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The Perfect 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary (+ Travel Tips!)

Colorful, vibrant, diverse, delicious, and surprising: after working your way through this 10 days in Portugal itinerary, those are just a few adjectives that you may find yourself trying–and failing–to sum up this gorgeous country with.

Despite its small size and somewhat isolated position in the far southwestern corner of Europe, the sheer variety of things to do and see on a trip to Portugal is astounding.

And–thanks to the aforementioned small size–you can sample a decent portion of the best places to visit in Portugal in 10 days.

We’ve now been living in Portugal as American ex-pats for about a year, and with every beach town, historic monastery, cozy restaurant, and quirky museum visited, we find something else that we love about traveling in Portugal.

And, thanks to having family and friends come to visit, we’ve had the opportunity to test-drive much of this suggested itinerary for Portugal on our various loved ones, too.

If you are planning your first trip to (mainland) Portugal and are hoping to see as much as possible, we have you covered!

Here’s how to enjoy an incredible 10 days in Portugal.

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 10 Day Portugal Itinerary

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We’ve intentionally structured this Portugal itinerary as a loop beginning and ending in Lisbon.

In addition to the capital city, we’ll cover stops in Sintra , Porto , the Douro Valley, and the Algarve.

While a quick glance at a map is enough to tell you that starting and ending your trip in Lisbon isn’t the most geographically sensible thing to do, it’s what most visitors end up doing simply because Lisbon has–by far–the biggest international airport in Portugal.

If you happen to get a good flight deal, starting your trip in Porto and ending in Faro (home to the Algarve’s international airport) is another option.

However, unless you’re flying to and from another destination in Europe, it’s unlikely to make sense for your vacation.

While there are plenty of modifications you can make to this itinerary (and we’ll cover many of them below), this Portugal itinerary as written goes like this:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Lisbon.
• Day 2 : Lisbon
• Day 3 : Sintra
• Day 4 : Take the train to Porto.
• Day 5 : Porto
• Day 6 : The Douro Valley
• Day 7 : Travel to the Algarve.
• Day 8 : The Algarve
• Day 9 : The Algarve
• Day 10 : Travel back to Lisbon and head home.

This itinerary for Portugal is best accomplished with a mix of transportation.

Within Lisbon and Porto, traveling on foot, via public transportation, and via taxi are sufficient.

To travel from Lisbon to Porto, we recommend taking the train, and we break down the details of that process in this Lisbon to Porto travel guide .

For train tickets, we recommend checking prices and timetables via Omio .

In the Algarve, your life will be much easier with a rental car, though–with some modifications–you can get by without one in a pinch.

We recommend searching for your rental car through  Discover Cars , which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.

The trickiest travel day on this route is between Porto and the Algarve, when, depending on your travel style, you may prefer to fly, take the train, or drive, and we’ll go into more detail on that below.

Shop rental cars and train tickets for your trip to Portugal today!

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon and start exploring the city.

If you’re traveling to Portugal from North America, odds are very high that you’ll arrive early in the morning, exhausted, jet-lagged… and excited to see the city.

Head into the city by cab or metro (cab is the fastest and most comfortable), drop your luggage off at your hotel and enjoy your first round of pasteis de nata over coffee.

From there, it’s time to explore the city–starting with one of its highest points.

Morning: Alfama + Castelo de São Jorge

For your first morning in Lisbon, start by heading to the city’s very highest point: the remains of Castelo de São Jorge , which boasts one of the most stunning views of Lisbon.

Keep in mind that not much is left of Castelo de São Jorge–there are walls, ramparts, views, history, and peacocks.

Even so, it’s consistently ranked one of the best things to do in Lisbon, including by most of our visitors (and the lines get ridiculous, so nab skip-the-line tickets online before you go).

From there, head downhill to explore Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and one of the only parts of the city that wasn’t destroyed in the infamous 1755 earthquake.

Here, you’ll see many Lisbon postcards come to life, including the views from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the famous Tram 28 (though we don’t recommend riding it–just snap photos from outside) and the Lisbon Cathedral.

Wander your way through the tiny streets of Alfama, vaguely making your way toward the Praça do Comércio.

Book skip-the-line tickets to visit Castelo de São Jorge today!

Afternoon: Baixa + A Food Tour

When you find yourself at the Praça do Comércio, you’re in Baixa, the heart of Lisbon’s downtown that was reimagined and rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.

You’ll no doubt be able to feel the difference in architecture as compared to more medieval Alfama!

Enjoy the square and accompanying views of the river, and then head inland, through the beautiful Arco da Rua Augusta and up through Lisbon’s shopping district.

Make your way past Rossio Square, and check out the Church of São Domingos.

At this point, you may be completely burned out with jetlag–but hopefully not.

If you can rally, we highly recommend signing up for this food tour , which we loved and is one of a few that we have taken in Lisbon.

We had a great time on the tour and found it to be a great quick introduction to Portuguese cuisine.

In other words, it’s the perfect activity for the beginning of your first trip to Portugal (and it will save you from having to figure out where to eat dinner your first day, too).

Sign up for your Lisbon food tour today!

Where to Stay in Lisbon

We recommend basing yourself in Lisbon for your first 3 nights in Portugal.

While there are plenty of excellent neighborhoods to stay in throughout Lisbon, we recommend picking somewhere central with good transportation connections around the city.

Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, Principe Real, and Barrio Alto are great names to keep an eye out for when browsing places to stay.

For a budget-friendly hostel experience (with private rooms available), the  Sunset Destination Hostel  is a great, centrally located option.

At a mid-range price tag, you can’t beat the location or rave reviews for  Tempo FLH Hotels Lisboa .

Looking for a splurge?

The Lumiares Hotel & Spa  is part of the much-acclaimed Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection, and offers stunning views that you won’t forget anytime soon!

Check rates & book your stay in Lisbon today!

Day 2: Enjoy more of Lisbon’s highlights.

The second day of your Portugal itinerary is all about continuing to get to know Lisbon, covering a mix of the capital’s top attractions and cultural delights.

Morning: Bairro Alto + Chiado

Start your morning in Lisbon’s Bairro Alto (high town) and Chiado, exploring a corner of the historic center that you didn’t get to see yesterday!

Highlights include the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara, the overwhelming Church of São Roque, the Carmo Convent, and a stop at Livraria Bertrand , the oldest still-operating bookstore in the world.

If you’re a fan of glitzy cafes, consider also grabbing a coffee and pastry at A Brasileira .

Afternoon: Belém + The Jerónimos Monastery

Next up on your Portugal itinerary, head down to the popular riverside neighborhood of Belém .

Here, you’ll find the famous Jerónimos Monastery and accompanying church (the church is free to enter, the monastery is not), the gorgeous Belém Tower (you don’t need to go in, but it’s worth seeing the exterior), the Monument of the Discoveries, and stunning views of the Tagus River.

You’ll also find the wildly popular Pastéis de Belém, which serves up the original pastéis de nata.

Yes, they are worth the long line (hint: the table service line is often much shorter than the takeaway line!), but if standing in line for carbs isn’t your thing, Manteigaria , another popular Lisbon bakery, has a location just down the street.

Meanwhile, the Jerónimos Monastery, while a must-see, is home to some of the longest lines for any tourist attraction in Portugal! Pre-book your ticket and, since you’re visiting Belém in the afternoon, consider going close to closing time (we took the photos of the monastery that are included in this post on a September afternoon close to closing time).

Grab your Jerónimos Monastery tickets today!

If you’re a speedy sightseer, you might even be able to squeeze in an extra offbeat museum (we love the National Coach Museum) or viewpoint while visiting Belém– here’s our guide to the neighborhood .

Evening: Sunset Boat Tour or Fado Show

In the evening, close out your day with a sunset boat cruise on the Tagus River, soaking in some of the best views of Lisbon, the Tagus, and the Ponte 25 Abril Bridge from the water.

We absolutely loved our sunset cruise experience in Lisbon and highly recommend it–kicking back and relaxing with beautiful views is the perfect way to end a busy sightseeing day.

Not into cruises? Alternatively, you could opt to attend a Fado show instead, to experience a different side of Portuguese culture.

If you prefer to enjoy a Fado show, we recommend reversing this day’s itinerary, starting with Jerónimos Monastery as soon as it opens and then ending your day in Chiado.

Book your sunset boat cruise or Fado show today!

Day 3: Take a day trip to Sintra (and beyond).

Set in the hills just outside of Lisbon, the beautiful town of Sintra–complete with several fantastic palaces–is easily among the most popular places to visit in Portugal.

From the beauty of the distinctive yellow-and-red Pena Palace to the quirky Alice in Wonderland vibes of Quinta da Regaleira to the stunning views from the Moorish Castle and beyond, visiting Sintra is incredibly memorable and worth the effort.

… But, its popularity also has another side effect: the palaces of Sintra are among the most crowded places included on this travel itinerary, so be prepared for that.

With 10 days in Portugal, you’ll want to visit Sintra on a day trip from Lisbon, and that essentially leaves you 2 options: travel by public transportation, or on a guided day trip like this .

This day trip is one of the most popular tours in Portugal and includes visits to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira as well as Cabo da Roca (long believed to be the westernmost point of mainland Europe, now simply a stunning viewpoint), and a short stop in the resort town of Cascais .

The pros of taking a tour are simple: as the palaces in Sintra are far enough apart that you can’t walk between most of them and parking is very tricky, it saves you time and allows you to see more.

The cons are simple too: with so many stops to make, you won’t have much time to linger.

If you’d rather travel independently, you can absolutely do that as well, though we recommend nabbing your tickets for Pena Palace and other popular places in advance.

The train takes about 40 minutes from central Lisbon.

Once you arrive in Sintra, you’ll board one of 2 buses that will take you to your first palace, and then (depending on which palaces you choose to see) another to your second and maybe third, depending on how fast you explore.

When you’re finished, you can head back to Lisbon via train or simply call an Uber (we tend to do this).

Book your Sintra day trip today!

Alternative Day Trip: Obidos + the UNESCO Monasteries

Not into touring palaces (and fighting crowds to do so) or admiring views of the sea?

I can’t say I entirely understand, but I do have an excellent alternative for travelers more interested in small towns and historic architecture: instead of heading to Sintra and the coast, head to Óbidos and (some of) the nearby UNESCO monasteries of Alcobaça, Batalha, and Tomar.

I’ll describe these destinations in a bit more detail in the “other destinations” sections below, but if 700-year-old monasteries and medieval castle walls you can climb on for free sound like your idea of a good time, you’ll love them.

For this day trip, you’ll want to either rent a car for the day or sign up for an organized day trip like this to handle the transportation and logistics.

Honestly, these are some of my favorite places in Portugal, so it pains me not to include them in the full itinerary–and they’re certainly worthy of a day of your time.

Book your UNESCO monasteries + Obidos day trip today!

Day 4: Head north to Porto.

This morning, it’s time to check out your hotel and head north to Porto!

Morning: Train to Porto

The easiest way to travel from Lisbon to Porto during your 10 days in Portugal is to take the train, which travels directly between the 2 cities and takes about 3.5 hours.

Most trains leave from Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia Station and run consistently throughout the day.

We go into more detail on managing the journey between the 2 cities in this blog post .

We recommend booking your train tickets for the earliest time you feel comfortable with–the sooner you get to Porto, the better!

Shop train tickets from Lisbon to Porto today!

Afternoon/Evening: Porto’s Historic Center

Once you arrive in Porto, drop your bags off at your hotel (if it’s not time for check-in yet, they should be able to hold them in the lobby for you) and get ready to explore!

If you’re looking for a quick lunch, the roast pork and soft cheese sandwich at Casa Guedes is a great place to start.

From there, we recommend checking out some of Porto’s attractions that are further from the river, such as the Chapel of Souls, the Church of Saint Ildefonso, and Rua Santa Catarina.

If you have time, head over to the Church of Carmo, as and soak up the view from Miradouro da Vitória.

And, of course, you can’t forget the very first attraction you’ll see as you arrive in Porto: the interior of the São Bento train station is magnificent!

Where to Stay in Porto

We’ve visited Porto several times now, and have made a habit of staying at Pestana Porto – A Brasileira or NH Hotel Porto Batalha during our visits.

Both hotels are beautiful, with excellent customer service and incredibly central locations that both make it easy to explore Porto on foot and easy to check in when arriving by train.

(They both also welcome Ranger, a must for us).

If you’re traveling Portugal on a budget, the Zero Box Lodge Porto gets excellent reviews.

We recommend spending 3 nights in Porto during your Portugal vacation.

Check rates & book your stay in Porto today!

Day 5: Explore Porto in-depth.

While day 4 of this itinerary involved traveling from Lisbon and day 6 will include a day trip, day 5 is all about diving deep into the city of Porto.

Morning: More of Porto’s Historic Center

After a leisurely brunch (we can heartily recommend Floresta Cafe and Esquires Coffee, both of which we’ve eaten at many times), make your way to Clerigos Tower to enjoy one of the most stunning views of Porto!

From there, check out the Porto Cathedral–while the church is free to enter, it’s well worth forking over a few Euro to explore the cloisters and attached museum, too.

Meander down toward the gorgeous Bolsa Palace (if you want to go inside, you’ll need to book a 30-minute guided tour ) and the Church of San Francisco, which is home to a downright stunning interior!

Afternoon/Evening: Ribeira + Vila Nova de Gaia

When you wrap up with the Porto attractions above, you’ll be very close to the Ribeira district: Porto’s colorful, vibrant riverside.

Once the haunt of fishermen and sailors, and now the haunt of tourists, the Ribeira district is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy views of Porto.

Like many picturesque neighborhoods around the world, the restaurants here tend to be expensive and mediocre, but you can find occasional gems (we enjoyed our meal at Grupo Desportivo Infante D. Henrique, which has a great view but is a bit out of the hustle and bustle).

From Ribeira, make your way across the (lower level of the) Dom Luis I Bridge, to Vila Nova de Gaia.

This charming riverfront is technically a separate city from Porto, but it’s also home to all of the port lodges, and no trip to Porto is complete without a port tasting!

This port cellar tour and tasting will give you a good idea of what to expect from a typical tasting, and you can either opt for an organized tour or a build-your-own adventure experience ( Quinta dos Corvos is a personal favorite lodge of ours).

This is also where you can hop on a 6 Bridges Cruise to experience Porto from the water for an hour–a delightful experience in and of itself.

Once you wrap up exploring Vila Nova de Gaia, ride the cable car back up to the top of the Dom Luis I Bridge, where you’ll be treated to gorgeous views over the city and an easy walk back to your hotel.

Day 6: Take a day trip to the Douro Valley.

Today, set off from Porto to visit one of the most dreamy destinations in Portugal: the Douro Valley.

Set a couple of hours east of Porto (give or take), the Douro Valley is the origin of the famous port wine and the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.

Here, the wine grows on dramatic terraces leading to the Douro River and, due to how steep the terraces are, the grapes are still harvested by hand.

And, as beautiful as the photos of the Douro Valley are, I have to say: this is one part of Portugal that photography simply sells short.

It is even more stunning in person!

On a day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto, you’ll have time to take in a few mesmerizing viewpoints, attend a port tasting or two at the source, and possibly take a cruise along the Douro River.

While you can rent a car and drive out to a quinta or two yourself, this is one day where a guided tour makes absolute sense.

The best viewpoints in the Douro Valley, while stunning, can require a bit of tricky driving, and for obvious reasons, port tastings and driving on tiny, winding, unfamiliar roads don’t mix well.

With only 10 days in Portugal to work with, this is an area where it’s easier to let experts deal with the legwork.

There are many excellent tours out there, usually offering some combination of a couple of port tastings, a lunch, and a river cruise in the town of Pinhão (if you get a chance to check out the azulejo-covered train station while you’re in Pinhão, be sure to take it).

This day trip is an excellent option for those who want to focus exclusively on the Douro Valley, and this tour is a fun alternative who want to combine the Douro Valley with a stop in the charming small town of Amarante .

Book your Douro Valley day trip today!

Day 7: Make your way from Porto to Lagos.

Without a doubt, traveling from Porto all the way to the country’s southern shores in Lagos is the longest travel day on this 10 day Portugal itinerary.

You essentially have 3 options: first, rent a car and drive, which will likely incur a one-way rental fee (they’re usually quite reasonable, but double-check).

The drive is about 5 hours (360 miles/575 kilometers), not including stops.

Alternatively, you could take the train (6.5 hours and 1-2 changes), or fly to Faro (about an hour of flight time, then another hour to drive to Lagos).

All of the options have their pros and cons, you can price rental cars via Discover Cars here and check train and flight tickets on Omio here . Personally, we’d rather drive or take the train, as we generally consider flying more hassle than it’s worth for distances this short.

Regardless, once you arrive in the Algarve, you’ll likely want a car–so if you don’t pick one up in Porto, you’ll want to grab one once you arrive!

Evening: Lagos’ Historic Center + Ponta da Piedade

Once you arrive in Lagos and get checked into your hotel, you’ll potentially still have a bit of daylight left to work with! Start getting to know the town by wandering the historic center and waterfront.

Fort Ponta da Bandeira is always worth a look and, if it’s still open when you arrive, the Church of Santo Antonio is a must-see.

Ponta da Piedade, one of the most stunning viewpoints in all of Portugal, is a 10-minute drive or 45-minute walk from the center of town and is an excellent place to be at sunset.

Where to Stay in Lagos

Lagos is one of the most beloved beach towns in the Algarve and makes an excellent final base to round off your 10 days in Portugal.

Look for hotels within walking distance of the historic center, ideally with on-site parking, and you’ll be well-positioned to explore the region.

We adored our stay at Tivoli Lagos and would be thrilled to return to enjoy the beautiful property, gorgeous pool, restaurants, and delicious included breakfast again.

With free parking (almost) on-site, comfortable rooms, and incredibly easy access to Lagos’ attractions, Tivoli Lagos is a fantastic place to stay.

Hotel Lagosmar is another excellent nearby option, and Dream Lagos B&B is a fantastic place to stay when visiting Portugal on a budget.

We recommend staying in Lagos for 2-3 nights.

Check rates & book your stay in Lagos today!

Day 8: See the best of Lagos + nearby towns.

Today is all about enjoying the best of the Algarve, both from land and sea!

Morning: Boat Tour From Lagos

Start your morning with a boat tour from Lagos , which will show you Ponta da Piedade and the coastline of the Algarve from a whole new level.

With any luck, you may spot a few dolphins, as well (though if that’s your focus, a dolphin spotting cruise might be more your speed).

If you’re looking for something more physically active than a boat ride, there are kayaking options as well!

Book your Ponta da Piedade boat tour today!

Afternoon/Evening: Algarve Town-Hopping

Lagos may be a wonderful place to visit in Portugal, but it’s surrounded by plenty of other gorgeous, white-washed towns that also deserve to be explored.

Albufeira (busy, beautiful, known for its nightlife) and Ferragudo (charming, laid-back) are both a short drive away and worthy of a visit.

Looking for something a bit more out of the way?

Sagres (yes, like the beer!) is located on the southwestern tip of mainland Europe, about a 40-minute drive from Lagos, and is also a gorgeous option.

It’s best known as a surfing destination, but the town center and scenic views from its 15th-century fortress are also worth checking out.

Alternative: Beach Time

Of course, after more than a week of intense sightseeing around Portugal, the idea of even more tours, towns, and attractions may sound more exhausting than invigorating!

If that’s you, don’t worry: the Algarve has plenty of beaches ready to help you relax as long as you need.

Praia Meia, Praia do Camilo, Praia dos Estudantes, and Praia do Pinhão are just a handful of the many dreamy beaches in the immediate vicinity of Lagos (some within walking distance) that are excellent places to relax.

Fair warning, though: if you hail from a hot climate like us, the beaches of the Algarve don’t have particularly warm water, even in the height of summer.

Day 9: Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and kayak to Benagil Cave.

Hiking, kayaking, and coastal views are what your last full day in Portugal is all about!

Of course, there’s also the perfectly valid option of relaxing on (or continuing to relax on) one of the Algarve’s many legendary beaches today instead–more on that in a bit.

Morning: Bengail Cave + Carvoeiro

If you’ve seen photos of a sea cave in Portugal, odds are it was of the stunning Benagil Cave.

This absolutely gorgeous cave is an iconic spot in the Algarve, and experiencing it yourself is one of the best things to do in Portugal!

In order to access Benagil Cave, you’ll need to do so from the water–and  kayaking  (or SUPing) the 200m required is the perfect option.

Don’t want to kayak or SUP?

You can still visit Benagil Cave, but here’s the catch: regulations prevent boat tours like this popular one from letting participants disembark in the cave.

If you want that iconic view of Benagil Cave from standing on the small beach inside, you’ll have to sweat a bit to get it!

However, a boat tour has its benefits as well, including more time to visit several other sea caves in the area.

Once you wrap up visiting Benagil Cave–or if you’d rather not–the town of Carvoeiro, where the cave is located, is well worth a wander (and its beach is a wonderful place to enjoy some time on the sand).

Book your Benagil Cave kayaking tour  or  small boat tour  today!

Afternoon/Evening: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Often considered one of the best hikes in Portugal, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail stretches 6 kilometers each way and runs from Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes.

This out-and-back trail is absolutely stunning and one of our favorite places in Portugal, and the very top photo of this Portugal blog post was snapped when we were hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. Featuring magnificent views all the way through, every step of this moderate trail is a delight.

You’ll even hike right over the Benagil Cave, though a fence prevents you from being able to see into the cave very well.

Alternative: Beach Day

If you’re looking for a beach to enjoy as you get ready to wrap up your 10 day Portugal itinerary, you can’t beat the iconic Praia da Marinha.

Situated at one end of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, the Praia da Marinha is absolutely stunning and a fantastic place to either enjoy the sand or admire from above.

Countless publications, including the Michelin Guide, have ranked Praia da Marinha as one of the most beautiful beaches on Earth over the years, and to see it in person is to fully understand why.

There’s parking near the beach, and if you’re not up for a full hike, you can always hike however much of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail you would like from there, and then double back to the beach when you’re ready.

Day 10: Make your way back to Lisbon and say goodbye to Portugal.

… over one more pastel de nata, probably!

Honestly, depending on what time your flight leaves, you may need to return to Lisbon on the evening of day 9 instead.

But, since Lagos and Lisbon are less than 3 hours apart by car, you can still have a full day of exploring and then drive back the evening of your 9th day.

If you have an evening flight out and wake up in the Algarve this morning, we recommend getting one last glimpse of the sea if you have time!

It’s very tempting to simply use this section to make a list of all the incredible places that we love in Portugal–but that’s not particularly helpful!

However, if you have more than 10 days to work with–say, around 2 weeks in Portugal or so–here are the destinations we’d strongly consider adding to your itinerary.

You won’t have time for all of them, even with a full 14 days to work with, but some will likely catch your eye more than others.

And, all of these places are within around 2 hours of Lisbon, Porto, or both, making them smooth additions to your route.

One of our absolute favorite small towns in Portugal, Obidos lies about an hour north of Lisbon and is completely surrounded by the intact walls of its medieval castle.

And, one of the best things to do in Obidos is to simply stroll along the tops of those walls!

Check our our guide to the best things to do in Obidos!

Alcobaça + Batalha + Tomar

The monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, plus the Convent of Christ of Tomar, are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are located within fairly short drives of each other, only 1.5 hours or so north of Lisbon.

They also happen to be typically uncrowded and are some of my favorite places in Portugal!

Tomar, and the Convent of Christ of Tomar in particular, has 12th-century roots in the Knights Templar.

All 3 destinations have absolutely mesmerizing architecture and are well worth visiting.

(Entrance to all 3 is also included with the Lisbon Card , so if you plan to purchase the card, try to structure your visits here so they’ll be covered).

As Lisbon’s most convenient beach/resort town (less than an hour by train or car), Cascais is a local and tourist favorite!

From relaxing on the beaches to checking out fun attractions like the Boca do Inferno and the Castro Guimaraes Museum (well worth the 4 Euro entry fee), Cascais is a fun addition to any Portugal itinerary.

It also doesn’t take long to see: whether you have 2 hours or 2 days, you’ll have fun in Cascais.

Here’s our guide to taking a day trip to Cascais.

Braga, located northeast of Porto, is best known for its famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bom Jesus de Monte.

Exploring the city center, and visiting the many other historic churches in the city (including the Braga Cathedral), are also well worth your time.

As the capital of Portugal’s Alentejo region, Évora makes a fantastic day trip from Lisbon or an overnight addition to a Portugal itinerary.

While you’re there, don’t miss the 12th-century Gothic Cathedral, the spooky Chapel of Bones, or the remains of a 2000-year-old Roman temple that you can find in the center of the city.

Check out our guide to the best things to do in Évora!

Known as the “birthplace of Portugal”, Guimarães is located in the north of the country, not far from Braga and within day-tripping distance from Porto.

The 10th-century Guimarães Castle and the 15th-century palace of the Duke of Bragança are among the best things to see in town, but don’t miss the chance to explore the historic center, either!

Home to the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized University of Coimbra, Portugal’s “third city” is incredibly beautiful and mixes ornate architecture and lengthy history (it was the capital of Portugal from 1139 to 1385) with youthful energy.

Note that Coimbra is located along the train route between Lisbon and Porto, and is a very easy stop to add between the two.

Choose your day trips based on your travel style.

We’ve structured this 10 day Portugal itinerary to cover the country’s biggest highlights in a short amount of time–which, realistically speaking, means visiting some places (Sintra, for example) that tend to be crowded.

If you know that you’re a fan of quieter, more offbeat destinations, Lisbon and Porto both have an overwhelming number of options!

Instead of Sintra, for example, you could head to Évora or Tomar.

Instead of the Douro Valley, you could visit Braga and Guimarães .

There are no wrong answers, and there are far more incredible things to see in Portugal than you can cover in less than 2 weeks.

Don’t overextend your itinerary.

Given Portugal’s compact nature (it’s about the same size as Indiana) it can be very tempting to add on “just one more!” destination to your travel plans. Try to resist the urge, though!

This itinerary for Portugal is already very fast-paced as written, and you don’t want to end up spending all of your time in a car or on a train instead of enjoying the country.

Carefully consider how you’ll get from place to place.

While Portugal’s train system is very useful in some areas–like traveling between Lisbon and Porto–it can get a bit more complex on other routes.

Even traveling between Lisbon and Lagos via train , for example, requires making a change.

And taking a day trip to Évora from Lisbon via train, while it looks simple on paper, requires some careful planning, as there are only 2 trains per day.

Rental cars can come in handy here, and for places very close to a major city (like Cascais and Sintra), so can taxis and/or Ubers.

Check train routes + schedules in Portugal today!

Bring shoes with an excellent grip.

Portugal’s traditional pavement, or  calçada portuguesa , is one of the most distinctive features of the country’s cities and towns (though you’ll also find it in many of the places Portugal once colonized).

These walkways are beautiful, distinctive, and quite slippery–especially in the rain.

Watch your step, especially on hills, and opt for shoes with some grip on them!

Be prepared to climb lots of hills.

Most of the places included on this 10 day Portugal itinerary, including both Lisbon and Porto, are famous for their steep hills!

Be prepared to get a workout when exploring both cities, as well as in places like Sintra.

Portugal is the epitome of a year-round destination, and this itinerary for Portugal in 10 days is equally viable in January and July.

There will be a few things that change with the seasons, of course–the Algarve in January will mean more pleasant hiking but no swimming, and you’ll certainly fight more crowds at Pena Palace in August than you would in March–but the overall structure of the route is solid at any time of the year.

Portugal’s winters are extremely mild but can be wet, especially in the north.

Plan for rain if you’re visiting in the winter, but that’s no reason to cancel your trip.

After all, you could just as easily end up with January weather in the Algarve that looks like this:

If we had to pick our absolute favorite times to recommend for visiting Portugal, we’d recommend April/May (the jacaranda trees blooming in Lisbon in May is a special bonus!), and September/October.

In other words, shoulder seasons that offer plenty of sunshine and mild weather, while avoiding the worst crowds of July and August.

Our summer packing list for Europe will cover the vast majority of what you need to bring to Portugal–but here are a few essentials to keep in mind!

Travel Adapters for Portugal   — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll need adapters for your electronics.

Dry Bag  — Want to keep your electronics safe during a beach day, kayaking tour, or boat trip?

Securing them in a  dry bag  is the perfect low-cost solution!

Sunglasses — Remember how I mentioned that the beautiful calçada portuguesa is incredibly slippery?

Well, there’s another hazard: it’s also incredibly bright!

You’ll want to wear sunglasses even more than usual during your 10 day Portugal vacation.

Camera  — We absolutely adore our  Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works.

Just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!

Hand Sanitizer  — We carry this everywhere, and have never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.

Reusable Water Bottle — Cut down on plastic waste and save money by bringing a reusable water bottle along for your 10 days in Portugal!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

49 thoughts on “The Perfect 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary (+ Travel Tips!)”

Thanks for the treasure trove of information. We are going on 10 day trip to Portugal in early March and your travelog is very helpful in planning our trip. One question: after 3-4 days in Lisbon, what would you think of renting car for the rest of the trip to Porto and Algarve? Is parking in Porto a hassle to be avoided? Thanks Kam

If you’re hoping to make a day of the journey and stop somewhere between Lisbon and Porto (Alcobaca Monastery, Batalha Monastery, or Obidos would be a few of our top picks), you can absolutely do it that way!

With only 10 days in Portugal, you’d likely be trading extra time in Porto to be able to do so, but if that sounds like a fair trade-off to you it’s workable.

You definitely won’t need a car when sightseeing in Porto, but parking isn’t too bad. There’s a garage right down the street from the NH Hotel we used when we decided to drive up one trip, and you can get in and out of the city fairly easily from there.

Many thanks for your reply, it was very helpful. Apologies for my late response, was out of pocket for some time. On further checking and deliberation, I think we will do the train and rent a cart only in Algarve, to make it easy on ourselves driving wise in a new country. Our plan now looks like the following (4N Lisbob, 3N each in Algarve and Porto): 2/28: Arrive Lisbon 3:10 pm 3/1: Lisbon 3/2: Lisbon 3/3: Lisbon 3/4: Morning train to Lagos arriving noon-2 pm (depending on which train) 3/5: Algarve 3/6: Algarve 3/7: Train to Porto arriving 1:30-3:30 pm (depending on which train) 3/8: Porto 3/9: Douro valley 3/10: 2 pm train to Lisbon 3/11: Early morning flight out of Lisbon to Houston

Sounds like a fantastic trip!

Hope you guys have a great time, and we’d love to hear how it goes!

Thank you for this wonderful deep dive into a country we’ve been so excited to visit for a long time. Just booked our flights for this July, and we’ve constructed an itinerary very much based on your guide! Leaning Lagos for our Algarve stay as it seems central to explore the coast in both directions. Here’s our plan!

• Fri Jun 30: fly to Lisbon PM • Sat Jul 1: arrive Lisbon AM / Lisbon PM • Sun Jul 2: Lisbon • Mon Jul 3: Sintra tour • Tue Jul 4: train to Porto AM (3.5hrs) / Porto PM • Wed Jul 5: Porto • Thu Jul 6: Douro valley tour (port tasting!) • Fri Jul 7: drive to Lagos/Algarve (5hrs) / Lagos PM • Sat Jul 8: Algarve • Sun Jul 9: Algarve • Mon Jul 10: Algarve / Lisbon • Tue Jul 11: fly home

Sounds like an excellent trip! You guys are going to have a fantastic time.

So glad we were able to help with your planning. 🙂

Hi Kate, thank you for such great ideas. What do you think of this itinerary:

fly into Porto – 2-3 days (river cruise) then train/bus Coimbra – 1 day then train or bus to Lisbon – 5 days (Sintra/Obidos/Evora/Fatima) then train or bus to Algarve – 2 days then train or bus to Lisbon – fly home

too much for so little time? is it worth doing a multi-city airline ticket?

Hi Christine,

Sounds like you have about 13-14 days to work with, right? If so, that’s doable, but I’d mix it up a little bit.

I’d recommend trimming one day from Lisbon to add an extra day in the Algarve.

While in Lisbon, you can easily visit Obidos and Fatima on the same day. You might also look into visiting Alcobaca Monastery or Batalha Monastery that day as well.

Personally, if it fits into your budget I’d definitely consider the multi-city airline ticket. If you can save a day of doubling back it’ll buy you more time to explore!

If you plan to do that, be sure to check rates from the Faro Airport as well–it’s much smaller than Lisbon’s but worth checking prices for as that could save you doubling back to Lisbon as well.

Hope that helps and that you guys love Portugal!

What did you have to do to take your dog to Portugal? Is there doggy day care for excursions that do not allow dogs? Do you find English speakers everywhere in Portugal? Any issues with language?

Hi Richard!

We spent over a year living in Lisbon, so we moved Ranger to Portugal with us via plane. We took him to the vet when we arrived to confirm his rabies vaccine and have him examined and got an EU Pet Passport that way.

There are doggy daycares in Portugal, especially in the cities, but I’m not sure how usable they are for visitors versus regular users. We never took Ranger to one.

English is widely spoken in Portugal, though not ubiquitous. You don’t need to speak Portuguese to get by, though learning simple phrases is of course polite and very appreciated! We’ve never run into any issues with language in a travel setting in Portugal.

Hi Kate, great info. Is it necessary to rent a car in Algarve/Lagos? Is the taxi system not very good? And if we did get a car is parking difficult to find?

I’d say it depends on your expectations–it’s possible to rely on a combination of buses, taxis/Ubers, and tours, but it would require a lot more planning and managing of your time.

Lagos is a fairly small place, as are most of the other places first-time visitors want to see in the Algarve. You won’t find the easy-to-access taxi stands you find in Lisbon or anything like that.

Parking is fairly easy, especially if you visit outside the peak summer months and/or get up early (we know people who live in the Algarve who say you can have any beach to yourself early in the morning). Most of the beaches have parking at or near them, and there’s metered parking in towns. It’s nothing like parking in cities!

Hi Kate, Jeremy, Thanks for the detailed notes .. am bookmarking this for our trip. We plan to travel to Portugal with this itinerary. Any recos if this makes sense? What would you change, if anything? 4 – reach Lis by 10am, sightsee (Lis) 5 – Sintra (Lis) 6 – 1/2 day Lis, Leave for Algarve (Lagos) 7 Algarve (Lagos) 8 Algarve (Lagos) 9 Algarve – Porto travel day (Por) 10 Porto (Por) 11 Porto (Por) 12 Porto (Por) 13 – Fly out I am traveling with my family – 2 kids (10 & 7). Would you recommend I book a car from Lisbon, keep it for my Algarve leg and return it to Porto? I am a North American driver – how easy is it to drive here? Would you recommend that over public transport? Thx

Personally, I’d take one day off of Porto and add it to Lisbon! Porto is a much smaller city, you can easily see the majority of its top attractions in 1 to 1.5 days. I’d also recommend considering a day trip out to the Douro Valley from Porto, it’s wonderful!

The driving is pretty simple in Portugal, I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to book a car. You don’t need one in Lisbon or Porto, but it will definitely come in handy in the Algarve.

Lagos is definitely doable without a car but it’s more flexible with one.

Trains are definitely a solid option for getting between cities, but there aren’t any direct trains from Lagos to/from Lisbon or Porto.

Thank you so much for the gold mine of information! We always travel with our small dog too, coming from Washington DC. We generally bring him everywhere on our travels and have a comfortable bag pack to bring him into some buildings/restaurants if they don’t allow a dog out of the bag but are okay with him being in the bag- which he happens to love. Im curious if any of the tours or castles, monasteries, kayak tours, boats etc take dogs? What was your experience? We’re going in mid December along your route. Hopefully weather is good. It’s our only school break where the whole family can travel together. We’re hoping to find some Christmas markets too!

Hi Melanie,

Absolutely, I’m so glad you found it helpful!

Portugal is reasonably dog-friendly by European standards (which is very friendly compared to most of the US), but dogs aren’t generally allowed in most attractions like castles or monasteries. You’d need to ask on a case-by-case basis, but I wouldn’t count on it. (If you were going to France or Italy… that’s another story).

Boats you might have a bit more luck, but again, you’d have to ask.

Ranger didn’t visit any attractions with us in Portugal, though he was universally welcome on outdoor dining patios.

The good news about visiting in the winter like you are is that many of the beaches that don’t allow dogs during the high season are more lax about furry visitors during the winter!

Hi Kate! I saw that you commented to another traveler that there are not direct trains from Lisbon to Lagos. How do we do the train from Lisbon to the Lagos which is in the Algarve…correct? I think I read there is a train to somewhere near the Algarve? To Faro? And then rent a car in Faro to take Lagos. We were planning on staying Lagos and the going the most popular/beautify beaches in the Alarve. Just wanted to verify as the correct plan on getting to Lagos. Thanks

Hi Kate We are planning a trip to Portugal mid April for 10 days. We are going to fly into Lisbon, spend 2-3 days there, then go to Porto for 2-3 days. Looking at flying from Porto to Faro, getting a rental car there, and make our way back to Lisbon, where we depart from. Is this too much for 10 days?

It’s a fast-paced trip, but very doable, and very similar to the itinerary option I outlined here. 🙂

Hi Kate! Whoops! I looked on the map and going to Faro is wrong. So from Lisbon to as close to Lagos as possible, where is the closest train destination and from wherever that is how do we get to Lagos since train doesn’t go to Lagos, which I’m Not sure why. But we then plan to rent a car in Lagos. I assume we can rent a car in Lagos. Maybe you can give us some guidance on doing this. Thanks.

Lagos does have a train station, but you’ll need to make a change when traveling from Lisbon, as there’s not a direct route between the 2 cities.

Yes, you can definitely rent a car in Lagos! However, since it’s faster to drive between Lisbon and Lagos than to take the train, you may want to consider renting a car in Lisbon and driving it south, since you plan to rent one when you arrive anyway.

That’s down to personal preference and your plans before and after Lagos, but it’s an option!

Hi Kate. Do you know the approximate cost per day to rent a car in Lisbon in order to drive to the Algarve. Assume an average size car. I see on the internet it says $6 to 15 US dollars which seems really cheap. And do you recommend a particular area or town in the Algarve to stay that is central to all the beaches and things to stay? Not sure if you mentioned this in the 10 day itinerary. Thanks

That does sound very cheap–we’ve definitely never paid that little, though if you got an online deal and didn’t buy the extra insurance (we always do) I suppose it may be possible. I suspect that number is a bit out of date, though. We use Discover Cars to compare prices (they’re an aggregate that searches multiple companies at once).

As far as towns go, there’s definitely some flexibility. We personally like Lagos (it’s very convenient and small without being tiny), but Albufeira and Carvoeiro are also lovely.

Hi Kate, would you suggest going to Faros from Lagos rather than returning to Lisbon. We will be heading to London after Portugal so we can get a direct flight from there. Best wishes Judy

Yes, if you can get a good flight from Faro that’s a great idea!

Love your website. Well done! Do you have this itinerary in a list format for a quick glance? Thanks!

Thanks, Smidge!

Here you go:

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon Day 2: Lisbon Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra Day 4: Head to Porto Day 5: Porto Day 6: Day Trip to Douro Valley Day 7: Travel to Algarve Day 8: Algarve Day 9: Algarve Day 10: Travel back to Lisbon and head home

The advice here is a lot of help. Could we stay in Lisbon and take day trips or is it recommended to split the vacation between Lisbon and Porto? Should tours be booked in advance or at the hotel? In Italy we booked our train travel the day that we traveled and did not have reserved tickets. Any advice would be appreciated. My wife wants to see the Fatima. Is this a church, place etc.? Thanks for any advice.

Hi Richard,

Happy that you found our site helpful!

If you want to visit Porto, we highly recommend splitting your time. If you’re flexible about what you see, you can definitely have a wonderful vacation based in Lisbon, but it’ll look very different from this itinerary (which also includes staying in the Algarve).

We personally always book our tours online and recommend our readers do the same, but it’s personal preference. Some hotels (4* and higher especially) would be happy to help, but we recommend doing price comparisons to the online options.

Fatima is a city that’s about an hour and a half north of Lisbon by car, but the major reason people visit is to see the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and surrounding buildings, which are a major Catholic pilgrimage site. To get there, you’ll want to either drive, take a bus, or book a tour.

We talk more about Lisbon day trip options, including Fatima, here: https://www.ourescapeclause.com/best-day-trips-from-lisbon/

Hello Kate! I came to say how grateful I am to you for this itinerary. We followed it to the letter and it was one of the best trips in our lives. We decided to go to Portugal for our 20th anniversary and it was nothing short of amazing.

Fellow travellers, we tried every single activity in this itinerary and can’t recommend all of them enough. You will not be disappointed.

The only two suggestions I have – do your own research on hotels. To me two out of three hotels were not ideal, but that’s totally on me. I should have read the reviews first and choose for myself.

And another one for all the art lovers out there- if you have some free time then add some museums and art galleries to your itinerary. In Lisbon Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and Calouste Gulbenkian Museum blew my mind. They have world class collections comparable to the best world museums.

Again, thank you Kate. What a wonderful vacation I’ve had all thanks to you.

Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and share!

So glad you had a wonderful trip to Portugal! Happy 20th anniversary, as well. 🙂

Hello Kate, My wife and I are from Florida, and we plan to visit Portugal in November. Would the 10-day itinerary still work in November since it is a low season and cooler month? Any adjustment or change will you recommend? Any special advice for traveling Portugal in November? Thank you!

Your website is wonderful and very helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Best Regards, Ken

Yes, as long as you’re prepared for a higher risk of rain, this itinerary works perfectly well year-round!

If not being able to swim at the Algarve is a dealbreaker for you, you could consider trimming that portion and spending more time further north instead–but we happen to think that the hiking and coastal views are even better down there during the low season, when the crowds and temperatures are both smaller.

Hope you guys have an amazing trip!

Hi Kate, so looking for some advice. We are in Portugal for 11 days at the end of March 2024. We fly into Lisbon but thought it made more sense to take the train to Porto to start from there and then end in Lisbon. We would like to visit Braga, Sintra, Fatima and the Algarves. Do you think that those places are doable in the time we are there? Very deceiving looking at a map, so hoping since you are so experienced with living there you could help. Thanks and appreciate any feedback you are willing to give.

Assuming you’re wanting to experience both Lisbon and Porto too, in addition to Braga, Sintra, Fatima, and the Algarve, I think you’ll find that’s a bit much for 11 days! This itinerary covers 10 days and includes fairly short visits to both Lisbon and Porto–but doesn’t include either Braga or Fatima.

Fatima itself tends to take less than a day to see, but getting there and back from Lisbon requires either a drive or bus ride, and organized tours tend to combine it with other nearby (lovely) places that you don’t really have room for in your itinerary.

If Braga and Fatima are priorities for you, I’d recommend considering skipping the Algarve, and getting your fix of the coast in Cascais, at Cabo da Roca, or both as part of a combination day trip with Sintra.

That will trim off a decent amount of travel time that you can then use toward additional day trips.

Hope you guys have a great time!

Dear Kate, Bravo! Thank you for all of the fabulous information! My husband and I will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and we are planning a trip to Portugal in July. We had initially considered a tour but we prefer to plan it ourselves as we have always done in the past. Your itinerary is everything we were looking for! Thank you for all of your recommendations. All of the hotels look lovely and appear to be centrally located. If you have any other hotels that you have admired along the way please share! We will probably add one or two more nights to the itinerary. Any suggestions? Look forward to hearing from you! Best, Gabby

Hi Gabrielle,

Happy anniversary! And thank you so much. 🙂

Personally with a couple of extra days I’d consider adding on another day trip or two instead of fully changing destinations! Visiting Evora, Obidos + the UNESCO monasteries, or Cascais from Lisbon, or Braga and Guimarães from Porto, is an easy way to dive deeper into the country without having to transition to a new place to stay.

