Here you’ll find all the options with prices, journey times and where to find them at the airport: the Aerobus, the regular buses towards Machico and Caniçal, taxis, Uber and Bolt, private transfers and hire cars, which many people choose on Madeira. I also explain what happens when the wind plays tricks during landing, and how to get back to the airport.

Madeira Airport to Funchal at a glance

• Aerobus: €6.70 (around £5.60) in cash on board and roughly 24 minutes to Avenida do Mar by the harbour in Funchal, 38 minutes to Lido and 50 minutes to Praia Formosa.
• Bus 113 and the express buses: €2.65 (around £2.20) and a short ride to Machico, but only some departures call at the airport.
• Taxi: metered with official fares, typically around €30 to €40 (around £25 to £35) to Funchal and 20 to 25 minutes without traffic.
• Uber and Bolt: both operate on Madeira, and you can see the price in the app before you book.
• Private transfer: from around €40 (around £35) for up to four people, and it needs to be booked in advance.
• Hire car: desks in the terminal. A car is the easiest way to see the island, but you don’t need one in Funchal itself.

How to find the transport at the airport

Madeira Airport has one terminal, and it’s small enough to make finding your way around easy. The airport is famous for its runway, which has been extended out along the coast on 180 tall concrete pillars, and the approach close to the cliffs is an experience in itself. The airport is named after Cristiano Ronaldo, who was born in Funchal, and there’s a bust of him in the terminal.

Once you’ve collected your luggage and come out into the arrivals hall, you’ll find the taxis and the Aerobus just outside. Several of the car hire companies have desks inside the terminal close to the baggage belts, and in the arrivals terminal there’s one of the machines where you can buy the island’s GIRO bus card. If you’ve booked a private transfer, the driver will usually be waiting with a sign in the arrivals hall.

The island’s public bus network is called SIGA and brings together the bus companies on Madeira and Porto Santo. The Aerobus and the buses towards Machico and Caniçal are run by CAM (Companhia de Autocarros da Madeira), which the old SAM buses now belong to. That’s why you’ll still see the SAM name on signs and in older travel guides, including at the Terminal SAM bus stop in Funchal.

1. Aerobus from Madeira Airport to Funchal

Aerobus is the airport bus to Funchal. It’s run by CAM as part of SIGA, where it also goes by the route number 500. The bus stops right outside the arrivals hall and runs through the centre of Funchal and on westwards along Estrada Monumental to Lido and Praia Formosa, where many of the big hotels are. There’s free Wi-Fi on board, and your suitcases go in the luggage hold under the bus.

According to the timetable, the first bus leaves the airport at 8.30am and the last at 10pm. In the morning there’s a bus every half hour, and in the afternoon and evening it runs roughly once an hour, with slightly fewer departures on Sundays and public holidays. The bus doesn’t run on Christmas Day, 25 December. If you land early in the morning or miss the last bus, your options are a taxi, Uber, Bolt or a transfer. Current times are on SIGA’s Aerobus page.

Fares and tickets

A ticket bought from the driver costs €6.70 (around £5.60) for adults and €3.30 (around £2.75) for children aged 6 to 12. On board you pay in cash, so have euros in coins and small notes ready when you land. Fares are set by the regional government and adjusted from time to time, so check the price with SIGA before you travel.

With a prepaid GIRO card, a ride on the Aerobus costs €5.55 (around £4.65), and the card itself costs €0.50 (around 40p). You can buy the card from the machine in the arrivals terminal, and you can also use it on the island’s other buses, where a prepaid journey is cheaper than a ticket from the driver. If you’re only taking the Aerobus one way, the saving is small, but it’s well worth it if you’ll be using the buses several times during your stay.

Where should you get off in Funchal?

The Aerobus has 26 stops, and the whole journey from the airport to the final stop at Praia Formosa takes around 50 minutes. Without traffic, you’ll reach Mercado, near the market and the Old Town, after about 22 minutes, Avenida do Mar by the harbour after 24 minutes, Terminal SAM after 30 minutes, Lido after 38 minutes and the Fórum Madeira shopping centre after 42 minutes. SIGA’s Aerobus page has a list of hotels in Funchal with the number of the nearest stop, so you can check where to get off before you travel. If you’re unsure on the way, just tell the driver where you’re going.

If you’re staying centrally, the bus stops on Avenida do Mar near the cathedral. From here it’s a few minutes’ walk to the three-star Hotel Catedral on Rua do Aljube, and you can check prices at Hotel Catedral here. If you’re staying in the Lido hotel area, get off at Lido or on Rua Simplício dos Passos Gouveia, home to the four-star Pestana Promenade, among others, with indoor and outdoor pools close to the sea.

If you’re not sure where to stay, read my guide to where to stay in Madeira. I cover Funchal, which is the easiest base without a car, as well as Calheta and Porto Moniz, where you’ll need a car more.

2. Bus 113 and the express buses to Machico and Caniçal

The Aerobus only goes towards Funchal. If you’re heading north to Machico or Caniçal, you can take CAM’s regular buses, many of which call at the airport. The most important is route 113 between Funchal, Machico and Caniçal, which is also numbered 702 in SIGA’s system. In the timetable, departures that go via the airport are marked with a small a for Via Aeroporto. Some of the express buses between Funchal and Machico also run via the airport, especially in the direction of Funchal.

You buy your ticket from the driver, and it costs €2.65 (around £2.20) for a journey between two municipalities, or €2.00 (around £1.70) with a GIRO card. From the airport it’s only a short ride north to Machico, where the bus stops at the bus station on Rua 9 de Outubro in the centre. The same buses also run the other way into Funchal and are cheaper than the Aerobus, but they stop at many more places and aren’t designed for large suitcases.

The regular buses don’t necessarily stop in the same place as the Aerobus, so ask at the airport information desk where to wait. They only run during the day and early evening, with fewer services at weekends. You’ll find timetables for all routes under SIGA’s timetables, where you can search for Machico or Caniçal.

Machico is just a few minutes from the airport and has a light sandy beach and a pleasant promenade, making it a good choice for your first or last night on the island. Right by the beach is the three-star White Waters Hotel, from where you can walk to both the bus station and the restaurants.

The Aerobus doesn’t go to Caniço and Caniço de Baixo, where many hotels sit on the cliffs between the airport and Funchal. Here a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the easiest option, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. If you still want to take the bus, check the connection in SIGA’s timetables before you travel.

3. Taxi from Madeira Airport

Taxis queue right outside the arrivals hall, and there are usually taxis available even after the Aerobus has stopped running. On Madeira, taxis run on the meter, with fares agreed between the regional transport authority IMT and the taxi associations. The minimum fare is €4.00 (around £3.35) during the day and €4.80 (around £4) at night, and the night rate applies from 9pm to 6am and all day at weekends and on public holidays. Luggage larger than hand luggage costs a supplement of €1.50 (around £1.25).

The full fare table is in IMT’s official taxi fare table, and you can always ask the driver for a receipt. To Funchal, the fare usually comes to about €30 to €40 (around £25 to £35), depending on the time and where in the city you’re going, and the journey takes 20 to 25 minutes without traffic. Caniço and Machico are shorter and cheaper rides, while a trip to Calheta or Porto Moniz on the other side of the island quickly gets expensive. If you’re going a long way, ask for the approximate fare before you set off.

If there are three or four of you going to the same hotel in Funchal, a taxi doesn’t cost much more than Aerobus tickets for the whole group, and it takes you right to the door. That makes a taxi a good choice for families and for hotels up Funchal’s steep hills, where you won’t fancy dragging your suitcase the last stretch.

4. Uber and Bolt

Both Uber and Bolt operate on Madeira, as the island’s official tourism page on transport also confirms, and it has useful advice on parking and driving too. You book in the app just as you would at home and see the price before you confirm the ride. The price depends on demand, so when lots of flights land at once it can rise above the taxi fare, while at other times it’s a little lower.

Only book your car once you’ve collected your luggage, and check in the app where the driver will pick you up at the terminal. Uber and Bolt are also handy for the rest of your stay, for example if you need to get back from a restaurant up in the hills of Funchal late in the evening.

5. Private transfer

A private transfer is a pre-booked car with a driver who waits for you in the arrivals hall and takes you straight to your hotel. On GetYourGuide, prices to Funchal start from around 40 euros (around £35) for up to four people, and the journey takes about half an hour. It’s more expensive than the Aerobus, but it’s a good option if there are several of you, you’re travelling with children or you’re staying at a hotel the bus doesn’t serve.

Book a private transfer from Madeira Airport to Funchal here.

The transfer needs to be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Add your flight number when you book, so the driver can keep track if your flight is delayed. If you’re heading to Calheta, Porto Moniz or the north coast, expect a longer journey and a higher price than to Funchal.

6. Car hire from Madeira Airport

Madeira is an island where a hire car gives you a great deal of freedom. Many of the best walks, viewpoints and the natural pools at Porto Moniz are a long way from the bus routes, and with a car you can get from one end of the island to the other in a day. Several of the big rental companies, including Avis, Europcar and Enterprise, have desks at the airport, while others have offices just outside and usually pick you up in a shuttle bus. Check your confirmation to see where you need to meet, and compare prices on hire cars at Booking.com before you travel.

From the airport, you drive along the VR1 motorway on the south coast to Funchal in 20 to 25 minutes. There are no toll roads on Madeira, and the motorway is easy to drive, but it runs through lots of tunnels, so remember to switch your lights on. A hire car also makes sense for your first night if you’re staying in Calheta, Porto Moniz or somewhere else outside Funchal where the buses are infrequent.

What you need to know about driving on Madeira

Once you leave the motorway, the roads quickly become steep, narrow and full of hairpin bends. That applies in Funchal too, where many streets climb steeply up the hills and are one-way. So choose a car with enough power for the hills, and book an automatic well in advance if you’re not used to hill starts on steep slopes with a manual gearbox. Satnav works fine, but it sometimes picks the shortest and steepest route, so stick to the main roads if you’re in doubt.

Parking in Funchal is often the biggest challenge. According to the tourist office, white lines mean free parking, though in some places for residents only, blue lines mean paid parking, and yellow lines mean no parking. You pay on weekdays from 8am to 8pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm at the machine or with the iPark Driver app, while Sundays and public holidays are free. Ask your hotel about parking before you book, as many hotels in the centre have no spaces or only a few.

My advice is therefore to take the Aerobus or a taxi into Funchal if you’re staying in the city, and hire a car for the days you want to get out and explore the island. Many rental companies also have offices in Funchal. You’ll find ideas for a trip around the island, from the surf village of Jardim do Mar to the summit of Pico do Arieiro, in my post on Madeira as Europe’s answer to Hawaii.

When the wind plays up on landing

Madeira Airport is known for its wind. The runway is squeezed in between the mountains and the sea, and when it’s blowing hard from the wrong direction, pilots have to go around and try again, hold in the air or land on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo or further away. This can happen all year round, and the approach is so demanding that pilots need special training to land here.

If your flight is diverted, the airline has to help you onwards, so keep an eye on its messages. For that reason, don’t make tight plans for your arrival day, such as an excursion, the ferry to Porto Santo or a hire car that has to be collected at a set time. If you’ve booked a transfer or a hire car, let them know if your flight is badly delayed. The Portuguese weather service IPMA has wind and weather warnings, including for Madeira, if you want to keep an eye on the weather in the run-up to your trip.

Onwards to Porto Santo

If you’re heading on to the neighbouring island of Porto Santo with its long sandy beach, you have two options. The Lobo Marinho ferry from Porto Santo Line sails from the harbour in Funchal and takes around two and a half hours, and there are short flights from Madeira Airport, which according to the tourist office take about 15 minutes. If you’re flying on, you stay at the airport, and if you’re taking the ferry, the Aerobus runs to Avenida do Mar close to the harbour.

Getting back to the airport

The Aerobus runs the opposite way from Praia Formosa via Lido and the centre to the airport, and you board at the same stops where you got off. According to the timetable, the first bus leaves Praia Formosa at 7am and the last at 9pm. From Avenida do Mar, allow about half an hour to the airport and longer in rush hour, so catch a bus in good time. Once again, you buy your ticket in cash from the driver, or you use your GIRO card.

If you have an early flight before the Aerobus starts running, a taxi, Uber, Bolt or a pre-booked transfer is the easiest option, and your hotel reception can call a taxi for you. If you’re returning a hire car, follow the signs for car rental returns, and allow extra time if you need to fill up, as there can be a queue at the petrol station near the airport.

If you’re flying home via Lisbon and want a couple of days in the capital, you can read where to stay in Lisbon, and see the metro, bus and taxi options in my guide to getting from Lisbon Airport to the city centre. If Madeira is part of a longer trip, you’ll find the mainland and the islands together in my guide to where to stay in Portugal, and if you want to combine it with the Atlantic’s other archipelago, I’ve also written about where to stay in the Azores.

Madeira Airport to Funchal: which option should you choose?

Here’s my recommendation based on where you’re going and how you’re travelling:

The centre, the harbour and the Old Town: Take the Aerobus to Mercado or Avenida do Mar for 6.70 euros (around £5.60).

Lido and Praia Formosa: The Aerobus runs along Estrada Monumental through the hotel area and drops you close to most hotels.

3 to 4 adults going to the same hotel: A taxi doesn’t cost much more than the Aerobus tickets and takes you right to the door.

Children or lots of luggage: A private transfer or a taxi, so you don’t have to haul suitcases up the hills.

Machico and Caniçal: Bus 113 on a departure via the airport for 2.65 euros (around £2.20), an express bus as well for Machico, or a short taxi ride.

Caniço: A taxi or transfer, as the Aerobus doesn’t go there.

If you land late or very early: A taxi, Uber or Bolt. The Aerobus runs from the airport from 8.30am to 10pm.

Calheta, Porto Moniz or a trip around the island: Pick up your hire car at the airport and drive west along the VR1 on the south coast.

The post Madeira Airport to Funchal – Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

That’s why choosing the right area matters. In my guide to where to stay in the Algarve, Lagos is my pick for a first trip, and here I go a step further with six areas and three hotels in each.

Where to Stay in Lagos: The Best Areas

• Old Town - best area for first-time visitors
• Marina & Meia Praia - best area for families and long beach walks
• Praia Dona Ana & Camilo - best area for couples and the stunning coves
• Porto de Mós & Ponta da Piedade - best area for peace and quiet and resort holidays
• Praia da Luz - best area for a relaxed family holiday
• Burgau & Salema - best area for fishing villages and walking

Below, I go through the areas one by one with a map, transport, price level and three hotels in each, from the most expensive to the cheapest. The prices come from a search for a weekend in May for two people. In July and August they are considerably higher, while they drop again from October.

1. Old Town - best area for first-time visitors

• Distance to the centre: You’re right in the centre. From Praça Gil Eanes it’s a five-minute walk to the harbour promenade and about ten minutes to Praia da Batata beach.
• Transport: The bus station is on Rossio de São João at the northern end of the promenade, and the railway station is on the other side of the footbridge by the marina. Everything else you can do on foot.
• Time from Faro Airport: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car, or around two hours on the Aerobus direct to the bus station.
• Price level: € to €€€. The three hotels below cost around £55 to £215 per night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Safe, but lively. Watch out for pickpockets in the busy streets in summer, and expect noise from the bars until late into the night at weekends.

The Old Town is the historic quarter inside the town walls, and this is where Lagos has its atmosphere. Narrow cobbled streets climb from the harbour promenade, Avenida dos Descobrimentos, to Praça Gil Eanes and Praça Infante Dom Henrique, where the statue of Henry the Navigator is a reminder that many of the Portuguese voyages of discovery set out from here. In the evening, the streets around Rua 25 de Abril fill up with restaurants, ice-cream parlours and little bars, and you can eat grilled fish in one place and drink ginja in the next.

The town museum is split in two: the baroque church Igreja de Santo António, with its gilded woodwork, belongs to Museu de Lagos, and in the old slave market building on Praça Infante Dom Henrique, the Rota da Escravatura exhibition tells the story of Lagos' role in the slave trade. Each site costs 3 euros (around £2.50), or 5 euros (around £4) for both, and the museums are closed on Mondays.

See hotels in the Old Town here.

I would stay here if it’s your first trip to Lagos, if you’re travelling without a car, or if you want to pick a different restaurant every evening. The boats to the grottoes at Ponta da Piedade leave from the promenade and the marina, and the beaches Praia da Batata and Praia dos Estudantes are just outside the walls by the Ponta da Bandeira fort. If you’re coming from the airport, you’ll find all the options in my guide to getting from Faro Airport to Lagos and the rest of the Algarve, and the airport has its own overview of buses and trains.

The downside is the noise. Lagos has a young nightlife scene with bars and pub crawls, and from June to September the streets around Rua Cândido dos Reis can be loud until late into the night. If you’re travelling with children or are a light sleeper, choose a hotel on the edge of the Old Town, and bear in mind that the hotels rarely have parking.

Hotels in the Old Town

Lagos Avenida Hotel - modern hotel with a rooftop pool overlooking the harbour

Lagos Avenida Hotel sits on the harbour promenade, Avenida dos Descobrimentos, with views over the river and the marina, and it’s a five-minute walk into the Old Town. The rooms are modern, there’s a restaurant, a bar and a heated rooftop pool, and it’s the most comfortable choice in this part of town. Breakfast costs extra, and some guests feel the bathroom doesn’t offer much privacy.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Great location, modern rooms and a fantastic rooftop pool.”

See photos and book Lagos Avenida Hotel here.

Villa Zawaia B&B - small adults-only B&B with a pool in the middle of town

Villa Zawaia is a small adults-only bed and breakfast on a side street in the northern part of the centre, a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town. There’s an outdoor pool, a roof terrace and a breakfast buffet with vegetarian and gluten-free options, and its Booking.com score is one of the highest in this guide. There’s no parking at the property, so if you arrive by car, you’ll need to use a public car park a little way off.

From one review: “We had a fantastic stay here! The room was lovely, and the staff were very attentive and friendly.”

See photos and book Villa Zawaia here.

LagosMar Story Hotel - simple budget hotel in the heart of town

LagosMar Story Hotel is on Rua Dr. Faria e Silva in the northern part of the centre, a few minutes’ walk from Praça Gil Eanes and Praia da Batata beach. It’s a family-run hotel with a roof terrace, air conditioning and a 24-hour reception, and it’s usually by far the cheapest of the three. There’s no pool or parking, and several guests mention that the rooms are a little worn.

One guest highlights: “I loved the location, and the room had everything I needed.”

See photos and book LagosMar Story Hotel here.

2. Marina & Meia Praia - best area for families and long beach walks

• Distance to the centre: The marina lies directly opposite the Old Town on the other side of the river. From the hotels along Meia Praia, it’s 2 to 4 kilometres into the centre.
• Transport: The footbridge takes you from the marina across the river to the promenade, and the train from Faro stops at Meia Praia just before the end of the line in Lagos. The A Onda town bus and taxis cover the rest.
• Time from Faro Airport: About 1 hour and 10 minutes by car. By train from Faro station, the journey takes about an hour and a half.
• Price level: €€ to €€€. The three hotels below cost roughly £95 to £175 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Safe and peaceful. Meia Praia is an open beach with waves and currents, so swim near the lifeguard towers and keep an eye on the flags.

Meia Praia is Lagos’ long sandy beach, curving away from the river mouth for several kilometres to the east. While the beaches west of town are small coves tucked between the cliffs, here you have plenty of space, even in mid-August. Beach bars and restaurants with sunloungers line the sand, and behind the beach boardwalks run through the dunes, so you can enjoy a long walk without sand in your shoes the whole way.

The marina is the area’s other face. Restaurants and cafés look out over the boats, and this is where most of the catamarans, dolphin trips and cave cruises set off from. The railway station sits just behind the marina, and the regional train along the Algarve coast also stops at Meia Praia, so you can get all the way here without a car.

See hotels by the marina and Meia Praia here.

I’d choose Meia Praia if you’re a family who wants the beach right on your doorstep, a hotel with a pool and space for the children, and you don’t need the Old Town every evening. In the afternoon the wind often picks up, bringing out the kitesurfers and windsurfers. Golfers also have the Palmares course at the eastern end of the beach. Many of the hotels out here are large and built for families, with pools, kids’ clubs and self-catering apartments, so it’s easy to make everyday life work with children.

The downside is the distance. From the hotels in the middle of Meia Praia, it’s half an hour’s walk into the Old Town, and the further east you stay, the more you’ll rely on a car, bus or taxi. The beach is also more exposed to wind and waves than the coves west of town, and the water is cold, even in summer.

Hotels by the Marina & Meia Praia

Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve - five-star beach hotel with spa and kids’ club

Iberostar Selection sits on the eastern part of Meia Praia, with just a road between the hotel and the beach. There are outdoor and indoor pools, a spa with a hammam, a gym, a kids’ club and evening entertainment, and the breakfast buffet is included in the price. Parking costs around €7 (about £6) a day, and you’ll need a car or taxi to get into the Old Town, which is about 3.5 kilometres away.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful hotel, large and clean rooms and really good food.”

See photos and book Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve here.

Marina Club Lagos Resort - hotel by the marina with pool and spa

Marina Club Lagos Resort is right on the marina, so you can walk over the footbridge to the Old Town in about ten minutes, with Meia Praia a fifteen-minute walk in the other direction. There are outdoor and indoor pools, a spa, a playground and family rooms, and parking is free. Breakfast costs extra, about €14 (around £12) per adult.

From one review: “Good location, clean and an excellent view over the pool and the marina.”

See photos and book Marina Club Lagos Resort here.

Meia Praia Lagos - Beach Club Apartments - apartments with a pool right by the beach

Beach Club Apartments is about 150 metres from Meia Praia, with an outdoor pool, children’s pool, playground and free parking, and the apartments have their own kitchens. It’s an obvious choice for families who want to cook some of their own meals and have the beach close by. The Old Town is about 2.5 kilometres away, and several guests mention that the bathrooms could do with updating.

One guest highlights: “Good location close to the beach.”

See photos and book Beach Club Apartments here.

3. Praia Dona Ana & Camilo - best area for couples and the stunning coves

• Distance to the centre: About 1.5 kilometres south of the Old Town. It’s a 20 to 25-minute walk to Praça Gil Eanes.
• Getting around: On foot along the cliffs or through the residential streets. The A Onda town bus and taxis run into the centre, and parking at the beaches is usually limited.
• Time from Faro Airport: About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
• Price level: € to €€€. The three hotels below cost around £60 to £150 per night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: A quiet holiday and residential area. Keep well back from the cliff edges, and don’t put your towel right beneath the cliffs, where rocks can fall.

This is where you’ll find the beaches that grace the postcards from the Algarve. Praia Dona Ana is a small cove with golden sand, rock stacks and clear water, reached by a staircase from the car park. A little further south, Praia do Camilo sits at the bottom of a long wooden staircase down the cliff, and from the viewpoint above you can look out over the whole coastline towards Ponta da Piedade. Between the two and towards town are several smaller coves such as Praia do Pinhão, and at low tide you can walk between some of them.

The area itself is made up of hotels, holiday apartments and villas, and it’s quiet in the evenings. There are a few restaurants and cafés by the beaches, but if you want to eat out, you’ll usually walk into the Old Town or take a taxi. If you’d like to see the cliffs from the water, you can take a kayak trip into the caves at Ponta da Piedade from the marina for about 30 euros (around £25).

See hotels near Praia Dona Ana and Camilo here.

I’d stay here if you’re a couple who want to start the day with a swim in one of the beautiful coves and still be able to walk into the Old Town in the evening. It’s also a good compromise for families with slightly older children, as you have both the beach and the town within walking distance. In the mornings and late afternoons you’ll have the beaches almost to yourself, before the day-trippers arrive.

