Spain and Portugal...

[macneechay]

So here I am, planning a trip to Portugal and Spain in July/August. I'm flying into Gatwick, London and then plan on getting a cheap flight to Lisbon and starting my travels there. I'll book a hostel for the first 3 nights...and then I was just going to wing it. I haven't bought a train pass because I'm not really that interested in sticking to an itinerary, I have lots of time and just want to explore, meet new people and see where that takes me. I'm thinking of renting a scooter in each town to get around (any advice on that??? is that cheap/safe?). As far as accomodation, I'm just planning on booking about a week in advance when I know which direction I'm going. I've read that the buses are pretty cheap in Portugal. I'll be travelling alone and am female and just want to have the trip of a lifetime (hopefully not the last).
Looking for advice, tips, routes to follow somewhat from Portugal to Spain (Barcelona)...thinking just stick to the coast and hop from city to city. and then depending on time hit up France and/or Italy by train or air.
Talk to me, all your advice and tips are greatly appreciated...and if your planning on travelling in that time frame to the same areas lets meet up!
Thanks, Sara

[me]

in the Algarve, Southern Portugal, Lagos is a favorite.

- d

[me]

Sara,
Rather than Lisbon (i've gotten airsick both times i've landed in that city. too much information? )
you might think about flying to Faro, going to Lagos, then North through southern Portugal on your way to Lisbon. (no problems flying out of Lisbon)

also, North of Lisbon are some interesting places. Sintra and Estoril are near Lisbon. Óbidos is also a nice memory less than 60 miles North. as is Nazaré, where we spent to night.

East of Lisbon, there is Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

can't advise you on scooter rental: just isn't my thing.

- d

[Eagle]

Sara, you might want to work out a "rough" Itinerary and pre-book at least some of your accomodations, due to the fact that you'll be travelling in the "busy" season and a lot of the places might be booked up. Travel during those times are not really the best for "winging it".

One route you could consider would be:

- Lisbon
- Salema
- Lagos
- Sevilla (at this point, you could take a slight diversion to Gibraltar and Morocco?)
- Granada
- Valencia
- Barcelona
- France or Italy (you might have time to do both in two months, if you use budget airlines - which cities are you interested in???)

If you bought a Rail Flex Pass, this would still provide you with some freedom and wouldn't tie you to a schedule. Sorry, I can't help with the Scooter either, as it's not something I've ever checked out.

Not sure if this helps, but I wanted to provide you with a few suggestions. Good luck with your trip planning and happy travels!!!

[MuvverRussia]

Cheap flights from London to Lisbon in July/August are pretty rare. That said, there are some deals to be had in early July - after the 20th prices skyrocket though. August is a no go.

Scooter rental isn't advised, especially if you don't have motorcycle experience. They are often little more than deathtraps, especially with the standard of driving seen in Portugal/Spain.

[LovinEurope]

I have to second David about visting Sintra and estoril, also just down the shore from estoril (5-10minute train ride) is a little town called Cascais theres nothing much there but it is VERY beautiful. Cordoba spain is woth a look too there is an amazing mosque there.