Portugal in 10 days itinerary. How to organize a trip to Portugal on your own

Portugal is a popular tourist country with stunning natural landscapes. However, it is not always possible for tourists who come on a package tour to appreciate the natural beauties of this country. Therefore, traveling around the country on your own or rented car is becoming increasingly popular. Portugal by car is perceived in a completely different way, opening up as if from the inside, moreover, traveling by car along your own route is much more convenient.

Visa application

If you are traveling to Portugal as a tourist, you should apply for a Schengen visa category C. This visa can be single, double or multiple entry. The validity of this category of visa can be 1 month, 6 months, 12 months or 5 years. In each of these cases, the period of stay in the country should not exceed 90 days from the date of first entry. Most often, travelers are issued visas for a period of 1 month or 6 months.

What are the customs rules

According to the rules of entry into Portugal, travelers who are 17 years of age or older are allowed to import duty-free into the country:

cigarettes - 200 pieces, or cigars - 50 pieces, or tobacco - 250 g;
strong alcoholic drinks(with an alcohol content of more than 22%) - 1 l;
wine (with an alcohol content of less than 22%) - 2 liters;
coffee - 500 g;
tea - 200 g;
perfume - 50 ml;
toilet water - 250 ml.

Goods for personal use imported into Portugal must not exceed 175 euros (185 US dollars) per person.

Features of the road

The first thing a foreign traveler needs to know is that most of the Portuguese roads, as well as some bridges, are tolls. At the same time, the average speed on highways is 100 kilometers per hour, while free roads passing through settlements limit speed to 50 kilometers per hour. Tolls are traditionally calculated based on the distance between entry and exit points on the motorway. In order to pay for the fare, there are special lanes of the corresponding color at the toll highway terminals: green - only for users of the Portuguese payment system ViaVerde, orange - for paying through the operator in cash or by card, red - for paying in cash or by card through the machine. In the latter case, you need to be careful, because when paying in cash, the machine does not give change.

Parking in Portugal is also paid, the average cost for 1 hour of use is 1 euro (1.05 US dollars).

In addition, travelers by car should be aware that in case of staying in the country for more than 90 days, it is necessary to obtain a local license.

Features of tourist routes in Portugal

Composing own route in Portugal for a trip, we recommend using the advice of experienced autotourists:

find out in advance about the features and cost of renting a car and the nuances of payment, take into account the cost of gasoline and road use fees;
do not try to see all the sights in one day - better plan to visit 3-4 points and take your time walking around the city;
during the trip, spend more time contemplating the picturesque landscapes and visiting palaces and castles;
going to Portugal by car, take care of booking a hotel or hostel with parking;
drive no more than 150-200 km a day;
do not forget to set aside time for lunch - for this you can choose interesting places to visit on the Internet or stop at any local colorful restaurant you like;

And, finally, the most interesting thing is the restriction of travel abroad for debtors. It is about the status of the debtor that it is easiest to “forget” when going on another vacation abroad. The reason may be overdue loans, unpaid utility bills, alimony or fines from the traffic police. Any of these debts may threaten to restrict travel abroad in 2018, we recommend that you find out information about the presence of debt using a proven service not to fly.rf

if you choose hotels on the highway for an overnight stay, instead of hotels in settlements, you can save a lot;
for travelers who want to come to Portugal by car on their own, there is an opportunity to stay instead of a hotel in one of the car campings.

By car in Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal after the capital. There are no picturesque landscapes in the city, but you can fully enjoy the city architecture and museums. The unique attraction of the city is Cathedral Porto, built in the XII century. The cathedral has retained its original appearance, as it has never been rebuilt. Be sure to visit the Ribeira quarter, which is included in the List world heritage UNESCO - in it, many residential buildings were built 300 years ago. Travelers by car should definitely cross the Ponti di Don Luis bridge, designed by Theophilus Seyrig, who was a student of the famous Gustave Eiffel. It is no coincidence that the elements of the bridge are very reminiscent of the world-famous creation of his teacher - the Eiffel Tower. By the way, there is a bridge in Porto, which was built according to the project of the Eiffel himself - the Ponti Di Dona Maria Pia Bridge.

