What to do in Spain and Portugal?
Oct 19th, 2006, 09:34 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What to do in Spain and Portugal?
Hi,
My husband and I and another couple just got back from Italy (spent 3 weeks there). Drove from North to South. We have been there before and know how to get around and what we want to see.
We want to plan another trip, this time to Spain and Portugal. We haven't even started to plan this trip yet, but we would probably fly into Lisbon and stay in Portugal for a week and take some side trips. Is Fatima worth the trip. Most likely we would then take the train to Madrid.
We don't know anything about Spain and would like to either go to northern Spain - starting from Madrid to Barcelona, San Sebastian area (maybe do Provence) or do we travel south from Madrid and visit Seville Granada and Cordoba.
Can anyone give us some suggestions on where to go and how long to stay in each place? Side trips to take from major cities? What's the best time of year to travel there? We are all history buffs and love traveling to England and Italy, but we don't know much about Spain and Portugal.
I guess what I'm asking for is information to get us started.
Thanks much, Linda
My husband and I and another couple just got back from Italy (spent 3 weeks there). Drove from North to South. We have been there before and know how to get around and what we want to see.
We want to plan another trip, this time to Spain and Portugal. We haven't even started to plan this trip yet, but we would probably fly into Lisbon and stay in Portugal for a week and take some side trips. Is Fatima worth the trip. Most likely we would then take the train to Madrid.
We don't know anything about Spain and would like to either go to northern Spain - starting from Madrid to Barcelona, San Sebastian area (maybe do Provence) or do we travel south from Madrid and visit Seville Granada and Cordoba.
Can anyone give us some suggestions on where to go and how long to stay in each place? Side trips to take from major cities? What's the best time of year to travel there? We are all history buffs and love traveling to England and Italy, but we don't know much about Spain and Portugal.
I guess what I'm asking for is information to get us started.
Thanks much, Linda
Oct 19th, 2006, 09:52 AM
#3
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So you are history buffs and don't know anything about Spain or Portugal ? hhhmmmmm 
First of all..you can't visit Spain and Portugal unless you go rushing everywhere Second...Northern Spain and Provence are not near. The French Basque Country is Best time of the year...spring and fall. Summer is too hot in the south , Winter is cold in the North (maybe you like skiing at the Pyrinees ?). I think you'll better read a couple of guides and make yourselves an idea. If you like history and art there's too much to choose, just as an example near Madrid : Toledo, Segovia, Avila, Salamanca, El Escorial, Aranjuez, La Granja ....
Anyway, even rushing, no less than a month for both Portugal and Spain and then you will only scratch the surface.
First of all..you can't visit Spain and Portugal unless you go rushing everywhere
Second...Northern Spain and Provence are not near. The French Basque Country is Best time of the year...spring and fall. Summer is too hot in the south , Winter is cold in the North (maybe you like skiing at the Pyrinees ?). I think you'll better read a couple of guides and make yourselves an idea. If you like history and art there's too much to choose, just as an example near Madrid : Toledo, Segovia, Avila, Salamanca, El Escorial, Aranjuez, La Granja .... Anyway, even rushing, no less than a month for both Portugal and Spain and then you will only scratch the surface.
Oct 19th, 2006, 05:29 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have spent a total of 4 weeks in Portugal and 8 weeks in Spain and still have another 2 week trip planned for 2008. You really must think regionally. You can only make a dent in that time and the time of year will be critical.
Oct 19th, 2006, 07:30 PM
#6
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Too rich in history and in diversity to sum up here in a few lines except for listing the usual names that you already have mentioned. Suggest you read a good book or two about Spain and its history and such, there's an awful lot there worth knowing.
Oct 24th, 2006, 03:06 AM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Much depends on time of year and exact dates for your visit, and how you will be getting around.
"Is Fatima worth the trip?" Is that a loaded question?? If it's around the 13th of June (anniversary of the first of the Marian apparitions) I would say: yes.
Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain), where the Apostle James (Iago) is said to be interred is more festive around 25 July (Santiago) and those festivities extend at least as far east as Santander (Cantabria, Spain).
If you're visiting Portugal and Spain, I wouldn't try to include Provence. Depending on your religious fervor and devotion, you could try to include Lourdes (France) in your itinerary.
"Is Fatima worth the trip?" Is that a loaded question?? If it's around the 13th of June (anniversary of the first of the Marian apparitions) I would say: yes.
