trip planner for portugal

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.

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest

PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

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

Related Posts

Where to Take a Family Beach Vacation in Florida in 2024

The Ultimate Kyoto 3 to 4 Days Itinerary

The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Placerville, California

Write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico
• South Dakota
• Washington DC
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• French Polynesia
• Travel Tips
• Family Travel
• Accommodations
• Packing Lists
• Photography Tips
• Northern California Guide
• San Francisco
• Lightroom Presets
• Rent Our Home For Photoshoots
• California Map

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Discover Portugal: The Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary

Its wild, rugged coastline, imposing mountains, beautiful whitewashed villages, and enchanting cities make Portugal one of the best destinations to visit in Europe . Dive deep into the Portuguese history in Porto, surf the great waters of the southern Algarve , or lazily stroll through the pretty streets of Obidos. There are lots of amazing things to do in Portugal – make your way around the country with this 2-week itinerary, stopping at all the wonderful sights in between.

A 14-Day Portugal Itinerary

Welcome to Portugal , home to many gorgeous locations full of beautiful nature, stunning architecture, rich history, and delicious food. You could easily explore this diverse country for months. However, two weeks is the perfect amount of time to get a good impression.

Planning to travel longer in Portugal? These are must-sees on a 3-week Portugal road trip .

Though you can travel by public transport, it’s much easier to discover the country by renting a car or campervan. From a picture-perfect coastline to charming timeworn cities, discover it all on a 2-week Portugal itinerary.

We recommend to rent a car in Portugal through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Day 1-4: Lisbon

Start your journey in Lisbon , the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe . Known for its charming streets, beautiful buildings, and authentic trams, it has become one of the most popular destinations to visit within the country. Spend your days soaking up the sun, jumping from one cute cafe to the next while you roam through the city’s different districts. 

The various neighborhoods of Lisbon are full of rich history and culture. You can explore the museums and art galleries or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through the many little alleyways. To travel around, make sure to get a Lisbon Card . This card provides unlimited rides on all public transportation and entrance to a select number of the city’s most popular sights and museums. 

Here are all your hotel options in Lisbon.

Discover the iconic Pink Street, lined with buzzing cafes and bars, perfect in the evening. Or, roam through the labyrinth of cobblestone streets in the oldest neighborhood Alfama. No matter where you go these first few days, Lisbon’s beauty and colorful tiles will take your breath away. 

Also read: The Best Cities to Visit in Europe .

Hotels in Lisbon

Lisbon’s best neighborhoods to stay in are the charming old town: Barrio Alto and Alfama, or in the center at Baixa and Chiado. There are also plenty of great hostels to choose from.

Hotels in Lisbon 😴

Day trip to Sintra

As you discover the beautiful capital, don’t forget to dedicate one of the days to visiting the fairytale-like Sintra . This stunning UNESCO site is full of hilltop castles, colorful palaces, and exotic gardens. It’s only a short 40-minute train ride from Lisbon, making it the perfect day trip on your 2-week Portugal itinerary. You can use the same Lisbon Card you used in the city to get there.

Get your Lisbon Card in advance here

Due to its microclimate, you’ll find the hills covered in lush greenery. Wander between the majestic pine forests as you discover the different castles and palaces in this huge natural park.

Tip: Sintra is incredibly popular amongst tourists, so it’s best to book your tickets in advance as it is likely to get busy. You can see availability and tickets here . From Lisbon, you can also join an organized tour of this magical town, including an entrance to a few sites. 

Day 5: Porto Covo

On day 5, head south towards the cute traditional fishing village of Porto Covo. Whitewashed houses, nestled around quaint little squares and cobblestone streets, stand perched on top of some dramatic cliffs here, making it the perfect stop on any 2-week Portugal itinerary. 

This relaxed little town has a great atmosphere, quiet beaches, and incredible seafood, causing it to slowly grow in popularity. It’s the perfect introduction to the series of cute little coastal villages that lead down to the Algarve . Roam through the old historic center and relax on one of the beaches, looking out at the rugged Isle do Pessegueiro (Peach island). 

Stay the night in one of the cute accommodations in the center of town or go camping . If you’re traveling in the summer, try to book your accommodation in advance as it can fill up quickly.

Hotels in Porto Covo 😴

Lisbon to Porto Covo: About a 2-hour drive by car or 2,5 hours by bus. Note, however, that traveling by bus can take much longer due to potential stops between locations.

Day 6-8: Algarve

One of the highlights of a 2-week Portugal itinerary has to be time spent in the famed sunkissed Algarve region , the jewel of Portugal. Enjoy a breathtaking coastline, epic caves, and waves that give the area its reputation as a surfers’ paradise. 

The surrounding, rugged nature is a sight to remember, and the charming whitewashed villages no less. Discover the area by going hiking, sunbathing at the countless beaches, and exploring the beautiful caves with emerald water.

If you’ve got the time, don’t forget to put the Benagil Cave & Praia do Marinha (beach) on your list! You can easily discover these wonderful sights of the Algarve by yourself or by joining a tour. 

Book your kayaking tour to the Benagil Caves

Where to Stay in the Algarve

Lagos’ gorgeous town is the perfect place to base yourself for the next two days. It has a lively atmosphere and is within walking distance of some of Portugal’s best beaches and surf spots. See all hotels in Lagos .   

Porto Covo to Lagos: 1h and 40 minutes of driving, or 2 hours by bus. 

Hotels in the Algarve 😴

Day 9: Évora

After soaking up the sun on the southern shores, head back inland toward the stunning medieval city of Evora. This hidden gem sits at the heart of the rural Alentejo region and is a must-see if you’re 2 weeks in Portugal. Travel through the countryside full of olive groves, open plains, and traditional stone villages before reaching the impressive city walls. 

Join a guided walking tour of Évora

Evora even has UNESCO status due to its beautiful architecture and rich history that goes as far back as the Romans! Spend a few hours during the day exploring the quaint streets that sit sandwiched between white and yellow-painted houses. Make sure to visit the Evora cathedral and the ruins of the Roman temple in the center. 

From Lagos to Evora: 2,5 hours by car or about 4 hours by bus.

Hotels in Evora

Evora has lots of beautiful accommodation options, from cute boutique guesthouses to luxury spa hotels. It’s even possible to stay in one of the unique aqueduct houses!

Hotels in Evora 😴

Day 10: Obidos

Continue on to the ‘Town of Queens’, Obidos – one of the most stunning towns you will come across on your travels through the country. This slice of Portuguese heaven, with its whitewashed cottages and colorful flowers, is so beautiful that Portuguese kings traditionally gifted it to their queens. 

Take your time walking the 1.6 km-long castle walls surrounding the town, looking out over the hills and vineyards. Then, get lost between the charming cobblestone streets filled with traditional shops and a few churches covered in beautiful azulejos (Portuguese tiles).

Join a guided walking tour of Obidos

The contrast between the white houses and their red roofs is a stunning sight, making Obidos a worthy destination on your trip to Portugal . 

From Évora to Obidos: is a 2-hour journey by car. You can also travel by train or bus, which both take about 4 hours and have one transfer. 

Hotels in Obidos

Hotels in obidos 😴.

Here are all your hotel options in Obidos.

Day 11: Douro Valley

Welcome to the Douro valley , home to the many port houses of the world, tucked in between the lush hillsides, amongst endless vineyards and rolling hills. Enjoy one of the many hiking trails, discover the valley towns, or participate in water sports on the wild Douro River.

Wine Tour Portugal  

Make sure to book a wine tour in the Douro Valley – one of the highlights of your 2-week Portugal itinerary. Known as the oldest wine region in the world, it stretches all the way from Porto to the border of Spain . Wine tours range from tastings to learning about the harvesting experience or staying the night on one of the beautiful estates. 