If you’re more interested in the coast, spending another day in the Algarve, either hiking, swimming, or town-hopping, is a great choice.

Hope you guys have a wonderful anniversary trip!

Thank you Kate (and Jeremy)! Your site is a wealth of information! I have passed it along to family and friends! We are just beginning our planning process! I am sure I will be reaching out again. Happy and safe travels! Gabby

That’s fantastic to hear, thanks Gabby! 🙂

Hi Kate! Happy to say we booked our flights and have begun planning our trip to Portugal! 3 nights Porto 4 nights Lisbon 3 nights Lagos

We are flying into Porto and out of Faro. I have a question about lodging in Lagos. We are considering the Tivoli or Hotel Marina Rio. (which one do you recommend between these two?). However we then stumbled upon some hotels by the coast such as the Carvi Beach Hotel or the Clube Porto Mas. Which areas do you recommend? We love the beach but obviously want to do some of the tours that you recommended on your itinerary. In addition, what is the best way to reach lagos from Lisbon? Thank you again Kate. Your site is the best! Gabby

Congratulations, that’s exciting!

As far as lodging in Lagos goes, the main thing to consider with all of them is location. The first two are both located more or less in the town center, so you’ll be right by plenty of shops, restaurants, etc. We loved staying at the Tivoli and haven’t stayed at the Hotel Marina Rio, the only note I can make there is that the marina definitely feels like a newer and more “modern” area whereas the Tivoli feels a bit more integrated into the Old Town (though on a quiet street). Both are very conveniently located.

The second two are better for accessing the beaches, and you could technically stay at the Carvi Beach Hotel and walk back and forth to the Old Town each day, though it’s a bit of a slog–definitely feels more like walking for transportation in that area, rather than meandering through a town.

If you have a car and appreciate beautiful views on your doorstep, you may love the second two options. If you’d rather prioritize pedestrian access to the town center, I’d choose one of the first two. 🙂

As far as transportation goes, we tend to recommend driving from Lisbon to Lagos because you have to make a change on the train to get there, you don’t save time, and most people want a car once they get to the Algarve anyway. If you don’t want to drive on your trip, though, the train works just fine!

Wow, thank you SO much for this, the itinerary looks fantastic and has me really excited to go! I do have a question. We are a family of four with teen boy (16) and teen girl (14). We’re thinking of going for 14 days at the beginning of July and spending the extra few days at a beach. Activities like the kayaking / SUP or perhaps body boarding or snorkeling would be fun for the kids, and we would also like to be able to walk to a village with restaurants, etc. Is there a beach town you would recommend for that? Bonus points if it isn’t too crowded or crazy touristy… We plan to rent a car so could travel a little off the beaten path. Oh, and if there are any other activities that go over especially well with teens, I’d love to hear about that, too. Thank you!

Thanks so much, Christina!

You’ll have lots of beach town options for that! Albufeira and Lagos are the classic choices, but I think you guys would also love Carvoeiro (you can kayak to Benagil Cave from there, and there’s a great mix of water, hiking, and town activities all located very geographically close together).

Tavira, on the eastern side of the Algarve, is a bit more offbeat if you’re looking for something quieter. Sagres, on the western edge of the Algarve, is very quiet and more of a surf spot, but you guys might enjoy a day trip there.

Hope you guys have a fantastic time in Portugal!

Thanks so much for your response! It’s so great to be able to communicate with someone who really knows these places! I hope you don’t mind a couple more question. Between Lagos, Albufeira, and Carvoeiro, which would have the least crowds on the beaches? And just how crowded are we talking in beginning of July? Hoping to avoid a Cancun type vibe. And if we chose Tavira, are there still opportunities for water sports, etc?

Thanks! Christina

Hi Christina,

As far the beaches… honestly, all of those places are going to be very busy in July. Maybe Lagos, simply because even though it’s very popular, there are lots of beaches in the immediate area to choose from, including some large ones? But really, there’s not going to be an offbeat/relaxed feel in any of those towns–the Algarve in general just gets busier every year!

There are definitely water sports in Tavira, but it’s a bit of a different experience as the popular beaches are a (short) ferry ride from town (or in the case of Barril Beach, a short drive followed by a walk).

Hope that helps a bit!

Loved your info! We are traveling to Portugal in late March with plans to visit Lisbon, Porto and some smaller towns. We figured the Algarve might be cool that time of year and were planning to take a flight to Madeira instead for a few nights. Have you been to Madera? Do you think this is a good choice? I am sad about not having time for both, so I’d love to know if you think we will get the same beauty out of Madeira that we would get from the Algarve region?

Sadly haven’t been to Madeira yet, but it looks beautiful and we have many friends who have fallen in love with it.

It’s very different from the Algarve–lush and volcanic, while the Algarve is more arid and “beachy”, for lack of a better word. Think Hawaii versus the coast of California along the PCH Highway, for example (not a 1:1 comparison but it’s a good way to get an idea what to expect). Both are beautiful and technically have beaches, hiking, etc, but in very different forms.

That being said I don’t think you’ll regret either one, they’re both extremely popular for a reason!

HI Kate, I really enjoy your blog as you are a wealth of information for a first time traveler like me to Portugal. I would like to know your thoughts on Peniche and if you think it would be worth spending a day or two in that town. I will be traveling with my husband, my 21 year old daughter who is up for anything and my 19 year old son who might be up for seeing castles and museums and churches and the beautiful landscapes at first but will likely become bored. We are planning a 10 day trip and I’m wondering where we should go that would appeal to both personalities. I would appreciate any advice you may have.

I can only speak for myself, but I would’ve loved Peniche in my late teens/early 20s! Heading out to the Berlengas Islands is a great way to break up the castles/museums/churches aspect of the trip, though that’s definitely worth it too.

A day in town + a day at the Berlengas Islands is more than enough to get a good taste of the immediate area, though if you want to use Peniche as a base for visiting nearby spots like Obidos and/or want extra time to relax on the beach, you can certainly stay longer!

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• Los Angeles

Ten days in Portugal: the ultimate itinerary

Hit up stunning cities, laidback beach towns and amazing food aplenty on this ten-day tour of Portugal’s greatest spots

Photograph: Shutterstock

For a small country, Portugal punches well above its weight when it comes to food, history, unforgettable places and one-off experiences. We asked Lisbon local Lucy Bryson for her expert tips on the best way to spend ten days exploring the best of Portugal.  And although a whistlestop tour of ten days isn’t nearly enough to see everything great the country has to offer, it’s just about enough to get a flavour – and leave you hankering for more.

The good news for travellers pressed for time (and budget) is that much of the country is well served by public transport.  T rains and buses are largely reliable, comfortable, and affordable. The bad news is that your ten-day adventure will only give you a couple of days each in Lisbon and  Porto – two of Europe’s greatest city-break destinations – and you’ll miss out entirely on  harder-to-reach inland destinations, not to mention the outlying Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores . But what’s a time-strapped traveller to do? You’ll just have to come back again soon.

RECOMMENDED:

📍  The best things to do in Portugal 🏖 The best beaches in Portugal

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The perfect ten-day Portugal itinerary

Day 1: porto.

Porto is one of Europe’s most photogenic cities, and its modern international airport is a quick metro ride away from the city centre, making it a great place to start your trip.

Get your bearings

The best way to get to know Porto is on foot.  As you leave the suburbs and head towards the city centre, workaday residential streets give way to increasingly attractive public squares leading downhill to the grand galleries, pavement cafés and religious buildings of the historic centre – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Peep into São Bento railway station to admire the beautiful, azulejo  tile - covered interior, and wind your way through the crowds on Rua das Flores shopping street to reach steep cobbled paths leading down to the insanely picturesque  Ribeira (riverfront).

This is the home of port, so stop  for a glass and a bite to eat at one of the many colourful cafés: Escondidinho do Barredo is a good call for bolinhos de bacalhau and other traditional tapas. Then stroll by the river to reach the giant face mural by revered Portuguese street artist Vhils. It’s right next to Armazén –   a colourful arts, antiques and curiosities warehouse fronted by a pavement café-bar that’s perfect for people-watching over a glass or two as the sun dips over the Douro river.

Where to stay

Music lovers would be wise to make their base at MOUCO , a strikingly modern venue combining hotel rooms (complete with record players and your choice of vinyl from the music library) with a live music venue, restaurant, and vibey bar with DJ sessions.

READ MORE: The best things to do in Porto

Day 2: Porto and Vila Nova da Gaia

Put on trainers with a good grip (you’ll be tackling a lot of steep cobbled streets) and fuel up with the bountiful hotel breakfast buffet – though coffee purists might prefer to get their caffeine kicks at highly-regarded Combi Coffee Roasters , 15 minutes’ walk away from MOUCO en route to town. 

Go downtown

Once you’re back in the city centre, check out the major downtown sights of the  Cathedral and Clérigos Tower. Be prepared to join a giant queue if you want to visit Livraria Lello, the bookshop which reportedly inspired JK Rowling while she was writing the first Harry Potter book. Recover from your sightseeing adventures with a coffee or something stronger at Base Porto, an open-air bar virtually at the foot of the Clérigos tower.

If it’s getting close to lunchtime, dive into Good Things Will Happen Soon .  L ess than 15 minutes’ walk away, it’s a kooky-chic crafts store and café, where light meals and snacks (including veggie and gluten-free options) are served in a secret garden.

Head downhill to the river and cross the wrought iron Luis I bridge to Vila Nova da Gaia , Porto’s equally stunning sister city across the bay. Port wine cellars abound here  – we recommend  avoiding the riverfront crowds and heading instead to  Poças, the 1918-founded family-run lodge tucked away on a backstreet.

Enjoy the views over the Douro to the colourful townhouses of the Ribeira and Porto’s stunning skyline with a sundown drink by the water, then head back to Porto for dinner and drinks at one of the trendy haunts along Rua do Cedofeita:  Catraio Craft Beer and Bar is a good place to start.

READ MORE: The best things to do Vila Nova de Gaia

Day 3: Porto to Aveiro

Hop on the train to a charming lagoon city

It’s a little over an hour’s train ride from Porto to Aveiro, the self-proclaimed ‘Venice of Portugal’. Trains run roughly every half hour, and standard tickets cost less than €4 . You’ll be leaving from the functional-looking Campanhã   station rather than the beautifully-tiled São Bento , but don’t worry: Aveiro’s 1860s train station has its own impressive azulejos.

Okay, so Aveiro is not quite Venice – but as you glide along in an elegant, brightly-painted moliceiro canal boat, checking out the art nouveau architecture lining the river while you drift towards the flamingo-filled salt flats on the outskirts of town, you won’t want to be anywhere else.

Art nouveau is everywhere in Aveiro, and once you’re back on dry land the best place to check it out is the riverfront Museu de Arte Nova , itself housed in a photo-worthy Belle Époque building. Afterwards, try traditional ovos moles (shell-shaped pastries with sweet fillings) at Confeitaria Peixinho before grabbing a drink at any of the cheap and cheerful bar-restaurants in downtown.

It’s a quick cab ride from the train station to the compact centre and the famous canals, where plenty of canalside Airbnbs make for an  affordable place to stay.

Day 4: Aveiro to Nazaré

Ride the bus to a famous surf town

Sitting across the road from the railway station on the eastern edge of town, Aveiro’s coach station is served by comfortable long-distance coaches. It’s a ride of around one hour 40 minutes ( €8 , three direct buses daily with Rede Expresso ) to the coastal village of Nazaré, famously home to some of the biggest waves on the planet.

You’ll need to visit during ‘Big Waves season’ (October-March) to see them reach truly monstrous proportions, but surfers visiting at other times of year will find the waves more manageable. If you want to give it a go, Nazaré Surf School offers equipment rental, plus lessons for those that need them. 

Explore the centre of town with its low-key, laidback bars and restaurants serving delicious fish and petiscos. Or if you’re f eeling flush,   Pangeia is a more upmarket dining experience.

Nazaré is the perfect mix of surfer chic and small-town charm, and offers a wealth of cosy, unpretentious and inexpensive beachside lodgings. Try the apartments from By the Beach .

Day 5: Nazaré to Lisbon

Catch a coach to the Portuguese capital

After soaking in the small-town vibes of Nazaré, it’s time to board the Rede Expresso bus again to the Portuguese capital – a ride of roughly two hours. Coaches make the trip from Nazaré at regular intervals from 6.50am to 8pm, at  €8-€12 . It’s wise to board early to make the most of all that Lisbon’s seductive capital has to offer.  Coaches from Nazaré generally arrive at Lisbon’s Sete Rios station, which is a metro ride away from the main sights. 

Get lost in Lisbon

Drop your bags at your lodgings and slip into your kicks-with-grips to explore the labyrinth of streets making up Alfama, Bairro Alto and Principe Real.  Stop at Pica-Pau for lunch, or take a petiscos tour with Devour Tours for a quick-fire peek into under-the-radar drinking and dining spots.

After dark, visit cool hub Arrios  for seemingly endless nightlife options – we recommend starting out with negronis and record-browsing at Amor Records. After midnight, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré ’s ‘Pink Street’ throng with bar-hopping revellers.

The city is home to any number of big-name luxury hotels, but for a more personal service, look to boutique charmers like the brand new Hotel das Amoreiras , where the friendly staff, beautifully presented breakfasts and leafy location away from the tourist trail make for a warm introduction to the city. For budget lodgings close to the action, look to Airbnb for options like this smart apartment in Alfama . 

READ MORE: The best things to do in Lisbon

Day 6: Lisbon and Cascais or Sintra

Take a day trip to coast or country

Shake off a heavy head and make a beeline for coffee and some of the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon at Manteigaria . You’ll find a branch at foodie haven Time Out Market , handily located for taking the coastal train  (€3.50) from Cais do Sodré out to the beach resorts of Estoril and Cascais, half an hour out of town .

In Cascais, stop for lunch at one of the lively outdoor bars and cafes on the pedestrianised ‘Yellow Street’ and grab a cab out to Guincho to catch some surf – or just admire the dramatic landscape of cliffs and crashing waves.

If the weather’s less than perfect or you prefer fairytale castles to beach towns, head for the romantic, mist-swathed mountain escape of Sintra instead. Trains take around 35 minutes and depart from Lisbon’s handsome Rossio station. Don’t miss the Disney-esque Pena Palace .

Back to the city

After sunset, get the train back to Lisbon and jump off at Alcântara to explore the hip  LX Factory  complex , before heading back to Cais do Sodré for a saucily-styled cocktail at Pensão Amor , or laidback DJ sets and excellent burgers at Collect .

READ MORE: The best nightlife in Lisbon

Day 7: Lisbon to Sesimbra and Arrabida

Catch a bus to Sesimbra

South of the river in Lisbon, you can catch a bus from Sete Rios station (don’t confuse it with the long-distance coach station next door) to Sesimbra . It takes around 45 minutes and costs € 4.50.

While away the day on Portugal’s best beaches

Sesimbra has idyllic sandy beaches and some of the best seafood in Portugal, making it an ideal spot for lunch. Don’t miss Pescador for cosy vibes and sea views or Tasca do Isaias for the best grilled fish in town.

The town sits in a sheltered bay at the foot of the Arrabida Natural Park , famed for its adventure sports and some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal . The beach at Portinho da Arrabida is spectacular, but can only be reached by car – you could try booking a local taxi. Alternatively, hike down to the sandy and secluded Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo.  

Return in time for light meals and the best margaritas in town at the always-lively Black Coffee , or vegan treats with a sea view at Leaves Cafe.

Hotel do Mar offers stylish beachfront lodgings if your budget allows, while Vila Epicurea , in nearby Meco, has organic meals, yoga dome, and a pool with views to die for. And Airbnb has plenty of affordable rooms and apartments round here:  this one comes with gorgeous ocean views .

Day 8: Sesimbra to Comporta and Sines

Get the bus to the sunny Alentejo region

From Sesimbra’s centrally-located bus station, it’s a 45-minute ride ( € 4.50) to the coastal city of Setubal . The city’s handsome central square is worth a peek, but as time is of the essence, you’ll want to head to the downtown ferry terminal to catch the ferry over to Troia ( €5.30). Y ou might spot the Sado Estuary’s famous dolphins as you cross the waters.

This is the entry point to the sun-baked Alentejo region, famed for its handsome historic towns and its relatively underexplored beaches. Buses are infrequent, but it’s just a ten-minute cab ride to the uber-chic Alentejo beach town of Comporta .

Everybody from Madonna to Mourinho has been spotted here, so s ee what all the fuss is about with lunch and celeb-spotting on the white sands. (Stock up on local wine and picnic goodies if you don’t fancy forking out A-lister restaurant prices.) Then jump back on the bus for the two-hour trip to the Alentejo beach town of Sines ( €15) . While it’s famed for its surf and simple seafood restaurants, it’s also a good place to try the famous local black pig at welcoming spots like O Castelo.

For affordable beachfront lodgings with gorgeous views in Sines, try Hotel Valeiro .

Day 9: Sines to Lagos

Catch a coach to the Algarve

There’s just one coach a day from Sines to the Algarve beach town of Lagos  – it costs €1 4.50 and departs at 10am. That gives you plenty of time for a buffet with a beach view at the hotel, before the 10-minute walk to the Rede Expressos bus stop.

You’ll arrive in Lagos at around 12.40pm, and the bus station is only a ten-minute walk from the handsome old town. After the relatively relaxed vibes of Sines and Comporta, Lagos has a buzz to its drinking and dining scene – which shades easily into late-night partying, if that’s your bag.

After a lunch downtown (try steak or small plates with cocktails on the rooftop at the centrally-located Casa do Prego ) it’s high time for a swim and a nap on the beach. While there are arguably (even) more beautiful beaches further out of town, you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the soft sands and eye-catching rock formations of Praia da Batata . For post-beach drinking and dining, go for craft beers, rooftop cocktails and late-night DJ sets at Peppers Bar&Kitchen , which is lively without being lairy.

For an affordable base close to the town centre action, this Airbnb apartment is a good option, while the more upscale Cascade Wellness Resort   will be a welcome option for travellers in need of a little R&R away from the nightlife noise.

Day 10: Lagos to Faro

Faro , the Algarve’s regional capital, is home to the region’s international airport, so this may be where you say goodbye to Portugal.

Board a train to the Algarve’s capital

There are regular trains to Faro from Lagos railway station, which take one hour 45 minutes and cost €7.50. 

More than just a jumping-off point, Faro has its own charms. Take a stroll around the attractive marina before admiring the gleaming whitewashed buildings of the old town, stopping to admire the cathedral and for traditional local dishes next door at Tertulia Algarvia .

After dark, be sure to seek out the somewhat hidden Madalena :  a vibrant bar and cultural centre occupying a building that began life as a medieval hermitage. Today, it’s all about artfully crafted cocktails, a leafy terrace and DJ sets and a relaxed vibe, making it the perfect spot for a last night out in Portugal.

Base yourself at a centrally located guest house such as the welcoming Casa da Valentina : the perfect spot for your last night in Portugal.

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10 Days in Portugal: A Perfect Portugal Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: February 25, 2024

If you are searching for the ultimate travel guide to making the most of 10 days in Portugal, you’ve just found it! From the Algarve’s golden beaches to Porto’s vintage vibes, this 10-day itinerary for Portugal takes you on a journey through one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. It blends relaxation, adventure, culture, and exquisite wines – all the things we love about Portugal!

Read on to discover how Portugal’s traditional charm blends seamlessly with its modern sophistication, making it one of the most popular countries in Europe for first-time visitors. Find out how to plan a 10 day Portugal itinerary, including the best places to visit in Portugal, how to get around, where to stay and activities to try.

Visit bustling cities, historic towns, cute villages, vineyards, nature reserves and golden sandy beaches. This is the best itinerary for Portugal you’ll ever need!

This blog may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Table of Contents

Is 10 Days in Portugal Enough?

Yes, ten days in Portugal is enough for a first visit. It will allow you to see many of Portugal’s best-loved places. After you’ve experienced some of what the country has to offer, you can always come back to discover new destinations or revisit some of the places on this itinerary on an extended Portugal trip.

Getting Around Portugal: Navigating from Region to Region

Portugal is a small country, making travelling from one region to another relatively easy. Here are some tips on how to get around during your 10 days in Portugal:

The extensive Portuguese train network offers a comfortable way to travel between major cities and regions. High-speed trains (Alfa Pendular) connect cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro. Intercity trains are a good option for medium distances.

Also, some regional trains offer stunning scenic routes, like the journey along the Douro Valley. These slower trains provide a charming and picturesque way to travel.

Buses in Portugal are a reliable and often more economical alternative to trains, especially when travelling to areas not serviced by rail. Companies like Rede Expressos cover the entire country, including smaller towns and rural areas.

A rental car allows you to explore at your own pace, especially in regions like Alentejo or the Algarve, where public transport can be less frequent. If you enjoy road trips this one is going to be great.

While highways (autoestradas) are fast and efficient, they often have tolls. National and regional roads (estradas) are toll-free and offer more scenic routes. 

Portugal Map

Best Times to Visit Portugal: A Seasonal Guide

Portugal’s mild climate and diverse landscapes make it a year-round destination. However, the season you visit can significantly influence the type of holiday you’re looking for. Here’s a Portugal weather guide to help you decide when to plan your perfect trip:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is pleasantly warm, with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 68°F. It’s an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the summer crowds.

During these months, you can explore city landmarks, enjoy countryside drives, or go hiking and cycling. Spring is also a great time for wine enthusiasts to visit the Douro Valley or Alentejo. Look out for Easter celebrations, especially in Braga and Óbidos, where traditional festivities occur.

Summer (June to August)

Summers are hot and sunny, with temperatures often soaring above 86°F, particularly in the inland regions. It’s the peak season for beach holidays. The Algarve, Alentejo’s coastline, and the northern beaches near Porto are famous. 

Fall (September to November)

Autumn brings cool, mild temperatures (around 59°F to 77°F) and fewer tourists. It’s the time for grape harvests, offering a unique experience in wine regions. Visit wineries for harvest festivals and tastings. 

The cooler weather is ideal for city tours and countryside excursions. It’s also a great time for surfing, with optimal conditions in spots like Nazaré and Peniche.

Winter (December to February)

In winter, the weather is generally mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F along the coast, though it can be colder inland. The north experiences more rain, while the south remains relatively dry.

It’s a great time for cultural trips to cities like Lisbon and Porto, with fewer crowds. Enjoy traditional cuisine and Christmas festivities. Christmas markets and New Year’s Eve celebrations, especially in Madeira with its fireworks display, are highlights of the season.

How To Spend 10 Days in Portugal

For this trip to Portugal, you will fly into Porto in the north and out of Faro in the south. The distance between the two cities is approximately 550 km as the crow flies.

• Two: Duoro Valley
• Three: Aveiro
• Four: Coimbra
• Five: Lisbon
• Six: Lisbon
• Seven: Sintra
• Eight: Algarve (Faro)
• Nine: Algarve
• Ten: Algarve

Days 1 and 3 – Porto

Places to stay in porto for three nights:.

Budget: 2-star Hotel Porto Interface . Scores 8.2 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £80.

Mid-Range: 3-star Soho Porto . Scores 9.4 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £115.

Luxury: 5-star GA Palace Hotel and Spa . Scores 9.5 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £375.

Day 1 – Exploring Porto

Porto is one of the country’s most charming cities and is  absolutely worth visiting  during your 10 days in Portugal!

Upon arriving at Porto, book a welcome pickup to take you to your hotel. Once you have unpacked and freshened up, head to the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Palácio da Bolsa and the Church of São Francisco and see how many buildings you can spot covered in blue and white azulejo tiles .

Have lunch at one of the riverside restaurants, enjoying traditional dishes like francesinha (cheese and meat toasted sandwich covered with beer and tomato sauce) or sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines).

In the late afternoon/evening, why not join a sunset walking tour of Porto with wine?

Day 2: Wine Tasting and Douro Valley

Dedicate your second day to the world of Portuguese wine. Start with a visit to one of Porto’s famous wine cellars, where you can learn about and taste Port wine. Then, take a river cruise to the Douro Valley, a stunning region of terraced vineyards. 

Visit a couple of quintas for wine tastings and a traditional vineyard lunch. You can see why this is one of Porto’s most popular day trips; the landscapes make this experience unforgettable.

Check pricing and availability for a Douro Valley River Cruise with lunch and wine.

Day 3: Colorful Aveiro

Aveiro is a perfect day trip by train from Porto. Leave Sao Bento Railway Station and be in Aveiro in one hour. Once there, start with a moliceiro boat tour along the city’s canals.

Check availability and pricing for a Traditional Moliceiro Boat Tour in Aveiro.

Afterwards, visit the Art Nouveau Museum and the Aveiro Cathedral with its adjacent cloisters. Explore the fish market and try local seafood delicacies for lunch. Visit the nearby Costa Nova to see the striped houses and enjoy the beach. Sample some ovos moles, a sweet treat unique to Aveiro made with egg yokes, sugar and sometimes chocolate.

Back in Porto, visit the Clérigos Church and its towering bell tower for panoramic city views and step inside the enchanting world of the Livraria Lello bookstore. Spend your evening exploring the Galerias Paris street, known for its bars and nightlife.

Harry Potter fans will know the connection to the Livraria Lello bookshop and may enjoy a Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour in Porto.

Day 4: Historical Coimbra

Places to stay in coimbra for one night:.

Budget: 2-star Hotel Residencial Alentejana . Scores 8.1 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £75.

Mid-Range: 3-star Hotel Oslo . Scores 8.3 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £100.

Luxury: 5-star Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas . Scores 9.0 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £155.

Things to do in Coimbra

Spend a full day in Coimbra, seeing all the sights. Visit the University of Coimbra to marvel at its historic buildings and the Joanina Library.

Explore the botanical garden , one of the oldest in Europe. Wander through the old city’s narrow streets, visiting the Machado de Castro National Museum and the Old Cathedral.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Coimbra-style Fado performance .

Day 5-7: Lisbon

Places to stay in lisbon for three nights:.

Budget: 2-star Hotel Ibis Lisboa Jose Malhoa . Scores 8.0 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £85.

Mid-Range: Maxime Hotel Lisbon . Scores 8.9 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £135.

Luxury: 5-star Torel Palace Lisbon . Scores 9.2 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £300.

Day 5: Exploring Lisbon’s History

Begin your Lisbon adventure in Alfama, the city’s oldest district. Start with breakfast at a local pastelaria before heading to São Jorge Castle.

Portuguese people usually have a light breakfast; this is your first chance to taste traditional pastries and delicious coffee. Spend your morning exploring the castle and enjoying panoramic views of the city before wandering around the streets, searching for Lisbon’s hidden gems.

Check rates and availability for skip-the-line tickets and a short guided tour of Sao Jorge Castle .

Since this 10-day trip is your introduction to Portuguese culture, take everything in and be bold: ask for meal recommendations from locals and taste different dishes; they will be happy to help you. Why not join a food lovers walking tour around the city to find some of Lisbon’s best cuisine? 

In the afternoon, visit Lisbon Cathedral, and if it’s a market day, wander through the Feira da Ladra, Lisbon’s famous flea market. Indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine at a local restaurant in the Baixa or Chiado district for dinner, followed by a night of Fado music in Alfama.

Check rates and availability for a walking tour of Alfama with dinner followed by a traditional Fado show.

Find Your Perfect Lisbon Tour

Click on the link below:

Day 6: Belém and TimeOut Market

Start your day with a visit to the Jerónimos Monastery, marvelling at its architectural history. Then, stroll to the nearby Tower of Belém and the Monument to the Discoveries. After lunch, enjoy the iconic Pastéis de Belém at the historic factory, one of the most famous places to eat this traditional Portuguese delicacy. 

Spend your afternoon visiting the Berardo Collection Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Explore the TimeOut Market in the evening, where you can try a range of curated Portuguese dishes – all under one roof! 

Day 7: Day Trip to Sintra

On day seven, take a train to Sintra or join a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais.

First, visit the Pena Palace, which has unmissable colours and spectacular city views. Next, explore the Quinta da Regaleira gardens, caves, and the Initiation Well. Have lunch in the historic centre of Sintra, trying local pastries like ‘travesseiros’ with their rich almond and egg yolk cream fillings. 

In the afternoon, visit the Moorish Castle for a hike with scenic views. Return to Lisbon for dinner, possibly enjoying a seafood feast at a renowned restaurant in the Bairro Alto neighbourhood.

Day 8-10: The Algarve

Places to stay in faro for two nights.

Budget: 2-star Hotel Sol Algarve by Kavia . Scores 8.1 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £90.

Mid-Range: 3-star Lemon Tree Stay . Scores 9.0 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £110.

Luxury: 5-star 3HB Faro Hotel . Scores 9.5 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £260.

Places to stay in Lagos for two nights

Budget: 2-star Hotel Mar Azul. Scores 8.1 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £70.

Mid-Range: 3-star Hotel Marina Rio . Scores 9.1 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £140.

Luxury: 5-star Palmares Signature Apartments . Scores 8.8 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £330.

Things to do in the Algarve

Travel to the Algarve and decide between  Faro’s historic charm and Lagos’s lively atmosphere . Both towns have a unique charm, and it can be hard to pick just one. You can also try visiting both if you are okay with packing a lot into this part of your itinerary. However, moving around too much might not be ideal for those who truly want to relax.

Day 8: Choosing The Right Beach Town

In Faro, explore the medieval old town, the Faro Cathedral, and the Municipal Museum. These are some of the  best things to do in Faro  and should feature high on your itinerary during your time in the Algarve! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at one of the quieter beaches, like Praia de Faro. 

Alternatively, visit the historic Forte da Ponta da Bandeira and the Church of Santo António in Lagos. Afterwards, spend the afternoon at the Praia Dona Ana Beach or book a boat trip to the famous Benagil caves . Hikers might enjoy the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, which passes along the coast by Benagil Cave.

Day 9: Enjoying the Algarve’s Natural Gems

In Faro, consider a day trip to the Ria Formosa Natural Park, ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers. In Lagos, enjoy water activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

For more suggestions, take a look at these curated Algarve activities.

From Faro :

Ria Formosa Faro Islands Catamaran Tour.

From Lagos :

Private Guided Hike On The Vincentina Coast.

Kayaking and Boat Cave Explorer Tour.

Day 10: Departure Day

Spend your final day in Faro, revisiting your favourite spots or finding a few new ones. 

Enjoy a final Portuguese meal, perhaps at a restaurant offering sea views, and reflect on your journey through Portugal with a glass of wine and some fresh fish. Shop, too, and bring home a Portuguese souvenir as a memento of this fantastic trip.

Variations to the 10-Day Portugal Itinerary

This detailed first-timer’s itinerary offers a blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and relaxation, making up the perfect Portugal experience. However, you can easily tailor this Portugal itinerary to fit your travel style, as not everyone wants to drink wine or spend all day on the beach.

For these reasons, I have highlighted some variations to the original itinerary to make 10 days in Portugal more suitable for different kinds of travellers. 

For Wine Lovers: Swap the Algarve for Alentejo

Not a beach lover? Then, head to the Alentejo region, known for its rolling vineyards and robust wines. Start in Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved old town and historic sites like the Roman Temple. Visit a local winery in the afternoon for a tasting and vineyard tour .

The following day, visit towns like Reguengos de Monsaraz and Borba, each with unique wineries and distinct wine varieties. Enjoy a wine-paired lunch at one of the vineyard estates.

For Surf Enthusiasts: Head out of the city and visit Ericeira and Nazaré

Travel to Ericeira, a charming fishing village and a world-renowned surfing destination, only a 30-minute ride from the Lisbon Airport. Spend your day at beaches like Ribeira d’Ilhas, known for its consistent surf. Explore the town’s narrow streets and enjoy fresh seafood in the evening while watching the sunset.

The following day, head to Nazaré, famous for its giant waves and surf culture. Watch surfers tackle some of the world’s largest waves (especially in winter) or take a surf lesson at one of the smaller beaches. Visit the Nazaré lighthouse for spectacular ocean views.

Why not visit 3 of Portugal’s top attractions on a private day trip from Lisbon? See Óbidos, Nazaré & Alcobaça .

For History and Culture Buffs: Add Guimarães and Óbidos

Instead of spending time in the Algarve, you may like to add a few days to your Porto itinerary.

Travel north from Porto to Guimarães , the birthplace of Portugal. Explore the medieval Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, and stroll through its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Or add another night to your Coimbra stay and take a one day trip to Óbidos, a medieval town surrounded by fortified walls. You can wander through its cobbled streets, explore its historic castle, and try the local cherry liqueur, ginjinha, served in edible chocolate cups.

For Nature and Hiking Enthusiasts: Explore Madeira or the Azores

Instead of the Algarve, choose a few nights on the Portuguese islands Madeira or the Azores for a nature-filled retreat; they are two of the most beautiful places in Portugal.

Spend these days hiking, enjoying whale watching, exploring volcanic landscapes, and relaxing in natural hot springs. Or add these places as an extension to your 10 days in Portugal; believe me, it will be worth it!

Places to stay in Funchal, Madeira

Mid-Range: 3-star Hotel Madeira . Scores 8.2 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £115.

Luxury: 5-star Reid’s Palace Belmond Hotel . Scores 9.5 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £700.

Places to stay in the Azores – São Miguel

Budget: 2-star Hotel Vale Verde . Scores 8.3 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £80.

Mid-Range: 3-star Hotel Ponta Delgada . Scores 8.2 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £115.

Luxury: 5-star Pedras do Mar Resort & Spa . Scores 8.7 /10 from guest reviews. An average nightly stay in June is £250.

Conclusion: 10 Days in Portugal Trip Itinerary

Visiting Portugal presents many different experiences, each shaped by its diverse regions and the changing seasons. Trace the cobblestone streets of historic cities, lounge on sunny beaches, immerse in a vibrant wine culture, or ride the waves on its scenic coasts – Portugal offers possibilities for all kinds of travellers. 

With efficient travel options connecting its towns and cities and a climate accommodating year-round exploration, Portugal perfectly blends tradition and modernity, relaxation and adventure, history and natural beauty.

So, pack your bags and set off on this 10-day Portugal trip, where every day promises discoveries and unforgettable memories in the making. 

Please PIN for Future Travel to Portugal

Are you looking for further inspiration for places to visit in Europe? Please take a look at my Europe Travel Guides .

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  travel resources page  to help you plan your trip.

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The Ultimate 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary

Planning a trip to Portugal and don’t know where to start? I have my ultimate 10 days in Portugal itinerary that I’ve put together. After my fourth trip to Portugal, I’ve absolutely fallen in love with this country.

I’ve take the very best of all of my trips, all my travel tips for Portugal , and have put them in a single place. There is so much to do in Portugal, from the city to the countryside. I think one of the best ways to experience Portugal is to spend a few days in the city and then get out to visit the greater region.

Now, while I’ve done Lisbon three separate times, I always find myself wanting to spend a bit more time exploring. While I love the city, Portugal has a lot to discover that is under 2 hours drive from the city. That’s what I love most about this Portugal itinerary. You don’t have to travel long distances to see a wide variety of places.

So I’ve pulled together all of my Portugal trips into a single, condensed itinerary to help plan your trip. Read on to find where to stay, how to plan your time, and all the tips. This is my ultimate 10 days in Portugal itinerary.

Short on Time? Here is the Ultimate Portugal Itinerary for 10 Days:

Stop 1: lisbon and nearby day trips — 4 nights.

• Hotel Das Amoreiras or Memmo Principe Real , for the best Principal Real hotels
• The Lumiares or Lisboa Pessoa Hotel , for the best Bairro Alto hotels
• Memmo Alfama , for the best Alfama hotel

Stop 2: Evora — 2 nights

• Octant Evora , for the best overall hotel

Stop 3: Comporta — 3 nights

• Sublime Comporta , for the best overall hotel

What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

How Much Time is Really Needed to Visit Portugal?

This is the top question always asked — how much is needed? I always recommend a minimum of a single week for Portugal. 10 days is not enough but will give you the right amount of time to visit a few things slowly. Lisbon alone takes three full days to properly see, and even a few more if you do day trips.

What is the Best Way to See Portugal?

When it comes to Lisbon and closeby places, by foot or public transport. To see the greater regions of Portugal, you will need a rental car. I’ve rented cars all over Europe, and by far, Portugal has been one of the cheapest yet. So ditch the car for cities like Lisbon or Porto, and take it to the beaches and countryside.

What Do I Need to Know About Renting a Car in Portugal?

You’re likely going to get a rental car in Portugal to do some portion of this itinerary. It’s easy to drive around, and recommended for ease. When deciding on a rental car:

• Do use Discover Cars to Book — They have the best rates and options for rentals, you can add full insurance at a reasonable rate, and more. This is my trusted site for booking.
• There are Toll Roads —Super simple solution: ask the rental car company to turn on the electronic transponder. You’ll get billed at the end and you don’t have to worry about having euros on you.
• Extra Drivers Cost More — If two of you drive, you’ll need to pay an additional driver fee by day. For Sixt, it was 10 euros daily.
• There is an Airport Surcharge — Each company has a different fee, but you’ll likely spend an additional 25 euros to pick up at the airport, which is no biggie since there is a major convenience in doing so.

What’s the Best Airport to Fly Into for Portugal?

If you’re coming international from the US, I always recommend Lisbon. You’re going to want to see the city anyways, and the flight options are the best. It also puts you at a great starting point for this itinerary.

How I Structured this 10 day Portugal itinerary

When I started honing on the best places and regions of Portugal to recommend, I had one thing in mind: slow, intentional travel. I wanted the logistics of the itinerary to make sense, cut down on travel time, and be practical.

This entire trip is essentially a loop beginning in Lisbon, and I’ve included a few extension ideas for places to visit. I’ve chosen destinations in Portugal that I feel aren’t always top of mind. They are incredible, beautiful, and often fewer in crowds (well, except Lisbon, but that’s a must see!).

The 10 Day Portugal Itinerary — Lisbon to Alentejo to Comporta

Stop 1: lisbon & nearby day trips.

Recommended Time: 4 nights

Getting into lisbon from the airport.

When it comes to getting into the city from Lisbon Airport, I always recommend either taking an Uber or pre-booking a transfer. I typically do an affordable pre-booked transfer for ease , and the drive time is around 20-30 minutes pending the time of day.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

I have a few favorite hotels in Lisbon, and neighborhoods. In Principe Real, I love Hotel Das Amoreiras or Memmo Principe Real . My go-to’s in Bairro Alto are The Lumiares or Lisboa Pessoa Hotel . In the Alfama, I love the Memmo Alfama for its location in the heart of the neighborhood.

For my full list of recommendations, read my guide on the best boutique hotels in Lisbon !

My Favorite Things to Do in Lisbon

• Soak in Views from the Miradouros — The city is full of them, and it’s one of the best way to get oriented. My personal favorite is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara .
• Shop Local — The shopping is some of the best in Lisbon. I love shops like EmbaiXada , Claus Porto , Bernardo Atelier Lisboa , and A Vida Portuguesa .
• Stroll the Neighborhoods — Enjoy a quiet walk through the Alfama or even Bairro Alto, both have stunning views of the city. Stop into A Brasileira for the oldest coffee shop in town and cross the street to Livraria Bertrand – Chiado
• Take a Food Tour — These are such a great way to eat your way through Lisbon. I’d recommend this small group tour , this one with the reputable Eating Europe group , or this 17 tastings one.
• Visit the Belem Tower — It’s well worth pre-booking tickets and spending a chunk of time strolling around and taking in the views, and it’s right near Jeronimos Monastery . This walking tour is also a great way to experience both the Tower and the Monastery.
• Tour Jeronimos Monastery — Pre-book tickets to Jeronimos Monastery, the lines are usually for the chapel, which is beautiful but can also be viewed from above with a ticket to the conclaves (can’t be missed). I found myself loving an hour or two to stroll around.
• See MAAT Museum — One of my favorite museums in Lisbon to visit along the waterfront. Pre-book tickets here .
• Spend an Afternoon at LX Factory — They converted a ton of industrial factories into shops and restaurants, and there’s quite a few things to enjoy here. Find a rooftop bar, restaurants, and a wonderful book store too.
• Tour Ajuda National Palace — If you’re looking for grandeur and decorative art, come into the 19th-century palace where the royal residence once lived. Pre-book tickets here .

The Best Restaurants in Lisbon

• Time Out Market Lisboa — this food hall has everything you could want. If you want a good, no-res meal, come here.
• Magnolia — The it-girl right now of Lisbon, come in for any meal. The space is warm and inviting, and the food is it. *Reservation required
• Pica-Pau — This is where I’d go for traditional Portuguese food done highly well. Good spot to try bacalhau. *Reservation required
• Belcanto — Chef Jose Avillez runs the food scene in town and if you’re looking for fine dining, this is the one I’d book. *Reservation required
• Bairro Do Avillez — Several restaurants in one, this is where Chef Jose Avillez has several options for dining. I always love Minibar but wasn’t impressed last trip so I’d stick with Taberna in the front. *Reservation required
• Prado — for best farm to table cooking, this is where I’d come in for do big share plates with friends. *Reservation required
• A Cevicheria — One of the best ceviches in town, I go here every trip. *Reservation required
• Pasteis de Belem — If you want to skip the line, just past by the left and ask for a seat (much shorter than take away).

The Best Coffee Shops in Lisbon

• Hello, Kristof
• Copenhagen Coffee Lab & Bakery

Where to Take a Day Trip From Lisbon

There are so many wonderful day trips I have done over the years and I’ll share a few to consider for your trip. Any of these can typically be done by public transport, but a group tour may be good option too.

• Sintra — The most obvious day trip that one must do is Sintra. It’s home to magical castles and ancient times. Tour places like Castelo dos Mouros, Palacio Nacional da pena, Palacio Nacional de Sintra , and more (you need tickets in advance for all). And of course there is the traditional pastry house of Casa Piriquita which is well worth a visit. You can train there from Lisbon in 40 minutes on the Sintra Line or self-drive in 30 minutes. Some tours to consider are: a full day private tour , half day tour in classic car , or this complete tour full day tour.
• Cascais — Just south of Lisbon is my favorite seaside town of Cascais. Reach it in under 40 minutes by train and have the whole day at the beach and in town. I personally always do this one as I love the change of scenery.
• Ericeira — This is where to go for those who want to go surfing. You can reach it by direct bus in 40 minutes or by car. There is a lot in the small town from boutiques to shops, and the entire beach area.

Sample Itinerary for Lisbon ( My 4-Night Lisbon Itinerary here )

• Day 1 — Get settled in town. Walk your neighborhood. Get a coffee. Dinner at Timeout Market for ease.
• Day 2 — Explore Alfama and the city center. Get a coffee at A Brasilieira and ride a cable car. Have lunch at A Cevicheria. See the miradouros, shop local. Eat dinner at one of Chez Jose Avillez’ restaurants.
• Day 3 — Spend the morning to early afternoon out in Sintra or Cascais. Late afternoon at LX Factory and eat dinner at one of the restaurants there.
• Day 4 — Belem Tower in the morning, stop by Pasteis de Belem for breakfast. Tour the Jeronimos Monastery and then walk along the waterfront to the MAAT. Lunch at Magnolia. Cruise around Bairro Alto and the neighborhood. Dinner at Prado.

Stop 2: Evora

Recommended Time: 2 nights

Getting to evora from lisbon.

The best way to get to Evora from Lisbon to continue this itinerary is by rental car. I would transfer back to the airport and get your rental car there (or book in town with a drop-off at the airport at the end). I recommend booking with Discover Cars for the best rates and options for rentals. You can also add full insurance at a reasonable rate, and more.

