Après quelques années à bénéficier des suggestions et conseils de nombreux membres pour mes différents voyages, j'ai le goût de partager avec les amateurs du Portugal un petit coin de paradis que je viens tout juste de découvrir: le Patio do Vale, une maison d'hôtes fantastique située au nord de Lisbonne. Recommandée par le Routard et par les évaluations élogieuses de nombreux voyageurs, j'ai décidé de tenter le coup durant mes vacances actuelles... et après les deux nuits prévues au départ, j'ai annulé ma chambre à l'étape suivante de mon périple pour le plaisir de m'attarder dans cet endroit unique.
Outre le charme de l'endroit (une magnifique demeure au creux d'une vallée entourée de vergers), c'est je crois la personnalité de la propriétaire, Aldy, qui fait toute la différence. Ici, on ne se contente pas de vous accueillir avec le sourire, de vous donner une chambre et quelques renseignements touristiques. Aldy est non seulement une mine d'informations toujours disponible et pleine d'humour, mais elle va même jusqu'à amener les clients dans certains lieux typiques et crée une véritable ambiance familiale au sein de sa maison. Elle offre en effet une formule demi-pension où les voyageurs se regroupent autour d'une immense table pour échanger et déguster des spécialités portugaises délicieuses faites maison, sans compter l'apéro offert tous les soirs avant le souper, où se disputent tour à tour porto, fromages, charcuteries, parfois coquillages, etc... en abondance. Le but étant de nous faire découvrir tous les jours quelque chose de nouveau, tout en nouant des liens avec d'autres voyageurs en quête de partage et de découverte.
Je suis venue au Patio do Vale en tant que voyageuse seule, voulant tester pour une fois une autre formule qu'un petit hôtel anonyme perdu dans un quartier historique. Et j'ai côtoyé aussi bien d'autres voyageurs solitaires que des couples, ou encore une grande famille avec enfants venus profiter du calme et de la piscine, tout ce petit monde cohabitant avec bonheur en soirée après avoir passé la journée à découvrir les nombreux monuments historiques/grottes de la région, ou à profiter de la plage de Nazaré à quelques kilomètres de là. Parce qu'en plus, c'est idéalement situé au coeur d'une panoplie de lieux touristiques, un point central idéal pour naviguer dans la région.
Honnêtement, c'est vraiment la première fois que j'ai le goût d'écrire un tel éloge à propos d'un lieu, mais c'est aussi la première fois que j'ai aussi peu le goût de quitter un endroit... Et après autant d'années à consulter ce forum pour préparer mes itinéraires, c'est avec un grand plaisir que je partage à mon tour une adresse unique en son genre.
Voici les coordonnées du lieu, pour les intéressés (et la dame parle français, accessoirement :)):
http://www.patiodovale.com/
Bonjour,
Merci de l'information. J'irai sûrement rester là lors de mon prochain voyage au Portugal. C'est une région que je n'ai pas eu le temps de visiter.
Merci, je prend bonne note de cette information. Mon auberge de jeunesse a fait faillite, je dois me revirer de bord, et c'est possible que je me tourne vers cette belle suggestion :).
J'en profite pour demander si cet hébergement est une bonne base pour aller aux Îles Berlengas ou s'il faut mieux prévoir un hébergement là-vas voire à Péniche.
Sinon, est-ce abuser que de vous demander l'itinéraire que vous avez choisi ?
J'ai plutôt axé ce séjour sur l'intérieur des terres que sur le bord de mer, je l'avoue, mais plusieurs voyageurs rencontrés au Patio do Vale ont été voir Péniche dans la journée, alors je pense que ça se fait bien. Je viens de vérifier et c'est à 40 mn/51 km, selon Google Maps, donc pas trop loin. Et de ce que j'ai retenu, les gens n'ont vraiment pas été impressionnés par Péniche, alors j'aurais tendance à y aller juste pour prendre le ferry vers les iles, peut-être...