By car in Faro

The city of Faro is worthy of attention primarily due to the natural landscape park Ria Formosa. The park is a 60-kilometer lagoon along sea coast. The total city area of the lagoon is 18,400 hectares. As the tourist center of Faro is not the most popular city in Portugal, however, one of the best beaches in the country, Praia da Faro, is located here. The beach is quite large, but it is crowded here only at the height of the summer season.

Connoisseurs architectural monuments can visit various castles, cathedrals, churches and monasteries in this city. To do this, go to the old central quarter. Not far from the city there is another attraction - the Eshtoy Palace, built in the Rococo style.

By car in Portimão

The most beautiful place in Portimão is its coast. Go to the Praia de Rocha beach - there is an observation deck that offers stunning views of the city and seascape. Architecture lovers can stroll through the city center and visit the Church of the Virgin Mary, the Chapel of St. Jose, Alvor Castle or the Jesuit Monastery.

Driving to Sagres

The small town of Sagres is known for the fact that it was here that Prince Henry the Navigator founded a school of navigation in the 15th century. There is every reason to believe that the world-famous navigators Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama studied at this school. In addition, in this city it is worth visiting Cape San Vicente, which in the past was considered the edge of the world. One of the largest lighthouses in the world is located on the cape, the lighting range of which reaches 90 km.

Driving to Lagos

5 km from Portimão and 45 km from the city of Faro is the small town of Lagos (Lagos). This resort town is great for family vacation. The main thing to see here is the ocean, beaches and rocks. On the cape of Ponta da Piedade there is an observation deck and a lighthouse. By the way, free parking is provided for car travelers near the lighthouse. Leaving the car in the parking lot, you can take a boat trip through the grottoes and water caves. There are several beaches in this city, but the most impressive of them, which is a must-see for car tourists, is Marinha Beach.

Driving to Madeira

The only way to get to Madeira by car is by ferry from Porto Santo (once a day). The cost of ferry tickets depends on the month, class, and whether you are a resident of the island. Buying tickets for a group of two to four people, you can get significant discounts. The average cost of tickets for one person with a car is shown in the table:

Ferry connections between mainland There is no Portugal and Madeira Island, but the car can be delivered by a cargo ship, and you can use the plane yourself. In addition, you can rent a car directly on the island.

When traveling by car on the island of Madeira, the main thing to see is nature. The island is dominated by a mountainous landscape, so the roads here are quite winding. Go by car to the viewing platforms. For example, Eira do Serrado is located at an altitude of 1,053 meters, Pico dos Barcelos - at an altitude of 355 meters. The first platform overlooks the Valley of the Nuns (Curral das Freiras) - this name appeared in the 16th century, when pirates attacked the nearby monastery of St. Clara, and the nuns were forced to hide in this valley. The second platform is closer to the ocean, and from here the sea vessels are better seen.

Driving to Lisbon

Perhaps the most important sight to see in the vicinity of Lisbon is the statue of Jesus Christ. To get here, you need to cross the Tagus River on the April 25 Bridge. And the bridge itself is also worth seeing. It is absolutely identical to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, as they were built by the same American construction company. So, on the other side of the Tagus River, at its confluence with Atlantic Ocean, the town of Almada is located. Here, at an altitude of 113 above sea level, a monument rises, which was built in 1959 as a token of gratitude for the non-participation of Portugal in World War II. The statue of Christ can be seen from anywhere in Lisbon.

Walking through the city center, be sure to look at the Commerce Square. Here, the Arc de Triomphe of Augusta Street immediately catches the eye, which you can climb for 2.5 euros (2.65 US dollars). The observation deck offers a beautiful view of the bay, picturesque streets, castles and monasteries, which you can spend the rest of your time visiting and exploring.

