Recommendations for a town to be home base in early November? Will be traveling with 11 mo old. Interested in sightseeing, history, culture, food, outdoor activities (walking, hiking, exploring).

So I’m going on a short 3 day trip to Faro/Olhao (hotel is in Olhao), I have all day Sunday and Monday, with most of Tuesday and I just really wanted some help mostly on what to do!

I really wanted to visit the Capela dos Ossos, my plan was to do that plus Faro old town on Monday, since the chapel is shut on Sunday ofc and Tuesday I don’t want to feel rushed. I’m not sure if those will take up all day Monday though tbh.

This was kind of a random spur of the moment and last minute trip so I just don’t know that much about what there is to do here in October, especially on the Sunday. I would really appreciate some advice on what I can get up to especially on Sunday and for a short time on Tuesday. I’ll mostly just be taking bolt rides between cities and far places and walking within the cities for closer parts. I particularly like art, architecture and nature if there’s anything that I should take a look at, but also happy if there’s a beach I should just sit at for a while :)

Also side question, I love to cook, and when I travel somewhere I try to get an ingredient specific to the region or a little ceramic bowl/cup that I can use whilst cooking; for example I have paprika from Spain, truffles and cooking lavender from France, olive oil from a farm in Greece, etc, what would you say is specific to Faro or the Algarve I could get and take home and use for a while/for special meals, it’s my own little souvenir thing to do lol. Also is there any specific places and market locations in the cities that I should beeline if I want to pick up typical souvenirs like a fridge magnet haha.

Lastly any extra tips or info about the place, cool facts and recommendations would be super appreciated, I’m very excited to come visit!! Thanks in advance :)

I will be reaching Lagos on 4^th Nov night. I plan to do Seven hanging valley hike on 5^th Nov. Can someone help me with few naïve questions?

1.      Is it safe to arrive at late night 11pm and then search nearby hotel? I don’t want to get mugged

2.      Any hostel/house suggestions? Most of the economical hostels have very low ratings and bad reviews. I just need a bed to crash.

3.      I plan to do one-way hike only. Which route is better for the hike? East to west or west to east?

4.      Is it better to do late afternoon so that I can enjoy the sunset at the end of the hike?

1. What is the best/economical way to reach Lisbon from Lagos?

I was recently in Parchal / Portimão with my missus e we love it so much that we are planning to return for Christmas (flying on December 21st and staying until the 28th, 29th).

My main doubt is: Should we stay in Faro and rely on Public Transport or return to Parchal, Portimão, Lagos and rent a car as we did recently?

With a car in Parchal we were literally 5min away from many nice places and it was really practical, but increased our costs significantly.

I'm trying to find a common ground that will offer comfort but won't brake the bank too...

Is it correct that Faro is a bigger city so more chances to find restaurants and shops open during the Xmas period?

Any recommendations for an operator with single kayaks suitable for an experienced kayaker? Most of what I am finding is beginner/tourist oriented. Staying in Carvoeiro so ideally departing from there.

Update: I did a sunrise trip with Secrets. Only 3 of us, so I did end up with my own boat. We were the first and only group at the cave. Definitely recommend a sunrise trip as on the way back there were a lot of people heading out even in the shoulder season.

Olá a todos! 👋
Sou italiano, vivo em Faro e gostava de melhorar o meu português e o meu inglês. Já falo um pouco das duas línguas, mas queria praticar mais e ganhar confiança a conversar.
Estou à procura de alguém que queira fazer uma troca de línguas comigo! Posso ajudar-te a aprender ou a melhorar o teu italiano e, em troca, tu podes ajudar-me com o português ou o inglês.
Podemos combinar um café, dar um passeio ou simplesmente conversar num ambiente descontraído. 😊
Se estiveres interessado/a, manda-me uma mensagem privada!
Obrigado e até breve! 🇮🇹🤝🇵🇹

Wife and two small kids/toddlers, stayin in Lagos for a week after some days in Carvoeiro. Such a beautiful coast and nice people. Any tips for day trips from Lagos, maybe inland? Culture, small cities, good food etc.. Toddlers are happy as long as they get some icecream and play on some playgrounds 😊

We are heading to Portugal for 10 days just after Christmas and into the first week of January. The plan right now is to split the time between home bases of Lisbon and Lagos, with day trips to Sintra, Obidos, and some kayaking by the beaches. Does Anyone have any suggestions for logistics, any add-ons, anything that we need to take into consideration? Thank you in advance for any comments.

