Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
three, head to nearby
Sintra
, for quaint village life amid woodlands and palaces. Next en-
joy two days exploring fascinating
Évora
and its nearby megaliths. From there, go south
and spend a day in peaceful
Tavira
, one of the Algarve's prettiest towns. Take the ferry
out to car-free
Ilha de Tavira
. Continue west to beach- and nightlife-loving
Lagos
.
Don't miss the pretty beaches (Batata, Dona Ana and Camilo) south of town. Keep going
west until you hit laid-back
Sagres
, where you can visit its dramatically sited fort, surf
good waves and contemplate the endless horizon at the cliffs near town. Go north back to
Lisbon, stopping en route in the coastal town of
Vila Nova de Milfontes
, a great spot for
uber-fresh seafood grilled up to perfection. You can eat it right on the waterfront. Spend
one day in
Tomar
, a sleepy river town that's home to the staggering Convento de Cristo.
Then book two nights in the venerable university town of
Coimbra
, wandering the old
quarters, visiting medieval convents and churches, and enjoying good meals, lively bars
(during the academic year) and live music. Spend your last two days in
Porto
, Lisbon's
rival in beauty. Enjoy a day exploring the Ribeira, visiting avant-garde galleries and mu-
seums, and taking in the nightlife in the city centre. Then head across the river to
Vila
Nova de Gaia
, for an introduction to the country's great ports. If time allows, take a boat
trip along the Rio Douro, taking in some dramatic gorge scenery and centuries-old vine-
yards.
