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James48

(4,598 posts)
Thu Nov 24, 2022, 12:03 AM Nov 2022

Portugal, Spain or France??

I’m thinking if taking a month next spring and do either:
Portugal, (Likely Faro area) , or Barcelona suburbs near the ocean, or Southeast France- (Perpignan?) .

Anyone familiar with these areas, would you make sone recommendations? I like history, architecture, art, military, and good food. Do you have good tips?

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Portugal, Spain or France?? (Original Post) James48 Nov 2022 OP
Can't say I have good tips, elleng Nov 2022 #1
one reads that barcelona is high crime nt msongs Nov 2022 #2
In a month you could easily do all three. TreasonousBastard Nov 2022 #3
Just got back from a tour in Spain last month Travel Hat Nov 2022 #4
any one of those is excellent but Crazyleftie Nov 2022 #5
We did not have a good stay in Portugal. shrike3 Dec 2023 #6
Just got back from a vacation in Spain. RipVanWinkle May 2024 #7
I know Spain and France, Portugal some, but not the Faro area DFW Jun 2024 #8
Portugal Betty Boom Jul 2024 #9
I repeat my question- where should I go? James48 Nov 5 #10

elleng

(136,043 posts)
1. Can't say I have good tips,
Thu Nov 24, 2022, 12:23 AM
Nov 2022

haven't been to Portugal.

Did drive around France (with young family, so choose France 'cause I studied French.) Also visited cities in Spain, including a few days in Barcelona.

Can't miss by visiting Spain and France for history, architecture, art, and good food.

Train from southern France to Spain possible.

Bon voyage!

Travel Hat

(131 posts)
4. Just got back from a tour in Spain last month
Thu Nov 24, 2022, 07:54 AM
Nov 2022

I'm not a tour fan but I went on one sponsored by National Geographic and run by G Adventures. Very pleased with the experience.

Started in Madrid and a day trip in Toledo. Then took a train to Cordoba and saw the La Mezquita de Cordoba, a must see. and then onto Granada and an other must see , the Alhambra. Ended in Sevilla and the Real Alcazar castle. Check websites for entry requirements.

Travel by train in all 3 of countries is fast and easy and interconnected. You should look into a Euro-rail pass.

And about flights. I had 3 flights going there and coming home. 4 of the 6 flights where delayed by 2 hours or more. Took Air Canada and Lufthansa. It was a mess! And I don't see getting any better anytime soon. Suggest that you fly in a day early.

Spain is beautifully. The food was great, the architecture is amazing, and the people wonderful.

Happy Travels.

Crazyleftie

(458 posts)
5. any one of those is excellent but
Thu Nov 24, 2022, 08:41 AM
Nov 2022

you must avoid the holidays...
we were in France during Mayday...everyone takes a week off and ALL venues were crowded
we were in Portugal during Easter...same thing because masses of Spaniards escape to Portugal

 

shrike3

(5,370 posts)
6. We did not have a good stay in Portugal.
Wed Dec 27, 2023, 03:25 PM
Dec 2023

Found people very unpleasant and helpful. Came back to the States and happen to run into a woman whose brother had the same experience. A lot of difficulties. And we're seasoned traveles.

However, a lot of organized tours make it look magical. Maybe you'll have better luck.

RipVanWinkle

(265 posts)
7. Just got back from a vacation in Spain.
Thu May 2, 2024, 04:57 AM
May 2024

Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, and Granada.

They are all good for history, architecture, art, and good food.

Barcelona is overrun with tourists. Hotel prices are high.

Granada was my favorite.

DFW

(56,520 posts)
8. I know Spain and France, Portugal some, but not the Faro area
Thu Jun 6, 2024, 01:45 AM
Jun 2024

I have lived in Barcelona, and can speak Catalan. I would not hesitate to spend a month or two there over the others. I don’t speak Portuguese, but understand much if it, i do speak French and Spanish.

Barcelona wins hands down. Coolest place to spend a month, a season or even a year. I’ll be back there again next Tuesday night, in fact. Just for the day, for work, but I never tire of it.

Betty Boom

(202 posts)
9. Portugal
Thu Jul 18, 2024, 08:55 PM
Jul 2024

I really want to visit Portugal and I would also like to make a side trip to the Azores. A friend of mine says that if Trump wins, that’s where he’s going.

James48

(4,598 posts)
10. I repeat my question- where should I go?
Tue Nov 5, 2024, 11:01 PM
Nov 5

I’m terrified seeing election returns.

Southern France? Or Spain? Or Portugal?

I’m thinking I need to get away for a couple of months to clear my head
And understand what is happening.

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