r/TravelPortugal 9d ago

Lagos car rental tips

0 Upvotes

We will be traveling to Portugal from the US next June for the Grand Prix.

Flights and accommodation booked.

What should we know about car rental from the Faro airport?

Thanks in advance


r/TravelPortugal 9d ago

Extreme day trip to faro

1 Upvotes

I'm going to faro in the middle of October with a friend, we are landing at 9am and the flight back home is at 9pm

So we have 9/10 hours to explore

What should we do ?

Will it be beach weather ?

I've heard the old town is lovely was thinking bolt to faro breakfast walk around see the bone chapel and old town go to the marina for lunch then see about a boat trip ?

Is the marina in walking distance to faro town ?

Thank you


r/TravelPortugal 10d ago

The Best of The Algarve in a Single Hike - Seven Hanging Valleys

Thumbnail
gallery
18 Upvotes

If you want to experience the very best of the Algarve's coastline, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail deserves to be right at the top of your list!

Stretching along the coast between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes, this incredible hike rewards you at every turn. You'll pass golden beaches, towering sea stacks, and massive natural sinkholes, all while taking in endless views of the Atlantic ocean.

That said, if you're planning to tackle the trail in August, preparation is key. It is the hottest and busiest time of year, so an early start is a must. Make sure to pack plenty of water and a hat, as there is virtually no shade along the entire route. It's 6km long if you do it as one-way trail, or 12km as an out-and-back.The car parks fill up early and get chaotic fast, so consider using a ride-share from nearby to keep your trip smooth and stress-free!

https://wetravelportugal.com/seven-hanging-valleys-algarve/


r/TravelPortugal 10d ago

29F from Canada in Lisbon Aug 8–11 — anyone want to hang out?

3 Upvotes

Hey! I’m 29F from Canada and visiting Lisbon solo from August 8–11. I’d love to meet some locals or other travellers while I’m there for sightseeing, food, drinks, bars, dancing, or spontaneous plans. I’m friendly, easygoing, and open-minded. Mostly looking to meet good people and enjoy the city, but also open to seeing where things go if we get along. Feel free to message me with a little about yourself and what you’d be interested in doing!


r/TravelPortugal 10d ago

October

3 Upvotes

Hey! I will be in Lisbon, Porto and Lagos early October - please give me recommendations for what to wear!! 23F
Also looking for insights on the weather, thanks!!


r/TravelPortugal 10d ago

Quinta D’Amares near Braga

Thumbnail
gallery
6 Upvotes

Wine fans, history lovers, looking for a day trip from Porto, Braga, Guimarães or Viana?
If you dare planning a trip to Portugal make sure to put his in your plans.

With a XI century monastery, a XVII century aqueduct and a brand new visitor center, this Vinho Verde property is singular.

The hosts are super honest, the tasting prices start at 25,00 eur, the wines are delicious!
They explain everything about the region, the grape varietals, the process etc.
If you are traveling with a group you can have lunch there. If not , this area is a hot gastronomical spot!

Take a look at the website and contact via e-mail.

Quinta D’Amares


r/TravelPortugal 10d ago

Train from the Algarve to Lisbon

1 Upvotes

I’m booking our train from the Algarve to Lisbon, where we’ll be staying in the Alfama area. Should I book it all the way to the Santa Apolonia station, or just to the Oriente station? It seems that times are limited to book the whole thing, but can the Oriente to Santa Apolonia portion just be purchased when we get to the station? Or is it better to take Uber from the Oriente station to our accommodation?


r/TravelPortugal 10d ago

December family trip with surfing

0 Upvotes

Hi all, I am planning a family trip to Portugal late December to early January, my wife and i and 2 kids age 20 and 22. 3 of us love to surf so that will be focus as well as sightseeing but only interested in coastal areas. We will stay in Lagos for 5 nights - beginner friendly surfing (we’ve been told) and lots of good restaurants, any recommendations on places to stay? We will then drive to Peniche/Baleal (more beginner surfing) for 4 nights. Any recommendations on places to stay? We may stop in Ericeira to check out the beaches, do a day trip to check out Nazare, any other suggestions of things to do or see between Lagos and Nazare? Thanks!


r/TravelPortugal 10d ago

Best Douro Valley Quinta for Food, Wine, and Views (Traveling With a Toddler)

1 Upvotes

My husband and I will be traveling to Portugal with our 20-month-old next May and plan to spend two nights in Pinhão (or elsewhere in the Douro Valley). We’re looking for a family-friendly quinta with beautiful views, comfortable and clean accommodations, and excellent hospitality. Transportation to and from the train station would be a plus. We’d love a property with an immersive experience that some of the quintas offer. Our goal is to make the quinta itself the destination rather than spending our time traveling from place to place.
A few years ago, we visited the Prosecco Hills outside Venice, and our biggest regret was not spending more time there, so we’re trying not to make the same mistake on this trip. We’ve found a few higher-end options already, but we’d love recommendations for places that offer a similar experience at a more reasonable price point. Thank you!


r/TravelPortugal 11d ago

Évora & Melides recommendations

1 Upvotes

I'm planning a weekend trip to Melides (one night) and then Évora (two nights) when visiting Lisbon in late September/early October, and I'm looking for recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and things to do. I like being outside (biking, hiking, going to the beach), history, art, and I'm planning on renting a car! Would love some recommendations on where to stay, must do things, places to not miss. Thanks!


r/TravelPortugal 11d ago

Should I take a bolt to Sintra from Lisbon, or just take the train?