Where to Stay in Evora

You have a few choices for accommodations in Evora, but I think the best it to be out in the countryside. I stayed at Octant Evora and enjoyed the natural setting. Some other hotels to consider as well are Imani Country House , Convento do Espinheiro , or L’AND Vineyards .

My Favorite Things to Do in Evora

• See the Historical Sights — You can spend all day walking on foot going from one historic sights to the next. Stop into the  Roman Temple of Évora , see the Chapel of the Bones , and definitely go into the Cathedral of Evora (climb the stairs to the rooftop!)
• Do Some Local Shopping — There are several local boutiques in town like Oxalá , O Cesto Artesanato , and Livraria Fonte de Letras . Get things like olive oil, cork products, and more.
• Go Wine Tasting in The Valley — With several wineries within reach, I’d spend an afternoon at one of them like Fitapreta Vinhos or even L’AND Vineyards .

For more Evora recommendations, don’t miss my full guide to Evora, Portugal !

Where to Eat in Evora

• Botequim da Mouraria — One of the best meals of my last trip, line up early for open to get a seat at this 8-person bar. All dishes made by the owner and chef, this is where to come for the classics.
•   Fialho — The spot to come for all the classics like roasted lamb and local cheeses. *Reservation required
• Dom Joaquim  — Great local spot for elevated dining, it’s one of the most popular restaurants in town. *Reservation required
• Cavalariça Évora — Though there is one in Comporta, the Cavalariça Group opened doors in Evora. I’d pop in for a leisurely lunch here. *Reservation required

Things to Do Nearby Evora

• Visit the Village of Monsaraz — I would spend a full day exploring the valley, going all the way out to Monsaraz. The small hilltop village is so stunning, and well worth a couple of hours.
• Shop Ceramics in Corval — Known as one of the best ceramic towns in Portugal, I’d come here to shop at the “olarias” in the town. I loved Olaria Tavares .
• Stop at São Lourenço do Barrocal for Lunch — Out in the valley is the prestigious hotel , and well worth stopping for lunch at their tavern restaurant . Idyllic views, this was one of my favorite things I did.
• Visit the Village of Montemor-o-Novo — On your way from Lisbon, I’d pop into the historic town to stroll the streets and tour its ancient castle at the top.

Sample Itinerary for Evora

• Day 5 — Drive Lisbon to Evora, stop in Montemor-o-Novo along the way. Spend the whole day in Evora, see all the sights, eat lunch at Botequim da Mouraria or Cavalariça. Check into hotel, relax. Dinner at Dom Joaquim.
• Day 6 — Depart to tour the valley. Stop in Corval to shop pottery. Go to Monsaraz to tour village. Eat lunch at São Lourenço do Barrocal. Head out to the wineries like Fitapreta. Come back to Evora for a dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Stop 3: Comporta

Recommended Time: 3 nights

Getting to comporta from evora.

On your morning out of Evora, leave mid-morning to make the 1.5-2 hour drive out to the coast. It’s a leisurely drive, make sure your car is full on gas. The roads are easy to navigate, windy at times, but straightforward.

Where to Stay in Comporta

There is no more prestigious property than Sublime Comporta . It’s luxurious, super well done, has all of the amenities. So if you’re looking to splurge, I would book in there. I’d consider other properties like Spatia Comporta , Quinta da Comporta , and AlmaLusa Comporta .

My Favorite Things to Do in Comporta

• Spend time at the beach . There’s not a more better way than to just be at the beach in Comporta. The main ones are  Praia da Comporta ,  Praia do Pego ,  Praia da Torre , and  Praia do Carvalhal .
• Relax poolside. Book in a few hours to just stay at your property and enjoy.
• Shop town. Comporta town has a few small local shops for home and lifestyle goods. Stop into  Rice – Marta Mantero ,  Lavanda , and  Mercearia Gomes .
• Drive down to the village of Melides. This up-and-coming town has a lot to offer. From its main beach to the iconic Hotel Vermelho which was opened by Christian Louboutin, you could spend a half day here. I’d shop at Vida Dura , eat lunch at the hotel, and stroll the town.
• Go Horseback Riding. With  Cavalos na Areia , you embark on a 1.5 hour horseback tour down to the beach with a guide.

For more Comporta recommendations, don’t miss my full guide to Comporta !

Where to Eat in Comporta

• Sublime Comporta Beach Club — This was my favorite spot for a beachside meal. Order the paella and enjoy the sunset views. *Reservation required
• Cavalariça — One of the best meals in town. I really loved how paired down yet elegant this meal was.
• ALMO Café — Stop in here for lunch at least one day, the outdoor patio is lovely. *Reservation required
• Sal — Another classic, I’ve been here several years ago and it was just as packed as last time. *Reservation required

Sample Itinerary for Comporta

• Day 7 — Drive from Evora to Comporta in the mid-morning. Stop in town for lunch at ALMO Café. Head to hotel and check in to enjoy for the night. Sunset dinner at Sal or Sublime Beach Club.
• Day 8 — Slow morning at the hotel. Stop into Mercearia Gomes to pick up things for a picnic. Spend day at the beach. Dinner at Cavalariça.
• Day 9 — Head down to Melides. Spend morning at beach. Lunch in town at the Hotel Vermelho, shop at Pura Vida. Afternoon at pool or horseback riding. Dinner at at Sal or Sublime Beach Club.
• Day 10 — Check out and head back to Lisbon for flight home — or continue on to another destination.

If You Have More Time

For more beaches & small towns.

If you have more time to spend in Portugal and want to make it a 2 week itinerary, you easily could. From Comporta, I would continue on to the Algarves. It’s the most obvious choice for ease and you can drive down the coast in a few hours. Towns like Faro, Albufeira, Lagos, and Sagres are popular. You will need car.

For Small City & Wine Region

If you wanted to head north for a small city and wineries, I would return you car to Lisbon Airport or Lisbon Train station and go to Porto. Porto is another lovely region to visit. From there a few nights in Porto is lovely with a visit to the Douro Valley. You can get there by direct train from Lisbon so you could skip the car.

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These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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The perfect Portugal Itinerary from 7 to 14 days

Combining history and natural scenery, Portugal is a destination that you must include in your Europe trip.

The traditional Mediterranean cuisine, the culture, and the friendliness of the Portuguese people are just as attractive as the landscape itself.

Besides, because it is a small country, it is easy to program a Portugal itinerary through several cities and natural attractions.

In this post, I have put together the perfect 14-day Portugal Itinerary and some variations to help you plan your trip.

Located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal also offers one of the best climates in Europe, with temperatures ranging between 47°F and 83°F.

It is also one of the least expensive travel options in Europe, and relatively safe.

All in all, Portugal is the perfect place for all sorts of travelers, including women traveling alone.

With that in mind, I laid out a 10-day Portugal itinerary through the country including some incredible attractions and beautiful places that you simply cannot miss when visiting the land of Fado music and Porto wine.

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. Please see my  disclaimer policy  here and my privacy policy here.

Two weeks Portugal Itinerary Map

14 days Portugal itinerary

To make the best out of your Portugal trip, I organized this itinerary as a road trip which implies a rental car .

Although it is also possible to use trains and buses, renting a car will give you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and in comfort and reach those destinations where public transportation won’t go.

I also considered Lisbon , the capital of Portugal, as both the starting and ending points.

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✔️ Day 1 – Lisbon

Lisbon is a beautiful city, with kind people, interesting attractions, and spectacular food and wine and there are many reasons why it has become one of the most popular destinations even among expats and Digital Nomads.

I have packed these two days in Lisbon with the best things to do in the quaint Portugal Capital.

You don’t need a car to explore the city, so you can start your rental car from day 3 of your Portugal Itinerary.

It is worth exploring the central districts of the Portuguese capital on foot to be mesmerized by every detail of its architecture and demonstrations of urban arts.

You can also mix it up a bit and take one of the famous Lisbon electric streetcars (or trams).

Lisbon’s centennial public transport is an attraction in the city (there is even a museum dedicated to them!). Besides all their interior and exterior charm, they make interesting and very valuable routes for the traveler.

So, to start your first day in Lisbon, take the streetcar 28 to the Miradouro do Recolhimento and enjoy a nice walk through the Alfama neighborhood to the Castelo de São Jorge , built on the highest point of the city.

Then walk to the Sé de Lisboa , an imposing cathedral built in 1150. Walk down admiring the buildings until you reach the Praça do Comércio, the most important square in Lisbon home to the beautiful Arco Triunfal da Rua Augusta.

Go up Rua da Prata until you reach the 148 ft high Elevador de Santa Justa , the best and most charming means of transportation to go from Baixa to Chiado .

Finally, at night, I suggest having dinner at the Time Out Market , in Cais do Sodré, a large gourmet market with some of the best restaurants in Lisbon.

As far as accommodations go, Lisbon has a wide range of options and since you have only two days I suggest staying in Bairro Alto , Chiado , or Alfama .

With that in mind, Hotel Santa Justa is a very comfortable and accessible accommodation in Baixa-Chiado and 9 Hotel Mercy is in one of the many old buildings in Bairro Alto that have been restored and adapted as a luxury hotel.

But, if you are looking for a cheaper option, Alface Hall Hostel & Bar in Chiado is a great option for those who are willing to share a hostel room.

Also read: Traveling to Lisbon in winter

✔️ Day 2 – Lisbon

The second day in your Lisbon itinerary should be dedicated to getting to know Belém , a more remote neighborhood that boasts some of the city’s most interesting attractions.

Most of the monuments open from 10 am, and the best way to get there is with the tram 15E, a streetcar that leaves from Praça da Figueira and goes to the Mosteiros dos Jerônimos. The monastery dates from 1496, and each of its columns was carved by hand. It is a knockout.

When it is time for lunch, the tip is to go to Jardim Vasco da Gama, an area full of typical restaurants and cafes. Try the restaurant Adega de Belém, with plenty of seafood options.

Leave dessert for the famous Pastéis de Belém from the cafeteria named after the sweet (also called pastel de nata) and located in the same block. Although the place is crowded, the waiters are quick, and you won’t waste any of your precious time.

After refueling your body with God’s food, it is time to move on to Belém’s main monuments. There is the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the landmark of Cabral’s departure in 1500 to the New World.

If you want to enjoy a view of the city, climb to the top of the monument (the price is 5 euros per person).

Continuing your visit along the waterfront, you will see the Torre de Belém from afar, built to protect the entrance to the Tagus River.

On your way back to the center of Lisbon, stop by LX Factory, a former industrial area that today is occupied by dozens of studios, bars, stores, and art workshops. I recommend going up to Rio Maravilha bar, perfect for dinner or wine with an incredible view of the Ponte 25 de Abril.

In Lisbon, you can also join a free walking tour or other interesting tours created by locals to show you Lisbon’s gems.

✔️ Day 3 – Cascais

Now, it is time to get in the car and head to Cascais. The small town is home to Lisbon’s closest beaches.  So save the morning to check out Praia do Guincho and Praia da Arriba, the most beautiful beaches near Lisbon.

Also, the colorful city center is full of little shops, restaurants, and charming cafes. It is worth wandering around to discover some very pleasant spots enjoy a scrumptious lunch and enjoy the local cuisine.

Walk towards Cascais Marina, the place where the boat tours leave for the region. Then take the opportunity to visit the Cidadela de Cascais, a fortified structure in the city that currently houses shops and museums.

The next stop is a visit to the Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum, where you can have a panoramic view of the city from the top of the 1868 lighthouse. 

Finally, the last stop is the spectacular Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth), where strong powerful Atlantic Ocean waves crash against the massive rocky walls, creating surreal scenery.

Before heading to Sintra, where I recommend you spend your next night, stop by Cabo da Roca for a memorable sunset at this which is known as the westernmost point of Europe.

✔️ Day 4 – Sintra

Sintra is one of those mountain towns that seem like a trip back in time. With castles and palaces, the place preserves a lot of its original architecture. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site , Sintra has a lot to offer which is why I suggest you should spend the night there so you can enjoy at least one full day in the village.

Start your visit with Pena Palace with its playful colors presenting a mixture of architectural styles and a beautiful garden.

Nearby is the Castelo dos Mouros , one of the most popular Sintra Castles , an incredibly fortified structure built in the 9th century when the Moors occupied the region.

Finally, go down the hill to the National Palace of Sintra , which served as the residence of the Portuguese royal family until the end of the monarchy.

Finally, if you have time, have a coffee at the traditional Doceria Piriquita , and try the famous and delicious “travesseiros” and “queijadas”.

Depending on how early you get up if you have extra time in the afternoon I recommend walking to Quinta da Regaleira. This huge space, which served as residence to many nobles is filled with mysterious symbolism and gothic architecture among gardens, lakes, towers, and trails. 

✔️ Day 5 – Óbidos

One of the most graceful and interesting spots on this Portugal itinerary, the town of Óbidos is a small, fortified town that can be explored in just one day on foot. However, the experience of spending a night in a medieval town is super worthwhile and makes it a perfect stop on your drive north to Porto .

The Porta da Vila, the very entrance to the town, is already an attraction in itself and displays a beautiful mosaic of 18th-century tiles. Walk down Rua Direita, the main street in town, and where the main shops and restaurants are.

From there, take a detour and access places such as Santa Maria Church, the city’s main church, built in the 12th century. Also, to complete the medieval experience, it is worth walking on the stone walls that surround Óbidos for more than a mile.

Finally, get to the Óbidos Castle, considered one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, where the luxurious Hotel Castelo de Óbidos offers privileged views of the city.

✔️ Day 6 – Porto

Now, onwards we go. Continuing north, halfway between Óbidos and Porto, I suggest a stop in the traditional village of Nazaré. And after discovering the giant waves of the famous “ Nazaré Canyon “, you have made it to Porto, one of the most visited cities in Portugal and the wine region.

Undeniably, the city is very charming with many cafes and handicraft shops and the minimum stay in Porto is 2 days if you want to fully appreciate the city.

Start by visiting the 250-high Torre dos Clérigos, one of the great baroque icons of the city. Also, a few steps away is the Centennial Lello Bookstore , considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Afterward, head to Praça da Liberdade, the most important square in town, and continue along Avenida dos Aliados, passing by great places like the traditional Café Guarany , founded in 1933.

Go to the São Bento Railway Station to appreciate the immense tile panels that decorate its walls. Then, make a stop at the Porto Cathedral , which was built in the 12th century. Next to it, there is a beautiful belvedere with a panoramic view of the whole city.

Go to the Stock Exchang e Palace and admire its neoclassical architecture. Finally, go down to the Cais do Ribeira and enjoy the sunset and the view of the Douro River in the Douro Valley from one of the many open-air restaurants scattered around the area.

In Porto, you may also want to buy some of the most authentic Portugal souvenirs .

✔️ Day 7 – Porto

On the second day of your Porto itinerary, cross the Ponte Luís I Bridge, which will give you a new perspective of the region and beautiful views. Go to the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, where there is a wonderful viewpoint to see the city from above.

Even if you do not visit the Monastery , take a ride down in the Vila Nova de Gaia Cable Car to see the entire riverside area of Porto.

Arriving in Vila Nova de Gaia , at the end of the cable car, take the opportunity to visit the Port Wine Cellars, an unmissable tour. There are several establishments where you can do tastings and guided tours to better understand the production process of this famous wine.

You can also have lunch there and walk through the streets to see the incredible manifestations of urban art that color the city’s walls.

Porto is not so big, but it has several attractions to enjoy throughout the city. The main recommendation is to stay in the city center, around Bolhão and Clérigos, close to the old part of the city.

The Editory Artist Baixa Hote l is a great example of classical and cozy accommodation near many historical places such as Café Majestic and Coliseu do Porto.

However, there are several good options a bit further away near subways or other sights, such as around Zona da Ribeira and Casa da Música , where you can find the minimalist Casa do Conto.

✔️ Day 8 – Braga e Guimarães

From Porto, there are many other trips worth considering such as a visit to Vale do Douro, which you can include if you have extra days to add to your Portugal itinerary.

In this case, I suggest a day trip to the cities of Braga and Guimarães , instead. You will certainly fall in love with the attractions of these two cities, which are 35 miles from the city of Porto and 12 miles from each other.

Braga is one of the oldest cities in the country its highlights include the steps of the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary . Meanwhile, Guimarães has a beautiful historic center, besides important and classic tours. No doubt your journey to Portugal will be perfect with these attractions.

✔️ Day 9 – Coimbra e Fátima

Now, it is time to start driving south again considering your next days will be spent in the Algarve region.  However, with such a long drive from Porto to Lagos (approximately 5h), I suggest making a road trip out of it and stopping along the way.

Your first stop, Coimbra , is known as the city of students, as it is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. The university is the city’s main tourist attraction and well worth a visit.

Around the university, the historic center is like a maze of narrow medieval streets, steep slopes, stairways, and buildings with reddish roofs. With a rich and preserved historical heritage, Coimbra is the perfect city to get lost in between its alleys.

Meanwhile, your second stop, Fátima, is all about religious tourism with the Shrine of Fátima as its main attraction. The whole complex includes the chapel of the apparitions and the shrine itself. In half a day you can visit everything at a slow pace, including attending a mass, if you want to.

✔️ Day 10 – Lagos

Now that you have finally made it to the Algarve , know that seven days is the ideal period to get to know the region which is very rich in landscapes, beaches of different types, markets, and restaurants. However, 4 days allow you to visit the main Algarve beaches and some of its historic sites.

Although the city of Lagos is not as big as the capital of Algarve, Faro , it is the main town and best strategically located. It is also home to some of the best beaches in Portugal , so I highly recommend staying there for two nights.

Also read | Where to stay in Lagos, a guide to the cutest hotels

On this first day in Lagos, check out Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo. The first is one of the most common postcards in the Algarve and the second is perfect for spending some time relaxing. The third destination of the day is Ponta da Piedade, with an indescribable view and a perfect option to watch the sunset.

As in other cities in this itinerary, Lagos, is also worth staying in the central region, close to everything and even the beaches. Some of the best options are The Salty Lodge and the more traditional Marina Club Lagos Resort and Hotel Mar Azul.

✔️ Day 11 – Lagos

Close to Lagos, Lagoa is also worth including in your Algarve itinerary . A short drive away from Lagos, it is where you will find Marinha Beach, which was once voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

Take the opportunity to also visit Benagil Beach. From there, a boat trip will take you to Benagil Cave , known as the most beautiful cave in the world.

And if you are more adventurous, you can go on the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail . The hike is 3.5 miles long (one way) and guarantees some of the best landscapes in the Algarve.

Another interesting point to include in this day is the Carvoeiro Village , with colorful houses perched on the cliffs. If you have time, enjoy eating at some of the typical restaurants you find there.

✔️ Day 12 – Sagres

Finally, you have made it to the last stop in your two-week trip around Portugal. The small coastal town of Sagres is the perfect base to explore Costa Vicentina , also known as the West Coast of the Algarve.

With some of the most dramatic and wild cliffs, the options of Algarve beaches on the Costa Vicentina are numerous. This is why the first day in Sagres is reserved for a breathtaking road trip starting at Amoreira Beach and driving back to Sagres, stopping along the way.

Some of the highlights include the drive from Amoreira Beach to Fateixa Beach , passing through the lovely fishing village of Monte Clérigo with its little white houses sitting in between the cliffs. I suggest stopping at O Zé for a coffee break.

Once you have made it to Bordeira Beach, take the alternative route of Estrada da Praia along the cliffs to Amado Beach . Another spot I recommend checking out is the Cordoama Lookout . The view from up there is indescribable and you get to see Castelejo Beach as well.

✔️ Day 13 – Sagres

After so much exploring and driving, you might want to take it easier at the end of your trip. And if you want to vary a bit, it is worth taking an excursion to the Sagres Fortress . Built between the 11 th and 18 th centuries, Sagres Fortress is a must-see in the region.

Besides its undeniable historical value, the site also provides a privileged panoramic view of the entire coast and its incredible cliffs.

After stopping for lunch at Beliche Beach , finish your historic day with a sunset a t Cabo São Vicente , which is just around the corner. A little away from the tourist crowds, the cape is the most southwestern point in Europe.

Think of a spectacular place, full of giant cliffs surrounded by an intensely blue sea. There is also a charming red lighthouse and the sunset there will go head to head with the sunset from Cabo da Roca!

Regarding where to stay in Sagres, Memmo Baleeira Hotel Sagres is a short walk from the main restaurants and The Lighthouse Hostel Sagres is a great option if you are traveling alone.

✔️ Day 14 – Drive back to Lisbon

Unfortunately, we have come to the end of the best Portugal itinerary . I always use the last day of travel itineraries to enjoy what we do not take advantage of in the most interesting spots. So, if you could not visit all the beaches or towns you wanted before, this is your chance.

Or even if there was something you did not get the chance to discover in Lisbon, you can head back early morning and enjoy the rest of your day there.

Keep in mind, this Portugal itinerary is just a suggestion, an idea of how to enjoy the country in a week or two. Of course, you can make changes, add, or remove elements of it so your trip will be even more enjoyable, depending on what are your priorities and main interests.

7 days Portugal itinerary suggestion

But what to do if you don’t have that much time in Portugal?

In case you only have a week, I suggest focusing on the most famous cities in Portugal (Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto).

Unfortunately, this means removing Braga, Guimarães, Coimbra, and Fátima. You would also not have the time to truly explore the Algarve, so I advise not wasting your time driving there.

However, consider keeping Cascais in your Portugal 7-day itinerary, so you get to visit at least a couple of the beautiful Portugal beaches out there.

10 days Portugal itinerary suggestion

On the other hand, if you have 10 days in Portugal, you can have a nice mix of the most popular cities with smaller and historic places, such as Óbidos, Braga, Guimarães, Coimbra, and Fátima.

This means that from the 14-day itinerary, I suggest removing only the Algarve to make this a 10-day trip. Once again, the reason behind this is that it is not worth driving to the Algarve to spend less than 4 days.

If you have the Algarve region as your priority, you can check out my amazing Algarve Itinerary which focuses on the destination.

Unmissable places to visit in Portugal

👉 Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon – The 11th-century Moorish castle is located on top of Castle Hill and is, nowadays, one of Lisbon’s main attractions. The castle was built during the medieval period to be a fortified citadel.

The castle complex consists of the castle itself, some auxiliary buildings, ruins, gardens, and a large square with a terrace, from where you can get an incredible view of Lisbon.

👉 Sintra – Located high up in the mountains, Sintra is surrounded by lots of greenery, narrow little streets, historic palaces, and the cutest little center you will see in all of Portugal. It is well worth spending a day there, even considering an overnight stay, and exploring the amazing Sintra castles.

👉 Óbidos – Located 50 miles from Lisbon, Óbidos can be visited in just one day. Its streets have medieval buildings that remind us of the 12th century, so you will find an architecture of walls made of stones and a village with a Middle Ages look. It is, to say the least, a different experience for the tourist who likes history.

👉 Livraria Lello, Porto – The Lello Bookstore is one of the obligatory stops for those visiting Porto. The bookstore became famous for being an inspiration for the Harry Potter series and has now entered the list of tourist attractions in the city. The Lello Bookstore also stands out for the architecture of its building. On the facade, of neo-Gothic style, two figures stand out, symbolizing Art and Science.

👉 Algarve – Between picture-worthy beaches, incredible caves, imposing rock formations, and historical heritage sites, the Algarve offers many things to do.

Located between Spain and the Alentejo region, the Algarve is a European paradise full of history and modern amenities offering something for everyone.

With an average of 300 sunny days per year, the Algarve beaches represent one of the main tourist destinations in summer.

Useful Portugal Travel Tips

👍 when is the best time to visit portugal.

Portugal is much more enjoyable if you visit in the warmer months. With the warm weather, beach time, boat trips, and city tours are certainly more enjoyable. Not to mention being able to enjoy the bars and restaurants on the sidewalk.

But of course, during the winter the country is also beautiful and is worth considering if you are planning a winter getaway. The country is in the south of Europe it has a very mild climate, the temperatures do not drop that much, so you can go all year round.

However, I think autumn and spring are the best periods because you get away from the intense heat and the crowds of summer vacation.

Read more about the best time to visit Portugal

👍Is Portugal safe

Portugal was voted the 4 th safest country in the world by the Global Peace Index 2021. Of course, like anywhere else in the world, more touristy places require a little more attention to your belongings.

But, in general, there is not much to worry about safety in Portugal since the existing problems are punctual.

In any case, having travel insurance is always a smart choice. You never know what can happen and staying protected will give you peace of mind.

👍 Travelling around Portugal

Most tourist cities have adequate public transportation. Sintra , Porto , and Lisbon for example offer the double-decker tourist bus that stops at all attractions. From one city to another some buses or trains are convenient and affordable.

However, to visit some of the cities in this itinerary renting a car will provide more freedom and comfort.

So, I recommend renting a car and doing a 10-day driving tour of Portugal through beautiful landscapes. Driving around the country is easy and very economical.

Remember that the distances are very short between one city and another, as it is possible to cross the whole country from north to south in about 6 hours by car. So, take advantage of this recommendation and go on an amazing Portugal road trip through the major cities of Portugal!

👍 How many days to spend in Portugal?

To get most of the basics you need at least 7 days of travel in Portugal. In one week, it is possible to walk calmly through the streets of Lisbon and make some short trips to nearby destinations, such as Sintra and Cascais. Besides visiting Porto, of course.

But there is still a lot more to see. From the Alentejo and the Algarve to the country’s rural interior, not to mention the islands of Madeira and Azores. But you have to make choices and with a 10-day itinerary, you can see the main cities without being in a hurry.

Planning a trip soon? Here are My Recommended Travel Resources .

• TRAVEL INSURANCE –   Safety Wing or TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER
• BOOK FLIGHTS –   Expedia ,   Going.com (former Scott Cheap flights) , and always remember to compare
• BOOK TOURS –   GetYourGuide or Viator . Some of their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
• HOTELS & HOMES – Booking.com – Expedia –   VRBO
• CAR RENTALS:  Discover Car Rentals

before You Go…

Here are some useful posts that you might be interested in:

• 15 Amazing Things To Do In Faial, Azores Portugal, Top Tours And Travel Tips
• Faro To Porto Road Trip: 2 Amazing Weeks In Portugal Traveling Solo
• 18 Things To Know Before Renting A Car In Faro Portugal
• The 13 Best Hikes In Portugal That You Don’t Want To Miss
• 27 Fun Facts About Portugal That You Must Read Before Traveling

Similar Posts

The 13 Most Charming Portugal Coastal Towns That You Should Visit This Year

How to Get from Lisbon to Sintra by Train, Bus, or Tour

How to get to the Azores: All You Need to Know

Pico Island Azores – 17 Things to Do and Best Itineraries

Surfing in Portugal: The Complete Guide to the Top 27 Surfing Spots

The 7 best Sintra Castles to visit during your trip to Portugal

How to Spend 10 Days in Portugal – The Best Travel Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: December 26, 2022

Categories Europe , Guides , Portugal , Travel Guides

You’re on your way to spend 10 days in Portugal, and you’re looking for an itinerary to show you the best in the country? Well, you’re in the right place. My 10-day Portugal itinerary is carefully structured to submerge you into the local culture, to take you around the most prominent highlights and attractions, but also to leave you enough time to unwind and enjoy your vacation. I mean, if you have to jump to a new place every other day, would you really enjoy the trip in the end? I don’t think so.

Portugal is one of the best places in the world for 7-10 day-long trips. The country is small and easy to travel around, the weather is fantastic, and every town is overflowing with a distinctive vibe.

There are three must-see areas in the Iberian country – Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve coast. In 10 days, you can do all three of them, but you won’t be able to enjoy them properly, so one had to be left out of the itinerary. Algarve was the chosen one.

Why Algarve?

While Algarve is a fantastic place with stunningly beautiful shores, its main attraction is… well the beaches. When I travel, my biggest goal is to submerge into the country’s identity, to embrace the vibe, and to catch its soul. Porto, Lisbon , and the towns around them express the Portugal way of life more than the golden shores of Algarve (at least for me). If you’re looking for a beach vacation, though, don’t hesitate to add the scenic Algarve coast and the incredible Praia da Marinha beach to your 10 day Portugal itinerary. 

Another noticeable exception is the Douro Valley. While the place is quite impressive, It’s mostly for wine lovers and even though pretty much everyone likes wine, I’m not sure many people would like to devote a significant part of their vacation strictly to it. If you’re an avid wine enthusiast, make sure you pa a visit to the Douro Valley.

What we’ll See in Our Ten Days in Portugal

If you’re coming from overseas, you’ll most likely arrive in Lisbon. Thankfully the capital of Portugal is not just a big business city but a lively metropolis with many historical areas, peculiar attractions, and vibrant nightlife. Lisbon is the cornerstone of this 10 day Portugal itinerary and the place we’ll spend most time exploring.

Also known as Oporto, the second-biggest city in the country is an absolute must-see. Relatively still under the radar, Porto offers an incredible atmosphere (that even inspired J.K.Rolling’s wizardly world), gorgeous azulejo-tiled buildings (perfect for Instagram enthusiasts), out-worldly views (especially around the Douro River), and some of the best wine on the planet (its the birthplace of Port wine). Porto is also perfect for a day-trip to the Douro Valley.

Named the Rome of Portugal, Braga is the third-largest city in the country. Honestly, I was quite confused when I found this out, Walking around Braga does not give you big city-vibe, quite the opposite.

Braga’s attractions are its churches (which are everywhere), and the incredible UNESCO recognized Bom Jesus Sanctuary. The city is also located just an hour away (by train) from Porto, thus been perfect for a day-trip.

As cliche as it sounds, Sintra is like a page torn out of a fairy-tale. One of the most magical places in Portugal (and Europe), the dewy forests, funky palaces, and eccentric gardens of Sintra are surely sight to be seen. It’s also located just an hour (by metro train) from Lisbon. Perfect place to spend a day (or two). A trip to Sintra also gives you the chance to visit the westernmost point of continental Europe – Cabo da Roca.

Évora

Évora is one of Portugal’s most well-preserved medieval towns and an absolute delight to walk around. Imagine a small town with narrow alleys snaking their way around cute white houses. This is Évora. But we won’t go there just to take a walk. Evora is home to one of the most unique (and creepy) attractions in Europe – Capela dos Ossos (a chappel made up of human bones).

The Best Ten-Day Portugal Itinerary

As mentioned above, my 10 days in Portugal itinerary would be focused around the biggest cities in the country – Lisbon, and Porto. Don’t be afraid, though. They may be big on paper, but they certainly don’t have this big-city vibe in them. And we have plenty of day trips to check out the nearby towns.

Castaway Tip Try to arrange your flights to arrive in Lisbon but depart from Porto (or the other way around). This way, you’d save almost a whole day!

• Day 1 – Lisbon

The capital of Portugal welcomed   6mln tourists in 2019   and (most likely) would be the start of your adventure. On my itineraries, I always recommend the arrival day to be left free of tasks. You are tired; you may be even jetlagged, no need to stress yourself extra with a plan for the day.

Just get out and take a walk. Stroll over Rua Augusta, and the vibrant Bairro Alto. No set goal, just wandering around and seizing the city vibe. That’s all for day one.

• Day 2 – Lisbon

Time to start exploring a bit more seriously. On Day 2, we get to know the east part of the city. Your start-point depends on the location of your hotel, but here’s a great route you can adjust according to your needs.

The first thing of the day is the iconic Praça do Comércio, followed by a long walk around the nearby Alfama district. Alfama is the old town of Lisbon and also a great place to have our morning coffee.

Once we see the miradouros (viewpoints), we make our way to the São Jorge Castelo. You can’t visit a European capital and not see a castle, right? São Jorge won’t only teach you more about the city, but will also reveal incredible panoramic views over Lisbon.

The third major highlight of the day is Carmo Convent. A museum located inside the ruins of Lisbon’s  great earthquake of 1755 , Carmo Convent is a great city attraction in a convenient location. On your way there, make sure you check the Dom Pedro IV square and Santa Justa Miradouro (but don’t use the overrated elevator).

In the afternoon, I suggest checking out Igreja de São Roque (the most beautiful church in town) before getting on the Ascensor de Gloria (vintage Lisbon funicular). As for dinner, you may want to check out Mercado da Ribeira.

Now I know this first day of Lisbon sounds like too much. To help with details, I have a  3-day Lisbon guide  where you can get more information about each highlight (prices, working hours, pictures) and a map to help you navigate around town.

• Day 3 – Lisbon

Today we won’t explore as much, but we’re about to see (and taste) some of Lisbon’s most notable attractions. Day 3 would be dedicated to the west side of the city and, more specifically, the neighborhood of Belém.

The first agenda of the day is breakfast at the legendary Pasteis de Belém. At first, they may look like the other Pastel de Natas (popular breakfast pastry you can find everywhere in Lisbon). However, Pasteis de Belém is the place where this delicious dessert was invented, and they still use their own secret formula to make it. If the line is too big, though, you may skip the pastels in the morning and get a pack on your way back.

The Belém exploration continues with the UNESCO recognized Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. This one usually has a nasty line, so I suggest  booking it online . The monastery is not really big, so we have plenty of time to check the nearby Maritime Museum too and learn more about Portugal’s great explorers.

In the afternoon, we see the Monument of Discoveries (you can even climb on top of it) before enjoying a sunset right next to another UNESCO recognized attraction – Torre de Belém.

Psst: Lisbon may look awesome at first glance, but there’re plenty of tourist traps there.  Check out Lisbon’s overrated attractions that you can safely leave out of your itinerary .

• Day 4 – Évora

We saw plenty of Lisbon, and It’s time for our first day-trip. And what better place to go than the medieval city of Évora. One and a half hours away from Lisbon, the windy alleys of Évora offer just enough highlights to fill our day.

They are all right next to each other so you can do them in any order you want. The Sé of Évora (the cathedral) is a beautiful piece of architecture, blending Romanesque with the Gothic. It also offers rooftop views and a picturesque cloister.

The Roman Temple of Diana is right next to the cathedral, and while it’s not out-of-this-world exciting, it’s very well-preserved, and there’s a lovely park next to it you can unwind in.

The biggest attraction of Évora is the Bone Chappel. Lined with the remains of 5,000 monks, Capela dos Ossos is a bizarre but quite unique place that is an absolute must-see.

• Day 5 – Sintra

Sintra is usually done on a day-trip from Lisbon, but I strongly suggest spending the night there. There are plenty of castles and palaces to see, but doing more than two in a day would really drain you.

An hour away from Lisbon (by city train), Sintra is incredibly easy to reach. The first thing we see is the colorful Pena Palace. With it’s yellow and red towers, the romanticist palace is the biggest superstar of the region and get’s crowded quickly. Once finished with the palace, make sure you explore its gardens too.

The second castle of the day would be the Castle of the Moors. This one has nothing to do with the Pena Palace. It was a real fort used to defend the area, and today the remains of its walls offer magnificent panoramic views of the area.

If you have enough energy, you may also check Sintra’s National Palace – a great museum that used to be a residence of the king of Portugal.

Psst: to plan your Sintra trip in detail, check out my  Lisbon to Sintra guide  where you can find useful information about prices, working hours, and of course, plenty of pictures.

• Day 6 – Sintra

On your second day in Sintra, we’re going to check out Quinta da Regaleira in the morning, thus skipping the tourist crowds. The former estate and its quirky gardens are the perfect way to start our day. If you missed Sintra’s National Palace yesterday, you may pay a visit now too or even make a trip to the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and Europe – Cabo da Roca. 

In the afternoon, we make our way to Porto.  You can find how here.

• Day 7 – Porto

Porto is an incredibly bright and colorful town. It may be the second biggest city in the country, but it’s quite easy to explore. On our first day there, we can see the Harry Potter attractions – Livaria Lello (an antique bookstore that managed to preserve an early 19th-century spirit), The Fonte dos Leões ( a fountain that inspired Gryffindor house) and the Majestic Cafe (where J.K.Rollwing supposedly wrote a few Harry Potter chapters).

We also have time to check out some of the most picturesque places in town. Carmo and Carmelita churches with their stunning azulejo-tiled exteriors ( something Portugal is pretty famous for ) are the perfect place for a new profile picture while the Clerigos Church and its tower offer stunning panoramic views of Porto.

• Day 8 – Porto

Our second day in Porto will start with a walk around the colorful Ribeira district. After having a coffee next to the river, we continue with two of Porto’s most prominent attractions – The Porto Cathedral and the incredibly picturesque church – Igreja de São Francisco.

In the afternoon, we discover why Porto is a city of wine by joining a wine tour and exploring some of the city’s best cellars. At sunset, find a place somewhere around the Gaia district and enjoy the colorful show over the Douro River.

Hey there! You know what? I have a  detailed guide about Porto  too. Check it out to find prices, working hours, plenty of pictures, and a map of the itinerary.

• Day 9 – Braga

The ninth day of our 10 day Portugal itinerary will be spent on a day-trip. I picked Braga because it’s cheaper than the Douro Valley, and it would be interesting for everybody (while the Douro Valley is mainly for wine-lovers).

Braga is just one hour away from Porto and features one of Portugal’s most significant highlights – Bom Jesus Do Monte. The sanctuary and its 577 steps Baroque stairway are absolutely gorgeous and would also give you the chance to enjoy some of the refreshing mountain air of Portugal.

The city is also famous for its churches (which are countless), parks, and theatre.

To find how to reach Bom Jesus Do Monte and what else to do in Braga, you can check out  my detailed Porto-to-Braga guide here .

• Day 10 – Go home

Sadly your 10 days in Portugal are about to end. If your flight home departs from Porto, you can enjoy a leisure day alongside the Douro River. If not, you should have plenty of time to make your way back to Lisbon (around 3 hours by train).

More Than Ten Days in Portugal

You have more time to spend, or you don’t fancy something on the itinerary? Not a problem. Portugal may be small, but it has plenty to offer.

Algarve 

The southern coastline of Portugal is gaining incredible popularity as of late. With its quaint fishing villages, stunning Praia da Marinha beach, family orientated towns, and awe-inspiring landscapes, Algarve is one of the best spots in Europe to go for a beach holiday. If you’re looking for a vacation mostly spend lying on a sunbed (or a surfboard), Algarve (and Praia da Marinha) should be the cornerstone of your 10 day Portugal Itinerary.

Being Portugal’s medieval capital for more than a century, today Coimbra is the university city of Portugal. Combining the youthful student energy of modern Coimbra with the fortifications and gothic buildings of the medieval one, and you got a pretty exciting place to explore.

Nazaré

The picturesque seaside village of Nazaré is a famous touristic spot. Considered to have one of the best beaches in the country, the small resort-town is an excellent place for a family vacation.

Due to the “Nazaré Canyon” (a submarine geomorphological phenomenon ), the village is famous for having perfect giant waves, thus becoming legendary in the surfers’ world.

Douro Valley

Depending on your love for wine, the Douro Valley may very well be an integral part of your 10 day Portugal itinerary. Located 300km (185 mi) east of Porto, the Majestic valley is a popular day-trip option. 

A Unesco World Heritage site since 2001, the Douro Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Even if you’re not that big of a wine enthusiast, the views of the valley and its majestic wilderness are something worth seeing.

Berlenga Grande Island

This one I found by surprise. During my 10 days in Portugal, I went for a dive off the coast of the Peniche fishing town. Between dives, my instructor took us to check out the Berlenga Grande, and I was caught by surprise. The rocky landscape of the island is quite a stunning sight on itself but complemented by the São João Baptista fort it becomes a top game-of-thrones-styled place to visit.

Make sure to check the weather forecast before you visit, though. It’s not a rare occasion for the island to be covered in fog.

The Village of Monsanto

You want something unusual on your 10 day-Portugal itinerary? How about a village where houses are tucked under boulders? Hanging on a mountaintop overlooking the Portuguese countryside, the village of Monsanto has hardly changed in hundreds of years. 

Why are the houses sandwiched by boulders?  I have no idea, but I’m pretty sure that’s something you can’t see anywhere else in the world, and a visit there would make for a good story back home. It’s on my 10 days in Portugal itinerary because it’s a little bit away from the other destinations and you need a car to visit it.

The Islands

An honorary mention to the Azores and Madeira. Sadly, you need to have a lot more than 10 days in Portugal to check them out properly. They are so distant and different that I don’t even consider them part of Portugal. A trip to either of them has nothing to do with anything else in the country.

Are they worth it? Absolutely! If you enjoy nature and spending time outside, very few places in Europe can compete with Madeira and the Azores.

Portugal Travel FAQ

What is the best time to visit Portugal ?

The best time to visit Portugal depends on your traveling style and what exactly you plan to do there. Overall, spring and early autumn offer the best temperatures and moderate crowds.

If you’re looking for a beach vacation, those seasons won’t cut it, and you better search for flights around the summer months (July-September). If you’re a budget traveler, avoid the summer (August especially) and the holiday months (April, December). The best prices are in January and February. If you love wine, September – October is the grape-harvesting season, and you can enjoy plenty of activities you won’t find during the other seasons.

You can  see the average temperatures all around the country here .

Is Portugal safe ?

Portugal is an incredibly safe place to visit. It’s regularly voted among the  safest countries in the world , so chances of having any problems during your 10 days in Portugal are close to nothing.

This doesn’t mean you have to skip travel insurance, though. Risking to sound like your mother, anything can happen, and to travel unprepared is an unnecessary hazard. Travel insurance not only covers you if something happened but free your mind of worry, so even if nothing happens, you enjoy your vacation way more. I currently use  HeyMondo  for my travels because they have proven themselves to me more than once over the years. The link above will give you a 5% discount, but If you have another favorite provider, that’s ok. Just make sure you have one because you never know what may happen.

How to get around Portugal ?

While you can always rent a car and explore on your own pace, I suggest using public transport. The train system is incredibly well developed in Portugal. Intercity trains are inexpensive and fast, while the metro trains around the city can also be used to go on some day-trips (like Lisbon – Sintra).

The cities are best explored by foot, but you can use the trams that go virtually everywhere. If you’re lucky, you may get one of the vintage wooden ones!

What currency do I need for Portugal ?

Euro is the official currency in Portugal, and you can’t pay in anything else (including Dollars).

Do they speak English in Portugal ?

I was pleasantly surprised by the level of English spoken in Portugal. Unlike nearby Spain, everywhere I went, people spoke English, and they spoke it quite well. Even if you don’t speak Portuguese or Spanish, you won’t have any trouble with the communication there.

That’s all from me, I hope you enjoy your 10 days in Portugal ! ———————————— If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips! ———————————— I have 17 bucket list ideas for Portugal. See my impossible bucket list of 1700+ adventures!

Is Portugal on your bucket list?

Some of the above are affiliate links and I will earn a percentage of the sale if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. This helps keep my site running – so thanks in advance for your support!

Katherine Schmidt

Monday 27th of March 2023

I enjoyed reading through your suggested travel itinerary. Can you tell me what type of transportation you used to get around? Did you rent a car or use the train? Thanks

Tuesday 28th of March 2023

I used the cheapest one - buses (except for Sintra, where I went via a Lisbon train). Rented cars and trains would be good options too, though. Portugal's train system is extensive, and their roads are well-maintained. Have fun in Portugal, Katherine :)

Cindy Peters

Monday 2nd of January 2023

Slavi- Do you offer tours? Thanks! Cindy

Tuesday 3rd of January 2023

Hi Cindy, I just help people make their own tours. Portugal is easy to navigate, you don't really need an orginized tour :)

Friday 11th of November 2022

Very good suggestion, helpful info and reasonable comment, thank a lot!👍👍👍👏👏😎

Tuesday 15th of November 2022

Glad I could help :)

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A Perfect 10 Days in Portugal: The Best Portugal Itinerary You’ll Ever Find

last Updated: March 2, 2024 albufeira algarve cascais lagos Lisbon porto Portugal sintra

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Planning 10 days in Portugal and looking for the best Portugal itinerary out there?! Welcome, you’ve come to the right place! Read on for everything you need to know – how to get around, where to stay, my favorite spots to eat, and of course a crazy comprehensive 10 day Portugal itinerary!