The downside is that the coves are small and fill up quickly from late morning in July and August. There are lots of steps down to the beaches, which makes things awkward with a pushchair, and at high tide much of the sand disappears. If you stay here, head down early and grab your spot.

Hotels near Praia Dona Ana & Camilo

The Editory by the Sea Lagos - five-star hotel with a spa a few minutes from the beach

The Editory by the Sea is in the residential area between Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo, about a seven-minute walk from Dona Ana and fifteen minutes from the Old Town. It’s a five-star hotel with an outdoor and indoor pool, spa, gym and kids’ club, and the breakfast is praised again and again. Parking costs about 10 euros (around £8) a day, and some guests would like more shelf and desk space in the rooms.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “The breakfast was fantastic and fresh every morning.”

See photos and book The Editory by the Sea here.

Carvi Beach Hotel - classic beach hotel right above Praia Dona Ana

Carvi Beach Hotel sits on the road just above Praia Dona Ana, so it’s a two-minute walk down to the beach. There’s a rooftop pool with sea views, a restaurant, a gym and family rooms, and it’s one of the most popular hotels in Lagos with several thousand reviews. The hotel has no parking of its own, and the public spaces around the beach fill up quickly in summer.

From one review: “I liked the location. It was right by Praia Dona Ana.”

See photos and book Carvi Beach Hotel here.

Agua Hotels Vila Branca - aparthotel with several pools and free parking

Agua Hotels Vila Branca is in Torraltinha, a little west of Dona Ana, about a 10 to 15-minute walk from both Dona Ana and Porto de Mós. It’s an aparthotel with two adult pools, two children’s pools, mini golf, a restaurant and free parking, and the apartments have kitchens. It was the cheapest of the three when I searched, but some guests feel the pool area is looking worn.

One guest highlights: “Everything about the place was outstanding.”

See photos and book Vila Branca here.

4. Porto de Mós & Ponta da Piedade - best area for peace and quiet and a resort holiday

• Distance to the centre: Around 2.5 to 3 kilometres south-west of the Old Town. It’s a 35 to 40-minute walk, and most of the way is uphill or downhill.
• Getting around: Car, taxi or the A Onda town bus. There’s a large car park by the beach, and from Porto de Mós a coastal path runs over the cliffs to Praia da Luz.
• Time from Faro Airport: Around 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. The three hotels below cost from around £100 to £290 per night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Very quiet. The coastal paths run close to the edge of high cliffs, so stay on the paths, especially in windy weather and after dark.

Porto de Mós is the largest beach west of Lagos, a wide stretch of sand between tall, golden cliffs with restaurants and surfers at the water’s edge. The area above it is a quiet holiday area with resorts, villas and apartments, and from here it’s only a couple of kilometres out to Ponta da Piedade, the best-known stretch of cliff coast in the Algarve. Around the lighthouse, boardwalks have been built along the cliffs from Canavial to Praia do Pinhão, and a staircase leads all the way down to the water between the rock stacks.

The best way to see the grottoes is from the water. A boat trip to Ponta da Piedade sails from Lagos, takes about an hour and a quarter and costs around 20 euros (around £17). Trips depend on the weather, so book one early in your holiday so you have spare days if the sea is too rough.

See hotels at Porto de Mós and Ponta da Piedade here.

I’d stay here if you want a proper beach and resort holiday with a pool, spa and sea views, and if you have a car or don’t mind taking a taxi into town in the evening. The sunset over the sea from the cliffs at Porto de Mós is one of the most beautiful in the Algarve, and you have Ponta da Piedade within walking distance early in the morning, before the coaches arrive.

The downside is that you’re staying outside town. There are only a handful of restaurants in the area, and the walk into the Old Town is long and hilly, especially on the way back in the evening. Ponta da Piedade is also one of the Algarve’s most visited viewpoints, so it gets very busy in the middle of the day.

Hotels at Porto de Mós & Ponta da Piedade

Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda - clifftop boutique hotel with views over the Atlantic

Vivenda Miranda sits on the cliffs just above Porto de Mós, around 200 metres from the beach, with a garden, spa, restaurant and outdoor pool. It’s the most romantic hotel in this guide, and breakfast is made with local produce. On the other hand, it’s also the most expensive, and some guests find the room décor a little old-fashioned.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location with a unique and beautiful view. The room was really well equipped, and the facilities were in great condition.”

See photos and book Vivenda Miranda here.

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort - resort with an infinity pool right above the beach

Belmar Spa & Beach Resort sits directly above Porto de Mós, with an infinity pool, indoor pool, spa, tennis court and free parking. Many of the rooms are apartments with a terrace and sea views, making it a good choice for families who want space. However, several guests mention that the outdoor pools aren’t heated, so expect cold water outside the summer months.

From one review: “The apartment was fantastic. We had a terrace with a tremendous view, perfect for our aperitif!”

See photos and book Belmar Spa & Beach Resort here.

Solar de Mós - friendly hotel with a pool between the beach and town

Solar de Mós is in Torraltinha, around a ten-minute walk from Porto de Mós and a little closer to the Old Town than the resorts down by the beach. There’s an outdoor pool, children’s pool, restaurant, bar and free parking, and the staff receive lots of praise. It’s still two kilometres to the centre, which several guests find a long walk in the evening.

One guest highlights: “Excellent staff, very friendly, helpful and cheerful. Nothing was too much trouble.”

See photos and book Solar de Mós here.

5. Praia da Luz - best area for a relaxed family holiday

• Distance to the centre: Luz is a village in its own right, about 7 kilometres west of Lagos by road. It takes 10 to 15 minutes by car.
• Transport: The regional buses towards Sagres stop in Luz, but they don’t run often. Most people get by with a car or taxi, and the coastal path to Porto de Mós takes a couple of hours on foot.
• Time from Faro Airport: About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car.
• Price level: € to €€€. The three hotels below cost roughly £60 to £230 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Very safe and peaceful. The beach is sheltered and has lifeguards in summer, but the waves can still be strong on windy days.

Praia da Luz is a small village set around a wide, sandy bay, and it feels like a completely different place from Lagos. Restaurants, cafés and ice cream parlours line the seafront promenade, Avenida dos Pescadores, and at the eastern end the dark cliff of Rocha Negra rises above the beach. You can walk up the path to the top and look out over the whole bay, and if you keep going, the coastal path continues over the cliffs towards Porto de Mós and Lagos.

In the middle of the promenade you’ll find the remains of a Roman complex with baths and fish-salting tanks, which is part of the Museu de Lagos. Otherwise, Luz is mostly a place where you don’t do a great deal: you swim, have lunch by the beach and take a stroll along the water as the sun goes down. Many visitors come back year after year, and much of the accommodation is villas and holiday apartments.

See hotels in Praia da Luz here.

I’d choose Luz if you’re a family with young children who want a calm beach, a short walk from the hotel to the water and restaurants where the kids can run around. It also works well for a longer stay outside the high season. If you’ve hired a car, this is where it really makes a difference, and you can check prices for car hire on Booking.com for your whole trip.

The downside is that Luz is quiet, especially in the evenings and in winter, when several restaurants close. The village sits on a slope, so there are hills up from the beach to many of the hotels and villas, and if you want to head into the Old Town in Lagos in the evening, you’ll need a car or a taxi.

Hotels in Praia da Luz

Vila Luz - large aparthotel with pools, tennis and room for the whole family

Vila Luz is in the western part of the village, about a kilometre from the beach, and is made up of apartments with kitchens set around a garden with two adult pools and a children’s pool. There’s also a sauna, tennis court, bar and free parking, and it scores highly on Booking.com. It’s usually the most expensive option in Luz, and some guests feel the furniture is due for replacing.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful hotel with excellent facilities.”

See photos and book Vila Luz here.

Belavista Da Luz - Wellness & Lifestyle Hotel - four-star hotel with spa and sea views

Belavista Da Luz sits on the hillside above the village with views over the sea, about 600 metres from the beach. It’s a four-star hotel with a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant and free parking, and the breakfast buffet is generous. Getting down to the beach is easy, but several guests mention that it’s a steep walk back up.

From one review: “Beautiful hotel, friendly staff and comfortable rooms.”

See photos and book Belavista Da Luz here.

Vilamar - budget hotel with pool and free parking

Vilamar is on the road towards Burgau in Montinhos da Luz, about 1.4 kilometres from the beach, so it’s a 15 to 20-minute walk down to the water. There’s an outdoor pool, children’s pool, restaurant, garden and free parking, and it was the cheapest option in this whole guide when I searched. A few guests miss having a kettle and coffee in the room.

One guest highlights: “A really good, cheap, comfortable and clean hotel.”

See photos and book Vilamar here.

6. Burgau & Salema - best area for fishing villages and hiking

• Distance to the centre: Burgau is about 15 minutes and Salema about 25 minutes’ drive west of Lagos.
• Transport: You’ll need a car. The regional buses between Lagos and Sagres stop here, but infrequently, and there’s no public transport in the evening.
• Time from Faro Airport: About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.
• Price level: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £65 to £150 a night when I searched for a weekend in May.
• Safety: Very safe. The roads down to the beaches are steep and narrow, so park up in the villages when it’s busy.

Burgau and Salema are two small fishing villages where the boats are still pulled up onto the sand. Burgau has steep, whitewashed streets leading down to a small, sheltered beach, and according to the tourist office’s leaflet on Vila do Bispo, this is where the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina begins. Salema has a wider beach between low cliffs, and by the steps at the western end you can see dinosaur footprints in the rock.

Both villages are on the Fishermen's Trail, the long hiking route along Portugal’s south-west coast, and the final stage runs from Salema via Burgau and Luz to Lagos. From here it’s also a short trip to the surf beaches and the lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente near Sagres, and in the evening you can eat grilled fish at one of the few restaurants by the beach. The French warship L'Océan sank off Salema in 1759, and the wreck is now a destination for divers.

See hotels in Burgau and Salema here.

I’d stay here if you want peace, nature and hiking and are happy to drive yourself. It’s a good choice for couples and for a second week in the Algarve once you’ve seen Lagos. It doesn’t work without a car, so book a hire car at the same time as your accommodation, ideally picking it up at the airport.

The downside is that the villages are small. There are few hotels, most accommodation is apartments and holiday homes, and quite a few restaurants close out of season. The roads down to the beach are steep, and parking is tight in summer. If you want a lively evening scene, stay in Lagos and drive out here on a day trip.

Hotels in Burgau & Salema

Romantik Villa - small adults-only villa with a saltwater pool in Salema

Romantik Villa sits on the hillside above Salema, about 500 metres from the beach, and is adults only. There’s a heated saltwater pool, a garden, a sun terrace and free parking, and its score on Booking.com is one of the highest in the area. Breakfast isn’t served, but the hosts provide fresh bread, and the hill up from the village is steep.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything, from the quality of the room to the beautiful surroundings, was exceptional.”

See photos and book Romantik Villa here.

NAU Salema Beach Village - holiday village with apartments and a pool close to the beach

NAU Salema Beach Village is on the edge of Salema, about 400 metres from the beach, and consists of self-catering apartments set around a pool and garden. There’s free parking, a playground, a pool bar and a free shuttle service, but no proper restaurant. A few guests find the beds a little hard.

From one review: “The reception staff were incredible, and all the drivers were very friendly.”

See photos and book NAU Salema Beach Village here.

Cantinho do Burgau - small apartment in the village at a low price

Cantinho do Burgau is an apartment in the upper part of Burgau with air conditioning and a small kitchen, and it’s about a ten-minute walk down to the beach. It’s the cheapest option in this area and suits two people who want to make their own breakfast and eat out in the evening. There’s no pool, and several guests mention that the apartment is small.

One guest highlights: “I really enjoyed my stay at Cantinho do Burgau.”

See photos and book Cantinho do Burgau here.

Where not to stay in Lagos?

Avoid the newer residential areas north of the Old Town and out by the EN125 main road, where you have neither the beach, restaurants nor the Old Town within walking distance. They look cheap, but you’ll end up using a car or taxi every day. The same goes for inland villages such as Odiáxere and Bensafrim, unless you specifically want to stay in the countryside.

Also be careful with the eastern end of Meia Praia if you don’t have a car, as it’s a long way to anything other than the beach. And if you’re travelling with young children or are a light sleeper, don’t choose a hotel in the middle of the Old Town around the bars on Rua 25 de Abril and Rua Cândido dos Reis in July and August. Finally, it’s worth knowing that Praia da Rocha near Portimão is a completely different kind of place with high-rise hotels along the beach, so don’t stay there if it’s Lagos you’re dreaming of.

If it’s your first trip to Lagos, I’d stay in the Old Town or near Praia Dona Ana, where you have both the town and the beautiful coves on foot. If you’re travelling with children, Meia Praia and Praia da Luz offer the most space and calm, and if you want a resort holiday with sea views, choose Porto de Mós. Burgau and Salema are for those who drive themselves and would rather wake up in a fishing village.

If you have more days in Portugal, Lagos is a good place to end a road trip. It’s about a three-hour drive from Lisbon, and I have guides to where to stay in Lisbon and to the best areas in the whole of Portugal if you want to combine the coast with the big cities.

The post Where to Stay in Lagos? The 6 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Distances on the mainland are short, but the two island groups require a flight. That’s why your choice of base matters so much. Here are my eight picks for where to stay in Portugal, with maps, transport and three hotels in different price ranges in each place.

The Best Areas to Stay in Portugal

• Lisbon - best city for first-time visitors and a city break
• Cascais and Sintra - best area for beaches and palaces close to Lisbon
• Porto - best city for port wine, azulejos and a weekend by the river
• Douro Valley - best area for vineyards and relaxing days by the river
• Évora - best town for the Alentejo, Roman ruins and great food
• Algarve - best area for a beach holiday and a cliff-lined coast
• Madeira - best island for hiking and mild weather all year round
• Azores - best islands for volcanic lakes, whales and wild nature

Below, I go through the eight places from north to south on the mainland and then out to the islands. For each place you get a map, transport from the airport and three places to stay: the most expensive first, then a mid-range option and finally one for a smaller budget. Driving and flight times are estimates unless I mention the source, so always check the timetable before you book.

If you have a week, I’d choose one or two bases. Lisbon with a couple of nights in Cascais or Sintra is a classic first trip, and so is Porto combined with the Douro Valley. With two weeks, you can drive from Porto through the Douro Valley down to Lisbon and finish with some beach time in the Algarve. The train between Lisbon and Porto takes just under three hours, and Lisbon to Lagos is around a three-hour drive. Between Porto and Lisbon you’ll find Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, and the small towns of Óbidos and Nazaré, which make good stops on a road trip.

You don’t need a hire car in Lisbon and Porto, but one makes things much easier in the Douro Valley, the Alentejo, the Algarve and on the islands. Compare car hire prices in Portugal here. Madeira and the Azores work best as trips of their own, as both island groups are roughly a two-hour flight from Lisbon, and they deserve at least four or five nights.

1. Lisbon - best city for first-time visitors and city breaks

• Distance to the centre: The three hotels here are between roughly 300 metres and 2 km from Rossio, the heart of the city.
• Transport: Metro, tram and your own two feet. The city is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.
• Time from the airport: Lisbon Airport (LIS) is around 7 km from the centre. By metro with a single change, you’ll be in Baixa in 25 to 30 minutes.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. Most expensive around Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade, cheaper north of Marquês de Pombal.
• Safety: A safe city. Watch out for pickpockets on tram 28 and in the crowds in Baixa and Alfama.

Lisbon is the obvious place to start if it’s your first trip and you’re wondering where to stay in Portugal. The city sits on hills sloping down to the River Tagus, and the old districts of Alfama and Mouraria climb up towards the castle, while Baixa down by the water has wide streets and grand squares. Here you’ll be right in the middle of fado, custard tarts, viewpoints and yellow trams.

I’ve picked three hotels around Rossio and Baixa, because that’s the most practical base for a first visit. From here you can walk to Chiado, Alfama and the Praça do Comércio square, and trains to Sintra leave from Rossio Station. If you’d rather stay in Alfama, Bairro Alto or another district, I’ve written a full guide to where to stay in Lisbon, covering four areas.

See hotels in Lisbon here.

The airport is close to the city. The red metro line runs from Terminal 1, and with one change you’ll be at Baixa-Chiado in just under half an hour. A single ticket costs €1.90 (around £1.60) on the rechargeable navegante card, and prices are listed by Metro de Lisboa. All the options by taxi, bus and transfer are in my guide to getting from Lisbon Airport to the city centre.

Give Lisbon three or four nights. That way you’ll have time for Belém with its monastery and riverside tower, an evening of fado in Alfama and a day trip to Sintra or Cascais without rushing. Expect lots of steps and steep streets, and choose a hotel with a lift if walking is difficult for you.

Hotels in Lisbon

Hotel Avenida Palace - five-star palace hotel by Rossio Station

Avenida Palace is on Rua 1º de Dezembro between the Rossio and Restauradores squares, so you’re just a few minutes’ walk from Baixa, Chiado and the trains to Sintra. The rooms are furnished in classic style with marble bathrooms, and the hotel has a bar, gym and room service.

This is my pick if you want to stay somewhere elegant right in the middle of the city. The breakfast buffet gets plenty of praise, and the hotel offers valet parking, which is rare this central. There’s no pool, and guests’ only complaints are minor things like a small TV in the room.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything exceeded our expectations. Every single member of staff was exceptional.”

See photos and book Hotel Avenida Palace here.

Hotel Mundial - four-star hotel at Martim Moniz, where tram 28 starts

Hotel Mundial is on Martim Moniz square on the edge of Baixa, around 300 metres from Rossio. From here, tram 28 runs up through Graça and Alfama, and you can walk up to the castle. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and terrace, and the rooms are between 20 and 50 square metres.

It’s a good mid-range choice if you want a central base with room for your suitcase. The breakfast is popular, and according to the hotel, parking costs €15 (around £13) a day, subject to availability. Noise between rooms is the weak point, and several guests feel the soundproofing could be better.

On the breakfast, one guest writes on Booking.com: “The breakfast was fantastic. Loads of choice, even for fussy eaters.”

See photos and book Hotel Mundial here.

HF Fénix Garden - three-star hotel with a garden near Marquês de Pombal

HF Fénix Garden is on Rua Joaquim António de Aguiar right by the Marquês de Pombal roundabout, around 2 km north of Rossio. Marquês de Pombal metro station is close by, and you can walk down Avenida da Liberdade to the centre in half an hour. The hotel has a garden, terrace, restaurant and bar.

This is my budget pick and a good option if you’d rather spend your money on food and experiences. The rooms are small at 14 to 17 square metres, but breakfast is included, and parking costs €19 (around £16) a day. One guest found the breakfast a little samey from day to day.

One guest sums it up on Booking.com: “Great location, very helpful staff, really good breakfast, and the room was a good size.”

See photos and book HF Fénix Garden here.

2. Cascais and Sintra - best area for beaches and palaces near Lisbon

• Distance to the centre: Cascais is on the coast about 30 km west of Lisbon, and Sintra sits in the hills about 13 km north of Cascais. The distances are estimates.
• Transport: The train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais and the train from Rossio to Sintra each take around 40 minutes. Buses run between the two towns via Cabo da Roca.
• Time from the airport: From Lisbon Airport to Cascais takes around 40 minutes by car without traffic. This is an estimate.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. Cascais is among the most expensive addresses in the country, while Sintra has plenty of smaller guesthouses.
• Safety: Quiet towns. In Sintra the palaces get very crowded in the middle of the day, so arrive early.

Cascais and Sintra are the two classic day trips from Lisbon, but both are also good places to stay. Cascais is the old fishing town that became a seaside resort for the royal family, with small sandy beaches right in town, a marina and a seafront promenade to Estoril. Sintra lies in the wooded hills, with palaces, gardens and a Moorish castle.

The landscape around Sintra has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1995. The best-known sights are Palácio da Pena, the yellow and red palace on the hilltop, and Quinta da Regaleira with its famous well. For most of the palaces you need a ticket for a set time slot, so book before you travel in high season.

See hotels in Cascais and Sintra here.

Choosing between the two comes down to what you want to wake up to. Stay in Cascais if you want beaches, sea views and waterfront restaurants in the evening. Stay in Sintra if you want to see the palaces before the day-trippers arrive and don’t mind the town being quiet in the evening. Parques de Sintra states that driving in the historic centre is reserved for residents, and that bus 434 runs from the station up to Pena. All the options are on the page about how to get to Sintra.

The area pairs well with Lisbon. Spend three nights in the city and two in Cascais or Sintra, or stay on the coast all week and take the train into Lisbon. Between Cascais and Sintra, bus 1624 passes Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Both day trips are covered, with ticket prices, in my guide to things to see in Lisbon.

Hotels in Cascais and Sintra

Farol Hotel - five-star hotel right on the water in Cascais

Farol Hotel faces the sea by the lighthouse in Cascais, about a ten-minute walk from the town centre. The hotel has a saltwater pool with sea views in summer, a restaurant, a bar and a garden, and parking is free. The nearest beaches are just a few minutes away.

This is the hotel for couples who want the sea right outside the window. The pool is only open in season, and one guest doesn’t think the rooms live up to five stars. Another feels the breakfast could be more varied.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful place and lovely view from the room.”

See photos and book Farol Hotel here.

Hotel Baía - four-star hotel on the beach in central Cascais

Hotel Baía looks straight out over the town beach and harbour in central Cascais, and the train station is about 300 metres away. The hotel has a rooftop pool and bar plus a restaurant, and according to Booking.com the pool can be used all year round.

I would choose it if you want the beach and the train right on your doorstep and don’t need a car. Parking costs 10 euros per day (around £8). Guests praise the breakfast buffet, but one guest would like more shade by the rooftop pool.

One guest praises the staff on Booking.com: “Beautiful hotel with lovely, friendly and helpful staff.”

See photos and book Hotel Baía here.

Sintra Green Chalet - bed and breakfast with a garden less than 1 km from Sintra Station

Sintra Green Chalet is on Rua Veiga da Cunha in Sintra, less than a kilometre from the train station, so you can get here by train from Rossio. The house has a garden, a terrace and a bar, and breakfast is served from 9 to 10.30am.

This is my budget pick and the right place if you want to see Sintra early in the morning. The breakfast gets a lot of praise. The rooms are small, there’s no pool, and you park on the street, while the free spaces are about an eight-minute walk away.

One guest highlights on Booking.com: “Absolutely wonderful staff, super friendly and helpful.”

See photos and book Sintra Green Chalet here.

3. Porto - best city for port wine, azulejos and a weekend by the river

• Distance to the centre: The hotels are in Ribeira by the river, on Praça da Batalha and in Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the Dom Luís I Bridge, no more than about 1.5 km from each other.
• Transport: Metro, bus and on foot. The city is steep, and the metro runs across the upper deck of the bridge to Gaia.
• Time from the airport: Porto Airport (OPO) is about 15 km north of the centre. Metro line E runs to Trindade in 27 minutes.
• Price level: € to €€€€. Generally cheaper than Lisbon, most expensive by the river and in Gaia.
• Safety: A safe city. Keep an eye on your bag in the crowds in Ribeira and by the bridge in the evening.

Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and, for many, the most charming. Houses with colourful façades and blue azulejos are packed tightly on the hills running down to the Douro, and across the river are the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. The city is smaller than Lisbon and easy to explore on foot, as long as you don’t mind hills.

