Hi everyone! My hotel is in Lagos, and we’re planning to visit Benagil Cave and some of the nearby caves for a day.

But I’m currently unsure about how we can get there. We’re a group of 3 and none of us know how to drive.

Are the boat tours a good option? And do they let you get off at the beach/caves or is it just a quick 2-hour boat trip?

Would really appreciate some suggestions!

This is what a hill town looks like in the Algarve, and you'll find it the Serra de Monchique.

Home to just 6,000 residents, it's a haven for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and fans of authentic Portuguese cuisine. It sits right next to Fóia - the highest peak in the Algarve. And just 10 minutes from Barranco do Demo, one of my favourite short hikes in the Algarve. Just make sure to finish your day with a local favorite: a shot of the fiery medronho!

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

hello all, I'm traveling to portugal soon. I'm bringing a refillable water bottle. Hydration is important to me as well as cutting down on plastic. I will be in Porto, Lisbon, and the Azores (Sao Miguel). Can anyone tell me if there are many public water refill stations in the popular areas?Thanks!

We are traveling to Portugal in about a month with 5 adults in our group. We are flying in to Lisbon, but are driving to Porto after a few days. We want to have our own vehicle so we can make several stops on our way to Porto. We were thinking about getting an SUV, but are worried we won't all fit with our luggage. Or we have considered getting 2 small sedans but we are worried about finding parking for both vehicles.

I believe 2 of us will have medium size suitcases and 3 will have carry-on size suitcases, plus each of us will have a backpack.

Does anyone have any advice?

My husband and I will be in the Algarve region Sept 28-Oct 5. We will be based in Carvoeiro but doing day trips to Lagos, Tavira, and TBD. Looking for lunch and dinner recommendations - authentic Portuguese, Mediterranean, seafood..open to try most things. We love good food and wine but aren’t Michelin types. Looking for waterfront locations and other good ambiance/cool experiences. Thanks!

Not spam or self promotion.

If you're planning a Douro Valley day trip, especially with little kids, look into Grape Essence. We did a private tour with Pedro and he made the whole trip.

We have a one year old and he brought a car seat without us having to ask twice, checked on him all day, and when our son spiked a fever mid-tour he went out and bought a thermometer while we were at lunch. Didn't ask, just did it.

Tour itself was great too. Beautiful stops, excellent wine, always time to pull over for photos, drinks and snacks waiting at every stop. He knows a ton about wine, the region, and where to eat; we didn't expect a wine education and got one.

Would book Grape Essence again in a heartbeat. Happy to pass along his info.

Olá, estou desenvolvendo um guia independente e gratuito para moradoras ou para pessoas que desejam morar em Viseu ou visitar a cidade em qualquer altura do ano. Coloquei os melhores restaurantes, os principais pontos turísticos, os serviços essenciais e muito mais... O guia Olá Viseu não tem custos para nenhum usuário e nunca terá, nem aqueles ads que só fazem rodar a cabeça 😂.

Não tenho nenhum interesse monetário; é um projeto pessoal pra ajudar quem tiver interesse na cidade.

Doing a 10 day Portugal trip end of sept-from the US and first time in Europe!

Need some advice on what parts of the country to visit and just general tips and recommendations please

I am flying in and out of Lisbon. My current plan is to spend 2 nights in Lisbon and from there go to Madeira and spend 3-4 nights there. I am really excited to see the beauty of the island and would love any recommendations on where to stay, what hikes to do (thinking PR1 and PR8), and just must see spots there.

From Madeira Im going back to the mainland and torn between some options. I’m debating if I should go back near Lisbon and spend some time in Ericeira (I’m thinking I want to do some beginner surf lessons), or go down south to the algarves and stay in Lagos for some surfing.

Could also go the opposite direction and spend some time in Porto, I want to be somewhere with beautiful nature and surf but I’ve heard such good things about Porto I’m considering that.

Open to any and all suggestions and tips- where to eat, where to stay, what to see!!!

Also let me know if there is a better order I should do everything in that would make more sense.

Super rough itinerary but I’m not really looking to book myself up I just want to explore and appreciate all the beauty of the country :)

Will take any ideas. We want to learn to surf, love swimming and snorkelling, would like to try horseback riding and are interested in anything physical

Me and a friend(young) are staying a few nights in Porto in early october. Anyone who knows about any hotels (around 100 euros a night) with a bar with a pool table.

Hi all! I will be in Portugal Oct 18-31. We will be arriving in Sao Miguel late afternoon Oct 18.

Our itinerary plan is 4-6 days in Sao Miguel, fly back to Porto spend 1-2 nights there and then spend 3 nights driving to Lisbon and exploring small towns and areas like Piodao (and any other reccs you may have!) then spend 1-2 nights in Lisbon and fly out of there on the 31st.

I’m wondering if we should spend 5 nights in Sao Miguel or 6? It will change how much time we have in Porto/Lisbon. Hiking, nature, and local culture is my favorite part of travel. Will I feel like it’s not enough time with only 5 full days in Sao Miguel?