I first visited this incredible country a few years ago and knew (after only 4 days) it was going to be one of my favorites. Well, after spending over 10 days in Portugal on my latest trip (actually two weeks if we’re counting…), I can now 100% say this little country officially has my heart. I’ve been to plenty of places in Europe, but Portugal is easily one of my favorites (along with Greece and Italy ).

If intricate azulejo tiles, delectable seafood dishes, soothing fado music, stunning turquoise beaches, and towering sandstone cliffs are your thing, I can guarantee that you’ll love Portugal just as much as I did. Oh – you can’t forget about those Portuguese custard egg tarts (Pasteis de Nata) and that sweet, sweet Port wine. Delish!

So let’s get to it – the best 10 days in Portugal itinerary you’ll ever read! Find me a better blog post, I dare you!

But first, a pre-travel guide to everything you need to know about when traveling to Portugal for 10 days or more!

10 Days in Portugal Logistics

Main regions visited on this portugal itinerary.

• Lisbon (plus Sintra and Cascais )
• Porto (plus either the Douro Valley or Costa Nova/Aveiro)
• Algarve (Lagos and Albufeira)

This Portugal itinerary starts in Lisbon (since it’s where most international flights arrive), hops up to Porto for a few days, then makes its way down south to the beachy Algarve. With 10 days in Portugal, you can add in a day trip to Sintra and maybe even the Douro Valley or Costa Nova/Aveiro.

Have a little more time? If you’ve got 2 weeks in Portugal (lucky duck), you can add in an extra town in the Algarve (like Sagres, Albufeira, or Sines), and an additional day trip in both Lisbon or Porto (like Obidos, Cascais, or Nazare).

Where is Portugal?

For starters, Portugal is in Southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula sitting right next to Spain. To the west and south of Portugal is the Atlantic Ocean (and lemme tell ya – it’s WAY more scenic than the Atlantic Ocean I grew up swimming in over in New York).

Since Portugal sits right next to Spain and is not far (at all) from Morocco, many people combine the three countries into one big trip! And that’s actually what I did a few years back – see my recommended Spain, Portugal, and Morocco itinerary here ! If you’ve got limited time you really gotta think about if you wanna explore Portugal in depth, or if you wanna break up your time and spend a few days in each country. 

On my last visit to the area I only visited Lisbon ( plus a few day trips ), and was able to see Barcelona , Seville, and Valencia in Spain, plus Fez and Chefchaoen in Morocco. It all depends what kinda trip you want! This trip I solely explored Portugal and was so glad I did – there’s SO much to see and do here!

How to Get to Portugal

Flights : Most international flights arrive in Portugal in Lisbon at Lisbon International Airport, also known as Humberto Delgado Airport or Portela Airport (airport code LIS). If this is your first time in Portugal, you’ll definitely wanna explore Lisbon for a few days, so this works out quite perfectly!

There’s many nonstop flights to Lisbon, Porto, and even Faro (in the Algarve) from Europe. Coming from the USA, you’ll only find a handful of nonstop flights to Portugal, mostly to Lisbon and mainly from the East Coast (from larger cities like New York , Boston, and Washington DC ). 

This means you’ll likely need to connect elsewhere in Europe ( London ’s a big hub, as is Amsterdam). If you need to connect and have the time, why not make two trips outta one – we recently spent just one day in Amsterdam and it was SO fun! Ohhh… the stroopwafels and frites (yum).

Coming from San Francisco , my flight stopped in Munich, Germany first, then I hopped on a smaller plane to get to Lisbon. Longer flying times, but the flight was less expensive so I took it! Do note there are some nonstops directly from the West Coast on TAP Air Portugal (Transportes Aéreos Portugueses). I don’t think they operate every day, so just be mindful when looking for flights if you prefer a nonstop flight. 

For reference, I chose to fly basic economy (the cheapest ticket you can possibly buy), and paid around $1,000 per person on Lufthansa/United round trip from the West Coast USA during Portugal’s prime season of July/August. If I had booked a few months earlier, that same ticket would have cost me around $700. So, my friends, book as early as possible (I waited until late April and flew to Lisbon in July).

If your dates are more flexible you can surely find cheaper airfare. For reference, I commonly see roundtrip economy flights from San Francisco to Lisbon for around $800, with flights as cheap as $450 occasionally during the fall and off-season months.

And once you make it to Lisbon Airport, you can either take the metro (the ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line takes you to downtown Lisbon in 20 minutes or so), or simply use a rideshare app. I did the latter and it only cost me about 12 euros or so to get to my hotel.

Trains and Buses: Lisbon is well connected to other parts of Portugal and even a few other major European cities. BUT it’ll probably take quite a while to get there – about 10 hours from Madrid, and a whopping 24 hours from London. Just take the quick flight if you’re already in Europe.

How to Get Around Portugal

Many people recommend doing a road trip in Portugal, but if you’re not keen on renting a car, don’tchu worry! Since I was traveling solo, a rental car was definitely not in the cards – I’m not the most confident driver, especially in a different country! Thankfully, there’s other ways to get around!

Trains : To get from city to city within Portugal, I relied on the national railway company – CP (Comboios de Portugal). I used the train to get from Lisbon to Porto (roundtrip) and Lisbon to Lagos (roundtrip), which you’ll be doing if you follow my Portugal itinerary!

While you can buy your train tickets at the train station itself, I HIGHLY recommend purchasing your tickets in advance on the official website (psst – you’ll need your passport #). Especially in the high season, because, yes, the trains do sell out! When I was ready to buy my train ticket from Lisbon to Lagos, there were only a few options left!

You’ll also save a decent amount if you book at least 5 days in advance – something I should have done, whoops!

Psst – you’ll always wanna book a high speed ALFA Pendular (AP) Train or InterCity (IC) Train between major cities instead of the slower trains (which make more stops and take significantly longer). 

I also used the regional/suburban trains to get around within the cities themselves. The train system is super easy to use, and you can always ask the staff at the station if you need help. Everyone I encountered was super friendly and spoke a decent amount of English. Don’t be intimidated by the trains – I promise they’re simple and straightforward. And the ticket prices couldn’t be better!

Ride Sharing Apps : Within cities, I relied on Uber and Bolt (Portugal’s cheaper version of Uber). There’s also FREENOW, another ride sharing app but I got by with just Uber and Bolt.

Tip: I recommend having all three ride sharing apps on your phone, and expect to use them all. There were times when drivers were not available on Bolt, and I had to pay a bit more on Uber. Other times, Uber was almost double the price, so I used Bolt! If you have somewhere to be, say a train to catch or a tour starting at a specific time, give yourself extra time to get there. 

At times, I had to wait almost 20 minutes for a car, and other times I had numerous drivers cancel on me (ultimately making the wait extra long). I was worried I would miss my train at one point! Luckily someone finally didn’t cancel and I made it in time, but boy would that have sucked!

Public Transport : In Lisbon and Porto, there’s metro systems. Easy, cheap, fast, and efficient. I honestly only used these a handful of times as I found myself walking between neighborhoods A LOT. And taking Uber/Bolt when I got tired since most rides were only between 3-5 euros.

Walking : Yes, walking! The downtown areas of Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, and many of the day trips from each are compact and you can really see a lot just by using your own two feet! On most days of my 10 day Portugal trip, I clocked in around 20k steps! So remember to bring comfy shoes – it’s very important.

I’ll explain in more detail as I go day by day in my exact Portugal itinerary below. 

Portugal Itinerary FAQS

Currency and exchange rates in portugal .

Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe, although it’s definitely increasing in price — so go now! Coming from an expensive city like San Francisco , hardly anything felt overpriced.

Portugal uses the Euro like much else of the European Union. When I visited, the euro was at an all-time low, making it practically equal to the US dollar. Lets just say it was a super-economical time to head to Portugal and Europe in general. And, yup, converting euros to dollars was ridiculously easy – there wasn’t much to change!

Do note this fluctuates all the time, but the US dollar has been exceptionally strong when compared to the euro for the last few years. 

I recommend using a currency converter (such as XE Currency on your cell phone or a currency converter on the web) to get the most up to date currency exchanges for all forms of currency. 

Cards vs. Cash in Portugal: I was able to use my credit card at almost all places in Portugal. You’ll definitely wanna carry some Euro at all times though – I found that some bakeries, train station machines, and small shops only took cash.

How to Get the Best Exchange Rate : I always take out cash at an ATM at the airport upon arrival in the new country I’m visiting, and never ever through an exchange desk or beforehand in my home country. ATMs provide the best exchange rate, always. If you want to avoid those pesky ATM fees every time you take out cash, simply look into a no-fee debit card, such as through Charles Schwab (which I have and love).

Language in Portugal

The official language in Portugal is Portuguese, which is similar-ish to Spanish but also very different. With that being said, I was surprised at just how many locals knew an impressive amount of English. Because of that, I was able to communicate quite easily during my 10 days in Portugal.

Hotel and restaurant staff would always begin communicating in Portuguese, and then switch to English once I stated “Eu não falo português, inglês, por favor”.  I found that in general, no one was upset that I didn’t understand/speak Portuguese, and they were more than happy to switch to English. They’re very friendly people!

A few locals I ran into didn’t speak much if any English at all – mainly drivers, old-school restaurants, and the older generation.

Of course, I recommend learning a few key words/phrases before visiting Portugal. Locals always appreciate it! Here’s a good place to start:

• hello/hi: Olá/oi
• thank you: Obrigada
• you’re welcome: De Nada
• good morning: Bom dia
• good afternoon: Boa tarde 
• good evening: Boa noite
• bathroom: banheiro
• eu não falo português: I don’t speak Portugese.

There’s no shame in using Google Translate if you have to! I also attempted to learn a bit of Portuguese on Duolingo before visiting, and I definitely mastered some new words pretty quickly!

When to Visit Portugal

Being a southern Mediterranean country, Portugal is blessed with an overall mild climate. While there’s not really a terrible time to visit, if there’s specific activities you wanna do (hint hint, sunbathe at the beach!), you’ll wanna pay attention to the month you choose.

Summer (High Season – June to September)

Like most of Europe, Portugal is pretty dang hot in the summer. Especially between July and August. I did find that Porto was more mild than Lisbon, and I actually needed a light jacket at night! The Algarve overall was pretty hot, but there was a nice breeze in town and by the beaches. Plus, whenever I was dripping in sweat I just put my feet in the water and that instantly cooled me down.

Just book a hotel with AC and you’ll be fine… oh, and go to the Algarve. That’s where the best beaches are.

Hotels and flights are also more expensive during this time, so keep that in mind when budgeting. Also, some establishments close entirely or for a few weeks in August to travel with their families themselves, so be flexible if those spots close.

For reference, I visited in late July/early August, and had picture-perfect weather for my entire 2-week Portugal trip. Yes, it was crowded, but no more so than any other popular European country, and I honestly wasn’t too annoyed by it. We’re used to traveling to Europe in summer and know what to expect in terms of crowds, so maybe that’s why.

Spring and Fall (Shoulder Seasons – October to November, and March to May)

If I had to pick the best time to spend 10 days in Portugal (or two weeks if you’re lucky), I’d say either May to early June, or late September to early October. It’s still kinda chilly in March and April, and by November, there’s definitely a chill in the air. Crowds have died down, accommodations are cheaper, and the weather is super comfortable. You won’t be melting like you would in summer!

You’ll find colorful wildflowers and lush, green foliage in the spring, although there’s bound to be some heavy rain. Spring is the most popular time to visit the Douro Valley, walk the Portuguese Camino, and for the pilgrimages to Fátima. Book ahead if you’ll be partaking in any of these!

Winter (Low Season – December to February):

Portugal in winter is mild, but definitely quite unpredictable. I honestly wouldn’t wanna chance it – imagine having cold and gray weather the entire time… with lots of rain. How sad would that be?! Plus, nighttime temperatures can get down to 2 degrees C (36 degrees F) – doesn’t sound like my idea of a fun getaway!

While there is a possibility of disgusting weather, Portugal does have more than 300 sunny days each year. The country’s actually one of the most popular sunny winter destinations in Europe (although remember, you won’t find any skiing here). 

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and don’t mind a bit of cold and rain, you may wanna plan your Portugal itinerary during the winter months. This is when those mega-waves of Nazare are – so, surfers, take note!

If you’re planning to visit the Algarve (which you totally should), I wouldn’t even consider a visit to Portugal during winter. The water will be way too chilly to enjoy, and you may not even get to visit the beaches due to lots of rain. 

Safety in Portugal

Portugal is known to be one of the safest places not only in general, but for solo female travelers as well! I honestly never felt unsafe (not even once) while I was walking around on foot in the downtown area.

With that being said, you wanna be cautious and careful no matter where you go, especially in crowded areas. 

Is 10 Days in Portugal Enough?

Yes…. but no?! The country isn’t very large ( California is actually more than triple its size), so you can really see a whole lot within just 10 days in Portugal. It’s way smaller than other nearby countries in Western Europe (looking at you France, Spain, and Italy), but there’s a lot to see! 4 or 5 days won’t cut it, unless you’re only visiting one region. 

This Portugal itinerary includes big city life in Lisbon, sunsets over the river in Porto, turquoise beaches in the Algarve, and even fairytale castles in Sintra. But with that being said, there’s SO much to see in Portugal, you’ll 1000% wanna go back. I already have a list of spots I missed on this trip that I wanna see next time! Including both the Azores and Madeira Islands.

On a 10 day Portugal itinerary, you can see a bunch of highlights, but you’ll unfortunately miss out on a bunch of hidden gems that make the country so special. But hey, if all you’ve got is 10 days in Portugal (or even 2 weeks), you can’t see it all! Pick and choose your favorites! I did my best to include all my favorite spots in this Portugal itinerary, but there’s bound to be more.

And now, what you’ve been waiting for, a complete 10 days in Portugal itinerary!

10 Days in Portugal Itinerary

A few notes about this 10 Day Portugal Itinerary:

• This 10 day Portugal itinerary assumes you have a full 10 days in Portugal. Meaning, you’ll start Day 1 in the AM, having already gotten to Portugal the day/night before. If you have less time, you’ll need to adjust and tweak this Portugal itinerary a tad. You can simply leave off a day trip. 
• It’s very GO GO GO and busy. I tend to travel quite fast. If you’d prefer a more relaxed type of trip, I recommend leaving off an entire region entirely. While the country isn’t huge, it does take time to get from place to place, which can sometimes mean waking up early to get to the next destination with enough time to explore a bit afterwards.
• It’s super structured. By that I mean you’ll need to take trains at a certain time to really make the most of this Portugal itinerary – and fit in as much as you can. You’ll need to purchase train tickets in advance to ensure the trains you need are available.
• I traveled throughout Portugal for 10 days via public transit. If you have a car, you’ll be able to have a bit more flexibility and may be able to make some stops along the way.

Part 1: Lisbon!

Lisbon is a great introduction to any Portugal itinerary. This hilly, coastal capital city is known for its pastel-colored buildings, tiled facades, spectacular miradouros (viewpoints), and most importantly, pasteis de nata (those delicious Portuguese egg tarts you’ve been hearing so much about).

Where to Stay in Lisbon : Most visitors to Lisbon stay in one of three main areas – Baixa, Chiado, or Alfama. You’ll wanna be close to all the major tourist attractions since you’re limited on time. 

I’ve stayed in both Baixa-Chiado and Alfama multiple times, and would highly recommend The 7 Hotel (a few blocks from Praca do Comercio), The Lift Boutique Hotel (right next to the Santa Justa lift), Alfama Lisbon Lounge Suites (perfect spot in Alfama), and Alfama Patio Apartments (a chic hostel with a great view). 

How to Get Around Lisbon: While the city is super walkable, you may wanna use some public transit so you don’t tire yourself out right away. 

Make sure to pick up a “Viva Viagem” card – the reusable public transport ticket for all of Lisbon. It costs only €0.50, and you’ll be able to reload the card whenever you need (making it super easy, a simple tap and go system). 

Day 1: Full day exploring Lisbon

Start your Portugal itinerary with a full day in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital city! There’s a lot to do in this inspiring and bohemian city, but you can really knock off the main highlights in just a day or two if you plan it right. 

Visiting in summer?! The days are really long (the sun doesn’t set until around 9 or so) so you’ve got a full 14 hours or so to explore. Use this to your advantage, or choose to make your first day of your Portugal itinerary more relaxing – it’s all up to you! 

While there’s TONS to do in Lisbon, here’s what I feel are the main highlights. These are the neighborhoods and activities I would prioritize on your visit: 

Morning in Baixa-Chiado

These two neighborhoods are vibrant and literally right next to each other, with bustling shopping streets, grand plazas, and neoclassical ‘Pombaline’ style buildings. They’re essentially Lisbon’s downtown areas. Don’t spend too long here because there’s tons more to see during your one full day in Lisbon.

• Rossio Square: easily the liveliest square in the city, and where you’ll see tons of people hanging out in the nearby cafes. Make sure to look down – the tile is so cool!
• Santa Justa Lift and views : a beautiful wrought iron elevator with mock-Gothic arches and the most beautiful view of the terracotta roofs at the top. Wanna learn how to bypass the line and get up for free (but still see the same exact view)? Check out my super in-depth post on Lisbon here!
• Rua Augusta Street: There’s lots going on here, from bustling restaurants, tourist shops, and cute little cafes. Stop for a quick coffee if you need a little pick me up. 
• Praco do Comercio : A gorgeous plaza right on the River Tejo; don’t miss the majestic Arco da Rua Augusta (you can even buy tickets to the viewing platform at the top).

Late morning/early afternoon in Cais do Sodré

After a busy morning in downtown Lisbon, it’s time to head south. This neighborhood used to be known as Lisbon’s Red Light District (kinda like the one in Amsterdam), but it’s since been revitalized into quite a trendy spot! Gentrification at its finest, am I right?

• Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho): You’ve probably seen this popular street all over instagram, and for good reason – the street is painted hot pink! If you wanna take a photo, you’ll wanna come late morning – once the street is partially cleaned and before all the tables are put out. Thirsty? Grab a glass of wine or a refreshing mojito/spritz — there’s tons of outdoor bars here. 
• Elevador da Bica : One of the most iconic tram trips in Lisbon! I suggest just taking a quick look (and some photos!) as it’s super touristy and crowded. It’s really picturesque and cute though, so don’t miss it. Just note you’ll need to walk up a bunch of steps!
• Time Out Market for lunch: You’re probably pretty hungry by now, and I recommend heading to Lisbon’s very own Time Out Market for lunch! It’s kinda like one big food hall/market, with dozens of options to choose from. So if you’re with a big group of people, everyone can order from a different stall and get exactly what they want! I recommend a hearty octopus and potato dish from Marlene Vieira, then a famous custard egg tart (called pasteis de nata) from Manteigaria. Absolutely delicious and oh so sinful. 

Afternoon/Early Evening – Wander the Alfama neighborhood

Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon, where you’ll find an overabundance of those pretty Portuguese tiles you came all the way for. Cobblestoned streets, pastel-colored buildings, beautiful tiled facades, many with laundry hanging above, and tons of miradouros (viewpoints) are what make this authentic neighborhood so appealing. And I couldn’t get enough! 

It’s actually one of the only parts of Lisbon that wasn’t completely destroyed by the horrific earthquake in 1755. If you wanna learn more about the neighborhood, I suggest taking a walking tour of the Alfama District . I took one on my first visit to Lisbon and loved it – learned way more than I thought I would.

While I recommend just wandering throughout the narrow and winding streets of Alfama, there’s a few main highlights:

• Sé Cathedral : Being Lisbon’s main cathedral, you’ll probably pass it on your way to Alfama from Cais do Sodré! And the architecture is wild – an eclectic mixture of Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic elements! 
• Castelo de São Jorge: The historic Castle of São Jorge is over here in the Alfama neighborhood, but if you’re not super into medieval castles and fortresses, I’d honestly skip it. The views in other parts of town are just as good if not better (for free!), and it’s kinda expensive and definitely will take up a decent portion of your day. I recommend heading to Miradouro da Graca instead. But if you’re dying to go (I get it – it’s a major attraction in Lisbon), be sure to purchase a skip-the-line ticket ahead of time!
• Pastelaria Santo Antonio: You’ve probably already had a few pasteis de nata, but make a pit stop at Santo Antonio for what is probably the best pastel de nata in the entire city of Lisbon. There’s a reason the line’s usually out the door – the crust is perfectly flaky and the custard is super smooth and lush. Try a few and thank me later.

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia: One of my favorite viewpoints in all of Lisbon, probably because there’s tons of bougainvillea in the summer months.The terrace is completely covered in swoonworthy decorative tiles too. Don’t miss a photo by the red door! You get sweeping views of Alfama’s houses, churches, and even the Tagus River. I came here multiple times and never got tired of it.
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol for sunset : Everyone comes here for sunset, and it’s easy to see why. With stunning panoramic views of the terracotta roofs, domes, and the Tagus River, it’s one of the most popular miradouros in Lisbon. There’s even a bar up here so go on and get a drink! 

Night in Bairro Alto for dinner and Fado music

Bairro Alto really comes alive at night – there’s a reason it’s known as Lisbon’s nightlife district. There’s tiny bars everywhere, with people spilling onto the sidewalks with glass in hand. You’ll find colorful and graffiti-ridden façades, packed Fado restaurants (which are well-worth a listen to), and alternative shops. 

My recommendation? Stand in line for Tasca do Chico, a dark and cozy bar with traditional Portuguese dishes and live fado music – Anthony Bourdain raved about this spot!

Day 2: Lisbon or Belem/LX factory, then head to Cascais for ½ day

MORNING : Options!

For the morning of our 10 day Portugal itinerary, you can either choose to spend more time exploring the heart of Lisbon, or head nearby to popular Belem. The choice is yours! I’ll give suggestions for both!

Option 1: Extra time in Downtown Lisbon

• Take a food and wine tour: Consider yourself a foodie? I took this food and wine tour in Lisbon and had the best time. We tried a whole bunch of Portuguese tapas (known as petiscos), like codfish cakes, a bifana sandwich, piri piri, and more.
• Learn how to make pasteis de nata : You’re in Lisbon – heart of the Pasteis de Nata! Spend some time in the kitchen learning how to make this delicious treat yourself. I took this exact cooking class and made a whole bunch of Portuguese egg custard tarts, which I promptly shoved into my mouth the second they cooled off. Here’s another pastel de nata cooking class in case the other one gets booked up (there’s only a few openings per time slot).

• Head to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo: If you’re a true sucker for those beautiful Portuguese ceramic tiles, you need to go to The National Tile Museum. It’s an art museum specializing in just that – azulejos: the traditional tilework of Portugal. 
• Seek out a few more miradouros : Miradouro da Graça (with views of the castle), Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara (don’t miss the Gloria Funicular nearby), and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte are a few more I just love! You can also visit the Church of Sao Vicente de Fora – the view from the roof is spectacular (and it’s hardly ever crowded!).

Option 2: LX Factory and Belem

Belem is a great ½ day trip from downtown Lisbon, lying west of Central Lisbon right on the Tagus River. Portugal used to be known for its explorers, and you can learn all about the fascinating history in nearby Belem. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, if you’re into famous historical sites, you won’t wanna miss Belem. Plus – the egg tarts!

How to Get to the LX Factory and Belem: Ride 3 stops on the Cascais Line (from Cais do Sodre) right to Belem. You can get off one stop beforehand at Alcantara-Mar for the LX Factory if you’d like! I chose to ride an Uber/Bolt to the LX Factory since it was only 4euro, haha.

• LX Factory: Have some breakfast here and/or have some chocolate cake at Landeau Chocolate, wander around the famous Ler Devagar bookstore (the one with the flying bike!), and check out a few boutiques (there’s a lot!). Don’t spend too long here because you gotta save time for the rest of the day’s activities!
• Belem Tower : You can either admire the Manuelino style-exterior of the tower from the outside, or buy a ticket and explore inside via the narrow, steep staircase, plus the open terrace at the top. The tower served two main purposes in the 1500s: to protect Lisbon from raids, and it’s where sailors back in the day began their voyages. Beware, it’ll probably be crazy packed in the prime summer months. Another reason to get here on the earlier side.

• Monument of the Discoveries: While in Belem, you gotta check out this giant structure. It represents part of a small Portuguese sailing ship, and the details are super ornate. Stand next to it – you’ll really notice just how huge it is!
• Jeronimos Monastery: It’s intricate and beautiful, with a 16th-century Manueline/Late Gothic architectural style, full of crazy ornate spires and other grand elements. Come early and/or buy your skip-the-line ticket online ahead of time . When I got there around 11am, the line was crazy long so I opted not to wait. In hindsight, I kinda wish I did because the monastery looks so unique – it’s a UNESCO world heritage site for a reason! Kinda looks like a scene from Bridgerton.
• Pasteis de Belem: Everyone raves about this pastelaria (pastry shop), and there’s always a HUGE long line out the door. Thankfully, it moves super quick. Personally, I found the egg tarts to be average. Yes, they’re delicious, but not more so than other ones I had in Lisbon. Still worth it for the experience though (and I’d never say no to a pastel de nata)!

AFTERNOON: CASCAIS

Head over to Cascais , Lisbon’s very own beach town. The area is only 40 minutes away from Lisbon (from the Cais do Sodre station) or 30 minutes from Belem (on the Cais do Sodre line as well), so there’s no reason not to go and check it out! It’s one of my all-time favorite day trips from Lisbon , so I can’t not recommend it! 

It’s ultimate seaside perfection – you’ll never be more than a few minutes away from the beach no matter where you are in town. My kinda place!

How to Get to Cascais: Getting to Cascais from Lisbon is super easy. Since this mornings kinda up to you, I’ll give you all the options depending on exactly where you’re coming from. Although there’s not really much to it since it’s all on the same metro line, haha.

• From Downtown Lisbon : Depending where you are, you’ll wanna walk on over to the Cais do Sodre Station (right near The Time Out Market — ohh definitely grab some food first here). Take the train all the way until the Cascais Station – the last station on the line (taking roughly 40 minutes or so). You pay by the number of Zones you’re riding, so from Lisbon to Cascais expect the ticket to cost €2.30 for a single ticket.
• From Belem: Belem’s a stop on the Cascais line, making it super easy to just hop on and head to Cascais. It’ll cost around the same (€2 or so).

While you can easily spend all day in Cascais, especially if you wanna take advantage of the beaches, I spent around 5-6 hours here and that was sufficient for me! Here’s my favorite things to do in Cascais:

• Check out the beaches: Praia da Rainha, Praia da Ribeira de Cascais, and Praia da Duquesa are the most popular beaches in Cascais. The water will be pretty chilly no matter the month, but it’ll feel great on a scorching hot day! Instead of going for a swim, I did a bit of sunbathing and people watching – two favorites of mine!
• Take a long walk along the coastline to check out some views: If you walk the opposite way from the beaches, you’ll come across Avenue Rei Humberto II de Itália – a road that literally hugs the coast. There’s tons of scenic, wild spots over here – my two favorites were Pedra da Nau and Boca do Inferno.

• Watch the cliff jumpers from Mirador Casa de Santa María: Not only is this spot utterly gorgeous, it’s got my favorite view of the Santa Maria lighthouse. And the brave cliff jumpers are super fun to cheer on!
• Walk around the marina and town: Besides the beaches, the tiny town of Cascais is my favorite for a long wander. There’s perfectly positioned palm trees, ornate gardens, colorful mansions, fishing boats, and zig zag tile on the ground. 
• Indulge in gelato at Santini’s: You haven’t been to Cascais if you haven’t tried the famous gelato at Santinis. If the line is out the door, try the second location in Cascais (yes, there’s two!). I tried the raspberry and chocolate and it was the perfect combo on a hot day. 
• Try a traditional Nozes de Cascais (walnut pastry): The place to go is A Bijou de Cascais, a lovely patisserie with every pastry/cake you can think of. While the walnut pastry is made entirely of eggs and sugar (plus a walnut on top), it had so much unexpected flavor! I loved it and could have eaten a handful, haha. Everyone seems to rave about their lemon pastels as well (I was too full after the gelato for even more dessert).

Read Next: A Perfect Day Trip to Cascais from Lisbon (Full Guide)!

Day 3: Sintra

Next up on this 10 Portugal itinerary – the magical fairytale land of Sintra ! It’s majestic and ethereal, and easily one of the most unique places on this 10 day Portugal itinerary. If you have a thing for stunning natural scenery and royal palaces, don’t miss it! 

Sintra is where all my fairytale dreams came true – there’s a whole bunch of whimsical castles to explore and extravagant villas to see, plus all those enchanting gardens! You really need an entire day here, so make sure to devote plenty of time to Sintra on your Portugal itinerary. One day will suffice, but understand you won’t be able to see and do everything in this charming little area.

One way to really maximize your time: buying your tickets to the castles ahead of time. Most people just buy them at the gate, meaning yes, you’ll bypass the long line for tickets! Buying online is super easy, just know you need to choose a designated time to enter Pena Palace. 

→ Buy your ticket to Pena Palace here (the most popular one with all the colors), and I guarantee you’ll save time! Most tour groups make sure you buy them in advance to keep the group from waiting! 

How to Get to Sintra

While you can drive yourself to Sintra, most people opt for the train or go on a guided day tour. Both awesome options, but if you want the history behind all the glam, I found a guided tour to be super informative!

Public Transport : Getting to Sintra via train is super easy, and super cheap! Trains leave from Rossio Station in Lisbon’s historic city center every 30 minutes or so, and only cost about 5 euro round trip. It doesn’t get cheaper or more convenient than that! 

Once you get to the train station in Sintra, you’ll be about a 15 minute walk to town. However, I recommend you use the bus to go directly to Pena Palace as it’s the most popular and therefore most crowded. If you already bought your ticket, you’re ahead of the game. You’ll need to use the 434 and 435 buses to get to the castles themselves (Sintra is way bigger than you think).

Guided Day Tour : The first time I went to Sintra, I went myself via the train. I was with a bunch of people and let’s just say we weren’t very time efficient. We saw one palace, and by the time we got to the second, we only had ½ hour until they were closing. Whoops! 

The second time I went, I chose a guided day tour and I saw SO much! We saw 4 castles (Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace and its exotic gardens, and Sintra National Palace), plus Sintra Town. That’s practically unheard of! Here’s the EXACT tour I took . Know it was fast-paced and you won’t get to see each one in detail, but it’s a great introduction to the area.

→ Book your Lisbon to Sintra Highlights Tour here ! We saw SO much!

If you’d rather combine a visit to Sintra with Cascais and Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of Europe), there’s plenty of tours that do just that! Choose this tour to Sintra and Cascais if you wanna spend Day 3 of your 10 days in Portugal exploring other areas of Portugal as well.

Find more info in my crazy detailed day trip to Sintra post !

Here’s my favorites in Sintra:

Pena Palace: DO NOT MISS PENA PALACE! I repeat, don’t miss it!!! This is everyone’s favorite castle, and it’s easy to see why. Just look at all those bright colors – there’s blinding yellow walls, blue tiles, and a red painted exterior. And that stunning architecture against all the greenery – whoa! Don’t miss out on this Romanticist castle standing on top of the hill, it’s truly a sight to be seen.

This is the palace you’ll 100% want to purchase tickets in advance for . At first I thought going inside was a waste, but I actually enjoyed it way more than I initially thought I would! Every single room was oh so different than the last, and all so lavishly decorated! The cloisters were completely covered in azulejos! It just sucked that it was SO crowded, which made it difficult to truly enjoy. Another reason to get there ASAP in the morning!

Make sure to walk around the castle walls, especially the Arches Yard and Terrace Walk– this was my favorite thing to do at Pena Palace. There were SO many beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and even the Moorish Castle (which I sadly missed out on visiting). 

Quinta da Regaleira: Hidden tunnels, breathtaking gardens, princess-like towers, and even an initiation well. Tons of mystery and magic over here, and completely different from Pena Palace. The grand house is five floors, surrounded by lush, green gardens. Don’t miss the secret passageway that takes you below a waterfall – one of my favorite parts of the estate!

Pro Tip: If you wanna see the mysterious initiation well, head there first, and then see the rest of the castle. It’s the most popular spot in Quinta da Regaleira, so it gets busy!

Monserrate Palace: Before heading off on my guided tour of Sintra , I didn’t give much thought to Monserrate Palace. What a mistake that was – it ended up being one of my favorites! Probably because it was hardly crowded and oh so peaceful. The building is striking, and I loved all the Islamic architectural influences and symmetry (helps so much with photography!).

Castelo dos Mouros: I didn’t make it to The Castle of the Moors, but I’ve heard such good things. For starters, it’s got some of the best views over Sintra. It’s also the oldest monument in Sintra – yes, the castle is crumbling, but this makes it feel as authentic as ever! Most guided tours don’t stop here, so it’ll be far less crowded than the others!

Part 2: Porto!

Ohhhh my favorite! Porto is a coastal city in northwestern Portugal, known for its bridges over the Douro River, sweet port wine (tawny’s my fave), and narrow, cobblestoned streets. I think I may have loved it even more than Lisbon, shh! 

Porto felt way more authentic to me, and while it’s still pretty touristy, the city had more of a local vibe to it. And ohh, the sunsets were just oh so glorious!

There’s less tourist attractions and museums here, but that just gives you more time to stroll the streets, take in the spectacular views, and taste all the Port wine! The historical city center of Porto has even been classified as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1996! It’s that impressive (so yes, well worth your time during your 10 days in Portugal).

Get way more detailed information in my (crazy) comprehensive 3 day Porto itinerary guide !

Where to Stay in Porto: 

Most tourists prefer to stay in Ribeira (the riverside district), São Bento and Avenida dos Aliados (super central and near lots of public transit), Batalha/Santo Ildefonso (along the shopping street of Rua de Santa Catarina), and Clérigos/the Arts District.

I chose to stay in Batalha at this cute apartment , and while it’s not directly in the center, I had no problems walking everywhere. Although I did Uber/Bolt back to my room after the sun went down since I hung out by the river every night.

Thankfully, Porto is pretty small and you can walk from neighborhood to neighborhood easily. When doing my research on Porto accommodations, I found way more apartments than typical hotels in the city center. Because of this, I opted for a managed apartment that felt like a hotel – someone at check-in, daily cleaning service (if I wanted it), and a swanky common space.

I don’t recommend staying in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is on the opposite side of the Douro River and is actually considered a different city!

Day 4: Early morning train to Porto, then explore

Next up – Porto! I recommend taking an early morning train so you arrive in Porto around lunchtime and have the rest of the day to explore! Use this day to get your bearings, indulge in a few egg tarts , and relax a little at a viewpoint above the city. It’s been a hectic few days!

How to Get to Porto from Lisbon:

• Drive : Driving from Lisbon to Porto takes about 3 hours, and is super easy. The roads are all great quality, and there’s lots of signs!
• Train : CP – Comboios de Portugal Trains from Lisbon (the Lisboa – Santa Apolonia station) arrive into Porto’s Campanha station. Tickets include a transfer to Sao Bento Station, which is most likely much closer to where your accommodation is. Trains take about 3 – 3 ½ hours.

On my first afternoon in Porto, I found myself at the Miradouro das Fontainhas. And OMG whoa. I was not expecting these views! You can walk all the way until the famous Luis I Bridge if you’re feeling adventurous, or just wait until tomorrow.

If you’ve got a lot of time and wanna start exploring, I recommend checking out the Bolhao neighborhood. You can then start Day 5 of this 10 day Portugal itinerary in the Baixa Neighborhood, and have a much more leisurely day!

Day 5: Full Day Exploring Porto

Rise and shine, you’ve got a full day to explore this stunning little city. Expect tons of tile work, plenty of impressive viewpoints, scrumptious eats, and of course lots of wine!

MORNING: Bolhao/Santo Ildefonso Neighborhood

Fabrica de Nata and/or Manteigaria: Start your morning off with some pasteis de nata. Both Fabrica de Nata and Manteigaria are super popular with some of the best custard egg tarts in town. 

You’ve probably already had a few in Lisbon, but you’ll see – no amount of pasteis de nata is ever enough. I typically get fresh squeezed orange juice as well – so sweet and only a few euros (way cheaper than any fresh juice in the states).

Rua de Santa Catarina: Take a walk down Rua de Santa Catarina – Porto’s main shopping street! There’s lots to see here, from local boutiques and international shops (like Zara!), to the Chapel of Souls and Majestic Cafe. It’s super stylish and romantic.

Chapel of Souls : You’re in Porto – you’re gonna see lots and lots of tilework! But the Chapel of Souls is by far superior – there’s a reason it’s famous for its magnificent exterior of blue & white tiles.  It’s just so, so pretty!

Majestic Cafe : This is where J.K. Rowling supposedly worked on her Harry Potter books, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and a gorgeous Belle Epoque atmosphere. Easily one of the most beautiful cafes in the world – meaning, yes, prices will be inflated. 

BUT it’s where J.K. Rowling hung out!!! The Harry Potter premiums are more than worth it (in my opinion). Grab a coffee and hang out for a bit.

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso: If you’re on the hunt for classic blue and white azulejos (like I was!), don’t miss this 18th century church – there’s over 11,000 of them! I mean, just look at the front of that church – those tiles are absolutely striking! You can take a peek inside but you’ll need to pay a few euros to properly explore the interior.

Have a snack at Gazela: Time for a snack! Try a cachorrinhos, a famous Portuguese hot dog, covered with cheese and spices. Nope, not your typical hot dog! Get the fries, too – they were delicious. If it’s good enough for Anthony Bourdain, it’s good enough for me! 

Plus, there’s always tons of locals here. I had such a fun time with the staff, sitting on the bar stools sipping some vinho verde and munching on my sausage.

AFTERNOON: Baixa Neighborhood

Igreja do Carmo: More blue and white tiles! This 18th century baroque-rococo church is one of the oldest buildings in the historic part of Porto, and I just loved it – the exterior at least. I was short on time so didn’t make it inside, but I heard it’s got an amazing Portuguese “stairway to heaven” altar.

Livraria Lello: Harry Potter fans rejoice – this is THE place and major inspiration for JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. And what a beautiful bookstore it is – with its Gothic style interior, impressive red staircase, and large stained glass windows. 

You decide if you wanna spend a few hours waiting… or not. I chose to skip it, because I heard it was just crazy crowded inside and the line was literally down the block.

Eat a Francesinha: Hope you’re hungry, because this Portuguese sandwich is on the menu for lunch! Imagine thick bread with ham, sausage, steak, and cheese – all smothered in a creamy tomato beer sauce. 

Yes, it very well may induce a heart attack, but that’s why you’re walking everywhere in Porto (right…?). I highly recommend Brasao Restaurant, but try to make a reservation in advance as they get pretty busy!

Igreja dos Clérigos: Another Baroque church (yes I understand it’s the third one of the day…, haha). But this one has panoramic views of Porto at the top of Clerigos Tower (prepare to climb about 200 steps or so – a good way to work off that Francesinha!). 

Definitely book your ticket to the tower ahead of time (only $6), as I walked past tons of people waiting in line! And with only one full day in Porto, you don’t wanna waste precious time!

Sao Bento Railway Station : You may have already been here (it’s where most trains into Porto arrive), but if you haven’t, don’t miss Sao Bento! 

The station is decorated with traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles – easily the most beautiful train station in the world! Because of this, it’s typically pretty crowded (especially when large tour groups arrive).

LATE AFTERNOON/NIGHT: Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia

Explore Ribeira : The Ribeira is an old picturesque neighborhood in the heart of the old town, even designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. It’s one of the most authentic and liveliest areas of Porto, with cobblestoned streets lined with colorful 18th-century townhouses, tons of waterfront restaurants serving grilled sardines, and tiny wine bars with great views of the bridge and river. 

Cross Luis I Bridge: A true icon of the city! If there’s a reason you’re thinking it resembles the Eiffel Tower you’re not wrong – the same architect designed the two structures! The Luis I Bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, the next area we’ll be exploring! Walk on over (it only takes about 10 minutes or so), on either the lower or upper level.

Port tasting and cave tour at Sandemans: All the popular Port wine cellars are located across the river in Gaia, which is why you just crossed the bridge! There’s a whole bunch, including Graham’s Port Lodge, Sandemans, Calem, and Taylor’s Port. 

If you’re following this one day Porto itinerary to a T, you’ll wanna make reservations for the latest possible time slot. I got on a 4:30pm cave and winery tour at Sandemans, and it was perfect because I then stayed in Vila Nova de Gaia for the rest of the evening.

Dinner/drinks on the water : There’s a whole bunch of restaurants over here, each with views of the Douro River and famous Luis I Bridge. A few that got super high reviews are: DeCastro Gaia (ask for a table near the window), Taberninha do Manel (authentic Portuguese food), and Tempero d’Maria (get the grilled octopus dish!). 

Watch the sunset: You don’t wanna miss a Porto sunset. Golden hour over the city is legendary, especially from Vila Nova de Gaia (you get to see the Douro River and Riberia’s colorful waterfront). Nothing more spectacular in my book! Here’s two spots I recommend:  

• Jardim do Morro (Super touristy, but for a reason! Take the cable car up to this garden and you’ll find live performers and a really good time!)
• Rooftop bar of DeCastro Gaia – Porto Cruz (Such a fun atmosphere and the drinks/wine are so good)

From either, you can watch vintage rabelo boats cruise under the giant Dom Luis I bridge, sip a few cocktails (highly recommend trying a porto tonico – a cocktail mixed with tonic water and port wine!), and just bathe in that beautiful evening light.

Day 6: Day trip to Costa Nova/Aveiro or Douro Valley

On your third day up north, consider taking a day trip from Porto! There’s quite a few trips you can take, but these are the two most popular:

Option 1: Aveiro and Costa Nova 

Striped fishermen houses, art nouveau buildings, ovos moles egg pastries, colorful moliceiro boats on the Ria de Aveiro, and long sandy shorelines. That’s what a day trip to Costa Nova and Aveiro will be! 

Ever since I saw photos of the colorful wooden houses in Costa Nova I instantly wanted to go, so I was thrilled when I finally made it there this summer. And you bet I took way too many of my own photos of the colorful striped fisherman homes – how could I not, just look at them!

Aveiro is such a pretty Portuguese city and I wish I had longer to explore! Don’t miss a wander around town, admiring the art nouveau architecture, taking a ride on a painted traditional moliceiro boat, and stopping for a famous ovos moles at M1882 – Ovos Moles de Aveiro (easily the best spot in town).

How to Get to Aveiro and Costa Nova from Porto:

• Train : There’s a direct train straight from Porto Campanha to Aveiro, taking roughly an hour or so. If you wanna get from Aveiro to Costa Nova, I’d call an Uber/Bolt as the ride is only about 15 minutes and it’ll be pretty cheap! You can also take the Transdev bus (L5951) which will take you to Costa Nova in about 40 minutes.
• Guided Day Tour : Don’t wanna worry about the train and then an extra Uber ride? Consider joining a group tour ! This half-day tour (the one that I took!) spent the first part of the morning in Costa Nova, then drove us over to Aveiro for a boat ride and some free time. While I wish the tour was longer and we had more time to explore, I appreciated getting back to Porto on the earlier side (so I could stuff my face with another Francesinha, haha).