Hi I am looking for any recommendations on where to hear some fado music in Lagos (on a Thursday), we are on a bit of a budget so anywhere that's not super touristy is better. Hope someone can help. Thanks In advance.

Hi

Staying in Sesmarias near Albufeira this weekend and am planning an afternoon wine tasting in Porches. We are not driving ourselves (no car), so want to minimize cost / time spent repeating uber trips from our hotel.

Therefore we were thinking of doing Praia de Marinha and Benagil before the wine tasting since it’s not far. At first I was thinking of a taxi to Armacao de pera and then there’s a morning 1HR boat trip to these spots to see them from the water.

However, I’ve also read that seeing them from above is better because the cave is underwhelming with all the tourist boats and a 1 minute time to go inside and snap a shot before leaving. I’ve heard the beaches are currently also covered with seaweed so not the best time to visit either. Therefore, I was thinking of an alternative option - a car / tuk tuk tour that takes you to Carvoeiro from Albufeira, where you see the sights from above. We prefer a vehicle tour as we can’t just hike the normal path due to one person being >60 years old and need to be a bit careful about uneven paths and safety for her due to a past fall.

My question: which is a better experience of these locations? Is the boat experience that underwhelming?

Thank you!

Parque Ribeirinho de Silves

https://www.algarveprimeiro.com/d/dealema-e-blind-zero-sao-cabecas-de-cartaz-do-silves-urban-music-/68014-88

#farense #faro

Olá a todos!

​Estou a planejar uma viagem para o Algarve e gostaria de pedir a vossa opinião/recomendações. Procuro um sítio que tenha um bom custo-benefício — ou seja, onde os alojamentos e a restauração não tenham preços absurdos, mas que ainda assim seja uma boa base para curtir praias bonitas e ter alguma infraestrutura.

​Sei que zonas como Albufeira, Vilamoura ou Lagos costumam ser mais caras ou muito voltadas para o turismo de massas, então gostava de saber de quem conhece bem a região:

​Quais vilas ou cidades valem mais a pena reservar alojamento? (Ex: Olhão, Tavira, Portimão, Silves, etc.)

​Vale mais a pena ficar num lugar mais calmo e alugar carro para circular, ou ficar numa cidade maior?

​Têm dicas de restaurantes ou praias boas e menos exploradas por essa zona?

​Agradeço desde já qualquer dica ou experiência que possam partilhar!

hi there! we will be visiting in mid October, staying in Lisbon mostly but want to plan 1-2 nights in Algarve. we think we will hire a driver to get us to the region but need some insight into what is the best area to stay with a toddler for that time that allows us some of the stunning beach experience and town without the need of a car? or is this not doable without renting our own car? thank you!​

Would love to try any great recommendations, and wondering if there are any traditional Portuguese dishes that may generally not contain these allergens

I am allergic to dairy, soy, and red meat (alpha gal allergy, cannot consume mammals or mammal products.

Third time visiting Portugal but have not previously though to ask this here. In Lagos now, PT thru Oct. 16th. Thank you so much!

I’m heading to the Algarve in a week and I’m wanting to get some Botox, lip filler, and a hydrating facial or peel. Where are the best places to go? I’ll be around faro but can travel

Hello Algarve! My girlfriend and I are planning to be in Algarve region on 10/20 near carvoeiro and I wanted to do a surprise proposal for my girlfriend. I was thinking to do it somewhere on a cliff with water and coast/limestone cliffs in background. It would also be nice if the photographer photographs in secret without her knowledge so she’s surprised when she sees the photos later. Any photographers in the area that do such things please feel free to dm me with your availability, pricing and portfolio

Ent sou de quarteira tenho 19 anos e ultimamente a minha vida tem sido só trabalho, treinar, ir para casa e ultimamente tenho me sentido bastante sozinho, queria saber se alguém queria fazer amizade cmg

Has anyone got any tips of where to visit on the way to Odeceixe? We've rented a car and going there tomorrow. Going to Aljezur but any tips for food and beaches would be greatly appreciated. The hidden gems for surfers and for big foodies, I suppose!