Book your Douro Valley wine tour in advance 

Obidos to Douro Valley: just over 3 hours of driving or an 8-hour bus and train ride. This is the longest consecutive part of the journey, but it takes you past some of the most incredible landscapes in the country. 

Stay overnight in the Douro Valley

We stayed at Quinta do Monte Travesso , where we did a wine tour and camped overnight. However, there are hundreds of beautiful Quintas to stay at throughout the huge region, so the options are endless.

Hotels in the Douro Valley 😴

Day 13+14: Porto

Continue your journey to your last destination, Porto. Any 2-week Portugal itinerary wouldn’t be complete without spending at least a few days in this extraordinary city. With views over the Douro estuary, Porto has one of the oldest centers in Europe, proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It dates back many centuries to when it was one of the outposts of the Roman Empire. 

Here are all your hotel options in Porto.

Walk in the small hillside streets, take the funicular railway, and discover one of the most magical bookstores in Europe, Livraria Lello . Porto is not as hilly as Lisbon, meaning you can easily walk around the different neighborhoods. Though you can also join a boat or tuk-tuk tour to get even better acquainted with the impressive city of Porto. 

From the Douro Valley to Porto: 1-hour drive or 2h or 15 minutes by train (with one transfer). At the end of your 2 weeks in Portugal, you can either drive back/train to Lisbon or fly out from Porto. 

Where to stay in Porto

Stay in Ribeira if you want to be by the riverside and enjoy the night-time buzz of the city. For hillside views and a younger influx of restaurants, stay near Igreja do Carmo.

Hotels in Porto 😴

Costs of Traveling in Portugal 

Traveling through Portugal can be done quite cheaply. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest countries to travel to in Europe! You can enjoy a coffee for around 2 USD and stay in beautiful accommodations for roughly 25 USD a night. 

Costs of Traveling in Portugal

Travel on a budget in Portugal, from $330 − $350 USD weekly per person, mid-range $470 − $1300 USD, and high-end from $1270 − $1970 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $20 − $80 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $30 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $20 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $35 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $15 − $30 USD
• Activities: $5 − $15 USD See tickets & tours
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

How to Get Around Portugal

Portugal is incredibly diverse, and many of the most beautiful sites lie in remote locations. Because of this, the best way to travel the country is to hire a campervan or rent a car. These options also give you the most flexibility, allowing you to make up your own time schedule each day. 

However, you can also travel by public transport, though the journeys often take much longer. There are great rail and bus links between Lisbon and Porto, allowing you to stop at many villages in between. But also to the south, bus services run between villages.

Traveling longer in Portugal? Discover the must-sees on a 3-week Portugal road trip .

The Best Time to Visit Portugal

Portugal is beautiful all year round. However, the spring and fall months are the best time to visit Portugal. These are the shoulder seasons when fewer tourists visit, prices are lower, and it’s still sunny (but not as hot as in summer).

September/October is also the harvest season, making it a great time to go on a Douro Valley wine tour . Additionally, you can witness some of the best surf sessions happening in places like Nazare, where you’ll find some of the highest waves in the world. 

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Livraria Lello, Porto: The Famous ‘Harry Potter’ Bookstore

Obidos: one of portugal’s most beautiful villages, monsanto: the stunning rock village of portugal.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Excellent and helpful information here! Thank you!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Let's be friends! Sign up receive our monthly newsletter with updates and new in-depth guides. 

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

© Adrian Seliga/Getty Images

Medieval castles, cobblestone villages, captivating cities and golden beaches: the Portugal experience can be many things. History, great food and idyllic scenery are just the beginning.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória

Estremadura & Ribatejo

The extraordinary monastery of Batalha was built to commemorate the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota (fought just south of here). Most of the monument was…

Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Alcobaça

One of Iberia's great monasteries utterly dominates the town of Alcobaça. Hiding behind the imposing baroque facade lies a high, austere, monkish church …

Convento de Cristo

Wrapped in splendour and mystery, the Knights Templar held enormous power in Portugal from the 12th to 16th centuries, and largely bankrolled the Age of…

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Belém’s undisputed heart-stealer is this Unesco-listed monastery. The mosteiro is the stuff of pure fantasy: a fusion of Diogo de Boitaca’s creative…

Palácio Nacional de Sintra

The star of Sintra-Vila is this palace, with its iconic twin conical chimneys and lavish, whimsical interior, which is a mix of Moorish and Manueline…

Castelo de São Jorge

Alfama, Castelo & Graça

Towering dramatically above Lisbon, these mid-11th-century hilltop fortifications sneak into almost every snapshot. Roam its snaking ramparts and pine…

Wander downhill (to save your legs) through Alfama's steep, narrow, cobblestoned streets and catch a glimpse of the more traditional side of Lisbon before…

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga

Set in a lemon-fronted, 17th-century palace, the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is Lapa’s biggest draw. It presents a star-studded collection of European…

Top picks from our travel experts

10 of the best things to do in portugal.

Observatório do Lago Alqueva

Offers two-hour open-air sessions taking in the marvellous star-filled skies of the Alentejo. You'll get an overview of constellations visible with the…

Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa

Most visitors to Vila Nova de Foz Côa come for one reason: to see its world-famous gallery of rock art. Although the park is currently an active research…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

From wine tasting to stargazing, experience the best of Portugal with this guide to the top things to do.

Things to Know

From what to wear to restaurants to the best way to get around, our Porto resident gives you the lowdown on things to know before you go to Portugal.

Transportation

From coastal train rides to DIY exploration with a hire car, here's how to get around Portugal.

Visa Requirements

All the info you need about getting a visa for Portugal, how long you can stay and the new visa-waiver program coming in 2024.

Money and Costs

From free museums to wonderful medieval architecture, it's possible to get by on as little as €50 a day in Portugal. Here's how.

Traveling with Kids

Children are welcomed everywhere you go in Portugal. Check out our top tips and the coolest experiences for your next family trip in Europe.

Best Road Trips

Throw together an Iberian soundtrack and you're ready to hit the open road in Portugal. Here are our top Portuguese road trips, from the hills to the coast.

Plan with a local

Experience the real Portugal

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Portugal

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Destination Practicalities

Feb 25, 2024 • 7 min read

Feb 23, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Dec 19, 2023 • 7 min read

Dec 18, 2023 • 5 min read

Dec 4, 2023 • 6 min read

Nov 17, 2023 • 7 min read

Nov 17, 2023 • 5 min read

Oct 24, 2023 • 5 min read

Aug 15, 2023 • 5 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Portugal

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Portugal with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Portugal and beyond

Portugal Itinerary 8 days (+ 7 to 10 days in Portugal Trip Planner)

Love it? Share it!

Are you planning a trip to Portugal? This detailed travel guide will be super handy in crafting your perfect Portugal itinerary 8 days, with options to extend the trip to 10 days. 

We have included everything from sightseeing ideas by day, where to stay, and what to eat, plus travel and packing tips. 