Traveling by car in Sintra

Sintra is one of the most beautiful cities Portugal. It is said that the beauty of this city surpasses even Lisbon. On the first day of your stay in the town, you can leisurely visit two places: the Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors. Near the palace there is a large park, the entrance ticket to which can be purchased separately without buying a ticket to the palace. Another attraction is the Castle of the Moors. This fortress was built in the IX-X centuries. You can get to the castle by a long staircase going through the forest.

Not less than interesting object, worthy of attention travelers - Montserrati Palace, located 4 km from the city. The palace has a botanical garden with 2,000 species of plants from around the world.

Another monument is Quinta de Regaleira, architectural structure in neo-gothic style. On the territory of this palace and park complex, you can find various mysterious signs and symbols of the Templars and Masons everywhere.

If you like to study history not only through acquaintance with castles and palaces, you can visit the News Museum. Here you will get to know the history of Portugal through media coverage.

And finally, while in Sintra, one cannot help but visit one of the most significant places not only in Portugal, but also in the entire continent - Cape Roca. This is the most extreme point of Eurasia in the West, where a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean opens.

How to rent a house in Portugal

When traveling in Portugal, you need to stop somewhere. If you are not satisfied with the option with parking lots and hotels, you can rent housing. When traveling, it is better to consider options daily rent housing. Ads can be found on the Internet on forums, on popular sites for daily rent of real estate, or you can ask around from local residents.

Driving to Portugal: Video

Portugal - amazing country on the very edge of Europe, famous for its unique views and its special atmosphere, which you can fully enjoy only by getting to know the local color on your own, without a guide and a noisy crowd, having time to feel every moment and consider every detail. The easiest and most convenient way to do this is to travel around Portugal by car. After all, this country is rich in all kinds of beauty and entertainment, located not only near major cities but also in secluded places where public transport often does not go, and a taxi is very expensive. Therefore, you can have time to walk through the beautiful lemon and orange gardens, relax on the best beaches, visit popular water parks and admire the picturesque cliffs in one trip, only by choosing your own route in Portugal and renting a car.

Traveling around Portugal by car will help you save a lot of energy, time and money, as well as get the most out of your experience. The territory of this country is small. If you have a car, it is easy to drive it from north to south in 6-7 hours, so you can safely plan a difficult route in Portugal, including several cities and even regions, and for a relatively short vacation. Also, a car can be useful when relaxing within the same city, because it allows you to comfortably get anywhere at any time, regardless of the schedule of public transport.

Car rental in Portugal

The most convenient and cost effective way to rent a car in Portugal is to find a good car rental company at one of the major airports such as Lisbon, Faro and Porto airports. Here, the choice of rental companies and offers is especially wide, so finding the perfect option is easy. Also, the advantage of renting a car at airports in Portugal was the convenient location of offices.

Many of them are located directly in the terminal, which greatly simplifies the search and saves time. Parking at such companies, as a rule, is located at the terminal itself, so a tourist can leave the airport in a rented car immediately after filling out the necessary documents. However, the cheapest cars in Portugal usually offer rentals, whose offices are 5-10 minutes away on a free branded bus. Since this location is less expensive than maintaining an office at the airport, such companies are generally very moderately priced, especially in winter. At the same time, it is not necessary to start traveling around Portugal by car with walking from office to office in the hope of finding the best conditions. On our website you can find and book a suitable option in advance in Russian.

In Portugal, as well as throughout Europe, all you need to get a car is a foreign passport, a plastic-based driver's license and credit card in the name of the driver with the amount required to pay the deposit. The deposit is frozen in the account for the duration of the rental. If a

Everything for independent routes in Portugal: driving features and roads

Car traffic in Portugal is practically no different from Russian. The Portuguese driving style is quite calm, not aggressive. Traveling around Portugal by car is easy and pleasant, and many tourists prefer to explore the country by car. Often in the high season there are even more vacationers on the roads than the Portuguese. However, this does not prevent you from enjoying driving around Portugal by car. After all, the network highways well developed in this country. Its length is about 80,000 km. Road surfaces are of high quality, regardless of whether they are paid or not.

