But alas, I won't bore you with a protracted guide, there are plenty of sites out there that can do that for you. Here is a travel itinerary that I suggest if you want to enjoy a nice relaxing 10 days without breaking the bank, and more importantly, while having plenty of fun and sun.
Since not everyone has the luxury and the wallet to take a month-long vacation, we've narrowed Portugal down to 3 spots worth visiting; whether you're there for a day or a week, check them all out.
algarve
The Algarve is Portugal's answer to Spain's Costa Del Sol. It is the southern province of Portugal, with weather and geography reminiscent of most Mediterranean resorts. Think of it as the Florida of Europe. Its main tourist town is Albufeira (it's easy to remember, think of Mr. Al Bufeira). It's the Algarve's equivalent of Fort Lauderdale. This is a town with several beaches and an explosive nightlife; the place for young, party-loving individuals who want close proximity to many activities, are looking to meet many cultures, and want to party until 10 in the morning.If clubbing isn't your priority, go to Praia Da Rocha, a beautiful beach resort that is reminiscent of the beaches of Greek's famous islands. It's a quiet, family-oriented place that looks a lot like Acapulco, with running water. Enjoy the beach, walk along its immense shore and have lunch at one of the cliff-side restaurants where fresh seafood is served.
be hip to portugal
If you have plenty of money to burn, want to spot celebrities, or just want to pretend you belong to Europe's jet set, then head to Vilamoura, an ultra-modern and chic resort town, where there seems to be more parking spaces devoted to yachts than to cars. It's a very quiet place, and very expensive. There is no shortage of 5-star hotels, but the "buzz factor" of a busy resort is almost non-existent. Even during the busiest months of August and September, you feel like you are in the "off-season," which is great if you want to relax, and crave privacy.My recommendation: Stay in Albufeira; it's located in the center of the Algarve and within 1 hour of most major beaches in the south of Portugal. Take day trips to Praia da Rocha and Vilamoura, and return at night, where there are plenty of restaurants and discotheques for late-night reveling.
lovin' lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal's capital city, and one of the oldest cities in Europe. Unlike other cosmopolitan giants, Lisbon is largely devoid of all the markings of a major city like skyscrapers and a custom version of Times Square. This is a positive, since it gives it a charm and unique character that most American cities would burn down their expressways for.Lisbon feels like what you'd expect an old European capital to be, sort of like Austria's jewel city, Vienna. There is plenty to see, if you are willing to walk it. Like any other place in the world, the only way to get to really know a city is to venture through it. Luckily for you, Lisbon is a compact city (with a metropolitan population of 2 million), so slip on a good pair of shoes and get ready to trek down cobblestone streets.
No matter where you stay in Lisbon, take a taxi to Marques de Pombal to start your tour. It is like the center point of Lisbon, and the beginning of Lisbon's main street, Avenida da Liberdade, and is modeled after Paris' Champs Elysées. Walk south on the street and you'll run into a bustling town full of monuments, famous squares, and of course, world-class restaurants and stores.
Rest easy though, I won't bore you with intricate details of each worthwhile spot, I've done the tour myself and know what is worth seeing. Here they are:
Castelo S. Jorge is Lisbon's famous hilltop castle that overlooks the city. Don't take a taxi; walk up through Lisbon's oldest neighborhood, Alfama. It's an adventure in itself.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos is Lisbon's best-known religious site. It's a beautiful old monastery that you can chalk up as the "culture" factor of the visit to Lisbon. Best of all, it is in an area full of monuments and breathtaking views.
The site of Expo 98 is a new area of Lisbon, created for the country's hosting duties for the 1998 World Fair. The site is full of ultra-modern architecture and avant-garde designs. You'll feel that you are in a completely different city, and get a glimpse of what towns will look like in the future. There is an ultra-modern shopping center called Vasco da Gama that is worth visiting especially the bathrooms.
night living in lisbon
As for nightlife, there is plenty to do, but we suggest one of two things. First, visit a Fado house, which is a concert hall and restaurant that showcases Portugal's version of soul/blues music. You'll feel like you are at an Opera, except with a glass of wine in your hand.If you wish to visit Lisbon's famous open-till-sunrise nightclubs, head to Lux, a fantastic club with multiple floors in a former museum with a panoramic view of the Tagus River. If you have time for only one place, go there.
If you have a little more time, head over to Kapital, a club for Lisbon's young elite, where drinks cost a fortune and everyone is a snob. Sure, it doesn't sound enticing, but if you get into the club, you'll feel like a king. If you like the rave scene, go to Kremlin, a Lisbon establishment where the country's best DJs often spin. Dress nicely for all these clubs and speak English; remember they like tourists who spend money.
nazare
Back in the '80s and '90s, this small picturesque town was so crowded that we'd rather get a root canal than stay there among the throngs of people. It has a population of only 10,000, but it can swell up to 100,000 in the summer. What is great about Nazare (pronounced na-za-ray) is that it has the most scenic beach in Portugal, hands down. In fact, there are two very large beaches to choose from, and more restaurants per capita than Luxembourg has banks.Nazare is a distinctive and very unique place. Though it was once a major fishing port, the industry that matters now is tourism. It doesn't have any major hotels, but there are more than 1000 apartments, studios, chalets, and houses for rent (with plenty of signs as to where they are).
Being there is like taking a step back in time. The houses all have orange rooftops and the side streets are narrower than a banana vendor's profit margins. There are women that still adorn old folkloric dresses and dress in black, in mourning over a son or husband lost at sea.
The nightlife is quieter than in most cities, but still bustling. There are plenty of bars to visit, and if you need to head out of town, within a 30-minute car ride you can get to other towns like Marinha Grande, Praia da Vieira and Leiria that have more night owl action. Whatever you do, don't miss a trip to Portugal without at least stopping off in Nazare.
what else is there?
When to go: July or August. It's hot and because it's tourist season, there are more activities and events. The north of Portugal gets a lot of rain, but stick to the 3 destinations I suggested and you'll get plenty of sun. Portugal is hot enough to head to the beach until October.Money: Starting January 2002, the Euro will be the only currency in Europe. For quick calculations, remember that 1 Euro = $1 USD (roughly).
Language: The language is of course Portuguese, but the schooling system there has forced Portuguese students to learn 2 other foreign languages. Most opt for at least English, so it is relatively well understood throughout the country. In the Algarve area, you'll have more trouble finding someone speaking Portuguese rather than English.
Tipping & etiquette: Everyone asks about this. In Portugal, tipping is not required, but because we are civilized people (not to mention class acts), I recommend giving at least 5% to waiters, taxi drivers, etc. The average salary is about $500 USD a month (less for people that work in tourism), so any help you can provide will be appreciated.
Meals -- times & prices: Food is very inexpensive in Portugal, and we suggest you open your mind and try its extensive list of seafood dishes. Most people in Portugal go to lunch on cue at 1pm, and have supper at 8-9pm. If eating fish isn't your cup of tea, there are plenty of Italian, Oriental, American, and African restaurants to choose from. One more thing: drink as much wine as you can. The prices are phenomenally low and the quality is on par with any Italian selection.
Enjoy your trip.
If you still have more questions, visit these websites:
http://www.fodors.com/
http://www.timeout.com/
Portugal Travel Guide
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