Portugal Itinerary 8 days + 7 to 10 days in Portugal Trip Planner

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

8 days in Portugal Itinerary plus ideas for 7 to 10 days in Portugal: A snapshot

• Day 1: Lisbon. Stay in Lisbon for 4 days at Sofitel Lisbon or easyHotel
• Day 2 : Lisbon/Belem 
• Day 3 : Sintra day trip
• Day 4 : Cascais + Cabo da Roca + Sintra Natural Park
• Day 5: Porto. Stay in Porto for 3 days at the Mercure Porto Centro 
• Day 6: Porto
• Day 7 : Douro Valley day trip
• Day 8 : Porto to Coimbra to Lisbon 
• Day 9 to 10: Algarve Region. Stay in Lagos for a night at Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda

Here are additional 7 to 8 day Portugal itinerary ideas covering the best of the northern region as well as the national capital city,

8 days in Portugal Itinerary: Northern Portugal Vacation

• Day 1 – 2: Porto
• Day 3 : Douro Valley wine region
• Day 4: Braga 
• Day 5: Guimares 
• Day 6 – 7 : Aviero and Costa Nova

8 days in Portugal Itinerary: National Capital City Region

• Day 1 – 3: Lisbon and Belem
• Day 4 : Sintra day trip
• Day 5: Cascais and Cabo da Roca 
• Day 6: Fatima
• Day 7 : Beach day in Nazare 
• Day 8 : Obidos day trip

7 days in Portugal Itinerary

• Day 4: Porto. Stay in Porto for 3 days at the Mercure Porto Centro 
• Day 5: Porto
• Day 6 : Douro Valley day trip
• Day 7 : Porto to Coimbra to Lisbon 

Access all of our Portugal Travel Guides here

Getting to Lisbon Portugal for your itinerary

Portugal Quick Facts:

• Capital city: Lisbon
• Currency: Euro
• Tourist Visa : Schengen
•  Language : Portuguese, but English is spoken

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal. It is the perfect destination to kick-start your Portugal itinerary. Lisbon is served by the Humberto Delgado Airport, aka Portela Airport.

It is an international airport and is located about 7 km (4.34 miles) northeast of the city centre of Lisbon. There are many convenient ways to get to the centre from the airport. 

The Lisbon Airport has a Metro (subway) station with a direct line to the city centre. The ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line takes you to downtown Lisbon in about 20 minutes. You can also hop on a bus, and get there in 45 minutes. And the tickets cost 4€.

If you prefer a taxi, it will be about 20€ and approximately 20 minutes to reach your destination. 

There are 2 major bus stations in Lisbon. Sete Rios is located close to the old historic town and offers bus connections to other cities in Portugal as well as to Spain. 

Gare do Oriente or Lisbon Oriente Station is a stunning bus station located in the Parque das Nações municipality of Lisbon. It is located near the airport.

You can use Lisbon Oriente Station to connect to Porto (high-speed trains) if you are using public transportation.

Note: This 8 days in Portugal itinerary can be used as a road trip itinerary as well.

Day 1 of Portugal Itinerary 8 days: Arrive in Lisbon & explore

Arrive in Lisbon Portugal, and check in to your hotel.

We stayed at the easyHotel Lisbon . It is a straightforward hotel, with tons of restaurants nearby as well. 

Another great plus is that the hotel is very close to Marquis de Pombal Square and most of the tours can be redeemed here – aka tour starting point. You can book your stay here

Hotel Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade is a great option. It is located close to the Praça do Comércio and the Tagus river, and we saw their property and will be definitely staying here next time. 

If you stay at the centre, you are minutes away from the tram station, and other modes of transportation. You can book your stay here

Where to stay in Lisbon : easyHotel Lisbon | Hotel Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade

After checking in, head to the Lisbon city centre. 

Chiado is a popular neighborhood to start your sightseeing in Lisbon. It is a very artistic area, filled with restaurants and centuries-old cafes and museums, and theatres. 

Known as the artists and creative people’s neighborhood, you will find statues of poets and writers sprinkled all across this neighborhood. You can stop at a cafe, and grab a bite to eat. If you arrived in Lisbon the day before, have breakfast at Café A Brasileira.

There is a statue of poet António Ribeiro at Chiado Square and this is a good spot to people-watch or capture the famous Lisbon tram going through the quarters. 

Chiado is located between the neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina. Bairro Alto is great for nightlife. Rua Garrett is the main street that runs from Baixa to Bairro Alto and is known for luxury shopping!

From Chiado, visit the Carmo Convent Ruins. Carmo Convent was the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This Catholic convent was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake and later left as is.

At this site, you can check out an archaeological museum called Museu Arqueológico do Carmo. This is also a beautiful spot for photos as it overlooks

One of the coolest and oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon is Alfama. There are quite a few beautiful viewpoints or Miradouros. 

Miradouro das Portas do Sol is an amazing viewpoint from where you can see the red roofs of Lisbon and the Tagus river. This is one of the most beautiful spots in Lisbon – it is just so pretty!

In the Alfama district, there is a Fado museum where you can see exhibitions and displays about fado. The entry fee for the museum is 5 euros. 

Alfama also houses 2 of the most iconic buildings in the city, one is the National Pantheon – a place where many prominent personalities are buried. 

The Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Lisbon. The church had undergone many renovations and survived numerous earthquakes.

Lastly, do explore the Sao Jorge Castle. It is a historic medieval castle dating back to the 8th century. São Jorge castle or Castelo de São Jorge is a must see attraction in Lisbon, and we recommend setting aside 1-2 hours to enjoy it at ease.

The castle is open every day from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm. The entry fee is 8.50 euros. 

Finish the night with dinner at the Praça do Comércio or the Comercio Square by the Tagus River/waterfront plaza. 

Day 2 of Portugal Itinerary 8 days: Lisbon/Belem sightseeing

On day 2 of your Portugal itinerary, start for the neighborhood of Belem after breakfast. You can take the train from Rossio or hop on a 24-hour sightseeing tour.  

The Belém area is home to the iconic Torre de Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, Jardim da Estrela, and the April 25 Bridge. 

The Monument of Discoveries will catch your attention as you approach the heart of Belem. This landmark structure was built in the mid 20th century to commemorate Portuguese sea discoveries of the 15 and 16th centuries

From here the Torre de Belém is located nearby. To access the tower, you have to pay an entry fee. You can still capture the beautiful river, and the tower from outside the gate (without going in). 

Near the Belem tower, you will find cafes and souvenir shops. 

The stunning 25 de April Bridge can be seen from the tower complex. 25 de Abril Bridge looks like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and is often compared to it. 

The date April 25 is to commemorate the date of the Portuguese revolution against dictatorship (Carnation Revolution).

On the other side of the bridge is the statue of the Sanctuary of Christ the King monument. Visiting Alamada is a half day trip in itself if you wish to head to the beach and discover cultural attractions. 

In the afternoon, head to the Jerónimos Monastery . The Jerónimos Monastery along with the Belem Tower is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This monastery was a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. 

Today it houses a Maritime Museum – Museu da Marinha dedicated to sea discoveries including tales of Vasco da Gama to India. Allot 1-2 hours at the complex. 

In the evening, explore the newer areas of Lisbon. Parque das Nações is one such area. Oceanário de Lisboa – the largest indoor oceanarium in Europe is located in the neighborhood. 

It was built on the site of the 1998 Expo and it is home to 8000 sea creatures. This is one of the most visited places in Lisbon. 

The tallest skyscraper of Lisbon is also located in the Parque das Nações. It is the Torre Vasco da Gama – a 145-metre tower. 

An alternate option is to watch a fado show. This 50 minute Fado in Chiado Show is a must in the city centre. Fado portrays Portuguese cultural nostalgia, pride, and hope in a unique colorful way. It is recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Experience of Humanity. 

Day 3 of Portugal Itinerary 8 days: Day trip to Sintra

As part of your 8 days in Portugal itinerary, you must visit the stunning Pena Palace in Sintra. Go on a relaxing day trip from Lisbon to Sintra , you can visit on a day tour (with options for multiple cities or nearby towns) or use the metro train system from Lisbon.

To reach Sintra via train, start from the Rossio Station in Lisbon city centre and take the train towards Belem. Sintra train station is 10 minutes away from the town center.

Here are the prime attractions that you must explore.

The Pena Palace is the famed bright yellow and red fairy tale like castle towering from the Sintra hills. The palace dates back to the 19 th century, and many tourists travel to Sintra just to explore the Pena Palace. 