Option 2: Douro Valley

A trip to the Douro Wine Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Porto! While I’m kicking myself I didn’t make it here myself, it’s already on my list for next time!

Imagine sipping some of the finest port wine from family-run vineyards, admiring views of the sweeping valleys and cliffside roads below, and soaking in the sunshine. The Douro Valley is one of the world’s best known wine regions (kinda like Napa Valley near me in San Francisco!). It’s actually a protected UNESCO site and is even known as the birthplace of port wine!

How to Get to the Douro Valley:

• Drive : If you’re planning to do a bit of wine tasting (which you totally should – that’s the main draw of the region), I don’t recommend driving. Or assign someone to be DD (please be safe!).
• Train : You can catch a train to one of the main towns of the region, then take a taxi/ride share to a few vineyards. Take the Douro Line train to Pinhao, Tua, or Pocinho (all in the Douro Valley). Most people visit Pinhao, the most popular Douro Valley stop and one of the most scenic.
• Guided Group Tour : If this is your first time to the region, I HIGHLY recommend jumping on a guided tour. This is the most convenient option, and with only one day to explore the Douro Valley, you wanna make sure you do it right! Most guided day tours include transport from Porto, lunch, tasting some of Douro’s finest Porto wine, and even floating along the Douro River in a traditional Portuguese Rabelo boat. There’s lots (and lots) of tours to choose from, but I recommend this tour (you also get to taste olive oil!) and this tour (with over 900 positive reviews )!

Part 3: Algarve!

Get ready, it’s BEACH time! 

Golden sandy beaches dotted with colorful parasols. Whitewashed fishing villages filled with fresh grilled octopus. Turquoise waters surrounded by cliffs and epic rock formations. Just a few things that describe the Algarve. I was in love the moment I laid eyes on my first sunset at Ponta de Piedade . You’ll see what I mean. 🙂 

I had heard such good things about the Algarve, and looked at tons of pretty photos ahead of time, but nothing could prepare me for the true beauty of the region. This is a place where photos really don’t do it justice – you’ve gotta see it with your own eyes. 

I’ve been to tons of gorgeous places around the world (I’m looking at you Santorini , Bali , Norway , Hawaii , etc), but I swear, the Algarve is on a different level. It just doesn’t seem real!

Where to Stay in the Algarve: There’s a few main towns in the Algarve, with most tourists staying in Lagos, Albufeira, or Faro. I chose to base myself in Lagos as it was closest to the beaches I wanted to see oh so badly. 

Since I was traveling solo I chose a budget hotel ( Hotel Lagosmar , which was clean and safe and in a great location), but if I was traveling with my husband, I would have LOVED to stay at either Casa Mae (super chic and right in town) or Belmar Spa & Beach Resort (right on the beach). 

Day 7: Early Morning Train/Flight to Lagos or Faro

Wake up early, we’re off to Lagos! The beaches and turquoise water await!!! If you’ve only got 10 days in Portugal, you don’t wanna lose any time by sleeping in. There’s the super long way to get from Porto to the Algarve, and the much shorter way – I’ll give you info on both.

How to Get from Porto to the Algarve:

TRAIN : If you choose to take the train, day 7 of your 10 days in Portugal is gonna be a long travel day from Porto to Lagos! But, I promise the long train ride is well worth it! It takes a total of between 7 and 9 hours depending on which train you take and how long your transfers/connections are, ack! 

If you have an extra day to spare, I recommend possibly stopping in Lisbon for a day/night to break up the long travel time if sitting 8 hours on a train doesn’t sound too appealing (I get it).

From the Porto – Campanha Station, you’ll take the high-speed train to Lisbon (3 hours), transfer at Lisboa – Oriente, then make your way to Tunes (3 hours). From there, you’ll take the regional train to Lagos (about 1 hour). It sounds super complicated but it’s really not once you understand the trains. Prices should run you about 50-60 euro if you book in advance.

It’s basically: Porto – Campanhã Station → Lisboa – Oriente Station → Tunes → Lagos.

While you’ll spend most of your day on the train (and transferring between trains), you should make it in time for dinner and sunset. If you’ve got an extra day to add onto your Portugal itinerary, this is where I’d add it.

FLY : Flying between Porto and the Algarve is the MUCH quicker option. And thankfully, since airlines are competing with the train, flights are relatively cheap (20 euro to 60 euro or so). 

Make sure to book a direct flight to Faro (the Algarve’s main airport) as it’ll be super annoying to connect in Lisbon! And if you’ve got a connection, well, you might as well just take the train all the way, haha.

There aren’t tons of direct flights from Porto to Faro per day (I see two a day on RyanAir when I do a quick search), so I’d 100% book early. The flight only takes an hour, so if you leave on an early flight, you’ll have most of the day in Lagos! Score! 

What to do once you arrive:

Hit up the beach: Depending on how you make your way to the Algarve (preferably via plane…), you might have some extra time today! You’re at some of the finest beaches in Portugal – take advantage! 

You can easily walk to Praia da Batata (Potato Beach) and Praia Estudantes (Student Beach) from Lagos Town, which is exactly what I recommend doing! The beaches are connected by small tunnels on the sand, and you’ll eventually come to the Roman Bridge on the far end of Student Beach. 

I loved it and spent all afternoon searching for seashells and taking dips in that super refreshing water.

Sunset at Ponta de Piedade: If you started your train journey early, you’ll likely make it to Lagos for sunset. And Ponta de Piedade is the place to watch! Grab a few drinks to-go and make your way there – the sunset over the cliffs is truly breathtaking! And oh so romantic, whether you’re with your significant other, a group of friends, or even solo like I was! 

Dinner and shopping in Lagos Town: Lagos Town really comes alive at night, with everyone back from the beaches and such. There’s plenty of restaurants to choose from, and I loved tapas at Casa do Prego and the rooftop bar at Mar d’Estorias! Afterwards, grab a sweet crepe and do some souvenir shopping!

Day 8: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail  

Wanna see some of the most impressive scenery of your life? You gotta spend a day on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail . If you can’t fathom just hanging on the beach all day and need something a bit more adventurous, I highly recommend this hike!

Imagine a full day exploring the rugged coast, limestone cliffs, picturesque sandy beaches (with turquoise water!), and natural underground caves. The scenery is absolutely mind-blowing, each view more impressive than the last. It’s the quintessential Algarvian seascape – and I couldn’t get enough!

Quick facts about the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail:

• Trailhead : You’ll start either at Marinha Beach or Praia do Vale de Centianes in Carvoeiro. 
• Length : 6km/3.7 miles one way (12km/7.4 miles roundtrip) 
• Difficulty : moderate
• Bring : a hat and sunscreen, sneakers/hiking boots, and about 2L of water per person (you’ll need it!)

Since the route is one way you’ll need to decide if you’re gonna do the return hike as well or make your way back some other way.

How to get to the start: 

• Join a group: I signed up for an AirBnb experience tour which took the group right to the start of the trail from Lagos, guided us the entire way up and down the cliffs, and made a few extra secret pit stops along the route. We finished up the day by having a fully prepared sunset meal of Portuguese tapas and some vinho verde – looking right at the crazy rock formations of Praia da Marinha. While the hike was pretty difficult for me (my guide took us the hard way…), it was one of my best days in Portugal!
• Uber/Bolt: From Lagos, a taxi or rideshare will cost a pretty penny (when I looked it was around 40euro each way). Unless you’re splitting the cost, I don’t recommend this option. 
• Public Transport: You can make your way to Marinha Beach via trains and buses from Lagos, but there’s no direct route. You’ll need to take a combo of 2-3 trains and buses, and it’ll take a long time! Think an hour and 45 minutes to almost 3 hours! Not recommended unless you really have NO other way.
• Drive : If you have a car, make the 40 minute drive over to Marinha Beach. The parking lot is pretty big, but I recommend heading over on the earlier side to ensure you get a spot!

A few highlights of the hike:

Praia da Marinha : EASILY one of the most picturesque beaches in Portugal, if not in all of Europe! And yes, I’ve been to Greece and these sun-kissed cliffs really blow everything I’ve ever seen outta the water. 

From the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, you’ll get a sweeping panoramic view of natural brides, sea stacks, huge sinkholes, hidden grottoes, and stony arches.

Benagil Beach/Cave: Definitely make a pit stop here for some ice cream and beer! You earned it! Spend some time on the beach, relax, and soak in all the Portuguese vibes. 

You can even swim to Benagil Cave if you’d like (it takes about 10 minutes each way), but if it’s midday there’ll be tons of boats out so be extra careful. Or rent a kayak from Benagil Beach and make the 10 minute paddle. If you don’t wanna head into the water, you can see the cave from above which I thought was pretty cool!

Praia do Carvalho : One of the most unique beaches in the Algarve, in that you need to climb through a narrow tunnel in the rock. You then pop out onto the beach on the other side! And of course it’s gorgeous – this is the Algarve we’re talking about!

Farol de Alfanzina : A lighthouse with a particularly beautiful view! There’s actually a small museum housed within but the opening hours are super infrequent anyways.

Carvoeiro Boardwalk and Boneca Cave: Not officially part of the hike, but if you have extra energy, add this on! Since we parked around here in Algar Seco, we were able to pop into Boneca Cave, buy a few extra waters (which were very needed!), and walk the boardwalks! Well worth the extra km or so!

Read Next: Everything you Need to Know about the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (one of my most scenic days in Portugal!)

Day 9: Benagil Cave and Albufeira

MORNING: Benagil Cave Tour

If you didn’t already make it to Benagil the day before while hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, check the cave off your Algarve bucket list today! 

What makes Benagil Cave so special (and why’s it one of the most famous sea caves in the world?!) There’s a huge hole in the ceiling of the cave! It actually slightly reminded me of Playa del Amor, a hidden beach in a big cave in the Marieta Islands near Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. 

There are several ways to get into Benagil Cave, including kayaking, on a high-speed rib boat, on a family-friendly catamaran, and of course, swimming! You cannot walk to Benagil Cave from Benagil Beach, just an FYI.

Planning to stay in Lagos like I did? I recommend booking a boat or kayak tour! Most are only a few hours so you’ll have time for our afternoon activity as well! Here’s a few options (all starting in Lagos):

• High-Speed Rib Boat Tour : Looking for a thrilling ride to Benagil Cave?! You’ve gotta book a speedboat tour! After visiting Benagil, our guide did literal donuts in the water – and OMG I cannot begin to explain how fun that was. This is the exact tour I booked (and loved!) . While Benagil Cave was definitely a highlight, we visited a whole bunch of other caves as well! Read reviews and book here .
• Family-Friendly Catamaran : If you’re traveling with young kids or aren’t up for all the twisting and turning of the speed boat, you can take a catamaran to Benagil Cave! You’ll still make all the highlights: deserted beaches, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking sea caves – including a peek inside Benagil of course. The boat is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Read reviews and book here !
• Kayak Tour: Dying to explore Benagil Cave on foot!? Want that instagram photo? You’ll need to paddle yourself into the cave! When booking, MAKE SURE the kayak tour goes to Benagil, as a lot go to Ponta de Piedade and around there. 

NOTE: Boat providers are not allowed to let people off their boats to walk around the caves. You’ll need to either swim (strong swimmers only) or kayak (not much experience necessary).

AFTERNOON: Albufeira

Once you’re done on the boat/kayak, hop on the train heading for Albufeira (towards Faro)! Albufeira has such a different vibe than Lagos, and you’ll be glad you explored both. 

Expect 18th century churches, a super picturesque white-washed old town, viewpoints above the bright teal and blue Atlantic, golden sand underneath rugged cliffs, chill beach bars, and a crazy colorful marina. My kinda town! 

Plus a wild nightlife, if you wanna party all night (which I did not do, haha).

A few things to do in Albufeira:

• Hit up the beaches: Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) and Praia do Peneco are the two main beaches around here, with water sports (windsurfing or jet biking anyone?!), sparkly turquoise waters, and colorful beach umbrellas. Ohh – that sand was beyond heavenly… so super soft and smooth! I could’ve walked on the beach looking for seashells for hours!
• Indulge in some seafood: There’s plenty of restaurants along the beaches, in Old Town, along the Strip, and overlooking the beaches. I had a delicious meal of fried calamari with the most beautiful beach views. It wasn’t fancy by any means at all, but was a great mid-day snack. Casa del Mar, The Beach Basket, and The Ruin are all great choices.
• Wander the Old Town: This was my favorite part of Albufeira, with its traditional whitewashed houses and pretty tiled cobblestoned streets (sometimes known as “Portuguese pavement”!). I loved just wandering around, finding colorful doors and alfresco restaurants. Plus the shopping – “Cork and Leather” shop had so many pretty things like these straw basket bags.

• Check out “The Strip”: A world’s away from Old Town (although right next door), the strip is full of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs – and it’s super modern! And it never sleeps! This is where to head if you’re interested in checking out the nightlife scene here in Albufeira.
• Check out the colorful marina: The marina kinda looks like a low-key amusement park, and it’s so much fun! There’s candy-colored apartment blocks, small rides for kids, a green space, and of course all the boats taking visitors out to sea. I walked around for about an hour or so and got a drink before heading back to the train station for Lagos.

This area is actually the largest and liveliest of all the resort towns that dot the Algarve coastline. If you’re into partying and nightlife, you may wanna stay in Albufeira as that’s where all the action is! It’s sometimes even known as the party capital of the Algarve!

Day 10: Ponta de Piedade and Around

Today’s the last day of this 10 day Portugal itinerary, and probably the last day of your trip! Make it count! Ponta da Piedade and the surrounding areas were quite possibly my favorite day in the Algarve, and like on the Seven Hanging Valleys trail , the views kept getting better and better and better. Something about that Portuguese air, I tell ya! It’s intoxifying! 

Morning: Boat trip around Ponta de Piedade 

Yes, another boat trip! But oh so different from yesterday – I promise. While I already recommended Ponta de Piedade at sunset on this Portugal itinerary (Day 7), it looks drastically different from the water itself. 

Get ready to cruise through amazing grottoes, tiny caves, sandstone cliffs, and see the secluded beaches at Ponta Da Piedade. At one point, the water was so blue I could hardly contain my excitement! 75 minutes of absolute bliss…ahhh….the life. 

The boat trip reminded me in the slightest bit of the caves at Kleftiko Beach in Milos, Greece – but a golden sandy color instead of white volcanic rock!

Whatever you do, you’ll wanna make sure the boat you book is small enough to go into the caves and through the grottos. If not, well, you won’t really get to see all too much! This is the exact grotto boat trip I booked (and we all had the best time). 

We breezed through tiny crevices, cruised next to crazy looking rocks (many shaped like animals!), and learned a bit about the historic and cultural magic of the Algarve. Ohhh so magical I might add!

This is another boat tour that got exceptional reviews , on a reputable company and with small-enough boats to get into even the tiniest grotto.  

I highly recommend booking your boat tour with a large, well-known (reputable) company. I saw plenty of boats that looked super janky, and I don’t think I would’ve felt comfortable cruising on the water in them.

If you’d rather get some exercise, opt for a kayaking tour of Ponta de Piedade instead! You’ll definitely earn your gelato!

Afternoon: Explore the Beaches of Lagos 

If you take an early boat, you’ll still have most of the day! Perfect for exploring more of the coastline and getting in some extra beach time! Here’s how I recommend you plan out the rest of the morning/afternoon.

1. Hit up Student Beach and Potato Beach if you haven’t already on Day 7 of this 10 day Portugal itinerary – or, ya know, go back! You’re on vacation – you make the rules!

2. Take an Uber/Bolt/FREENOW to Ponta de Piedade (5 euro or so). The golden sandstone cliffs and sparkly turquoise waters look entirely different in the daytime sunshine! Explore both sides of the coast over here! 

3. Walk along the bluffs above the beaches and rocks : From Ponta de Piedade, you can make a long walk for more views of the coast. I swear each view got more mesmerizing than the last. You know when you’re traveling and you just cannot believe your life is real? That was one of those moments. So many times I (accidentally) said out loud “whoaaaaa f*ck!” out of disbelief, haha. 

There are some boardwalks on the coast, and some trails. Just follow them and you’ll find all the views! I walked and walked and walked and walked… until I saw all the beaches between Ponta de Piedade and Student Beach. While you can head down to the beaches if you’d like, I simply admired them from above (I swear the water looks even more drool worthy from up here). 

When all was said and done, I spent about 3 ½ hours wandering the coast, taking (way too many) photos, and soaking it all in. I especially loved Praia da Balança, Praia dos Pinheiros, Praia do Camilo, and Praia de Dona Ana. Pure magic!

4. Dinner on the coast : Once you see how tantalizing the views are, you won’t wanna leave! So make a reservation for dinner so you don’t have to! 

I had a spectacular meal of grilled octopus at O Camilo (definitely make a reservation in advance), and I heard Luca’s Rooftop Restaurant is beyond spectacular as well. You even get to pick out your own catch of the day from O Camilo!

Night: Explore Downtown Lagos 

End the day with some shopping and entertainment in town. There’s always some live music going on, and you may catch something more unique like a fire dancer (which is so cool to watch). 

Go for an evening stroll, try some tasty gelato (my favorite shop being Gelicia Italian Gelato), and check out all the cork souvenirs – they’re big around here!

Other Things to Add If You’ve Got More Than 10 Days in Portugal

Day trip to Obidos : This medieval little city is only an hour or so from Lisbon – I highly recommend adding it to your Portugal itinerary if you’ve got more time. 

You can walk on the outer stone walls, wander through the tiny town, and explore the castle on the hill. I’ve been and it makes for a perfect ½ day trip from Lisbon. Definitely try the cherry liqueur called Ginjinha de Obidos – it’s famous in town!

On this full day group tour , you’ll visit Obidos, Batalha, Nazare, and Fatima! I did this tour a few years ago and saw oh so much in just one day! Perfect if you wanna check out a few spots and only have a limited amount of time!

An extra day in Sintra: Sintra is HUGE – there’s no way you can see everything in just one day. If you wanna properly explore the area and see all the magnificent palaces, ornate castles, and lush gardens, spend an extra day here. You won’t regret it. 

An extra day in Lisbon: In my opinion, you can never have too much time in Lisbon. Use an extra day to eat more chocolate cake, famous egg tarts, and all the things from the Time Out Market. 

You can also discover some of the more unexplored areas and restaurants, like Casa do Alentejo, Torel Garden (Jardim do Torel), and Mercado de Campo de Ourique.

Coimbra : A preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra – two things Coimbra is known for. Don’t miss the baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, and its 18th-century bell tower at the University, and the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral Sé Velha in Old Town. This full day tour leaves from Porto and heads to Coimbra and Fatima!

Nazare : Any surfers in the house? You’ll wanna add on a day (at least a half day) to Nazare – the waves are taller than most houses (in winter)! And if there’s no colossal waves here, don’t fret. Nazare is one of the finest beach towns on the Silver Coast of Portugal, Costa de Prata. With tons of fishing history! This tour takes you there and a bunch of other nearby spots!

So there ya have it – the best 10 days in Portugal itinerary! What are you most looking forward to?! Have you been to Portugal before?

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How to Plan an Amazing Portugal Itinerary (10 Days)

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place. We started and ended our three month European adventure in Portugal, and fell in love with its warm, inviting culture (and SUPER friendly people), its food and wine, and its beautiful landscapes from the terraced vineyards in the world-famous Douro Valley, to the stunning beaches on the Algarve.

In this guide to planning your Portugal itinerary, here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Exactly how to plan a 10 day Portugal itinerary, including what stops to make, what route to take, and all the important logistics you need to know
• A guide to what to do, where to stay, and how to get there for each stop on the itinerary
• Options for shorter (5-7 days) and longer trips if you have more or less time than 10 days in Portugal

Throughout the guide, we’ll share our favorite finds and experiences in Portugal based on our trip to help you plan your unforgettable trip.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Is 10 Days in Portugal Enough?

We want to start this guide out by setting expectations before we dive into how to make the most of a trip to Portugal if it’s your first trip. 

No, 10 days is not nearly enough time to see everything there is to see in Portugal. It’s true that Portugal is a relatively small country, compared to other countries in Western Europe like Spain, France, and Italy. It’s also true that there’s just too much ground to cover in 10 days. 

So you need to go into this itinerary knowing that you’re not going to be able to see it all . 

If it’s your first trip to Portugal and you have 10 days, we think you’ll be disappointed if you don’t see Lisbon , Porto , and the Algarve . So we’ve structured this 10 day Portugal itinerary to make sure you’re able to spend about three days in each of those places. 

Is it ideal? No, ideally you’d have more time to explore within each region. But with limited time, you have to make some compromises. 

But Matt and Alysha, what about Coimbra / Nazare / Braga (insert many other Portuguese cities here) ? Yes, all of those are well worth seeing, but if you only have ten days and it’s your first time, we’d recommend focusing your time on the three places we outlined above – Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. 

What if you have more or less than 10 days?

• With 7 days in Portugal , we think you can realistically tackle the Lisbon – Porto corridor (including some nice day trips) OR the Algarve. Not both. 
• With two weeks in Portugal , you’ll have more time to breathe and can add a few additional stops in smaller cities like Braga , Coimbra , Tavira , or Évora in addition to seeing Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. 

Getting Around Portugal

Getting around Portugal with limited time is a bit complicated, which we’ll get into in a second. 

At a high level, there’s a robust train network run by Comboios de Portugal and bus network through companies like FlixBus and ALSA that connect most major cities and towns throughout the country.

We used Omio a lot on our trip to Portugal. Omio shows you all the options for getting from one city to another in one place – by train, bus, or plane – so that you can compare without going to multiple other websites. Plus, we ran into issues occasionally with our American credit cards getting declined through the official train website, and Omio was much easier to use without throwing our phones across the room. It’ll cost you a very small service fee (usually one Euro per ticket), but we think it was a much, much better experience (which is why we used it so often).

We love traveling by train, and it’s the best way to get around on the west coast, between Lisbon and Porto (and even further north than Porto) where there are both regional and high speed trains to choose from.

Trains in Portugal are significantly cheaper than in places like Spain and Italy, which is an added bonus (they’re also slightly less comfortable, in our experience). 

With limited time, always choose the high speed (Intercity, or IC) trains, which will be more expensive but significantly faster.

Once you get out of that major thoroughfare, the options for train travel get a little worse, which is where the bus network comes in. Oftentimes the buses take roughly the same amount of time as the regional trains, and can be even cheaper. 

For each step in this itinerary, we’re going to give you our take on the best way to get from one place to another. Oftentimes it will be the train, but sometimes the buses offer a convenient alternative. 

Should You Fly Between Cities in Portugal? 

This one highly depends on which route you choose below. There are some journeys, particularly from Porto to the Algarve, that are actually best done by flying between cities. 

We’ll get into this in the “routes” section, but we’d only recommend flying if it’s absolutely necessary – it will be expensive, oftentimes slower if you count all the time getting to the airport and sitting around waiting, and less convenient overall. 

Definitely don’t fly between Lisbon and Porto – the high speed train does a good job connecting those two major cities. 

Should You Rent a Car in Portugal?

We think you should rent a car to visit the Algarve . The car will give you the flexibility to get off the beaten path a little bit and out to some less crowded (but equally beautiful) beaches that just aren’t well connected with public transportation. We would not have been able to make it to nearly as many places as we did if we didn’t have a car.

That being said, you can still enjoy the Algarve without a car, but it will be a slightly different experience. 

However, we absolutely would not recommend having a car in either Lisbon or Porto , where it will be more of a hindrance than a help thanks to parking and traffic. 

Instead, plan on renting a car when you arrive on the Algarve, and keeping it only during that leg of the trip. This will also save you money in the long run on gas, days of car rental, and tolls. 

We rented a car through AutoEurope , which gives you the prices and availability for multiple car companies all in one place.

When you choose your carrier, stick to the major international car rental companies like Europcar, Hertz, and Avis, and steer clear of the regional Portuguese car rental companies, which will do their best to nickel-and-dime you into financial ruin. 

Tips for Renting a Car in Portugal

We think you should definitely rent a car to do the Algarve, it’s just a matter of figuring out the best way to do it for your particular trip.

Here are a few things to consider about renting a car in Portugal that we discovered over the course of our trip. 

• If you’re picking up a rental car in one place and dropping it in a different place, your rental will be subject to a “one-way” fee that escalates based on the distances between locations. For reference, we picked up our car in Lagos and dropped it in Évora, which is about a three hour drive, and it was a 50 Euro fee. We imagine the fee would be similar for Lisbon. 
• There is an airport surcharge of about 30 Euros, depending on the company, that applies when you are either picking up or dropping off at an airport (in this case, likely either Lisbon Airport or the Faro Airport). You could avoid this by picking up the car in Lagos instead, but if you are arriving at the Faro Airport, it makes more logistical sense to just pay the fee. 
• There are toll roads throughout Portugal, which means you will pay to use the bigger, faster highways. The two you’re most likely to encounter are the A2 between Lisbon and the Algarve, and the A22 between Lagos and Faro. The easiest way to handle them is to ask your rental car company to activate their electronic transponder, which will automatically bill you for any tolls. More information on toll roads in Portugal here . 

Where to Start & End Your Trip

There are two options that we’ve come up with, and each has a set of pros and cons. Which one you choose most likely depends on your flight into Portugal. 

The first option is flying in and out of Lisbon , which tends to have the most routes – particularly direct flights – in and out of Portugal to international destinations.

This is also likely to be the cheapest option, though it’s the least convenient in terms of logistics (as we’ll get into in the next section) because it involves you making your way back to Lisbon from the Algarve, which can be a bit of a journey at over four hours. 

The second option, and the one we’d strongly recommend, is to fly into Porto and out of Faro (the main airport on the Algarve).

This option might have fewer flight options and can be a bit more expensive, but it’s also by far the most convenient because it doesn’t involve hours of backtracking to catch your flight home. 

The Route for This Portugal Itinerary

We’re putting our stake in the ground and recommending the version of the itinerary that has you flying into Porto and out of Faro, which is by far the least complicated way to do it.

We think the potential added cost is going to be worth it for the time saved by not having to get back to Lisbon to catch your flight . 

We get that you might not agree, and it’s pretty easy to rearrange the itinerary below to accommodate flying in and out of a single city. You’ll just need to add a train or bus journey to your itinerary at the end to get back to catch your flight. 

With that out of the way, here’s how we’d spend 10 days in Portugal if it’s your first time. 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Porto in AM
• Day 2 : Porto 
• Day 3 : Day Trip to Douro Valley
• Day 4 : Travel to Lisbon (as early as possible)
• Day 5 : Lisbon
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Sintra
• Day 7 : Travel to Algarve + Pick up Rental Car
• Day 8 : Algarve
• Day 9 : Algarve
• Day 10 : Algarve + Fly Home

You obviously have a bit of flexibility in terms of when you choose to do the day trips from Lisbon and Porto, what days to do which activities, and more.

We’re not going to give you a day-by-day itinerary – instead, we’re going to give you our picks for what to do, where to stay, and how to plan a day trip (to the Douro or to Sintra) for each city. 

The Complete 10 Day Portugal Itinerary for First Timers

And now that we’ve got all the boring-but-important logistics out of the way, onto the fun stuff! 

If you’re coming from somewhere like the US or Canada, you’re going to be a little slow on your first day due to jet lag. Plan on taking it relatively easy, drink plenty of water, and don’t go buckwild on the Port on your first day in Portugal. 

Days 1-3: Porto + Day Trip to the Douro Valley

Your first stop in Portugal is Porto, which has a friendly rivalry with its neighbor to the south, Lisbon, over the fact that Porto was the original capital and is the city that the entire country is named after.

Portugal was conquered by the Christian armies of the Inquisition from north to south, ending in the 12 th Century, which is when the borders of present-day Portugal were formed (and have more or less stayed the same since). 

We found Porto to be similar to Lisbon in some ways, but significantly different in many respects.

The first is that it’s a much older city. Lisbon was leveled by a massive earthquake (somewhere between 8.5 and 8.9 on the Richter scale) in 1755. Along with the subsequent fires and a tsunami. Not a great day for Lisbon. 

Porto survived the earthquake, which means the buildings in the city center are much, much older. Which gives it a more lived-in feeling, and a less polished look. We heard the word “gritty” used, but don’t quite agree with that assessment. Lived-in is a better term in our experience. 

Everywhere you go in Porto, it feels like real people live there (rather than parts of Lisbon that feel like it’s exclusively tourists). And that’s a feeling that we really enjoy. 

P.S.: To help you plan an amazing few days in Porto, we wrote a guide to planning an amazing 3 days in Porto ! We also have a guide to spending one day in Porto , if you’re short on time.

Porto is a great two day destination, which begs the question “why do you have us here for three days then?” 

At the end of every trip, we do a “best experience / food / drinks” recap together over a glass of wine (or several). There was an experience that came up over and over again during the conversation about our trip to Italy , Spain , and Portugal.

And that experience was our day trip to the Douro Valley , which included a winery visit to try port, an amazing lunch experience, and a boat cruise on the picturesque Douro River. 

It’s expensive, it’s true, but we think it’s worth a whole day of your time to see the famous terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in Europe (if not THE oldest). 

Pro-tip : Every single local we met in Porto said something along the lines of “hey, be careful with port” – it’s super easy to drink, it’s 20% alcohol, and it’s full of sugar so the hangovers are awful. You’ve been warned. 

Arriving in Porto

There’s a handy metro line that goes to and from the Porto airport – Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) – in 30-40 minutes. You can buy tickets at the entrance, and it will connect you with the other metro lines once you arrive in the city. More information here . 

You can also take a taxi (which will cost around 23 Euros) or pre-book a private transfer to take the stress out of arriving. 

What to Do in Porto

Here are some things we enjoyed in Porto, in no particular order.

• A Walking Tour to Learn about Porto’s History . Porto’s history is fascinating, going all the way back to the Roman Empire (and beyond that, too) and along the way becoming the capital of Portugal before Lisbon was given that title. One thing you’ll notice is the fact that Porto is an older city than Lisbon, mainly because of the earthquake that leveled Lisbon in 1755. A walking tour will introduce you to all that history and more with a local who can give you tips on what to eat and where to eat it, how to get around, what not to miss, and more. We always do walking tours in nearly every city we go to, and always walk away (ha!) with a bunch of new stories and a better understanding of history. We’ve also learned that you get what you pay for here, and there’s a reason the free tours are, well, free. Here’s the one we’d choose in Porto, though we actually chose this private walking tour in Porto ourselves with our favorite tour company, Withlocals. 
• Miradouros . Porto is a beautiful city, perched on a hill overlooking the river below, so there are a few viewpoints that we think you shouldn’t miss. First is Miradouro da Vitória ( here on Google Maps), which is a place we found ourselves multiple times on our trip. It’s a great view out over the city and river, and it’s worth the effort you’ll expend coming from the bottom of the hill. On the opposite side of the river, Jardim de Morro ( here on Google Maps – technically in Vila Nova de Gaia) has some of the best views of the city, which sprawls up the hill away from the river, and the Ponte Dom Luis I (the bridge).
• The Port Houses in Vila Nova de Gaia . Across the river from the city of Porto is a separate city called Vila Nova de Gaia, which is where all of the port houses are located. It’s worth an afternoon of your time to cross the river and do a tour, where you’ll learn about the process of making port and usually get to enjoy a tasting at the end to understand the differences between ruby, tawny, and the other types of port. We did the tour at Graham’s Port Lodge and really enjoyed it, though we also heard good things about Taylor’s and Churchill too from various locals we interacted with. If you’re looking to try port in the city center of Porto, go to Prova , where we got a mini-lesson on the basics of port before we made it across the river later in the trip. 
• Eat a Bifana and a Francesinha . Two of Porto’s most famous dishes are meat-heavy sandwiches that we had mixed feelings on. Neither of us are huge meat eaters, and I have Celiac Disease and need to eat gluten free, so our choices were limited. We did manage to find both, though! The Francesinha is a sandwich stacked with multiple types of meat, a fried egg, and a spicy sauce made of beer and broth. It’s basically a heart attack on a plate. We enjoyed it, but probably wouldn’t eat it again. The second is the bifana , which is a pork sandwich that is both cheap and delicious. My brother was the guinea pig here, and ended up enjoying it. We got it at Conga , recommended to us by our walking tour guide. You know it’s authentic when you can see them making the meat in the window. 
• Livraria Lello . We’re conflicted about this one, because we actually chose to skip it after seeing the massive line outside – which exists all day long, opening to closing. This is a beautiful bookstore that became famous when fans learned that J.K. Rowling wrote a portion of the books while working in Porto as an English teacher in the early 90’s, and that this bookstore might have served as inspiration (key word: might). The interior, particularly the staircase, is beautiful, but we were a little shocked by the price and popularity. It’s 5 Euros to enter, which you’ll get back if you decide to buy a book.

You might notice that all of the port houses have very, uh, English names. Graham’s. Taylor’s. Sandeman’s.

That’s because they were, and still are, owned by English companies who, at the time they were started, were looking to find a new source of wine after the French ramped up prices.  

If you’re looking to get some deeper knowledge and insight into the food scene in Porto and northern Portugal, we’d recommend a food tour.

Given the fact that I have Celiac Disease, we didn’t do one ourselves (it would just be me salivating over everyone else eating delicious food, even though I’d love the history and stories part of the tour). Here’s the tour we would have done, had it made sense. 

Where to Stay in Porto

Porto is a compact city, so staying anywhere near the center of the city is going to put you within walking distance of basically everything in the city. It’s a little bit hilly, but not too bad.

We have an entire guide dedicated to deciding where to stay in Porto , which you should definitely read if you want to get deeper into each neighborhood we recommend and why we like it.

Otherwise, here are the highlights.

That being said, we’d recommend staying relatively close to the river, either in the upscale Ribeira neighborhood along the river, or in one of the neighborhoods adjacent to it to the north. 

We personally stayed in Bolhão , which was about 10-15 minutes away from the river on foot, and was a more affordable location than the area along the river. And, to be honest, it was much more enjoyable and we’d stay there again in a heartbeat. 

We heard mostly Portuguese (versus the mix of English, French and Spanish you’ll hear near the river) and there were a ton of great places to eat and drink within 3-5 minutes of walking. And it felt younger and more lively, particularly at night. 

We stayed at Your Opo Cozy Apartments , which was the perfect base for us because we need access to a kitchen and prefer having more space to spread out (especially since we were traveling with my little brother).

We also had our eye on Hotel Moon & Sun , which is a good option if you’re looking for a nice hotel in a great location (across from one of our favorite coffee shops in the city). 

Update 2024: My mom and her friend stayed at Hotel Moon & Sun in late 2023 and loved it. The location is great (they also loved So Coffee Roasters across the street).

We were originally going to stay at The Passenger Hostel , but changed to an apartment with more space when my brother decided to join. 

Planning Your Day Trip to the Douro Valley

In short, we could not recommend the tour we did more highly . Like we said above, we spent a full 90 days (well, 89, really) in Europe, and that day was at the top of the list of our favorite experiences. 

If you’re looking for our top recommendation, that’s the tour we’d choose. However, there are a couple of other ways you could tackle the Douro Valley. 

• Do it independently by public transportation : It is possible to do this day trip using public transportation, but we think you have to make significant trade offs doing it that way (though it is much cheaper). There is a train from Porto to Pinhão, a major town in the Douro Valley full of wineries and restaurants along the river. However, once you’re there, you’ll have to walk / taxi between places, and you’re really confined to the area immediately around town. 
• Do it independently by car : If you rent a car, we think you’ll have a better experience than using public transportation. But, again, it comes with tradeoffs. You’ll have to drive, which means watching how much port you drink (don’t drink and drive, folks!), and it can be expensive and inconvenient to rent a car for a day. That being said, it does give you more flexibility even than a guided tour to discover places that you wouldn’t have otherwise found, which we like. If you want to do the Douro Valley independently, this is how we’d do it. 

We’d definitely recommend making it out to the Douro Valley. The best way to do it is either by  booking the tour we did , which includes a winery, an amazing lunch (with more wine), a Douro River cruise (with more wine), and all transportation, or  renting a car and doing it independently .

Days 4-6: Lisbon + Day Trip to Sintra

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a lovely city to explore. In fact, it reminds us a lot of San Francisco, our last home before we quit our jobs and hit the road full time (ish).

It has hills with amazing views, a great food and drink scene, and even has a red bridge that looks suspiciously like the Golden Gate. 

We were somewhat surprised to learn that the entire city was essentially flattened in the 18 th Century thanks to a giant earthquake (another similarity to San Francisco). It has since been rebuilt, and has made multiple lists of “best places to travel” over the past decade or so. 

Lisbon is no longer off the beaten path, but it still very much has the charm of a mid-sized city, with a mix of tourists and locals, that places like Paris and Rome just don’t have. 

Getting to Lisbon

Hourly Intercity (IC) trains – those are the fast ones – depart from Porto’s Campanhã train station and will take you to Lisbon in about three hours. We’d opt for an early train to get to Lisbon by noon or so. 

Plan to arrive at Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia station, which is connected to the rest of the city with Lisbon’s clean and efficient metro. The alternative is Oriente, which is further out and not as well-connected. 

Click here to see prices and train times for the journey from Porto to Lisbon . 

What to Do in Lisbon

We have an entire guide to spending 3 days in Lisbon, which you should definitely read for far more detailed information on exactly what to do and see in Lisbon. 

Here are the highlights. 

• Try to Visit All the Miradouros . Lisbon is a city full of hills, which means there are great views to be had at the top of them. Our favorite views in the city were from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte ( here on Google Maps), which is allll the way at the top of the hill behind Alfama. The view, which includes the castelo and the bridge, is worth the climb (it’s where the picture at the top of this section was taken). Another great view is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara ( here on Google Maps), which is near Bairro Alto with views back towards the castle.  
• Take a Walking Tour to Learn About the City’s History and Rebirth . We actually did two different walking tours in Lisbon, and would recommend them both. The first was a private walking tour through Withlocals , which is one of our favorite tour companies. They connect you with a local who takes you on a one-of-a-kind private city tour to see their city through their eyes, which is unique. We also did the We Hate Tourism walking tour through the “Real City,” which is more focused on socially responsible travel and takes you to a neighborhood that you probably wouldn’t ordinarily make it to on your own. Both are great for different reasons. 
• Head Out to Belem . Belem used to be a suburb of Lisbon, and in a way it still kind of is, though it’s technically inside the city limits. There are a few things to do and see out in Belem, and it’s an easy 15-20 minute tram ride from the center to get there. There’s the Torre de Belem, a former defensive tower (that wasn’t particularly good at its job) turned prison that sits in a strategic location along the Tagus River. DON’T GO INTO THE TOWER – NOT WORTH IT. The Jerónimos Monastery is worth a visit for the beautiful cloister. The Monument to the Discoveries is a towering nod to Portugal’s intrepid past as one of the original naval powers in Europe. And, of course, there’s Pastéis de Belem , which claims to be the first place to sell the egg custard tart, and has its own name for them that nobody else gets to use (they came in second in our pastéis de nata taste-off). 
• Hunt for the Best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon . Over our time in Lisbon – almost a week – we made it a goal to try all the pastéis de nata and decide which one we liked best. We quickly learned that the endeavor was going to be impossible, so we decided to focus on the couple of spots that consistently get all the press. Mantegaria , a recommendation from our walking tour guide, ended up being the clear winner. Pastéis de Belem took the second spot. Aloma , a pick of both locals we did walking tours with, was a distant third, but that might have been user error given that the pastéis we got weren’t warm. It’s also worth noting that they aren’t usually gluten free, so Matt had to watch Alysha and his two brothers devour pastéis with reckless abandon. 

Where to Stay in Lisbon

First of all, below is the short version. We have an entire guide dedicated to deciding where to stay in Lisbon , which you should read for more detail on the options, pros/cons, and specific places to stay.

While there are many possible answers to this question, we think 99% of people should choose between the central and charming Chiado neighborhood, and the historic Alfama neighborhood, which is full of narrow cobblestone streets and amazing viewpoints. 

Chiado is more utilitarian – it’s well connected to the rest of Lisbon with its central location in the center of the city and a dedicated metro stop. There’s an endless number of places to eat and drink your heart out, and you’re going to be 5-10 minutes away from the best food and nightlife in the city (which we think are in Bairro Alto and Principe Real). 

Alfama is the most romantic part of the city. It’s the part of Lisbon where you’ll find narrow, pedestrian-only cobblestone streets, and it’s home to two of the best views of the city. There are a handful of hotels and guesthouses scattered throughout the neighborhood. 

We’d highly recommend avoiding staying in an Airbnb in Lisbon because of the impact it has had on housing prices, which have in turn forced locals out of the city and further out into the suburbs. Choose hotels, apart-hotels, guesthouses, and hostels instead. 

Planning Your Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra is a great day trip from Lisbon, and is also the most common day trip that visitors take, which means you’re not going to be alone on the journey out there.

The main attraction here is Pena Palace, which is all the way at the top of the hill. Take the bus or a taxi to get there from the train station, it should be your first stop in Sintra. From there, work your way back down the hill. 

Pena Palace is essentially a summer home, built in the Sintra Mountains by King Ferdinand II. Originally, it was a monastery on the hill, but it was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and sat there in disrepair for years.

Then, Ferdinand said “wouldn’t it be great to have a place to escape the oppressively hot Lisbon summers? Maybe a place on a hill, with nice views and a cool coastal breeze?” 

12 years later, the palace was finished. There are tons of other attractions to see in addition to Pena Palace, but you should keep in mind that you won’t be able to see them all on a day trip.

Focus on 2-3 (we have thoughts below on what those 2-3 should be, duh), and save some time for walking around the town of Sintra at the bottom of the hill. 

Planning on taking a day trip to Sintra? We have an entire guide dedicated to planning an amazing Lisbon to Sintra day trip , which has more detail than the section below.

Getting to Sintra 

Sintra is an easy 45 minute train ride from Lisbon’s Rossio Station in Baixa. Getting to Rossio is pretty easy from basically anywhere in Lisbon, including Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama. 

The most important thing to know is that you will want to be on the first feasible train out to Sintra , which totally depends on how early you want to wake up. 

The train we chose left at 8:11 am, which we think is the perfect time because you’ll arrive in Sintra around 9:00 am, and most of the attractions open at 9:30 am, giving you about 30 minutes to get up the hill to Pena Palace to start your day and beat the rest of the visitors. 

What to Do in Sintra

Here’s the thing – there’s actually A LOT to do in Sintra. So much so, that you’re definitely not going to be able to comfortably fit it all into a single day, which is likely the amount of time you have. 

For context, we were on one of the first trains out to Sintra, and didn’t make it back to the city until somewhere around 3:00 or 4:00 pm. And we only really did a couple of the many tourist attractions in Sintra. We would suggest picking two or three things that you’re most interested in, and tackling those two plus the town of Sintra, which has some good places to eat and drink. 

We also obviously have an opinion on what you should focus your time on, and we think the two sites you should choose are Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle . Both offer different experiences – one is an opulent palace with fertile gardens, one is a replica of a former, you guessed it, Moorish Castle with spectacular views out over the ocean. 

If you want to add in a third sight, we’d recommend the Quinta da Regaleira . 

We’d do the two aforementioned sights before lunch, making your way down the hill as you go, having lunch in the town of Sintra, then doing the 10 minute walk out to the Quinta da Regaleira before heading back into town to catch the train back to Lisbon. 

Strap in, bring water and snacks, and prepare yourself for a full day affair. 

Here are some more details on the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. 

Pena Palace

There are two parts of the Pena Palace complex, and they require different tickets. There are the gardens, and then there’s the interior. We decided to skip the interior – we’ve seen plenty of opulent palaces over the course of our travels, maybe the rich dudes should have spent the money that they spent on their summer home on something, I don’t know, more useful?

