Spain/Portugal/Gibraltar - 7days in Portugal, which cities shouldn't I miss?

I'm planning to visit Portugal with my girlfriend in February=)

We plan to stay at Porto for 3nights and Lisbon for 3nights. I know that it's easy to take a bus or train from Porto and Lisbon to some other nice cities around. From the online sources, Sintra is highly recommended, is it so? How about some cities or nice beaches around Porto? Or we should only stick ourselves in Porto?
By the way, I read some reviews saying that the Portugal beaches are nice in February, how true is it? Sorry for my ignorance, but coming from Prague where the temperature is around zero in February, beaches don't seem to be a nice idea for 'cooling' ourselves down.

Thanks a lot before-hand.
Regards,
Dolphinyong

I'm planning to visit Portugal with my girlfriend in February=)

We plan to stay at Porto for 3nights and Lisbon for 3nights. I know that it's easy to take a bus or train from Porto and Lisbon to some other nice cities around. From the online sources, Sintra is highly recommended, is it so? How about some cities or nice beaches around Porto? Or we should only stick ourselves in Porto?
By the way, I read some reviews saying that the Portugal beaches are nice in February, how true is it? Sorry for my ignorance, but coming from Prague where the temperature is around zero in February, beaches don't seem to be a nice idea for 'cooling' ourselves down.

Thanks a lot before-hand.
Regards,
Dolphinyong

You don't do anything wrong with Porto or Lisbon. Just make sure that you go to Porto before you go to Lisbon. Sintra is a days trip from Lisbon. Go there by train and consider buying a bus ticket for getting up the "hill". The distance is quite easily underestimated. However, it is not much of a fun in case it rains.

For the beaches, I would expect rather cold water in February. Even in summer, the water does not get that worm.

3 days in each city are easily spent. I would not squeeze anything else in. BTW, don't miss to go to Belem if you are in Lisbon.

You don't do anything wrong with Porto or Lisbon. Just make sure that you go to Porto before you go to Lisbon. Sintra is a days trip from Lisbon. Go there by train and consider buying a bus ticket for getting up the "hill". The distance is quite easily underestimated. However, it is not much of a fun in case it rains.

For the beaches, I would expect rather cold water in February. Even in summer, the water does not get that worm.

3 days in each city are easily spent. I would not squeeze anything else in. BTW, don't miss to go to Belem if you are in Lisbon.

Thanks a lot for your information. Btw,why Porto should be visited before Lisbon?

Well, last February we had a week of +25°C beach weather, but it really varies year to year. Even now, water is not warm... a lukewarm +19°C. It'll be around +15°C ... +17°C in February.
As far as splitting up the trip, personally I think 3 nights in Porto is a bit too much, unless you do day trips to Guimarães and/or Braga.

Porto needs a day for sightseeing, a day for wine tasting and a couple of nights to enjoy the riviera and a seafood dinner in Matosinhos. Porto is more to the north of Lisbon, and it will be colder up there than down here. If you do a day trip to Guimarães (1 hr on a commuter train), you're covered. Personally, I would skip Braga.

As far as Lisbon goes, 2 full days of sightseeing, 1/2-1 day to see Sintra.

You also need some time in Lisbon and Porto to sightsee.

There's also Coimbra in-between the two, which is worth maybe half a day, and there are small towns closer to Lisbon, which are also worth visiting: Óbidos, Nazaré, Alcobaça, Batalha, and a few others. These are best reached by car in a day trip from Lisbon. Just be aware, petrol prices are high and all highways are tolled.

Thanks a lot for your information. Btw,why Porto should be visited before Lisbon?

Both are very scenic. However, Lisbon is by far much more scenic than Porto. If you go to Porto first, then you can enjoy Porto and enjoy an even more scenic city afterwords. However, if you go to Lisbon first, then scenic Porto is some kind of a step backwards ...

Both are very scenic. However, Lisbon is by far much more scenic than Porto. If you go to Porto first, then you can enjoy Porto and enjoy an even more scenic city afterwords. However, if you go to Lisbon first, then scenic Porto is some kind of a step backwards ...

Best advice ever on Flyertalk. Porto has a very nice riverfront. But, after visiting Lisbon, it's "Lisbon-lite".

Thanks a lot,guys:)

Is there any nice beaches near to Porto? In case we have some extra time,that would be the place to hang out.