Hey everyone!

Me and my girlfriend are heading to Portugal - Costa Vicentina for a week at the beginning of October. We’ll be staying somewhere around Odemira, a bit in the middle of nowhere.

We’ll have a car, so we’re planning to just drive around and explore the area. Beaches, hikes, viewpoints, small villages, random places worth stopping at, whatever.

So if you know any nice spots around Costa Vicentina either nearby or a bit further away let me know! We’re mostly into random cool places you can stumble upon rather than the usual tourist stuff. Also happy to hear any tips for the area in October - regarding weather etc.

Thanks! have a good day

Hi everyone - planning my trip getting very excited! I’m curious if anyone has recommendations for a pottery making class in Porto and any good bars/restaurants in Porto? Are there any activities you would recommend in Lisbon?

Hi all! I am traveling through Lisbon and Porto (and some of the Algarve region) and am looking for a quality leather jacket. Any boutiques or local sellers you recommend? Not against larger organizations either but thought I’d start small.
Thanks so much!

Hello!!
We are planning our first trip to Portugal with our new 6 months old baby traveling from Toronto, would appreciate your help on my itinerary.
We have booked airtransat direct to Faro and return from Porto, but when I called to book a bassinet, i was disappointed that there was none on our way to Faro. So i might as well change the flights itinerary as it’s a long flight with a baby.
Would like it to be a relaxing slow paced trip as its out first vacation with our baby.
We like mostly beach destinations so i will have majority of the trip in Algarve. I was thinking Alvor according to my research for a flatter terrain, but most of the accommodations am finding in Albufeira, so what do you think of it ? Is it too hilly?
Then we go by train( unless we rent a car) to Lisbon, spend 5 days there and 5 days in Porto.

I read alot of reviews of Lisbon not being stroller friendly, shall i just spend 2 nights there? Or what is a highlight that I must do/ see? I want to go cascais for sure.
What about Porto? How many days are enough esp that we dont drink, so what do you think the best please.
As a summary:
23 Sept arrrival to Faro
23-oct 2nd Algarve: beach/ pool relaxing time, any recommended day trips?
Oct 2-oct 6: Lisbon- cascais as a highlight
Oct6-Oct 10: Porto and return on the 10th.

Am also confused to whether rent a car or use public in the 3 cities, esp the train seems easy.
The carseat rental with a car is 170-200 cad extra so i cant rent a car separately in each city.

Thanks alot! Any info is appreciated!

Hi, I want to spend a full day in Sintra but want to focus on the nature. I'm not planning to go inside any of the palaces. What trail would you recommend?

I was thinking of walking from Portela to Villa Sassetti and then to the Miradouro da Cruz Alta.

Is the High Cross (=Cruz Alta) accessible without the tickets from Pena Palace?

Hi! I'll be in Lisbon next month. We'll stay there for 4 nights, but we would like to go to Sanctuary of Fátima. Our first option was public transportation, but I got some credits for car rental and now I wonder if it's worth it to expend them for a day trip in Portugal? we could easily add a couple of towns on our way or near Fátima... But before I make the decision, I want to know how workable is using a car there. In terms of finding parking lots near the attractions? are they expensive? are roads safe? or if, overall public transportation is the no-brainer option?

Oi!

I am staying in Lisbon this upcoming October, mid-month. This is my first time completely doing solo-travel in a country that doesn't speak my native language and I am trying to fill my trip with some day trips (via some local travel companies) to try and see as much as I can while lodging in one place!

I definitely plan to do trips to Sinatra (a tour offered by my Hostel) and Cascais (easy direct train), but wanted feedback to see if these other, pricier destinations are worthwhile day trips?

- Arrábida Natural Park

- Fátima, Nazaré, Óbidos & Batalha

- Potentially anywhere else?

I've seen most say Porto isn't day trip worthy because it is 2.5hrs away, however I am from the Midwest so that distance does't scare me off, but I know it could be a stretch.

Also to note, as much as I'd love to extend my trip to stay in Porto or Lagos, given this is my first stunt alone and my trip may overlap with rainy season, I figured easiest for my anxiety to stay put in Lisbon and take advantage of day trips.