A visit to the palace interiors is a must – we enjoyed the different architectural styles and materials used at the Pena Palace. Prices for visiting the interiors versus the park entry and gardens are slightly different. You can read out entire guide here 

Towering higher than the Pena Palace is the Moorish Castle of Sintra. From the castle, you can soak in views of the city of Sintra. Keep in mind that there is a lot of walking on the castle grounds. There is nothing of the “staterooms” left in the castle, just empty areas and easy to walk through.

Quinta da Regaleira is a beautiful complex set in stone work with romantic palaces and chapels and stunning initiation wells. It was home to wealthy businessmen in the 20 th century, and today is part of the UNESCO World heritage. 

After all the sightseeing don’t forget to settle in for a nice meal at the Sintra Town Center. Also, take the time to wander through the many pretty lanes of Sintra, whitewashed and some painted in yellow. 

Located in the town center is the Palace of Sintra . It is a well-preserved heritage house that was home to many different rulers and dynasties in the nearby Lisbon area. This is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and we are sure you will admire the beautiful staterooms. 

Often ignored by most tourists as the park and Palace of Monserrate is located further away from the town center, it is worth a visit if you are staying in town for a day or two, or just love Indian style gardens. The staterooms and palaces are small but beautiful.  

READ : Detailed 3 day Lisbon Itinerary

Day 4 of Portugal Itinerary 8 days: Cascais and Sintra Cascais National Park 

If you add a day tour from Lisbon to Sintra, you can check off Cascais and the National Park on day 3, but it will be very rushed. So we recommend adding an extra day to explore these 2 areas (also helpful if you are using public transportation or driving). 

We have included more sightseeing options including day trips from Lisbon , so feel free to swap this recommendation for any other. 

Never heard of Cascais? Cascais is a beautiful coastal resort town near Lisbon. 

From sandy beaches, a bustling marina to the historic old town, Cascais will melt your heart. During our visit, we loved relaxing at the beachside with a book and wandering the old town square.

There are lots of places to eat and stay in Cascais if you wish to extend your visit.

In Cascais visit the Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort and the Citadel Palace – a former royal retreat. 

You can reach Cascais by regional railway. The train departs from Lisbon (Cais do Sodre train station), and takes 30 to 40 minutes. 

Located near Cascais is the Sintra – Cascais National Park. It is part of the stunning coastline of Portugal and is home to Cabo da Roca . 

This is the westernmost tip of the European continent. The location is super stunning with the cliffs and the gushing waters with the lighthouse in the backdrop has been helping explorers over the centuries find their way!

Day 5 of Portugal Itinerary 8 days: Travel to Porto, and settle in for the next 4 days

To continue the next leg of your itinerary, head to Porto and stay there for 3 days. Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. 

Lisbon to Porto is about 272 km or 170 miles. It will take close to 3 hours to reach Porto by road. 

Public transportation takes an average of 2 hours and 46 minutes for high speed trains. Or regular services with about 14 trains per day, take over 3 hours. Tickets start at $95. 

You will arrive at the Campanhã station (the national railway station) from Lisbon’s Oriente Train Station. For subsequent connections (for day trips), use the São Bento train station in Porto that connects suburban railway lines.

This station is also one of the prettiest in the country, all decorated with beautiful Portuguese tiles – azulejos.

Porto is home to a UNESCO World Heritage centre, and with the charming views of the River Douro with its suspension bridge, you will have a gala time in this city. 

Where to stay in Porto? Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina

Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina is a beautiful 4-star property located at the historic centre. There is a restaurant onsite (with views). Rooms are of decent size and are wonderfully decorated. You can check out more photos here.

For your first day in Porto, after checking in to your hotel visit the colorful riverside promenade in Ribeira. This is an amazing place with bars and restaurants – perfect to grab a bite to eat or dine depending on your arrival time in Porto. 

If you arrive early into Porto, you can add sightseeing at the Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge, whilst taking in the gorgeous views of the river, and then catch the cable car down into Gaia.

You can check out port cellars and also cellar tours and tastings if interested.

Day 6 of Portugal Itinerary 8 days: Explore more of Porto

There are a lot of things to do in Porto . 

Visit the Sé do Porto Cathedral,  Episcopal Palace, Praça da Liberdade, and the Torre dos Clerigos Tower in the first half of the day. 

Start the day by exploring the expansive complex of the Porto Cathedral (or Sé do Porto) . It is a National Monument, located in the upper part of the city in Porto. The cathedral grounds look like a medieval fortress from the exteriors. Its construction dates back to the 12th century. 

Located close to the Cathedral is the Paço Episcopal or the Episcopal Palace . This was a Bishop’s Palace (residence), and today it is part of the UNESCO Heritage Site in Porto.  

The palace dominates the skyline of Porto, as it is located on an elevation. You can access both these sites with a combined ticket of the cathedral and the palace.

From the upper town, head to the lower town to the central square – Praça da Liberdade . You must have caught a glimpse of this site on day 5, but set aside a few hours in the afternoon to intimately explore the square, eat out and take photos. 

Praça da Liberdade has a central monument dedicated to King Peter IV. Along the square, there are banks, hotels, restaurants, and offices housed inside vintage/heritage buildings. The City Hall is also located here, and many of the free Porto walking tours also commence at the square. 

There are metro stations located nearby as well to connect to other areas.

Up next is the Clérigos Church, which is a Baroque church. The church along with the bell tower is one of the tallest in the city. The Torre dos Clérigos (the tower) can be seen from most parts of the city and is one of the iconic symbols of Porto.

A few minutes from the Church is the stunning Livraria Lello bookshop . Harry Potter fans should definitely visit his neo-gothic bookshop which inspired JK Rowling as she penned her books. 

Don’t forget to capture the stunning staircase inside.

Day 7 of Portugal Itinerary 8 days: Douro Valley wine region

On the 7th day of the Portugal itinerary go on a Douro Valley day trip.

We recommend this Get Your Guide Originals Tour that starts from the Porto centre, and takes you to the wine valley (in a comfortable minivan). 

As part of this day tour , round trip transportation is included, along with wine tastings and a traditional Portuguese lunch. You will be enjoying panoramic views of the vineyards as you travel through Northern Portugal.

Wine tasting at the Douro is the highlight of the tour, as you relish some of the finest Port wines. This tour is really good value for money, as it also includes a scenic 1-hour river cruise along the beautiful Douro River, and gives you free time to capture the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can book a Douro Valley tour here

More ideas for day trips from Porto

If you wish to swap the wine valley tour, consider taking day trips to Aveiro (known as Portugal’s Venice), Guimaraes, or Braga, with its hilltop sanctuary Bom Jesus do Monte.

We have included a more detailed itinerary for the northern region below.

Day 8 of Portugal Itinerary 8 days: Porto to Coimbra to Lisbon

This is the final day of 8 days in Portugal. Use it as a travel day to reach Lisbon (to fly back) via Coimbra. 

Coimbra is a beautiful riverfront city , located in central Portugal. So it is a good stop between Porto and Lisbon (highly recommend it if you are on a Portugal road trip itinerary). 

For trains, we recommend hopping on the Express train to Coimbra from Porto and arriving in the city in 1 hour or so. 

Coimbra was Portugal’s former capital, and on a quick day trip visit the medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest in Europe.

The 12th-century Romanesque cathedral Sé Velha is also located in the old town. You can easily find restaurants and souvenir shops at the centre before you make your way to Lisbon.

Arrive in Lisbon by evening. Coimbra to Lisbon is 2 hours by road, and 3+ hours by train. 

Don’t forget to book your hotel for the night. Stay at Sofitel Lisbon or easyHotel

Optional 9 to 10 days in Portugal Itinerary: Algarve Region

If you have additional time in the country, add an Algarve Portugal itinerary for 2 days. 

Although Lisbon and Algarve are about 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours away (depending on the mode of transport), we recommend staying overnight for one day. Trains are the most efficient mode of transportation between these 2 Portuguese destinations, if you are not renting a car. 

