Portugal with the parents

Hello -
I am meeting my parents in Portugal for about a week in August (meeting at a half-way point from our respective countries of residence) and my dad would like a place that is not ridiculously hot, not too too many people and that has beer. Suggestions?
Also, we could go to Spain.......but they suggested Portugal first.

I'm assuming you're going in summer. Anyway I think Lisbon fits the bill - average temps do not get too high (mid/high 20c) in comparison the the areas closer to thee Med eg Lagos where you get high 20c temps and even into the early 30c. Lisbon is very hilly though, but most areas you are likely to be interested in going are accessible by tram.

Perhaps try to concentrate on the coast north of Lisbon.

Do you want to be on the coast? There are hundreds of places that fit your description inland in the north and centre of the country.

Try Cascais near Lisbon, at least you can all do a bit of 'culture gathering' in this wonderful city if you have time, or maybe go to a beach if you simply need a swim. Further North of Lisbon would be cooler, but less interesting unless you know where you are going.

Cascais (as well as Estoril and Sintra) is/are really very nice - great beaches, though a little more English touristy than Lisbon I think - probably more popular due to the easy access to the beach and water. The area along the coast is easily accessible by train from Lisbon (~30 min) so it's very possible to do a day (or two) trip out there as we did recently.

The coast is a little more difficult to get to from the airport than down town Lisbon which is why we've not actually stayed there, but next time around we may well give a stay out there a go - the advantage of being in Lisbon itself is there's quite a lot of sight seeing you can do and some very nice night-life and restaurants. I suppose you might take a taxi to the train terminal (15-20 min @ €12-14) in Lisbon (Cais de Sodre) and then take the train from there. Not sure if a taxi would take you all that way, but it looks like Cascais is only 30-40 min drive by the motorway (which seems a bit quick) which would set you back around €20 (at a guess).

Further North of Lisbon would be cooler, but less interesting unless you know where you are going.
I assume you mean the coast, PJ1000, because the interior to the north of Lisbon is both fascinating and very picturesque, even dramatic in parts. You only need to look at the Douro Valley for a start. The Minho, Tras as Montes, and so on...all wonderful. Am I missing something here? I don't see any mention of the coast in the original post. I admit that's where the OP wants to be, but it's not stated.

If you are in Lisbon, don't miss Sintra where the Pena castle is. Sintra is only about 1h in train from Lisbon. Beside the castle also has a few other estates and historical buildings worth visiting. Have fun!

I admit that's where the OP wants to be, but it's not stated.
Typo! That should read:
I admit that's possibly where the OP wants to be, but it's not stated.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Staying near Lisbon or on the coast is not a necessity. We could rent a car if need be. I have heard the Douro valley is hot during the summer and if staying on the coast means cooler temperatures that is fine. I am assuming heading north along the coast would be cooler than heading south....any sites north of Lisbon worth renting a car for?

Edited by: ciuriciuri

You're right about the Douro valley.

What about the Minho? I found it a fascinating and very rewarding area to visit. Not too many non-Portuguese tourists (although it's the main month for Portuguese holidaymakers); picturesque towns; August festivities; relatively mild climate; local wines; a strong crafts tradition; inland or on the coast - the choice is yours. That's where I would go with your preferences in mind. A hire car would be best for getting around. Google the various town names for more detials.

Oh, I forgot, they have beer too :-)