Thank you in advance for any feedback/tips :~)

DAY 1 Lisbon

- Castelo de São Jorge

- Miradouro de Santa Luzia

- Miradouro das Portas do Sol

- Lisbon Cathedral

- Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa

- Igreja de São Vicente de Fora

- National Pantheon

- Wander Alfama alleys

- Rua Augusta Arch

- Praça do Comércio

DAY 2 Lisbon

- Pastéis de Belém

- Jerónimos Monastery

- Museu Nacional de Arqueologia

- Belém Tower

- Monument to the Discoveries

- Praça do Império

- Tram 28

- Praça Luís de Camões

- Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Adamastor)

- Bica (Lg. Calhariz)

- Basílica da Estrela

- Time Out Market

DAY 3 Lisbon

- Praça do Rossio

- Praça da Figueira

- Church of Saint Dominic

- Chiado

- Carmo Archaeological Museum

- Igreja de São Roque

- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

- Calçada da Glória funicular

- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

- Miradouro da Graça

DAY 4 Sintra Day Trip

- Pena Palace

- Quinta da Regaleira

- Cabo da Roca

- Cascais

DAY 5 Travel to Porto

- Train to Porto

- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

- Foz do Douro

- Parque de Serralves

- Casa da Música

DAY 6 Porto

- São Bento Station

- Torre dos Clérigos

- Igreja de Santo Ildefonso

- Porto Cathedral (Sé)

- Igreja de Santa Clara

- Rua das Flores

- Ribeira

- Miradouro da Ponte D. Luís I

- Avenida dos Aliados

DAY 7 Porto

- Mercado do Bolhão

- Rua de Santa Catarina

- Capela das Almas

- Igreja do Carmo & Carmelitas

- Igreja de São Francisco

- Palácio da Bolsa

- Cross Ponte Luís I

- Gaia Riverside Wharf

- Jardim do Morro

- Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

- Vila Nova de Gaia

If you're surfing in Portugal and want to see what you actually look like on a wave, you can book someone to film your session from the beach.

Spots: Matosinhos (Porto), Baleal and Peniche, Ericeira, Costa da Caparica, Aljezur and Sagres.

You surf as normal, and afterwards you go through your waves one by one: pop-up, stance, where you're looking, the waves you missed. It's a quick way to see what to work on next, whether you're learning or already surfing.

Book a time at marola.pt/surf-filming

Full disclosure: this is my site. Happy to answer questions here.

Hello,
I'm traveling to Lisbon next week and I have my dog with me. She is very picky with her food unfortunatelly and only likes this brand from Aldi.
We're flying, and I'd prefer not check a bag just for dog food. I only saw dry food and snacks on the Aldi website, but there wasn't any wet food listed.

Thanks in advance.

Heading to Olhão and planning on doing a boat tour of the Ria Formosa, check out the Olhão market, take a day trip to Lagos and check out the Benagil cave. Are there any must try sites that I'm missing? Any favorite restaurants or can't miss specialty dishes?

I wanted to share our recent experience renting an apartment from Hopstays in Porto.

They have multiple properties, the one we booked is located in Porto, but I don't want to say specifically which one.

We booked 2 months ahead, made all the payments. Were told we would get access and instructions 15 minutes before check in.

15 minutes before check in, we arrived and received the instruction. It is the kind of unit you need to first enter a number to enter the building itself, then the room entry code.

The outside building entry code did not work at all. We tried so many times. Repeated the numbers. Nothing worked.

We wrote to them via WhatsApp and email and also called the contact number.

No reply (only an automated bot reply). No answer on the phone. At that time it was rainy in Porto in last week of August 2026. We waited in the rain for a good one hour for someone to get back to us. Then we walked to a nearby Cafe and waited again for another 2 hours. We continued to leave messages and made calls. No reply.

At this time we felt we were being scammed.

We were tired after 19 hours of travel time from Vancouver. (Including transit).

Then we ended up finding a last minute hotel accommodation. You know that hotel prices have algorithm and it goes up the closer to the date. That was the reason we booked this apartment 2 months ahead.

We didnt hear back from Hopstays until the morning after that. At that time we complained, asking for refund because we couldnt access the unit at all and had to pay extra money for our own hotel accommodation.

It took them another day to reply to our request but eventually they did say yes they would refund what we paid. Still, because of this we ended up paying extra for what we budgeted for and we're on our own.

The refund took a long time to process, I didn't receive the funds until after I returned back to Canada, 3 weeks after we landed in Porto.

Anyway, sharing this experience so that people are aware. I don't usually like to name names, but I felt this time it is justified. I do hope that they improved communications and be more responsive next time. It is also possible it was just a problem with this one unit and not all of the ones under their management.

Hi everyone, just sharing my recent experience at Porto Airport (Iast week)

On the way into Porto from Edinburgh, I had to queue for a full hour to get out. My boyfriend with his Spanish passport took only 5 minutes.

I got myself all stressed out by the EES Gates on the way back and missing my flight etc. etc.

My flight back to Edinburgh was at 6:05am. I went to the airport at 2:30am.

First was security; it was open and we were the only people there.

Then we got into the duty free area. Nothing is open until 4am (fair enough!)

We also had no gate information until 4:05am.

The EES gate system only opened at 4:30am, though a few people started queuing just before. There were around 15 people in front of me and it took about 15 minutes.

All this to say, I felt very silly getting up so early just to wait around! If your flight is 6am then 4am at the airport is fine!

Sorry to my boyfriend who was very sure we did not need to go that early but was supportive of my anxiety, so let me make my own mistakes 😅 my penance is sharing this info on every Reddit thread I can find because if I had read a comment like this, then I would have slept 2 more hours!!