Santiago de Compostela (Galicia, Spain), where the Apostle James (Iago) is said to be interred is more festive around 25 July (Santiago) and those festivities extend at least as far east as Santander (Cantabria, Spain).
If you're visiting Portugal and Spain, I wouldn't try to include Provence. Depending on your religious fervor and devotion, you could try to include Lourdes (France) in your itinerary.
Oct 24th, 2006, 04:39 AM
#8
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Forget the poor Michelin guide. Buy the Lonely Planet guide which is absolutely packed full of information. Also buy good road maps as signposting can leave something to be desired.
Watch out for speed traps on Portugal roads. Traffic in Spain is like rRush hour all the time, whether on motorways (some of which are tolled) or in cities where cars are parked everywhere. Take out CDW. It is expensive but after a few days on the road, you'll be glad you did.
If you start off at Lisbon, don't miss nearby Sintra. Porto is OK too but perhaps on the way back from NW Spain? Driving along northern Spain, it is easy to cross the border into France.
Best time of year to travel is June, when the kids, etc aren't on holiday and it isn't too hot (Seville reached 53.C in August a few years ago.) The road between Granada and Cordoba is single lane each way and packed with slow traffic.
There is cheap accommodation in Spain and Portugal but it really needs to be booked over the internet. The Lonely planet guides though are also good sources for bargains.
Is Fatima worth visiting? No, but a lot of people do go there, the same as tourist trap, Lourdes.
Watch out for speed traps on Portugal roads. Traffic in Spain is like rRush hour all the time, whether on motorways (some of which are tolled) or in cities where cars are parked everywhere. Take out CDW. It is expensive but after a few days on the road, you'll be glad you did.
If you start off at Lisbon, don't miss nearby Sintra. Porto is OK too but perhaps on the way back from NW Spain? Driving along northern Spain, it is easy to cross the border into France.
Best time of year to travel is June, when the kids, etc aren't on holiday and it isn't too hot (Seville reached 53.C in August a few years ago.) The road between Granada and Cordoba is single lane each way and packed with slow traffic.
There is cheap accommodation in Spain and Portugal but it really needs to be booked over the internet. The Lonely planet guides though are also good sources for bargains.
Is Fatima worth visiting? No, but a lot of people do go there, the same as tourist trap, Lourdes.
Oct 24th, 2006, 07:04 AM
#9
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 23,014
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As long as your Visa card offers CDW if you decline any insurance from the rental agency, you do not need to buy extra insurance. We declined all insurance, damaged the car and received full reimbursement from Visa.
Oct 24th, 2006, 07:08 AM
#10
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,874
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I were you, I'd buy the DK Eyewitness Guides to Spain and Portugal. The have lots of pictures and describe not only the major "tourist" destinatations, but lots of other places as well (like national parks, etc.) Of course,the DK guides make me want to visit EVERYWHERE...but if you spend a month or so looking through the books, you will get a good idea of what there is to do. Also, each book devotes quite a few places to the history and architecture of the place, which is good basic background to have.
Oct 24th, 2006, 08:05 AM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,067
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Last March I spent 4 days in Barcelona, last July I spent 12 days in Portugal, I have a 10 day trip planned for March 07 to Andalucia, and another 8-10 day trip tentatively planned for July 07 for Madrid and surrounds. At that point I will have spent about five weeks in Spain and Portugal and I figure I'll have seen just over half what I want to. Once you start planning you'll see there is ALOT there.