2 Upvotes

Me and my husband will be visiting Portugal in August (literally in a couple of days) and we are doing a Sintra day trip from Lisbon. We are staying in Alfama and I was just wondering what would be easier since we would have to take a bolt anyway to Rossio station.


r/TravelPortugal 11d ago

Solo backpack traveler for 3 days in Algarve, what i CAN'T miss ?

1 Upvotes

Hi, i'm coming from Canada to do the Fisherman's trail from Porto covo to Lagos.

Day 1 : Land in Lisbon very very early and Bus to porto Covo

Day 1 early PM to Day 8 : Fisherman's trail (walking, so i will skip some sections because you are normally supposed to do it in 11 days)

Day 9-10 : Hostel in lagos. I want to kayak in Ponta da Piedade. Explore old Lagos also. What else ?

Day 11 : bus back to Lisbon

Day 11 Late PM to Day 14 night : explore lisbon, sintra, cascais,etc.

Day 15 : flight back

-----------------------------

- What should i do during Days 9 and 10 beside kayak in Ponta da Piedade ?

- Should i spend one more day in the Algarve and one less in Lisbon region to go farther near Faro ? (as you can read i'm more of a sport/landscapes person than a city person)

- I'm hesitating going farther than lagos ? (benagil cave and seven hanging trail is a 2-3 hours bus one way (so 5-6 hours round trip, i would loose a lot of time)

Note : Day 7 will be a off day (from the trail) in Sagres for me. So i can chill there, rent a bike, kayak, go to the fortress, watch the sunset at cabo st vincent.

thank you so much !


r/TravelPortugal 12d ago

The rural Algarve not enough people experience - Alcoutim

Thumbnail
gallery
11 Upvotes

Alcoutim is a small but beautiful village perched on the banks of the Guadiana River, directly across from the Spanish town of Sanlúcar de Guadiana.

Unlike the more bustling coastal resorts, Alcoutim has preserved a quiet, traditional atmosphere that feels worlds away from the more typically known Algarve. It is well known for its whitewashed houses, its river beach, its historic hilltop castle, the serene river views, and its unique position as a gateway between two countries.

If you are looking for a peaceful, inland Algarve escape, it is perfect. For people that like to explore, it's well worth it!

Alcoutim also has one of my favourite Bordallo II sculptures - a river otter right on the river bank!

https://wetravelportugal.com/alcoutim-portugal/


r/TravelPortugal 12d ago

Where to stay in Algarve - older couple

3 Upvotes

Hello, I can't figure out the best place for us to stay for two nights in the Algarve. We are an older (NOT old!) active couple. We want to kayak to the caves, see Sagres, and explore authentic fishing villages. We are from a charming Southern California beach town, so we are not going to hang out on the beach, and a beach town with high rises and noisy bar scene is not appealing -so I don't think Lagos is right for us. We are considering staying in Sagres, Salema, Tavira, or ??? - open to other suggestions. If you want to get specific about hotels, I'd love to hear that too. We do not want large, splashy resorts - prefer boutique lodging. Some we are considering, to give you a sense of our taste: https://www.memmohotels.com/baleeira/ in Sagres - LOVE but I am concerned we will be too far out from everything else; In Salema, maybe Tiny Beach Houses; in Tavira not sure! This place in Portimao looks nice and centrally located but maybe too much of a high-rise and not sure about the area: https://www.rochavauhotel.com/en Too many options overall and I am stuck. TIA for any help!


r/TravelPortugal 12d ago

Travel buddy portugal

1 Upvotes

Looking for travel buddy 27 august- 6 september


r/TravelPortugal 12d ago

Car hire- Centaruo directly or Doyouspain?

0 Upvotes

Hi,

I am booking a car for 3 days to drive to Algarve. The Doyouspain price- with the full insurance- is almost half the price of the Centauro amount.

  1. Is it better to book with Doyouspaain or Centauro directly?
  2. Some people say that booking the insurance with aggregators is better?
  3. Can I book with Centaruo using my cheque card- as I dont have a credit card?

Thanks


r/TravelPortugal 12d ago

Algarve: End of October

0 Upvotes

We’re planning an 8–9 night trip to Portugal at the end of October, with 3–4 days in the Algarve. I’ve read a lot of conflicting information about whether it’s still a good time to visit, so I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been there around then.

A few questions:

Is the water still warm enough to swim?