Stay in Lagos for the night. Hotel Recommendation: Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda

This hotel is an oceanfront property and is perfect for the night (or two).

The Algarve region is known for its history with Moor-style buildings, sandy beaches, stunning harbors, and picturesque turquoise water. 

Spend a day visiting the popular Marinha Beach in the Algarve. Praia da Rocha and Armação de Pêra are also great options to consider.

If you wish to hike, head to the Seven Hanging Valleys trail for a full day or opt for a shorter route to accommodate beach and resort town wandering time!

Read : Detailed 10 days in Portugal Itinerary

8 days in Portugal Itinerary: Ultimate Northern Portugal Itinerary

With 8 days in Portugal, you can also focus on a particular region and explore charming cities and towns in the area. We will share an epic Portugal vacation for the north!

Day 1 to 2 : Start in Porto, and spend 2 days there. Explore all the iconic landmarks from the Porto Cathedral to Clerigos Tower, Ribeira, and beyond. 

Do include the 6 Bridges cruise to your Porto itinerary . 

Day 3: Thereafter proceed with a day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto.

Day 4 : Visit Braga on a day trip from Porto . The travel time between the two cities is 40 minutes by car. 

Braga is one of the oldest cities in Portugal, and it has some beautiful architecture and interesting historical sites. In addition to its history, there are plenty of things to do in the area such as museums, galleries, shopping, and restaurants. 

There are also outdoor activities to enjoy, including hiking and cycling.

The Bom Jesus Sanctuary in Braga is one of the most popular attractions, with its impressive Baroque-style architecture and incredible views overlooking the city. 

The summit of the hill features numerous caves, chapels, fountains, grottoes, lakes, lookout points, and hotels. You will also find many walking, biking, and hiking trails in the surrounding hills. 

Don’t forget to ride the Bom Jesus Funicular to get up there!

In the heart of Braga lies the charming Cathedral which dates back to the 16th century. It is a Roman Catholic church and is also the oldest cathedral in Portugal. 

Other attractions in Braga include the gorgeous blue and white Casa do Raio (Palácio do Raio), Igreja Misericórdia, Jardim de Santa Barbara (garden), and more. 

Braga is also home to a historic city gate – Arco da Porta Nova , a Baroque and Neoclassical arch, dating back to the late 18th century. Don’t miss out on the gate on your way in or out of the city. 

Day 5 : Next day make your way to Guimares – a city in Northern Portugal with a history stretching back over centuries. It is thought to be the birthplace of the nation itself, and its ancient castle stands as a testament to this rich heritage. 

Guimares offers visitors an array of activities that range from cultural attractions such as museums and churches to outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and sightseeing. 

You can surely visit Braga and Guimares on the same day, but having an extra day will be nice to enjoy the Old Town attractions, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site.

The old town is filled with winding cobblestone streets lined with traditional cafés, restaurants, and shops. Here you can find everything from handmade crafts to locally made wines. 

One of the most popular attractions in Guimares is the Castle of Guimarães . The castle was built in the 10th century, and it is a massive medieval military fortification. 

There are exhibits that you can check out inside the castle, and the views from the castle walls are gorgeous!

The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza is another medieval landmark that is worth visiting in Guimares. It was the former residence of the first Dukes of Braganza. 

It dates back to the 15th century. Inside the palace are permanent exhibits and rooms that you can visit. 

In the heart of Old Town Guimares, admire the Largo da Oliveira located in the square. The area is very beautiful with a church –  Igreja da Oliveira , and lots of outdoor cafes and restaurants where you can hang out and enjoy a meal. 

Another lovely square and route are the O Largo República do Brasil, with a beautiful garden view. 

There are lots of places to go hiking in and around Guimares. You can get on the Penha Cable Car from Guimares to get to the mountain top and enjoy lovely views of the city below. 

Day 6 – 7 : Spend the next 2 days in the city of Aveiro , and then take a trip to Costa Nova beach. 

Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal due to its network of canals, is a unique place with its beautiful architecture, cobbled streets lined with colorful homes, and charming bridges over canals. 

From the city center you can take a Moliceiro boat tour through the canals and learn about the city’s history. 

Attractions in the centre include the Aveiro Forum, museums such as Averio Museum, City Museum, and the Museu de Arte Nova. Museu Histórico da Vista Alegre (ceramic factory) is also worth a visit. 

One of the coolest things to experience near Aviero is the salt flats. You can book a tour to see them as well (Salinas de Aveiro)

The nearby Costa Nova beach is a great place to relax and take in the beautiful blue waters of the Atlantic ocean. Its golden sandy beaches make for sandcastle-building, sunbathing, and swimming. 

There are plenty of restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes where you can enjoy your lunch looking out onto the ocean. There is also a long pier where you can take a walk and watch the sun go down in the evening.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed vacation, Aveiro and Costa Nova beach is the perfect place to go. Both these places can be explored on a day trip from Porto as well, but we recommend spending 2 days to intimately explore it!

Day 8 : On day 8, make the return journey to Lisbon to fly out. You can stop in Coimbra for sightseeing if you like. There is a luggage storage option near the Coimbra B Station where you can keep your bags while sightseeing, and then catch a train to Lisbon. 

8 days in Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon City and nearby towns

We will cover another 8 day Portugal itinerary with a focus on Lisbon, and nearby areas. 

• Day 7 : Beach day in Nazaré

For a first time visitor, this is perfect as one can explore the capital city, iconic landmarks such as Pena national palace or Palacio Nacional da Pena and Cabo da Roca, and a mix of beaches, and cultural and religious sites!

This itinerary can be done by keeping Lisbon as a base and doing on day trips using a mix of public transportation and tours. Or you can stay in the Belem area and then use a rental car to explore all the destinations listed. 

Day 1 – 3 : Spend 3 days in Lisbon, exploring the city’s historic sights and attractions. 

Set aside one day to explore Belem neighborhood. Visit Jerominos monastery, Belem tower, Monument of Discoveries, and the cool LX Factory . 

Day 4: Visit Sintra , on a day trip from Lisbon. Explore the iconic Palacio Nacional da Pena, Quinta de Regaleira, Moorish Castle, town centre, and more. There are a lot of day tours that you can choose for your transportation and ease of sightseeing. 

Day 5 : Visiting Cascais and Cabo da Roca from Lisbon are easily done by car or train. The quickest option is to rent a car, but the train is also convenient and takes about 30 minutes to reach your destination.

Located just 31 km (20 miles) away, Cascais, a small fishing village has become a popular day trip destination in Portugal. It is best known for its beautiful beaches, where you can relax and go swimming or sunbathing. 

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants, as well as a lively market selling fresh produce and local handicrafts.

Cabo da Roca is located just outside of Cascais and is known for being the westernmost point in all of Europe. Here, you can take stunning photos from high cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 6 : The city of Fatima , located about 125 km (77 miles) north of Lisbon, is a great place to visit for those who are interested in religious history and pilgrimage.

Reaching Fatima from Lisbon is relatively easy and can be done by car or public transport. The quickest option is to rent a car, which will take about one and a half hours. 

Fatima is most well-known for being home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima , which attracts thousands of Catholic pilgrims each year. 

The Sanctuary complex includes several chapels, basilicas, and monuments, as well as a museum containing religious artifacts.

Day 7 : The coastal town of Nazaré is a great place to visit from Lisbon. 

Located about 122 km (76 miles) north of the capital, this fishing village is known for its stunning beaches and unique culture. 

Getting to Nazare from Lisbon is relatively easy and can be done by car (1 hour and 30 minutes) or bus (2+ hours). 

Nazare’s two main attractions are its beachfront promenade and nearby cliffs with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean like the North Beach (Praia do Norte) . 

