My boyfriend and I are looking for a romantic get away in October. Portugal really interested us, but we know very little about it. We were hoping to stay in a resort near the coast where we could take advantage of the beach, but also have access to some of the towns for a taste of the culture. Is this possible in Portugal? Any suggestions on the culture, sites, activities would be great!

Well, that is possible, and not only in the south, The Algarve.
When you want to enjoy the culture of this beautiful country you have to go to the Lisbon Area. Just a litel north of Lisbon you have Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré, Peniche, Santarem, Óbidos etc etc.
And ofcouse beatifull beaches.
Last year in october the temperature was allright, about 25 degrees. There will be a little difference with the south.

Take a look at www.casa-conchas.nl for information, and maybee we will see you there.

Anyway, have a good time in this beautifull country.

Regards

Ruud

We loved Portugal!

We enjoyed Cascais - we stayed at the Casal Antigo which is a small B&B in the hills overlooking Guincho, a surfing beach. Cascais is convenient for visits to Lisbon, Sintra, etc.

Portugal is a beautiful country - enjoy your trip!

Purchase: :The Rough Guide To Portugal"

It is a good basic guide book on Portugal with quite a bit of informaiton on ALL of Portugal and not just little bits like some guide books.

I must also add that we stayed on the Costa de Prata area where Rudd is planning to stay. It was not at the same residence, but on the coast. I mean it was right on the coast and we loved the area.

A car would be good if you plan to tour the surrounding cities.

Good luck.

The ALgarve is too built up to be very romantic. The water will probably be too cold to swim anywhere in Oct so I would hit the other northern beaches for the view. Evora is worhtwhile but out of the way. Sintra is a must possibly for two days. Remember that many museums etc are closed on mondays.

Romantic places: Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, Obidos, Coimbra..if you want to stay around the coast in central portugal a beautiful place is Figueira Da Foz, my hometown I can provide suggestions.

Sher and all; just a note about Rudd. He is not planning to stay there, he apparently owns it.

Namaka. If it was so great a place people who stay there would write a review and he wouldn't have to depend on blowing his own horn.
Even if it might be a nice place, advertising isn't allowed.
Thanks.