Portugal travel tips

Cage Rattler said:
For those liking trains, this trip from Porto wasn't bad at all .. think it is the 10th longest by total distance in Europe, it was similar to the part of the trans Siberia near Lake Baikal. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/portugal-douro-valley-train-trip-porto-pinhao-pocinho
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Stunning scenery indeed.

Last year we got to go on the final edition of The Presidential: https://www.thepresidentialtrain.com/en/comboio - an almost 12-hour food fest by three different Michelin starred chefs. It was incredible. Sadly, the socialtards got it canned.
 
Thanks all for the feedback this is a great starting point for me I will have a look into everything and make necessary requests or provide info from my side.
 
Naks said:
If I may: please don't do AirBnB, rather support the hospitality industry
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Interesting - when you say hospitality industry are you referring to hotels/bed and breakfasts?

Any particular reason? Assuming airbnbs are bought by foreigners and prices hiked etc?
 
Was just in Sesimbra 2 weeks back, great little coastal town about 45 minutes from Lisbon. Definitely worth a visit if you’re already in Lisbon but it’s very small and you can basically see everything in a day or two. A quick hike up to the castle gives you some great views.

Food there is predominantly seafood, mainly fresh fish, and is nothing to write home about really if you’re used to quality seafood in SA.
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Snyper564 said:
Interesting - when you say hospitality industry are you referring to hotels/bed and breakfasts?

Any particular reason? Assuming airbnbs are bought by foreigners and prices hiked etc?
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Good chances that some airbnb places are bought by some seffricans. :cool:
 
Snyper564 said:
Interesting - when you say hospitality industry are you referring to hotels/bed and breakfasts?
Any particular reason? Assuming airbnbs are bought by foreigners and prices hiked etc?
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Yes, hotels/B&Bs/Guesthouses.

As we all know by now, AirBnB has caused displacement of locals in cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, etc., by driving up prices of rentals to the extent that locals cannot afford to live in their own neighbourhoods.

When AirBnB was just a way for ordinary people to rent out a room in their house it was fine, but now it's out of control. PT is actually considering passing laws to limit these types of rentals.
 
Naks said:
Yes, hotels/B&Bs/Guesthouses.

As we all know by now, AirBnB has caused displacement of locals in cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, etc., by driving up prices of rentals to the extent that locals cannot afford to live in their own neighbourhoods.

When AirBnB was just a way for ordinary people to rent out a room in their house it was fine, but now it's out of control. PT is actually considering passing laws to limit these types of rentals.
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Noted my wife actually echoed your sentiment.

On a side note Serbia is the total opposite at least for now we were able to find AWESOME accomodation 3 bedroom/garden/kitchen/2 bathroom/garages etc for R400-R600 per night in beautiful locations proof that it hasnt happened there yet but it could def go that way.
 
Tickets officially booked flying TAAG booked via Flights by investec so there is a layer of "protection" will also get topped up insurance via Bryte from Investec. Phase 1 done.

Tickets R29 500 2 return tickets
 
Naks said:
Yes, hotels/B&Bs/Guesthouses.

As we all know by now, AirBnB has caused displacement of locals in cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, etc., by driving up prices of rentals to the extent that locals cannot afford to live in their own neighbourhoods.

When AirBnB was just a way for ordinary people to rent out a room in their house it was fine, but now it's out of control. PT is actually considering passing laws to limit these types of rentals.
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I heard they are stopping their golden visa program due to increasing property prices. Seems like a good country to retire in.
 
Bill Clitnon said:
I heard they are stopping their golden visa program due to increasing property prices. Seems like a good country to retire in.
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Jah, but the property prices have little to do with the GV, this is the PM resorting to populist measures to try and not get voted out in the next elections.

What has really driven prices up is the wanton proliferation of AirBnBs, pushing locals out of their traditional ngihbourhoods.
 
I have been to Portugal twice and it is a great place.

Everyone here has given you great tips, but if I can give you one it is go to Porto. But do the Douro Valley boat trip from there. You can split your day trip in two, go with the organised tour to Pinhao, ask them to give you your return train ticket as an open ticket and stay for one / two nights in Pinhao. We stayed at Quinta de la Rosa and it was beautiful.

Our first trip was to the Algarve, and our second trip was Lisbon - Obidos(recommend) - Coimbra - Aveiro - Pinhao(Highly recommend) - Porto (the best) - Cape Town.
 
Most have been covered already only things I can add for Lisbon

Go to Ramiro for seafood its excellent and O Trevo for Bifana

Just getting into Ramiro is an experience in itself

Cabo da Roca - westernmost point of continental Europe
 
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bokka1 said:
I have been to Portugal twice and it is a great place.

Everyone here has given you great tips, but if I can give you one it is go to Porto. But do the Douro Valley boat trip from there. You can split your day trip in two, go with the organised tour to Pinhao, ask them to give you your return train ticket as an open ticket and stay for one / two nights in Pinhao. We stayed at Quinta de la Rosa and it was beautiful.

Our first trip was to the Algarve, and our second trip was Lisbon - Obidos(recommend) - Coimbra - Aveiro - Pinhao(Highly recommend) - Porto (the best) - Cape Town.
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So it seems like we will likely use Lisbon and Porto as our main bases then have two nights elsewhere likely duoro.

Is this the trip your referred to?

 
Snyper564 said:
So it seems like we will likely use Lisbon and Porto as our main bases then have two nights elsewhere likely duoro.
Is this the trip your referred to?
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If I may, the boat ride from Porto Pinhao can be overcrowded.

Rather take the train from Porto (Sao Bento station) to Pinhao, then do the 1-2hour river cruise there, and explore a bit around there - the hotel on the river is quite affordable. Then take the train back, I think the last train leave Pinhao at around 6pm or so.

If you want a private tour to the Douro, contact Miguel Leal, we've used his services before: https://www.instagram.com/ml_private_tours/
 
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