how to plan a trip to portugal?

Answer 1

If you're coming from the UK there are lots of cheap flights with easyjet ryanair monarch etc. Then you can book accommodation on the net- if you're coming with friend why not rent a private apartment, or just find a good hotel or B&B when you're here. If you like exploring and trying out different sports like diving or surfing check out http://www.portugal-sport-and-adventure.com/things-to-do-in-portugal.html.

Your next big problem is where to go you have so many places to choose from!

I'd recommend Lisbon because the city is beautiful, unusual and interesting- you can enjoy everything a capital has to offer- lovely architecture, lots of history, great food and culture but in contrast to most capitals its small, laidback and easy to travel around, its not very polluted and has fantastic views and the best bit is that you can just jump on a train and be on a lovely beach in 20 minutes or less. If you do visit Lisbon make sure you also visit Sintra and the coast around Cascais. I think everyone who visits Portugal should go to Lisbon and I saw a programme on Sky recently that said it was in the top ten best city destinations in the world so its not just me!!
Other places you could consider include the Green Coast above and around Porto as the name suggests its much greener and more lush than other parts of Portugal and ou can do watersports, visit vineyards, explore the city of Porto itself and much more.
If you'd like to go to the Algarve then maybe you could travel around a bit. The western (try Sagres, Lagos etc) and eastern (Tavira) areas are less developed so you get a better impression of the old Algarve, whereas central Algarve (vilamoura, Albufeira etc) is very much aimed at the tourist so are good if you want lots of lively bars, restaurants, shops and other amenities (and lots of other tourists) on your doorstep.
There's a destination for everyone in Portugal it just depends what you like. There are airports in Lisbon, Faro (for the Algarve) and Porto and they're all near the coast.
Have a lovely holiday!

Answer 2

Well first you should consider why you are going, like to see family, go the famous sites, or just go for the beach. For the family, you'll probably be near your family and be able to stay with them or near them and have them help you out. To visit the famous sites, I would research different types of sites. For example, there is Fatima, a religious shrine, where miracles have happened. And there are many cathedrals which are beautful. But on the other end, there is Lisbon where you can go just for the seeing of the city, or there's Coimbra, a college town with one of the oldest colleges in Portugal, which I have to say is fantastic. There is also Serra Da Estrella, the mountain in Portugal which is fun to see. But I'd also visit some of the smaller towns too, because they are so beautiful and the people are so nice and it is so relaxing. But then again, if you just want to go to the beaches, the Algarve is the place to be becausse it's warm and there are so many beaches. Then, depending on what you want to do, plan the number of days you want to spend there based on that and your schedule. With the family, it'd be easier to stay longer, to visit the sites, maybe a week? And the beaches, maybe 5 days? It all depends on you. Then call your local travel agent to see flights from wherever you live to Portugal. Charter flights are usually cheaper, but very crowded. Then, also decide on how you want to get around. With family, they would probably get you, if you are planning on doing the sites, I'd say rent a car, which you can do for about 1000 bucks a week. And the beach, you probably wouldn't need a car, just a way there, which I'm sure you could find one at the airport in Lisbon. Also look at tours if you don't speak the language or are unsure. They will give you an overview of Portugal, and you won't feel as though you are lost. There are some good tours out there, but watch out for scams. And good luck

Answer 3

First I must apologize for the length of my answer, but I always get carried away, when I am talking about my country!
That's a good question. Portugal is a very interesting country to visit, but it has a big problem, if you don't know where you are going, then you won't get the best of it.
I suggest you contact a travel agency, they will give you several suggestions, places to visit, what to do, etc.
If you don't what to contact a travel agency, then I recommend you to make a full research about the things you want to visit, elaborate a calendar and start from there.
I will give you the tip to avoid public transports, as they are terrible and they never run on time (especially buses). It will be better to rent a car.
If you plan to visit the North (Porto), I can help you to create that plan, as it is my hometown and I know it very well.
The towns I recommend the most are: Lisbon (the capital), Porto, Guimaraes (town where Portugal was created), Tomar (town where the templar knights settled), Viseu (very historical and nice), if you want to go the beaches and nightlife, then I recommend Algarve - Faro, Tavira, Lagos, Quarteira or Vilamoura. On the fun side you can visit Silves in Algarve by the evening, they have the Factory of the English, where there are several activities, very amusing. Sagres is nice as well, beautiful landscapes, good food, and you can visit the Fortress and lighthouse.

I hope I could help!

Answer 4

I have been to lisbon, portugal in the beginning of this year. Also u can think about faro. But there is no transport facility at Faro and u need to hire a car. Its a second goa.
For lisbon or any other place.. just go to www.frommers.com . The best travel site i ever visited. I have travelled whole europe with frommers information.
If u further find any problem... i have a whole document on lisbon attractions with me...(edited from frommers)

Answer 5

Recomend you reside in Southern Portugal (Algarve).lodge fees have become on the factor of their lowest for the year.Heck, get right here in mid November and luxuriate in the spectacle of Portugal beating BosniaHerzegovina in international cup qualifing!

Answer 6

Do a full search on the net till you find the exact resort that suits you, then check out the reviews on accommodation there so you don't book a duff one.
Check this link.

Answer 7

Hi! it's easy! just go to my blog at http://experienceportugal.blogspot.com/
and read the articles I have about diferent places in Portugal and great links!!

Answer 8

Read our non-commercial travelogues:
http://www.thetravelzine.com

Follow in our footsteps!