We would recommend just getting a ticket for the grounds, and admiring the palace from the outside. Here’s how we’d spend your time: 

• Start by exploring the gardens. When we arrived, the palace was fogged in and you could barely make out the bright yellow facade. If you find yourself in the same boat, fear not! It will likely burn off. Head out to the High Cross in the gardens, which is a nice view (if the fog happens to be gone – it wasn’t when we were there). In general, our favorite part of the gardens was the lakes area at the bottom of the hill. 
• Then make the walk up to the palace. Admire the arches and tiles along the outside, and go up into the chapel, which is free. 
• Walk the walls of the palace . There’s a short path around the palace walls, which you should save for last because it’s a great view out over Sintra and all the way to the coast, so you want it to be clear. 

More info here . 

Castelo dos Mouros

Honestly, we were SO close to skipping this. But we were so glad we didn’t!

Walking along the reconstructed walls of this Moorish Castle from the 8th or 9th Century was the highlight of our time in Sintra, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. 

It was built when the were in control of the Iberian Peninsula, and then it was taken by the Christians in the 12th Century, and basically left in various levels of desertion ever since as tensions calmed and people no longer felt the need to live within the castle walls and started making their way downhill towards Sintra and proverbial greener pastures. 

There are some historical sights to see along the way, but we’d focus your time on walking the walls from one end to the other, which involves some steps (which are actually kind of hard), and is basically a nonstop spectacular view from start to finish. Go counter-clockwise. 

More information here . 

Dive deeper into Lisbon with our other Lisbon travel guides:

• 3 Days in Lisbon: Planning the Perfect Lisbon Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Lisbon: Our Guide to 4 Amazing Places to Stay
• Gluten Free Lisbon: A Complete Guide to Lisbon’s Best Gluten Free Restaurants
• The Best Coffee in Lisbon: 9 Amazing Lisbon Coffee Shops to Add to Your List
• Planning Your Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip: A Complete Guide

Days 7-10: The Algarve

The Algarve is the area along Portugal’s southern coast, and it’s very, very different from the other cities and regions in the country.

It’s more Mediterranean, with incredible fresh fish and seafood, warm weather (too warm in the summer for us), and a gorgeous coastline full of golden sand beaches and coves of turquoise water.

It’s the perfect place to spend the last few days of your Portugal itinerary soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach before returning home. 

Getting to the Algarve

There are three options for getting to the Algarve if you’re coming from Lisbon. We used Omio to compare (and usually, book) our trains and buses in Spain and Portugal.

It’s a better user experience (we occasionally ran into issues with our foreign credit cards being declined by the official train websites) and it’ll just cost you a small service fee (usually 1 Euro per ticket). 

First is the train . We love traveling by train in Europe, and there are intercity trains (those are the fast ones!) that will get you from Lisbon to Faro in 3 hours.

From there, you’ll have to connect with a regional train to get to places on the Algarve like Lagos or Carvoiero (spoiler: those are two places we’d recommend staying on the Algarve). Book your train tickets as far in advance as possible for lower prices. 

Second is the bus – we’d opt for FLIXBUS. The bus is slightly less comfortable, we think, but usually cheaper (especially if you’re booking close to the date of travel, when Intercity trains become more expensive).

There are also more direct options to more places on the Algarve (Lagos, in particular), versus the train to Faro and then connecting with a regional train from there. The bus is going to take about 3.5 hours, and cost somewhere around 6-10 Euros. 

Third is renting a car in Lisbon and driving, which takes about three hours or so. This is a particularly good option if you’re flying out of Lisbon to get back home.

If that’s the case, this is actually our top recommendation because it’ll make getting back to catch your flight a little more simple, and you won’t have to pay a one-way fee for dropping off the car in a different place than where you picked it up. 

Whichever way you choose, we’d opt for an early departure from Lisbon to get you to the Algarve for the afternoon. Click here to compare your different options on Omio . 

Do You Need a Car on the Algarve?

After traveling by train and bus for part of our trip to the Algarve, and then renting a car for the second part, we have a strong perspective that the best way to enjoy the Algarve is by renting a car.  

Sure, there is a regional train network that connects the major towns on the Algarve, but oftentimes the best beaches are going to be a bit outside of town, and a car makes it easier to get there. 

Having a car will also give you more flexibility, since trains aren’t that plentiful (they only come a few times a day) and it’s hard to figure out exactly when local and regional buses come (or if they come at all). 

We rented a car twice during our three month European adventure, once in Sicily , once on the Algarve.

Both times we used AutoEurope to compare prices with different rental companies and find the best rates, and booked a car through Europcar , which was a pleasant experience both times. We’d recommend both.

What to Do on the Algarve

You have three days on the Algarve, and we have a strong perspective on what you should do with those days based on our own experiences. 

Heads up: In this section, we’re going to give you a bit more of a day-by-day itinerary to help you organize your time. For more detail, head over to our Algarve itinerary , which has all the information you’ll need to make the most of your time on Portugal’s southern coast. 

Day 7: Lagos and Around

On your first day, spend the day settling in and exploring the area around Lagos. There are three beaches in particular that we think are well worth your time. 

• The first, Praia dos Estudantes , is one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches thanks to the Roman bridge that is visible from the beach. 
• Next, stop by Praia do Pinhão , where you can pick up a coastal route up on the bluffs that takes you to the third beach on your tour-de-Lagos-beaches.
• The last beach, Praia da Dona Ana , is also one of the most-visited beaches in the entire region. It’s a little cove, accessible from both ends, and the best views of the beach are from the bluffs on the eastern side (which is where you’ll find yourself if you follow the coastal trail). 

All three beaches would be a good spot to relax in the sun for a few hours. Make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. You can walk to all of them, doing one big loop back to the center of Lagos. 

For seafood that’s about as fresh as it can be, head out to Restaurante Chico Zé for lunch, which is a 10 minute drive north of the center of Lagos.

It’s a family run, lunch-only establishment where there is almost always a line out the door during the high season (and sometimes during shoulder seasons). Don’t miss the grilled sardines, served with potatoes. 

An alternative closer to town would be Tasca Da Lota , which is within walking distance of the city center near the train station. It’s cash only. 

For sunset, drive out to Ponta da Piedade , which is a unique rock formation surrounded by sheer cliffs. It’s a spot that most of the boat tours leaving from Lagos stop at because there’s a series of cool sea caves and hidden grottos. 

On foot, you can walk down the long set of stairs to get to the base of the cliffs – just remember that you’ll have to climb back up. Once you’ve done that, it’s also worth finding the trail that heads west from the parking lot and walking along the boardwalks for more amazing coastal views. 

On the way, stop by Praia do Camilo , a small, hidden beach accessible only by climbing down a long set of steep stairs (and, again, climbing back up when you’re done, of course).

Day 8: The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

On your second day, tackle what we think is the best hike on the Algarve – the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail . 

This hike, best done from east to west starting from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes , was one of our favorite experiences in Portugal. And we’re from coastal California, which we learned is very similar to the Algarve in terms of scenery, flora, and fauna.

The point is, it’s a great hike, and that’s coming from two people who have done countless hikes with similar views and scenery. 

First, an overview of the full out-and-back hike. 

• Length : 7 miles / 11.4 km
• Elevation Gain : 1,200 ft. / 365 meters
• Season : Year round (more on this below)
• Trail Type : Out and Back (we have ideas on alternate routes below)
• Difficulty : Easy / Moderate
• Trailhead Location : Either Praia da Marinha or Praia do Vale de Centeanes
• Dog Friendly : Yes! 

If that sounds like too much for you, you have a few options in terms of shortening the hike. 

• Option 1: The Full Hike, Round Trip – 7 miles / 1,200 feet of elevation gain (11.4 km / 365 m). Hike the entire trail out-and-back from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes, and then back the way you came. 
• Option 2: The Full Hike, One Way – 3.5 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (6 km / 180 m). Do the entire hike, but only one way. This requires using either taxis, Uber, or hitching a ride to get back to your car at the first trailhead (or finding a way to get there without a car). 
• Option 3: Partial Hike, Out and Back – 3.3 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (5.6 km / 180 m). Hike the section between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Carvalho, which in our opinion is the best part of the trail. You can continue on to the nice lighthouse – Farol de Alfanzina, for an additional 2 miles (3.2 km) added to your round-trip distance. 

For more details, including which direction to go, where to park, what time of day to hike, and a detailed trail report, head over to our Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Guide .  

Finish your day at the ending point for the trail you hiked earlier in the day – Praia do Vale de Centeanes – which is a pretty spectacular place to watch the sunset.

You can either bring a blanket and set up shop on the beach, or head up onto the bluffs to the east of the beach, where there’s a point that juts out into the sea and has some benches overlooking the spectacular coastal landscape. 

Day 9: Sagres and the Western Algarve

On your third day, head the opposite direction towards the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll find a dramatic coastline that looks a little bit different than the one you’ve explored so far. Think towering limestone cliffs and dramatic drop offs with the churning sea below. 

This part of the Algarve, which is much quieter than the area around Lagos and to the east, reminds us a lot of Point Reyes National Seashore, which is a short drive from our home base in California. 

Start by driving all the way out to Farol do Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern-most point in Europe, and making your way back east towards Lagos. 

• Praia do Beliche ( here on Google Maps) was our favorite beach in the area, and the steps leading down to it are super steep (which is saying something in Europe, land of the unnecessarily steep steps).
• The town of Sagres is a little sleepy, but it’s worth heading out to the Fortaleza de Sagres , which you’ll have to pay a few Euros to access, but the views from the point are worth it. It is going to be windy when you’re there – it almost always is. It’s also home to some of the best surfing in Europe if that’s something you’re into. We were there in the winter, so we took a hard pass on surfing lessons . 
• Praia da Mareta ( here on Google Maps) and Praia do Martinhal ( here on Google Maps) are two nearby beaches we enjoyed. 

After you’ve explored Sagres and the surrounding area, you can either head back to where you’re staying and do some more exploring, or head up the coast north along Portugal’s Atlantic coast to Praia da Arrifana , which is a different feeling than the Algarve. Or you could stop by the small fishing town of Salema on your way back to Lagos. 

Where to Stay in the Algarve

For this amount of time on the Algarve, we’d recommend choosing one home base and exploring from there. 

Keep in mind that this is the quick version. We have an entire guide dedicated to choosing exactly where to stay in the Algarve , so you should head over there if you want the details.

For the sake of convenience, we also think that place should be relatively central to give you the best access to both the eastern Algarve and its pristine white sand beaches, and the rocky, cliff-y (is that a word?) coastline of the western Algarve. 

We stayed in two separate places in the Algarve, and would recommend them both. Those two places are Lagos and Carvoeiro , and anywhere in between those two, which are a 35 minute drive apart, would be a perfect place to stay. 

Lagos is more of a city, with a charming old town and plenty of bars, restaurants, and other amenities that you might be interested in.

If you’re looking to stay in the middle of a bustling city with lots of restaurant options and bars that are open until the early hours of the morning, Lagos is for you.

In Lagos, we stayed at the Salty Lodge , which is smack dab in the middle of the old town. We really enjoyed this place, and our room had a pretty spectacular view towards the ocean. If your room doesn’t, they also have a rooftop terrace with this view. 

Rooms at the Salty Lodge are apartment-style, complete with stovetops and ovens for cooking. Though you’ll be within walking distance of about 25 different restaurants, if you’d rather do not cook on your trip to Portugal. 

Carvoiero has a more relaxed vibe. Sure, there’s a little area near the main beach that has a nice stretch of bars and restaurants, but the draw here is the unparalleled access to beautiful beaches and the laid back nature of the town. If you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet place to stay, we’d recommend Carvoeiro.

In Carvoeiro, we stayed at Hello Villas , which turned out to be among the nicest places we stayed on our entire Portugal trip.

They’re spacious, quiet, and have everything you need to cook meals at home. Plus, they’re walking distance to town, though there’s a rather steep hill in between. 

Dive deeper into the Algarve with our other Algarve travel guides:

• A Complete Guide to Planning an Algarve Road Trip (3-7 Days)
• How to Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Complete Trail Guide
• Where to Stay on the Algarve: 5 Charming Towns to Use as a Home Base

What to Do with More Time in Portugal

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself with more than 10 days when you’re visiting Portugal, here are a few things that we’d add to your itinerary, along with how much time we’d allocate to each. 

• Évora (1-2 Days) : A stop in Évora, a walled town in Portugal’s Alentejo region, known for its great food and wine, that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. We were here for about 24 hours, and that was perfect. It’s just 90 minutes from Lisbon by train, but we’d recommend staying overnight if you can. 
• Coimbra (1 Day) : A charming, riverfront town known for having the oldest university in Portugal. Students walking around with Harry Potter-style capes give the town a lively, fun vibe, though only when school is in session. We spent a night here between Lisbon and Porto and enjoyed walking up the hill from the river, though school wasn’t in session so the town was a little empty. 
• Óbidos (1 Day) : Another good stop between Lisbon and Porto, this one is known for its intact medieval walls and castle, along with its charming narrow cobblestone streets. Plus, ginjinha, the sour cherry liqueur from Portugal, is served in a traditional chocolate cup here. 
• More time on the Algarve (1-2 Days) : You could easily add a day or two on the Algarve and spend it going deeper, especially on the eastern Algarve. We loved Tavira, and heard good things about Olhão (though we didn’t personally make it there). 
• Braga (1-2 Days) : Braga, way up in northern Portugal, is worth adding either as a day trip from Porto, or as an overnight destination on its own. We didn’t have time to fit it in (despite having almost a month in Portugal), but if we did, our first stop would have been Bom Jesus do Monte, a sanctuary on a hill with excellent views and architecture. 

What to Do with Less Time in Portugal

If you have less than 10 days in Portugal, you’re going to have to choose between the Lisbon / Porto corridor OR the Algarve. It’s just not possible to do Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve in less than 10 days. 

We’d recommend the Lisbon / Porto corridor for most people , which is the more culturally interesting place where you’ll find great food, wine, and historical places to learn more about Portugal’s history. You can easily spend anywhere from 5-9 days on this part of Portugal alone (honestly, you could spend months and not see it all). 

If you want a beach vacation , well, then the Algarve is probably your best bet.

7 Days in Portugal

With 7 days in Portugal, we’d focus on the corridor between Lisbon and Porto and spend 2-3 days in each with time for day trips into the surrounding areas. There’s a high-speed train connecting the two cities, so you can either fly in and out of the same city, or fly into Lisbon and out of Porto (or vice versa) – whichever is cheaper. 

You definitely shouldn’t rent a car for this version of the itinerary. It’ll be more of a pain than anything if you’re using Porto and Lisbon as home bases for exploring the surrounding areas. 

The good news is that everything in this 7 day Portugal itinerary is also in the more detailed itinerary above, so you’ll be able to use the information above to plan your trip. 

Here’s what that 7 day itinerary could look like. It depends on where you’re flying in and out of – this assumes into Porto and out of Lisbon, but it totally works if you’re flying into Lisbon, or even if you’re flying in and out of Lisbon or Porto. 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Porto
• Day 6: Day Trip to Sintra
• Day 7 : Lisbon + Fly Home

5 Days in Portugal

With 5 days, you have a few options. We’re going to give you three of our top picks, but of course there’s a nearly unlimited combination of different ways to tackle your visit to Portugal. 

You can do a shorter version of the 7 day Portugal itinerary we covered above, which could look something like this: 

• Day 3 : Travel to Lisbon (as early as possible)
• Day 4 : Lisbon 

The downside of that option is that you don’t have time to fit in day trips from either place. Which leads us to a second option, which involves focusing your entire time on Lisbon . 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Lisbon
• Day 2 : Lisbon
• Day 3 : Day Trip to Sintra
• Day 4 : Lisbon or Another Day Trip (Cascais or Óbidos)
• Day 5 : Lisbon and fly home

Last, but not least, is to spend 5 days on the Algarve. This involves either flying in and out of Faro and renting a car there, or flying in and out of Lisbon and renting a car from there. Here’s what that could look like. For more detail, check out our Algarve itinerary . 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Faro + Travel to Lagos / Carvoiero
• Day 2 : Lagos + Surrounding Beaches
• Day 3 : The Western Algarve (Sagres + Praia do Beliche)
• Day 4 : Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
• Day 5 : The Eastern Algarve (Faro + Tavira) + Travel Home

Planning a trip to Portugal?  

Here are our other Portugal travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip (even if you have to eat gluten free!).

If there’s no link below, it means we’re still working on it – long, in-depth guides take time! We’re working on it, though, we promise.

• 10 Days in Portugal: Planning the Perfect Portugal Itinerary
• 25 Incredible Things to Do in Lisbon: A Complete Guide
• One Day in Lisbon: The Best of Lisbon in 24 Hours
• 3 Days in Porto: Planning the Perfect Porto Itinerary
• One Day in Porto: How to See the Best of Porto in a Day
• Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal: The 3 Best Places to Stay

The Algarve:

• Where to Stay in the Algarve: 5 Charming Towns to Use as a Home Base

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

44 Comments

We have completed 2 weeks of our 4 week stay in Lisbon and the information shared here has been extremely helpful for us. We also made a day trip to Fatima and spent a few days in Porto and Lourdes (France). Lourdes was unusually cold 0 C (31 F) and because of that there were no crowds at all. We are from Michigan, so the cold weather didn’t matter much to us :). Porto is amazing and a must visit if you come to Portugal. We are staying in an ABB near Alameda metro station and we love it here – everything is within walking distance and my wife and I love walking. We easily do about 16-20K steps everyday! Uber is everywhere and very affordable and because of that, we haven’t tried the metro yet. Cafes and restaurants are everywhere and very good quality at a reasonable price.

Thanks a LOT to Matt and Alysha for documenting your experience which helped us a lot in our planning!

Thanks for the kind words, Joe! Glad you found our experiences helpful – that’s what we’re here for!

I am planning to visit Portugal for a 10 day trip starting April 11. Given this time of the year, does it make sense to visit Algarve? Is it possible to include Madeira by replacing Algarve for such a short trip?

Hey there! We were in the Algarve in early December, and it was lovely. It was warm – but not blazing hot – and the crowds were nonexistent. In April, it’ll be warmer and busier, but still worth a visit we’d say. However, if you want to do Madeira instead, just swap it in for the Algarve (it might get a little more complicated in terms of flights). However, we would say that it’s a lot of traveling to try to do Madeira (you essentially lose two full half days to flights).

I was reading some blogs and found yours to be the most detailed, precise and resourceful. So thank you for the efforts! I’ve heard a lot about Madeira Islands in Portugal, do you recommend visiting the islands in a 10day itinerary ? it is called the Hawaii of Portugal and I wanted to check if it worth visiting in a short span of time ?

Hey there! I would say that it’s a little far to try to do in 10 days, but if you wanted to squeeze it in, we’d essentially swap Madeira for the Algarve (you might have to move things around to accommodate the flights e.g. start in Lisbon, fly to Madeira and back, train up to Porto to finish). It depends on the logistics!

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Perfect 10 Days In Portugal Itinerary

There’s nothing as romantic or idyllic as a road trip through Portugal. The country is a land finely aged like wine.

It stuns with its vintage-y cities, whitewashed medieval villages, a beautiful seacoast, and delicious food and wine.

Top this all off with a dollop of historic UNESCO sites and some soulful Fado music, and you have the perfect sensual and cultural vacation.

I was recently in sun-drenched Portugal again on a geographical cure. This is the 10 day Portugal itinerary that I used which I wouldn’t alter one bit if I had a do-over.

You’ll have three bases: Lisbon (4 nights), Coimbra (2 nights), and Porto (4 nights). I give you tips on where to stay for each city.

My itinerary starts in Lisbon and ends in Porto. But you could easily reverse the order and start in Porto.

Overview Of 10 Days In Portugal Itinerary

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you’ll see with 10 days in Portugal:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Lisbon and explore
• Day 2 : Explore Lisbon
• Day 3 : Explore Belem, Lisbon’s UNESCO suburb
• Day 4 : Day Trip to Sintra
• Day 5 : Visit Obidos and Alcobaca Monastery en route to Coimbra
• Day 6 : Explore Coimbra
• Day 7 : Visit the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga en route to Porto & half day in Porto
• Day 8 : Explore Porto
• Day 9 : Day Trip to Guimaraes and Citania de Breiteros
• Day 10 : Tour the Douro Valley

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this 10 days in Portugal itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

10 Days In Portugal Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in lisbon.

You’re likely going to arrive in Lisbon in the late afternoon on day 1 of your 10 day Portugal itinerary. Be sure to book a speedy private transfer from the airport. To get oriented, you may want to book a  guided walking tour .

Begin by exploring Rossio Square. It’s located in the bustling city center, Baixa.

Admire the wavy tile mosaics around the King Pedro IV statue. Then head down Rua Augusta to the Praça de Comércio, the showy 18th century square with a triumphal arch.

But don’t dine here; the squares are mostly filled with tourist restaurants.

Instead, head to Lisbon’s Chiado neighborhood. It’s a popular arty upscale neighborhood filled with lovely cafes, chic art galleries, bookshops, and tony boutiques.

You can also book a  3 hour guided walking tour  of Chiado. I went on this tour and loved it.

In Chiado, you should visit the evocative Carmo Convent . The convent was founded in 1389 by Portuguese knight Nuno Álvares Pereira, who had won the favor of the King of Portugal, João I.

It’s a touching memorial to the worst day of Lisbon’s history, when a 1755 earthquake demolished much of the city including the convent.

The romantic ruins remain today, as a memorial — a glorious shambles really. It’s a strangely affecting place, sharply contrasting with Lisbon’s Pombaline architecture. You can visit the church rooms and a tiny archaeological museum.

After visiting, settle in at an authentic Chiado eatery, like Taberna da Rua das Flores or Cantinho do Avillez.

For a Michelin dining experience, try Alma (which just got a second Michelin star) or Belcanto.

In lieu of a restaurant, you can also book a guided food tour that includes Chiado .

Day 2: Explore Lisbon

Wake up and head to Lisbon’s most charming neighborhood, the colorful old world Alfama.

Steeped in history, immortalized in Fado, and rising over Lisbon, Alfama is one of Lisbon’s most authentic districts. A city outside a city.

With steep stairways tumbling down to Baixa below and Castelo São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) standing guard above, Alfama is incredibly beautiful and photogenic.

You can follow my DIY walking tour  in Alfama. You can book a  3 hour guided walking tour .

You don’t have to go inside St. George’s Castle. It’s a 20th century recreation of the Moorish castle that previously existed there. But if you want to, you should pre-book a  skip the line ticket . 

And there are other free miradouros, or viewpoints, in Alfama — Largo das Portas do Sol and Miradouro da Graça.

You can follow a specific walking tour in Alfama. Or just surrender to the lively chaos and get lost in the maze of tangled streets. While you’re there, admire the sparkling azulejo tiles that adorn the buildings and streets.

I like to think that Lisbon was given the nickname “Queen of the Sea” because its tile bedecked buildings resemble precious stones that decorate crowns.

In the afternoon, seek out some of Lisbon’s hidden gems . Or take in a museum.

My favorite museum is the National Tile Museum , where you can see and learn the history of Lisbon’s azulejo decorations.

Housed in a sublime 16th century convent, this unique museum covers the entire history of the azulejo (hand-painted tile). You can book a guided tour to see it all. If you love ceramics, you can also book a  guided tour of the museum with a tile making class .

But the Gulbenkian Museum is also a splendid option. It’s a phenomenal museum showcasing the collection of ancient art of the mega collector Calouste Gulbenkian.

Click here to pre-book an entry ticket. Click  here  to book a guided tour of the museum and its gardens.

Both museums are somewhat off-center. But Ubers and taxis are very pretty darn inexpensive in Lisbon.

In the evening, head to Time Out Market for dinner. It’s located in a cool converted warehouse.

It’s foodie heaven, with some of Lisbon’s best chefs serving incredible food in the many food stalls. There are also wine bars galore. Portuguese wine is cheap and tasty.

As an alternative, you could book dinner and a flamenco show . Or cruise down the Tagus River and see Lisbon’s landmarks lit up at night.

Day 3: Explore Belem, Lisbon’s UNESCO Neighborhood

On the third day of your Portugal adventure, make your way to the UNESCO-listed neighborhood of Belem . While I chose to drive, you can easily catch a tram from Comercio Square or Figueira Square.

Once you arrive, you’ll find a peaceful escape from the lively buzz of central Lisbon. Enjoy the refreshing Atlantic breezes, marvel at the grand Manueline monuments, and watch boats lazily drift along the broad Tagus River.

Here, you’ll feel transported back to the Age of Discoveries, a time when Portugal was a leading colonial power, navigating and claiming parts of the vast unknown world.

1. Jeronimos Monastery

With limited time, your top priority is Jerónimos Monastery . It’s a glorious 500 year old UNESCO site and a mandatory destination in Lisbon.

It’s the premiere example of Manueline architecture in Portugal. Manueline architecture was a short lived late Gothic artistic movement that lasted 30 years in the early 16th century.

It’s a distinctively Portuguese style, named after its key influencer, King Manuel I, who reigned from 1495 to 1521 during the Age of Discoveries.

You must pre-book a  skip the line ticket   or you’ll wait in incredibly long lines. You can also book a  3 hour guided walking tour of Belem  that includes a skip the line ticket to the monastery.

There’s nothing like the moment you walk into the monastery’s two level cloister, honey colored and dripping with organic detail.

You’ll be wowed by the delicately scalloped arches, twisting turrets, and columns intertwined with leaves, vines, and knots. And the gargoyles and beasties on the upper facade.

2. Tower of Belem

The Tower of Belém is a beautiful Manueline-Gothic style structure. It’s also part of Lisbon’s UNESCO designation. It’s just a 15 minute stroll along the river from the Jeronimos Monastery.

Belem Tower is a fortress-like structure also built by Manuel I. It had a very Game of Thrones like feel to me with its filigree stonework. A very narrow spiral staircase leads you to the top for fantastic views.

You can only buy tickets for the tower at the attraction, not online, and there will be a line. But you can book a  2 hour skip the line guided tour  the includes the the tower and the monastery.

Perched proudly on the Belem’s waterfront is a huge 56 meter statue-monument called the Monument to the Discoveries. Built in 1960, it was commissioned to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.

You’ll also see a huge 56 meter statue-monument called the Monument to the Discoveries. It sits perched proudly on the Belem’s waterfront.

Built in 1960, it was commissioned to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.

When you’re done gorging on Belem’s Manueline architecture, stop in for a delicious Portuguese pasty at the famous Pastéis de Belém. Then head back to Lisbon.

At the evening, head to Lisbon’s nightlife spot, the hilly neighborhood of Bairro Alto for food and drink. Or take in a Fado show in Chiado to experience Lisbon’s unique expressive singing.

Day 4: Day Trip to Nearby Sintra

Day 4 takes you to nearby fairytale town of Sintra.

It’s a gorgeous rock star of a town torn from a storybook. But Sintra’s is incredibly popular, and a tricky place to visit on a day trip. Expect crowds and long lines.

I have decided views about how to tackle the town, which boasts numerous UNESCO castles and palaces.

Here are my tips for decoding Sintra . To avoid long waits in lines, you may want to pre-book a  guided skip the line tour for Pena Palace, the top attraction. Or go on a  guided tour of the Sintra’s highlights with a historian .

If you don’t want to worry about transportation, book a  guided tour ful l day tour from Lisbon  or a  guided day tour that includes the coastal Cascais and Cabo da Roca .

1. Pena Palace

Pena Palace is the most popular UNESCO site in Sintra. Pena Palace is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It’s beloved by its adoring visitors.

The palace is the most romantic of the romantic 19th century palaces out there. I’ve just never seen a monarch adopt a Ronald McDonald theme for his or her palace before.

Pena Palace startlingly colorful. It’s a heavy handed mishmash of different architectural styles. It looks like several castles smooshed together. There’s a schizophrenic whirlwind of onion domes, turrets, crenellation, and fanciful sneering gargoyles.

Because most people adore Pena Palace, the lines for the interior are epic. Pena Palace has a real Mad King Ludwig feel. I couldn’t decide whether the colorful palace was a real life “fairytale” or a tacky pastiche on steroids.

I decided just to enjoy the extreme whimsy and differentness of the place, a creation of King Ferdinand II, a genius who dared to be different.

2. Quinta da Regaleira

My personal favorite palace in Sintra is the bewitching Quinta da Regaleira .

Quinta was built by eccentric and superstitious millionaire Antonio Monteiro. It’s an extravagant stony affair with follies and a mysterious initiation well.

The buildings are adorned with a heady mix of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, Neo-Manueline, and Renaissance features. There are gargoyles and carvings associated with Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians.

In the palace brochure, Quinta is described as an “imaginary universe of symbolism and metaphor.” It felt that way to me, very Pans Labyrinth-esque.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket. You can book a guided tour from Lisbon that includes both Quinta and Pena Palace .

Where To Stay In Lisbon

I would recommend staying in or near the Chiado neighborhood. The  Verride Palacio Santa Catarina  is a boutique hotel in a renovated palace with incredible views.

LX Boutique  is a pretty luxury hotel with a maritime themes and blue colors. The  Memmo Principe Real   is a historic hotel in a quiet area. It has limestone floors and original paintings.

If you want to stay in the cobbled Alfama district, the  Solar Do Castelo  is a beautiful boutique hotel housed in a romantic 18th century mansion.

The  Eurostars Museum  is a beautiful historic hotel that’s also a good choice. It comes complete with a spa, sauna, and Turkish bath.

Day 5: Visit Obidos and Alcobaca Monastery En Route to Coimbra

On day 5 of your Portugal itinerary, you’ll travel to Obidos and Alcobaca Monastery en route to the city of Coimbra in Central Portugal. These were two of my favorite stops in Portugal.

Just an hour from Lisbon, pretty Obidos is a dreamy UNESCO village that will stela your heart. The town is perched fetchingly on a hill and encircled with stout medieval walls.

Obidos is decorated with splashes of blue and yellow paint and filled with bougainvilla-covered whitewashed homes. You’ll be seduced by its beauty and shabby chic romantic aura.

You can book a 2 hour guided walking tour of the town. You may also want to book a   guided day tour from Lisbon .

Stroll down the main drag, Rua Direita, which runs from the Porta da Vila to Obidos Castle.

It’s stuffed with whitewashed buildings, quirky bars and cafes, exquisite shops, and ubiquitous ginjinha stands. The iron street lamps and chipped stone facades complete the vintage look.

The real magic of Obidos lies off the main drag. So veer towards Obidos’ quiet maze of pathways to enjoy the quiet, color, and romance.

You won’t find another person in sight. This is where you’ll find the intangible fairy dust of Obidos, and its greatest gift to the traveler.

2. Alcobaca Monastery

Just 30+ minutes north of Obidos is Alcobaca Monastery .

I was dazzled by Lisbon’s Jeronimos Monastery. Still, that didn’t diminish my awe at seeing the austere beauty of Alcobaca, which is also a UNESCO site.

The monastery was founded almost 800 years ago in 1153. Construction took place over centuries.

It’s a mix of Gothic and Cistercian architecture with intricate workmanship. The monks moved into their new stone digs in 1223, and the church was finished in 1252.

The monastery is more impressive inside than the outside. Despite the overwrought Baroque overlay, once you enter the doors, everything changes.

The monastery becomes a monument to simplicity and majesty. There’s no riotous Baroque carnival inside. It feels light and airy.

In the transept, you’ll find the monastery’s greatest possession: two magnificent royal tombs lying opposite each other.

They are the “his and hers” marble tombs of the star-crossed lovers King Pedro I of Portugal and the Inês de Castro of Spain.

Theirs is a tragic medieval tale of obsessive love and political intrigue, the Portuguese equivalent of Romeo & Juliet. Inês was murdered by Pedro’s father to end their affair.

Day 6: Explore Coimbra

On day 6 of your 10 days in Portugal, you’ll explore the pretty city of Coimbra . The city is sometimes called the “Athens of Portugal.” Coimbra is often neglected by travelers in Portugal, and it shouldn’t be.

Perched on the Rio Mondego, Coimbra was Portugal’s medieval capital. And the city still has steeply stacked houses tumbling down its historic old town.

You may want to book a 3 hour guided walking tour to get oriented and see the main attractions. You can also book a guided tour that combines a city tour and a visit to Coimbra University.

1. Coimbra University

For starters, you’ll be bowled over by the architectural splendor of Coimbra’s #1 site — Coimbra University — sitting at the highest point in Coimbra.

It’s yet another of Portugal’s UNESCO landmarks . The swirling black cape uniforms of its students look very Harry Potter-esque.

Founded by royal charter in 1290, Coimbra University is a UNESCO site that’s old. One of the oldest universities in the world, older than Oxford University. It’s vast courtyard contains a cluster of 16th to 18th century buildings.

The university’s palace boasts the Great Hall of Acts, whose current design dates from 1655. The university’s chapel has beautiful painted ceilings.

But the main event is the over the top Joanina Library. You will be given a timed entry slot, so don’t wander away and miss your time window.

2. Baroque Library

The famous library was built from 1717-28 during the reign of Joao V. It’s also, not exactly shockingly, known as the Baroque Library.

It has a large central hall with a nave like structure divided into three main rooms, clad in beautiful gilded bookshelves. It looks and feels more like a museum than a library.

To get the full scoop on this amazing landmark, you may want to book a 2 hour private guided tour .

3. Coimbra Old Town

Once you’ve visited the university, head into Coimbra’s old town. Coimbra has a melancholy beauty all its own. Coimbra has its own pottery style, its own version of Fado, and an attitude.

It’s a stylish place, where black caped students, tony cafes, and ancient monuments all blissfully co-mingle.

The main pedestrianized street is Rua Ferreira. It’s lined with elegant old buildings and the Igreja de Santa Cruz, with a magnificent tiled interior.

Stop in at the Carlos Tomás pottery shop, to see the artist at work and select some distinctive Moorish-influenced Coimbra Pottery.

4. Se Velha

Off the main drag, you find some steep and narrower streets. Here, you’ll find Coimbra’s Old Cathedral, Se Velha .

The austere 12th century Sé is one of Portugal’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The main portal and facade are particularly striking, almost gold in the warm afternoon sunshine.

Finish your day with some Portuguese food.

You’ll have endless options for great food in Coimbra. We settled in at DUX Taberna Urbana, for a contemporary take on traditional dishes. Or sample some of the port wine Portugal is famous for.

Where To Stay In Coimbra

Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra is a great place to stay. The hotel has charming rooms with exposed stone walls.

The Sapientia Boutique Hotel is a pretty hotel in a historic building right by the university. Some of the rooms have amazing city and river views.

The Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas is a small luxury hotel. It has a library filled with ancient books and a spa.

Day 7: Visit the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga En Route To Porto

On day 7 of your 10 days in Portugal, depart for the pretty city of Porto. En route, stop at the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga. History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven.

Conimbriga is one of the largest Roman settlements outside Italy, dating from as early as the first Iron Age in the 9th century B.C.

Romans built an amphitheater for over 10, 000 people, city walls, three bathing complexes (with stone heating ducts) temples, and several residences.

Conimbriga wasn’t excavated until the late 19th century. Only about 20% of the entire city is currently unearthed.

The highlight of Conimbriga is its exquisite and well-preserved collection of colorful mosaic floors. The ones at the House of Fountains are especially remarkable.

Depending on how much time you spend among the ruins, you should have a good part of the afternoon to discover Porto. This colorful, vintage city is a haven for travel photographers and dreamers alike. In fact, Porto is currently one of Europe’s top destinations.

The city is enchanting, with a beautiful array of colors, Baroque churches, azulejo tiles, and charming cobblestone streets. Yes, there are hills, and while they might give your legs a workout, they also offer incredible views of Porto’s picturesque scenery.

I advise starting off with a guided walking tour to see the highlights.

There are plenty of other fun ways to get around Porto as well. You can take a guided Segway tour , zoom around on an electric bike tour , or sail down the Duoro River on a boat cruise .

1. Livraria Lello

On your strolls, you’ll like come across Livraria Lello.

It’s Porto’s uber-popular and photogenic bookshop. It’s considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and classified as a National Monument.

Livraria Lello is renowned for its lovely art deco, art nouveau, and gothic interior. It also claims bragging rights as the rumored inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series.

The late afternoon is a much better time to visit than early morning. People start lining up way before opening time.

2. Cais de Ribeira

When you’ve gotten the lay of the land, head to the Cais de Ribeira for a cocktail or some pottery shopping. The riverside quarter of Porto is a medieval warren of narrow winding streets and pastel painted facades in faded glory.

Tall and colorful row houses are crammed along the river bank. And there are plenty of trendy bars, cafes, shops, street artists, and entertainers.

3. Dinner and Cocktails

That night, have dinner at an authentic Portuguese restaurant like Casa Aleixo, Cafeina, or Brasao Coliseu.

If you want a beautiful space (though rather touristy), try Cafe Majestic. The Art Nouveau decor, vintage mirrors, and period lighting inside made me swoon.

If you’re feeling casual and really adventurous, now’s the time to try Portugal’s “heart attack” sandwich, the Francesinha. It consists of ham, sausage, and steak, topped with cheese, beer and egg.

You can get a traditional sandwich at Francesinha Cafe or a more modern version of the extreme comfort food at Porto Cruz.

Alternatively, you could take a guided food and wine tour , a craft beer and food tour , or pair a fado show with a wine tasting .

Porto also has a new food trend, a version of tapas called petiscos. There are some tapas restaurants on Rue dos Caldeireiros. You can also book a 3.5 hour guided tapas tour .

Day 8: Explore Porto

1. almas chapel.

The Cappela das Almas is a little charmer of a church, completely wrapped with an ornate blue and white tile mural on its exterior.

The bright blue mural was added in 1912, though it’s painted in an 18th century style.

Its 15,947 tiles depict scenes from the death of St. Francis of Assisi and the martyrdom of Santa Caterina. The chapel was definitely one of the most unique things I saw in Porto.

2. Igreja do Carmo

The lovely Igreja do Carmo is close to  Livraria Lello  and the Palacio da Bolsa. It’s Instagram famous for its grandiose and exquisite side panel festooned with azulejo tiles. 

The Baroque and Rococco style church was built in the 18th century and had its exterior tiles installed in 1910. The tiles depict the founding of the Carmelites religious order.

The church seems big, and looks like two churches smooshed together. And it is. Like Capela das Almas, people line up and take turns getting photos against the famous wall.

3. Se Cathedral

Don’t miss the imposing fortress-like Se Cathedral, part of Porto’s UNESCO designation.

Construction began in the second half of the 12th century. It has been renovated and now sports three different architectural styles — Roman, Gothic, and Baroque.

The church facade has two towers topped with crowned cupolas, buttresses, a rose window, and a crenellated arch. Inside, the barrel vaulted ceiling, the nave, and the altar are fabulous.

The atmospheric Gothic Cloister is the Se’s must see highlight. Entry to the cathedral is free, but you’ll pay 3 euros to visit the cloisters. It’s worth parting with the cash, just to view the exquisite stonework and 17th century azulejos.

Be sure to step out onto the terrace for one of the best views of Porto.

4. Bolsa Palace

Then visit Palácio da Bolsa and the Church of Sao Francisco, right near each other. The Palacio is the old stock exchange.

It was built in the 19th century in a Neo-Classical style. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the Porto and part of the city’s UNESCO designation.

You need to go inside to comprehend the richness of the elaborate sculpture, decorative carvings, plasterwork, frescos, chandeliers, and tiles.

The golden stuccoed Moorish Revival Salão Árabe is almost overwhelming. The glass-domed Hall of Nations is also beautiful.

Click here to book a ticket and guided tour.

4. Church of Sao Francisco

The Church of Sao Francisco is also a stunner. The outside is Gothic and the inside is all Baroque.

You’ll feel smothered in orange gold detail. The church is encrusted with 450 pounds of gold on its pillars, columns, and high altar. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed in the church.

One of Sao Francisco’s prized treasures is a sculpture of Jesus’ family tree, known as the “Gold Church.”

On your visit, you can also tour the catacombs and a museum housing relics from the church’s monastery, which was destroyed in 1832.

5. Ponte Luis I

In the late afternoon, walk across the top of the bilevel Luís I bridge for stunning views.

This bridge connects the Ribera section of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, a town south of the city famous for its port wine warehouses.

The metal arched bridge was designed by one of the famous French engineer Gustave Eiffel’s pupils, Théophile Seyrig. Its construction began in 1881 and required 3,054 tons of metal. When built, it was the longest metal bridge in the world.

Usually there are young kids and men jumping from the lower level of the bridge in exchange for euros. Visitors can walk over it, drive over it, or take the train. We walked on both the upper and lower levels. Views on the top are obviously better.

6. Sierra do Pilar Monastery

When you’re in Gaia, hike up to the Serra do Pilar Monastery Miradouro. You’ll have commanding views of the Douro River.

The adjacent Jardim de Morro also has good views and doesn’t require a steep-iso climb. Plunk down and rest in the grass with Porto’s young hipsters.

Then take the funicular ride for fabulous views. To catch the cable car, cross the lower level of the Luís I bridge from Porto, turn right, and walk along the river in Vila Nova de Gaia past the vendors and wine caves. Eventually, you’ll come to the ticket office for the cable car on the river.

Don’t leave without sampling the local tipple, port wine. You book a visit at one of Nova da Gaia’s famous port wine caves . Or go on a 3 hour walking tour of the wine caves .

And inspect the street art installation, Half Rabbit , by artist Bordalo II. We had a simple but delicious meal at Mamma Bella on a quiet side street in Gaia.

Day 9: Day Trip To Guimaraes & Citania de Breiteros

Now that you’ve covered Porto, on day 9 it’s time to day trip from Porto to a dreamy UNESCO village.

Choose either Braga or Guimaraes. You can book a half day tour from Porto to Guimaeres or a half day tour to Braga .

It’s difficult to do both towns in a day unless you book a full day guided tou r that includes both towns.

1. Guimaraes

Dating from the 9th century, medieval Guimaraes is a surefire charmer. Sit in one of the medieval squares, Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago.

Admire the architecture. Preferably while sipping Portuguese coffee or, better yet, a glass of vinho verde wine.

Then head down the main pedestrianized drag, Rua de Santa Maria, for some cuteness and possible shopping. At the end of the street, you’ll find Guimaraes’ two main attractions — the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and Guimaraes Castle.

Guimaraes Castle is famous as the birthplace of D. Afonso Henriques. He was the first king of Portugal. The castle is part of the town’s UNESCO designation.

The foundations of the current castle date back to the late 10th century. t was built to protect a nearby monastery. Its jagged crenellations will conjure images of crusaders on horseback.

The castle was built to protect a nearby monastery. Its jagged crenellations will conjure images of crusaders on horseback.

The medieval castle is picturesque from below. But when you begin to climb its walls … wow. You have beautiful views of the countryside.

The fully renovated ducal palace is mostly a museum for artifacts and 17th century furniture. But I thought it was still worth a visit.

It was built to protect a nearby monastery. Its jagged crenellations will conjure images of crusaders on horseback.

2. Citania de Briteiros

On your way back to Porto, if you have the time and energy, get off the beaten path and stop at Citania de Briteiros . It’s just a 25+ minute drive from Guimaraes. From Citania, it’s a 1:10 drive back to Porto.

The utterly ancient archaeological site sits at the very top of the boulder strewn hill of Saint Romão, accessed by a very long and winding road (which may make you carsick).

Citania is an obscure early Iron Age archaeological site. It’s a type of “hill fort” called an oppidum . It’s the largest of a scattering of porto-urban Celtic hill settlements on the Iberian Peninsula.