You can enjoy a stroll along the promenade, watch the sunset over the horizon, or try one of Nazare’s famous seafood restaurants.

The town also offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, such as surfing and paragliding . 

Day 8 : The town of Obidos is a great place to visit from Lisbon. It is best known for its beautiful medieval castle and winding cobblestone streets.

Reaching Obidos from Lisbon is easy by bus or by car (about an hour). Buses are much cheaper to get there.

As soon as you enter the town, you will see the beautiful Porta da Vila (gate), then make your way into the narrow lanes – soak in the view of the charming brightly painted houses, colorful flower pots, shops, and cafes. 

Stop at a cherry liquor store (ginjha) and give it a try!

One of the main attractions in Obidos is the imposing 12th-century castle, and it is open to visitors. We recommend visiting the castle interiors. 

You must also walk through the castle walls for a lovely view of the town and the surroundings around it!

Extending your trip: 2 weeks in Portugal Itinerary

Want to see more of Portugal and you got 14 days? Here is a suggested 2 week in Portugal itinerary with or without a car.

Day 1 – 3: Explore the city of Lisbon along with Belem in 3 days 

Day 4 : Visit Sintra on a day trip

Day 5 –  6 : Start for Porto from Lisbon (by train or car rental). Once in Porto, spend 2 days exploring the city highlights and viewpoints. Don’t miss out on Gaia

Day 7: Join a Duoro Valley wine day tour

Day 8: Explore both Braga and Guimares on a day trip . Explore Bom Jesus, and Braga Cathedral, have lunch, and then travel to Guimares. Visit the Castle of Guimares and the Palace of Braganza. Hit the charming old town square and the Largo da república do Brasil (avenue). 

Day 9: On day 9, return to Lisbon with a stop in Coimbra 

Day 10: Travel to Lagos Algarve from Lisbon (set aside extra time if traveling by public transportation). Plan to stay at the centre to explore the town on your first day here

Day 11 – 13 : Explore more of Lagos including taking a day trip to the Benagil Caves in the Algarve

Day 14: Return to Lisbon (with an optional half-day tour of Fatima)

Best Portugal Tours and Experiences

Portugal has much to explore and discover. From natural landscapes to vibrant cities, there is something for everyone here. Whether you’re looking for a city break, beach holiday, or adventure trip – Portugal has it all!

If you’re looking for the best tours and experiences in Portugal, here are some of our top picks:

Lisbon City Tour : Explore the sights and sounds of Portugal’s vibrant capital. See iconic landmarks such as St George’s Castle, Belem Tower, and Jeronimos Monastery. You can join a Tuk Tuk tour such as this one , or an Essentials History tour covering the best sights on foot

Douro Valley Wine Tour : Enjoy a day trip to the famous Douro Valley from Porto, renowned for its stunning vineyards and wine production. Visit the local wineries and sample some of Portugal’s finest wines. This is a full day tour with round-trip transportation, samplings, a one-hour river cruise, and more.

Porto Tour: Explore the vibrant city of Porto and its surroundings on this guided tour . See iconic landmarks such as Clerigos Tower, Sao Bento train station, and the city’s many bridges over the Douro River. 

6 Bridges Cruise : One of the must-do activities in Porto is to join an hour of sightseeing cruise that takes on the Douro River to see the 6 bridges and learn about its history. It is also one of the cheapest tours to take in the city.

Algarve Coast Tour: Explore some of the best beaches in Europe on a coastal tour . Enjoy views of dramatic cliffs juxtaposed with soft sandy bays, as well as amazing wildlife along the way.

Azores Island Tour : Take a multi-day tour of the beautiful Azores Islands and discover their unique culture, cuisine, and landscapes. Visit small fishing villages, lush forests, volcanic craters, and grassy hillsides. Don’t miss the gorgeous São Miguel Island!

These are just some of the incredible tours available in Portugal – there are many more to explore! From cooking classes , sunset cruises, and food to fado tours, there is so much to see and do in this amazing country!

Transportation in Portugal 

When traveling to Portugal, there are various transportation options available. 

Trains are one of the most popular modes of transport in Portugal, with numerous routes connecting all major cities across the country. 

The train network is well-developed and efficient, allowing you to reach many places quickly and easily.

If you prefer more flexibility, consider renting a car. We will cover more details below. 

Trams are another great option for getting around in Portugal. They’re mainly concentrated in the major cities, with Lisbon and Porto having good tram networks. 

Buses are also a great option for reaching places that the train or tram network doesn’t reach, and they’re usually quite cost-effective.

Taxis are available in most cities and can be a convenient way to get around if you don’t want to use public transport. However, they can be more expensive than other forms of travel. 

If you want to explore Portugal by water, there are several river cruises available . These range from one hour sightseeing cruises and day trips to extended tours lasting multiple days, allowing you to explore Portugal in a unique way.

Overall, there is a range of transportation options available for traveling in Portugal. Which one you choose will depend on where you want to go, how much time you have, and your budget. 

Car Rental in Portugal: Road Trip Tips

When traveling in Portugal, renting a car is one of the best ways to explore the country. 

Although public transportation is available, it can be slow and limited and the ability to go where you want when you want is much more convenient with your own vehicle.

Portugal has good roads compared to many European countries and driving in the major cities is relatively easy. The highway system is well-developed, with highways connecting most of the major cities. 

In rural areas, roads are generally good but some may be winding and narrow in places so it’s important to drive carefully. Watch out for livestock on the roads.

Before going on a road trip to Portugal, there are a few things you should be aware of. The speed limit in Portugal is 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (56 mph), and 120km/h (74 mph) on motorways. Always remember to watch for signs and respect the speed limits.

It’s important to also be aware of parking regulations in urban areas as it can be difficult to find public parking spaces, so you may have to pay for a private space.

Reserve Car Rental: Prepare Ahead

If you need a car rental, we recommend comparing and checking prices on Discovercars.com to book yours.

Overall, renting a car in Portugal is a great way to explore the country and its beautiful landscapes. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the speed limit, parking regulations, and other road rules before you set off on your journey.

Note: The emergency number in Portugal is 112.

Additional Portugal Travel Tips

Here are some useful tips to help plan your trip to Portugal (or Europe if this is your first ever visit to the continent), 

• Travel Documents: Portugal is located in Europe, and is a European Union member. Travelers with US – United States or Canadian passports can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. Non-visa-exempt passport holders have to apply for a Schengen Visa prior to visiting Portugal. 
• Travel Insurance: Don’t forget to insure your trip against medical emergencies, cancellations, and delays. Check out free insurance quotes here from Safety Wing
• Budget for Portugal : Portugal is pretty affordable when it comes to meals, and transport and you can easily find accommodation or a hotel at a budget rate. Plan to spend around $85 to $100 USD per person per day (depending on the season, and hotel luxury level)
• When is the best time to visit Portugal: Portugal is best explored during shoulder seasons – spring or autumn (September and October). During this time the weather is not super hot, and it is perfect for sightseeing. If you are planning to hit the Algarve region, plan to head there in the winter time. 
• Pastéis de Nata (sweet) : Egg custard tart
• Bifana: This is sautéed marinated pork inside a roll
• Portuguese Francesinha Sandwich (bread and ham) 
• Sardinhas (fish)
• Piri Piri Chicken: This is an Algarvian specialty. Chicken cooked on a hot grill brushed with Piri Piri sauce
• Ham (try ham roll or sandwich – so yummy)
• Azeitão Cheese (made from raw sheep’s milk)
• Ginjinha (liquor) 

At a minimum, one week in Portugal is enough to explore two of the main cities – Lisbon and Porto (2 days each, one day travel time), and then set aside 1 day each to venture on day trips. We have a suggested one week Portugal itinerary below,  Portugal Itinerary 7 days Day 1 & 2 : Arrive in Lisbon, explore Day 3: Day trip to Sintra Day 4 & 5 : Travel to Porto, explore Day 6: Day trip to the Douro Valley or Aveiro  Day 7 : Travel back to Lisbon from Porto with a stop in Coimbra

The best time to explore Portugal is in the months of early spring and autumn (September and October). During this time the temperature is perfect for being outdoors and going sightseeing minus large crowds. The weather is not hot at this time. Many prefer visiting beach towns in Portugal to beat the winter blues in Europe. Note that November is the rainy season in Portugal.

