Travel Talk Question
asked about 1 year and 3 days ago
I will be in Portugal around Christmas this year and I am wondering if anyone knows of anything or has suggestions things to do or "must see's". I will mainly be limited to the Eastern half of the country, close to the border of Portugal and Spain. thanks!
1 Answer:
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answered about 11 months and 6 days ago
I had spent 2 weeks in February 2006, in the south of Portugal- The Algarve. I toured the entire south, and east coast as it can be done in a day. We had gone to lands end, visited the wineries, had a nice lunch at a local place, then of course you don't pass up the delicious deserts at the bakeries. We continued on and did much sight seeing at lands end, and along the breathtaking east and south coast.
I had an amazing time in the southern beaches of the Algarve with caves and red rocks you can sit on as the tides of the waves are very strong and great for surfing; though not advised for children or unless you are an expert swimmer! Take all cautions as when the tide comes in the waves are very strong and can easily wash you out 10-15 feet into the deep ocean in seconds! Otherwise the best time is in the mornings when the water is calm and the views are spectacular.
At the time I had found an excursion for under 200 Euros, for a 3 day/2night- all hotels, and most meals included tour: Travelled to Sevilla, Spain spent the night, after breakfast we had gone to The Rock of Gibraltar for a day, and toured St. Michaels Caves, spent a few hours in the Centre Square, then headed back to Sevilla, Spain for dinner, a bit of shopping and to spend the night. It was an amazing tour and we seen and experienced many things, like visiting the tombs of Christopher Columbus in the Cathedral in Spain- you have the option to go to the top (about 30-40 stories up, but worth the views) as well as a nice city tour on a horse carriage through the city and colonial and government buildings, you then have an hour shopping as well as time for lunch (you buy what you choose to eat) The next day you take the ferry to Tangier, Morocco and tour the local trades, and how some of their local exports are made, a traditional lunch, a bit of free time to shop, Camel rides into the Sahara, also a scenic ride on the tour bus along the coastline where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. I think it was well worth the cost and the fact that we learned a great deal about Portuguese, Spanish, African, and Mediterranean culture.
I was 25 at the time, and I will someday go back after I visit a few other regions of my own interest. My mother travelled with me, and had gone back with friends and spent more time touring northern Portugal, as well as more time in Spain, and Morocco.
I caution you on the timeshare people that try to tell you they will give you a tour, but you are stuck in an information session after, for hours, which they dont tell you about. Don't bother wasting your time when there is so much to do and see :D
I hope this helps, and you have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Cheers
thanks alot!