Sinon, mon itinéraire démarrait à Lisbonne, puis une journée sur Sintra (qui en aurait bien valu 2, je trouve, avec tous les châteaux, parcs et quintas), puis une étape à Obidos (une petite ville pleine de charme...), puis le Patio do Vale pour rayonner sur Alcobaça, Batalha, Tomar, et les grottes du Parc naturel das Serras de Aire et Candeeiros (Alvados, Mira de Aire, Sao Antonio). Il y a aussi Fatima dans le même coin mais j'ai zappé... Puis une journée à Coimbra (mais ça en vaut deux, je pense), un petit tour par le parc de Bussaco, puis je suis remontée sur Guimaraes avant de finir par Porto et la Vallée du Douro. Entre Coimbra et Porto, mais plus à l'est, il y a aussi la Serra Estrela qui semble magnifique, mais à moins d'avoir un mois... Ce n'est pas mon cas, hélas ;). L'occasion d'un autre voyage...
J'ai choisi d'aller de Lisbonne à Porto pour des questions de coût de billet d'avion à partir du Québec, et car je termine par Madrid, mais beaucoup de français rencontrés sur la route font simplement le trajet inverse de Porto à Lisbonne. Et il y a aussi tout le sud que je ne connais pas, bien sur.
En espérant que ça vous aide, n'hésitez pas si vous avez d'autres questions...
Bonjour à tous
Je confirme :
Je rentre d'un séjour au Portugal en famille avec 2 enfants de 10 et 12 ans et si j'ai une adresse formidable à vous conseiller c'est chez Aldi, à côté d'Alcobaca. Nous avons passé 6 jours merveilleux dans cette ancienne écurie retapée en maison d'hôtes. Tout est fait pour s'y sentir merveilleusement bien, le lieu est idyllique, centralisé dans une belle région où il y a beaucoup à voir. Le soir, vers 19h, Aldi appelle tous les enfants qui mangent tous ensemble dehors pendant que les parents boivent l'apéro tout en se racontant leurs découvertes de la journée : apéro aux petits oignons avec chaque jour des tapas ou autres merveilles différentes à déguster accompagné d'un bon Porto. Puis au son de la cloche, les parents sont conviés à l'intérieur du patio pour un repas pantagruélique composé de produits locaux et frais accompagnés de vin blanc ou rouge à volonté.
Après ce merveilleux repas, les adultes peuvent prendre le frais sur la terrasse tout en piochant dans le grand frigidaire d'Adly rempli de bières et autres boissons non alcoolisées pour la modique somme de 1 euro la boisson.
Ce séjour chez Aldi est à un prix défiant toute concurrence vu les prestations proposées.
De plus Aldi parle couramment français et est de très bon conseils pour les visites journalières.
Il y a bien sûr une jolie piscine pour agrémenter le tout.
Vous pouvez visiter son site www.patiodovale.com
A votre disposition pour tout renseignement
Joël
We're heading to Genoa and the Cinque Terre in mid-October for a full week. We're planning to spend two and a half days—three nights—in the Cinque Terre. The idea is to hike between the villages and use the train (or boat) for the trip out (or back). We're thinking of staying overnight, and I was wondering which village to prioritize.
We’re traveling next summer with our three kids, ages 9 to 15. We’ll arrive in Cork by ferry with our car. We’d like to stay several nights at each stop to settle in, take our time, and stay flexible depending on the weather!
What do you think of this 18-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival around 9:30 AM, drive to Kinsale to visit the village and Charles Fort, then accommodation
- Day 2: Blarney Castle + Cork, then accommodation
- Day 3: Travel to Kenmare (stopping at Gougane Barra?)
- Day 4: Glengariff and surrounding area
- Day 5: Healy Pass + southern Beara
- Day 6: Gap of Dunloe + Kenmare and Reenagross Park
- Day 7: Dursey Island
- Day 8: Killarney National Park
- Day 9: Travel to Clare (stopping at Bunratty)
- Day 10: Kilkee + Loop Head
- Day 11: The Burren
- Day 12: Aran Islands
- Day 13: Travel day to Connemara (stopping at Roundstone and Dog’s Bay or via Galway?)
