Have I said today how much I enjoy this forum?
Thank you so much.
2 Likes
I am open to whatever presents itself and so far nothing is the only thing I know at this moment. 
Portugal is amazing. I haven’t been in a long time but am looking forward to spending the last week of January in Lisbon on my way home from Spain - assuming the trip goes ahead, who knows these days!
1 Like
Hi Therese, Is Cascais a walking city? I’m interested in getting to Portugal but not too keen on driving. I am a foot person. Slow traveling and absorbing the sights. So far I found Porto as walkable, and probably Lisbon. Can you give me other advice? I don’t want to spend a lot of time on figuring how to get around without a car. Thanks.
1 Like
That is a definite requirement for me and from what I have read it is walkable with a good bus system but nothing better than hearing from the locals!
Good question
Hello @evag008 and @Amparo
We have been lucky to go dog-sitting in Portugal 3 times.
Twice in Cascais ; Once in Colares, close to Sintra.
We absolutely loved it.
Both these cities are walkable and got buses and trams. BUT I must say we really appreciated having our own car (we drove from France - 2 days trip) because we were taking care of dogs and it was much better to drive them in wild beaches or forests to let them run freely : beaches are not allowed to dogs during day time in Cascais and Colares (only from nov to mars I should think ? We were once in december and it was allowed). And I found it very difficult to keep my energic labrador on the streets or urban park on the lead while beaches were closed (Of course as a good French naughty citizen I pretended not to understand the rules and went to the beach after 9-AM but beach-guard came straight away to ask us to leave…).
I also add that even though we were really closed to Lisbon by train, we’ve never been. It was too long to leave our dogs alone. But we didn’t regret as we are more “wild” people than “town” people. We enjoyed the wild and free part of Portugal : beaches, countryside, small villages, mountain (yes Sintra is a proper mountain), and forests.
Enjoy @Amparo, I’m sure you will fall in love with Portugal.
May I just advise you not to forgot good walking boots ! My husband ended in hospital after falling over cobblestone on the street ! As a european citizen he was cured and had surgery for free. Most of the medical people were speaking very good english and even very good french. He had a very good surgery, same level as in french hospital. What an adventure…
4 Likes
All this talk about Portugal has got me very intrigued. I went to Lisbon about 40 years ago and would love to discover more of Portugal. Some of the places mentioned here sound intriguing. Thanks for starting the conversation Amparo and will look forward to hearing how your trip goes
2 Likes
What a delightful share of your experience. Portugal has been on my radar for some time now but never moved forward to actually making it happen till now. I have been researching it for a good while now and have even started learning some Portuguese, one because my HOs here are both fluent and it’s nice to actually engage them at that level.
I am so grateful for the wonderful input here from everyone.
So very excited for the great things that lie ahead.
2 Likes
Absolutely amazing! Museums are always on my agenda.
Thank so very much.
1 Like
Portugal is country that I’ve never had the opportunity or pleasure of visiting although I’ve been “taken” there by friends, living vicariously through their experiences and stories of the people, culture, history, architecture, amazing food and of course the wine and now, thanks to our forum community one of my 2022 travel goals is, yes … Portugal!!
It promises to exceed all of my expectations … thank you!! 
3 Likes
Love it! Like I said, it has been calling me for a long time and well I have to answer. I have yet to hear anything to deter me so off I go or should I say we from the look of things.
ooh maybe a spontaneous THS event is on the horizon.
2 Likes
Loved the franceshinas in Porto + the susets from Jardim do Morro! 
2 Likes
Thanks everyone for sharing. I hope Portugal does not get too crowded before I get there, as so many people have it on their wish list. COVID seems to be a never ending story, and there are new restrictions on the horizon. I am prep-ing for new journeys.
Hi @evag008 @Amparo … Cascais is very walkable, but as someone here commented, because of the Portuguese paving, your shoes should have a really good track and if they get a little dew on them, they become super slippery, so choose your shoes super well, is my advice too. I don’t have a car, and I am a big walker. The internal bus system is very good, but like everything, don’t be in a rush, but you can get around well. If you are looking after very active dogs, it is nicer if you have a car to walk them in the Sintra hills and beaches. Some beaches in summer are restricted to dogs so with a car you can find the outer ones. The train ride from Cascais to Lisbon along the coast is spectacular, and you can jump on and off too. Belem has the most lovely museums and walkable areas around too. The only time I miss a car is to explore the greater areas of Portugal, but I figure you can just hire one for a few days, and the roads are very good.
5 Likes
Thank you so much for the advice. Appreciate it as I explore the opportunities. May 2022 be safe for traveling.
2 Likes
We live in the Arroios area of Lisbon and absolutely love it. It’s more of a local area and that’s the way we like it. Close to the touristy area for things to do but far enough away from the crowds. Lisbon is more expensive to live in but if you get just outside the city it is actually very affordable. We prefer the big city since public transportation is readily available but walk everywhere most of the time. Let me know if you need more info.
4 Likes
Absolutely stunning. Thank you so much. @LynKinn. Your photos really highlight a new spot to consider.
Muito obrigada I will reach out when I narrow down my plans.
3 Likes
Thank you so very much to everyone that has shared their beautiful photos, stories and experiences.
I am very happy to say that I have made a decision and have booked a room with and in a family home in Lisboa. It is centrally located and easy to commute to explore nearby areas and immerse myself with the local culture which is what appeals to me the most about traveling. My host are chefs and we are looking forward to a meal, wine and good conversation.
I will be able to make a day trip to Cascais and mapping out other places in the weeks ahead.
Please keep your ideas, pics and stories coming as there is more yet to come.
Happy travels everyone.
5 Likes
Hello! I am hoping to travel to Portugal mid March and appreciate everything that has been written on places to go. I’d like to do a sit but due to Covid, I don’t want to book it and then have to cancel. Can you share the place you’re staying in Lisboa? It sounds perfect!
Thanks.
3 Likes
Love, Love, Portugal. In fact have ad for sitters for our end of April trip to Portugal. We have done 4-5 walking trips there and have two back to back ones we are doing April/May. Hoping that the virus doesn’t thwart our plans again. We were scheduled to do one of these walks in 2020. We obviously had to postpone.