I’ve chosen hotels in Ribeira and Gaia because this is where you have the river and the bridge right outside your door. If you’d rather stay in Baixa, near Avenida dos Aliados or by the beach in Foz, you can read my guide to where to stay in Porto, where I go through four areas. For what to see, take a look at my guide to things to do in Porto.

See hotels in Porto here.

The purple metro line E runs from the airport to Trindade in the city centre in 27 minutes, and a ticket costs €2.30 (around £2) plus €0.60 (around 50p) for the Andante card. From Trindade it’s about a 15-minute walk down to Ribeira. Taxis, night buses and transfers are covered in my guide to getting from Porto Airport to the city centre.

Two or three nights is enough for the city itself. Spend a day on Ribeira, the cathedral and São Bento Station with its blue tiles, and cross the bridge to the port wine cellars in Gaia in the afternoon. If you have an extra day, the Douro Valley is the obvious trip, and you can do it either as a day trip or with an overnight stay, as I describe in the next section.

Hotels in Porto

The Yeatman - five-star wine hotel with views over Porto from Gaia

The Yeatman sits on the hillside in Vila Nova de Gaia among the port wine houses, looking out across the river towards Ribeira. The hotel has both indoor and outdoor pools, including an infinity pool, plus a spa, restaurant and bar, and many rooms have their own terrace overlooking the Douro.

This is the hotel for a special occasion and one of the most famous in the country. It’s expensive, and parking costs €30 (around £25) a day. Breakfast is only included in some rates, so check what you’re booking. One guest complains about unreliable Wi-Fi.

An enthusiastic guest writes on Booking.com: “An absolutely fantastic experience. One of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in.”

See photos and book The Yeatman here.

Pestana Vintage Porto - five-star hotel on the riverside square in Ribeira

Pestana Vintage Porto is on Praça da Ribeira right down by the river, just a few steps from the Dom Luís I Bridge. The hotel occupies the old houses on the square and has a restaurant, bar and gym. Some rooms have a bathtub, and the windows are double-glazed to keep out noise from the square.

Choose it if you want to stay right in the middle of the postcard view and walk across the bridge to Gaia in five minutes. There’s no pool, and breakfast isn’t included in every rate. One guest missed having a mirror and a plug socket by the desk.

A guest writes about the location on Booking.com: “The hotel is absolutely fantastic and perfectly located with a beautiful view right out over the river.”

See photos and book Pestana Vintage Porto here.

Moov Hotel Porto Centro - modern two-star hotel on Praça da Batalha

Moov Hotel is on Praça da Batalha above Ribeira, close to the shopping street Rua de Santa Catarina. It’s about a ten-minute walk down to São Bento Station and a little further to the river. The rooms are modern and soundproofed, with private bathrooms.

This is my budget pick in Porto if you just need a clean bed close to everything. The rooms are small, and breakfast costs an extra €12.50 (around £10) per person. Parking costs €10 (around £8) a day and must be booked in advance.

A guest writes on Booking.com: “A really good, central two-star hotel. Modern and clean, and the staff were very helpful.”

See photos and book Moov Hotel Porto Centro here.

4. Douro Valley - best area for vineyards and relaxing days by the river

• Distance to the centre: Pinhão is around 130 km east of Porto by road. Two of the hotels are on wine estates about 6 km from the village.
• Transport: A car is the easiest option. The train from São Bento in Porto runs along the river to Peso da Régua and Pinhão, but there are only a few departures a day.
• Time from the airport: From Porto Airport it’s roughly a two-hour drive to Pinhão. That’s an estimate.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. The wine hotels are expensive, while the guesthouses in Pinhão and Peso da Régua are cheaper.
• Safety: A very peaceful area. The roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully and let one of you stick to water at the wine tasting.

The Douro Valley is where port wine comes from, and the landscape of vineyard terraces stretching in long bands down to the river is some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll see in Portugal. The area has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2001 as the Alto Douro Wine Region, and wine has been made here for around 2,000 years.

Pinhão is a small village in the heart of the wine region with a railway station covered in blue azulejos, and around it you’ll find quintas, wine estates where you can taste port and red wine and often stay the night too. Peso da Régua further west is bigger and has more places to eat, but Pinhão has the more beautiful setting.

See hotels in the Douro Valley here.

You can get here without a car. The Douro line from São Bento follows the river for much of the way and takes about two hours to Peso da Régua and around half an hour more to Pinhão. Sit on the right-hand side in the direction of travel and you’ll have the river by your window. But the wine estates are spread out and high up on the slopes, so without a car you’ll need to rely on taxis or organised tours. If you don’t have time to stay overnight, you can take an organised day trip from Porto with wine tasting, lunch and a boat trip.

I’d give the valley two nights. That gives you time for a boat trip on the river, a couple of wine tastings and a long lunch without having to drive back the same day. The most beautiful time is September and October, during the grape harvest, when the vineyards change colour. In summer it gets very hot in the valley, so choose somewhere with a pool if you’re coming in July or August.

Hotels in the Douro Valley

Quinta Nova Winery House - five-star wine estate hotel in the Relais & Châteaux group

Quinta Nova sits on a wine estate about 6 km from Pinhão with views over the river and the terraces. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and you can taste the estate’s own wines. The pool is open from May to October, and parking is free.

This is my pick if you want to stay right among the vineyards and make food and wine a big part of your stay. It’s pricey, and one guest felt the menus could be more varied if you’re staying several days.

One guest writes simply on Booking.com: “The food was fantastic!”

See photos and book Quinta Nova Winery House here.

Hotel Rural da Quinta do Silval - four-star country hotel on a wine estate with a pool

Quinta do Silval is on a wine estate about 6 km from Pinhão. The hotel has an outdoor pool with a view, a restaurant, a bar and a garden, and it arranges wine tastings and visits to the vineyards. Parking is free.

It’s a good mid-range choice for couples and families who want a pool and a vineyard atmosphere without paying for luxury. You’ll need a car or taxi to get around. As at Quinta Nova, one guest mentions that the menu gets a bit repetitive if you eat here several evenings.

The location gets praise from a guest on Booking.com: “The location is beautiful.”

See photos and book Hotel Rural da Quinta do Silval here.

Casa Tawny - guesthouse in Pinhão close to the railway station

Casa Tawny is a guesthouse in the middle of Pinhão, a short walk from the railway station, so it’s the obvious choice if you’re arriving by train from Porto. It has a restaurant and bar, and guests praise the cleanliness and the warm welcome.

This is my budget pick in the valley, and you can walk to the river, the boats and the restaurants in the village. On the other hand, neither a pool nor parking is on the list of facilities, and if you want to get out to the wine estates, you’ll need transport.

About the breakfast, one guest writes on Booking.com: “The breakfast was perfect.”

See photos and book Casa Tawny here.

5. Évora - best town for the Alentejo, Roman ruins and great food

• Distance to the centre: Praça do Giraldo is the heart of the town. Two of the hotels are inside the town walls, and the most expensive one is about 4 km outside town.
• Transport: Inside the town walls, you walk. For the rest of the Alentejo, you’ll need a car.
• Time from the airport: From Lisbon Airport it’s roughly an hour and a half’s drive to Évora. That’s an estimate.
• Price level: € to €€€. Often cheaper than Lisbon and the coast, even in high season.
• Safety: A peaceful town. In summer it gets very hot in the middle of the day, so plan your sightseeing for the morning and evening.

Évora is the capital of the Alentejo, the large region south and east of Lisbon with its wheat fields, cork oaks and olive groves. Inside the town walls you’ll find whitewashed houses, narrow streets and a Roman temple right in the middle of town, and the whole historic centre has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1986.

The best-known sights are the Roman temple, the cathedral and Capela dos Ossos, a chapel whose walls are lined with bones and skulls. Portugal’s tourist board has a good page about Évora as a World Heritage city. The Alentejo is also known for its food and wines, and several of the wineries around the town welcome visitors.

See hotels in Évora here.

Évora works well as a stop on the way between Lisbon and the Algarve, or as a quiet break on a road trip. The town is small and you can see most of it in a day, but with two nights you’ll have time for a trip out to the prehistoric stone circles and the wineries in the countryside. Many people only come on a day trip from Lisbon, so in the evening you’ll have the town more to yourself.

A car is a good idea here. Park outside the town walls or at your hotel if it has space, as the streets inside the walls are narrow. If you’re driving on south, it’s about three hours to Lagos and the rest of the Algarve. In summer the Alentejo is one of the hottest parts of Portugal, so spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Find a hire car for your trip here.

Hotels in Évora

Convento do Espinheiro - five-star hotel and spa in a former convent

Convento do Espinheiro is set in a historic convent surrounded by gardens, about 4 km outside Évora. There’s both an indoor and an outdoor pool, a spa, a tennis court and a restaurant, and parking is free.

This is the hotel for you if you want to combine the town with a few relaxing days by the pool. You’ll need a car or taxi to get into the centre. The breakfast gets praise, while one guest feels the service doesn’t quite live up to five stars.

One guest writes simply on Booking.com: “Everything was first class.”

See photos and book Convento do Espinheiro here.

Albergaria do Calvário - four-star hotel inside the town walls

Albergaria do Calvário is inside the town walls in the north-western part of town, about a five-minute walk from the centre. Breakfast is a buffet with organic produce, and there’s a bar, a garden and a terrace.

This is my mid-range pick if you want to stay in the historic centre and keep your car close by. The hotel has indoor parking for 7.50 euros a day (around £6), but spaces are limited, so book well ahead. There’s no pool, which you’ll notice on a hot summer’s day.

One guest praises three things on Booking.com: “Excellent breakfast, knowledgeable hosts and secure parking.”

See photos and book Albergaria do Calvário here.

The Aqueduct Guesthouse - guesthouse with a shared kitchen inside the town walls

The Aqueduct Guesthouse is on Largo Chão das Covas inside the town walls, about an eight-minute walk from the cathedral. It’s a small guesthouse with a terrace and a shared kitchen, so you can cook your own meals.

This is my budget pick in Évora and a good place to stay if you’re travelling light. There’s no parking at the house, and street parking costs money. Guests praise the hostess, and it’s clear that she’s the one who makes the place.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Carla was absolutely fantastic, the perfect host.”

See photos and book The Aqueduct Guesthouse here.

6. Algarve - best area for a beach holiday and clifftop coastline

• Distance to the centre: All three hotels are in Lagos, ranging from the centre and the marina to Meia Praia beach, which is about 2 km east of the Old Town.
• Transport: You can get around Lagos on foot. Trains and buses run between the towns, but a car gives you the most freedom.
• Time from the airport: Faro Airport (FAO) is the nearest airport. The Aerobus to Lagos takes about two hours, and by car the journey takes around an hour. The driving time is an estimate.
• Price level: € to €€€€. Peak season in July and August is expensive, while spring and autumn give you more for your money.
• Safety: A safe area. Keep an eye on the flags at the beaches, and don’t go too close to the cliff edges.

The Algarve is Portugal’s south coast and the country’s big beach holiday region, with sandy beaches, golden cliffs and sea caves. The western part around Lagos has the most dramatic cliffs, while the coast east of Faro is flatter, with long beaches and lagoons. You get plenty of sunshine and an Atlantic Ocean that is fresher than the Mediterranean.

I’ve chosen Lagos as the base in this guide because the town has a charming Old Town, beaches just outside the town walls and the rock formations at Ponta da Piedade. The Algarve is long, though, and Albufeira, Carvoeiro and Tavira are completely different places. In my guide to where to stay in the Algarve, I go through six towns so you can find the one that suits your holiday.

See hotels in the Algarve here.

Most people fly into Faro Airport. The Aerobus runs directly to Lagos in about two hours for around 17 euros (around £14), and FlixBus takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The train from Faro to Lagos costs 8.30 euros (around £7), but you first have to get to the station in Faro. All the options for the different towns are in my guide to getting from Faro Airport to the Algarve.

The Algarve works best with one fixed base for a week. With a car, you can take day trips to the beaches around Sagres to the west or to the cave at Benagil to the east, and from Lagos the boats head out to the caves at Ponta da Piedade. In winter, many restaurants and hotels are still open, but the water is cold, so it isn’t a beach holiday in quite the same sense.

Hotels in the Algarve

Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve - five-star beach hotel at Meia Praia

Iberostar sits right on the long sandy beach of Meia Praia, east of Lagos. The hotel has an outdoor pool with sea views, an indoor pool, a spa and a kids’ club. The Old Town is about a 30-minute walk or ten minutes by taxi.

This is my pick for couples and families who want the beach right outside the door and everything in one place. Parking costs 7 euros (around £6) per day. One guest feels the furniture in the room is starting to look worn.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful hotel, large and clean rooms, really good food and extremely friendly staff.”

See photos and book Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve here.

Hotel Marina Rio - four-star hotel with a heated pool by the marina

Hotel Marina Rio is on Avenida dos Descobrimentos, facing the river and the marina, about a ten-minute walk from the centre. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool with a view, a bar and a lift, and the rooms are spacious.

It’s a good mid-range choice if you want to stay close to both the Old Town and the beach without paying for a resort. Parking in the basement costs 15 euros (around £13) per day, and one guest feels breakfast is expensive. Another found the staff rude.

One guest highlights the rooms on Booking.com: “Spacious and nicely furnished rooms, bathroom with walk-in shower and grab rails, excellent for people with reduced mobility.”

See photos and book Hotel Marina Rio here.

LagosMar Story Hotel - small two-star hotel in the heart of Lagos

LagosMar Story Hotel is on Rua Dr. Faria e Silva in the middle of Lagos. It’s about a five-minute walk to Praia da Batata beach and a little further to the marina. The hotel has a lift and a terrace.

This is my budget pick if you want to stay in the middle of town and spend your days on the beach. The rooms aren’t particularly large, and there’s no pool or parking, so it’s best if you don’t have a car.

One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “Lovely staff, good location and comfortable.”

See photos and book LagosMar Story Hotel here.

7. Madeira - best island for hiking and mild weather all year round

• Distance to the centre: All three hotels are in Funchal, from the cathedral in the centre to Reid's Palace, about a 15-minute walk west of town.
• Transport: You can get around Funchal on foot and by bus. For the hikes and the rest of the island, a car or organised tours are the easiest option.
• Time from the airport: Madeira Airport is east of Funchal. Allow 20 to 35 minutes by car into town.
• Price level: € to €€€€. A wide choice in Funchal, from simple city hotels to luxury hotels.
• Safety: A safe island. Check the weather and the route before you set off on a hike, and don't walk on closed trails.

Madeira lies in the Atlantic off the coast of Africa and has mild weather all year round, which makes it a popular winter-sun destination for travellers from the UK. The island is green and steep, with mountains rising above the clouds, water channels called levadas that you can walk alongside, and a laurel forest that is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Funchal is the capital and the base most people choose. Here you stay close to the harbour, the cathedral and the Mercado dos Lavradores market, and the buses and tours to the rest of the island leave from here. If you'd rather stay on the sunny side at Calheta or by the natural pools in Porto Moniz, I've written a guide to where to stay on Madeira, covering three areas. You can read why the island is called Europe's answer to Hawaii in my post about Madeira.

See hotels on Madeira here.

The hiking is the main reason many people come. The island's tourist office has a list of the official walking routes, which also shows which routes are closed. The weather changes quickly in the mountains, so set off early and always bring a jacket, even when it's warm in Funchal.

Madeira has only a few sandy beaches, and in most places you swim from rocks or in natural pools. If you want a long sandy beach, you'll find it on the neighbouring island of Porto Santo, which you can reach by ferry or plane. Give Madeira at least five nights, and hire a car for a couple of days if you want to drive to the hikes yourself.

Hotels on Madeira

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel - legendary five-star hotel on the cliff above the sea

Reid's Palace sits in a large garden on a cliff above the sea west of the centre, and you can walk into town in about a quarter of an hour. The hotel has three pools, including a heated pool and a seawater pool, plus a spa, tennis court and restaurant, and parking is free.

It's one of the best-known hotels in Portugal and the place for a special trip. The price reflects that. The hotel is old, and one guest mentions a small, dated toilet, though it suits the building's history.

One delighted guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything! Location, staff, food, drinks, views, rooms. Honestly, everything was absolutely outstanding.”

See photos and book Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel here.

Hotel Madeira - three-star city hotel with a rooftop pool

Hotel Madeira is on Rua Ivens in the middle of Funchal, close to shops and restaurants. The highlight is the rooftop pool with a bar and views over the city, and breakfast is included in the price.

It's a good mid-range choice if you want to stay centrally with a pool without paying for a resort. Parking costs 11 euros (around £9) per day. One guest felt the room needed doing up, but also noticed that the hotel was renovating other rooms.

One guest writes about the location on Booking.com: “Perfectly located in a quiet spot next to the Old Town.”

See photos and book Hotel Madeira here.

Hotel Catedral - three-star hotel close to the cathedral

Hotel Catedral is on Rua do Aljube in the centre of Funchal, close to the cathedral. The breakfast buffet is included in the price, and there's a lift and a 24-hour reception.

It's my budget pick on Madeira and handy if you want to walk everywhere. The hotel has free parking, but it's about a five-minute walk away. One guest writes that the entrance is hard to find when you arrive by car.

One guest sums it up on Booking.com: “Excellent location, very friendly and helpful staff and a good breakfast.”

See photos and book Hotel Catedral here.

8. The Azores - the best islands for crater lakes, whales and wild nature

• Distance to the centre: All three hotels are in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, no more than about 1 km from the city gates, Portas da Cidade.
• Getting around: You can see the town on foot. To reach the crater lakes and hot springs, you’ll need a car or organised tours.
• Time from the airport: Ponta Delgada Airport is less than 3 km from the centre. Allow about 10 minutes by taxi.
• Price level: € to €€€€. Cheaper than Madeira and the Algarve outside the summer holidays.
• Safety: Very safe islands. The weather changes quickly, so check the view of the crater lakes before you drive up.

The Azores are nine volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, and they’re the wildest part of Portugal you’ll find. Here you’ll find green craters filled with lakes, hot springs, hydrangea hedges lining the roads and a coastline where you can go whale watching. The islands’ own tourist board calls them nine naturally surprising islands, and each island has its own character.

The largest island is São Miguel, and its main town, Ponta Delgada, is the natural base for a first trip. From here you can drive west to Sete Cidades with its two crater lakes and east to Furnas with its hot springs. If you’d like to stay in Furnas, near Sete Cidades or on one of the other islands such as Pico and Terceira, I’ve written a full guide to where to stay in the Azores, covering seven areas.

See hotels in Ponta Delgada here.

The airport is just outside town, and the flight from Lisbon takes around two hours. Hire a car for part of your stay, as the bus times rarely suit a day at the lakes, and the roads are easy to drive. Clouds can hang thick over the craters, so keep a day or two free in your plans so you can drive up when the view is clear.

I’d give São Miguel at least four nights, and a week if you also want to fit in another island. Summer is the most settled time, with the warmest water, while spring is a good time for whale watching. The islands aren’t the place for a classic beach holiday, but for nature, hiking and long days in the car.

Hotels in the Azores

Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico - five-star hotel overlooking the marina

Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico is on the seafront promenade, Avenida Infante D. Henrique, with views over the marina in Ponta Delgada. The hotel has a heated indoor pool, spa, gym, restaurant and bar, and the breakfast buffet uses local produce.

This is my pick if you want a comfortable stay with the town and the whale-watching boats right on your doorstep. Valet parking costs 13 euros (around £11) per day. Complaints are few, but one guest felt the indoor pool could be a little warmer.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Everything exceeded our expectations from start to finish.”

See photos and book Grand Hotel Açores Atlântico here.

Casa do Campo de São Francisco - guesthouse in a historic building by the town park

Casa do Campo de São Francisco is on the Campo de São Francisco square in a historic building with a garden and terrace, less than a kilometre from Portas da Cidade. Breakfast is served, and the rooms have air conditioning.

It’s a good mid-range choice if you want somewhere with charm within walking distance of the restaurants. Parking is on the street and costs 0.60 euros (around 50p) per hour from 8 am to 7 pm. Some of the rooms are small, and one guest describes their room as a little small, but with everything you need.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Excellent place to stay in Ponta Delgada. A historic building with lots of charm.”

See photos and book Casa do Campo de São Francisco here.

Hotel Alcides - two-star hotel with a restaurant in the centre of town

Hotel Alcides is on Rua Hintze Ribeiro, about 250 metres from Portas da Cidade. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and the breakfast buffet uses produce from the islands.

This is my budget pick in Ponta Delgada. The downside is the car, as the hotel has no parking, and one guest had to walk about 500 metres from where they’d parked. The free parking spaces are around a ten-minute walk away.

One guest praises the location on Booking.com: “Good location. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean and spacious room.”

See photos and book Hotel Alcides here.

Where not to stay in Portugal?

I wouldn’t stay in Lisbon for the whole trip and do Porto as a day trip. The train takes just under three hours each way, and Porto deserves at least two nights. Nor would I stay in Lisbon and try to see the Algarve in a day, as the beaches are around a three-hour drive away.

In the Algarve, I wouldn’t book a cheap resort far from both town and beach without a car, as your holiday will be spent waiting for buses and taxis. In Lisbon and Porto, check whether the hotel sits at the top of a steep hill before you book, especially if you have heavy luggage or are travelling with young children. And don’t squeeze Madeira or the Azores in as a short stop on a tour of the mainland. Both archipelagos require a flight and at least four or five nights.

If I had to pick one base for a first trip, it would be Lisbon with a couple of nights in Cascais or Sintra. If you have two weeks, you can start in Porto, drive through the Douro Valley, spend a night in Évora and finish with some beach time in the Algarve. If you’d rather have nature and hiking than cities and beaches, Madeira and the Azores are the obvious choices, and Madeira is the safest bet in winter.

The best weather for a tour is in spring and autumn, when it’s warm without being scorching. For a beach holiday in the Algarve, June and September are a good compromise between warmth and prices. Check the official travel advice for Portugal before you travel, and book your hotels well in advance if you’re going in July or August.

Portugal is also easy to combine with Spain. From the Algarve it’s a short hop across the border, and you can read about where to stay in Seville or where to stay in Cádiz. If your trip continues east from Lisbon, I also have a guide to where to stay in Madrid.

The post Where to Stay in Portugal? The 8 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Your choice of base makes a big difference. Most people fly to São Miguel, where it’s just under an hour’s drive from Ponta Delgada to Furnas, and if you also want to see Terceira or Pico, you’ll need to carry on by plane or ferry. Here are my recommendations for seven areas and hotels across a range of price points.

Where to Stay in the Azores: The Best Areas

• Ponta Delgada - best area for first-time visitors
• Furnas - best area for hot springs
• Sete Cidades and Mosteiros - best area for crater lakes and sunsets
• Ribeira Grande - best area for surfing and the north coast
• Vila Franca do Campo - best area for families
• Angra do Heroísmo on Terceira - best area for history
• Madalena on Pico - best area for hiking and wine

Below, I go through the seven areas one by one, five on São Miguel and two on the neighbouring islands, with maps, practical facts and three hotels in each area, so you can find the base that suits your trip.

1. Ponta Delgada - best area for first-time visitors

• Distance to the centre: You’re staying in the largest town in the Azores, with the waterfront, restaurants and car hire right on your doorstep.
• Transport: You can walk around the centre, but to see the rest of the island you’ll need a hire car or guided tours.
• Time from Ponta Delgada Airport: About 10 minutes by taxi, as the airport is less than 3 kilometres from the centre.
• Price level: € to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £90 to £400 per night when I searched for a weekend in July.
• Safety: Ponta Delgada is a very quiet town. The main thing to watch out for is the traffic along the harbour road, and keep an eye on your bag when it’s busy around the harbour.