Thinking about itineraries before leaving for Portugal self tour, especially lying near Lisbon, it is important to remember that not everywhere you can drive for free. In addition to the usual roads with free passage, there are also autobahns or highways, which are designated in Portugal as autoestradas or simply A. These high-speed tracks with perfectly even surface are well equipped. Clear signs, clear markings, reflectors, dividing barriers and numerous roadside cafes, gas stations and shops make getting around Portugal by car simple and comfortable, but at the same time fast. Speed limits of up to 120 km/h are allowed on motorways.

Like everything convenient and modern, highways cost money. Fares are mostly moderate and vary depending on the specific road and vehicle class. You can pay for the use of the motorway both in cash and by card. Nevertheless, we recommend taking on a trip not only virtual, but also real money. No one is immune from the failures of plastic cards. In this case, the motorist receives a check that will need to be paid at the post office. For long trips around Portugal by car, it is best to use Via Verde, a compact device for instant contactless fare payment, which is rented at a number of car rental companies and at some technical service stations, and is sold in specialized centers. The device allows you to drive along a dedicated lane without stops and barriers, because the payment is read automatically at the entrance to the Electronic Toll gate marked with a green V sign.

Also, getting acquainted with Portugal by car, you should pay attention to the roundabouts. Here, priority is given to those who drive in a circle. Thanks to this rule, the intersection is regulated without the participation of a traffic light.

Portugal by car: where to stay

The choice of accommodation in Portugal is great, and the cost is varied. In winter, prices for apartments with a kitchen start from 10 euros per night. In summer, accommodation in guest apartments and hotels is somewhat more expensive, but thanks to the variety of options, there is a good offer in any season if you start your search in advance.

Where to go in Portugal. Lisbon on your own

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, where the bulk of tourists arrive. Modern city with a centuries-old history, it will be of interest both to connoisseurs of architecture and ancient artifacts, and lovers of shopping, vibrant nightlife and lazy relaxation on the beach. After all, here ancient castles, cathedrals, museums and archaeological excavations are harmoniously combined with shopping malls, famous boutiques, markets, atmospheric bars, clubs and beaches. To see all these popular places in Lisbon on your own, you will undoubtedly need a car. Especially when this city is only part of the route through Portugal.

However, staying in Lisbon for just a few days, you can do without it. If you need a car just to get from the airport, a transfer can easily replace it. This service includes a meeting upon arrival and delivery of a tourist to the door of the hotel. The asking price is literally 10 euros.

Itinerary in Portugal from Lisbon to the Algarve

The best self-guided routes to the north of Portugal

After a holiday in the Algarve, it's time to head to the northern regions. This is the longest route in Portugal, which means that it will not be superfluous to relax, which is also a wine house and a famous restaurant. The store at this curious establishment sells locally produced wine, which will be a great gift for family and friends.

North of Portugal attracts travelers the most beautiful cities. Porto, Coimbra and other significant places of tourism and recreation will not leave anyone indifferent. Staying at ancient cities, remember that their center is rather cramped and not rich in parking lots. When visiting these settlements in Portugal by car, it is more convenient to settle on the outskirts of the city. If you really want to touch the nature and traditions of winemaking, you should go to the Dauro Valley - the wine "capital" of Portugal, a region spread over a vast territory.

Traveling by car in Portugal will give you many interesting moments, luxurious beaches where it is pleasant to see off the sunset, opportunities to discover new cities and unexplored corners of this wonderful country. . Mark your favorite types of vacations and comfortable weather, get acquainted with suitable regions and relax in Portugal on your own along your own itinerary.

Flying to Portugal and sitting on the same beach is not the smartest option, unless of course you live an hour's flight or drive away. It is worth renting a car already at the Lisbon airport and rush towards adventure. I used the services of Gold Car and was satisfied. This is our third meeting with this European distributor, which is in danger of soon turning into a friendship, growing stronger thanks to the good price and quality of service. This friendship is sometimes trying to break the very worthy Herz or Sixt, but so far without success.

