u/msilly34

32 and going to be my first time in a hostel. Looking for something extra low-key. I know I can read reviews on hostelworld and get a feel for it, but figured I'd ask any of y'all if you had any recommendations for me!

Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for someone who is trying to be a bit low-key. Really just trying to avoid party hostels but would prefer somewhere that is overall chill. I know there are plenty reviews to look at but figured I'd ask for some first hand accounts.

I'm taking 2 weeks in mid September to travel a bit of Spain and Portugal. I know these are loaded questions, but I'll try to include enough useful details to get the best feedback. Happy to answer any questions! My current plan looks like this:

9-16 Fly into Madrid

9-17 Train to Granada

9-19 Train to Seville

9-23 Bus to Lisbon

9-26 Train to Porto

9-29 Fly home

My current plan is to fly into Madrid. I know it might be a bit of a hot take but Madrid isn't a priority for me, more of a convenience as it's cheaper to fly there then train to Granada. I'm considering going to Ronda and or Arcos de la Frontera which lead to a few questions. Do any of you prefer one to the other? Are they doable for a day trip or should I consider spending the night in either? Would it make sense to rent a car and go from Granada > Ronda/Arcos > Seville or should I base in Seville then go? Is it worth taking a full day and or night away from Seville?

I'm alsp considering adding Lagos for a more laid back relaxing couple days. Do you think it's worth spending time there and taking days from Seville, Lisbon, or Porto?

General things about me:

-32M traveling solo

-Love exploring cities, food, scenery, history, local culture (I know, basic)

-Museums are cool but not totally essential

-prefer bars over club scene

-prefer hotels over hostels but open to non party hostels

-enjoy meeting people (one of my favorite parts of my last trip)

Last September I took my first big trip. I went solo to Prague, Budapest, and Greece for 2 weeks. Loved every second. I will say that I LOVED how laid back my Greece (Naxos and Paros) time was. The cities were incredible and I had a blast but the islands truly felt like a vacation and I am searching for at least some time to feel similarly on this trip. Which is why I'm considering Lagos.

Tldr: Wondering how you would adjust my itinerary if at all. Thoughts about adding Lagos, thoughts on Ronda vs Arcos, time allocation across each stop, and best transportation choices.

I'm taking 2 weeks in mid September to travel a bit of Spain and Portugal. I know these are loaded questions, but I'll try to include enough useful details to get the best feedback. Happy to answer any questions! My current plan looks like this:

9-16 Fly into Madrid

9-17 Train to Granada

9-19 Train to Seville

9-23 Bus to Lisbon

9-26 Train to Porto

9-29 Fly home

My current plan is to fly into Madrid. I know it might be a bit of a hot take but Madrid isn't a priority for me, more of a convenience as it's cheaper to fly there then train to Granada. I'm considering going to Ronda and or Arcos de la Frontera which lead to a few questions. Do any of you prefer one to the other? Are they doable for a day trip or should I consider spending the night in either? Would it make sense to rent a car and go from Granada > Ronda/Arcos > Seville or should I base in Seville then go? Is it worth taking a full day and or night away from Seville?

I'm alsp considering adding Lagos for a more laid back relaxing couple days. Do you think it's worth spending time there and taking days from Seville, Lisbon, or Porto?

General things about me:

-32M traveling solo

-Love exploring cities, food, scenery, history, local culture (I know, basic)

-Museums are cool but not totally essential

-prefer bars over club scene

-prefer hotels over hostels but open to non party hostels

-enjoy meeting people (one of my favorite parts of my last trip)

Last September I took my first big trip. I went solo to Prague, Budapest, and Greece for 2 weeks. Loved every second. I will say that I LOVED how laid back my Greece (Naxos and Paros) time was. The cities were incredible and I had a blast but the islands truly felt like a vacation and I am searching for at least some time to feel similarly on this trip. Which is why I'm considering Lagos.

Tldr: Wondering how you would adjust my itinerary if at all. Thoughts about adding Lagos, thoughts on Ronda vs Arcos, time allocation across each stop, and best transportation choices.