The site was likely inhabited between 200 B.C. and A.D. 300. It may have been the Celtiberians last stronghold against advancing Romans.

Day 10: Tour the Douro Valley

This is your last day of your 10 day Portugal itinerary. And there is nothing better to do than take a classic tour of the Douro Valley. The Douro Valley is incredible, a glorious spot.

And the rest of the world is beginning to discover what the Portuguese have known forever. The Duomo is ne of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions.

The dramatic valley showcases steep terrace vineyards carved into mountains, granite bluffs, pretty villages, and 18th century wine cellars.

It’s really easiest to visit on a tour. Here some tour you can choose from:

• a 1 0 hour small group tour with wine and food tastings
• a 10 hour tour to the wineries that includes lunch
• a 10 hour tour with local wine experts
• a 9.5 hour tour with wine tasting and a boat cruise

Where To Stay In Porto

There are some fantastic hotels in Porto. One outstanding historic hotel is the Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace . The beautiful hotel is near Clergios Tower and has an indoor swimming pool and spa.

The Pestana Palacio do Freixo is a luxury hotel in an 18th century Baroque building with view of the Duoro River. Just opened in 2019, the Torel Palace Porto is an elegant hotel with a tranquil outdoor patio.

PortoBay Flores is a romantic hotel in a tastefully renovated historic building with spa and wellness facilities. The Torel Avantgarde is an award winning hotel with a stunning outdoor pool and panoramic views over the city.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 10 days in Portugal itinerary. You may enjoy these other Portugal travel guides:

• 35+ Historic Landmarks in Portugal
• 10 Day Itinerary for Portugal and Spain
• 2 Day itinerary for Lisbon
• 4 Day Itinerary for Lisbon
• Where To Find Azulejos in Lisbon
• Hidden Gems in Lisbon
• Best Day Trips From Lisbon
• Best Day Trips From Porto

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4 thoughts on “Perfect 10 Days In Portugal Itinerary”

Brilliant itinerary with great recommendations. I’ve been planning a trip for a few months and love what you have provided. I was planning to go in February or March. Any thoughts on that timeframe? Thanks kindly, Vicki

Thank you. I think it would be fine. But then I regularly travel to Europe at that time to avoid crowds and am happy to put up with not perfect weather. That said, Porto might be a bit rainy or chilly.

Hello – Thank you for a all of the great recommendations and things to keep in mind when visiting Portugal. I am planning a trip in December and am considering visiting the Azores. Any thoughts? I am looking at a 10 day trip and really like the itinerary you shared on this blog.

Thanks Nora! I have not been to the Azores yet, but people say they are fabulous.

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Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

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How to spend 10 days in portugal | best travel itinerary & trips.

Portugal is a world-famous travel destination that offers a relaxing vacation along the Atlantic coast. It is home to many beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring landscapes, an inviting culture, and friendly locals.

Spending 10 days in Portugal will provide you with endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich history, local culture, and delectable Portuguese cuisine. There are tons of things to do in this spectacular country.

» Check out these 6 Stunning Beach Towns in Portugal and 15 Great Things to do in Madeira, Portugal.

However, if you want to make the most of your trip, we’d recommend visiting three must-see destinations: Porto, Lisbon, and Algarve. This is our exact Portugal 10 day itinerary. We’ve been there and done all of the things in this itinerary, so I know they’re good.

If you only have 5 days in Portugal, or even less, you can still use the itinerary, you just need to decide which things you want to leave out. My favorites are Lisbon and Porto, and you can do both in 5 days.

» Visiting soon? Check out our Portugal travel guide and how to spend 10 days in Portugal . You might be interested in visiting the gorgeous town of Porto for amazing food, as well as the Douro wine region .

Table of Contents

The Best 10 Day Portugal Itinerary

This Portugal trip itinerary will take you down the Atlantic coast, from Porto to Algarve. We’ll also make a few stops along the way to charming areas like Douro Valley, Sintra, and Cascais.

Let’s take a look at the best ways you can spend your time during your 10-day trip.

Portugal Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of all the places you’ll be going in your Portugal itinerary in 10 days. It’s possible to drive, fly, or go by train between all of these places. If you have the time, I recommend getting a rental car and driving, as you’ll see the most that way and have transportation available when you get there.

• Douro Valley

Day 1: Porto

To start off your trip, you’ll spend the first few days in this splendid coastal city. When arriving at Porto airport, you can travel by train, take a taxi, or arrange a private transfer to your accommodation.

Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, take a few hours to relax and settle before heading out for a delicious meal. The Taberna Dos Mercadores is a superb spot to eat and drink in Porto for a hearty meal made with fresh seafood. It’s best to reserve a table at this popular spot.

After you’ve satisfied your belly, take a short stroll to see the magnificent buildings in the historic center of Porto. Explore the Porto Cathedral , Livraria Lello , Bolsa Palace , and the Church of Sao Francisco . You’ll learn more about the rich history and get a glimpse of the past from the beautiful architecture.

Day 2: Porto

After exploring the historic center, head back to your accommodation for some relaxing downtime. There are many fun activities in Porto to partake in on your second day, including an exciting 50-minute cruise to discover the famous six bridges.

The city is also home to several charming cafes, local markets, and Port wine houses that shouldn’t go unmissed. If you want to explore the food scene on your own, head to Cais da Ribeira . You’ll find several inviting restaurants and bars at this riverside promenade.

You can also enjoy delicious Portuguese delights and Port wine tastings on a guided food and wine tour . You’ll learn more about the fascinating history of Portuguese cuisine. For history buffs and wine lovers , visiting the Port Wine Museum is another excellent option.

Portugal Travel Itinerary Day 3: Douro Valley Wine Region

As Porto is a picturesque city renowned for Port wine production, you’ll want to have a day dedicated to wine and gorgeous landscapes. Spend your third day in the stunning Douro Valley wine region .

It is located on the Douro River, around 202 miles from Porto. Renting a car for this journey is not recommended as you’ll probably be indulging in a few tastings. You can take a train from Porto to Pinhao in the Douro Valley, or you can drive there. The roads are quite winding, but it’s a nice drive.

You’ll definitely want to schedule a wine tasting tour when you arrive. You can book this private tour and include whatever you want to do on the tour – visit wineries, eat a delicious lunch, and go on a boat cruise. You’ll discover more about the Port wine production, wander around the scenic vineyards, and of course, enjoy wine tastings.

You will then stop off at the charming village of Pinhao for a tasty, traditional Portuguese lunch. In Pinhao, you’ll also see the historical Pinhao Railway Station that boasts eye-catching tiled walls. Your time in this enchanting region will end with a river cruise in a traditional Rabelo boat.

» You might be interested in Where to Stay in the Douro Valley.

Portugal Travel Itinerary Day 4: Lisbon

After spending three nights in Porto, you’ll visit Portugal’s capital city for more exhilarating adventures. Although you can take a bus or fly to Lisbon city, we recommend traveling by train as it is an easy and cost-efficient form of transportation. The journey will take around three hours, and there are regular connections between Porto and Lisbon.

It’s best to catch an early train, so you can spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful city. After settling in at your accommodation, satisfy your senses with a tasty Portuguese sweet treat at a cozy café along the cobblestone streets.

Lisbon is a vibrant destination with stunning architecture and intriguing colonial history. Visit one of the most remarkable sites in the city, the Jeronimos Monastery. With an entrance ticket to this UNESCO World Heritage Site , you can enjoy a scenic stroll while admiring the striking, age-old architecture and learning more about the site’s history.

Day 5: Lisbon

If you’re seeking more adventure, take an evening sailboat tour to explore the city’s historic waterfront with a drink in hand.

The fifth day of your Portugal vacation itinerary is centered on seeing Lisbon’s most remarkable sights. You can spend a few hours in the morning exploring the city on a fun, guided walking tour . You’ll learn about the rich culture and famous Fado music, and marvel at spectacular landmarks, including the Lisbon Cathedral.

You can also stroll through the Alfama district, where you’ll come across several charming cafes for a quick nibble. There are shops with traditional crafts that are perfect for a souvenir or two.

After touring the city, head to Alma for an exquisite fine dining experience, or enjoy a late afternoon food and wine tour for delicious pastries, locally-made loaves of bread, and more.

Portugal Travel Itinerary Day 6: Sintra & Cascais Day Trip, Lisbon

Your last day in Lisbon city calls for a magical Sintra and Cascais day trip . These spots boast a fairytale atmosphere with stunning sights and sandy white beaches. It will take around 45 minutes from Lisbon to Sintra by train.

However, we recommend a guided, small-group trip as it includes roundtrip transport and commentary from a knowledgeable guide. The journey to Sintra and Cascais is an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler. Whether you want to amble around in nature, wander in castles, or admire remarkable monuments, there is plenty of adventure on offer.

You’ll travel to the Park and National Palace of Pena, where you can stroll around the scenic gardens and tour the castle. As it sits at the top of a hill in the Sintra Mountains , you can expect stunning views of the town.

You’ll also explore the historical center of Sintra. This is a superb spot to grab a bite to eat and indulge in Portuguese food and pastries. You’ll pass by the Sintra Natural Park , Guincho Beach, and Boca do Inferno. So, don’t forget your camera to capture some stunning pictures.

After seeing Sintra, you’ll travel to Cascais and begin by touring the historic center. You’ll have immaculate vistas of the Atlantic coast along the way and pass by the charming town of Estoril. Finally, make your way back to Lisbon to relax and enjoy your last dinner in the city.

Portugal Travel Itinerary Days 7-8: Algarve (Albufeira) Trip

This wouldn’t be one of the best Portugal travel itineraries without visiting the Algarve, so that’s precisely where you’ll spend your last few days. Travel from Lisbon to Algarve by train, which will take around 3 hours.

We would recommend renting a car while in Algarve as it will allow for flexibility during your trip. The region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

Albufeira is an excellent vacation spot . Here, you can relax on the white sandy shores, explore the glistening waters, and enjoy the buzzing nightlife.

Spend the first day settling in and exploring the Albufeira Old Town. There are a few lovely restaurants here offering an exquisite culinary experience.

Fun outdoor experiences to partake in on your second day include exploring the famous Benagil Sea Caves, swimming, and dolphin watching on a boat tour . There are also several beautiful beaches for a relaxing outing, including Beach Falesia Acoteias, Praia da Rocha Baixinha, and Playa de Oura.

If you’re an adventure enthusiast looking for a thrill on land, enjoy an off-road quad bike tour to see the area’s stunning landscapes.

Portugal Travel Itinerary Day 9: Algarve (Lagos)

Although there are many serene shores in Albufeira, Lagos is another excellent beach vacation spot to visit. Take a 45-minute drive to this spectacular city and spend the day exploring its cliffs and breathtaking beaches.

A few popular beaches to visit are Camilo Beach, Porto Mos Beach, and Estudantes Beach. You can also discover the stunning landscapes and sea caves of Ponta da Piedade on an exhilarating guided kayak tour .

Other top things to do in Lagos include the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse, St. Anthony’s Church, Ponta da Bandeira Fort, and Lagos Zoo . After a fun-filled day of adventures, head back to your accommodation in Albufeira.

Portugal Travel Itinerary Day 10: Algarve & Departure

Spend your last few hours in Portugal in Albufeira, and take this time to soak in the views and enjoy a delicious breakfast. If you have a few extra hours, enjoy a scenic stroll and relax on the beach.

If you’re heading home from Lisbon, you’ll want to get an early start to the day. Alternatively, Faro Airport is a 35-minute drive from Albufeira.

Now that we’ve outlined the best itinerary and things to do for Portugal, all that’s left to do is check your schedule and start planning your trip. This spectacular country is filled with magnificent sights and seaside adventures, and guarantees an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for more travel tips for your next vacation, check out this Portugal travel guide .

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the ideal time to visit portugal for a 10-day trip.

The best time to visit Portugal for a 10-day trip is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds are thinner.

What’s the best way to experience Portuguese cuisine during the trip?

Try local dishes like pastéis de nata, bacalhau, and francesinha in authentic restaurants.

What’s the etiquette for tipping in Portugal?

Tipping is common but not mandatory. A 10% tip in restaurants is appreciated, and rounding up taxi fares is customary.

How do I stay safe during my 10 day trip to Portugal?

Portugal is generally safe, but be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and be aware of your surroundings.

Is there a particular drink or cocktail I must try at a Portuguese bar ?

While in Portugal, be sure to try “Porto Tónico” (a refreshing Porto and tonic cocktail) or a “Caipirinha” with a Portuguese twist, made using local aguardente.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

12 Super Tasty Portuguese Foods You Must Try in Portugal

Best Things to Do in Portugal’s Douro Valley Wine Region

8 Unique Places to Stay in Europe & UK

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

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We’ve looked into the GV too. Good luck with it!

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10 Days in Portugal – Itinerary for the Best Places to Visit in Portugal

Portugal, nestled on the western edge of Europe, beckons travelers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. From the historic streets of Lisbon to the golden beaches of the Algarve, Portugal offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. Explore charming villages adorned with colorful tiles, sample delectable cuisine infused with Mediterranean flavors, and wander through ancient castles and fortresses steeped in history. Whether you’re seeking adventure along rugged coastlines, relaxation in picturesque vineyards, or immersion in lively city life, Portugal captivates with its warm hospitality and timeless charm, inviting visitors to uncover its many treasures.

Portugal: A Perfect 10 day itinerary

Embark on a captivating journey through Portugal’s vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage with our meticulously crafted 10-day itinerary.

Day 1-2: Porto

Begin your 10-day adventure in Portugal by exploring the vibrant city of Porto . Immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant culture during your two-day stay. Begin your exploration by wandering through the charming streets of the Ribeira district , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the colorful buildings and iconic Dom Luís I Bridge . Visit the historic São Bento Railway Station , renowned for its stunning azulejo tilework depicting scenes from Portugal’s history. Delve into Porto’s literary scene with a visit to the Livraria Lello , one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Indulge in the city’s culinary delights, savoring traditional dishes like francesinha and fresh seafood paired with a glass of port wine.

On your second day, ascend to the hilltop neighborhood of Miragaia for panoramic views of Porto’s skyline and the Douro River. Explore the iconic Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia , where you can learn about the centuries-old tradition of port wine production and enjoy tastings of this famous fortified wine. Stroll along the Douro River waterfront , soaking in the lively atmosphere and admiring the colorful Rabelo boats. End your day with a leisurely dinner at a riverside restaurant, savoring the flavors of Porto as you watch the sun set over the city.

Day 3: Douro Valley

Embark on a day trip to the scenic Douro Valley, just a short drive from Porto. Cruise along the Douro River , passing terraced vineyards and charming villages. Stop at local wineries to taste the region’s renowned port wine and enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch with panoramic views of the valley. Return to Porto in the evening, filled with memories of the Douro’s breathtaking landscapes and delicious wines.

Day 4: Coimbra

Travel to Coimbra , home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and a wealth of historic landmarks. Explore the university’s stunning campus, including the Joanina Library and the Royal Palace of Alcáçova . Wander through the city’s charming streets, stopping to admire the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha . Spend the evening dining at a local restaurant and experiencing the city’s lively atmosphere.

Day 5-6: Lisbon

During your two-day exploration of Lisbon , Portugal’s captivating capital, immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your journey in the historic Alfama district , where narrow streets and colorful houses lead to the iconic São Jorge Castle , offering panoramic views of the city.

Discover Lisbon’s maritime heritage at Belém, home to landmarks such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery , both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Indulge in Portugal’s culinary delights with a visit to a local market or tasca, sampling traditional dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Spend an afternoon exploring the eclectic neighborhoods of Baixa and Chiado , browsing boutique shops and enjoying a cup of coffee at one of Lisbon’s historic cafés.

On your second day, take a tram ride through the picturesque streets of Lisbon, hopping off to explore attractions such as the Lisbon Cathedral and the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint. In the evening, experience Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife in the Bairro Alto district , where lively bars and Fado houses offer entertainment until the early hours.

Day 7: Sintra

Dedicate a day to exploring the enchanting town of Sintra and its surrounding attractions. Marvel at the whimsical architecture of the Pena Palace , perched atop a hill overlooking the town. Wander through the lush gardens of Quinta da Regaleira and discover its hidden tunnels and grottoes. End your day with a leisurely stroll through Sintra’s historic center, admiring its charming streets and quaint shops.

Day 8-10: Algarve Region

Conclude your journey in the stunning Algarve region over three unforgettable days, where golden beaches and rugged cliffs await. Begin your journey in Faro , the region’s capital, by wandering through its charming old town and visiting the historic Faro Cathedral . Then, venture to the picturesque coastal town of Lagos , where you can explore the dramatic sea caves of Ponta da Piedade by boat and relax on the beautiful Praia Dona Ana beach .

On your second day, head west to Sagres , known for its rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs. Visit the Cape St. Vincent lighthouse , Europe’s southwesternmost point, and take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Spend your afternoon surfing or lounging on the pristine sands of nearby beaches like Praia do Martinhal.

Conclude your Algarve adventure with a day exploring the scenic inland countryside. Visit charming villages like Silves , with its historic castle and Moorish architecture, and Monchique, nestled in the Serra de Monchique mountains. Treat yourself to a traditional Algarvian meal at a local restaurant, savoring regional specialties like cataplana and grilled sardines. As the sun sets on your final day, reflect on the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Algarve, leaving with memories to last a lifetime.

Accommodation in Portugal

Accommodation options in Portugal range from luxurious hotels and boutique guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels and cozy bed and breakfasts. Here are a few accommodation options in Portugal:

Hotel Avenida Palace, Lisbon

Rua 1. De Dezembro, 123, Santa Maria Maior, 1200-359 Lisbon

A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Lisbon, offering elegant rooms, impeccable service, and a central location ideal for exploring the city.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

The Yeatman, Porto

Rua do Choupelo (Santa Marinha), 345, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia

A prestigious wine hotel in Porto, boasting panoramic views of the Douro River and the city skyline. With its Michelin-starred restaurant and wine cellar, it’s a haven for wine enthusiasts.

Pousada de Sagres

Sagres, 8650-385 Sagres

Charming Hotel: Situated in the picturesque town of Sagres, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for those seeking a tranquil retreat by the sea.

Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort

Apartado 1299, Vale Covo Praia do Carvoeiro, 8401-911 Carvoeiro

Overlooking the stunning cliffs of Carvoeiro, this resort offers modern accommodations, world-class amenities, and direct access to the beach. Ideal for a relaxing getaway on the Algarve coast.

What’s the best time to visit Portugal?

The best time to visit Portugal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) months. During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the country’s cities, countryside, and coastline. Additionally, tourist crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more relaxed travel experience. However, Portugal can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering its own unique attractions and activities. If you’re interested in beach activities and warmer weather, the summer months (June to August) are popular, but be prepared for larger crowds and higher temperatures. Conversely, the winter months (December to February) can be cooler and wetter, but are perfect for experiencing Portugal’s festive holiday traditions and enjoying indoor activities such as wine tasting and museum visits.

A few facts about Portugal

• Portugal, nestled on the Iberian Peninsula, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its borders , established in 1249, make it one of Europe’s oldest nations.
• Portuguese, spoken by over 260 million people worldwide, is the world’s sixth most spoken language.
• Renowned for cork production , Portugal is responsible for about half of the world’s supply.
• Its coastline is a haven for surfers , with Nazaré hosting some of the world’s tallest waves.
• The country’s tradition of azulejos , or decorative ceramic tiles, adorns buildings nationwide, while Lisbon’s vintage trams add a touch of nostalgia to the bustling city streets.

Portugese gastronomy

Portuguese gastronomy is a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by its maritime history and diverse landscapes. Must-try dishes include bacalhau (salted cod), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and francesinha (a hearty sandwich from Porto). Pair your meals with a glass of port wine or vinho verde for an authentic culinary experience.

Getting around Portugal

Getting around Portugal is convenient and efficient, thanks to its well-developed transportation infrastructure. The country offers several options for travelers to explore its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities.

• Trains operated by Comboios de Portugal (CP) connect major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, offering comfortable and scenic journeys.
• Regional and intercity buses , run by companies like Rede Expressos and Rodoviária, provide extensive coverage, reaching even remote areas not served by trains.
• Renting a car is a popular choice, allowing flexibility to explore rural regions and coastal roads at your own pace.
• Major cities like Lisbon and Porto have efficient metro systems , complemented by tram networks, particularly in Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods.
• Ferries ply the rivers in cities like Lisbon and Porto, offering scenic views and convenient transportation to nearby towns.
• Domestic flights are available for traveling between mainland Portugal and the Azores or Madeira islands, providing a quick option for longer distances.

Overall, Portugal offers a variety of transportation options suitable for every traveler’s needs and preferences.

Extra Tips for Visiting Portugal:

• Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your travel experience.
• Be prepared for the Portuguese siesta , with many shops and businesses closing for a few hours in the afternoon.
• Don’t forget to try the local seafood, including grilled sardines and seafood rice dishes.
• Take advantage of Portugal’s excellent public transportation system to explore the country’s diverse regions.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Millions of tourists travel to Portugal every year, but it can be hard to figure out where to go. Luckily, this 1-Week Portugal Itinerary guides you on where to spend 7 days in Portugal. 

The itinerary starts in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and then heads south. You can enjoy the journey fully through public transport, but when leaving Lisbon to head to the Algarve, we do recommend renting a car.

When renting your vehicle, you can select to pick up the car at Lisbon airport and return it at the end of your trip at Faro airport, where this itinerary ends.

While both Central Portugal and the north have a lot to offer, this 7-day itinerary is perfect for a first-timer who hasn’t yet visited the country. 

For everything you need to know before traveling to Portugal, check out our  Portugal Survival Guide.

Day 1: Arrive in  Lisbon

This 1-Week Itinerary in Portugal starts in the capital of Lisbon. Many cities around the world fly directly to Lisbon. You can fly directly to Lisbon from many US airports, including Miami, Boston, Washington, San Francisco, and New York. 

One of the oldest cities in western Europe, Lisbon has seen a boom in tourism due to its unique beauty, historical attractions, and affordability.

The birthplace of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic  Fado  singer, Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and striking views. 

Guide to Lisbon

For your visit day in Lisbon, start your day off in Alfama. The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and the home of fado. Explore the neighborhood and look out for Fado spots, as well as historical monuments such as the Lisbon Cathedral, the Convent of the Grace, and more.

For lunch, take a look at our  favorite restaurants in Lisbon. 

For a traditional Portuguese meal, we recommend Alfaia, one of the oldest restaurants in Lisbon that opened in 1880.

If you are vegan but still want to try Portuguese food, we definitely recommend Ao 26 Vegan Food Project.

For the best pizzas in Lisbon, head to Casanova in Santa Apolonia to take some pizzas cooked in a large wood-burning stove and enjoy views of the Tagus river. 

Then head to Miradouro da Graca, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Lisbon. At the top of the seven hills of the city, you get to see historic neighborhoods and take photographs of the surroundings. 

Then take the iconic 28 tram from Miradouro da Graca that passed by Praca do Comercio and other locations. Hop off in Chiado.

Chiado is well known for being home to the best stores a nd luxurious cafes, located in the heart of the city. The 1700s Bertrand book store is located here, as well as the emblematic cafe A Brasileira. 

Take a 15-minute walk to Praca do Comercio, the city’s central waterpoint front. The large square used to be the site of the former royal palace that was destroyed in the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755. 

There are multiple shops and restaurants in the square. You can also climb the Rua Augusta Arch for 360 views of the city and the square. 

For dinner, head to 1 de Maio in Bairro Alto for an affordable Portuguese meal. This hidden restaurant offers delicious fresh seafood that you can see from the window and a variety of meats like lamb. 

After dinner, head to Pink Street in Cais do Sodre. The street features pink pavement and was once Lisbon’s Red Light District. Today, it is a nightlife hotspot.

Many bars today still reflect the Red Light District such as the iconic bar Pensao Amor which has memorabilia from the time. Walk around to experience the nightlife which often fills the street, locals bringing their drinks outside. 

Best Hotels in Lisbon

• Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel:  Awarded the Best Luxury Green Hotel in 2019, Inspira Liberdade provides a relaxing Feng-Shui vibe for its guests. The hotel has a SPA, fitness room, bar, and a restaurant with Portuguese food called Pen Brasserie Mediterrânica.
• Selena Secret Garden :  The hostel also has a rooftop deck, CoWork space for professionals, and a movie room. In the heart of Cais do Sodre, you are close to contemporary art galleries, bars with riverfront views, and within walking distance to Chiado.
• Bairro Alto Hotel:  This hotel is situated in the best location in Lisbon, between Bairro Alto and Chiado in an 18th-century building in central Lisbon. The hotel features a restaurant with award-winning Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha.

Day 2: Lisbon

For your second day in Lisbon, we recommend exploring Belem. Belem lies along the Tejo Estuary and is home to two UNESCO sites, Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. 

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a former monastery in Belém constructed in Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and you can visit the church for free. 

Torre de Belem is a 16th-century fortification that once served as an embarkation spot for Portugal explorers. It features a Manueline style and has been a World Heritage Site since 1983.

A 2-minute walk from the monastery, head to Pasteis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented.

In the afternoon, we recommend booking a sightseeing tour. Since you only have 2 days in Lisbon, this is a great way to see as much of the city as possible. Here are our favorite guided tours of Lisbon:

• Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk : This tuk-tuk tour rides up and down the hills of Lisbon, going through the city’s oldest neighborhoods and main attractions.
• Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour:  Book a 24-hour ticket which includes an audio guide. This affordable ticket allows you to visit different routes and hop in as you would like. 
• Lisbon 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike:  This tour allows you to cycle through Lisbon on comfortable e-bikes with a guided tour. You will get to visit different viewpoints and historical attractions.

At night, walk to Bairro Alto, the most popular area for drinking outdoors. Tons of locals and tourists line the streets of Bairro Alto with a beer in hand. We recommend Ze dos Bois Gallery, a musical center that has live music and serves tasty drinks. 

Best Restaurants in Lisbon

• Ze dos Cornos: For a Portuguese person, this place is like arriving at your Avó’s (grandma´s) house for dinner. Everything off the menu hits the spot, but try their codfish with potatoes or their rabbit. You can have a large full meal here with wine for under €15. 
• The Green Affair: Open since 2018, the Green Affair serves Portuguese and international dishes. The restaurant offers lunch menus for less than €11 including a starter, main, and drink. For dinner, you’ll pay around  €30 for two people. 
• Alma: Henrique Sá Pessoa’s, Alma also has two Michelin stars. The menu includes Portuguese dishes with influences from his worldwide travels. The menus start at €145 per person and do not include drinks. The wine tasting menu costs €80 per person. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Cascais & Sintra from Lisbon

Book Sintra & Cascais Tour

The great thing about Lisbon is its proximity to quaint coastal towns. Our favorites: Sintra and Cascais. We recommend either driving to these locations (both around 30 minutes from Lisbon), booking a guided tour , or taking a 30-minute train to each town. 

In Sintra, we recommend heading to Piriquita for the staple deserted called a “travesseiro”. After this energy boost, head to the Castle of the Moors. This is a medieval castle that sits on a hilltop and was built by the Moors in the 8th century.

Then, head to Pena Palace, one of the most iconic palaces in all of Portugal. The palace has a Disney-like feel, painted in beautiful colors in a romanticist style. You can also wander around the castle and see the beautiful green area that surrounds it. Tickets cost around €15.

Guide to Sintra

We recommend having lunch at a seafood restaurant in Cascais. Our favorites are Furnas do Guincho and Baia do Peixe, the latter being a more affordable alternative.

Then it’s time to explore Cascais, the richest municipality in the country! Head to “Praia da Rainha”, a secluded  beach  with a wonderful view, perfect for a family photograph.

Find Frederico Arouca street, a high street with major stores selling Portuguese souvenirs. Then walk to the City Hall in Praca 5 de Outubro, a beautiful building surrounded by cobblestoned streets.

To wrap up your day, head to Guincho beach,  a 10-minute drive from the center of Cascais, to watch the sunset. If the weather is nice, take a dip! But be careful with the waves as they can get quite high. 

Guide to Cascais

Day 4 & 5: Tavira

A 3-hour drive from Lisbon, drive south to Tavira, in the beautiful region of the Algarve. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Faro or a bus directly to Tavira. 

Tavira was built alongside River Gilão and features some of the best beaches in the Algarve, as well as picturesque narrow streets with traditional houses. Along with the stunning beaches, the town has multiple attractions such as shops and historical buildings.

Your two days will be more slow-paced than the past days in Lisbon. You will be spending most of your time at the beach.

Our favorite beach is Praia do Barril. The beach features a wooden path over golden sand which provides a gorgeous contrast with the dark blue waters. Due to the large size of the beach, you will rarely feel like it’s too busy, despite its popularity.

Praia de Tavira and Praia da Terra Estreita are also great alternatives in Tavira. If you want to discover multiple beaches this affordable  4-hour boat tour  takes you on an octopus tour and stops at multiple beaches.

In between resting at the beach, we recommend exploring Tavira. Take a walk through the city and explore the Chapel of Sao Bras, castle, and convent. Book this 100% electric 1-hour tuk-tuk tour  if you want a guided tour of the city from a local’s perspective. 

Tours in Tavira

Best Hotels in Tavira

• São Paulo Boutique Hotel:   São Paulo Boutique Hotel is located less than 5 kilometers from the beach and features an outdoor swimming pool, bar, shared lounge, and large garden for guests to enjoy. 
• OZADI Tavira Hotel:  A 4-star hotel AZADI Tavira Hotel is 3 kilometers away from the beach and features a large outdoor pool, a fitness center, and two restaurants. 
• Quinta Dos Perfumes:  An 8-minute walk from the beach, Quinta dos Perfumes is an 88-acre farmhouse that features beautiful orange groves and a salt-water outdoor pool.

Guide to Tavira

Day 6: Day trip to Benagil Caves

Benagil is a fishing village known for its stunning beaches and sea caves. The Benagil caves are a must-see if you head to the Algarve. We recommend booking a guided tour, many of which start in Albufeira. Here are the best day tours to Benagil Caves.

• Dolphins and Benagil Caves from Albufeira : This boat tour allows you to discover dolphins, marine life, and Benagil caves in an inflatable boat. A stop for a swim is included!
• Caves and Coastline Cruise from Albufeira to Benagil : This catamaran cruise takes you on a scenic route between Albufeira to Benagil. You will get to explore the sea caves and go for a swim. 
• Boat Tour to Benagil Caves from Armacao de Pera : A boat cruise from Armacao de Pera that takes you to see the Benagil Caves with a crew that will tell you about the region.

Benagil Tours

Day 7: Morning at the beach and travel home

Enjoy your last day at your favorite beach in Tavira. Again, we recommend Praia do Barril. Then travel back home from Faro Airport, only a 30-minute drive away from Tavira.

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10 Days in Portugal: Trip Itinerary from Lisbon to Porto

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 25, 2024

Are you looking for ideas for Portugal itinerary and are not sure where to start? In this article, you can find our 10-day itinerary for Portugal, covering all the most beautiful places between Lisbon and Porto. Take a look!

When we booked the flights for a 10 day trip to Portugal , we had a very different trip in mind than the one we ended up doing. At first, we thought to visit Lisbon and Sintra, then head to the beautiful beaches of Algarve and all the way to Faro …

After a little research, however, we quickly realized that we would be missing some of the most interesting places in Portugal. And so we decided to leave the Algarve beaches for the next trip and to visit the main highlights, the most beautiful places in Portugal instead.

Good to know: Because it was cheaper for us to fly in and out of Lisbon, we started this trip in Lisbon, visited all the nicest places of central Portugal, drove all the way to Porto and the Douro Valley, and ended our trip back in Lisbon area (Sintra).

Because driving distances in Portugal aren’t that big, it was perfectly doable. You can adjust this itinerary a bit and start in Lisbon and end in Porto or vice versa. At the bottom of this article, we also have some alternative itinerary suggestions for your trip to Portugal. Read on!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Portugal

Portugal Itinerary with the Main Highlights of Central Portugal from Lisbon to Porto:

• Day 1: Lisbon (sleep in Lisbon)
• Day 2: Evora (sleep in Evora)
• Day 3: Obidos and Alcobaca (sleep in Alcobaca – Nazare area)
• Day 4: Batalha, Grutas de Mira de Aire, Nazare (sleep in Alcobaca – Nazare area)
• Day 5: Conimbriga and Coimbra (sleep in Coimbra)
• Day 6: Buçaco forest – Costa Nova – Aveiro (sleep in Aveiro)
• Day 7: Douro Valley (sleep in Porto)
• Day 8: Porto (sleep in Porto)
• Day 9: Sintra (sleep in Sintra)
• Day 10: Sintra and fly home
• Portugal trip itinerary for any duration

Portugal Trip Itinerary and Map

Below, you can find a detailed day-to-day Portugal itinerary, exactly as we did it. We also included some practical tips for the most important landmarks and day tour suggestions for some places that you could potentially also visit as a day trip with an organized tour. Take a look!

To help you get a better idea of where everything is located, I also included a map indicating all the places mentioned in this article. See below.

Day 1: Lisbon

We arrived in Lisbon late in the evening, so I’m not going to count this travel day. In addition, we spent one full day in Lisbon. We stayed in the heart of Lisbon, close to Rossio square, and the location was perfect for dining and sightseeing.

While one day isn’t enough to see all the best places and attractions in Lisbon, you can still do a lot. We focused on the city center , Alfama district , and did a sailing cruise on the Tagus River . Below you can find all our tips and recommendations for what to see and do in Lisbon in one day. Check it out for more details!

TIP: If you have two days in Lisbon , make sure you also visit the Belém District as well. The main highlights here are the Jeronimos Monastery ( book tickets in advance!), Belem Tower (also best to book in advance ), and the Discoveries Monument . Count at least half a day for this part of town – that’s if you buy tickets in advance. Otherwise, you’ll probably need even more time.

LEARN MORE: One Day in Lisbon

Day 2: Evora

We had planned to visit Belem in the morning before leaving Lisbon. Unfortunately, one of our kids didn’t feel well and so we decided to leave Lisbon and head straight to Evora. We rented a car starting on this day and we picked it up in the city center.

TIP: Here you can find the best deals for car rental. We personally always use this search engine when looking to rent a car abroad and we have used it in Portugal at least a few times every year as well.

Driving time from Lisbon to Evora – 1,5 hrs.

Evora is a small cozy medieval town. The main sights in Evora are: Chapel of Bones , Templo Romano , and the Cathedral (tower). Other highlights include the Public Park of Evora, Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, the Town Square, Evora Aqueduct and the City Walls.

Practical information for visiting Evora:

• Evora is perfectly doable as a day trip from Lisbon , but if you are renting a car for your trip anyway, I suggest you spend a night there. Hotels are much cheaper than in Lisbon, there are many good local restaurants and there are very few tourists.
• Book a hotel just inside the city walls. We stayed at the  centrally located hotel M’AR de Ar Muralhas . I would have loved to stay 2 nights in Evora just for this hotel.
• Leave your car outside the city walls (or at the hotel parking) and explore Evora on foot.

Day 3: Obidos and Alcobaca

After leaving Evora, we drove to one of the most picturesque little towns of Portugal, Obidos. It’s a very popular day tour from Lisbon and you can expect it to be busy. I recommend getting here as early as possible. After visiting Obidos, we also visited the famous Alcobaca Monastery.

TIP: So many of our readers are asking how to visit these stunning places in Portugal without a car . While you can’t see everything from this itinerary without a car, it is possible to visit places mentioned in day 3 and day 4 of this itinerary with a tour.

You can see Obidos, Batalha Monastery, Fatima Sanctuary, and Nazaré village with an organized small-group tour from Lisbon in one day. In that case, I recommend that you go with a small-group tour like this one or with a private tour like this one . Without any doubt, this is one of the best day trips that you can do from Lisbon.

Driving time from Evora to Obidos – 2hrs.

The absolute  must-do in Obidos is walking the city walls . It’s really fun and the views are spectacular; just watch your kids! The biggest part of the wall has no railings or any other kind of protection on one side.

Make sure to taste the specialty of the area – Ginja de Óbidos  – sour cherry liquor.

Practical tips for Obidos:

• Park your car at one of the many big parking areas outside the city gate.
• Count 2 to 4 hours to visit Obidos. We spent 2 relaxing hours sightseeing here; this didn’t include time for lunch.

Alcobaça Monastery

Driving time from Obidos to Alcobaca – 30 minutes.

Our next stop for the day was Alçobaca Monastery. Alcobaca is one of the oldest convents in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Practical tips for visiting Alcobaça Monastery:

• Count 1-1,5hrs for a visit.
• Take a sweater with you. Despite the fact that it was really warm outside when we visited, it was quite chilly inside the church and the cloister.

Where to Stay for Visiting Alcobaça, Batalha, Tomar Monasteries and Fatima

To visit the monasteries, I recommend staying in the Alcobaca – Nazare area. There is so much to see and do that you can easily spend several days here.

We spent 2 nights at the  beautiful hotel Vale d’Azenha , just a few kilometers outside of Alcobaça. This modern hotel has amazing views, an infinity pool, and a really nice spa area. On top of that, they have a very good restaurant that uses fresh local ingredients; it was one of the best meals we had in Portugal.

Alternatively, if you prefer to stay closer to the action, you might find a bigger choice of accommodation in the nearby coastal resort Nazaré.

Day 4: Batalha Monastery, Grutas de Mira de Aire, Nazare

Another top day in Portugal today! We had another fantastic landmark in our planning – Batalha Monastery. In addition, we visited stunning underground caves, and one of our favorite coastal towns of Portugal – Nazaré. Below, you can find more details about each of these places. Read on!

Batalha Monastery

Driving time from Alcobaca to Batalha – 30 minutes.

If you visit just one monastery in Portugal, make it the Batalha! Do not miss the Unfinished Chapels , it’s an absolute must!

We chose to visit just two monasteries – Alcobaca and Batalha . Tomar seems to be worth a detour if you have an hour or two to spare. As for Fatima , I had read in several books and also hear from people who visited that it’s not really worth it from the touristic point of view.

Practical tips for Batalha Monastery:

• Count 2 hrs for a visit.
• Arrive early to avoid big groups.
• Carry a sweater.

Grutas de Mira de Aire

Driving time from Batalha to Grutas de Mira de Aire – 30 minutes.

Our second stop today was Parque Natural de las Sierras de Aire e Candeeiros , and in particular the caves – Grutas de Mira de Aire.

We have visited many caves all over the world during our travels. However, I cannot remember that any of them would have been as big and as impressive as Grutas de Mira de Aire. We were a bit uncertain whether these caves were worth the detour, but yes, they absolutely are! It was one of the highlights of our Portugal trip for the whole family!

Practical information for visiting Grutas de Mira de Aire:

• The caves are a bit outside the main tourist routes. You can find all the practical information on their official website .
• You can only visit the caves with a guide. There is one tour hourly, at 40min after the hour.

Nazaré

Driving time from the caves to Nazaré – 50 minutes.

A charming little coastal town of Nazare is a mix of old traditions and a busy beach destination. Don’t miss the O Sitio district  up on the cliffs overlooking the city. Nazare also holds the record to the world’s largest waves. Even in calm weather, they were impressive!

Tip: If visiting in summer, consider spending an extra day in Nazare and enjoy the beautiful beaches in the area.

Practical information for visiting Nazaré:

• Park your car in the city center and explore the town on foot.
• You can reach the O Sitio district by funicular (recommended). Alternatively, you can take a car.

LEARN MORE: What to Do in Nazaré

Day 5: Roman Ruins of Conimbriga and the City of Coimbra

On this day, we visited some lesser-known places in Central Portugal, as well as Coimbra – the biggest town of the region. Take a look!

Roman Ruins of Conimbriga

Driving time from Alcobaca to Conimbriga – 1hr.

Our first stop today was the  ancient Roman city of Conimbriga . It’s one of the best-preserved Roman towns in Portugal, with lots of very impressive mosaic floors. A small adjacent museum is also worth a short visit. Plan to spend about an hour.

Driving time from Conimbriga to Coimbra – 20min.

Coimbra  is the biggest town of Central Portugal and the ancient medieval capital of the country. The compact city center of Coimbra is best explored on foot, just be prepared to do some serious climbing. Don’t miss the University of Coimbra and in particular the library and the Saint Michael’s Chapel .

Tip: Just on the other side of the river you can find Portugal dos Pequenitos   – a park with miniature buildings of Portugal and the former colonies. Check it out if visiting Coimbra with kids.

Practical information for visiting Coimbra:

• Book a centrally located hotel and explore the city on foot. We stayed at hotel Oslo in the city center. The terrace/bar had the best views of the old city you could wish for.

Day 6: Mata Nacional do Buçaco – Costa Nova – Aveiro

This was another amazing day discovering a hidden gem of Central Portugal – Bussaco Forest. We also visited Aveiro and – one of the most picturesque towns in Portugal – Costa Nova. Take a look below for more details!

Mata Nacional do Buçaco

Driving time from Coimbra to the forest – 30min.

Just 30km North of Coimbra lays the beautiful Bussaco forest (Mata Nacional do Buçaco). It’s a true hidden gem! Not to be missed is the beautiful Palace Hotel, the gardens, but also the staircase of Fonte Fria and the Via Sacra.

Practical information for Buçaco forest:

• Entrance fee: 5 EUR/ car
• Ask for a map at the entrance. The forest is huge and without a map, you’ll quickly get disoriented.
• Pack a picnic and plan to spend at least 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can have lunch at a small cafe close to the hotel.
• Leave your car at the Palace Hotel and explore the forest on foot.
• If I were to go back, I’d spend at least one night at the beautiful Buçaco Palace Hotel .

Aveiro and Costa Nova

Driving time from Bussaco forest to Aveiro – 45min.

Aveiro (50km drive from Bucaco) is a nice little town, also called the Venice of Portugal . One of the musts here is a boat ride on the canals . Aveiro is a nice place to spend a couple of hours, but then you have seen it all.

TIP: visit the nearby town Praia da Costa Nova with its colorful striped houses.

Depending on how much time you have and on your other plans, you can either spend a night in Aveiro , or drive to Porto (less than 1hr drive).

Day 7: Douro Valley and the vineyards of Porto and to Porto

Driving time: depends on the route you choose. Count at least half a day.

Because we were traveling with kids, we chose to visit the Douro Valley by car.

TIP: If you stay in Porto, consider one of the many available organized day tours to Douro Valley . That way you can actually taste Porto wine without having to drive. There are also boat trips you can take from Porto, from Peso de Regua or from Pinhao. Furthermore, there is also a possibility to explore the wine region by train. Take a look below for the best Douro Valley tours and experiences.

If you drive to the Douro Valley by car, don’t miss the scenic road from Sabrosa to Pinhao . Make sure you do this road from Sabrosa and not in the other direction because driving down you’ll have incredible views all the time.

Other highlights include Solar de Mateus just outside Vile Real, Casal de Loivos viewpoint near Pinhao, and also the towns of Amarante and Guimaraes .

Day 8: Porto

One of the most beautiful towns in Portugal , Porto is a beautiful city with a wonderful atmosphere. You can easily spend more than a day in Porto. However, Porto isn’t as big as Lisbon and we found that one day was enough for the main highlights.

Some of the main spots not to miss are the famous Port wine lodges , the UNESCO old town, and the medieval riverside district, Ribeira. If you haven’t had a chance to attend a Portuguese Fado performance, you’ll find several good options in Porto.

