Yikes, more voting... North or South from Lisbon?
 

I know 'voting' of any kind is the last thing anyone wants to do - but would truly value any opinions on which itinerary/route is preferable. Driving South (Algarve area) or North from Lisbon for a ten day trip in December. <BR> <BR>thanks...

Hello Suzyq, Given only 10 days, here is <BR>your best itinerary: <BR>Lisbon area-Sintra,Cabo de Roca,Cascais <BR> <BR>Obidos-Nazare, Batahla <BR> <BR>Marvao-Castelo de Vide, Estremoz <BR> <BR>Evora <BR> <BR>Lagos-Sagres et al <BR> <BR>Palmela-last nite <BR> <BR>You do not have time for north and south. This is a good balance to see and <BR>enjoy Portugal. Good luck !

<BR>I would choose the way south. But more for the Alentejo region than for the Algarve.

Roger that. The Alentejo is gorgeous, and probably offers a better shot at OK weather in December. So south by east is my vote. Want a recount? South by east. Another one?

I´ve travelled a lot around Portugal almost every part of the year and I might tell you that it is not a good time to capture the beauty of the Algarve Coast. Beaches are not clean and the towns are too much sleepy to enjoy them. But on the other side, The Alentejo gets wonderful. Spend at least one night in Evora and visit one of those small lost white villages like Marvao or Monsaraz. Estremoz, Portalegre, Castelo de Vide, Arraiolos, Vila Vicosa, Elvas could be also a stop. <BR> <BR>Three other regions are really interesting and might make a very good trip all them: <BR> <BR>The Serra da Estrela, Viseu and Guarda <BR>It is probably snowy and has wonderful landscapes ( Zezere valley ). Those two old cities have kept lots of old charm. <BR>Stay at Guarda or Viseu <BR> <BR>The region that includes: <BR> <BR>Batalha,Alcobaca,Tomar,Nazare and Obidos <BR>Stay at Obidos ( you will know why ). <BR> <BR>Returning to Lisbon it could be interesting to visit Sintra, Mafra, The Cabo de Roca, The Guincho Beach ( so wild ), Cascais and Estoril <BR> <BR>If your budget could reach I would recommend you to stay at Pousadas de Portugal ( as Paradores in Spain, beautiful places, good service and food ). Maybe they have a site on the web. <BR> <BR>Have a nice trip!