Ponta Delgada is the obvious choice if it’s your first trip to the Azores, or if you only have a couple of days. It’s the main town on São Miguel, and it’s where most flights from Lisbon and Porto land. You have restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance, and many of the island’s whale-watching trips and guided tours leave from the marina.

The town’s landmark is Portas da Cidade, the three white arches on the waterfront. Behind them lies the historic centre with black-and-white cobbles, churches and little cafés, and a long promenade runs along the water past the marina. In the evening the terraces come alive, and it’s the only place on the island where you have plenty of restaurants to choose from.

See hotels in Ponta Delgada here.

Ponta Delgada Airport is just west of the town, so you’ll arrive quickly after landing. If you’re flying via Lisbon, you can read my guide to getting from Lisbon Airport to the city centre, and if you’d like a night or two in the capital on the way, I’ve also written about where to stay in Lisbon.

I’d choose Ponta Delgada for the first few nights of a longer trip or for a short break with day trips. Sete Cidades is about half an hour’s drive away, Ribeira Grande is even closer, and you can reach even Furnas in under an hour.

The downside is that you’re staying in a proper town with traffic and newer buildings on the outskirts, and you have to drive out to see what most people come for. So if you have more than four or five days, I’d also set aside a few nights elsewhere on the island.

Hotels in Ponta Delgada

Octant Ponta Delgada - best luxury hotel by the marina

Octant is a five-star hotel on Avenida João Bosco Mota Amaral by the marina, about a kilometre east of Portas da Cidade. You get a rooftop pool with views over the harbour, a spa and a restaurant, and it had one of the highest guest ratings in my search of the town. Some guests do feel the spa is small and could do with a refresh, though.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Excellent location, friendly staff, beautiful and clean rooms and a varied breakfast. Everything was excellent!”

See photos and book Octant Ponta Delgada here.

CASA DA GRAÇA - best mid-range choice with charm

Casa da Graça is a small bed and breakfast on Rua Ernesto do Canto, less than ten minutes’ walk from Portas da Cidade. It has a very high guest rating, and guests praise the breakfast and the hosts. There’s private parking, which is a bonus in the centre, but a few guests mention a damp smell.

One guest highlights the place on Booking.com: “The place was beautiful! Very cosy and clean!”

See photos and book CASA DA GRAÇA here.

Hotel Alcides - cheapest choice in the heart of the centre

Hotel Alcides is on Rua Hintze Ribeiro, a few minutes’ walk from Portas da Cidade, and was the cheapest of my three picks in Ponta Delgada. It’s a simple hotel with a restaurant and bar, and guests praise the location, the staff and the breakfast. The furniture is a little worn, and parking can be tricky if you’ve hired a car.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good central hotel with comfortable rooms and helpful staff.”

See photos and book Hotel Alcides here.

2. Furnas - best area for hot springs

• Distance to Ponta Delgada: Around 45 kilometres to the east, and the drive takes about 50 minutes.
• Transport: You can walk around the village and to the hot springs, but you’ll need a car to get around the rest of the island.
• Time from Ponta Delgada Airport: About an hour by car or transfer.
• Price level: € to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £85 to £340 a night when I searched for a weekend in July.
• Safety: Furnas is a safe village. Stick to the paths around the boiling springs, as the ground and water are extremely hot, and drive carefully on the narrow roads when the fog rolls in.

Furnas sits in an old volcanic crater in the eastern part of São Miguel, and you notice it the moment you drive down into the valley. In the middle of the village, the hot springs steam and bubble, and there’s a smell of sulphur in the air. In my view, it’s the most unusual base on the island if you want warm baths and nature right on your doorstep.

The best-known attraction is the thermal pools. In Terra Nostra Park, you can bathe in a large pool of rust-brown, warm water in the middle of a botanical garden, and at Poça da Dona Beija there are smaller pools beneath the trees. Bring an old swimsuit, as the iron in the water can stain the fabric.

At Lagoa das Furnas, the local restaurants make the stew cozido in holes in the ground, where the heat from the volcano cooks meat and vegetables for several hours. You can try the dish at the restaurants in the village, and from Largo das Três Bicas there’s a waymarked circular walk of just over 9 kilometres around the lake.

See hotels in Furnas here.

In the evening, Furnas gets very quiet once the day-trippers have driven home. That’s exactly the point, as you’ll have the hot springs and trails more to yourself early in the morning and late in the day. The coast, with the fishing village of Ribeira Quente, is just a short drive to the south.

The downsides are the weather and the distance. The valley is often damper and foggier than the coast, and it’s a long way to Sete Cidades in the west. I’d choose Furnas for two or three nights as part of a longer trip around the island.

Hotels in Furnas

Landescape Furnas - best luxury choice with an adults-only spa

Landescape is a small adults-only bed and breakfast about 400 metres from the centre of Furnas, and it was the most expensive of my three picks in the area. You get an outdoor saltwater pool, a sauna and a Turkish bath, and guests praise the breakfast and the peace and quiet. A few guests mention a musty smell in the room.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Wonderful place! The host was lovely. Good food for breakfast and a lovely sauna and spa.”

See photos and book Landescape Furnas here.

Vista do Vale - Hotel - best mid-range hotel with a pool and views

Vista do Vale is a smaller hotel with a restaurant and an outdoor pool in the northern part of Furnas, and as the name suggests, you get views over the valley. Guests praise the staff, the view and the breakfast. The hotel is in need of renovation in places, and there’s no air conditioning in the rooms.

One guest highlights the staff on Booking.com: “Lovely hotel with a fantastic view and a great team of staff who make you feel welcome and at home.”

See photos and book Vista do Vale - Hotel here.

Atlantic 3 Bicas - Furnas - cheapest choice close to the lake

Atlantic 3 Bicas is a guesthouse on Largo das Três Bicas in the southern part of the village, where the trail around Lagoa das Furnas begins. It was the cheapest of my three picks, and there’s free parking and a shared kitchen. Some guests mention that the soundproofing between the rooms is poor.

One guest describes the place on Booking.com: “Clean, well-located and well-organised guesthouse with excellent facilities.”

See photos and book Atlantic 3 Bicas - Furnas here.

3. Sete Cidades and Mosteiros - best area for crater lakes and sunsets

• Distance to Ponta Delgada: Sete Cidades is about 25 kilometres north-west of the city, and Mosteiros is a little further out on the coast.
• Transport: You’ll need a car. The villages are far apart, and the roads over the crater rim are steep and winding.
• Time from Ponta Delgada Airport: About 35 minutes to Sete Cidades and 40 minutes to Mosteiros by car.
• Price level: €€ to €€€€. The three places below cost roughly £135 to £410 a night when I searched for a weekend in July.
• Safety: Both villages are very quiet. Only swim in the rock pools at Mosteiros when the sea is calm, as the waves can be powerful on this stretch of coast.

The western part of São Miguel is the place for you if you want to wake up close to the island’s most famous view. Sete Cidades is a small village at the bottom of a huge crater, and right next to it lies Lagoa das Sete Cidades, the largest lake in the Azores. It’s made up of a green part and a blue part, Lagoa Verde and Lagoa Azul.

You get the classic view over the two lakes from Miradouro da Vista do Rei on the crater rim, and from the village you can walk or cycle along the water. If you arrive early in the morning, before the day-trippers turn up, you’ll have the trails almost to yourself. The weather changes quickly out here, so check the forecast before you drive up to the viewpoints.

See hotels in Sete Cidades here and in Mosteiros here.

Mosteiros sits down on the coast north-west of the crater, with a black sand beach, natural rock pools and rocky islets out at sea. It’s one of the best places on the island for sunsets. There are only a few restaurants, so many people choose accommodation with a kitchen and pick up groceries on the way.

I’d choose this area for two or three nights if you want to hike, take photos and enjoy some peace and quiet. The downside is that you’re at the opposite end of the island from Furnas, and it’s a long way to shops and restaurants. So it’s a good idea to plan dinner in Ponta Delgada on your way back from a day trip.

Hotels in Sete Cidades and Mosteiros

Mosteiros Place - best luxury choice with a pool and sea views

Mosteiros Place is a four-star aparthotel on the hillside in the southern part of Mosteiros, with an outdoor pool, a children’s pool and views over the sea. It was the most expensive place in my search of the area, and guests praise the view, the tranquillity and the breakfast. There’s no restaurant on site and few places to eat nearby, so you’ll need a car for dinner.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Wonderful location with a fantastic sea view. We appreciate small places, and it was very peaceful as a result.”

See photos and book Mosteiros Place here.

Azure Loft - best mid-range choice close to the beach

Azure Loft is an apartment on Rua do Castelo, about a six-minute walk from the beach in Mosteiros, and there’s free parking. Guests praise the location and the facilities, but some mention that it’s an ordinary small flat rather than an actual loft. It’s best suited to a couple.

One guest writes briefly on Booking.com: “Very nice little apartment!”

See photos and book Azure Loft here.

Sete Cidades Nature Villa - cheapest choice down in the crater

Sete Cidades Nature Villa is in the village of Sete Cidades, about a 13-minute walk from Lagoa Azul and close to a mini-market. It was the cheapest of my three picks in the area, and you get a small house with a kitchen and garden. Guests do, however, mention damp and some maintenance that needs doing.

One guest highlights the location on Booking.com: “Good location close to the lake and the mini-market.”

See photos and book Sete Cidades Nature Villa here.

4. Ribeira Grande - best area for surfing and the north coast

• Distance to Ponta Delgada: About 18 kilometres north, on the other side of the island.
• Transport: The fast road across the island makes it easy to drive to Ponta Delgada, and from the town it’s a short trip to Caldeira Velha and Lagoa do Fogo.
• Time from Ponta Delgada Airport: About 20 minutes by car.
• Price level: € to €€€. The three places below cost roughly £105 to £260 per night when I searched for a weekend in July.
• Safety: Ribeira Grande is a quiet town. The currents and waves at the beaches can be strong, so only swim where there’s a lifeguard, and follow the flags.

Ribeira Grande is the second-largest town on São Miguel and sits on the north coast, where the Atlantic sends big waves rolling in. Two of the island’s best sandy beaches are here, Praia de Santa Bárbara and Praia do Monte Verde, and Santa Bárbara in particular is popular with surfers. If you’re new to the board, you can take a lesson with one of the surf schools on the beach.

The town itself has an attractive centre with churches, a town garden by the river and the Ponte dos Oito Arcos, a bridge with eight arches. It’s less touristy than Ponta Delgada and there are fewer places to go out in the evening, but you can eat well at the restaurants in the centre and by the beaches.

See hotels in Ribeira Grande here.

The biggest advantage is the location close to the middle of the island. Just south of town is Caldeira Velha, where you can bathe in warm pools in the middle of a lush valley, and the road continues up to the crater lake Lagoa do Fogo. In the summer months, access to Lagoa do Fogo may be regulated with a shuttle bus and paid parking, so check the situation before you drive up.

São Miguel’s tea plantations are the only ones in Europe where tea is processed industrially, and one of them, Gorreana, lies further east along the north coast. I’d choose Ribeira Grande for surfers, for those who want beaches and nature close by, and as a slightly cheaper alternative to Ponta Delgada.

Hotels in Ribeira Grande

Hotel Verde Mar & SPA - best luxury hotel by the beach

Verde Mar is a five-star hotel about a four-minute walk from Praia do Monte Verde in the western part of town. You get an indoor and outdoor pool, an infinity pool with a view, a spa and a restaurant, and the hotel has a high guest rating from a large number of reviews. Guests mention that the restaurant menu is limited and a bit pricey.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Good hotel with a fantastic location and friendly staff.”

See photos and book Hotel Verde Mar & SPA here.

Terra Vivaz - Ribeira Cottage - best mid-range choice with a garden

Terra Vivaz is a small guesthouse in Ribeira Seca, just under 2 kilometres south of the centre and a little over a kilometre from the Ponte dos Oito Arcos. It has a very high guest rating, and guests praise the garden, the peace and quiet and the hosts. You’ll need to drive to the beach and restaurants, and a few guests find the sofa uncomfortable.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful cottage, very cosy and with a lovely garden.”

See photos and book Terra Vivaz - Ribeira Cottage here.

A Casa del Rei - cheapest choice in the middle of town

A Casa del Rei is a guesthouse on Rua Gonçalo Bezerra, close to the town garden in the centre and about a seven-minute walk from Praia do Monte Verde. It was the cheapest of my three picks, and guests praise the cleanliness, the spacious rooms and the staff. There’s free parking, but it can get noisy outside when the town is celebrating.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A clean, comfortable and well-thought-out place with friendly staff.”

See photos and book A Casa del Rei here.

5. Vila Franca do Campo - best area for families with children

• Distance to Ponta Delgada: About 25 kilometres east along the south coast.
• Getting around: You can walk around town and to the beaches, but you’ll need a car to see the rest of the island.
• Time from Ponta Delgada Airport: About 30 minutes by car.
• Price level: € to €€€. The three places below cost around £115 to £255 per night when I searched for a weekend in July.
• Safety: Vila Franca do Campo is a quiet, family-friendly town. Keep an eye on the children by the piers and on the rocks, where the waves can wash up.

Vila Franca do Campo was São Miguel’s first capital until an earthquake and a landslide destroyed the town in 1522. Today it’s a charming harbour town on the south coast with a small centre around the church of São Miguel Arcanjo, a marina and several swimming spots. The town suits families who want a beach and short distances.

The town’s landmark is Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, a small volcanic crater just under a kilometre out to sea. The crater is almost perfectly round and connects to the sea through a narrow opening, so there’s a lagoon of clear water inside. In summer, boats sail out from the harbour, and visitor numbers are limited, so book your ticket well in advance.

See hotels in Vila Franca do Campo here.

Just west of town is Praia de Água d’Alto, a long sandy beach, and heading east you’ll soon be in Furnas. The town is known for queijadas da Vila, small sweet cheesecakes you can buy in the bakeries and cafés in the centre.

Compared with Ponta Delgada, there are fewer restaurants and less going on in the evening, but in return you stay close to the water and right between the western and eastern parts of the island. I’d choose Vila Franca for a week of beach time and day trips where you don’t want to spend too long in the car.

If you can’t decide between the Azores and another Portuguese island in the Atlantic with warmer weather, read my guide to where to stay in Madeira.

Hotels in Vila Franca do Campo

Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort - best resort right on the beach

Pestana Bahia Praia is a four-star resort with direct access to the beach at Água d’Alto, about 3 kilometres west of the centre of Vila Franca. You get an outdoor pool, kids’ club, tennis court and restaurant, and it was the most expensive of my three picks in the area. Guests mention that parts of the hotel could do with a refresh and that the evening buffet is pricey.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A wonderful stay in the perfect location with staff who make you feel right at home!”

See photos and book Pestana Bahia Praia Nature & Beach Resort here.

Casa do Pescador 14 - best mid-range choice near the beach

Casa do Pescador 14 is a small holiday home on Rua dos Oleiros, about a three-minute walk from Praia do Corpo Santo beach and close to the centre. It has a high guest rating, a well-equipped kitchen and free parking, and guests praise the host. Some guests mention that the bed upstairs creaks.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A very sweet and cosy house with everything you need and more!”

See photos and book Casa do Pescador 14 here.

Vinha da Areia Beach Hotel - cheapest choice by the beach and marina

Vinha da Areia sits right by the beach and marina at the eastern end of town and was the cheapest of my three picks. There’s an outdoor pool with a view, open in season, and guests praise the location. However, the hotel has a lower guest rating than the others in this guide, and several mention worn facilities and a limited breakfast.

One guest highlights the location on Booking.com: “A really nice location with the beach and marina right next door.”

See photos and book Vinha da Areia Beach Hotel here.

6. Angra do Heroísmo - best area for history on Terceira

• Distance to the centre: You’re staying in Terceira’s historic capital, where you can walk everywhere.
• Getting to the island: You reach Terceira by plane from Ponta Delgada or Lisbon, and once on the island a hire car is the easiest option.
• Time from Terceira Airport: Around half an hour by car from the airport at Lajes on the other side of the island.
• Price level: € to €€. The three places below cost roughly £75 to £160 per night when I searched for a weekend in July.
• Safety: Angra is a very safe town. The cobblestones in the centre get slippery in the rain, so bring shoes with good grip.

If you want to see more than São Miguel, Terceira is my pick for a second island, and the best base is Angra do Heroísmo. The town centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List because for several hundred years Angra was a regular port of call for ships on the routes to Africa, India and the Americas.

The streets are wide and straight, lined with colourful houses, churches and palaces, and Praça Velha in front of the town hall has cafés and restaurants. The town was badly hit by an earthquake in 1980, but it has been rebuilt, and the historic centre has kept most of its character.

Above the town stand the forts of São Sebastião and São João Baptista, which are around 400 years old, along with the Monte Brasil peninsula, with walking trails and views over the whole bay. It’s a lovely walk up there in the late afternoon.

See hotels in Angra do Heroísmo here.

Terceira is known for its summer festivals with street bullfights, where a bull on a long rope runs through the streets. Inland, you can descend into Algar do Carvão, an ancient volcanic chimney, and on the north coast you’ll find the natural sea pools at Biscoitos.

I’d choose Angra for three or four nights if you have a week or more and want to see two islands. The downside is that you have to fly between the islands, and there’s no big sandy beach in the town itself.

Hotels in Angra do Heroísmo

Boutique Hotel Teatro - best luxury hotel in the historic centre

Boutique Hotel Teatro is a four-star hotel on Rua da Esperança, a few minutes’ walk from Praça Velha. It has one of the highest guest ratings in this whole guide, and you get an outdoor pool, spa and gym right in the middle of town. Some guests find the rooms small, and parking spaces are limited.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “It was a lovely surprise to find such high-quality furnishings.”

See photos and book Boutique Hotel Teatro here.

Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao - best mid-range hotel in an old fort

The pousada sits inside the São Sebastião fort on the slope above the harbour, about ten minutes’ walk from the centre. You get an outdoor pool, a restaurant and views over the town and the sea, and guests praise the historic setting. A few rooms are worn, though, and in need of some maintenance.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “A really cool concept hotel, and the staff were perfect!”

See photos and book Pousada de Angra do Heroismo Castelo de S. Sebastiao here.

Hotel Zenite - cheapest option close to Praça Velha

Hotel Zenite is a simple hotel on Rua da Rosa, just a few minutes’ walk from Praça Velha, and it was the cheapest of my three picks in Angra. Guests praise the location, the staff and the breakfast. Some rooms are small, and parking is limited in the streets around the hotel.

One guest highlights the location on Booking.com: “The location is absolutely perfect. Breakfast was just what I needed.”

See photos and book Hotel Zenite here.

7. Madalena on Pico - best area for hiking and wine

• Distance to the centre: Madalena is Pico’s main town, and you’ll be staying close to the harbour, the restaurants and the supermarkets.
• Transport: The ferry to Horta on Faial leaves from the town’s harbour, and on Pico itself you’ll need a car.
• Time from Pico Airport: About 15 minutes by car.
• Price level: €€ to €€€. The three places below cost around £105 to £230 per night when I searched for a weekend in July.
• Safety: Madalena is a very quiet town. The weather on the mountain can change quickly, so set off early, and never go up without a permit and proper gear.

Pico is the island for you if you want to hike and drink wine. The island is dominated by the Pico volcano, which at 2,351 metres is Portugal’s highest mountain, and you can see it from almost everywhere on the island when the clouds lift.

Madalena on the west coast is Pico’s main town and the most practical base. This is where the ferries from Horta arrive, and it’s only a short distance to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyards. Just south of town at Criação Velha, you’ll find the small vineyard plots, currais, behind low walls of black basalt, and it’s one of the most unusual landscapes in the Azores.

If you want to climb the mountain, the trail up Montanha do Pico starts at Casa da Montanha at an altitude of around 1,230 metres. The hike is just under 8 kilometres there and back, it’s rated as difficult and takes about seven hours, and you need a permit before you set off.

See hotels in Madalena here.

Pico is also a great place for whale watching, with trips departing from both Madalena and Lajes do Pico on the south coast. From the harbour, Atlânticoline sails to Horta on Faial, so you can easily take a day trip to the neighbouring island.

I’d choose Madalena if you want to climb Pico or have a relaxing wine holiday, ideally as a third stop after São Miguel and Terceira. The downside is that there are few sandy beaches, and getting here requires an extra flight or ferry.

Hotels in Madalena

Azores Wine Company - best luxury choice in the middle of the vineyards

Azores Wine Company is a winery with a restaurant and apartments set among the vineyards, about 6 kilometres north-east of Madalena. It was the most expensive of my three picks on Pico, and guests praise the views and especially the food in the restaurant. Some guests mention that the wine fridge in the room is noisy.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Fantastic location in a vineyard. Beautiful room and a beautiful hotel and restaurant.”

See photos and book Azores Wine Company here.

AL - BOA NOVA - best mid-range choice with a view

AL Boa Nova is an apartment in the southern part of Madalena, about 400 metres from the centre. It has a very high guest rating, and guests praise the cleanliness, the space, the view and the kitchen. You need to let them know your arrival time in advance, and parking is limited.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Easy communication, very clean and spacious, and a lovely view.”

See photos and book AL - BOA NOVA here.

Pico Studios - cheapest choice in the centre of town

Pico Studios offers apartments on Rua Doutor Freitas Pimentel in the middle of Madalena, just a few minutes’ walk from the harbour and the restaurants. It was the cheapest of my three picks, and there’s free parking. There’s no outdoor area, and some guests mention noise from nearby venues.

One guest writes on Booking.com: “Beautiful apartment, great location and a perfect host.”

See photos and book Pico Studios here.

Where not to stay in the Azores?

I wouldn’t stay in Nordeste on the eastern tip of São Miguel if you only have a few days. The area is beautiful and green, but it’s a long way to both Ponta Delgada and Sete Cidades, and the roads out there are long and winding.

Also be wary of cheap places in the villages high up in the middle of the islands. The fog and rain are often thicker here than on the coast, and without a car you won’t get to the restaurants or the places you want to see.

Don’t try to see all nine islands on one trip either. Flights and ferries between the islands can be cancelled in bad weather, so it’s better to do two or three islands with several nights in each place than one night on each.

If you’re visiting the Azores for the first time and only going to São Miguel, I’d stay in Ponta Delgada and add a couple of nights in Furnas. Families will have the easiest beach holiday in Vila Franca do Campo, surfers and those who want to be close to Caldeira Velha should choose Ribeira Grande, and Sete Cidades and Mosteiros suit those looking for peace and quiet and hiking.

If you have a week or more, you can add Terceira and Pico to your trip. If you’re travelling on in Portugal, I’ve also written about where to stay in Porto, and if you want to spend a few days in the capital, you’ll find inspiration in my guide to things to see in Lisbon.

The post Where to Stay in the Azores? The 7 Best Areas & Places to Stay appeared first on Destination Well Known.

If you land at night, night bus 3M runs to Avenida dos Aliados, and if there are several of you with lots of luggage, a taxi or an Uber can be worth it. Here you’ll find all the options with prices, journey times and stops, how to get down to Ribeira and across the river to Gaia, and how to carry on to the Douro Valley, Braga and Lisbon.