Main points along the route:

Lisbon - Cabo da Roca - Sintra - Vila do Bispo - Sagres - Lagos - Ferragudo - Silves - Lagoa - Albufeira - Lisbon

Only about 800 km. With arrivals at local points - lookouts, beaches and just the places you like - 900 km.

On the map, our route looks like So :

1. Neighborhoods of Lisbon: Lisbon - Cape Roca - Sintra - Lisbon

On the Lisbon you need at least 3-4 days, one of which is worth devoting to Cape Roca and historical Sintra located half an hour away.

Cape Roca(Cabo da Roca) is the extreme western point of Europe and is interesting precisely for its location. Of the attractions - a lighthouse and beautiful views of the coastline. However, the skyline in other places along the route will not be worse.

Sintra- an ancient town, quite nice, although very touristy. It is ideal to come to Sintra in the morning, right after the lighthouse at Cape Roca, before 10 o'clock. Firstly, there are more options to park, and secondly, it will take at least 6 hours to get to the city itself. We watch the palace, the fortress, walk along the winding steep streets and try delicious treats in local confectioneries.

2. The second part of the route - the road from Lisbon to the Algarve

We drive by regional roads N5, N253, N261, N120, N268, N125. We go to the beaches according to the signs and choose “The best of”

Destination number one on the route - Comporta, a winery and a beach in the style of the movie "Knockin' on Heaven's Door". Beach from horizon to horizon, a boardwalk, a huge shaft.
Beach coordinates: 38.381372, -8.802608

Can be skipped Sines if there is little time and immediately move to the side Villa do Bispo is the extreme southwest of Europe. There are several beautiful beaches in the vicinity, but the water in these places rarely exceeds +20, they are interesting from the point of view of wandering around, enjoying the ocean and watching the sunset.

Before reaching Vila do Bispo, we stop at Amado beach - beautiful views, a surfer's beach, but you can swim in summer.

You can spend the night in the town of Vila do Bispo, exclusively as a transit overnight, or you can immediately go to the town of Sagres - the extreme southwestern point of Europe.

Not so much interesting Sagres, How many Lighthouse S. Vicente. Very nice lighthouse and great view coastline, several viewing platforms.

Parking coordinates near the lighthouse S. Vicente: 37.16858, -8.665534

Near the lighthouse on the road to Lagos interesting beach Beliche, popular with locals. Not crowded with a good inexpensive restaurant, azure ocean, surrounded by beautiful rocks. (37.02421, -08.99426)

3. Part three along the route - South coast Algarve, the warmest and favored by tourists of all calibers.

Points of interest: Lagos is beautiful tourist town with old narrow cobbled streets, promenade and restaurants. There are several beaches and lookouts in the vicinity.

Praia dona Ana - (37.091233, -8.0669761)

City longest and warmest sand beach Maia Praia (37.106858. -8.665534)

Ponta da Piedade, the observation deck from which opens beautiful view on the rocks, from here you can also ride on the local grottoes by boat. (37.08162, -08.66978)

More interesting places:

The village of Ferragudo, a beautiful fishing village on a hill, a good place for a photo - (37.125894, -8.52227)

Praia da Roca beach near the town of Portimao

The town of Lagoa is the best place for overnight stays in my opinion, conveniently located 3 km. from the ocean and equidistant from all interesting places. For us, this was the main base for exploring the Algarve coast and historical monuments.

Silves - here is an old Arab fortress, well preserved, you can spend a couple of hours in front of the beaches.

Praia do Marinha (37/090073, -8.412599) is one of the most beautiful on the coast, but swimming is difficult in summer due to black algae blooms almost all over the beach. Great for "sunbathing, drinking wine and enjoying the rocks"

- Senhora da Rocha- Guidebooks report that this is the most photographed beach in the Albufeira area. Probably because there are a lot of hotels nearby... :) The beach is beautiful, but somewhere at the end of my conditional top ten Algarve. Coordinates: 37.09750, -008.38643

- Albufeira. White houses, several beaches in the vicinity make it the most popular town in the Algarve. I would still prefer Lagos or Lagoa for Algarve research.