If you decide to rent a car, stop by Coimbra.
You can stop for lunch or spend more time if you like.

consider also a stop in Fatima; even if you are not Catholic, it is still an amazing place.

Moving to our newish Spain/Portugal/Gibraltar forum, for further input. Please continue to follow the thread over there.

stut
Co-Moderator
Europe Forum

Coming from Cabo da Roca (don't miss it) towards Lisboa, there's a line of amazing beaches. You may want to relax at Guincho. And nearby there are other options.
Water is not suitable for a dip in february (unless you're aussie :D) but the sand and the view will make your day.

If you have enough time, pay a visit also at the Palacio Nacional de Queluz, a quick trip out of central Lisboa.
With the gardens is a breathtaking place.

Portugal is a truly great choice, a place I wonder is not assaulted by hordes of tourists.

Portugal is a truly great choice, a place I wonder is not assaulted by hordes of tourists.

In the past three years that I've been here the numbers have been increasing.

We plan to stay at Porto for 3nights and Lisbon for 3nights. I know that it's easy to take a bus or train from Porto and Lisbon to some other nice cities around. From the online sources, Sintra is highly recommended, is it so? How about some cities or nice beaches around Porto? Or we should only stick ourselves in Porto?
By the way, I read some reviews saying that the Portugal beaches are nice in February, how true is it?


Hi Dolphinyong - and thanks for all your valuable help in the Asia forum. I'm pleased you are getting sensible suggestions regarding Portugal here.

Lisbon is a delightful city, Porto much less so. I assume your entry/exit points are already set, but you might think of allocating your days in Portugal differently. One or possibly two nights in Porto, if you must. A trip up the Douro valley by train would be interesting, and it makes a low-cost diversion from a rather grim city - http://www.linhadodouro.net/ is in Portuguese only, I think, but you are smart enough to find more information on the internet.

The only things I can think to do in Porto is see the river front and visit a Port wine lodge. Don't worry, i'm horribly biased, I have family there.

Lisbon should keep you well occupied for a few days. There are many online resources to help you plan your visit, and which highlight the many attractions of the city.

Sintra's now a dormitory suburb of Lisbon, served well by commuter trains. The old centre and palaces are worth a visit. Otherwise the train out to the seaside resort and Lisbon suburb of Cascais is a budget choice for an excursion to the coast, and you could combine it with a visit to Sintra.

If you fancy a longer day out from the city, perhaps by car, Obidos is a delight, not too far from the coast, and it has a hotel (pousada) in its castle.

Just forget about the beach in February! At least for swimming. It's an Atlantic coast and the water is COLD COLD COLD.

Hi, IAN-UK, thanks a lot for your information=)

As suggested by most of you, I would shorten my plan in Porto while giving ourselves more time in Lisbon=)

We don't plan to swim by the beach actually, just wanna hang out (romatically, perhaps?) at some beautiful beaches. Any recommendation?

By the way, I'm in dilemma whether to choose Lisbon Marriott or AC Lisbon for our stay in Lisbon. I would get more benefits in Lisbon Marriott but the location seems to be a complaint by most travellers. Can some experts give us some advice? Thanks a lot before-hand=)

Regards,

Dolphinyong=)

Hi Dolphinyong - and thanks for all your valuable help in the Asia forum. I'm pleased you are getting sensible suggestions regarding Portugal here.

Lisbon is a delightful city, Porto much less so. I assume your entry/exit points are already set, but you might think of allocating your days in Portugal differently. One or possibly two nights in Porto, if you must. A trip up the Douro valley by train would be interesting, and it makes a low-cost diversion from a rather grim city - http://www.linhadodouro.net/ is in Portuguese only, I think, but you are smart enough to find more information on the internet.

The only things I can think to do in Porto is see the river front and visit a Port wine lodge. Don't worry, i'm horribly biased, I have family there.

Lisbon should keep you well occupied for a few days. There are many online resources to help you plan your visit, and which highlight the many attractions of the city.

Sintra's now a dormitory suburb of Lisbon, served well by commuter trains. The old centre and palaces are worth a visit. Otherwise the train out to the seaside resort and Lisbon suburb of Cascais is a budget choice for an excursion to the coast, and you could combine it with a visit to Sintra.

