Advise required for Holiday in Portugal

drive007

Hi everyone.

Can anyone offer any advise ?

Am looking at taking my wife away on her birthday for 2 or 3 days around the 28th Jan 2009.

We have never been been to Portugal, and would like any advise on where to go, a nice, but reasonable price place to stay.

If you can offer any advise on weather for that time of year would also be much appreciated.

Would like to look at any parts of the country which would be suitable to retire too in future, so if anyone can offer good advice, i would be extremely grateful.

Many Thanks
Chris

Voyager2002

Leaving little children alone there is not a very good idea.

ScarletBea

Well, I'm always trying to get people away from the Algarve, or at least to consider the option of going to Lisbon as well, because I love Lisbon so much

But really, it depends on what you like. If you want a great city with lots of things to see and shopping and close to beaches with cafes where you spend a lovely time, then try Lisbon.

As for the weather, it's luck, really: you can get rain non-stop (and temps around 15) or lovely cold sunny days (around 10) or wonderful sunny, 18° days....

weemissy

Hi there
Depends on what you are looking for, I have been to Lagos 4 times and absolutely loved it. That was a few years ago though - now love holidaying at home with small children. At that time it was geared towards families and couples - entertainment in the town square etc, no rowdiness, lovely marina, beaches, good restaurants, nice local shops selling pottery etc - no cheap tat. The latest I've been is Sept and it was getting cooler with some rain and misty days.
good luck
lynne

beedeedee

Portugal is lovely - but can be wet and cool in the winter - especially in the Algarve (the prevailing winds are from the Atlantic)...... Just be prepared with warm and showerproof clothes in case.. There will be some really nice days as well. Went just over the border to Ayamonte in Spain at that time last year and although it was only a few miles east - it was warm and sunny during the day but bitterly cold and damp at night.

jcorbygas

I would second Lagos as a place to go. Because it is very much a town where people 'live' if you know what I mean, it has to cater for the locals as well as tourists. We have stayed at the Marina area, but depending on your budget there are some nice hotels on the town side of the river.
You could have nice walks along the beach or drive inland to Silves or Monchique.
The Lagos section on the www.tripadvisor.com forum for Portugal will answer any more queries you have.

brodev

I am in Praia da Luz as I write this. I love it here. Jan can be cold and this is one of the coldest winters Iberia has had for years. As has been said it is liable to be cold at night, certainly bring a jumper/cardie and a jacket, as you will need them. During the day it can be lovely but it can also rain. enjoy

whu

Have a look at Cascais - on the Atlantic Coast so could be a bit chilly but it is quiet/nice restaurants/park for bike rides/near a beach - 40 odd mins on train to Lisbon- have fun

ScarletBea

whu wrote: »

Have a look at Cascais - on the Atlantic Coast so could be a bit chilly but it is quiet/nice restaurants/park for bike rides/near a beach - 40 odd mins on train to Lisbon- have fun

Yes, either stay in Lisbon and then take a day trip to Cascais (better) or stay in Cascais and then travel to Lisbon.

By the way, the entire portuguese coast is on the Atlantic (yes, it includes the algarve, also in the Atlantic)