Here is a 10 day Portugal itinerary, Day 1: Lisbon. Stay in Lisbon for 4 days at Sofitel Lisbon or easyHotel Day 2 : Lisbon/Belem  Day 3 : Sintra day trip Day 4 : Cascais + Cabo da Roca + Sintra Natural Park Day 5: Porto. Stay in Porto for 3 days at the Mercure Porto Centro  Day 6: Porto Day 7 : Douro Valley day trip Day 8 : Porto to Coimbra to Lisbon  Day 9 to 10: Algarve Region (Stay in Lagos) and explore the popular beaches, go on hikes

5 days in Portugal can be well spent by staying in the capital city and going on day trips. Or just focusing on the two major cities. Here are two samples for Portugal itinerary 5 days  Portugal Itinerary 5 days – Lisbon and day trips Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, and explore the old town area Day 2 : Lisbon/Belem  Day 3 : Sintra day trip Day 4 : Day trip to Cascais + Cabo da Roca + Sintra Natural Park Day 5: Day trip to Fatima or Obidos  Optional: You can also spend 2 days in the Algarve region instead of Cascais (day 4), and day 5 listed above. Portugal Itinerary 5 days – Lisbon and Porto combination Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, explore the old town area Day 2 : Lisbon/Belem  Day 3 : Explore Sintra in the morning, and then travel to Porto in the evening Day 4 : Porto sightseeing  Day 5: Half-day Porto exploration, and leave/fly out 

As compared to countries like Iceland, Switzerland or France and the UK, Portugal is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. It is also a complete package with amazing cities full of history, and architecture, and a stunning coastline and cuisine.  We recommend booking a trip in February or September/October to take advantage of lower hotel and Airbnb prices (starts at $30 USD per night). Food is affordable, and the weather is very pleasant at this time. 

You must not miss the fascinating cities in Portugal, particularly Lisbon which is a great spot to appreciate maritime history, soak amazing city views, and of course, don’t skip their beaches and delicious food!

We hope you found this post useful in planning your itinerary. You can also use this Portugal travel guide in the form of a road trip, and customize the sightseeing spots as per your personal taste. 

Portugal is one of our favorite countries in the world, and we are sure you will have an amazing time!

Pin: How to spend 8 days in Portugal: Portugal Itinerary Planner

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 40+ countries.

Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world particularly Europe, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. 

She has lived in Portugal, Canada and India.

Similar Posts

20 Epic Balkan Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

The Balkans are an amazing region in the European continent. It is one of those destinations where scenic drives, varied landscapes, and cultural gems are found aplenty. We have a lot of our readers request an epic Balkan Road trip itinerary, so we got together with other travelers and compiled these 20 sample trips for…

Southern Spain Itinerary: 7 days in Andalusia itinerary with or without a car

Southern Spain, also known as Andalusia is a region of Spain that you should visit if you love beaches, history, and culture. If you are looking for an affordable vacation spot in Europe, then look no further than our Southern Spain itinerary 7 days. With 7 days in Andalusia, you can soak in the amazing…

Central Europe Itinerary 2 weeks: Munich Prague Vienna Budapest Bratislava

European countries are so very charming and they pull us like a magnet. We love visiting Europe for its history, culture, cobblestone lanes, food, and overall vintage vibes. Here is a look at our first Central Europe itinerary 2 weeks. We chose Munich Prague Vienna Budapest Bratislava for a reason. Budget and history were the…

One Day in Belfast Itinerary: See Belfast in a day

Planning a trip to the birthplace of the Titanic? Here is the perfect one day in Belfast itinerary that checks off the important landmarks, and sites. Even if you have just a day in Belfast, be assured it will be a wonderful experience that will leave you wanting to come back again. That said, in…

One Day in Porto Itinerary: Explore Porto in a day

Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s most charming destinations. Situated on the Douro River, Porto is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious food and wine. In this one day in Porto itinerary, you will explore the city’s many sights, including the Cathedral of Porto, the Palacio da Bolsa, and…

15 Best Souvenirs From Porto: Souvenirs for all

If you are wondering what the best souvenirs from Porto, Portugal are, we have you covered! In northern Portugal lies an unmistakable treasure, a city brimming with tourist attractions like eccentric galleries, museums, and buzzing streets. Porto, perched on the banks of the magnificent Douro River, is an undisputed drawcard for locals and visitors, not…

One Comment

Thank you for your detail and various itineraries. In another life I will be a travel writer.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Portugal Trip Planner

Top destinations in portugal.

Top attractions in Portugal

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

• Mira de Aire
• Porto de Mos
• Torres Novas
• Marinha Grande
• Entroncamento
• Ferreira do Zezere
• Vila Nova da Barquinha
• Vieira de Leiria
• Sao Pedro de Moel
• Figueiro dos Vinhos

All related maps of Portugal

• Map of Portugal
• Map of Ourem
• Map of Fatima
• Map of Sao Mamede
• Map of Leiria
• Map of Batalha
• Map of Milagres
• Map of Mira de Aire
• Map of Porto de Mos
• Map of Alvados
• Map of Minde
• Map of Tomar
• Map of Maceira
• Map of Torres Novas
• Map of Pombal
• Map of Alvaiazere
• Map of Alcanena
• Map of Marinha Grande
• Map of Entroncamento
• Map of Ferreira do Zezere
• Map of Vila Nova da Barquinha
• Map of Dornes
• Map of Pataias
• Map of Vieira de Leiria
• Map of Alcobaca
• Map of Golega
• Map of Constancia
• Map of Alcanede
• Map of Sao Pedro de Moel
• Map of Figueiro dos Vinhos
• Map of Alcobertas

Portugal throughout the year

• Portugal in January
• Portugal in February
• Portugal in March
• Portugal in April
• Portugal in May
• Portugal in June
• Portugal in July
• Portugal in August
• Portugal in September
• Portugal in October
• Portugal in November
• Portugal in December

Q&A about Portugal

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

How to Spend One Week in Portugal: The Perfect Portugal Itinerary

Planning your trip to Portugal and not sure where to start? Use this step-by-step Portugal itinerary packed with everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip.

So you’re travelling to Portugal and are looking for the perfect Portugal itinerary?

This one week in Portugal guide will help you plan your getaway: complete with a day-by-day itinerary of places to see, things to do and where to stay for each destination.

Don’t get me started talking about Portugal. Each trip I’ve taken (ten, but who’s counting) to this striking country has made me appreciate it just that little bit more.

It might be small, but Portugal is both fiercely proud and boasts a unique culture that is guaranteed to have you coming back for more. So much so that it’s a running joke with my buddies that if I ever disappear off the radar, Portugal will be the first place that they look.

Anyway. Enough of all that. Let’s get to it: the ultimate one week Portugal itinerary.

Portugal Itinerary Days 1-2: Porto

Portugal is a long and skinny country so it makes sense to start near the top and work your way down to the bottom during your trip.

Beautiful Porto sits at the end of the Rio Douro, an enchanting maze of hilly streets, the houses and shops clustered around narrow walkways begging for you to get lost in.

Lisbon may well be making a name for itself as one of the coolest destinations in Europe but Porto should not be overlooked. In fact I *may* just prefer it to the capital… just.

