. I also thought Tavira was very pretty but it is much smaller. I think that, for a late fall visit, a small city like Lagos would be best, still lively and active.