- Day 14: Clifden + Sky Road + beach
- Day 15: Diamond Hill
- Day 16: Kylemore Abbey + Killary Fjord
- Day 17: Drive back to Cork (stopping at Cahir)
- Day 18: Departure
Hi there, after reading a well-known travel guide, it seems like there’s a lot to see and do in Valletta (I’m only talking about Valletta itself). That’s why I’m thinking of spending 2 days there. I don’t want to rush and would like to get a complete overview. However, I’ve noticed that some travelers only spend one day there. For those who know the city well, what do you think? (I’ve also planned the Three Cities for another day, by the way).
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Our accommodation for 5 days will be near a "Carrefour by Deliveroo Hop." There doesn’t seem to be anything else nearby (it’s a very residential area).
I can’t figure out if it’s delivery-only or if you can also do your grocery shopping there. Does anyone know this type of store and could help me out, please?
Thanks in advance!
PS: I called, but I don’t speak Italian and the store doesn’t speak English—so they hung up on me.
Hi,
I’ve found my upcoming trip for February, and now I’m looking for a one-week getaway in April—somewhere not too far with generally nice weather. Any tips?
Best,😉
Hi everyone, we’re a group of 11 people (including 3 kids under 4) who’d like to do a wine tasting tour starting from Florence (we haven’t rented a car) in Chianti.
We’re looking for an organized tour that leaves from Florence and lets the adults do some wine tasting (and olive oil tasting if possible).
For those who’ve done this tour, do you have any suggestions for tour names that organize these kinds of events? What should we look out for before booking these tours?
Hi, who’s familiar with the Algarve?
Lagos—should I go for a rental or a hotel? How do I get from the airport to the seaside, and how do I get around the city? What’s there to see and do?
Thanks for your ideas and tips!
Hello, VoyageForum friends, and happy holidays!
I’m planning a trip with my 19-year-old grandson to Milan for Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in 2025.
I’d love your insights on what we can visit in Milan that would interest both my grandson and me (I’m 75). Of course, I’m thinking of the must-sees, but not just those—cozy little restaurants, trendy neighborhoods, and anything else you’d recommend. I’m also looking for a comfortable hotel in the city center that isn’t too expensive!
I’m sure the VoyageForum community will help me uncover some hidden gems! Looking forward to your replies.
Summer 2027 is going to be Norwegian for us!
We’re heading to the Lofoten Islands first, then Senja, near Tromsø, and finally the North Cape.
We’ll likely start from northern Finland (flight tickets and car rentals are more affordable there).
I’d like to book accommodations early to have more options.
Good value-for-money places go fast in these pricey Nordic destinations...
But where should we book?
We’re planning to stay around ten nights in the Lofoten Islands.
What’s the best approach?
One place in the central part and explore from there?
One place in the south and another in the center?
Or one in the south, one in the center, and one in the north (3-4-3 nights)?
Hi there, my husband and I are planning a trip to Iceland in mid-October 2026.
Would you have any advice on the best places to visit for a first trip to this destination? Thanks
Hi, I'm heading to Italy soon and I wanted to know if Italian banks charge fees when you withdraw cash at an ATM, or if, like in Spain or Greece, it's better to avoid taking out money and bring cash instead. Looking forward to your replies... Thanks
We’re planning a short trip at the end of July to explore the legendary mountains and valleys of the Bernese Oberland: round trip from Nancy (Swiss highway vignette planned), 2 nights in a room with a small kitchen in Adelboden, then 2 nights in a hotel at the Gletscherblick in Grindelwald, both with half-board included.
Could you share some tips on the best road routes to take, as well as some walking hikes (we’re not as fit as we used to be, so nothing longer than 2-3 hours)? Maybe also 1 or 2 cable car rides—I was thinking of Oeschinensee Lake above Kandersteg and the First gondola above Grindelwald for better panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau... all while keeping it doable with our schedule. We’ve ruled out the "premium" trip up to the Jungfraujoch for this time.