Quick overview

• Metro line E (purple): 2.30 euros (around £1.90) plus 0.60 euros (around 50p) for the Andante card, 27 minutes to Trindade and 33 minutes to Campanhã, runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 20 to 40 minutes in the evening from around 6am to 12.42am.
• Bus 601: 2.30 euros (around £1.90) with Andante or 2.50 euros (around £2.10) from the driver, 35 to 55 minutes to Cordoaria by Torre dos Clérigos, runs roughly every half hour during the day from 5.30am until after midnight.
• Night bus 3M: same price as bus 601, just under 30 minutes to Avenida dos Aliados, runs once an hour from 12.30am and every half hour between 3.30am and 5.30am.
• Taxi: around 20 to 35 euros (around £17 to £30) to the centre on the meter, 20 to 30 minutes without traffic.
• Uber and Bolt: the price is shown in the app before you book, and it’s often lower than a taxi.
• Private transfer: from around 26 euros (around £22) per car when you book in advance, and the driver meets you in the arrivals hall.

How to find the transport at the airport

Porto Airport has a single passenger terminal, so you can’t go wrong. Once you’ve collected your luggage and come out into the arrivals hall, follow the signs for the Metro. Aeroporto metro station is just outside the terminal building, and it’s the end of line E, so every train at the platform heads towards the centre. There are ticket machines at the station where you buy your ticket.

The city buses run by STCP stop at the Aeroporto stop in front of the terminal, and the taxis also wait outside the arrivals hall. Long-distance coaches, including FlixBus and Getbus to Braga, Guimarães and Lisbon, leave from coach park P8, which is at the right-hand end of the car park opposite the arrivals level. If you book an Uber or Bolt, the app shows where to meet your driver, and it isn’t always at the nearest exit. Bus routes to and from the airport are listed on STCP’s page about the airport connection.

1. Metro line E to Trindade and the city centre

The Porto metro is a light rail system that runs above ground for most of the way and goes underground in the centre. Line E is purple and runs from Aeroporto via Botica, Verdes, Senhora da Hora and Casa da Música to Trindade, the main hub in the city centre. The journey to Trindade takes 27 minutes, and you reach Casa da Música in about 22 minutes.

During the day, every other train continues from Trindade via Bolhão, Campo 24 de Agosto and Heroísmo to Campanhã railway station and Estádio do Dragão. In the evening, all trains run the whole way to Estádio do Dragão. The journey to Campanhã takes 33 minutes, and if that’s where you’re going, look for a train showing Estádio do Dragão on the display, or change at Trindade.

On weekdays, line E runs every 15 minutes between 7am and 8pm, and early in the morning it runs every half hour. From 8pm to 11pm it runs every 20 minutes and after that every 30 to 40 minutes. The first train from the airport leaves shortly before or shortly after 6am, and the last one leaves at 12.42am. Metro do Porto changes its timetable a few times a year, so check the timetables at Metro do Porto before you travel.

Trains can be busy at rush hour, so keep your suitcase close. The metro suits almost everyone staying in the centre, in Gaia or by the beach in Matosinhos, as you can change to the other lines along the way on the same ticket.

Prices and tickets

The tickets are called Andante and are valid on the metro, STCP buses and local trains in the Porto area. The price depends on the number of zones, and from the airport to the centre you need a Z4 ticket, which costs 2.30 euros (around £1.90). The same ticket also covers Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the river. The ticket is valid for 1 hour and 15 minutes from first validation, so you have time to change to another metro line or a bus without paying again.

The ticket is loaded onto a rechargeable paper card, the Andante Azul, which costs 0.60 euros (around 50p) and can be used for a year. Each person needs their own card, so one card with two tickets can’t be used by two people on the same journey. If you buy 10 single tickets at once, you get an extra one free. There’s also a 24-hour ticket for zone Z4 for 8.30 euros (around £7). Prices are listed at Andante.

If you’ll be getting around the city for several days, the Andante Tour tourist card can be worth it. Andante Tour 1 costs 7.75 euros (around £6.50) and is valid for 24 hours, and Andante Tour 3 costs 16.55 euros (around £14) and is valid for 72 hours from first validation. The cards are valid across the whole Andante network of buses, metro and trains, but not on the Funicular dos Guindais or the historic trams. Read more at Andante Tour.

Where to buy your ticket

The ticket machines at the airport metro station sell both the Andante Azul card and the tickets. Choose a Z4 ticket, and remember to buy a card for each person. Before going down to the platform, hold your card against one of the validators, and when the light turns green, your ticket is validated. You need to validate again every time you change line or mode of transport, even within the 1 hour and 15 minutes.

You can also pay with your own bank card or your phone. At validators with the contactless symbol at Aeroporto station, you’re charged for a Z4 ticket at 2.30 euros (around £1.90), and it’s valid for 1 hour and 15 minutes. If you travel four times or more in one day, you pay no more than 7.75 euros (around £6.50). The scheme only applies at selected stations, including Trindade, Casa da Música, São Bento, Aliados and Campanhã, and it has been introduced as a trial, so check Andante’s page on paying by card before you travel. Tickets can also be bought in Andante’s app, Anda.

Where should you get off?

Trindade: The big hub in the city centre where all the lines meet. From here it’s a 5 to 10-minute walk to Avenida dos Aliados and the Baixa district with its cafés and bars. If you want to stay close to the metro, you can see hotels in Baixa here. If you’re unsure which area suits you, read my guide to where to stay in Porto.

São Bento and Ribeira: At Trindade, change to the yellow line D towards Santo Ovídio or Vila d’Este. After two stops, about 3 minutes, get off at São Bento, home to the famous railway station with its blue azulejo tiles. From here it’s about a 10-minute walk downhill to Ribeira by the river. This is the historic quarter most people dream of staying in, and you can see hotels in Ribeira here.

Vila Nova de Gaia: Stay on line D across the upper deck of the Ponte Luís I bridge to Jardim do Morro or General Torres, about 5 to 7 minutes from Trindade. From here you walk down to the port wine cellars at Cais de Gaia, and from Jardim do Morro you can also take the Teleférico de Gaia cable car down. The Z4 ticket covers the whole journey from the airport. If you’re staying on this side of the river, you can see hotels in Vila Nova de Gaia here.

Bolhão, Campo 24 de Agosto and Heroísmo: The stations after Trindade, served only by trains towards Estádio do Dragão. Bolhão is by the big Mercado do Bolhão market, and Campo 24 de Agosto and Heroísmo are in the local Bonfim neighbourhood, where you can see hotels in Bonfim here.

Casa da Música: The station by the concert hall in the Boavista district, about 22 minutes from the airport. If you’re heading for the beach and fish restaurants in Matosinhos, get off earlier at Senhora da Hora and change to the blue line A, which reaches Matosinhos Sul in about 13 minutes.

Campanhã: The city’s main railway station, served by trains to Lisbon, Braga and the Douro Valley. From the airport the journey takes 33 minutes on the trains running to Estádio do Dragão.

2. Bus 601 and 602 to Cordoaria

The city buses are run by STCP, and bus 601 is the fastest of them to the centre. It runs from the airport through Leça and past the Mar Shopping centre to the Boavista roundabout by Casa da Música, then on via Praça da Galiza to the final stop at Cordoaria. The journey takes 35 to 55 minutes depending on traffic, and at rush hour you should expect the longer time.

The bus runs from 5.30am until after midnight, roughly every half hour during the day and up to 50 minutes apart late in the evening. Bus 602 also runs from the airport to Cordoaria, but it takes a long detour through Maia and usually takes an hour or more, so it’s rarely relevant to you.

The bus suits you best if you land very early, before the metro is running, or if you’re staying close to Cordoaria. The pitfalls are traffic and luggage, as the bus can fill up with local commuters along the way, and there isn’t much room for large suitcases.

Prices and tickets

If you have an Andante card with a Z4 ticket, the journey costs 2.30 euros (around £1.90), and you validate the card as you board. If you don’t have a card, you can buy a ticket from the driver for 2.50 euros (around £2.10) and pay in cash, with MB WAY or by card. The ticket from the driver is only valid for the journey you buy it for, so you can’t change on it. Prices are listed on STCP’s fares page.

Where should you get off the bus?

Boavista-Casa da Música: The stop by the concert hall in Boavista, where you can change to the metro.

Cordoaria: The final stop by the Jardim da Cordoaria park, right next to Torre dos Clérigos. From here it’s a 5 to 10-minute walk to Ribeira and Baixa.

3. Night bus 3M to Avenida dos Aliados

When the metro stops just after midnight, night bus 3M takes over. It runs every night between the airport and Avenida dos Aliados, the wide boulevard with the city hall in the centre, and stops at places including Trindade, Carolina Michaelis and Praça da República along the way. The journey takes just under 30 minutes, as there’s very little traffic at night.

From the airport the bus leaves at 12.30am, 1.30am, 2.30am and 3.30am and then every half hour until 5.30am. Towards the airport it leaves Avenida dos Aliados at 1am, 2am and 3am and then every half hour from 3.30am to 5.30am. The ticket costs the same as during the day, 2.30 euros (around £1.90) with Andante or 2.50 euros (around £2.10) from the driver.

The night bus is the only public transport at night, so if your flight lands after midnight, it’s a good alternative to a taxi. Check the departure time before heading out to the stop, as there can be up to an hour between buses. Departures are listed on STCP’s page about the airport connection.

4. Taxi, Uber and Bolt

Taxis wait at the exit from the arrivals hall and run on the meter. Expect around 20 to 35 euros (around £17 to £30) to the centre, depending on where you’re going and how much traffic there is. The journey usually takes 20 to 30 minutes without traffic. At night, at weekends and on public holidays the fare is higher than on weekdays during the day.

Fares are set by the authorities and adjusted from time to time, so the starting fee and surcharges may change. Keep an eye on the meter during the journey, and if you’re unsure, ask the driver for an approximate price before you get in. If you can’t pay in cash and need to pay by card, say so straight away, as not all taxis take cards.

Uber and Bolt also operate from the airport, and the price is shown in the app before you book. It’s often lower than a taxi, but it goes up when lots of people book at once, for example when several flights land at the same time. The app shows where to meet your driver, and it isn’t always at the nearest exit. Read more about pick-ups at Uber.

A taxi or Uber takes you to the door, so they’re most worthwhile when there are three or four of you, when you have lots of luggage, or when your hotel is in the steep streets of Ribeira, where you’d otherwise have to drag your suitcase up and down the hills.

Private transfer

If you want to be sure a car is waiting, you can book a private transfer from Porto Airport to your hotel here. Prices start at around 26 euros (around £22) for a car for up to four people, the driver meets you in the arrivals hall, and the price is agreed in advance. It’s a good option when you’re landing late with children, or if your hotel is on a street that’s hard to find.

On to the Douro Valley, Braga and Lisbon straight from the airport

If you’re not going into Porto, you can often travel directly. Getbus runs non-stop to Braga and Guimarães from coach park P8 every day, with tickets from 9 euros (around £7.50). FlixBus also runs from P8 to Braga in about 40 minutes and to places including Guimarães, Coimbra and Aveiro. You’ll find departures and prices at Getbus. If you’d rather take the train to Braga, take the metro to Campanhã, where local trains get there in about an hour.

For the Douro Valley, trains run along the Linha do Douro from São Bento and Campanhã to Peso da Régua and Pinhão. The journey normally takes around two hours to Régua and around two and a half hours to Pinhão, but parts of the line are sometimes served by rail replacement buses due to engineering works, so check the timetable at CP before you travel. From the airport, take the metro to Campanhã, or to Trindade and change to line D towards São Bento. If you want to drive yourself around the vineyards, the car hire companies are at the airport.

For Lisbon, Alfa Pendular trains run from Campanhã to Santa Apolónia in about 2 hours and 50 minutes, with several departures a day. FlixBus also runs directly from the airport to Lisbon in around 4 hours. If your trip continues south, you can read my guide to where to stay in Lisbon, and if you’re flying home from there, see my guide to getting from Lisbon Airport to the city centre and back again.

Getting back to the airport

Trains towards Aeroporto run from Trindade via Casa da Música and Senhora da Hora. During the day, every other train starts back at Estádio do Dragão and Campanhã, and in the evening they all start there. If you’re staying near Ribeira, first take line D from São Bento to Trindade and change to a train towards Aeroporto, and the Z4 ticket covers the whole journey. The first train from Trindade leaves at 5.58am, getting you to the airport shortly before 6.30am, and the last train leaves Estádio do Dragão at 12.29am.

If you have an early flight, the metro is often too late. Night bus 3M leaves Avenida dos Aliados at 1am, 2am and 3am and then every half hour until 5.30am, reaching the airport just under 30 minutes later. Bus 601 runs from Cordoaria from 6am and takes 35 to 55 minutes to the airport.

By taxi or Uber, expect roughly the same as on the way in. If you want the car booked before you leave home, you can book a private transfer from your hotel to the airport here. Follow your airline’s recommended check-in times, and allow extra time if you need to change at Trindade with suitcases.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s my recommendation based on where you’re staying:

Baixa and Aliados: Take the metro to Trindade. It runs every 15 minutes during the day and costs 2.30 euros (around £1.90) plus the card.

Ribeira: Take the metro to Trindade and change to line D to São Bento. If you have lots of luggage, I’d take a taxi or an Uber right down to the hotel, as the streets are steep.

Vila Nova de Gaia: Take the metro to Trindade and change to line D to Jardim do Morro or General Torres.

Bonfim: Take a train towards Estádio do Dragão to Campo 24 de Agosto or Heroísmo, so you don’t need to change.

Matosinhos: Take the metro to Senhora da Hora and change to line A towards Senhor de Matosinhos.

If you land at night: Night bus 3M runs to Avenida dos Aliados, but check the departure time. If it doesn’t fit, a taxi, an Uber or a pre-booked transfer is easiest.

If there are three or four of you: Four metro tickets with cards cost 11.60 euros (around £10), so the metro is cheapest. On the other hand, a taxi at around 20 to 35 euros (around £17 to £30) or a transfer takes you right to the door.

If you’re travelling straight on: Take Getbus or FlixBus directly from P8 to Braga and Guimarães, and take the metro to Campanhã if you’re catching the train to Lisbon or the Douro Valley.

Practical tips for getting from Porto Airport to the city centre

Buy an Andante card for each person. The card costs 0.60 euros (around 50p), and two people can’t share the same card on the same journey. Keep the card, as you can top it up with new tickets throughout your stay.

Validate every time. You need to hold your card against the validator when you start your journey and every time you change line. This applies even if you’re still within the 1 hour and 15 minutes the ticket is valid for.

Choose the right zone. From the airport you need a Z4 ticket to the centre and Gaia. A ticket for a smaller zone isn’t valid for the whole journey, and you risk a fine if you’re checked.

Allow for the hills. Porto is a very hilly city, and from São Bento down to Ribeira it’s a steep descent over cobblestones. With large suitcases, a taxi for the last stretch is often worth the money.

Choose your hotel by its connections. If you stay in Baixa, the metro gets you to Trindade without changing, and if you stay in Gaia or Ribeira, you’ll need to change to line D. If you’re unsure which area to choose, read my guide to where to stay in Porto.

The post Porto Airport to the City Centre – Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Here are my picks for the 17 best things to see and do in Porto, with prices, opening hours and tips on what to book before you go. Prices are in euros, and 1 euro is roughly £0.84. The city is very hilly, so wear good shoes, and remember that Mercado do Bolhão is closed on Sundays. The last two sections are about day trips to the Douro Valley and to Guimarães and Braga.

1. Ribeira and Cais da Ribeira

Ribeira is the old district down by the river and probably the most photographed place in Porto. The narrow, colourful houses stand close together along the Cais da Ribeira quay, and behind them the alleys climb up the hillside towards the cathedral. The district is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Historic Centre of Oporto, which also includes the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Serra do Pilar monastery on the other side of the river.

It doesn’t cost anything to wander around here, and that’s exactly the point. Walk along Cais da Ribeira to the square, Praça da Ribeira, and turn into the streets behind the quay, where you’ll find small places to eat and bars. The restaurants right by the water are expensive and often mediocre, so I think you should walk a street or two further in to eat. In the evening, you can hear fado, the melancholy Portuguese song, on small stages in the district.

My tip is to come early in the morning, before the day-trippers and the queues for the boats fill the quay, or late in the evening, when the houses on the Gaia side light up. Ribeira is also the first area in my guide to where to stay in Porto, and you can see hotels in Ribeira here.

Book a fado concert with port wine close to Ribeira.

2. Dom Luís I Bridge

The Dom Luís I Bridge is Porto’s landmark. It was designed by the engineer Théophile Seyrig, who had worked with Gustave Eiffel, and it opened on 31 October 1886. The bridge is 395 metres long and has two iron decks, one above the other.

Metro line D runs on the upper deck, and there’s a pavement next to the tracks, so you can cross on foot. The view down over Ribeira, the river and the rooftops of the Old Town is one of the best in the city, and it’s free. The lower deck links the quay in Ribeira directly with Cais de Gaia, and it’s the easiest way over to the port wine cellars.

On the Gaia side, you’ll find the Jardim do Morro park and, just above it, the Serra do Pilar monastery with its round church. From here, you can see all of Porto on the other side of the river, and at sunset lots of people sit on the grass. My tip is to walk across the upper deck towards Gaia late in the afternoon, watch the sunset from Jardim do Morro and then walk down to the quay. The way down is steep, but you can also take the Teleférico de Gaia cable car down to the river. Stick to the pavement on the bridge, because the metro passes close by.

3. Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

Port wine is produced in the Douro Valley, but for several hundred years the wine has been shipped down the river and stored in the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, right opposite Porto. The old port houses stand side by side here, and most of them have their names painted in big letters on the roof. You can visit many of them on a tour with a tasting, including Taylor’s, Graham’s, Sandeman, Cálem and Cockburn’s.

A tour usually takes an hour or a little more. You see the big oak barrels, hear how port wine is made and finish by tasting two or three different types. The price depends on the house and on how fine the wines you taste are, and it’s typically around €20 to €40 (about £17 to £34). It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially at weekends and in summer, because the popular times sell out.

Taylor’s and Graham’s are a little way up the hill with great views over the river, while Sandeman and Cálem are right by the quay. My tip is to do one thorough tour and then carry on tasting in one of the houses’ bars without a tour. Cais de Gaia is also in my guide to the areas of Porto, and if you’d like to stay on this side of the river with a view of the city, you can see hotels in Vila Nova de Gaia here.

Book a ticket for Taylor’s port wine cellar with a tasting.

4. Six Bridges Cruise

From the quays in both Ribeira and Gaia, boats head out on the classic cruises under Porto’s six bridges. Many of them are built like the old rabelo boats that used to carry the port wine barrels down the river from the Douro Valley. The cruise goes up the river under the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Infante Bridge and the old Maria Pia railway bridge, which Eiffel’s company built, and then turns back towards the Arrábida Bridge closer to the sea.

A standard cruise lasts about 50 minutes and costs around €15 to €20 (about £13 to £17). There are departures all day, and you can buy a ticket at the boats on the quay, but the queues are long in summer. Smaller boats with fewer passengers and a glass of port wine on board cost more, and some of them also sail at sunset.

I think the cruise is a good way to see the city from the water, but don’t expect a long guided commentary on the big boats. My tip is to choose a cruise late in the afternoon, when the light falls on the houses in Ribeira, and to sit on the side of the boat that faces Porto on the way back.

Book a cruise under the bridges with port wine and a sunset option.

5. Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello on Rua das Carmelitas is one of the most famous bookshops in the world. The shop moved into its current building in 1906, and inside there are carved wooden panels, a stained-glass ceiling and the winding red staircase that everyone wants to photograph. Many people link the place with Harry Potter, because J.K. Rowling lived in Porto for a while, but she’s said herself that she’s never been inside the shop.

You need a ticket to get in, and the ticket works as a voucher, so its value is deducted if you buy a book. The standard ticket costs around €10 (about £8), and children up to and including three go free. The shop is open every day of the week from 9am to 7.30pm, but it’s closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 24 June and 25 December. The ticket is valid for up to 60 minutes after the time you’ve booked, and if you buy it in the queue, you can only pay by card.

I’ll be honest. The shop is small, it’s packed with people, and the visit itself rarely takes more than a quarter of an hour. My tip is to book the first slot in the morning and find a book you’d like to have anyway, so the ticket isn’t wasted. The churches Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas are a few steps away, and Carmo has a large tiled facade facing the street.

Book a walking tour with Livraria Lello, a river cruise and the cable car.

6. Torre dos Clérigos

Torre dos Clérigos is the tall baroque bell tower that you can see from almost everywhere in Porto. The church was designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, and according to Clérigos’ own website, the tower has dominated the city’s skyline since 1763. It’s about 75 metres high, and you climb 225 steps up a narrow spiral staircase to the top, where you can see out over the whole city and the river.

The day ticket costs €10 (about £8) and gives access to both the tower and the museum. Students pay €7 (about £6), and children up to the age of 10 go free. It’s open every day from 9am to 7pm, with last entry half an hour before closing, and around Christmas and New Year the opening hours are shorter on certain days. At Easter, in summer and over Christmas, it’s also open in the evening from 7pm to 11pm, and the tower then costs €5 (about £4). With the Porto Card, you get half price on the day ticket.

The staircase is narrow, and in the middle of the day there can be queues both up and down. My tip is to come right after opening or to do the late visit if it’s open in the evening while you’re in the city. The tower is a couple of minutes’ walk from Livraria Lello, so the two go well together.

Book a ticket for Torre dos Clérigos.

7. São Bento Station

São Bento railway station is in the middle of Baixa and is probably the most beautiful train station you’ll ever see. In the large entrance hall, the walls are covered with around 22,000 blue and white tiles, azulejos, by the artist Jorge Colaço. They show important moments in Portugal’s history, including King João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster and the conquest of Ceuta. The first train pulled into the station in 1896, but it wasn’t officially inaugurated until 5 October 1916.

Entry is free, and you just walk in from the square, Praça de Almeida Garrett. The station is still in use, and from here the regional trains run to places such as the Douro Valley, Guimarães and Braga, so you’ll probably pass through again if you go on a day trip. São Bento metro station on line D is right next door.

My tip is to stand in the middle of the hall and look up, because the top row of coloured tiles is often overlooked. Come early or late in the day, when there are fewer tour groups. Baixa, around São Bento and Avenida dos Aliados, is a good place to stay, with a short distance to most of the city, and you can see hotels in Baixa here.

8. Palácio da Bolsa

Palácio da Bolsa is Porto’s old stock exchange building, and it stands on the square Praça do Infante D. Henrique in the lower part of the Old Town. It was built by the city’s commercial association in the 19th century, and the chamber of commerce is still based in the building. From the outside, it looks fairly plain, but inside it’s one of the most impressive places in the city.

The first stop is Pátio das Nações, the large hall with the glass dome, which is surrounded by 20 coats of arms. The tour ends in Salão Árabe, the Arab Room, which is inspired by the Alhambra in Granada and was built from 1862 to 1880. The room is still Porto’s most important hall for official events and is also used for concerts.

You can only see the building on a compulsory 30-minute guided tour. It costs €14 (about £12), students and seniors pay €9.50 (about £8), and children up to the age of 12 get in free with an adult. The tours run from 9am to 6.30pm in several languages, and the tours in English fill up quickly. My tip is to buy a ticket for a specific tour when you arrive in the morning and spend the waiting time in Igreja de São Francisco right next door.

9. Igreja de São Francisco

From the outside, Igreja de São Francisco looks like a fairly ordinary Gothic church, but inside almost every single surface is covered in gilded woodcarving. It’s Porto’s most lavish church interior, and according to the city’s tourist office, the Polish count Raczyński called it the church of gold. Look out in particular for the Tree of Jesse, a carved family tree of Jesus’ ancestors.

A ticket costs €9 (about £8) for adults and €6.50 (about £5) for students, and the visit also includes the catacombs, where members of the order were buried. The church is open every day from 9am to 8pm from March to October and from 9am to 6pm from November to February, but the times can change, so check them before you go.