- Praia do Castelo- our favorite beach in the Algarve, which has been awarded the title of #1 beach, is located between Albufeira and Lagos. There are no hotels in the vicinity, so the contingent is mainly local and independent road travelers. Pic Nic restaurant is open all year round, view of the ocean and bright yellow rocks of indescribable beauty. Coordinates: (37.07354, -008.29812)

4. Road to Lisbon

We return, or rather we fly along the E1 autobahn in 2.5 hours without stopping, we enter the city through the longest bridge in Europe, Vasco da Gama, and spend an unforgettable 10 hours in the city before departure.

P.S. The Algarve is full of beautiful beaches and beautiful places, so the right thing to do is to plan a little more time and just randomly follow the signs.

About how easy it is to organize a trip for yourself and your friends to Portugal, including applying for a Schengen visa, weather, choosing accommodation and choosing a route in Portugal. Travel budget, photo.

In principle, there is nothing complicated, you need a strong desire to see this beautiful country, which we back up with some technical details and knowledge and forward, towards the fresh wind of the Atlantic, sardines, wine and natural beauties.

As usual, this article is a simple algorithm or step-by-step instruction which is easy to organize travel to portugal for yourself and friends without contacting intermediaries and without leaving the pages of this site. I do not deny the need for travel agencies, often it is they who do a significant part of the organization work for us - for this we pay extra money. But believe me Portugal that country, a trip to which is better to organize on your own and be alone with the most beautiful places in the extreme west of southwest Europe.

Getting a Schengen visa

We start with the Schengen visa and only then do the rest of the details. If you still don’t have a visa, you can find out how to get it at no additional cost in the article. Schengen visa. Instructions for receiving. And don't forget about insurance. You can fly to Portugal with a Schengen visa of any country. For example, we traveled with a Spanish visa, and the first entry was precisely in Portugal. There will be no questions. From June 11, 2017 citizens of Ukraine do NOT need a Schengen visa to visit EU countries if available biometric passport.

Planning an itinerary for Portugal

Portugal, despite the seeming diminutiveness, has something to offer even to the sophisticated traveler. I traveled through vintage hilly Lisbon with a centuries-old history, which, as if specially turned out right on the narrow streets, is well complemented by the magical landscapes of the coast and Algarve beaches.

Whatever you choose - Algarve, the center of the country with river valleyDouro(Duero, Douro) Porto and surroundings, it is worth to include Lisbon and dedicate at least two full days to it.

For example, independent trip for 10-14 days in Portugal may be like this. 2-3 days in Lisbon. Then we take one day to the tourist, but very much with a stop at the extreme western point of Europe - Cape Roca. Moving south Portugal- in province of the Algarve and week beach holiday in Lagos with excursions to Cape Sao Vincente - the extreme southwestern point of Europe and the surrounding beaches, then moving to the remaining time in Albufeiro and travel through the surrounding beautiful beaches south of the country.

It is worth remembering that Portugal is a country where you need to travel by car, although there are train + bus options. You should not linger in one place, as there are a lot of beautiful locations - then you will regret that you did not see a lot. Portugal is NOT a classic beach holiday country - there are an infinite number of beaches here, but they are all so different and beautiful that it is simply impossible to sit still.

Detail our itinerary in portugal You can see it in the Routes section:

Weather in Portugal: Lisbon and the Algarve coast

winter in Lisbon rainy at a temperature around +12 Celsius, south of the Algarve- comfortable +20 Celsius, of course you can’t swim in January, but walking along the coast is very comfortable. peak season coincides with the vacation period for Europeans and the most comfortable weather for swimming and sunbathing is mid-July-August. In July-August the most high prices and the largest number of people - it is better to book accommodation for this time in advance, good options diverge three months before the start of the vacation. The water temperature in July-August is 18-22 depending on the beach. Most warm beach Algarve was found by us in the city Lagos, wrote in detail about the rest in this place in his report.

September is also suitable for swimming, relaxing and traveling, in winter, spring and in the middle of autumn it is very cool to travel around the country - low prices, comfortable weather in the south, it can rain in Lisbon and to the north, but not more often than in our latitudes.