If you fancy a longer day out from the city, perhaps by car, Obidos is a delight, not too far from the coast, and it has a hotel (pousada) in its castle.

Just forget about the beach in February! At least for swimming. It's an Atlantic coast and the water is COLD COLD COLD.

By the way, I'm in dilemma whether to choose Lisbon Marriott or AC Lisbon for our stay in Lisbon. I would get more benefits in Lisbon Marriott but the location seems to be a complaint by most travellers. Can some experts give us some advice? Thanks a lot before-hand=)

I don't know either of it. The location of the Marriott is not the easiest one. The AC is located better.

The last time I was in Lisbon, I stayed in the Inspiria Santa Marta Hotel (http://www.inspirasantamartahotel.com/en/hotel-overview.html). It is rather good located close to the Av. Liberdade, close to the subway and bus stations, easy to reach from the airport (the first stop after Marques de Pombal) and is very quietly located. Besides, most attractions can be reached on foot.

The AC is in a good location, while the Marriott is a bit far away from everything in a more residential part of town.

The only things I can think to do in Porto is see the river front and visit a Port wine lodge.
I agree. Two nights - tops.

Is there any nice beaches near to Porto? In case we have some extra time,that would be the place to hang out.
In Porto, Matosinhos is a good place to visit to see a sunset and have a nice seafood dinner.

If the weather does not permit sunbathing, I would also add Cascais to your itinerary. A nice walk along the delta in the afternoon hours can be very nice. If you wanted to and you start early in the day, you could take the train out to see the historic center of Sintra, then take a bus to Cabo da Roca, take the next bus (they come every hour) to Cascais, and watch the sunset and have dinner there. You would then take a train back to Lisbon from Cascais. You have to start your Sintra trip quite early.

OP, I hope you don't mind me hijacking this thread, but it seems similar to the information I am looking for.

I have around a week in Portugal close to Christmas time. So far I plan to spend a few days in Lisbon, but wasn't sure where else was worth visiting this time of year. From the information in this thread, it sounds like Porto isn't worth it. Should I consider heading down the coast to Algarve area? I'm interested in seeing some castles, and possibly some hiking if good parks exist.

I will probably head to Morocco either at the end of the trip, or a for a few days in the middle, if that impacts what you recommend. I will still have a total of 6-7 days in Portugal though, as the full trip will be 2 weeks.

I have around a week in Portugal close to Christmas time. So far I plan to spend a few days in Lisbon, but wasn't sure where else was worth visiting this time of year. From the information in this thread, it sounds like Porto isn't worth it. Should I consider heading down the coast to Algarve area? I'm interested in seeing some castles, and possibly some hiking if good parks exist.

Porto is worth it for a day or two, and you can do nice day trips from it to Viana do Castelo or Guimarães. There's a nice national park in Gerês, but expect there to be snow around Christmas time. It will definitely be colder in the north.

As far as Castles, there are some around Lisbon, and it's easier to get to them by car... Évora, Estremoz and the Setúbal peninsula come to mind.

I will probably head to Morocco either at the end of the trip, or a for a few days in the middle, if that impacts what you recommend. I will still have a total of 6-7 days in Portugal though, as the full trip will be 2 weeks.
How are you planning on getting there?

How are you planning on getting there?

Still figuring that out.. I'll probably fly from Lisbon but might take the ferry if it makes geographical sense.

You'd need to get to Algeciras to take the Ferry. That either involves an overnight bus ride to Seville (or a split-up ride to Faro and from Faro to Seville) and a 2-hr bus ride to Algeciras.


Time-wise you'd probably be better off to just use miles to fly LIS-RAK/CMN, but you can also find many Spain-Morocco deals (on Ryanair and other carriers) and LIS-MAD is also quite cheap.

Back in May, I ended up doing LIS-SVQ (Beech 1900), bus to ferry, ferry to Tangier, night train to RAK, day train RAK-CMN and CMN-LIS on TP. Price-wise, flights through Spain are cheaper.

Hi, guys, I have been collecting information and advice from different sources. So, please help me to have a look whether my itenary is ok or not...

