4-Day South Portugal Itinerary: A Copycat Guide
In July, I embarked on a journey to southern Portugal and Lisbon, where I experienced the local cuisine, attractions, accommodations, and transportation. Here's a guide to help you replicate my adventure.
**Accommodations:**
- Recommended: Portim?o/Lagos
- Strongly Not Recommended: Faro
- Portim?o: Proximity to attractions, a bustling city with ample shopping opportunities.
- Lagos: A city teeming with daily activities.
- Faro is not recommended due to its outdated appearance, lack of attractions, and limited sights to see.
**Transportation:**
- From Faro to Portim?o:
- Train (Ticketing website: Omio) - Experience: Inexpensive but notably slow!
- In Portim?o:
- Renting a car or taking a taxi, based on your planned activities and attractions.
- Renting a car provides flexibility and the freedom to alter plans spontaneously. Taking a taxi is convenient, with taxis readily available and easy to locate.
- Cost: For my itinerary, renting a car for 3-4 days cost approximately 170 euros.
- Portim?o city center (5km) one-way: about 5 euros
- Portim?o to Benagil: 12 euros
- Benagil to Albufeira: 20 euros
- Albufeira to Portim?o: 35 euros
- Round trip Portim?o to Lagos: 50 euros
**Activities:**
- Benagil Cave and SUP Tour:
- A guided tour through multiple caves.
- Book online in advance or on the spot upon arrival at the beach.
- Multiple local companies offer similar tours.
- Parasailing:
- Dream Wave in Albufeira - Caution for those susceptible to seasickness! Up to 10 people per boat, with 2-3 participants flying for 5-10 minutes each.
- Ferragudo Tile Painting (Arti Arte Azulejar):
- Highly recommended during the summer heat. A 2-3 hour group session for about 4 people, where you can paint two tiles to take home.
- If you cannot pick up the tiles in person, you can opt for the mailing service.
- Lagos Hiking Snorkeling:
- Lagos boasts numerous extended caves and secluded beaches, making it a worthwhile visit.
- Rent a SUP or snorkeling mask, and go for a hike.
- Days of Adventure's Boat Tour is also a popular choice.