I’m also guessing that paying to access Wengen or Mürren only makes sense if we’re staying there for a few days, right?
- Is the road through the narrow valley of the White Lütschine toward Lauterbrunnen and beyond still worth it in terms of views and scenery?
On the way back, if we have a little time to explore Bern’s historic old town, what’s the best parking plan for a 1- or 2-hour stop?
Thanks in advance for your advice, fellow travelers familiar with this beautiful region! 😉
Hi,
I’ll be in Barcelona at the end of October.
I can choose to be there over the weekend or during the week. Probably 4 nights.
Is there a big difference in terms of crowds in the city and in the museums?
Little or no difference would simplify my itinerary on the way.
Hi there,
I’ll be in Rome from April 1st to 13th, 2026—it’s coming up fast!
I’ve been searching online for tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery, but either there’s no availability or the tickets offered are ridiculously expensive.
Could someone guide me to a website where I can book 2 skip-the-line tickets (I’ve heard you have to reserve in advance online)?
Hi everyone,
I rented a car through Klaus Wagen, picking it up in downtown Porto and returning it in downtown Lisbon.
After paying, I read some pretty negative reviews about them.
So, can anyone reassure me with positive experiences they’ve had with them?
Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
I’m heading to Setúbal at the end of June with my granddaughter, and I can’t seem to find clear info on the best way to get from Lisbon Airport to Setúbal. It looks like there’s a train or bus, but I can’t find the exact names of the bus (or train) companies or the precise departure points. Thanks if anyone can help me out! 😉 Just to clarify, I’m on a tight budget and have already ruled out taxis or similar options.
Hello,
We’re heading to Puglia at the end of May. We’re a senior couple. We arrive in Bari, where we’ve booked accommodation for 2 nights. We’ve rented a car.
Day 1: Bari
Day 2: Polignano a Mare – Monopoli
Day 3: Ostuni – Brindisi
Day 4: Lecce
Day 5 & 6: Exploring the coast from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 7 & 8: Gallipoli area
Day 9 & 10: Matera
We’re considering renting a place near Lecce for 5 days and using it as a base to explore the region.
Hi there,
I visited the Faroe Islands in late March 2026 for about ten days. I was invited by a friend who lives near Tórshavn, so I don’t have any info on tourist accommodations or car rentals. Still, I’d like to share a few thoughts about my trip:
- Before leaving, I consulted travel guides and blogs. I was surprised by how repetitive and unoriginal the featured sites were. This leads hurried travelers to follow the same overcrowded routes, which can annoy locals. I found that all Faroese villages were interesting—they reflect the country’s identity, even without the iconic grass-roofed houses. Those are indeed harmonious and beautiful, but they feel like an exotic cliché. For activities, I loved the lively ports that keep the country running.
- I was annoyed by the paid trails in tourist spots. Locals explained that these paths cross private land, and owners are responsible for maintenance and safety. There are plenty of free trails, too—signs at the start detail their features. While not alarmist, the extreme and unpredictable weather is a key factor to consider before setting out.
- The wind’s strength really impressed me. The architecture, with doors and windows opening outward to prevent gusts from blowing roofs off, speaks to the harsh climate. Some days, relentless rain and squalls made going outside unappealing. I realized that in this country, it’s best to plan for flexible indoor days.
- Distances are relatively short. I was happy to be based near Tórshavn because it was easy to explore one or more places in a day. The roads are in great condition. In late March, diesel was 2 €. Tunnel tolls can add up (~26 € per crossing), making a fixed base less practical than I’d thought.
- Everyone agrees: the landscapes are breathtaking. Nature feels untamed here—except for the short grass, thanks to all the woolly sheep.
