Single mom traveling with two daughters both just turned 18 in July. Flying from Paris, thinking of 5 days in Lisbon and 4 days in algarve to combine culture, history and beach. Is this itinerary too much? Where in algarve should one stay if beach is the priority? Lagos/faro? Looking for mid budget possibilities and have read that algarve is expensive in the summer. Regarding lodging in algarve, is it primarily packaged hotel accommodations that are primarily there? I like airbnbs, bed and breakfasts but their presence in Lagos/faro etc. must not be prominent. Sorry for the silly questions bit any advice would be welcome: thanks a lot:
1
richiavo
Lagos is much better than Faro, and you will find all types of Accommodation from big hotels to small B&B's. Other towns are more akin to package tours, Lagos retains a nice old centre with some good beaches close by. But expect it to be busy and lots of partying. Your itinerary is fine especially if you take a couple of day trips from Lisbon.
2
Kent16
Lagos and Tavira are IMO the two nicest towns on the Algarve. Faro is a working city where the airport is, not a holiday destination.
The Algarve isn't particularly expensive this year, but as people aren't holidaying in Egypt, Tunisia etc, Spain and Portugal have seen high booking levels and you may struggle to find accommodation for peak season, as some hotels have over-booked. If you want beach time, it maybe easier to look in Nazare or other coastal towns closer to Lisbon.
3
Algarve_Cruising
It depends on how warm you want the water to be. Lagos has a great natural scenery with the rocks and the caves, but the water is freezing. The natural park of ria Formosa is a very nice option for beach holidays, I would advice you to stay in one of the islands. There is plenty of accommodation there - Faro Island, Farol Island, Tavira Island or Culatra Island ( My favorite). Culatra used to have at least two adverts on Airbnb and now you have some live aboard boats as accommodation (quite fun I am sure). The islands are great, you can just walk around, no cars, everything nearby.
As an alternative I would chose the West coast, just google for it. Monte Clérigo is by far my favorite beach there but you also have Arrifana where your daughters can have some fun with surf classes.
We are a sailing school and sailing holidays company, not providing day tours, but you can check our website to read about the area and email us if you need some particular advice.
Hope you have great holidays here!
Algarve Cruising Centre
4
Thorn Tree
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