10 Feb, : Arrive in Porto at 1345, sightseeing in Porto
11 Feb : 1/2 Day trip to Guimaraes, sightseeing in Porto
12 Feb : Sightseeing in Porto. Take bus from Porto to Lisbon, departing at
1800 and reaching at 2130
13 Feb : Sightseeing in Lisbon
14 Feb : Day trip to Sintra & Coba de Roca (will it be too rush?)
15 Feb : 1/2 Day trip to Cascais (+ Coba de Raca to make it one day?)
16 Feb : Sightseeing in Lisbon, fly out from Lisbon at 1950

Notes : If we follow this itenary, we are staying in Porto for the 1st 2nights and in Lisbon for another 4nights.

Doubt/questions :

1. Guimaraes is better or Braga? Any other nicer city? Or I should just spend
more time in Porto
2. Should I take the bus from Porto to Lisbon on 13 Feb morning instead of
taking it on 12 Feb night?
3. Should I make a day trip of Sintra + Coba de Roca or Cascais + Coba de
Raca? Or I should just spend more time in Lisbon?
4. Any interesting city should replace any of these in my itenary?
5. Anything I can do to make it better?

Thanks a lot, guys...=)

Doubt/questions :

1. Guimaraes is better or Braga? Any other nicer city? Or I should just spend
more time in Porto

Guimarães is more historical than Braga. Braga's best sites are actually outside the city. How are you planning on getting to Guimarães or Braga? If you are relying on public transportation definitely do Guimarães, as the tourist site are concentrate downtown. If self-driven car, then it depends on your interests and the weather.

2. Should I take the bus from Porto to Lisbon on 13 Feb morning instead of taking it on 12 Feb night?

Why take the bus? I find the train more comfortable. Have you considered train? If you want to see the countryside, travel in the morning. If not, take the night. Keep in mind that at that time of year sunset will be about 18:00 and sunrise about 7:30.

3. Should I make a day trip of Sintra + Coba de Roca or Cascais + Coba de Raca? Or I should just spend more time in Lisbon?

That day trip is certainly interesting. Two things: 1. It's spelled Cabo da Roca. 2. Get some flexibility into your schedule and be flexible because of weather. Instead of being tied to Cabo da Roca and Sintra specifically on February 14, you may want to pick a nice sunny day for that and leave a rainy day for museums in Lisbon. You can do Sintra + Cabo da Roca + Cascais all in one day. Dinner in Cascais will be nice, but be mindful that on Valentine's Day the better restaurants may be fully booked.

Guimarães is more historical than Braga. Braga's best sites are actually outside the city. How are you planning on getting to Guimarães or Braga? If you are relying on public transportation definitely do Guimarães, as the tourist site are concentrate downtown. If self-driven car, then it depends on your interests and the weather.

Why take the bus? I find the train more comfortable. Have you considered train? If you want to see the countryside, travel in the morning. If not, take the night. Keep in mind that at that time of year sunset will be about 18:00 and sunrise about 7:30.

That day trip is certainly interesting. Two things: 1. It's spelled Cabo da Roca. 2. Get some flexibility into your schedule and be flexible because of weather. Instead of being tied to Cabo da Roca and Sintra specifically on February 14, you may want to pick a nice sunny day for that and leave a rainy day for museums in Lisbon. You can do Sintra + Cabo da Roca + Cascais all in one day. Dinner in Cascais will be nice, but be mindful that on Valentine's Day the better restaurants may be fully booked.

Thanks a lot for your information. Sorry for the spelling, haha...=)

Is it really fine to do a day visit for Sintra + Cabo da Roca + Cascais? I saw somebody posted similar question on another forum and got really discouraged about it.

We have to rely on public transport, don't feel like driving when we are on vacation...So, are those interesting places at those cities accessible with public transport?

Thanks a lot.

Regards.

Take bus from Porto to Lisbon, departing at
1800 and reaching at 2130




No no no no no! Catch the train - much more comfortable. Trust me on that!

One-way is around EUR30, EUR40 in first (very comfortable).

You could even break your journey in Coimbra.



Lisbon Sintra is train, Lisbon Cascais also - but completely different lines, different stations. Both lines (and stations) very very crowded in the morning rush hours into Lisbon, the evening ones out of the city - so you should be OK :D

Between Sintra and Cascais there are direct buses, and others which call at Cabo da Roca on the way:
http://www.transporlis.sapo.pt/Default.aspx?tabid=193&language=en-GB&codOp=51&lineId=4446&hora=11&min=57&date=24-10-2012&j=0&mobR=0


I'd suggest Sintra first, then Cascais/Estoril so you can enjoy the end of the day by the sea. I love the paved walkway above the beach between Cascais and Estoril (take the train or taxi back to Cascais, or take the train onwards to Lisbon from Estoril). If it's not raining, it's not too late and if you're not worn out from Sintra.....