You aren’t allowed to take photos inside the church itself, so here you’ll just have to look. My tip is to combine the visit with Palácio da Bolsa, which is right next door, and do both in the morning before you walk down to Ribeira. Together, the two places take a couple of hours.

10. Sé do Porto

Porto Cathedral, Sé do Porto, stands high on the hill above Ribeira, and with its two square towers it looks more like a fortress than a church. It has a Romanesque core from the 12th and 13th centuries, but it’s been rebuilt many times, so you’ll also see Gothic and baroque. The square in front of the church, Terreiro da Sé, is one of the best viewpoints over the rooftops of the Old Town and across to Gaia.

The church interior itself is fairly simple, but the Gothic cloister with its blue and white tiles is worth paying a little extra for. A ticket for the cloister and the treasury costs around €3 (about £3), and from the upper floors you come out onto a terrace with a view. Opening hours are shorter in winter, and you can’t walk around during Mass.

My tip is to walk up to the cathedral from Ribeira via the steep steps and narrow alleys of the Barredo district, where washing hangs out to dry between the houses. From the cathedral, it’s also a short walk to the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge, so you can easily do the two places one after the other.

11. Mercado do Bolhão

Mercado do Bolhão is Porto’s big covered food market in Baixa. The building is more than 100 years old and listed, and after a long restoration the market reopened in 2022. According to the market’s own website, there are 77 stalls, seven restaurants and 28 shops facing the street.

Here you can buy fruit, vegetables, fish, cheese, sausages, olives and port wine, and several of the stalls sell food and drinks that you can have on the spot. The market is spread over two floors around an open courtyard. It’s open Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays, so plan around that.

Come in the morning on a weekday, when the stalls are at their fullest and the locals do their shopping. I think it’s a good place for a cheap lunch in the centre. My tip is to try a pastel de nata, Portugal’s famous little custard tart, and if you’d like to learn how to bake them yourself, there are workshops in the city that make a fun activity on a rainy day.

Book a workshop where you learn to bake pastel de nata.

12. Rua de Santa Catarina and Capela das Almas

Rua de Santa Catarina is Porto’s main pedestrian street, and it runs north from the square Praça da Batalha past shops, cafés and the Via Catarina shopping centre. Halfway along the street is the famous Café Majestic from the 1920s, with mirrors, leather and stucco, but expect a queue and high prices. I think it’s fine to pop in for a look, but have your coffee somewhere else if you’re travelling on a budget.

Further up the street, on the corner of Rua de Fernandes Tomás, stands Capela das Almas, a small chapel whose outer walls are completely covered in blue and white tiles. The tilework dates from 1929 and shows scenes from the lives of saints, including Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. It’s the facade you come for, and you can see it for free from the street.

My tip is to walk the whole street from Praça da Batalha, where the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso church also has a beautiful tiled facade, and finish at Capela das Almas. Mercado do Bolhão is only a couple of minutes away, so you can easily fit it all into one morning. Try to come on a weekday, because on Saturdays the street is packed with people.

13. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is a large park on a hillside west of the Old Town. The name comes from a crystal palace of glass and iron that stood here in the 19th century, but today a domed hall stands in its place. The gardens are the reason to come, with old trees, fountains, small themed gardens and peacocks wandering freely among the visitors.

From the terraces in the southern part of the park, you get one of the best views over the Douro and out towards the Arrábida Bridge and the sea. Entry is free, and the gardens are open from 8am to 9pm from April to September and from 8am to 7pm from October to March. From Torre dos Clérigos, it’s about a 15-minute walk.

My tip is to take a break here in the middle of the day, when it’s hot down in the city, and find a bench in the shade. The gardens are also a good place to go with children, because there’s room to run around. If you’d like to carry on afterwards, you can walk down the hill to the river, where the old tram runs along the water towards Foz.

14. Serralves

Fundação de Serralves in the western part of the city is Porto’s most important place for modern art. The Museum of Contemporary Art is in a white building designed by the Porto architect Álvaro Siza, and in the large park stands the pink art deco villa Casa de Serralves. The park has woodland, lakes, formal gardens, an old farm and a canopy walkway, the Treetop Walk, up among the treetops.

A ticket for everything costs €24 (about £20) and gives access to the museum, the park, the Treetop Walk and Casa de Serralves. If you only want to see the park, it costs €15 (about £13). Young people aged 12 to 17, students and over-65s get half price, and children under 12 get in free. Opening hours change between the summer and winter seasons, so check the Serralves website before you set off.

Bus 201 from Aliados stops at Serralves, and so does bus 207 towards Foz. I think the park alone is worth the trip, even if you’re not into modern art. My tip is to spend half a day here and combine the visit with Foz do Douro, which is a short way further west.

15. Foz do Douro and Tram Line 1

Foz do Douro is the district where the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, and it’s Porto’s answer to a seaside promenade. Here you walk along the sea past small beaches, cafés and the Farol de Felgueiras lighthouse at the end of the pier, where the waves crash high when the sea is rough. The Jardim do Passeio Alegre garden with its palm trees is a good place to start.

The most fun way to get here is on the old tram, line 1, which runs along the Douro from the Old Town to Passeio Alegre. A single ticket bought on board costs €6 (about £5), and a two-day ticket costs €12 (about £10). Children aged 4 to 12 pay €3.50 (about £3) for a single ticket. The trams run every day, but the timetable changes with the seasons.

There’s often a queue at the first stop in the centre, especially in the middle of the day. My tip is to take the tram out to Foz in the afternoon, walk along the sea and watch the sunset from the pier. You can take one of the ordinary buses back, which are cheaper. Foz is also a quiet place to stay close to the sea, and you can see hotels in Foz do Douro here.

16. Day Trip to the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley east of Porto is where port wine comes from, and the landscape with its steep vineyard terraces running down to the river has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 2001 under the name Alto Douro Wine Region. Wine has been grown in the area for around 2,000 years, and many of the port houses in Gaia have their own wine estates, quintas, out here.

You can take the train yourself from São Bento on the Douro line, which follows the river for much of the way. The journey to Peso da Régua takes about two hours, and it’s around half an hour more to Pinhão with its tiled station. Only a few trains run each day, so check CP’s timetable before you set off, and sit on the right-hand side in the direction of travel, so you have the river by the window.

By train, you only see a small part of the valley, and getting around to the wine estates without a car takes planning. An organised day trip with wine tastings at a couple of quintas, lunch and a boat trip on the river is therefore the easiest option for most people, and it takes most of the day. My tip is to go in September or October, during the grape harvest, when the vineyards change colour.

Book a day trip to the Douro Valley with a boat trip, wine tasting and lunch.

17. Day Trip to Guimarães and Braga

Guimarães and Braga lie north of Porto and can be combined in one day. Guimarães is called the cradle of Portugal, because the country’s first king, Afonso Henriques, was born here according to tradition, and the medieval town centre, together with the old tanners’ quarter, is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Here you can see the castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, Paço dos Duques de Bragança, and wander around the small squares of the Old Town.

Braga is one of Portugal’s oldest cities and an important religious centre with many churches and a large cathedral. Just outside the city lies the pilgrimage site of Bom Jesus do Monte with its baroque Stairway of the Five Senses, which has been a World Heritage Site since 2019. You can walk up the steps or take the old funicular, which is powered by water.

Both cities have direct trains from São Bento, and the journey takes about an hour each way, but it’s hard to fit in both cities and Bom Jesus in one day by public transport. If you only have time for one city, I’d recommend Guimarães. If you’d like to see it all, an organised day trip is the easiest option, and some of the tours also stop at the coastal town of Viana do Castelo.

Book a day trip to Guimarães, Braga and Viana do Castelo from Porto.

Practical Travel Tips for Porto

You can easily explore the Old Town, Ribeira and Baixa on foot, but Porto is a hilly city with lots of steps, so wear good shoes. For longer journeys, you use the metro and buses with the Andante card, which costs €0.60 (about 50p) and can be topped up. A single journey in zone Z2 costs €1.40 (about £1). Andante Tour 1 costs €7.75 (about £6) and is valid for 24 hours, and Andante Tour 3 costs €16.55 (about £14) and is valid for 72 hours.

From the airport, metro line E, the purple line, runs directly to the centre, and the journey takes about half an hour. You need a ticket for zone Z4, which costs €2.30 (about £2).

Plan your days around the days of the week and the public holidays. Mercado do Bolhão is closed on Sundays, and Livraria Lello is closed on a number of public holidays, including 24 June, when the city celebrates its big São João festival the night before. You should book Livraria Lello, Palácio da Bolsa and the popular port wine cellars in advance. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Porto, because in summer it’s packed with tourists, and in winter it rains a lot.

If you’d like to see the full range, you can see all hotels in Porto on Booking.com. If you’re carrying on to Lisbon, the train takes around three hours, and you can read my picks of the best things to do in Lisbon and my guide to where to stay in Lisbon.

The post 17 Best Things to Do in Porto: Sights, Prices & Tips appeared first on Destination Well Known.

The right choice depends on which town you’re staying in, how many of you there are and when you land, because the trains and long-distance coaches don’t run at night. Here are all the options with fares, journey times and stops, along with my recommendation for each of the six towns in my guide to the Algarve. For the rough conversions I’ve used about £0.85 and $1.12 per euro.

At a glance

• Aerobus (Vamus route 56): Around €11 (about £9.30/$12.50) to Albufeira and around €17 (about £14.50/$19) to Lagos, a direct bus from the airport via Albufeira, Lagoa and Portimão, around two hours to Lagos.
• FlixBus: From €4.98 (about £4.20/$5.60) to Lagos in around 1 hour and 45 minutes, three to four departures a day, and there are also coaches to Portimão and Tavira.
• Train from Faro: €3.80 (about £3.20/$4.30) to Albufeira-Ferreiras, €8.30 (about £7/$9.30) to Lagos and €3.60 (about £3.10/$4) to Tavira, but you have to get to the station in Faro first.
• Buses 14 and 16 (Próximo): Around €3 (about £2.50/$3.40), around 20 minutes to the centre of Faro, where the bus station and the railway station are.
• Taxi: €10 (about £8.50/$11) on average to Faro according to the airport, and on the meter to the rest of the coast.
• Bolt and Uber: Typically €4.80 to €6.40 (about £4.10 to £5.40, or $5.40 to $7.20) to Faro and €25.70 to €31.80 (about £22 to £27, or $29 to $35.50) to Albufeira according to Bolt’s own estimates.
• Car hire: Six companies have a desk in the terminal, and the A22 motorway along the coast is toll-free.

Finding your transport at the airport

Once you’ve collected your luggage, you’ll find the transport options right by the terminal. There’s a taxi rank at the airport, and the car hire desks are in the public area before security, with the cars parked just outside the terminal.

FlixBus long-distance coaches stop in the airport’s coach park, which the company calls either Parque 5, Autocarros / Buses or BUS Park P5. Vamus has a ticket machine, EVAKIOSK, which stands outside the terminal by the departures hall and is available around the clock. If you’re not sure where the city bus or the Aerobus stops, ask at the tourist information desk in the airport.

If you book an Uber or a Bolt, the app shows you where to meet your driver, and the airport has free Wi-Fi. If someone’s picking you up in a private car, the driver uses the Kiss & Fly zone by the departures hall or one of the airport’s car parks. You’ll find all the options on the airport’s transport page.

1. Direct bus to Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos

The easiest of the cheap options for the western part of the coast is a bus that runs straight from the airport, so you don’t have to go into Faro first. There are two companies to choose from.

The Aerobus is route 56 of Vamus Algarve, which the airport calls Aerobus Get On. It’s a dedicated airport route that links the airport directly with the biggest towns west of Faro: Albufeira, Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos. The route runs between Lagos bus station, the airport and Faro bus station, so you can also use it if you’re starting out in Faro itself.

FlixBus runs long-distance coaches from the airport to Lagos three to four times a day in around 1 hour and 45 minutes, and to Portimão at least three times a day in around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The first coach to Lagos leaves at around 08:35, and the time of the last one changes with the timetable, so check the departures in advance. FlixBus also runs twice a day to Tavira, east of Faro, and that journey takes around an hour.

The Aerobus runs several times a day in the summer season and only a few times a day in winter, and the journey to Lagos takes around two hours because the bus goes into the towns along the way. The last departure from the airport typically leaves in the early evening.

The buses run to the towns’ bus stations and not to your hotel. Check the times before you travel, so you know whether a departure fits your landing time. You’ll find the Aerobus in the Vamus timetable, and FlixBus lists its departures on its page for the airport stop. The buses are the best fit if you’re travelling alone or as a pair and you land during the day.

Fares and tickets

The Aerobus has its own fares, which depend on where you’re getting off, and the ordinary Vamus monthly passes aren’t valid on the route. Expect to pay around €11 (about £9.30/$12.50) from the airport to Albufeira and around €17 (about £14.50/$19) to Lagos, with Lagoa and Portimão in between. Check the current fare in the Vamus fare table before you travel.

You buy your ticket from the EVAKIOSK machine by the departures hall, in the VAMUS Algarve app or at the ticket offices in the bus stations. If you’ll be using the buses a lot on your holiday, there’s a tourist pass, the Passe Turístico, which gives you unlimited travel on all Vamus routes, including the Aerobus, for three or seven days from your first journey. The price is in the Vamus fare table.

With FlixBus, the fare depends on the departure and on how early you book. Tickets cost from €4.98 (about £4.20/$5.60) to Lagos, from €3.48 (about £2.90/$3.90) to Portimão and from €2.98 (about £2.50/$3.30) to Tavira. You buy them online or in the FlixBus app and show the driver the ticket on your phone. One piece of hand luggage and one suitcase of up to 20 kilos are included in the fare.

Where to get off

Albufeira bus station: The Vamus bus station in Albufeira is in Alto dos Caliços. From here, expect to take a taxi or Albufeira’s local bus, GIRO, on to the Old Town, The Strip or Olhos de Água, so check the timetable to see which stop is closest to your hotel.

Lagoa: Lagoa is the stop for you if you’re staying in Carvoeiro, which is on the coast in the municipality of Lagoa. From Lagoa, you take a taxi for the last stretch.

Portimão bus station: The bus station is on Rua da Abicada, and this is where FlixBus stops. It’s the stop for Portimão and Praia da Rocha.

Lagos bus station: The Aerobus terminates here, and FlixBus stops right by the station building on Largo do Rossio de São João Batista. If you’re staying near Meia Praia or Porto de Mós, you can take the local bus, A Onda, or a taxi from here.

Tavira bus station: FlixBus runs to the bus station on Rua dos Pelames by the River Gilão.

Vilamoura on route 55: The Aerobus doesn’t go to Vilamoura, but Vamus has another route, number 55, between the airport and Vilamoura. Check the departure times with Vamus.

2. Buses 14 and 16 to Faro city centre and the railway station

Próximo is Faro’s city bus network, and routes 14 and 16 run between the airport and the centre of Faro. They’re the ones to use if you’re staying in Faro or if you want to continue by train. In the centre, you’re heading for the bus station on Avenida da República, which is close to the railway station.

According to the municipality of Faro, route 16 runs between the bus station, the airport and the beach, Praia de Faro. So when you board, make sure the bus is heading for Faro and not for the beach. The journey to the centre takes around 20 minutes, and the bus typically runs a couple of times an hour from early morning until around midnight. The stop is on your left as you come out of the arrivals hall. You buy your ticket from the driver, so have coins or a small note ready, and expect to pay around €3 (about £2.50/$3.40). Departure times and fares are listed by Próximo, which also shows the buses in real time.

If you don’t want to wait for the bus, Faro is so close that a taxi or a Bolt is a real alternative, especially if there are several of you.

3. Train from Faro to Albufeira, Lagos and Tavira

There’s no station at the airport, but from Faro station in the centre, the rail operator CP runs regional trains along the whole coast. The trains run directly between Lagos in the west and Vila Real de Santo António in the east, so you don’t need to change along the way. From the airport, you first take bus 14 or 16, a taxi or a Bolt for the roughly 7 kilometres to the station on Largo da Estação Ferroviária.

Heading west, there are around ten trains a day from Faro, which means one every hour and a half on average and slightly more often in the late afternoon. The first leaves at around 06:30 and the last at around 20:40. The journey takes around half an hour to Albufeira-Ferreiras, between an hour and an hour and a half to Portimão and typically around an hour and a half to Lagos.

Heading east, the trains run about once an hour from around 07:00 to around 22:10. They reach Olhão in 10 minutes, Tavira in around half an hour and Vila Real de Santo António in around an hour.

A few departures only run on weekdays or only at weekends, so check your departure in CP’s timetable for the Algarve. The train works best for Lagos, where the station is by the marina, and for Tavira. The catch is Albufeira, where the station is in Ferreiras, outside the town itself.

Fares and tickets

The regional train has fixed fares based on distance. From Faro, a single ticket costs €3.80 (about £3.20/$4.30) to Albufeira-Ferreiras, €6.80 (about £5.80/$7.60) to Portimão, €8.30 (about £7/$9.30) to Lagos, €1.60 (about £1.35/$1.80) to Olhão and €3.60 (about £3.10/$4) to Tavira. A few departures are InterRegional trains, which cost slightly more, for example €9.15 (about £7.80/$10.50) to Lagos. The fare table only has single tickets, so a return journey costs double. All the fares are in CP’s fare table.

Children up to and including the age of 3 travel free when they share a seat with an adult. Children aged 4 to 12 pay half fare and get their own seat, so they pay, for example, €1.90 (about £1.60/$2.10) to Albufeira-Ferreiras and €4.15 (about £3.50/$4.70) to Lagos. You need to be able to prove the child’s age with an official ID document both at the ticket office and on the train, and the rules are set out by CP.

Where to buy your ticket

In Faro, you buy your ticket at the station’s ticket office, which is open every day from 06:20 to 21:10. You can also buy it in the CP app or on the CP website.

You can only buy a ticket on the train if there’s no ticket office at the station where you board. In that case, you speak to the train staff as soon as you’ve boarded and pay in cash. The stations in Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira-Ferreiras and Tavira have ticket offices, but they close for breaks during the day, and in Lagos and Tavira they have shorter opening hours at weekends. The opening hours are in CP’s list of ticket offices.

Where to get off the train

Albufeira-Ferreiras: The station is in Ferreiras and not in Albufeira itself, so you need to continue by local bus or taxi to reach the centre, the beaches and the hotels.

Lagos station: The end of the line is by Marina de Lagos, so you get off in the town itself.

Tavira station: Tavira is on the line heading east, around half an hour from Faro, and trains run here every hour.

4. Taxis, Uber and Bolt

There’s a taxi rank at the airport, and the taxis charge by the meter. The airport says the journey into Faro costs €10 (about £8.50/$11) on average. A standard taxi seats four, and if you need a larger vehicle, you can book one by phone from one of the taxi companies listed on the airport’s transport page. To the towns further away, the fare depends on the distance, so ask the driver for an estimate before you set off.

Uber and Bolt also operate from the airport. The app shows you where to meet your driver, and according to Uber, that isn’t always at the nearest exit. Bolt publishes fare estimates for the most popular trips from the airport. To Faro bus station, the estimate is €4.80 (about £4.10/$5.40) in the cheapest category and €6.40 (about £5.40/$7.20) in a standard Bolt, and the trip takes 10 minutes.

To the bus station in Quarteira, right next to Vilamoura, the estimate is €13.70 to €17.20 (about £11.50 to £14.50, or $15.50 to $19.50) for a 21-minute drive, and to Albufeira bus station it’s €25.70 to €31.80 (about £22 to £27, or $29 to $35.50) for 35 minutes. To Praia da Rocha near Portimão, it’s €48.60 to €59.60 (about £41 to £51, or $54 to $67), and to the centre of Lagos it’s €59.40 to €72.80 (about £50 to £62, or $67 to $82) for 1 hour and 14 minutes.

A large car with room for six, which Bolt calls XL, is estimated at €46.70 (about £39.50/$52) to Albufeira and €106.40 (about £90/$119) to Lagos. These are estimates and not fixed prices, and they can change with the traffic, so check the price in the app before you book. The estimates are listed by Bolt.

Private transfer

If you’re landing late, travelling with children or heading to a town with no direct bus, you can book a private transfer from Faro Airport here. The driver waits in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name on it, and the price is agreed in advance.

If you’re heading to one of the two biggest resort towns, you can also book a private transfer to Albufeira here or book a private transfer to Lagos and Meia Praia here. Travel agencies and private tour operators also offer shuttle buses from the airport at their own prices.

5. Car hire

Six car hire companies have a desk at the airport: Avis-Budget, Europcar, Goldcar, Guerin, Hertz and Sixt. The desks are in the public area before security, and the cars are parked just outside the terminal. They open at 06:00 or 07:00 in the morning and close at 23:00 or midnight, so if you’re landing late, check your company’s opening hours on the airport’s car hire page.

The A22 motorway, the Via do Infante, runs along the whole Algarve coast past Tavira, Faro, Albufeira and Lagos, and it’s toll-free. If you’re driving on to other parts of Portugal, ask the hire company how tolls are handled there.

Onward travel to Lisbon and Seville straight from the airport

If you’re not staying in the Algarve, you can take a long-distance coach straight from the Parque 5 coach park. FlixBus runs to Lisbon around ten times a day. The fastest journey takes 2 hours and 35 minutes, tickets cost from €5.48 (about £4.60/$6.10), and the coaches run to Oriente and Sete Rios. The departures are listed by FlixBus. If you need a hotel in the capital, you can read my guide to where to stay in Lisbon.

To Seville, FlixBus runs three times a day from the airport, and tickets cost from €17.48 (about £15/$19.50). The coaches stop at the Plaza de Armas and Prado de San Sebastián bus stations and at Santa Justa railway station. Rede Expressos also runs between the airport and Seville. I’ve rounded up the best neighbourhoods in my guide to where to stay in Seville.

If you’d rather take the train to Lisbon, there are five daily Alfa Pendular and Intercidades trains from Faro station. The Alfa Pendular reaches Lisboa Oriente in around 3 hours and the Intercidades in around 3 hours and 40 minutes.

Getting back to the airport

Plan your journey back by working backwards from your flight’s departure time. The airport gives a minimum check-in time of 90 minutes for flights within the Schengen area, 120 minutes for other European flights and 180 minutes for flights out of Europe, and your airline may require more. The times are on the airport’s check-in page.

The Aerobus and FlixBus drop you off at the airport. From Lagos, FlixBus runs three times a day in around 1 hour and 45 minutes from €3.48 (about £2.90/$3.90), and the first departure is at around 07:45. Vamus lists the morning departures of the Aerobus.

If you take the train, you need to get to Faro station and continue from there by bus 14 or 16, a taxi or a Bolt. The first train from Lagos leaves at around 06:20 and reaches Faro shortly before 08:00, and from Albufeira-Ferreiras it leaves at around 07:20. From Tavira, the first train leaves at around 06:00 and is in Faro half an hour later. That means that from the towns west of Faro, the train won’t get you to a flight that takes off before around 10:00.

For the early flights, the answer is a car you’ve booked in advance. Uber can be reserved up to 90 days ahead, and a private transfer picks you up at your hotel. If you’re staying in Faro, you’ll be at the airport in around 10 minutes by car.

If someone’s driving you in a private car, the driver can wait free of charge for up to ten minutes in the Kiss & Fly zone by the departures hall, as long as they stay in the car. If you stay longer, you have to pay for parking. The rules are on the airport’s Kiss & Fly page.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s what I’d recommend, depending on where you’re staying:

Faro: Take bus 14 or 16 to the bus station in the centre for around €3 (about £2.50/$3.40), or take a taxi, which costs €10 (about £8.50/$11) on average. If there are two or more of you, a Bolt for €4.80 to €6.40 (about £4.10 to £5.40, or $5.40 to $7.20) is my first choice.