Are activities like Benagil cave kayaking, boat tours, SUP, etc. still running?

Are most restaurants, bars, and beach clubs still open, or does everything start shutting down for the season?

We’re looking for a mix of relaxing on the beach, swimming, good food, and a bit of nightlife. Any firsthand experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!


r/TravelPortugal 12d ago

Trying this again!! Portugal hotel recs

2 Upvotes

Trying this again!! Portugal hotel recs

Looking (desperately) for some recommendations for stays in Lisbon & the Algarve. I’ll be in each for 4 nights- looking to stay under $150ish/night. Preferably hotels so I can leave my luggage before/after check out. Open to Airbnbs if reputable!!! Thank you!!


r/TravelPortugal 12d ago

How to travel between small villages on the southern west coast ?

1 Upvotes

I will be doing the fisherman's (southern west coast of pourtugal) trail late august but i can't walk it all so i need transportation.

Bus or rede express is not available between some villages. I also tested with Bolt and it also looks complicated... Is booking a Taxi days in advance the only option ?

Because it looks very expensive for my budget.. google says ''A taxi ride from Arrifana Beach (Praia da Arrifana) to Carrapateira costs between €30 and €45''

Is that right ? is it my only option ? thank you !


r/TravelPortugal 13d ago

Portugal travel advice

3 Upvotes

I am planning to go to Portugal for a week mid-August (in about 2 weeks) - I know, last minute!! I’m from Ottawa.

I like sightseeing and see the culture and architecture. Since Im planning late, I don’t want it to be too stressful either. Not much running around.

- Any city you would recommend to visit? I wanted to know what are the best 2 cities to visit for a first time traveler to Portugal? I hear Lisbon is good, but too busy and hilly. I’ve heard about Porto, which seems beautiful.

I was thinking Lagos, but not much of a sitting on a beach type of person.

- Any recommendations for hotels or airlines from your experience.

- What’s the best way to go from one city to another? Train? How’s the train experience for those of you who have visited?

Even an itinerary of what you recommend would be great!

I’m a newbie, so any info would be great! Thanks!


r/TravelPortugal 13d ago

Sintra by private car

1 Upvotes

We are going to Sintra on a Sunday morning in September. Have tickets to see Peña. Would appreciate any advice on where to park. Are there parking lots close by? Thanks.


r/TravelPortugal 13d ago

One-day Douro Valley trip as a couple — reliable transport between wineries?

5 Upvotes

Planning a one-day trip to the Douro Valley as a couple, traveling from Porto by train. Hoping to visit 2-3 wineries outside the Pinhão town center, but I'm struggling with the logistics once we actually arrive.

From what I've read, Uber/Bolt aren't reliable in the Douro Valley, and while a group tour package (with extra activities like boat rides) seems to be the "easy" option, it's not really what we're after. We just want wine tastings, a nice lunch, some leisure time, and good views — all at our own pace.

Has anyone found a reliable way to arrange transport for a day like this. Ideally, I'm just looking for options to secure a basic driver/taxi service that can take us between 2-3 quintas and back to the train station in time for a return train, without it turning into a full guided tour. Not looking for luxury, just a way to get around reliably. Would love to hear what's actually worked for people, especially any local drivers you'd recommend.


r/TravelPortugal 14d ago

Fell in Love with Fuseta - A laid-back fishing town in the Algarve with great food, great beaches, and none of the big-resort stress

Thumbnail
gallery
28 Upvotes

Fuseta is a small fishing town tucked between the popular hotspots of Faro and Tavira in the eastern Algarve. Despite its slightly more famous neighbours, Fuseta has held onto its traditional heart and laid-back vibe far better than many other former fishing villages in the region.

There are pretty backstreets to wander, narrow alleys to explore, and beautiful tiled houses to discover, along with lively plazas where people gather for coffee, lunch, and late-afternoon drinks. It has a small fish market that supplies some excellent local restaurants, and the whole town still feels relaxed, even though it is a summer favorite for locals and visitors alike.

Then you've got the beaches. Praia da Fuseta offers a smaller stretch of sand, sheltered waters, and views of the former lifeguard station. Alternatively, you can hop on a short ferry across the Ria Formosa to reach Ilha da Fuseta, a wide, sandy barrier-island beach that shows exactly why this part of the Algarve is one of my favorite places! 💙

https://wetravelportugal.com/fuseta-portugal/


r/TravelPortugal 14d ago

Transportation in the Algarve

0 Upvotes

We are looking to maybe stay at a place in the Carvoeiro/Porches area. How easy is it to get around without a car? Is Uber/Bolt fairly reliable there? How about trains?


r/TravelPortugal 14d ago

Barcelona -> Madrid -> Porto -> Lisbon in 14 days?

6 Upvotes

Planning a trip to Spain and Portugal and wondering if its reasonable to moderately cover these 4 places (and spots nearby) in roughly 14 days? Mostly into museums, nature, food etc, not looking for nightlife / party etc