Practical tips for visiting Porto:  

• Stay in the city center of Porto so that you can explore it on foot. We stayed at the beautiful Oca Flores Boutique Hotel right in the old city center, and I would highly recommend it (although, getting there by car and parking a car in their secure parking place was quite an adventure). Here you can find the best deals for Porto accommodation .

Day 9: Porto to Sintra. Visit Pena Palace and Castle of the Moors

Driving time from Porto to Lisbon (Sintra) – 3 hours.

Sintra is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site area, just outside of Lisbon. It has a lot to offer, but most visitors only come for one day. We had a day and a half, but it still felt rushed.

On the first day we visited the Pena Palace (see the featured image all the way on top) and the Gardens of Pena . We then walked to the nearby Moorish Castle .  Palacio Nacional right in the town center of Sintra is also worth a visit.

LEARN MORE: Sintra itinerary & travel info & Best things to do in Sintra

Day 10: Sintra: Quinta de Regaleira and the Palace of Monserrate

On our second day in Sintra, we visited Quinta de Regaleira and the Park and Place of Monserrate.

Tip:  If you have more time in Sintra and have a car, you can drive to the nearby Cabo da Roca or the coastal town Azenhas do Mar .

Practical information for visiting Sintra:

• Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon, but if you are coming by car anyway, I would recommend spending at least two days here.
• Without the car, the best way to reach Sintra is by train from Lisbon. It takes about 45 minutes. Or you can take an organized tour . Some tours visit the places outside of Sintra too – places you can’t see if you don’t have a car.
• Accommodation is very limited in Sintra, so book well in advance. You can find the best deals for Sintra accommodation here.
• For more information about the parks, gardens, and monuments of Sintra, take a look at the official website of Parques de Sintra .

READ ALSO: Best day trips from Lisbon

Portugal Itinerary for Any Duration

The above is our trip itinerary for 10 days in Portugal . The distances in Portugal are quite small, so you can easily adapt this itinerary to your interests and any trip duration .

We traveled to Portugal with kids , so our days were not fully packed with sightseeing (although the kids would probably disagree :)). We found that this itinerary left quite some free time to explore deeper, have long meals, take a dip in the pool, etc.

• If you have at least two extra days in Portugal, visit Algarve as well. If you are driving to Algarve, you could do this at the end of this trip, after returning to Lisbon. That way you leave the more relaxing beach stay for the end of your trip. In fact, the Algarve region has so much to offer that you could easily spend another 10 days just here and never get bored. Some of the nicest towns to see here are Lagos and Albufeira ; both are good bases to stay for exploring the top places in the Algarve . Here you can find several suggested itineraries for the Algarve region , from 3 to 7 days.
• If you have less time than 10 days in Portugal, skip the places that don’t interest you, or try to do more sightseeing in a day. As I said, the distances aren’t big and if you plan well, you can see a lot in a short time.
• If you don’t want to rent a car in Portugal, please take a look at our suggestions for day tours that I included where possible. For bigger distances, like Lisbon to Porto, you can also take a train. Recently, Portugal introduced a very cheap train ticket that is valid in the entire country for a month, so it’s a very budget-friendly way to explore more of the country.

Car rental: This is the website that we always use for rental cars in Portugal.

Flights: There are many airlines flying to Portugal. One of the best options (especially if you also want to explore the islands), is TAP Air Portugal . They sometimes have good stopover deals too.

Update: We loved Portugal so much that we returned a year later to visit the Algarve region, as well as Madeira Island . We also visited the Azores and returned to the Algarve again, and again… with many more trips planned in the future. So we have many more articles about Portugal on the blog than when this guide was first published. You can find more information about all these places in our Portugal travel guide .

READ ALSO: Tips for Planning a Trip to Europe

Best Time to Visit

Portugal is a year-round destination. If you are planning to visit towns and cultural landmarks, then you can plan a trip at any time of the year, but I would suggest avoiding the hottest summer months.

If you are planning to visit the beaches, then come from May to October. July and August are the peak months when it’s very busy (and hot) everywhere.

If you want to explore Portugal to the fullest, then visit in April – May or in September – October. That’s when the weather is really nice but not too hot for sightseeing, it’s not too busy, and accommodation prices are lower.

We made this 10-day Portugal road trip in April and it was an excellent time to be here. For more information on what to expect in this season, please read our guide to Portugal in April .

READ ALSO: Best time to visit Europe

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Deborah Widmann

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

Good Morning! I have been following your blog for a year or so and you sold me on a trip to Portugal. I am trying to plan a girls trip (daughters (28) and moms( NOT 28)! We would like to go October 17 to 26. Pretty much have the flights nailed down - we will be flying into Lisbon and flying out of Madrid. Madrid was a last minute addition . Reading your most recent blog about Lisbon and Porto , we all are thinking three nights in Lisbon, two in Porto, then training down to Madrid for the remainder of our vacation. We are NOT self driving around Portugal - going to rely on Public Transportation. I guess I would like YOUR opinion if the above mentioned schedule makes sense. We are not really tour travelers, more of let’s see what’s happening in - wherever we are - today! But, we also hop on a tour if it makes sense to do so. What tours would you recommend so that we see all the attractions recommended but also “off the beaten track “ sights? You provide such wonderful information that it is a little overwhelming . I appreciate any input you could provide. Thank you so much. Deb and Sally and Maeve and Kate .

Thursday 21st of March 2024

@Jurga, thank you SO much for this information. We will be adjusting our trip. Going to vacation solely in Portugal. Three in Lisbon, three in Porto , then back to Lisbon for the last two days. Thank you again . I will be re reading your itineraries for these cities and their surrounding areas.

Hi Deborah, your trip sounds great, but I don't think there is a good train connection between Porto and Madrid. Google Maps shows me a 9-hour journey involving lots of different transport, or by Flixbus (also 8-9 hours). So you may want to reconsider that one and book a direct flight. The following airlines seem to operate that route, AirEuropa, EasyJet, Ryanair, and Iberia. The flight is a bit over 1 hour. Flights with the budget airlines start from about 40-50 euros, but they also charge for luggage, etc. Other than that, 3 nights in Lisbon is a bit short especially if you also want to make a day trip to Sintra (a must-do). There are many other amazing places to visit - see our Lisbon day trips for some inspiration. I would try to do two full days in Lisbon city (also because of the jet lag) and at least one day trip. 2 nights in Porto is ok if you just stay in the city. But if you want to also take a day trip to Douro Valley, then add one more day. From Madrid, take a day trip to Toledo. Also see this guide for ideas of places to visit: Madrid in a day (you can easily fill 2 days if you visit all the top sights). It's hard to recommend much off the beaten track if you don't rent a car, but every city has many hidden gems if you want to avoid the crowds. That said, the end of October is a good time to travel to southern Europe, and it shouldn't be too crazy anymore. Hope this helps.

Michael and Connie

Saturday 10th of February 2024

Hi. Lovely article! We have stayed in Tavira last year for 6 weeks and loved it. We will do so again Mid March to the end of April. We have decided to fly to Porto, spend around 6 days somewhere around there, hopefully near the rail line. Then we plan on spending March 12th to 16th in or around Lisbon. We won't have a car. Any suggestions as to where to stay ( we use booking.com when we can) along the way and day trips, etc. Thanks for taking our email. Michael

Sunday 18th of February 2024

@Jurga, Thank you for replying and for your help. We are thinking two nights in Lisbon so is it better to stay right in the old town or near the cuty centre, which I think is what you are suggesting? Thanks again and happy travels. Michael and Connie

Hi, it's a bit hard to recommend much not knowing what exactly you want to see. But in general, staying in the bigger cities with good railway connections is the best if you want to do lots of day trips in the area. In the north, I think Porto is a great base. In Lisbon, just stay in the city as well - there's so much to see and do. You may want to take a look at our guide to the best day trips from Lisbon for some inspiration as well. When looking for accommodation in both places, see that it's within walking distance to the main railway station - that way, you can easily make excursions without losing to much time in the commute. Hope this helps. Have a great time in Portugal!

Monday 18th of December 2023

Hi. We are planning on spending a few nights in a central location that would allow us to got Nazare, Obidos, Coimbra, Tomar, Alcobaca, etc. We can't decide if we want to stay in Tomar or Santarem. We would like to stay in a guesthouse over a hotel so we would want a place that has good restaurant locations nearby. Which city do you think would serve us better as a hub to see these other cities as day trips? Thanks so much for answering my question. Susan

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

Hi Susan, purely comparing Santarem and Tomar, I'd choose the latter. Driving distances/times, etc. you can check on Google Maps. As for hotels/guesthouses, we always use Booking.com. I stumbled upon this highly-rated guesthouse in Tomar that ias well located closer to many restaurants. And I'm sure there are many more. Hope this helps.

Tuesday 10th of October 2023

Hi - We are planning to Portugal in December and staying 3 nights in Porto and another three nights in Lisbon. We have 2 teen aged kids aged 14 and 17 who will be accompanying us. Can you please suggest the cities which we should visit ? Thanks in advance.

Thursday 12th of October 2023

@Jurga, Thanks a lot.

Wednesday 11th of October 2023

Hi Amutha, I'm not sure I understand your question. You are already staying in the two main cities and 3 nights/2 days is a nice amount of time for each. You won't have time to visit much else. So just explore Porto and Lisbon to the fullest. That being said, near Lisbon, I highly recommend visiting Sintra (can do with a tour in half a day) or on by train (plan the whole day). There are also day tours that bring you to several of the nicest areas near Lisbon in a day. If I were you, I'd do 2 nights in Porto and 4 in Lisbon (instead of 3-3), but it really depends on what exactly you want to see in each place. There is a lot to see in Lisbon and there are lots of amazing places to visit as a day trip from Lisbon. Porto is also very nice but is smaller and you don't need as much time there as in Lisbon. Hope this helps.

Friday 30th of June 2023

We are planning to visit Portugal and spend 4 days in Lisbon. Can you please advise whether it makes sense to purchase Lisbon card instead of getting individual tickets to the Jeronimos monastery, Belem and Peña Castle? Thank you

@Jurga, Thank you very much!

Hi Olga, the Lisbon Card offers really good value if you visit many attractions that are actually included with the card in a short time (you can see the full list here). Please note that Pena Palace in Sintra is not included with this card and you'll need to get timed-entry tickets if you go there. Book these well in advance if you want to choose the time slot that suits you best. Most morning time slots are sold out long in advance (so afternoons will be quieter ;)). Anyway, with 4 days in Lisbon, I assume you'll visit many more places than the ones you mentioned so yes, the card is well worth it. Even if you just buy it for one day, it costs pretty much the same as tickets to Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, so if you do anything else on that same day (even if just use public transport), it's better than buying the tickets separately. And you can definitely do a lot more in 24 hours than just these two attractions! If you get the card for longer duration, it offers even better value, but only buy it for the number of days when you'll actually use it. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

9 Best Cities in Portugal To Add to Your Itinerary

P ortugal seems to have been grabbing the headlines recently with its stunning coastal scenery, rich history, and amazing food; there's a lot to love. And while Lisbon and Porto often steal the spotlight, Portugal is filled with charming cities and towns waiting to be explored. 

Once the Portugal bug has bitten you, it's difficult to leave. That happened to me nearly five years ago, and I'm still here.

If you're planning a trip to Portugal in 2024, check out some of my best cities in Portugal. Let's dive in! 

Cities in Portugal

The capital of Portugal and the largest city in the country, Lisbon offers first-time visitors the perfect introduction to Portugal's appealing mix of modern vibrancy and old-world charm. 

The hilly terrain makes for a challenging walk, but if you burn enough calories, you can feast on local treats like the pasteis de nata or custard tarts guilt-free.

Legend has it the monks of the Jeronimos Monastery in Belém, Lisbon, created the original recipe, which hasn't changed much to this day – perfect with a cup of coffee!

Take a tram ride around the city, or what I like to do is rent one of the little electric scooters to get about more quickly. Packed with restaurants and bars that are open late into the night, Lisbon has something for everyone. 

My Tip: Take a few hours to learn about the 1755 earthquake that rocked the city at the Quake Museum .

Another gem not to be missed is the city of Porto. Built along the banks of the Douro River, Porto enchants visitors with its postcard-worthy scenery and port wine culture. 

Cross the iconic double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge for picturesque views and take a tour of the port wine cellars to get a taste of this fortified wine straight from the source. 

Browse the shops and cafes of the Ribeira district or catch traditional music at Casa da Música concert hall. 

One of my favorite things to do is grab a bite and drink and people-watch at the Aduela—a relaxed hangout and the top place to head on a sunny afternoon. 

My Tip: Head to the Instagram-worthy Livraria Lello bookstore to mooch around and buy some books for your trip.  

Get a taste of student life in youthful Coimbra, home to Portugal's historic University of Coimbra – It has a fun and youthful vibe but still that old-world charm which I feel is unique to Portugal. 

Check out the 12th-century Old Cathedral and Baroque Library, both adorned with ornate details, or chill and relax along the Mondego River, or ride the mid-century Elevador do Mercado funicular. 

With a tonne of museums, live fado music, and pumping nightlife, Coimbra offers a wide variety of activities, whether you are young or just young at heart. 

My Tip: Check out Coimbra University. It's one of the oldest universities in Europe and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Braga 

Braga has been an important spiritual center since Roman times and is called the “Portuguese Rome” for its concentration of religious sites. 

Today, this vibrant town combines sacred spaces with modern urban buzz. Climb the hilltop Bom Jesus do Monte pilgrimage staircase for heavenly views. Or gaze at ornate carvings in the Catedral de Braga. 

And make sure you don't miss the colorful weekend markets brimming with flowers, local produce, and freshly caught fish. 

As a country, Portugal is wild about seafood, and Braga is no different, being just 30 minutes from the coast. And when you're doing some tasting, if there's money in your budget , make sure you sample Braga's version of port wine at a local producer like Adega Típica da Braga. 

My Tip: Visit the Biscainhos Palace, gardens, and museum for beautifully manicured lawns, fruit trees, and a vegetable garden. 

You have probably seen pictures of the palace of Sintra and not known it. Just a quick train ride from Lisbon, Sintra feels like stepping into a fairy tale. 

Situated on top of some spectacular scenery, the 19th Century Pena Palace is perched at the edge of the Serra de Sintra mountain. 

Wind through the lush gardens and stone passages of Quinta da Regaleira. Indulge in Sintra's famous travesseiros pastries. 

And don't miss the westernmost point of continental Europe at Cabo da Roca. With its misty forests and picture-perfect palaces, Sintra is unforgettable.

My Tip: Head to Sintra in the winter months. Firstly, you avoid the big crowds you get in summer, and secondly, you can warm yourself beside the fireplace at one of many boutique hotels in the city. 

Step back in time, wandering the medieval streets of Évora, a museum city full of history. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area around Evora, contains ruins dating back to Roman times, including the towering columns of Templo Romano. 

Tour the chilling Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) adorned with human skeletons. And for something not so sinister, chill in one of Évora's many outdoor cafés serving savory cuisine and sweet desserts. 

It has a mellow and laid-back pace, but avoid it during high summer because it tends to get hot! 

My Tip: Check out the Roman Temple of Évora , a Roman temple believed to have been built around the 1st Century. 

Everyone is on vacation in the Algarve. Well, that's what it seems like anyway! Boasting beautiful beaches and stunning coastal scenery, the Algarve town of Lagos has become a trendy resort destination in recent years.

Chill on the golden sands of Praia Dona Ana or take a boat tour to see the sea caves and arches of Benagil up close and personal.

Or try your hand at water sports. The area around Lagos is the perfect place to learn to surf with gentle waves on the south coast at spots like Meia Praia or hit the West coast, only a 25-minute drive away. 

Of course, the restaurant scene in Lagos has everything ticked with pretty much anything you could wish for. After dinner, the nightlife continues well into the early hours of the night and all year long, too! 

My Tip: Head to Ponta da Piedade for sunset and take a camera!

Stroll the postcard-perfect cobblestone lanes of Óbidos, a medieval hill town encircled by ancient city walls. 

From the ramparts, enjoy panoramic views of terracotta roofs and whitewashed houses buried in overflowing bougainvillea vines. 

This romantic destination also boasts fresh seafood and savory pork dishes in its dining options – and while you are sampling these delights, wash it all down with the famous cherry liqueur drink Ginjinha – made with cherries, ginger, and cinnamon, delicious! 

My Tip: Visit the numerous churches and chapels inside and outside the city walls. I think I counted six altogether when I was last there. 

9. Guimarães 

Sometimes called the “Cradle City” for its origins as the birthplace of Portugal's first king in the 12th Century, Guimarães retains a historic vibe. 

Its well-preserved old town recently earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Walk up to Guimarães Castle for a spectacular overview of the city and the surrounding landscape. 

The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza showcases 15th-century architecture and art. 

Guimarães also holds cultural significance as the European Capital of Culture in 2012. With so much rich history, this northern city deserves a spot on your itinerary.

My Tip: Grab a drink from one of the cafes and sit in one of the many medieval squares around the city. 

Relax and Recharge Across Portugal

Portugal really does have a bit of everything, from dynamic urban hubs like Lisbon to storybook towns like Óbidos. Portugal offers an immense variety in its cities. 

If you make it to Portugal in 2024, take time to wander. This is just a simple guide to get you started. Don't be afraid to explore those hidden alleyways and get off the beaten path. 

The post 9 Best Cities in Portugal To Add to Your Itinerary  appeared first on Go Backpacking .

The Perfect One Day in Porto Itinerary for 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: May 12, 2024

Having visited Porto three times, we clearly love this beautiful city in Portugal. It truly is one of our favorite places in Europe. A lot of people pop into Porto for just a day, be it before their Douro Valley River Cruise or on a day trip on their Portuguese adventure. Because this city is so compact, Porto is a very walkable city, and it is easy to see many of its top attractions in just one day.

While we recommend at least a few days in Porto, it is possible to see a lot, as all the main attractions are located close to the city center. So, we have created the perfect one-day in Porto Itinerary to make the most of your short stay.

Table of Contents

One Day in Porto Itinerary

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city but it still feels small. The historic center is walkable and with easy and affordable public transport, Ubers and an organized walking route, you can see a lot in a short time.

If you only have one day in Porto, we suggest using Uber to get around. We found them to be very reliable and affordable. Also, if you plan on going into a lot of Porto attractions and using public transport you may consider the Porto Card. We didn’t use the Porto Card for one day, but you can check out what is included here.

A lot of our suggestions are easily walkable once you get to the area that we suggest. We have a map at the bottom of this post that you can follow. And we will suggest where and when to take an Uber and when to walk.

Livraria Lello

Harry Potter fans will want to head straight to Livrario Lellow to start your one-day itinerary. Call an Uber from your hotel and make your way to R. das Carmelitas for the first entry into this world’s most beautiful bookstore. It is rumored that Hogwarts’ winding staircases were modeled after Livraria Lello’s beautiful baroque staircases, but JK Rowling denies that. Either way, there is an entire section dedicated to the beloved series, and you will feel as if you have entered a magical bookshop.

Many people have the most beautiful bookstore in the world on their list during their Porto itinerary, but many people also miss out due to a lack of planning. Make sure to book your timed entry in advance. The bookstore opens at 9:00 am, and you will want to book a golden ticket that lets you skip the line and gives you a free book of your choice. Even if you booked the golden ticket and can skip the line, show up at 8:00 to be at the front. We tell you exactly what to do here.

You need to book well in advance on the LIvrario Lello Website, and we have an entire blog post telling you exactly how to book that golden ticket and how to make sure you are the first one to enter the bookstore right here. Ultimate Guide for Visiting Livraria Lello

Igrega do Carmo

Once you’ve finished at Livraria Lello, walk toward the nearby square to see the iconic tiles of Igrega do Carmo. It is one of the most popular walls of tiles in Portugal, and you can get an iconic photograph in the doorway. Yes, we are guilty of taking that exact shot. The square itself is beautiful but busy. Tours stop here to talk about the church, which has a gorgeous fountain standing at its center.

When you visit Porto, you will be in awe. The historic center was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, and for good reason. Its winding streets, historic churches adorned with Azuelos (Portuguese tiles), and beautiful buildings are something you will never forget.

Cafe Majestic

If you didn’t have breakfast at your hotel, which we highly recommend doing because booking a hotel that includes breakfast saves you a ton of money and time, make your way to the Majestic Cafe for Breakfast. Start your walk uphill, and if you don’t want to eat at Cafe Majestic, there are some great breakfast places just up from Igrega do Carmo. We enjoyed a fantastic breakfast, Zenith Brunch and Cocktails, and Restaurant Carlos Alberto, both located on Praça de Carlos Alberto, at a more reasonable price.

However, you are only going to be in Porto for one day, so we think you’ll want to eat at one of its most popular cafes. Cafe Majestic was once touted as the most beautiful cafe in the world. It, too, has Harry Potter connections, as JK Rowling frequented his cafe during her time in Porto, and it is said that she wrote the first Harry Potter book there. 

Majestic Cafe is a historic restaurant located on the pedestrian-only shopping street Rua de Santa Catarina. Once you have overpaid for your Pasteis de Nata and coffee, take a short stroll along the street to browse its unique shops and expensive boutiques. There are chocolate shops, bookstores and of course the regular Gucci and Rolex stores.

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso Church is the most photographed church in Porto, thanks to its location and the 11,000 Azulejos (traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles) covering the açade and sides of the church.

We never went inside because we think churches get enough money and aren’t fans of paying to see inside, but we did enjoy the view from the steps. If you do go inside, you’ll see a 19th-century pipe organ, oil paintings, and, of course, the usual religious statues.

São Bento Train Station

There’s a lot of beauty in Porto, and the Sao Bento train station is no exception. If you haven’t seen enough of those blue tiles, or even if you have, you don’t want to miss The São Bento Train Station. It is touted as one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations thanks to its 20,000 azulejos. Each tile tells a story of Portuguese history. 

This train station was opened in 1916 on the site of a former Benedictine monastery of Saint Benedict (São Bento). Tours stop at this busy station all day long to marvel at the ceramic tiles that were painted by Jorge Colaço, one of the most renowned azulejos artists of his time. The panels depict various historical scenes from Portugal’s history, including battles, royal events, and traditional life.

Snack and Sprits at Mercado Do Bolhão

When visiting Porto, you will definitely want to visit one of its markets. For lunch, you have a few options: you can turn around and walk back the hill a little bit to visit Mercado do Bolhão, which we highly recommend, or start making your way to the waterfront. But let’s talk about the Bolhao Market. This is one of our favorite markets in Europe, and Bolhão Market is one of the most authentic and traditional markets in Porto.

Although the original structure has undergone renovations, the neoclassical facade remains. The covered market is cool and a great escape from the heat. Inside, you can sample fresh seafood, cheese, sausages, and pastries. The shop owners are friendly and passionate about their local specialties.

Wander through stalls offering a variety of cheeses, meats, and fresh produce, and savor some authentic Portuguese delicacies that pair perfectly with wine! You can order a glass of wine, Gin and Tonic, or a Porto and Tonic that you can take with you to sip on it as you wander through the aisles. 

Pastel de Nata

If you want to try some Pasteis de Nata, go across the street to the Confeteria de Balhao. It is one of the oldest bakeries in Porto, and many say it has the best Pasteis de Nata in the city. The line is huge in the morning, but later in the morning, it slows down a bit.

Porto City Hall

If you love getting those photographs of city signs, Porto City Hall is just a short walk from the Bolhaor

Cais da Ribeira

If you want to make your way to the river instead of going to the market, you can have lunch in the Ribeira district. Several restaurants and outdoor cafes line the waterfront with street performers entertaining guests as they sample Portuguese food. Cais da Ribeira is Porto’s most picturesque district, with colorful buildings lining the Douro River, and you will definitely want to spend some time exploring this neighborhood. 

Enjoy winding your walk down through the narrow streets of Porto (it’s all downhill from the Bolhao Market and São Bento Station if you take the main road), or you can take an Uber to get there faster.

Once you get to the waterfront, you will want to enjoy the energy of this lively part of the city. There are outdoor markets, restaurants, boat tours, and beautiful views of colorful buildings lining the Douro River. This is a great place to pull up a chair and enjoy some lunch (if you skipped the castle and market) or to enjoy an Aperol Spritz. 

Porto Cathedral

If you choose to go to the market, you can also have your driver drop you off at the Porto Cathedral for breathtaking views of the Douro River. It is an uphill walk to the cathedral, so you may want to hire a car to save time. It is worth visiting for the views of the city and river. The Porto Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest monuments, and it has been a religious site since the 12th century.

This is one cathedral you may want to visit. Its cloisters are beautiful, and inside, the cathedral is adorned with azulejos (blue and white ceramic tiles) that narrate religious stories.

 Afternoon

Walk across the ponte luis i bridge.

It’s time to head to the city of Novo de Gaia across the river. We loved this district, and it is the perfect place to spend the rest of the afternoon. To get to Novo de Gaia from Porto, you can walk across the famous Ponte Luis I Bridge. You can walk on the lower or upper portion of the bridge. Note that you’ll be sharing the road with cars.

If you had lunch down by the water, you could walk across the lower portion to get to Gaia, or if you went to the Porto Cathedral (which we highly recommend because you can eat dinner at the Ribeira), you could walk along the upper portion. We loved the views from the upper portion. The Ponte Luis I Bridge is 45 meters high, and the views of both cities are beautiful from up here. There are no cars driving on the upper bridge, but there are trams going back and forth, so keep an eye out.

River Cruise on the Douro River

Once you get to Gaia, you can embark on a river cruise on the Douro River to see Porto’s stunning riverside scenery. We took the 6 Bridges Cruise, which takes you from one end of the city to the other. The 50-minute cruise will give you a unique perspective of Porto’s iconic bridges and landmarks, from the vibrant streets of Cais da Ribeira to the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

You can book river cruises on the Ribeira side as well, but they are quite busy. We booked on Gaia instead. You can book your cruise in advance as well which will guarantee your time slot. It is worth seeing the entire side from a bot.

Port Wine Tasting at Vila Nova De Gaia

The waterfront of Gaia is famous for its port wine cellars, and now is the time to visit them and do a port tasting. A trip to Porto isn’t a trip without tasting its famous port wine! You don’t need to take a tour, but it is fun to visit one of the cellars. We have toured and bought wines from Taylor’s, Calem, and Foncesco, and the port wines are divine.

Calem is the easiest to visit as it is located directly on the waterfront, and they offer port-tasting flights. If you want to see the WoW District (World of Wine) Fonseco and Taylor’s are located just a short walk up. They are both less busy, but the wines are finer. We loved our port tasting experience Taylor’s is the official supplier of the Royal Family, and it was the first port of wine in space! Try out a tasting session to discover the depth and richness of these world-class wines.

Going into a port wine lodge is a wonderful experience; you feel as if you have stepped back in time and enjoyed a wine tour through these historic cellars.

Portuguese wine is as delicious as it is unique, with varieties such as Vino Verde and Port Wine. The Douro Valley is Portugal’s famous wine region, and you can book a tour of Porto in the Douro Valley if you have a few days.

Stroll the Gaia Waterfront

We enjoyed the Gaia waterfront more than the Ribeira because, for one, it has the best views of Porto (including the beautiful Riviera). You can see the colorful terraced houses rising up from the Douro River, with the cathedral and fort standing proudly overhead.

Port houses line the waterfront, showcasing the famous Portuguese wine. Gaia is much less busy than Porto and two of our favorite stores are located on the waterfront of Gaia.

Wonderful World of Portuguese Sardines

You must stop by to see the wonderful world of Portuguese Sardines. This circus-like store is a destination unto itself. Similar in style to Livraria Lello, this store has baroque staircases and walls full of thousands of colorful cans of sardines. There is a multimedia display showcasing the history of Portuguese Sardines, and it is simply a spectacle. Plus, you can buy a sardine from a year that is special to you. Why not bring home a Portuguese can with your birthdate or anniversary on it?

The Bacalau House

The Balacau House is another must-stop. This is where you can try the country’s famous Cod Cakes while enjoying another beautiful shop. The store is a part shop, museum arcade, and gallery. This shop has two winding staircases, and the Bacalau house even has live entertainment. Pull up a chair on the upper balcony, grab a serving of Bacalau accompanied by port wine, and you’ll have a true Portuguese experience.

Sunset Apperitivo

From the waterfront, you can hop on the Teleferico (cable car), which will take you back up to the top of Gaia for your sunset views. If you have the budget, we recommend having appetizers and a cocktail at the Esplanada do Teleferico. It’s a fantastic restaurant offering fantastic views of Porto from its outdoor terrace. 

Relax with a refreshing drink and take in the breathtaking skyline as the sun sets over the city.

Jardim Do Morro

If you don’t want to pay €15 to €20 for a cocktail, you can have the same view just behind the restaurant at Jardim Do Morro. Pull up a blanket and enjoy the view as the sun goes down and the lights go on over Porto.

Since you’ve had Bacalau, appetizers, and port wine, we suggest putting off dinner until later. Besides, why not embrace the Portuguese culture and eat late? So before dinner, book a Fado Show in a wine cellar. Fado is a beautiful live performance of singers accompanied by guitars. We booked this tour through Get Your Guide and loved it. The hour long performance also includes a glass of Port Wine.

Fado is a true cultural experience that is so important to Portugal that it is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It is known for its expressive and profoundly melancholic character, typically conveying themes of longing, sadness, and nostalgia. The music is intensely emotional, aiming to evoke a feeling of ‘saudade’ a Portuguese term that describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one loves.

Depending on where your hotel is located (or if you are willing to take a taxi or uber which are very affordable) you will want to choose where to have dinner and evening drinks. The Ribeira, Gaia Waterfront, or Rua de Santa Catarina are all great dining choices.

There are so many delicious and authentic restaurants in Porto that it’s easy to be overwhelmed, but just relax, enjoy, and do what we do… look for restaurants that seem to be full of locals.

Francesinha – A Porto Staple

One food you will want to try at dinner is francesinha. This sandwich sounds disgusting, but it is delicious. Most restaurants serve it and after all that port wine and cocktails, it will help to soak up the alcohol. So what is it? This is a hearty sandwich made of sausage, cheese, ham, more meat, and bread served with a tomato beer sauce.

Nightlife at Galerias de Paris Street

For nightlife, make your way to Galleria Paris near the Livraria Lello Bookstore for bar hopping. You finish your day where you began. This is where the locals hang out into the wee hours of the morning.

How to Get to Porto

By Air : The primary gateway by air is through Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (also known as Porto Airport), located approximately 11 kilometers from the city center. The airport hosts a variety of international and domestic flights, connecting Porto with major cities across Europe and beyond. From the airport, travelers can reach the city center via the metro (the Violet E line directly connects the airport to the Trindade metro station in the city center), bus, taxi, or ride-sharing services.

By Train : For travelers coming from other parts of Portugal or from Spain, trains are a convenient option. Porto’s main train station, Sao Bento Station, is located in the heart of the city and is well-connected to the Portuguese rail network. Another key station is Campanhã, which is on the east side of the city and serves as the main hub for trains arriving from Lisbon, the Algarve, and international destinations such as Spain. From Campanhã, passengers can take a local train or the metro to reach the central areas of Porto and Sao Bento Station.

And that’s our one-day in Porto itinerary. From the Ribeira district on the waterfront to the winding cobblestone streets, we’ve shown you how to make the most of your day in this beautiful city.

Plan Your Next Trip To Porto With Our Advice

• 30 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal
• Where to Stay in Porto: A Complete Guide For Your First Visit
• Into the Douro Valley with Avalon Alegria
• Livraria Lello, Porto: Tips For Visiting The Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World
• 17 Best Things to Do in Guimarães, Portugal
• 48 Hours in Lisbon, Itinerary
• Guide to the Douro Valley from Porto – Portugal’s Most Famous Wine Region
• Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon: Tips & Itinerary
• Is Portugal Expensive To Visit? Travel Costs And Budgets

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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1 thought on “The Perfect One Day in Porto Itinerary for 2024”

This is my city – where I bornt, studied and lived. For sure I need update with some actual photos – it’s amazing see how it changed but some places remains with same beauty.

11 of the best beaches in Portugal

Nov 17, 2023 • 5 min read

It can be hard to choose from Portugal's many amazing beaches so allow us to be your guide © Prostock-Studio / Getty Images © © Prostock-Studio / Getty Images

Home to some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, Portugal provides seaside escapes of every variety.

You can look forward to sandy islands lapped by cerulean seas, peaceful coves tucked near edge-of-the-earth sea cliffs, and dune-backed expanses facing some of the world’s most dramatic surfing spots. The challenge is deciding where to begin.

Although a list of the country’s best beaches could easily run into triple digits, we've narrowed it down to 11 of our absolute favorites. The time to start planning your next Portugal beach break is now.

1. Praia dos Galapinhos, Parque Natural da Arrábida

Less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon , you can find yourself amid the coastal wilderness of the Parque Natural da Arrábida . Here, forest-covered hillsides descend steeply to the shoreline, which is dotted with hidden coves and sparkling beaches. The most lovely is the Praia dos Galapinhos, which offers white sand and crystal-clear waters. The calm seas make it a great swimming spot. 

2. Praia de Odeceixe, Odeceixe

Amid the wilder shores of the western Algarve , Praia de Odeceixe hits all the right notes, and the scenic headland-backed beach draws both families and surfers. Its unique location gives it surprising versatility. Lying at the mouth of the Rio Odeceixe, the beach has a sandy riverside section that’s perfect for splashing about without worrying about the pounding surf – ideal for small kids.

Planning tip:  If it’s waves you seek, you’ll find them by strolling over to the ocean, where rideable breaks arrive year-round (though conditions are best in winter). Various surf academies – including  Odeceixe Surf School  – can help you hone your skills or teach you some new ones.

3. Praia Baleal, near Peniche

About 5km (3 miles) northeast of  Peniche on Portugal’s west coast, Praia Baleal is a real showstopper of a beach. This stretch of sand is actually a causeway, linking the mainland to the scenic, island-like village of  Baleal , which stands atop a craggy headland jutting from the Atlantic Ocean.

The fantastic sweep of sandy beach here offers swimming both to the north and south and some fine surfing. Surf schools and several restaurants are located along the beach.

4. Praia da Ilha de Tavira, Tavira

This huge beach at the eastern end of Ilha de Tavira – a long barrier island just off the country’s southern coast – boasts golden sands and inviting, clear waters, plus a sprinkling of beach bars, a windsurf school and a campground in summer (the only accommodation on the island). Outside the peak months of July and August, it feels wonderfully remote and empty.

Planning tip:  Ferries make the 10-minute hop to the island from  Quatro Águas , 2km (1.25 miles) southeast of  Tavira , one of the Algarve’s most charming towns.

5. Praia da Falésia, near Albufeira

The Algarve has more than its fair share of breathtaking beaches , and this 6km-long (3.7 miles) strip of sand backed by stunning ochre-hued cliffs has to be one of its most impressive. Starting 8km (5 miles) east of  Albufeira , this strand gets very crowded in summer , especially when the tide is in.

Planning tip:  Head here in low season – November to March – with average highs of around 16°C (61°F), and the beach will be all yours.

6. Praia de São Jacinto, near Aveiro

Sandwiched between crashing Atlantic breakers and endless sand dunes, this magnificent beach forms the western flank of the  São Jacinto nature reserve . It's a bit of a trek to get here, but the toil will be worth every second for those who like their beaches sandy, remote and rugged.

Planning tip:  To get to Praia de São Jacinto, take a 20-minute bus journey from  Aveiro to Forte da Barra, a ferry to São Jacinto, and then it's a brisk walk to the beach. Aveiro is only 50 minutes from  Porto by train, so a visit to the beach can easily be done as a  day trip from the city .

7. Praia do Cabedelo, Viana do Castelo

Near the country’s northern border with Spain,  Viana do Castelo is blessed with an appealing medieval center, an attractive riverfront and lovely beaches just outside the city. The pick of the lot is Praia do Cabedelo, a 1km-long (0.6 mile) arc of powdery pale-golden sand that folds into grassy dunes backed by a grove of wind-blown pines.

Planning tip:  It’s across the river from town, best reached on a five-minute ferry trip from the pier south of the Praça da Liberdade. 

8. Praia das Furnas, Vila Nova de Milfontes

On the left bank of the Rio Mira on the coast of Portugal’s southern Alentejo region,  Praia das Furnas is a long stretch of fine sand backed by small rocky cliffs. The sandbars in the area make for some relaxing frolicking in the waves – perfect for tiny travelers taking their first dip in the sea.

Planning tip:  You can arrive here by car or take the small ferry from  Vila Nova de Milfontes , a low-key resort town with lots of charm.

9. Praia do Camilo, Lagos

Praia do Camilo is a prime example of the small sandy coves that dot the coastline of the Algarve region. The small, dramatically set beach is located on the outskirts of  Lagos , a pretty resort town with cobbled lanes and picturesque squares enclosed by 16th-century walls.

Planning tip:  Some 200 wooden steps help beachgoers descend to the golden strip of sand that’s lapped by shallow turquoise waters and encased by wind-gnarled cliffs. Arrive early (or visit out of peak season) to secure towel space.

10. Costa da Caparica, near Lisbon

One of the easiest beach escapes near Lisbon, the Costa da Caparica on the  Setúbal Peninsula has a seemingly never-ending beach that attracts sun-worshiping lisboêtas craving all-over tans, surfers keen to ride Atlantic waves and day-tripping families seeking clean water and soft sand.

It hasn’t escaped development, yet a short distance to the south, high-rises soon give way to pine forests and mellow beach-shack cafes.

11. Praia do Norte, Nazaré

An underwater canyon off the coast of northern Portugal creates ideal conditions for some of the biggest swells on Earth. You can watch these monsters roll in at Praia do Norte, a wild beach backed by dunes located a few kilometers north of the seaside town of Nazaré .

The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo has a roof terrace for taking in the oceanic drama, and it also contains a small museum about the big waves and some of the surfers who’ve ridden them – like Sebastian Steudtner, who rode a record-breaking 26.2m (86ft) behemoth back in 2020.

This article was first published May 13, 2021 and updated Nov 17, 2023.

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• Franciacorta (Italy): five eco-conscious itineraries with MICHELIN

With its range of innovative solutions to facilitate more mindful travel that has less of an impact on the environment – including state-of-the-art tyres for cars, motorbikes and bicycles, not to mention the famous Red Guide, which remains an invaluable source of reliable advice – MICHELIN contributes to making each and every one of your journeys more enjoyable.

Franciacorta Editor's Pick Green Star Michelin Guide

The Franciacorta territories, dotted with vineyards and numerous restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide Italy selection, prove to be the perfect microcosm in which to take full advantage of the equipment manufactured by MICHELIN in Clermont-Ferrand, France.

Since its origins, MICHELIN, founded in 1900, has aimed to improve road and tourist mobility. The itineraries suggested in this article also offer an ideal opportunity to implement a green approach to travel, which, in this era of energy transition, can tap into virtuous cycles and minimise the carbon footprint of the trips we make.

Franciacorta by electric car, powered by renewable energy

After recharging the car’s battery at one of the fast chargers at the Outlet Village’s charging station in Rodengo Saiano, set out along the SP510 and SP47. The silent running of the electric car makes it easy to tune into the sounds of nature to be heard reverberating around the centuries-old abbeys built on the heights above Lake Iseo, as you are propelled along by all the technology of MICHELIN tyres, which have been specially developed to enhance the safety and efficiency of electric vehicles. And no drive through the lush green landscape of Franciacorta would be complete without a good traditional lunch. There is no shortage of options in this regard and among the pit stops recommended by the Red Guide is Ai Burattini : at this Bib Gourmand restaurant, the inspectors urge you to sample the many local dishes including “pecora gigante bergamasca mutton, dried sardines from the lake, trout meatballs, house-made casoncelli and the excellent oven-baked rabbit with polenta from Rovetta”.

Villages and moors by bicycle and e-bike

For a gentle ride from Erbusco, with its majestic architecture, to the Torbiere del Sebino, a bicycle or e-bike excursion allows you to admire the rolling hills of Franciacorta without emitting polluting gases into the atmosphere. Once past the Torbiere del Sebino nature reserve, renowned for its bird watching, keep pedalling as far as the shores of Lake Iseo, where you might like to try the elegant cuisine served at Da Nadia in Clusane d’Iseo.

Due Colombe in Borgonato, near the lake basin and peat bogs, is another appealing MICHELIN-starred restaurant. This itinerary, too, is a chance to draw on MICHELIN’s wide-ranging expertise encompassing both hospitality and technical innovation, with recommended restaurants en route and, for those who enjoy pedal-powered rides, six new different tyres designed for bicycles and presented in 2024.

Walking among MICHELIN Green Star establishments and the organic vineyards of Franciacorta

Of the vineyards belonging to the Franciacorta Consortium , which protects the Franciacorta appellation, 55.7% are organic, making Franciacorta one of the world’s leading organic wine productions. Still from an environmental protection standpoint, the area includes agriturismo Il Colmetto : awarded a MICHELIN Green Star , the restaurant is part of a farm complete with vegetable gardens, greenhouses, orchards, cereal crops, a dairy and stables.

The most logical way to pay homage to the area’s green initiatives is to head on foot to Franciacorta’s various destinations (winemakers and restaurants) via country paths wending their way around gentle hills, stone farmhouses and flowering meadows. And if tyres are the “shoes” of road transport, the French company’s extensive product portfolio also incorporates Soles by MICHELIN: footwear with soles designed for riding, outdoor activities and work. Walks in Franciacorta can of course be enriched by breaks at local wineries such as Boccadoro, Bosio, Due Gelsi, Ricci Curbastro and Ronco Calino.

Winding roads, excitement and stunning views

Whether powered by an electric or endothermic engine, motorbikes produce fewer emissions than car journeys. To further improve the efficiency, safety and performance of two-wheeled vehicles, MICHELIN has introduced three new motorbike tyres in 2024: Power 6, Power Gp2 and Anakee Road. Courtesy of the cutting-edge compounds also manufactured using material recovery practices and designed to optimise the grip of the motorbike on the asphalt, the winding roads of Franciacorta become a spectacular circuit, taking in scenic routes and national roads that skirt the perimeter of the lake. Motorcyclists are invited to ride around the lake basin, pushing on to the splendid Trattoria Glisenti. Here on the lakeside terrace you can order a set menu that includes freshwater fish and classic local specialities, giving priority to natural foods and catering to vegetarians.

Historical walks and MICHELIN restaurants

Near Gussago, another interesting walking route in Franciacorta allows you to take in the historical landmarks along the Antica Strada Romana, a Roman road. Covering 3.5km and starting from Ronco’s parish church, the itinerary forges a path through ancient hamlets and Via Sovernighe in a characteristic horseshoe shape. The Sentiero delle Croci (Path of the Crosses) begins at Casaglio, with works by Gussago artists. In just under an hour, you come to the Santuario della Stella (Sanctuary of the Star), from which vantage point you can take in views of much of Franciacorta, the Po Valley and the Alpine peaks. The MICHELIN Guide Italy 2024 recommends Dina, not far off the Sentiero delle Croci, a restaurant located in “a simple village house on a street corner, revealing four areas inside – each as original and comfortable as the next – done out in a romantic, rustic style”. In praising Alberto Gipponi’s cuisine, the inspectors’ notes point out that Dina is “one of the most interesting gourmet destinations in the area”.

Hero image: Nadia, Clusane

Travelling through the Franciacorta (Italy) with the MICHELIN Guide

Cresciuto tra arte e viaggi, Matteo scrive di motori, turismo e culture gastronomiche. Giornalista dal 2004 con Laurea e Master in Storia e Relazioni Internazionali presso la LSE, visita i sette continenti e approfondisce ogni giorno la sua passione per cucina, hotellerie di charme e tradizioni del territorio italiano

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