Albufeira: The Aerobus runs direct and is the cheapest option when you’re travelling alone or as a pair. If you’re staying near The Strip or in Olhos de Água, I’d choose a Bolt or a private transfer, because then you’re driven to the door.

Vilamoura: Take a Bolt or a taxi. The trip to neighbouring Quarteira takes around 20 minutes and is estimated at €13.70 to €17.20 (about £11.50 to £14.50, or $15.50 to $19.50) by Bolt. Vamus route 55 is the alternative if there’s a departure that suits you.

Carvoeiro: There’s no bus to the door here. Take the Aerobus to Lagoa and a taxi for the last stretch, or book a private transfer. If you want to visit several of the coves along the cliffs, I’d hire a car at the airport.

Lagos: Take the Aerobus or FlixBus direct to the bus station. The train from Faro for €8.30 (about £7/$9.30) is a relaxed alternative that ends by the marina, but you have to get into Faro first.

Tavira: Take a taxi or a Bolt to Faro station and the train from there. It runs about once an hour, takes around half an hour and costs €3.60 (about £3.10/$4). FlixBus runs direct from the airport twice a day.

If you land late in the evening: The long-distance coaches don’t run late, and the last train from Faro leaves at around 20:40 for Lagos and at around 22:10 for Tavira. After that, it’s a taxi, Uber, Bolt or a transfer you’ve booked in advance.

If there are three or four of you: Work out the cost before you buy bus tickets. Four Aerobus tickets to Albufeira cost around €44 (about £37.50/$49.50), while Bolt’s estimate for a car to Albufeira bus station is €25.70 to €31.80 (about £22 to £27, or $29 to $35.50).

If you have an early flight home: Book a car the evening before, or spend your last night in Faro.

Practical tips for getting from Faro Airport to Albufeira, Lagos and the rest of the Algarve

Buy your Aerobus ticket from the machine by the departures hall. The Vamus EVAKIOSK machine is available around the clock, so you can buy your ticket as soon as you’ve landed.

Download the CP app for your train ticket. You can only buy a ticket on the train if the station has no ticket office, and the ticket offices outside Faro close for breaks during the day. With the app, you’ll have your ticket no matter when you travel.

Check which days your train runs. Some departures on the Algarve line only run on weekdays, and others only at weekends and on public holidays. It’s shown as a small note next to each departure in the timetable.

Choose your hotel with the connection in mind. If you want to manage without a car, choose a town with a direct connection to the airport. Faro is only around 7 kilometres from the airport, and you can see hotels in Faro here. The Aerobus runs direct to Albufeira, and you can see hotels in Albufeira here. Lagos has the Aerobus, FlixBus and the train, and you can see hotels in Lagos here. The train from Faro runs to Tavira about once an hour, and you can see hotels in Tavira here.

If you’re not sure which town suits you, read my guide to where to stay in the Algarve. If you’re flying into or out of the capital instead, I also have a guide to getting from Lisbon Airport to the city centre.

The post Faro Airport to Albufeira, Lagos & the Algarve - Transport Guide appeared first on Destination Well Known.

Here are my picks for the 20 best things to see and do in Lisbon, with prices, opening hours and tips for avoiding the longest queues. Prices are in euros. Several well-known sights have been closed for renovation, and some still are; I’ve included the details under each attraction.

1. Castelo de São Jorge

The castle on one of the city’s highest hills is the best place to start because it gives you a sense of Lisbon’s layout. From the walls, you look down over Baixa, the river and the bridge. You can walk along the ramparts and between the towers at your own pace.

Entry costs €17 for adults, with free admission for children under 12. The castle opens daily from 9am to 9pm between March and October, and from 9am to 6pm for the rest of the year. The castle’s website says the small museum within the grounds is temporarily closed.

It’s a steep walk up, so take bus 737 to the gate or tram 28 to Miradouro de Santa Luzia and walk the final five minutes. Arrive at opening time or late in the afternoon for shorter queues and better light.

Book a guided skip-the-line ticket for Castelo de São Jorge.

2. Alfama and Sé Cathedral

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood, and the place where wandering without a plan pays off. The lanes are so narrow that laundry hangs across them, and steps lead up and down between little squares, cafés and fado houses.

On the edge of the neighbourhood stands Sé de Lisboa Cathedral. The €7 ticket includes the choir, the balcony between the two towers and the treasury. The cathedral welcomes tourists from Monday to Saturday and is closed to visitors on Sundays.

Tram 28 stops right outside the cathedral. To avoid tackling the hills on foot, you can book a private tuk-tuk tour through Alfama, with commentary from the driver.

Alfama is also an atmospheric place to stay, provided you’re comfortable with steps and cobblestones. See hotels in Alfama here, or read my guide to where to stay in Lisbon to compare neighbourhoods.

3. Tram 28

The yellow number 28 tram is both public transport and one of Lisbon’s best-known experiences. Its route runs from Martim Moniz through Graça, Alfama, the cathedral and Chiado to Campo de Ourique, taking you through several historic neighbourhoods in one ride.

A ticket bought from the driver costs €3.30. It’s cheaper to use a rechargeable Navegante card, which brings the fare down to €1.90, or a €7.25 24-hour ticket covering trams, buses and the metro.

The tram is often packed in the middle of the day. Board at the Campo de Ourique terminus or travel early in the morning for a better chance of a seat. Keep a close eye on your bag and phone: the UK Foreign Office advises travellers to take care on public transport and at crowded bus and tram stops in Portugal, and notes that thieves often work in teams.

4. Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Lisbon’s viewpoints are called miradouros, and they’re free. Miradouro de Santa Luzia is in Alfama beside tram 28: a small terrace with blue-and-white tiles and views over the roofs towards the river. A tiled panel shows Praça do Comércio as it looked before the 1755 earthquake.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is higher up in Graça, beside a small chapel founded in 1147. You can see the castle, the centre and the bridge. It’s my pick for the best sunset spot in the city.

Take tram 28 to Graça and walk the final stretch uphill. You can also use the new Funicular da Graça from Mouraria, which is running again after a closure.

5. Museu do Fado and an Evening of Fado

Fado is Lisbon’s own music, and you should hear it at least once. At Museu do Fado in Alfama, recordings, instruments and posters tell the story of this melancholy singing tradition. Audio guides are available in several languages.

Entry costs €5, and the museum opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. It’s on Largo do Chafariz de Dentro, close to Santa Apolónia railway station.

In the evenings, fado is performed in restaurants in both Alfama and Bairro Alto. Many require you to order a full dinner, which can get expensive. A cheaper alternative is to book a fado show with a glass of wine.

6. Panteão Nacional and Feira da Ladra Flea Market

Panteão Nacional’s white dome is visible from much of the city. Some of Portugal’s best-known figures are buried inside. From the terrace beneath the dome, you can look out across Alfama and the river.

Entry costs €10, with free admission for children under 12. It opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm in summer, closing at 5pm from October to March. It’s closed on Mondays.

Outside, on Campo de Santa Clara, Feira da Ladra flea market takes place every Tuesday and Saturday. Its roots stretch back to the 13th century, and you’ll find everything from old tiles and vinyl records to outright junk. Come in the morning and take the metro to Santa Apolónia.

7. Praça do Comércio and Arco da Rua Augusta

Praça do Comércio is the city’s grand riverside square, surrounded by yellow arcades on three sides. Ships docked here in colonial times. Today, it’s a natural starting point for a walk through Baixa.

At its northern end stands Arco da Rua Augusta. You can reach the top for €5 between 10am and 7pm. A lift covers most of the climb, followed by 74 steps. The views down over the square and along the pedestrian street are worth the money.

Buy a ticket for Arco da Rua Augusta here. Afterwards, walk along Rua Augusta to Rossio square, the heart of lower Lisbon.

8. Convento do Carmo and Elevador de Santa Justa

Convento do Carmo is a roofless convent church. It collapsed in the 1755 earthquake and was never rebuilt, leaving its Gothic arches open to the sky. The surviving section houses a small archaeological museum.

Entry costs €7. It opens Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, extending to 7pm from May to October, and closes on Sundays. The nearest metro station is Baixa-Chiado.

Next door is the old iron lift, Elevador de Santa Justa, linking Baixa with Carmo. Both the lift and its viewing platform have been closed since September 2025, with no reopening date announced. You can still see the structure from the street below; it’s a good photo stop.

9. Bairro Alto and Chiado

Chiado is Lisbon’s elegant shopping neighbourhood, with old cafés, theatres and bookshops. Livraria Bertrand opened here in 1732 and, according to Guinness World Records, is the world’s oldest operating bookshop. A few steps away is A Brasileira café, dating from 1905, with a bronze statue of poet Fernando Pessoa outside.

Bairro Alto, above Chiado, is quiet by day and full of people in the evening, when small bars open and customers take their drinks out into the street. This is where to head for a night out.

The old Glória and Bica funiculars, which used to climb to Bairro Alto, are both out of service following the Glória accident in September 2025. Take the metro to Baixa-Chiado or walk instead.

For the history behind the streets, book a guided walk through Rossio, Chiado and Alfama. You can also see hotels in Chiado here for a central base.

10. Time Out Market

Time Out Market occupies the old Mercado da Ribeira market hall by Cais do Sodré. Under one roof are 26 restaurants and eight bars, including stalls run by several well-known local chefs. You eat at long communal tables in the middle of the hall.

Entry is free. It opens from 10am to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, and until 2am Thursday to Saturday. The green metro line and tram 15 stop at Cais do Sodré.

The market works best for lunch or for trying several different dishes. It’s more expensive and tourist-focused than small local restaurants, and finding a seat can be difficult in the evening. To get further into Portuguese food, book a small-group food and wine tour.

11. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

The monastery in Belém is Lisbon’s biggest attraction and shares a UNESCO World Heritage listing with Torre de Belém. It was built in the 16th century with money from the spice trade. The two-storey cloister, with its carved columns, is among the most beautiful sights in Portugal.

A cloister ticket costs €18, with free entry for children under 12. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, with last admission at 5pm. It’s closed on Mondays. The adjoining church has separate opening hours.

Queues can be very long, and the ticket office closes an hour before the monastery. Buy your ticket before you arrive. Tram 15 from the centre stops right outside.

Buy a ticket for Mosteiro dos Jerónimos here.

12. Torre de Belém

This small riverside fortress tower is Lisbon’s landmark. Torre de Belém was closed for around a year for restoration, reopening on 27 May 2026.

Entry costs €15, and it opens Tuesday to Sunday from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Visits now use timed slots with limited visitor numbers, so you need to book a date and time in advance.

The tower is small inside, with a narrow staircase. If you’re short on time or travelling with children, seeing it from outside and walking along the river is perfectly reasonable. To go inside, buy a ticket for Torre de Belém here.

13. Padrão dos Descobrimentos and Pastéis de Belém

Between the monastery and the tower stands Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a tall monument to Portuguese explorers shaped like the prow of a ship. You can take a lift to the viewing platform. The €10 ticket also includes the exhibition and film at the base.

The monument opens from 10am to 7pm between March and September, closing at 6pm for the rest of the year. In the square outside is a large marble world map, best seen from above.

While you’re in Belém, stop at Pastéis de Belém bakery. It has made its small custard tarts since 1837 using a recipe from the monastery. It opens daily from 8am to 9pm, extending to 10pm in summer. Expect a queue, especially in the middle of the day.

14. MAAT

MAAT is Lisbon’s museum of art, architecture and technology. The new building sits like a white wave beside the river, while its neighbour is an old power station with its turbines and boilers still in place.

A ticket costs €16 for international visitors and covers both buildings. The museum opens from 10am to 7pm every day except Tuesday. Tram 15 stops at Altinho, right outside.

Exhibitions change, so check the programme before paying. I’d walk along the river from here to Belém regardless; it takes around 20 minutes. Buy a ticket for MAAT here.

15. LX Factory

LX Factory is a former industrial complex in Alcântara, directly beneath the bridge, converted into shops, restaurants, offices and galleries. Street art covers the walls. In a former printing hall, Ler Devagar bookshop has shelves from floor to ceiling.

It’s free to walk around and makes a good stop on the way to or from Belém. On Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 7pm, the main street hosts a market selling crafts, clothes and food.

Take tram 15 to Calvário. Come for lunch or late in the afternoon, when the restaurants are at their liveliest.

16. Ponte 25 de Abril and Cristo Rei

The red suspension bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril, resembles the Golden Gate and is visible from most of the city. Across the river, the Cristo Rei statue stands with outstretched arms, looking back towards Lisbon.

Pilar 7 Experience is inside one of the bridge supports, letting you reach road level for €3. The lift is out of service, though, so you’ll need to climb 372 steps. I’d only recommend it if you enjoy stairs.

For Cristo Rei, take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, followed by bus 3001. The crossing takes around ten minutes and costs €2. Check the viewing platform’s opening hours before setting off.

The best view of the bridge is from the water. Book a sunset cruise on the Tagus to see the city and bridge from the river.

17. Oceanário de Lisboa

Oceanário de Lisboa is one of Europe’s largest aquariums and my top choice for a visit with children. It’s in modern Parque das Nações. At the centre of the building is a huge tank with sharks, rays and an ocean sunfish, which you walk around on two levels.

Prices depend on your entry time. Adult tickets cost €29.90 in the morning, €27.70 in the middle of the day and €25.50 after 4pm. Children aged 3 to 12 pay from €15.50; under-threes enter free.

It opens daily from 10am to 8pm, with last admission at 7pm. Allow 90 minutes to two hours. Take the red metro line to Oriente, followed by a walk of around 15 minutes. Buy a ticket for Oceanário de Lisboa here.

18. Museu Calouste Gulbenkian

The Gulbenkian Museum holds one of Europe’s finest private art collections, assembled by oil magnate Calouste Gulbenkian. You move from Egyptian figures and Persian carpets to Rembrandt, Monet and a whole room of jewellery by René Lalique.

The main building reopened on 18 July 2026 after 18 months of renovation. The €16 ticket also covers the modern art collection in the neighbouring building. Admission is free after 2pm on Sundays.

The museum opens from 10am to 6pm, extending to 9pm on Saturdays, and closes on Tuesdays. It’s set in a large garden that’s free to visit and good for a break. Take the metro to São Sebastião or Praça de Espanha.

19. A Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra is Lisbon’s most popular day trip, and it’s easy to see why. Colourful palaces and gardens sit close together in wooded hills, just around 40 minutes by train from Rossio Station. A journey costs €2.05 when paid using the balance on a Navegante card.

The best-known sight is Palácio da Pena, the yellow-and-red fairytale palace at the top. A palace-and-park ticket costs €20, and you must choose a date and time when buying it. You’ll only enter the palace at the time printed on your ticket. Bus 434 runs from the station to the palace.

Quinta da Regaleira, with its famous well and spiral staircase descending underground, also costs €20 and requires a timed ticket. Set off early and stick to two sights in one day.

You can buy a ticket for Palácio da Pena here or book a day trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais with transport. To experience the town without the day-trippers, see hotels in Sintra here.

20. A Day Trip to Cascais

Cascais is a former fishing town that became a seaside retreat for the royal family. Today, it’s Lisbon’s nearest beach town, with small sandy beaches in the centre, pleasant streets with fish restaurants and a waterfront promenade to neighbouring Estoril.

Trains leave Cais do Sodré around every 20 minutes and take 40 minutes. The route follows the coast, so sit on the left on the outward journey. The fare is €2.05 each way when paid using the balance on a Navegante card.

The same train stops in Belém, so you can combine the two outings in one day if you’re short on time. For a beach base with trips into Lisbon, see hotels in Cascais here.

Practical Travel Tips for Lisbon

Lisboa Card: The city pass costs €31 for 24 hours, €51 for 48 hours and €62 for 72 hours. It includes unlimited metro, bus and tram travel, trains to Sintra and Cascais, and free entry to sights including Castelo de São Jorge, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Torre de Belém, Padrão dos Descobrimentos and Museu do Fado. Visit two or three in a day and the card pays for itself, though you still need to reserve times for the monastery and tower. Buy a Lisboa Card here.

Transport: Buy a rechargeable Navegante card from a metro ticket machine. The card costs €0.50, a single metro, bus or tram ride costs €1.90, and a 24-hour ticket costs €7.25. The red metro line serves the airport. I’ve covered all the options in my guide to getting from Lisbon Airport to the city centre.

Currently closed: The tile museum, Museu Nacional do Azulejo, is closed for renovation with no reopening date, so it isn’t on this list. Elevador de Santa Justa and the three old funiculars, Glória, Bica and Lavra, are also out of service.

Closing days: Many state-run attractions close on Mondays, including Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Torre de Belém, Panteão Nacional and Museu do Fado. Gulbenkian and MAAT close on Tuesdays.

Tourist tax: Lisbon hotels charge a tourist tax of €4 per person per night, for up to seven nights, for everyone over 13. It’s usually paid at check-in or check-out.

More of Portugal: Lisbon combines easily with the rest of the country. See my guides to where to stay in Porto and where to stay in the Algarve to extend your trip north or south.

The post 20 Best Things to Do in Lisbon: Sights, Prices & Tips appeared first on Destination Well Known.

There have been several fare changes. From 15 October 2026, participating airport taxis are due to introduce fixed fares into the city, and you can now pay for the metro by tapping a bank card at the gates. Here, I cover the options, prices and journey times, along with my advice on which to choose.

If you’d rather drive yourself from the airport, you can compare prices on rental cars at Booking.com.

1. Metro: the red line from Terminal 1

The metro would be my choice for most visitors. Aeroporto station is just outside arrivals at Terminal 1, to the right as you leave, with signs showing the way. The red line, Linha Vermelha, starts here, so you can’t head in the wrong direction.

The line doesn’t reach Baixa, so you’ll need to change once. For Rossio, Baixa-Chiado or Cais do Sodré, change to the green line at Alameda. For Marquês de Pombal or Avenida da Liberdade, stay on to the terminus at São Sebastião and change to the blue line.

There’s no luggage size limit on the metro, so bringing a suitcase is fine. You’ll find the routes on Metro de Lisboa’s network map.

Prices and tickets

A single metro and bus ticket costs €1.90 and is valid for 60 minutes. It must be loaded onto a navegante card, which costs €0.50 the first time and is available from station machines. You can reuse the card, but each person needs their own.

You can also skip the machines and tap your bank card or phone at the gates. This costs €1.92 per journey, with Visa and Mastercard accepted, including through Apple Pay and Google Pay. Metro de Lisboa explains bank card payment at the gates on its website. Use one card per person and keep it handy for ticket inspections.

For several journeys on your first day, a 24-hour metro, bus and tram ticket costs €7.25. All fares are on Metro de Lisboa’s ticket page.

The Lisboa Card includes metro, bus and tram travel, plus entry to a range of museums. It costs €31 for 24 hours, €51 for 48 hours and €62 for 72 hours; you can buy the Lisboa Card here. The tourist office has an Ask Me Lisboa desk in arrivals, open from 07:00 to 22:00.

Departures and journey time

The metro runs daily from 06:30 to 01:00. Trains run every 6 to 8 minutes during the day and every 10 minutes late in the evening. Check the intervals in the metro timetable.

Alameda takes around 17 minutes and São Sebastião around 20 minutes. Including your change, allow 25 to 30 minutes to Baixa-Chiado and half an hour to Cais do Sodré.

The last train leaves the airport at 01:00, but you can’t count on a connection to the green or blue line that late. If you land around midnight, a taxi or Uber is a more dependable choice.

2. City buses and the night bus

Carris runs several city buses past the airport, but they’re only an option with hand luggage. The airport gives a maximum luggage size of 50 x 40 x 20 cm on city buses, while Carris itself says 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Either way, an ordinary suitcase is too large.

Route 744 runs from the airport via Entrecampos, Saldanha and Marquês de Pombal, then down Avenida da Liberdade to Restauradores. Route 783 goes to Amoreiras via Saldanha and Marquês de Pombal. You’ll find the stops on Carris’ route 744 page.

A ticket bought on the bus costs €2.30. The €1.90 ticket on a navegante card is also valid here; fares are listed by Carris.

When the metro is closed at night, bus 208 runs between Gare do Oriente and Cais do Sodré via the airport, Areeiro, Alameda, Martim Moniz and Praça do Comércio. It operates from roughly 00:30 to 05:30.

The old Aerobus, still mentioned in many older guides, no longer runs.

3. Taxis: fixed fares planned from 15 October 2026

Lisbon Airport taxis have long had a poor reputation because some drivers have left the meter off and demanded a high fixed price. That’s why the city, airport, tourist office and taxi associations have agreed on fixed fares, due to apply from 15 October 2026.

The city is divided into two zones:

• Zone 1: €16 on weekdays from 07:00 to 22:00, and €20 at night, on weekends and public holidays. This includes Parque das Nações, Alvalade, Areeiro and Avenidas Novas.
• Zone 2: €19 on weekdays from 07:00 to 22:00, and €23 at night, on weekends and public holidays. This includes Baixa, Chiado, Alfama, Bairro Alto, Avenida da Liberdade, Estrela, Alcântara and Belém.

The fare covers up to four passengers with luggage, with no extra supplements allowed. For five or more people in a larger vehicle, zone 2 costs €23 during the day and €28 at night and on weekends.

You can buy a voucher at the tourist office desk in arrivals or pay in the taxi, and drivers must accept cards without a surcharge. Taxi association ANTRAL has published the agreement, fares and zones in Portuguese.

The scheme applies to taxis participating in the agreement, so ask for the fixed fare before getting in. For extra certainty, buy the voucher at the desk first.

Until 15 October, taxis use the meter, with a typical city-centre journey costing €15 to €20. The taxi rank is just outside arrivals. The airport warns against accepting offers from drivers approaching you inside the terminal.

4. Uber and Bolt

Uber and Bolt are widely available in Lisbon and often a little cheaper than taxis. A journey to the centre typically costs €10 to €18, with higher prices when demand is strong.

Drivers can’t collect passengers at the taxi rank. Pick-up is in car park P2, which the airport identifies as P2, level 2. Follow the signs from arrivals and check the meeting point in your app.

Waiting times can be long in the late afternoon and evening when several flights arrive together. In a hurry, a taxi is a better option; the new fixed fares are due to apply from 15 October.

5. Private transfer

For a driver waiting with a sign when you arrive, you can book a private transfer from Lisbon Airport here.

Prices start at around €25 for a car carrying up to four people, only a little more than a taxi. It makes most sense for late arrivals, travelling with children or having everything arranged before you leave home.

6. Terminal 2: remember the shuttle for your return flight

All arrivals use Terminal 1, but several low-cost airlines depart from Terminal 2. These include Ryanair, Norwegian, Wizz Air, Vueling, Transavia, Eurowings and Volotea.

Terminal 2 has no metro station. Take the metro to Terminal 1, then the free shuttle from the departures area. It runs every 12 minutes between 03:30 and 00:30. The trip takes around 3 minutes, but allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes. The airport’s Terminal 2 page has the current times.

7. Onwards by train from Gare do Oriente

There are no trains from the airport itself, but Gare do Oriente is only three metro stops away, taking around 7 minutes. Trains from there run north towards Coimbra and Porto and south towards the Algarve.

For an onward trip, I’ve written guides to where to stay in Porto and where to stay in the Algarve.

Trains to Sintra leave from Rossio and Oriente, while trains to Cascais leave from Cais do Sodré.

Which option should you choose?