Buying airfare to Portugal

We flew to Portugal from Kyiv. The most convenient way to get there is by such airlines - Lufthansa, Air France or KLM with a transfer, since 2018, WizzAir has been flying to Lisbon without a transfer. In my case it was a flight Kyiv-Paris-Lisbon (Air France) on the way there and Lisbon-Amsterdam-Kyiv (KLM) on the way home. In both cases, I deliberately planned a long connection - 12 hours in order to be able to walk along and Amsterdam respectively. It is also convenient to get to Porto or Lisbon from cities in Poland, Germany or the Baltic States with Ryanair or easyJet airlines. In this case, the flight will cost no more than 100 euros round trip.

We book accommodation in Portugal according to our capabilities

For the first trip, we book hotels or apartments for 3-5 days in Booking.com - Lisbon and 4 to 6 days for Algarve coast . I lived near the city of Lagoa - the place is in the middle coast of the Algarve. Lagoa ideal for radial outings around the area. Many like more party Lagos or Albufeira.

About the hotel we stayed in town of Lagoa I wrote a separate review with photo- we really liked it, the ideal price-quality ratio-location-location-goodwill of the owner. I recommend it to active travelers who like to return to comfortable conditions. I will definitely go back there again.

How to save money on housing in Portugal

Economy option for family or company travelers to rent an apartment. At Booking about 2000 apartment offers in Lisbon .

Booking a rental car

Many do without a car, a matter of taste, but in my opinion, having a car in Portugal makes it much easier to explore the local beauties. If the goal is to lie on the beach and go on a couple of excursions from Lisbon, then you can do without a car.

Automobile- this is your transfer from the airport to the place of rest and the place of storage and transportation of luggage. Parking at Algarve coast free almost everywhere Lisbon will cost no more than 10 euros per day. You should not choose expensive underground parking lots, it is better to ask the hotel where the inexpensive private parking is located - prepare a phrase in English and ask for the address of the parking lot. Further on the navigator in a smartphone or a paper map, you can easily find it.

The long and inefficient way to rent a car is to go to the airport website at Lisbon, see which rental offices are located there and choose one of them using the selection method. Briefly and effectively - use the car booking service. It's as simple as renting an apartment or a hotel and can be done on the website rentalcars- just select the country and city in which you need a car. Then choose a machine and easily and naturally just like we did.

Details about car rental abroad can be read in the article: Car rental abroad

Prices, budget for a trip to Portugal

For those who have more money than time, this item traditionally does not apply. I advise everyone else to read it.

The travel budget consists of the cost of the flight, the cost of accommodation, the cost of renting a car, and the cost of food. We count together and remember about statistical errors, so we add 10% -20% to the amount in case of unforeseen expenses or buying souvenirs.

Airfare to Lisbon– it’s good if the flight costs no more than 150 Euros round-trip. You can always look at the calendar low prices on the airline sales.

budget housing costs 30-50 euros per day for a double room, housing is more expensive with a swimming pool - 70-100 Euro per day for two.

Car rent- 30 euros per day, car insurance - another 10 euros per day and depends on the type of insurance, fuel - European prices, we spent about 70 euros in 10 days, driving about 700 km. To book a car, we used the site rentalcars- reliable plus good price, but they don’t look for good from good, you yourself know.

Total it turns out about 800-1000 euros, including flights, per person per season, cheaper in winter and spring. Remember that Portugal is good at any time, including the winter months. Food. Breakfast is usually included in the price of the hotel, while lunch can cost from 7 euros to 20 euros per person, including local wine, depending on the choice of location.

The money you save is worth spending on a port or light Portuguese rosé. If you don't like wine - give it to your friends!

Agree, it is unlikely that an organized and not the most intense tour for 10 days will cost less. Freedom is often also quite economical.