It will be a long day! You might decide to do Sintra and the Cape one day, Estoril/Cascais another.

You should save time to take the ferry over to Almada (on the other side of the river from Lisbon): it's a short but interesting trip, the view from Almada over to Lisbon makes a terrific backdrop for lunch or coffee. You can go from the ferry dock next to Cais do Sodre rail station (for the Cascais trains).

Lots to do - have fun!

Hi, IAN-UK,

Thanks a lot for your information. By just looking at some pictures of Estoril, I'm so going to visit it, would have miss it if you didn't mention.

Would consider about the train=) But maybe we should take it on the next morning (13 Feb) rather than on 12 Feb night? Will that makes any huge difference? I mean to stay at Porto for 3nights then the next 3nights at Lisbon (or 2nights Porto + 4nights Lisbon is better?)

Thanks a lot, IAN-UK=)

Regards.

No no no no no! Catch the train - much more comfortable. Trust me on that!

One-way is around EUR30, EUR40 in first (very comfortable).

You could even break your journey in Coimbra.



Lisbon Sintra is train, Lisbon Cascais also - but completely different lines, different stations. Both lines (and stations) very very crowded in the morning rush hours into Lisbon, the evening ones out of the city - so you should be OK :D

Between Sintra and Cascais there are direct buses, and others which call at Cabo da Roca on the way:
http://www.transporlis.sapo.pt/Default.aspx?tabid=193&language=en-GB&codOp=51&lineId=4446&hora=11&min=57&date=24-10-2012&j=0&mobR=0


I'd suggest Sintra first, then Cascais/Estoril so you can enjoy the end of the day by the sea. I love the paved walkway above the beach between Cascais and Estoril (take the train or taxi back to Cascais, or take the train onwards to Lisbon from Estoril). If it's not raining, it's not too late and if you're not worn out from Sintra.....

It will be a long day! You might decide to do Sintra and the Cape one day, Estoril/Cascais another.

You should save time to take the ferry over to Almada (on the other side of the river from Lisbon): it's a short but interesting trip, the view from Almada over to Lisbon makes a terrific backdrop for lunch or coffee. You can go from the ferry dock next to Cais do Sodre rail station (for the Cascais trains).

Lots to do - have fun!

Hi guys,

I'm now in Lisbon. Just checked into the Marriott Lisbon. The concierge is promoting the day tour to Sintra, Cascais and Cabo de Roca. He told me that it will be more expensive if we travel on our own. How true is it? The day tour for all the 3cities costs 44euro/person

Thanks a lot.

Regards.

What are they including in the Sintra trip? Here are the options:
http://www.parquesdesintra.pt/

The train ride is <4€ each way. The bus from Sintra to Cabo da Roca and Cabo da Roca and Cascais is also similarly priced (it runs only 1/hr). The tour will probably be 1.5x more as expensive as if you travel on your own. The question here is how much time you have to explore. The three can easily be done in a day without a guided tour for ~ <30€/person (rounding up everything, not including meals).

The train to Sintra is only 2euros each way, but the costs add up, so it is definitely possible the tour is cheaper than doing each site it take you to on your own. The bus which drives around Sintra is 5 euros and each site charges admission ranging from 7 to 12 euros.

On the other hand, I found so much to do in Sintra that we went back a second day, and really enjoyed wondering around the sites and the surrounding forest at our own pace. If you take the tour, you won't have that flexibility.

Unless you like guided tours (and being herded in and out the bus like cattle ;)), just do it yourself - and enjoy the freedom. It's easy enough (using the information provided by others above).

You must, must, must go to Sintra. It is breathtaking. Beautiful castles and just flat out lovely. It's an easy day trip from Lisbon.

We also thought that Obidos was neat, but it's not a "must".

Óbidos is a nice stop if you're driving north, or if you're doing a car day trip from Lisbon. You can then hit (in no particular order): Peniche, Nazaré, Óbidos, Alcobaça, Fátima, Tomar and a bunch of other cute small towns.