Here’s what I’d recommend for the most common situations:

For most people: Take the metro. It costs €1.92 with a bank card and reaches Baixa in around half an hour with one change.

For two or more people with suitcases: Take a taxi to the door. From 15 October, the agreed weekday daytime fare to Baixa, Chiado and Alfama is due to be €19 for participating taxis; until then, check the meter fare.

Arriving around midnight or later: Take a taxi, Uber or Bolt. Night bus 208 is only an option with hand luggage.

With only hand luggage and a hotel near Avenida da Liberdade: Bus 744 goes directly to Marquês de Pombal and Restauradores without a change.

For everything arranged before you travel: Book a private transfer, with the driver waiting in arrivals.

Practical tips for Lisbon airport transfers

Tap your card at the gates. Airport ticket machines can have queues. A contactless card or phone lets you go straight to the gates.

Check your departure terminal. For Terminal 2, you need the shuttle from Terminal 1.

Stay near the metro. In Baixa or Chiado, Baixa-Chiado station is nearby. You can see places to stay in Baixa here.

Taking an early flight? Parque das Nações is three metro stops from the airport, and the new taxi fares from 15 October are due to be €16 to €20. You can see places to stay in Parque das Nações here.

For help choosing the right neighbourhood, I’ve written a guide to where to stay in Lisbon.

The post Lisbon Airport to the City Centre - Metro, Buses & Taxis appeared first on Destination Well Known.

I’d choose the town before falling in love with a particular hotel.

• Do you want to walk to the beach and restaurants, drive between coves or spend your holiday at a good resort?

That’s the main question to ask yourself before deciding where to stay on the Algarve coast.

Here are my recommendations for six good places to stay in the Algarve, with hotels for different budgets.

The Best Areas in the Algarve

• Lagos - best town for first-time visitors
• Albufeira - best town for beaches and nightlife
• Carvoeiro - best town for couples and a holiday by the cliffs
• Tavira - best town for quiet evenings and Portuguese town life
• Vilamoura - best area for a marina, golf and good hotels
• Faro - best town for a short trip without a car

Below, I’ll take you through the towns, their advantages and drawbacks, and the hotels I recommend across different price ranges.

1. Lagos - best town for first-time visitors

• Distance to the centre: Hotels in the Old Town are central. Porto de Mós and Meia Praia are separate beach areas outside the town centre.
• Transport: The centre is easy to get around on foot, and the railway station is by the marina. A car or local transport is useful for visiting several beaches.
• Journey from Faro Airport: Allow roughly 60 to 75 minutes by car, depending on traffic and your hotel.
• Price range: € to €€€. July and August are usually more expensive than spring and autumn.
• Safety: Stay away from cliff edges, follow signs and beach flags, and don’t put your towel directly beneath the cliffs.

Lagos is my top suggestion for your first Algarve holiday because it combines restaurants and evening walks with some of the coast’s loveliest beaches between the cliffs. You can stay in the Old Town, eat out without a car and spend your days by the water.

There’s more to do than at an isolated beach hotel, and the town suits couples and friends who’d like a good mix of outings and relaxation.

The main choice is between the centre, Meia Praia and the area south-west of town. Meia Praia is the long sandy beach on the other side of the marina, while Dona Ana and Camilo sit between the cliffs further south. Porto de Mós offers a different, more secluded setting for your hotel.

So there’s a difference between a hotel with a Lagos address and one where you can actually walk into town for dinner every evening.

See hotels in Lagos here.

I’d stay centrally for a trip without a car where you’d like to choose restaurants as you go. A hotel at Porto de Mós gives you more of a beach holiday, but you’ll need transport or a longer walk to reach the town centre.

The cliffs at Ponta da Piedade are an obvious choice for an outing. Boat trips depend on the weather, so don’t make the whole holiday hinge on taking one on a particular day.

Lagos is also worth considering if you’re still comparing places for a beach holiday in southern Europe. My guide to where to stay in Sardinia can help with that decision.

Here in the Algarve, I’d mainly choose Lagos for its combination of a proper town and several different beaches. With a pushchair or difficulty using steps, check access to the beach you expect to use most.

Places to Stay in Lagos

Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda - best hotel for a romantic holiday with sea views

Vivenda Miranda sits on the cliffs at Porto de Mós, overlooking the Atlantic and around a five-minute walk from the beach. The location is the reason to choose it: you’ll have a more secluded setting for a couples’ holiday, with a restaurant on site.

I’d stay here if the sea and the hotel itself will be a large part of the holiday, and arrange transport for evenings when you’d like dinner in central Lagos.

Roger describes the location on Booking.com: “On the cliff overlooking the sea.”

See photos and book Vivenda Miranda here.

Lagos Atlantic Hotel - a good hotel with a pool near Porto de Mós

Lagos Atlantic has an outdoor pool, garden and bar, around 500 metres from Porto de Mós Beach. It’s a good middle ground for switching between the beach and pool without paying for a large resort.

You’ll be outside the Old Town, so I’d choose it for quiet surroundings at the hotel and trips into town whenever you fancy a wider choice of restaurants.

Nathaniel mentions the walk to the beach in his Booking.com review: “Within walking distance of the beach and some good restaurants.”

See photos and book Lagos Atlantic here.

LagosMar Story Hotel - best budget choice in the Old Town

LagosMar is a family-run hotel in the historic centre, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the town and coast. It’s a good suggestion if you’d rather stay in the middle of Lagos and spend your money on dinners and outings than on a large pool area. You’ll get a simpler hotel experience than at the beach hotels, but you can step straight into the town’s streets in the evening.

Boglarka mentions the rooftop terrace on Booking.com: “A rooftop terrace with beautiful views.”

See photos and book LagosMar here.

2. Albufeira - best town for beaches and nightlife

• Distance to the centre: The Old Town and The Strip are different parts of town. Hotels at Falésia are further east.
• Transport: You can walk locally, but buses or taxis are useful between areas. Check the hills around your hotel.
• Journey from Faro Airport: Allow around 35 to 50 minutes by car. Resorts furthest west can take longer to reach.
• Price range: € to €€€. The choice ranges from simple hotels to large resorts.
• Safety: Be aware of noise around the bar streets, look after your belongings and follow the flags on the beach.

Albufeira is where I’d start for a holiday that’s easy to fill with beaches, restaurants and things to do in the evening. There’s a large choice of hotels, from places close to the Old Town’s beaches to larger holiday hotels further east.

It suits you if you like having plenty of options and don’t mind that other people have had the same idea.

Get to know the difference between the Old Town and The Strip. The Old Town has squares, restaurants and a beach close together, but also bars and late nights. The Strip around Avenida Sá Carneiro is the more obvious choice when nightlife is a major part of your trip.

I’d avoid booking right beside the bars with small children, even if the hotel photos show a peaceful pool in the middle of the day.

See hotels in Albufeira here.

For a family holiday, I’d also look towards Olhos de Água and Falésia, east of the centre. You can find more space around your hotel and prioritise the beach and pool, but you’ll need transport into the Old Town.

Booking sites include those hotels in the Albufeira area, and the distance can be considerable. EPIC SANA below, for example, is a resort at Falésia where you’re choosing the coast over a central location.

I’d choose the Old Town to walk out every evening and have the beach nearby without a hire car. If you’ll mostly eat at the hotel and spend your days by the pool, a resort further away can be better value.

• Albufeira is less suitable if your ideal holiday means quiet streets and few other tourists. I’d look towards Tavira or choose a smaller hotel setting around Carvoeiro instead.

Places to Stay in Albufeira

EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel - best resort for a holiday at Falésia Beach

EPIC SANA sits between Albufeira and Vilamoura, in green surroundings above Falésia Beach with access down to the sand. It’s my suggestion for spending a large part of the holiday at your hotel, with more space around you than in central Albufeira.

You’re choosing a coastal resort stay here, so plan transport to the Old Town instead of expecting a short walk to its restaurants.

Oded praises the staff’s help in his Booking.com review: “The staff were very welcoming and helpful.”

See photos and book EPIC SANA here.

Aqua Pedra Dos Bicos Design Beach Hotel - Adults Friendly - a good hotel for couples near Oura

Aqua Pedra Dos Bicos is near Oura, with an outdoor pool and access to a beach around 400 metres away. It suits couples who’d like a pool and beach while staying in a part of Albufeira with nightlife nearby. I’d look at a pool-facing room and compare categories to match the location and view to the holiday you have in mind.

Paul gives a specific room tip on Booking.com: “I recommend a room overlooking the pool.”

See photos and book Aqua Pedra Dos Bicos here.

Hotel Sol e Mar Albufeira - Adults Only - best adults-only beach hotel in the Old Town

Sol e Mar is on the beach in the Old Town, so you can combine swimming, restaurants and evening walks without driving back and forth. It’s an adults-only hotel, making it particularly relevant for couples or friends wanting a central beach location.

Here, I’d prioritise the location over resort facilities and read recent reviews of the evening entertainment if very quiet evenings matter to you.

furbo53 praises the area in a Booking.com review: “The location in the Old Town was excellent.”

See photos and book Sol e Mar here.

3. Carvoeiro - best town for couples and a holiday by the cliffs

• Distance to the centre: The small town centre is around Praia do Carvoeiro. Several resorts are up the hills to the east.
• Transport: You can walk around the centre, but there are hills. A hire car is useful for other coves and hotels outside town.
• Journey from Faro Airport: Allow roughly 45 to 60 minutes by car when planning your journey.
• Price range: €€ to €€€. Apartments and holiday homes can be good value for groups.
• Safety: Use the designated cliff paths, stay away from the edges and respect barriers.

Carvoeiro is my suggestion if you picture a smaller holiday town with white houses around a beach between the cliffs. The centre is easy to get to know, and you can have dinner close to the water without staying in a major nightlife area.

It’s a lovely setting for a couples’ holiday and also suits families wanting a quieter base than the streets around The Strip in Albufeira.

The central beach is small compared with Meia Praia near Lagos and the long stretches further east. That makes for an intimate setting, but also less space on the busiest summer days.

I’d choose a hotel with a pool in high season, so the size of the beach doesn’t determine your whole day. A hire car makes the holiday easier if you’d like several swimming spots to choose from, particularly when staying outside the centre.

See hotels in Carvoeiro here.

Hills are part of Carvoeiro, and you need to factor them into your hotel choice. Even a short distance can mean a hot, steep walk home from dinner. Look at the actual route to the beach instead of just the distance as the crow flies.

With a pushchair or limited mobility, I’d start around the square and check both hotel access and the route to restaurants.

Hotels higher up along the coast can give you sea views and more space around the pool. Tivoli sits above Vale Covo, while Pestana Palm Gardens has holiday homes that better suit a family wanting to cook some meals. Carvoeiro Plaza is the more central choice.

I’d account for those differences when comparing prices. A cheaper hotel that needs a taxi every evening can soon cost more than a more convenient address.

Places to Stay in Carvoeiro

Tivoli Carvoeiro - best luxury hotel overlooking the cliffs

Tivoli Carvoeiro sits above Vale Covo, where the sea and cliffs create a different hotel experience from staying by the town square. The five-star hotel is particularly worth considering for a holiday where you’ll spend time at the property and are happy to pay for its surroundings.

I’d choose a category with the view you want, remembering that a position above a cove doesn’t mean direct access to a large, easily accessible sandy beach.

Kristopher praises the comfort on Booking.com: “Very comfortable beds.”

See photos and book Tivoli Carvoeiro here.

Pestana Palm Gardens - best choice for families wanting their own kitchen

Pestana Palm Gardens has furnished townhouses, an outdoor pool and a restaurant on a plateau by the coast. It’s a good choice for eating some meals at your accommodation and having a holiday home as your base, with shared facilities as well.

One guest describes a kitchen and washing machine in their accommodation. Check the specific type when booking to get the layout and equipment your family needs.

Wentling praises the layout on Booking.com: “A good layout for a family.”

See photos and book Pestana Palm Gardens here.

Hotel Carvoeiro Plaza - best hotel for a central stay without a car

Carvoeiro Plaza is in the town centre, around 25 metres from the beach, with an outdoor pool, terrace and bar. The short walk to both the water and restaurants is its main advantage, particularly if you’d like to leave the car parked or manage without one.

You’re closer to town life than at the cliff hotels. I’d choose it for an easy daily routine and read about the room’s position if you’re sensitive to noise from the square.

Cindy writes about breakfast and the staff on Booking.com: “Lovely breakfast and friendly, helpful staff.”

See photos and book Carvoeiro Plaza here.

4. Tavira - best town for quiet evenings and Portuguese town life

• Distance to the centre: The centre lies on both sides of the River Gilão. Beaches are out on the coast and islands.
• Transport: The centre is good for walking. Trains connect Tavira with other towns, and a boat ride is part of the trip to Ilha de Tavira.
• Journey from Faro Airport: Allow around 30 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
• Price range: € to €€€. Central boutique hotels can cost more than hotels on the roads into town.
• Safety: Check the last ferry on beach trips, and follow local beach flags and signs.

Tavira is the town I’d choose for more slow evenings beside a river than late nights in bars. The white houses, bridge over the Gilão and streets leading up towards the castle give it a clear centre where it’s pleasant to wander without a packed itinerary.

An afternoon here can easily be a coffee, a short walk and deciding where to have dinner.

The main difference is the beach: staying in central Tavira doesn’t put you directly on it. Getting to Ilha de Tavira involves a boat, with departures including Quatro Águas, and that becomes part of your day’s plan.

I think it can be a lovely way to get to the beach. But a family wanting several trips back to the room each day will often be happier in Carvoeiro or at a beachfront hotel.

See hotels in Tavira here.

You do get a town that’s enjoyable on days without swimming, too. You can visit the churches and castle, walk beside the river and choose restaurants in the centre. It’s a good base for the eastern Algarve, but I wouldn’t plan daily trips from here to all the beaches around Lagos.

To see both ends of the coast, splitting your holiday between two bases is more comfortable than spending your time on long return journeys.

Tavira particularly suits couples and adults combining beach trips with a stay in a smaller town. If food, streets and town life are what draw you to Portugal, my guide to where to stay in Porto can give you ideas for another trip.

Here in the Algarve, I’d choose a central Tavira hotel so those quiet evenings don’t need a car or taxi.

Places to Stay in Tavira

Pousada Convento de Tavira - best hotel for a stay in historic surroundings

Pousada Convento de Tavira is arranged around the courtyard of a former Augustinian convent dating from the 16th century. That gives the stay more character than a standard holiday hotel and suits Tavira’s streets, churches and quiet evenings.

I’d choose it for a couples’ holiday where the building and its position in town are part of the experience, rather than seeking a large resort by the beach.

Elizabeth praises the breakfast in her Booking.com review: “The breakfast was really good.”

See photos and book Pousada Convento here.

Vila Galé Tavira - a good hotel with a pool for a stay in town

Vila Galé Tavira is centrally located, with rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool and a spa. You can spend the morning in town and swim back at the hotel without making every dip a trip to the coast. It’s a practical choice for couples and families wanting more facilities than a small town hotel while still being able to walk out for dinner.

Ana praises the rooms on Booking.com: “Spacious and clean rooms.”

See photos and book Vila Galé Tavira here.

Hotel Don Rodrigues - a good budget choice for a holiday with a car

Don Rodrigues is on the approach to Tavira near the N125, with an outdoor pool and views of the countryside around town. It’s worth considering with a car if easy access to outings in the eastern Algarve matters more than staying among the little streets.

I’d factor the location into any savings and check the route to the centre if you also plan to walk home after dinner.

Sandra describes a late arrival on Booking.com: “They gave us a friendly welcome when we arrived late.”

See photos and book Don Rodrigues here.

5. Vilamoura - the best area for the marina, golf and good hotels

• Distance to the centre: The marina serves as the centre. Golf hotels further inland can be several kilometres away.
• Transport: You can walk around the marina and to the nearby beaches. A car or taxi is useful for golf courses and inland hotels.
• Journey from Faro Airport: Allow roughly 25 to 35 minutes by car.
• Price range: €€ to €€€. Hotels and restaurants around the marina are often at the more expensive end.
• Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, keep children close by the quayside and follow the beach flags.

Vilamoura is my suggestion for a stay by a marina with plenty of restaurants and a good choice of larger hotels. Holidays here tend to revolve around the beach, pool, golf and dinner overlooking the boats.

It’s a more purpose-built resort town than Tavira or Lagos. I’d choose it when comfort and easy access to hotel facilities matter more than little historic streets.

The marina is the obvious reference point when you’re looking at the map. Stay nearby and you can walk between restaurants and visit the surrounding beaches without using a car every time.

The Vilamoura name also covers hotels further inland near the golf courses. They can have plenty of space and lovely pool areas, but staying there is a different experience from strolling down to the harbour whenever you fancy a coffee or a drink.

See hotels in Vilamoura here.

I’d prioritise a location by the marina for a first visit without a car. If golf is a big part of your plans, check how close the hotel is to the courses you’ll be playing.

Include transport to restaurants and the beach in your budget too. A good rate at a golf hotel can be less appealing if the rest of the family wants to spend all day by the sea.

Vilamoura suits couples and families who want a comfortable base with plenty of practical options nearby. It wouldn’t be my first choice for the cheapest possible holiday in the Algarve.

I’d compare rooms around the marina with Vilamoura Garden a little further inland, then decide how much those short walks are worth. For a week with several meals out, the location could justify the extra cost.

Places to Stay in Vilamoura

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura - the best luxury hotel between the marina and the beach

Tivoli Marina has the marina on one side and the Atlantic on the other, along with a large outdoor pool and a spa. The location makes it easy to combine the hotel’s facilities with harbour restaurants and trips to the beach.

I’d choose it for a comfortable holiday with short walks between everything, then pick a room according to which side I’d prefer to look out over.

Kari describes the location on Booking.com: “Right by the water.”

See photos and book Tivoli Marina here.

Vila Galé Marina - a good hotel with a pool close to the harbour

Vila Galé Marina has rooms with balconies and both indoor and outdoor pools, giving you more options than a simple beach hotel. The central location is handy for going out to dinner and having your room close by afterwards.

I’d compare it with Tivoli for your dates and choose it if there’s a worthwhile saving without moving far from the marina.

Heather mentions the view in her Booking.com review: “The view over the marina was beautiful.”

See photos and book Vila Galé Marina here.

Vilamoura Garden Hotel - a good choice for a quieter stay away from the marina

Vilamoura Garden has a pool, garden, gym and terrace, but it’s further inland than the hotels along the harbour. You can spend time at the hotel, then walk or take a taxi down to the marina when you want to go out.

I’d choose it if it’s cheaper than staying by the water and accept the longer journey as part of the stay. One guest describes a walk of around 20 minutes through a park.

A guest named Irish describes the atmosphere on Booking.com: “Lovely, quiet hotel.”

See photos and book Vilamoura Garden here.

6. Faro - the best city for a short break without a car

• Distance to the centre: Choose the centre around the marina, station or Old Town. The airport and Praia de Faro are separate locations.
• Transport: The centre is easy to get around on foot, and trains and buses are useful for other towns. Reaching the beach involves a journey out of the city.
• Journey from Faro Airport: Around 10 to 20 minutes by car to the centre, depending on traffic.
• Price range: € to €€€. There are simple city hotels as well as five-star options.
• Safety: Watch your luggage at stations and on buses, and check your return transport when visiting the beach or islands.

It’s easy to think of Faro as just the airport, but the city is a good choice for a few days in the Algarve if you want to eat out, walk around the Old Town and take trips without hiring a car. The marina, central streets and historic centre are close enough together to make the most of a short stay.

I’d particularly consider Faro for a late arrival, an early departure or a long weekend.

The main limitation is that Faro’s city centre isn’t on a swimming beach. You’ll need to head to Praia de Faro or take a trip towards the islands in the Ria Formosa to spend your days by the sea.

Those outings can be part of the appeal, but it’s not the most practical arrangement if you want to go straight from breakfast to a sunlounger and back to your room for lunch every day.

See hotels in Faro here.

Faro works well as part of a trip that includes other parts of Portugal. To add a few city days before or after your beach holiday, read my guide to where to stay in Lisbon. I’d spend a few nights in each destination instead of trying to fit everything into day trips.

In Faro, staying near the train or bus station is useful for trips around the region, but check the connection to the particular place you want to visit.

I’ve taken the train from Faro to Lisbon myself, and it works really well.

I’d choose a central hotel instead of automatically booking one near the airport. A short taxi journey can give you a much nicer final evening with dinner by the marina.

For an early flight, arrange transport in advance and check when breakfast starts. I’ve chosen the hotels below for a stay that includes restaurants and walks around town, with more to it than just a bed between flights.

Places to Stay in Faro

3HB Faro - the best luxury hotel for a city weekend

3HB Faro is a five-star city hotel with two restaurants, a bar and family rooms. You can enjoy the comfort of the hotel and spend time there, with Faro on your doorstep for walks and dinners out.

I’d choose it for a short break where you want to spend a little extra on somewhere special to stay, instead of treating the city as a convenient stop on the way to the coast.

Luis-Ignacio praises several parts of the stay on Booking.com: “Fantastic location, rooms and spa.”

See photos and book 3HB Faro here.

Occidental Faro - the best hotel for marina views

Occidental Faro is centrally located with views towards the marina, Old Town and Ria Formosa, around five minutes’ walk from the train and bus stations. The roof terrace is a good reason to choose it for breakfast in lovely surroundings or a break after walking around town.

I’d consider it for a stay without a car, when having transport and restaurants a short walk away makes the days easier.

Mette mentions the terrace in her Booking.com review: “Very lovely roof terrace.”

See photos and book Occidental Faro here.

Hotel Made inn Faro - the best budget option near the station

Made inn Faro is a simple, central hotel with air conditioning that’s worth considering if you’d prefer to spend your money out in the city. Its location near the station is handy for a trip by public transport, and one guest also mentions a nearby bus to the airport.

I’d choose it for a few nights or at the start of a tour of Portugal, when a good bed and a convenient location matter more than lots of facilities.

Loretta describes the comfort and cleanliness on Booking.com: “Clean and very comfortable.”

See photos and book Made inn Faro here.

Where should you not stay in the Algarve?

I’d avoid a hotel far inland if you’re travelling without a car and picture yourself going to the beach and restaurants every day. A lovely pool photo doesn’t tell you whether you’ll need a taxi whenever you go out.

This also applies to large resorts advertised under a town’s name even though they’re some distance from its centre.

I wouldn’t choose an address in the middle of Albufeira’s nightlife to save a little money when travelling with small children or wanting early nights. Faro and Tavira are also poor matches for a hotel right on the sand, although both make good bases for other types of holiday.

Along the cliffs, check the steps and hills before booking if you’re bringing a pushchair or need easy access.

For a first visit, I’d start with Lagos for its town life and several different beaches. Carvoeiro is a good choice for a smaller resort town, while Albufeira makes it easy to combine the beach with evenings out.

Tavira suits a quieter town stay with trips to the coast, Vilamoura works well for the marina and hotels with more facilities, and Faro suits a short break with easy transport.

With a week or more and a wish to see different parts of the Algarve, I’d consider two bases, such as Lagos and Tavira. That gives you more time on the beaches and less time in the car.

Then choose your hotel around how you’d like to spend each day. A short walk to dinner can be worth more than an extra pool, while space and your own kitchen can make a family holiday much easier.

For an early morning flight, I’d also consider spending the last night in Faro, so departure day starts with a shorter journey to the airport. My guide to getting from Faro Airport to Albufeira, Lagos and the rest of the Algarve covers the buses, trains and taxis in both directions.

Have a lovely trip to the Algarve.

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