Anyone been to Portugal for a holiday?

Question

We're going on holiday to Lagos, Portugal soon for 2 whole weeks! Anyone been there before and can suggest some decent places to go and fun things to do?

Answer 1

Went to Lisbon to see a band (who were excellent by the way) and spent a few days going to some absolutely stunning areas. Lisbon itself has some breathtaking architecture but also is not too far away from lovely countryside. make use of the combined travel tickets (similar to the travelcards available in London) as you can even use them in some taxis but BE CAREFUL you choose a taxi that accepts them. Probably wiser to stick with bus, tube and train and pay for the cab as it does work out cheaper as with the cards, they ALWAYS round up and take more than the actual fare PLUS tip.

I would advise going as the weather can be glorious but not too hot that its just polain uncomfortable.

I hope you choose to go and have a great time

Answer 2

I've been to South Portugal not far from Lagos and I absolutely love it!
Go walk round some little towns: Most of them are pretty and they sell nice pottery and all sorts and have little cafes and restaurants. Exploring little hidden places is fun (and safe) and the architecture is pretty.
The Portuguese are friendly people (most speak some english) and the beaches are great (on west coast too) and some are good 4 surfing plus the weather is perfect although it can get v hot but it's SO nice in morning and evening.
Horse riding (if u like that stuff) is also good.
If u like history there are loads of old forts and things from when Portugal was under Arab rule: beautiful geometric pattens in tiling etc. Plus u can learn about Henry the Navigator. And go to Cape St.Vincent then u can tell everyone you've been to the edge of the world (coz that's what portuguese sailers used to think it was).
There's a town called Villamora down the coast from Faro (don't know if it'll be too far) that has great night life with a casino and everything too. It depends what you're into.
And seeings as Lagos is portuguese for "lakes" there are bound to be some where you can do watersports like sailing, windsurfing or peddle-boats. There's a place like that where I go. There'll also probably be some golfing ranges around too if u like that.

I hope this helps you. There's always loads of stuff to do for all tastes although sometime's it's great staying on the beach all day.
Have a great holiday!! And I hope u'll enjoy yourself as much as i will (going again this year)

PS: take lots of sun screen plus mosquito repellent.

Answer 3

James T Klerk is so right about the chicken place in Sao Bras - although I think it's actually "Luis dos Frangos, rei da braza".

However, that's too far from Lagos to be on your list unless you do a full day's trip towards the Spanish border. Because of the heat at this time of year, I wouldn't bother with going to Lisbon - save that for a long weekend on its own.

Grilled sardines on the fishermen's quayside in Portimao harbour is a cracking experience (assuming they still do it!).

Nobody has mentioned the waterslide parks - there's quite a few, so pick the one that's closest to Lagos.

Best things down your end, though, are probably the beaches - beautiful little coves, and quieter than the busier tourist towns further East. And I agree with someone who said about exploring - don't be afraid, as it's pretty safe wherever you go, and the people are very friendly. Topless sunbathing is no problem, if that's what you want (and apparently bottomless is possible as you get further West, although I can't vouch for that from my experience!).

Answer 4

Yes. My father used to live in the Algarve and I visited it a few times.

Tavira is a nice typical Portuguese town, not touristified at all. Good as a rest break if you drive into Spain.

Joe de Frango's restaurant in Sao Bras de Alportel sells great food really cheaply. Get there early as it fills up quickly.

Foia, near Monchique, is the highest spot in the Algarve with stunning views. The restaurant two-thirds of the way up is pretty good too (sorry don't recall the name).

It's a bit off the beaten track, but the town of Alcantarilha has an ossuary which is worth a visit. Might be a bit too creepy for young children, though.

The beaches at Albufeira are in a beautiful setting. Fuseta is also popular but not as handy for Lagos.

Answer 5

I went to Lagos two years ago.
We hired a car and drove round the coast. There's not much in Lagos itself, but if you hire a car you can go and explore.
There are some GORGEOUS beaches there, but you'll have to hunt around for them.
Praia d'Ana is also v nice, but gets very touristy and full.
My hotel also did a day trip up to Lisbon - we had to get up at 5 or some other unholy hour, but it was so worth it.
There's a carbon copy of the Golden Gate bridge there - they're very proud of that.
Also, try the sardines - excellent.
Oh, and, if you stay near where I did - I stayed in the Vilabranca, or blanca, can't remember, Resort, go to the Triangulo Restaurant - they do the best steaks EVER!
It comes either on a very hot piece of wood, or more commonly stone, and you can cook it yourself! It comes with potatoes and sauces and it really is amazing.
Shopping is also excellent - the town centre is quite a walk away, but you can get quality leather goods very cheaply and jewellery too.
And if you like street entertainment - i've never seen so many mimes in my entire life!

Useful vocab -
Thanks - obrigado, obrigada if you're a girl
Wine - vinho.
Beer - cervaja.

Have fun!!!!

Answer 6

Lisbon is Europe's second-oldest capital and when home to the world's greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Prince Henry the Navigator, becoming the very first true earth town, the capital of an empire scattering over all continents, from South America (Brazil) to Asia (Macao, China; Goa, India) and know you can invest a couple of time to learn this traditional city, with hotelbye is wherever you should start. Probably the most acknowledged of Lisbon's important attractions may be the St. George's Castle. This castle instructions a fantastic position near Alfama on the crown of a mountain overlooking the Portuguese capital. That is one of Lisbon's most popular tourist destinations. Its outstanding battlements, participating memorial, and amazing archaeological website combine to really make the fort a rewarding knowledge for everyone, and kiddies especially will love clambering on the durable surfaces and towers that encircle the grounds.

Answer 7

Spent a week in the Algarve. The two best meals I had were swordfish and portuguese style steak, one of the best steaks I've had. Be ware of the old 'pirate' boats that do the cave tours, if the weather is choppy bring a sick bag, my wife and just about everyone else on the boat ride spent most of the time throwing up, I was fine but since the water was too choppy we never got into any of the caves. I throughly enjoyed the slowed down pace of the Algarve compared to other European hot-bed vacation areas.

Answer 8

I have been to Portugal, to the Algarve not Lagos.

The Portugese make the best coffee I have ever tasted, if you like coffee do try it.

The people are friendly and the food is nice. The Vinho Verde is a good light refreshing wine which is readily available in resturants.

Have a good break - enjoy.

Answer 9

I surely have at present been to Portugal, Faro. It relies upon which section are you staying in. in case you'll cook dinner on your houses- you want to verify you stumble on a food market which close by community bypass to. the most inexpensive supermarkets are in residential factors rather than in old city or crucial part of city. I surely have noted that the expenditures are corresponding to the different ecu cities. it is going to no longer be a lot distinction out of your position u . s .. only allocate the money you may generally allocate for cooking at abode on your u . s .. yet another component is are you going to devour out now and again or visit severe priced might want to be certain places like parks/zoo/museums etc? If certain-you ought to spend a lot extra. in truth,you may want to allocate a pair hundred of euros for eating out now and again and leisure. i'd say all in in touch with 3 adults and three youthful ones to have a superb time you may spend 500 euros.

Answer 10

Every year, 3 times/year. Go to the North, South is normal.