West Coast of Portugal - Planning Help
 

Hello. I am again planning a trip to Portugal (had to cancel last year’s due to illness). I am looking for help on locations to stay and tour recommendations. We fly into Lisbon mid September and then out of Porto end of September. We will not have a car. We are a couple in our mid 70s and in pretty good health (right now!) We will stay in the Sintra area for 6 nights then travel by train (?) up to Porto for another 6 nights. I have these questions below and would greatly appreciate your help!

1. Best way to get to Sintra area from Lisbon airport – Uber?
2. Looking for suggestions on where to stay to visit Sintra and the surrounding area. I have read how busy and touristy Sintra is, so am looking for suggestions of where to stay that would allow us to walk to restaurants, and take an uber to get to the sites we would like to see in Sintra. Would the town of Colares be a good spot? Would somewhere on the coast be too far to visit Sintra? We prefer to stay in apartment rentals vs hotels.
3. In Porto would love opinions on staying in Vila Nova de Gaia vs the Ribeira area?
4. Does anyone have some great tours to suggest? We like wine, hiking, boat cruises and historical sites (will go to at least 3 in Sintra)
Thank you!

Re: getting from Lisbon's airport to Sintra -- easy by public transportation:
https://www.seat61.com/international...rom-Lisbon.htm

Check out Chapters Seven - Nine of 2022 Portugal Trip Report below...we spent those three nights in Sintra. Lots of ideas and photos for you. Best place to stay (by many on this board and us) Chalet Saudade - Vintage Guest House.

Here's the report:

https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/portugal-2022/

Many Fodors folks recommend Chalet Saudade (www.chaletsaudade.pt/en) in Sintra, and I absolutely loved it. So charming, with gorgeous gardens and walkable to everywhere. I also loved the restaurant across the street, Incomum.

Thank you. I have checked this out and we will go back to Lisbon from the Sintra area and ta
ke the take to Porto. Thank you

Great trip report. Thank you. I have noted several items for our trip. Appreciate it. I am in the process of contacting your tour guide - she sounds special!

Ericeira.

Tom, it's been some years since been in touch with you -- think we were discussing Pasadena CA restaurants or champagne bar. ANYWAY, headed to Europe in mid September, and ending w 3-5 nights in Lisbon (we will visit Porto on the way south sailing from Southamption). We have booked the Avenida Palace in Lisbon. Is that the same as the Altis Avenida in which you stayed? Palace is a 5-star. What did you think of the Altis? Is it also close to the river? Of course I am pouring thru your trip report and promise not to miss the chocolate cups of Ginjinha! Thanks much, and Bon Voyage.

Thanks, Tom. Loving the trip report and taking notes of course, esp for those little chocolate cups