4-Day South Portugal Itinerary: A Copycat Guide

In July, I embarked on a journey to southern Portugal and Lisbon, where I experienced the local cuisine, attractions, accommodations, and transportation. Here's a guide to help you replicate my adventure. **Accommodations:** - Recommended: Portim?o/Lagos - Strongly Not Recommended: Faro - Portim?o: Proximity to attractions, a bustling city with ample shopping opportunities. - Lagos: A city teeming with daily activities. - Faro is not recommended due to its outdated appearance, lack of attractions, and limited sights to see. **Transportation:** - From Faro to Portim?o: - Train (Ticketing website: Omio) - Experience: Inexpensive but notably slow! - In Portim?o: - Renting a car or taking a taxi, based on your planned activities and attractions. - Renting a car provides flexibility and the freedom to alter plans spontaneously. Taking a taxi is convenient, with taxis readily available and easy to locate. - Cost: For my itinerary, renting a car for 3-4 days cost approximately 170 euros. - Portim?o city center (5km) one-way: about 5 euros - Portim?o to Benagil: 12 euros - Benagil to Albufeira: 20 euros - Albufeira to Portim?o: 35 euros - Round trip Portim?o to Lagos: 50 euros **Activities:** - Benagil Cave and SUP Tour: - A guided tour through multiple caves. - Book online in advance or on the spot upon arrival at the beach. - Multiple local companies offer similar tours. - Parasailing: - Dream Wave in Albufeira - Caution for those susceptible to seasickness! Up to 10 people per boat, with 2-3 participants flying for 5-10 minutes each. - Ferragudo Tile Painting (Arti Arte Azulejar): - Highly recommended during the summer heat. A 2-3 hour group session for about 4 people, where you can paint two tiles to take home. - If you cannot pick up the tiles in person, you can opt for the mailing service. - Lagos Hiking Snorkeling: - Lagos boasts numerous extended caves and secluded beaches, making it a worthwhile visit. - Rent a SUP or snorkeling mask, and go for a hike. - Days of Adventure's Boat Tour is also a popular choice.