Portugal - places to stay in Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve?

[snowgirl1]

I've booked flights into Porto and out of Faro. Planning to spend a couple of days in Porto, then catch the train to Lisbon where we'll spend a couple of days then hire a car or catch the train to the Algarve.

Planning to spend the mornings in Porto & Lisbon exploring, then flop by a pool in the afternoon. Does anyone have recommendations for hotels with pools in Porto and Lisbon please?

And nice quiet, calm towns/villages to stay on the Algarve? Caroveiro looks nice - places similar to that would be good.

Carvoiero is lovely. There's a MNetter on here who lives there

We love Lagos or Alvor on the Algarve. Prainha is a lovely complex near the beautiful Tres Irmaos beach at Alvor.

In Porto I would look for somewhere near the river, you don't want to be out of town, it's lovely - I highly recommend visiting the port caves, they are cooler so perfect for hot afternoons, lots of lovely little restaurants. I've always stayed with family/friends so can't recommend anywhere specific but they all live just south of the river on the tram line and it's very convenient from there

Thanks for your suggestions. I've booked hotels in Porto - now I'm trying to decide between Cavoeira and Alvor.

Both are lovely. You'll have a great time in Portugal wherever you decide. We're going in August, can't wait. Portimao is worth a visit as well if you have time.

Stayed at the Eurostars Das Letras in lisbon a few years ago and i would recommend. It was very slightly out of the centre so much quieter but the walk into lisbon centre each day was nice