Portugal--Christmas Week

[Rod Hagen]

I suddenly find myself NOT going home for Christmas (everything is fine, thank you), so I was trying to knock a couple places off my never yet been-"visit next" list for that week (8 nights).

Although I tried (only because when I do do a BIG China tour, it'd be nice to have Hong Kong already under my belt) a Hong Kong and Angkor Wat combo was not an option due to connecting flights.

Buenos Aires, iguazu falls and Patagonia is not an option, flights are nearly twice as expensive that week.

So...Portugal.  I always assumed my first visit there would be in the summer, because even though I am not a beach person, I most certainly am a swim in the ocean for hours person.

What would Portugal be like the Week of Christmas, what would I gain by visiting then and what, apart from my beloved swimming in beautiful places, would I lose?  THANKS!

 

Edited September 29, 2024 by Rod Hagen

[Greg_blond]

It is winter in Europe; so the Canary Islands would be safer option, e.g. Gran Canaria. Cheers, Greg

[+ Jamie21]

Lisbon? Porto? The Algarve? Do you want city activities or a resort? The sea will be cold for swimming…so maybe avoid that and do Lisbon. There’s plenty to see if you like history, great eating options, lively nightlife, Christmas markets and midnight mass. The people are friendly, it’s inexpensive and easy to travel around and it won’t be too busy with tourists. Bairro Alto is good in the nighttime, eat late and explore the area. 

[Rod Hagen]

Thank you for your responses.  It sounds like even though I'll be missing swimming, I'll be gaining avoiding crowds (which I actually don't mind, much) and seeing Christmas markets and such. I don't know if I can stay up for a midnight mass, if I go I will try.  

[mike carey]

9 hours ago, Rod Hagen said:

Thank you for your responses.  It sounds like even though I'll be missing swimming, I'll be gaining avoiding crowds (which I actually don't mind, much) and seeing Christmas markets and such. I don't know if I can stay up for a midnight mass, if I go I will try.  

You should be able to make it to things outside your usual daily routine if you do them while the jet lag is still screwing with your body clock!!

[edinbrooklyn]

On 9/30/2024 at 5:04 PM, Greg_blond said:

It is winter in Europe; so the Canary Islands would be safer option, e.g. Gran Canaria. Cheers, Greg

Maderia is also an option. It had a staid reputation but I understand that’s no longer the case. 

[Greg_blond]

On 10/4/2024 at 10:35 PM, edinbrooklyn said:

Maderia is also an option. It had a staid reputation but I understand that’s no longer the case. 

Indeed, Madeira seems to cope with some serious (synthetic) drug issues these days…

Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) is one of my favorite places during Xmas period in Europe: sun, sea & great gay nightlife!

[pubic_assistance]

On 9/29/2024 at 6:21 PM, Rod Hagen said:

I always assumed my first visit there would be in the summer, because even though I am not a beach person, I most certainly am a swim in the ocean for hours person.

The beaches in Portugal are usually full of obnoxious low-class British Tourists...so you won't be missing anything by traveling there in winter.

Be sure to visit Porto. Endlessly charming. Wonderful food and drink at the Port-wine factory tours. Beautiful historic architecture and lovely people.

Lots to see all over Portugal and it's fairly cheap  compared to other European destinations.

[SirBillybob]

On 10/1/2024 at 8:24 PM, mike carey said:

You should be able to make it to things outside your usual daily routine if you do them while the jet lag is still screwing with your body clock!!

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