Portugal - Faro, Lisbon or...

[ctwizzy]

My relatives place in Faro is as far as I know unavailable now.

So now im debating Portugal at all, but I really do want to see it, as it looks beautiful. So im debating the cost of hosteling for 2 people.

First of all, which is the best place to stay in Portugal to get the best beach/sights combination? Me and my gf will be travelling together, we are looking at relaxing more than sight seeing but definatly a day trip or two would be cool. We are hoping to stay for 7-8 days.

Roundtrip flight will cost 350 CAD
I found a hostel or budget hotel rather private double room for 68 CAD a night. Hoping to live on $80 a day each, CAD, room will be 34 a day each then, leaving 46 a day for food and transportation. Im hoping this is a reasonable estimate.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Eagle]

ctwizzy, for mostly relaxing with some sight seeing, my vote would be for the Algarve region of Portugal, perhaps Salema or Lagos.

Hopefully the others will have a few comments as well.

Happy travels!!!

[herrbert]

Well Lisbon is already relaxed compared to other bigger cities, and at this moment, not yet overrun by tourists, so I would keep Lisbon. I presume you need to fly in and out of there, as I don't think Faro and Porto (Oporto) have direct flights to Canada (but I might be wrong).

The south is a good choice (Lagos), if you want to be at the beach. but you can also head north to Coimbra and Porto. Here (Porto) you will find a more rocky coast, with cliffs. It must be possible to find a more private beach.

80 CAD (55,50 euro) seems to be a tight budget, but I think it is possible in Portugal. You might want to keep down the transport costs by taking busses, instead of trains. See if you can find hostels with a kitchen so you can save on food. Don't forget that in the 46 CAD, you also have to include city-transport, drinks, sightseeing.

[WillTravel]

There are direct charter flights between Canada and Portugal. Not sure about when they fly or their cost.

[clappy]

Lagos is definitely a great place to relax and enjoy the beaches. Lisbon is a fantastic city with lots of sights and Sintra is a good place for a daytrip from there.