Nov 8th, 2006, 06:57 AM
#13
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My wife & I are recently back from 2 weeks in Portugal & Spain, most of the time in Portugal. We enjoyed all that we did. We arrived in & departed from Lisbon. We never made it to Sintra or Cascais. We strolled the streets downtown, St. George's castle, had a lovely evening out with the Lisbon Dinner Club founder & spouse & 2 other Fodorites in a Fado club. Then, we went to Tomar, about an hour or so north of Lisbon. It is a wonderfu, charming town. It was one of the principal headquarters of the Knights Templar. There remains a great, romantic castle/convent/complex where one can roam for hours. There are 2 charming places to stay there and a quaint village that is fun to explore. We then spent almost a week in the Algarve. We exchanged an RCI time share to stay in Monte Gorda, near San Antonio Real. Our condo unit was on the 13th floor overlooking the ocean. In October, we had showers but also one very lovely day on the beach. We mostly toured villages in the Algarve, starting at the far wester tip, Sagres, then Silves (don't miss it, less well known than some places, slightly inland), Loule, Oaho, and Tavira as well the Castle Marim right outstide San Antonio. Then we drove to Granada, through Seville. The roads were great! Driving into Seville is not bad if you have done your homework in advance and know your destination. (Rick Steves gives good advice: use security-patrolled underground parking facilities.) We only had time to see the Cathedral in Seville and to enjoy a very nice lunch. Then we drove onto Granada, to see the Alhambra and the Royal Chapel & Cathedral there. The Alhambra is not to be missed. We stayed in the old Moor village at its foot, in a wonderful, restored 15th C. house, Casa Morisco. We had our own balcony, where we could look up to the illuminated Alhambra. Driving into Granada is challenging, particularly in the oldest part of the city. Be patient and be prepared to hail a cab so you can follow it to your destination. Our drive back to Lisbon was on a routed picked by Michelin, through some of the most scenic landscapes that I have ever seen. Have fun. I would love to go back and see more! In Portugal, I would like to go to Porto, Evora, and Sintra and environs. P.S. If you enjoy seafood and wine and olives, you will love the food! Enjoy, Enjoy!
Nov 8th, 2006, 07:12 AM
#14
Hi, Linda, Beachman's trip sounds great - will save it for myself, with the exception of granada which we visited last Nov, and is a definite must see on your trip.
April/May would be the best time, IMO [long evenings, warm enough but not stifling] especially if you go for Portugal and andalucia. If you decide on the north, June might be better - it's not call the costa verde for nothing.
I suspect you could do an open jaw into Lisbon and out of Malaga, though Beachmans's return route sounds tempting.
Regarding books, i suggest Jan Morris's Spain, and Michener's Iberia - neither are guide books, but they may give you an idea of what you want to see.
good luck!
April/May would be the best time, IMO [long evenings, warm enough but not stifling] especially if you go for Portugal and andalucia. If you decide on the north, June might be better - it's not call the costa verde for nothing.
I suspect you could do an open jaw into Lisbon and out of Malaga, though Beachmans's return route sounds tempting.
Regarding books, i suggest Jan Morris's Spain, and Michener's Iberia - neither are guide books, but they may give you an idea of what you want to see.
good luck!
Nov 8th, 2006, 07:57 AM
#15
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can't speak about Portugal, but I'm VERY familiar with Spain as I used to live there. Honestly, the whole country is beautiful and very easy to drive. Recommending regions really depends on your interests.
Madrid for two nights is a must - be sure to hit Retiro (Spain's Central Park), El Museo del Prado, Museo del Reina Sofia (lots of Dali and Picasso here).
Barcelona for no less than two nights is also highly recommended - great food, decent beaches, amazing architecture, so much to do.
If you're into wine - don't Miss Rioja
If you're into history - hit Toledo for the day on your way out of Madrid
If you're into the beach but don't want to stay at a beachtown - go to Valencia (amazing paella)
I've heard good things about Marbella - my understanding is that its primarily resorts though.
This new site that I've been obsessed with recently might give you greater insight into some of the things that Spain has to offer - http://www.travelistic.com/place/show/5047
Might provide you with some inspiration.
Madrid for two nights is a must - be sure to hit Retiro (Spain's Central Park), El Museo del Prado, Museo del Reina Sofia (lots of Dali and Picasso here).
Barcelona for no less than two nights is also highly recommended - great food, decent beaches, amazing architecture, so much to do.
If you're into wine - don't Miss Rioja
If you're into history - hit Toledo for the day on your way out of Madrid
If you're into the beach but don't want to stay at a beachtown - go to Valencia (amazing paella)
I've heard good things about Marbella - my understanding is that its primarily resorts though.
This new site that I've been obsessed with recently might give you greater insight into some of the things that Spain has to offer - http://www.travelistic.com/place/show/5047
Might provide you with some inspiration.
Nov 8th, 2006, 08:19 AM
#16
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,567
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This post ought to be titled: "We are going to Spain and Portugal; tell me why".....
You are asking for folks here to pretty much plan you a vacation without much to go on; ages? likes? dislikes? budget? car? time of the year? travel restrictions?
Suggestions? One week Portugal, one week Spain; three homes bases max.
You are asking for folks here to pretty much plan you a vacation without much to go on; ages? likes? dislikes? budget? car? time of the year? travel restrictions?
Suggestions? One week Portugal, one week Spain; three homes bases max.
