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Trip Report

Portugal from Faro to Porto

Nice trip along the coastline of Portugal, started in Faro and went all the way up to Porto, while also stopping in Lagos and Lisbon for a few days. Super warm and sunny weather all time!

  • Porto+ 5
  • Lagos
  • Lagos
  • Portugal from Faro to Porto
jacquelinelenz
About Me:
AtlasGuru Contributor

EuropePortugal7 days / August 2019

Highs & Lows

Surfing in Porto

The heat in Lisbon

Itinerary Overview

We started our trip in Faro, stayed there for a few days, went to Lagos by train and also spend a few days there enjoying the Algarve Coastline.From there we visited Sagrez as the most western point of Europe and went to Lisbon by car with some people we met on the way.In Lisbon we stayed for 4 days and also visited Belem where you should definitely go if you want to try the best Pasteis de Nata, and Cascais for a day-trip. Cascais offers some nice old and colorful castles, but be aware of long queues to get in, or probably book tickets in advance. Our last stop was Porto: First, we Spent 2 Nights in a small town called Valadares in a beautiful hostel close to Porto for a Surf experience and then went to the City of Porto for 3 more days before we flew back home. 

  • 3 Nights: Lagos
    Tourism
  • 4 Nights: Porto
    Beach, food, party
Lagos - Tourism
1

Lagos Tourism

Lagos - Tourism - null
Lagos - Tourism - null
Lagos - Tourism - null1+

Lagos is a really cute, small City at the Algarve in Portugal. It has a lot to offer for Backpackers or Tourists in General.
We stayed in a small Hostel in town, which was probably not the best Hostel I stayed in but we mainly slept there and spent our days outside: it’s nice to Just Walk around town and explore the old, colorful buildings and narrow roads. The Beach is also close by but be advised that the Atlantic is always freezing, even in Summer when it’s 40 degrees Celsius outside. The coast invites for a stroll along the cliffs at the ocean, and you can also make a guided kayak trip to explore the Coves.
Also in the evenings, Lagos has a lot to offer, many restaurants, bars, and clubs invite you for a night out and to meet new people.

Porto - Beach, food, party
2

Porto Beach, food, party

Porto - Beach, food, party - null
Porto - Beach, food, party - null
Porto - Beach, food, party - null1+

My Personal highlight of our trip was Porto, I also preferred it over Lisbon.
It’s a bit smaller than Lisbon, but I think it is much more beautiful, and I just enjoyed the vibe of the City. You can easily get around by foot and walk over the Bridge. One of the Main attractions in Porto is Livrario Lello, an old library with a little bit of Harry potter vibes (J.K. Rowling was inspired by the Students and their capes from the University in Porto, so the story says). But be prepared for a long queue to enter the library.
One thing you have to try when in Porto is for sure the Port wine, a pretty sweet and strong red wine. I personally didn‘t like it that much but it’s just something else. Besides that, there are also a lot of cheap restaurants and bars. Depending on how much money you want to spend you can choose between fancy wine bars or just a small bar for Erasmus students at the central square where beer is about 1,50 euros. 
 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    Probably rent your own car so you are not depending on public transport and other people, makes it also easier to explore the hinterland
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Moules and Gin in Cascais
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Check the weather reports and if it's going to be over 40 degrees, just go to the beach
  • Packing tips?

    Summer clothes and definitely a hat to protect you from the sun
  • Transportation Tips?

    Public transport with bus and train works quite well and is also cheap
  • Booking details?

    We booked all our hostels a few days in advance on hostelworld

Lodging