- The flight from Paris to the Faroe Islands (and back) was long in March—11 hours with three legs: Paris-Amsterdam, Amsterdam-Copenhagen, Copenhagen-Vágar. In bad weather, Vágar Airport can close, causing delays. During tourist season, Atlantic Airways offers a direct Paris-Faroe Islands flight, which is more comfortable and cheaper.
- I found a book recommendation in a guide that fascinated me after my trip: *Les collectionneurs d'images* by Joanes Nielsen. Through its sometimes caricatured characters, it offers a glimpse into Faroese mentalities from the 1950s to 1970s—attitudes that likely persist today.
In conclusion, I’ve traveled a lot and I’m tired of destinations that all start to look the same. The Faroe Islands were a delight—a country stunning in its landscape, climate, and culture, where tourism has barely altered its authenticity.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip for October to visit Naples (6 nights) and the Amalfi Coast (5 nights). We’ve already got the historic center and the Lapis Museum in Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Procida, Sorrento, and Ravello on our list. Any suggestions, addresses, or tips?
Thanks for your help.
Hello,
We’re heading to Rome from 21/09, arriving in the early afternoon, and returning on 28/09, leaving in the morning. We’ve already booked our flight tickets and our accommodation in the city center: Via Ezio.
I’d love to get your feedback on our itinerary and if there are any visits we should book right now:
Monday 21 afternoon:
Largo di Torre Argentina: a sacred spot for cats.
Tuesday 22:
The Vatican: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in the morning. Afternoon: St. Peter’s Basilica, the dome, and if possible, the necropolis.
Wednesday 23:
Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. Afternoon: Trastevere neighborhood and the Monumento a Garibaldi.
Thursday 24:
Piazza Navona, Church of St. Louis of the French, the Pantheon, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, Trevi Fountain.
Friday 25:
Villa Borghese, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps, Quirinale, Piazza della Repubblica, and Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Saturday 26:
Aventine and Testaccio neighborhoods, the Capuchin Crypt.
Sunday 27:
Ostia.
Monday 28:
Departure.
Are any days too packed, or should we add more visits?
Thanks for your input and help!
Cheers!
Anne
Hi there,
I’m looking for some great tips for a stay in Palma de Mallorca this summer.
I need cheap flights departing from Toulouse and affordable accommodation for 4 people.
What do you recommend?
Best regards,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the following itinerary (late May). I like to take my time in ruins and museums, and beaches don’t interest me. I’ll be staying in hostels and using public transport. Do you see any major omissions or things that aren’t worth it?
Thanks!
Day 1: Arrival in CATANIA
Day 2: Catania – visit (fish market, cathedral, Biscarri Palace, etc.)
Day 3: Mount Etna (day trip)
Day 4: Morning trip to TAORMINA, visit the town
Day 5: Alcantara Gorge (day trip) + more time in Taormina
Day 6: Trip to SYRACUSE, visit Ortigia
Day 7: Ortigia
Day 8: NOTO (day trip) (or another Baroque town?)
Day 9: Syracuse Archaeological Park + more time in Ortigia (or leave for Enna?)
Day 10: Transport via Enna? TO BE RESOLVED (long, 2 or 3 changes, limited accommodation in Enna...)
Day 11: AGRIGENTO: town and Scala dei Turchi (optional)
Day 12: Valley of the Temples + archaeological museum
Day 13: Departure for TRAPANI (4h), afternoon: town (+ salt flats?)
Day 14: Segesta (day trip) + town/Erice
Day 15: Monte Cofano Nature Reserve (hike + summit) (day trip)
Day 16: Zingaro Nature Park (coastal route out, ridge route back) (day trip)
Day 17: Departure for the AEGADIAN ISLANDS: Levanzo and Favignana (bike), overnight if possible
Day 18: Egadi Islands
Day 19: Departure for PALERMO + first visits
Day 20: The city
Day 21: The city (Monreale?)
Day 22: Options:
- Capo Gallo hike (3.5h round trip) (via Mondello)
- Cefalù (45 min by train)
Day 23: Return flight