Useful links when planning a trip to Portugal

TicketsUA– inexpensive air tickets, it is convenient to pay in hryvnia with a Ukrainian bank card, there is no additional conversion

Aviasales- budget flights around the world

UIA– website of Ukraine International Airlines

Hotels Combined (Room Guru)- allows you to save up to 30% when searching for budget accommodation, hotels and apartments as it searches all popular booking sites, including Agoda, Booking.com and others

Booking.com– a familiar and convenient site for searching and booking accommodation around the world

Airbnb– the world leader in finding apartments and apartments for travel, register using the link and get a cash bonus on your first booking

rentalcars– a site for searching and renting cars around the world with the possibility of free cancellation

Farvater– online purchase of tours from Ukraine

Hotline Finance– travel insurance for citizens of Ukraine, green cards for traveling abroad by car, round-the-clock online support

The best online service for selling insurance services from leading insurance companies

Read the names and roll in hissing language, stop in small towns-villages, study the peculiarities of local life-cuisine, get out to the markets (live chicken-rabbits mixed with Chinese ten-euro sneakers), sit down at the table to local residents, deliciously eating grilled chicken with freshly baked rolls, drinking port or green wine, in general, pouring into Portugal.

Circular route: railway station Sintra - Museu do Brinquedo(Toy Museum_ - Centro historico, posto Turismo(Historic Center, Tourism Point) – Castelo dos Mouros(Castle of the Moors) - Palacio da Pena(Palace Pena) - Museu do Brinquedo(Toy Museum) - Sintra railway station.
Ticket price: there - up to the Pena Palace - 5 euros, back - down - 2.75 euros.

During the journey from the railway station of Sintra to the Pena Palace, you can get off the bus and then take the same one and go further up without additional payment, there is no such freebie on the way back.

Driving from Sintra to Lisbon on anything - less than 30 km, both buses and trains run all the time). The cost of a ticket from Lisbon to Porto by train is 20-25 euros, by a comfortable bus with coffee and TV - 14 euros.

1 option: Intercity train Intercidades (Intercidades). Travel time: 3 hours. Ticket price: tourist class - 24 euros, 1st class - 35.5 euros

Option 2: Intercity train Alfa Pendular (Alfa-pendular) is a modern high-speed train on a magnetic pad. Travel time: 2:34 - 2:42 depending on the departure time. Ticket price: tourist class - 30 euros, 1st class - 42 euros

Buses to Porto leave from the Arco Sago station (Saldanha metro station - blue line) and Oriente station (Oriente station - red line terminus). Trains - from Santa Appolonia station - 10 min. walk from the central square (Praza de Comercio).

6. On the road Lisbon - Porto you can devote a day or two to walks in small provincial towns.
Best place to stay in Leiria and from there, by minibuses or trains, go to Obidos, Batalha, With a small detour - Tomar (mast si) and Fatima.

From Lisbon to Leiria 119 km. The town is pretty, but you can not linger here, see the Castle, which in the 15th century was the residence of the Pope and go through Batalha to Tomar (easier by bus). From Tomar back to Leiria via Fatima, from which there are express minibuses: half an hour and in Leiria.

And we return to Lisbon, in love with Portugal forever.

And a good article about where to taste Portuguese wines: http://www.winestep.com/poprobovat-portugalskoe-vino/

You can use this route in one of our tours in Portugal.
Dates and duration may vary, for example:

Route: Moscow - Lisbon - Estoril (Cascais) - Sintra - Leiria - Porto - Vila Nova de Gaia - Lamego - Lisbon - Moscow
+ optional rides on the route described above

C The price is given depending on the chosen option.
a budget option/ rating hotels
Departure June 5 for 14 nights– 624 /987 euros
Departure September 5 for 14 nights–669/1032 euros upd 9.08, now from681/1042 euros
per person based on double occupancy

Tour program:

5-8 June / 5-8 September accommodation 3 nights in Lisbon at the Jardim da Amadora hostel (room with shared facilities, breakfast) / or at the Neya Lisboa 4* hotel (breakfast).

June 8-10 / September 8-10 accommodation 2 nights at Estalagem Muchxo Hotel 4* (Cascais, breakfast) / or Alvorada 3* hotel (Estoril, breakfast).