This effortlessly endearing city boasts a relatively quiet and easily walkable center, which includes the UNESCO heritage Ribeira District.

Things to do in Porto

Take a walking tour of the city.

Porto’s centre is easily walkable, so I think that taking a few hours to walk around the city is the perfect start to your time in Portugal. Meander through narrow lanes and twisting streets.

Most of the city’s must-sees are within striking distance of each other. The UNESCO-listed Ribera district should be at the top of your list.

Must-Sees: Clérigos Church and its iconic tower, Lello Bookstore (which is said to have inspired JK Rowling for Harry Potter), Cathedral Se, the old city walls, Sao Bento station (with its beautiful Portuguese azulejos tiles), the Dom Luis I bridge and opulent Igreja de Sao Francisco.

I’m a sucker for learning about the history and culture of a destination so I almost always book onto a guided tour when I arrive in a city .

Take a Port House Tour

I’ll level with you, you can’t visit Porto without paying homage to the city’s most famous export: port.

There are several Port houses in Porto, mostly clustered in the Gaia area: take a guided tour and sample the tipples to learn about the fortified wine (you’re tasting for purely informational purposes of course).

I’d recommend booking a Port wine tour , which visits two port houses, with tastings and food pairings at each.

Food + Drink

Popular port houses include : Sandeman I Taylor’s I Graham’s I Cockburn’s

Dinner at Restaurant DOP

I’m a huge fan of famous Portuguese chef Rui Paula’s food. Paula’s high-end Portuguese restaurant, DOP is the place to treat yourself to a delicious meal out in Porto. Paula showcases the very best Portuguese ingredients in a minimalist setting

Party at Hard Club

Part club, part concert venue, Hard Club is one of Porto’s coolest spots. Don’t arrive too early (before midnight) and prepare to stay until the early hours.

Hop on the Tram

Hop onto the tram line number 1 close to Praca do Infante Square. The old-school tram is the perfect way to see a different side of the city, it rattles its way through alongside the Douro river towards the coast, dropping you off into Foz do Douro.

Once there, stop off at Casa de Pasto da Palmeira for petiscos (Portuguese small plates) at affordable prices.

Visit the Mercado do Bolhão

Step into history at the Mercado do Bolhao. The market opened in 1914 and has been feeding the city within its rather spectacular walls ever since. Trust me when I say that you should make room in your suitcase, because you’re going to want to bring some of this food home.

Hang Out at Baixa

The neighbourhood of Clerigos is brimming with bars and nightspots – join the throng for a few tipples at Baixa. The cocktails are divine.

Practical Information for Porto

Getting to porto.

Fly into Porto’s Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport if you can, otherwise you can fly into Lisbon and take the train (the journey takes just under three hours).

Suggested Stay for Porto: The Yeatman

A luxury wine hotel in Gaia with stupendous views out over the Douro and central Porto. This is one of Porto’s best hotels and certainly one of its most stylish.

The Yeatman is a personal favourite I’ve stayed in a few times and easily could stay in a few times more! Even if you can’t stay, splash out on a meal in their Michelin-starred restaurant.

Check prices at The Yeatman. Not up for The Yeatman? Search for accommodation in Porto

If You Have Extra Time: The Douro Valley

Take a trip into the Douro Valley to tour the vineyards. Producing the Port from which Porto takes its name, you can also take the opportunity to try the vineyards’ stellar wine. 

You’ll need at least a day to visit: you can visit the Douro Valley on a day trip from Porto (this one is great) but it’s even better to spend a night in the valley. 

Bed down in luxury at the Six Senses , both the views and the rooms are divine.

I cannot rave enough about the food at DOC , the sister restaurant to DOP in Porto I mentioned earlier in this guide. Chef Rui Paula turns out absolutely incredible contemporary Portuguese dishes in an idyllic setting on the banks of the Rio Douro. Don’t miss it. 

Portugal Itinerary Days 3-4: Lisbon

It’s time to move on to the next stop in your Portugal itinerary. Our destination? Lisbon , Portugal’s beautiful and surprisingly laid back capital.

I’ve visited Lisbon time and time again and it never fails to make me love it just that little bit more…

Relatively affordable, delicious food (wear stretchy pants) and a buzzing nightlife – it’s the cool kid that everyone can’t help but love. It’s also where you’re going to be spending the next three days, so settle in and enjoy the ride.

Things to do in Lisbon

Hop on a sidecar tour of lisbon.

You know how I said that I liked to take a walking tour when I visited a new city. Scrap that. I took this vintage sidecar tour when I was in Lisbon and it was some of the most fun I had in the city.

Toot toot, beep beep!

Who doesn’t love whizzing around the city tucked into the sidecar of a vintage motorbike with a cooler than cool Lisboeta dude telling you about all the secret spots, bags of history and taking you to the best panoramic points in the city? It was 100% one of the highlights of my Portugal itinerary. 

I’m not going to lie, I basically rave about this tour to anyone I know that is visiting Lisbon, and right now, that includes you.

The tour is completely tailor-made, so if there’s stuff you’re not that interested in, are desperate to see, or have already seen, you can just let your guide know at the beginning of the trip.

To be honest, some of the best bits of the tour where he took me to places I had no idea about before (I realise that sounds a bit 70 Mills & Boon lol). I’m still sworn to secrecy about a lovely local cafe that served THE BEST CAKES. Mmmn cake. Anyway, moving on.

Book your sidecar tour

Dine at Cervejaria Ramiro

I’m guessing that you are going to be pretty hungry after your whirlwind tour of Lisboa, so do like the locals do and head to Cervejaria Ramiro for a traditional Portuguese seafood lunch.

If you’re a seafood-lover (me! me! I love seafood!), you are going to love your trip to Portugal. There are few European countries where seafood plays such a huge role in the national cuisine.

So why Cervejaria Ramiro? For one, the traditional setting couldn’t feel any more Portuguese – it’s filled with clusters, brisk waiters with a cheeky glint in their eye, but the seafood is the real star of the show. Lobster, langoustines, oysters, all freshly caught and simply prepared.

Be prepared to queue during peak hours.

Check out my review of Cervejaria Ramiro

Explore Alfama

Head to Alfama in the afternoon, when the area’s narrow lanes and tall buildings catch the hues of the golden Lisboeta light.

Alfama is one of the few areas of the city that wasn’t destroyed in the earthquake of 1755, so it’s a chance to see the Lisbon of a period that has been largely erased.

Alfama could be described as the centerpiece of the Lisbon of times past – fado music and dancing, ginjinha – it’s the beating heart of them all. 

Pop into the Museo do Fado to learn about the history of the much-loved music,

If you can – go to the Portos dos Sol for sunset – the views of the city are pretty wow-worthy.

Other must-see spots in Alfama : Cathedral Se, Castelo de Sao Jorge.

Have a Meal at Bairro Avillez

First up, time to fill up. We’re headed for Bairro Avillez .  

Chef Jose Avillez is another stellar Portuguese chef with a whopping seven restaurants dotted across the city (another has just opened as I’m writing this).

How has one chef come to dominate Lisbon’s culinary scene?

It’s simple, he makes banging dishes that make you happy to part with your cash and sad that your stomach isn’t actually a bottomless pit and at some point you’re going to have to stop eating the tasty, tasty food.

I received the tip to go to Bairro Avillez from the PR at the Four Seasons and believe me, that was a woman who knew every single restaurant in Lisbon and wasn’t afraid to be frank about her opinions on each (thanks Catarina).

Jazz at Hot Clube de Portugal

Hot Clube de Portugal has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best jazz clubs in the world. I first visited as a (mildly pretentious) 17 year old and it’s still my evening destination of choice several (I mean several) years later.

See the Sights in Belem

Sun drenched Belem is home to big-hitter after big-hitter. A few kilometres out of the centre, it’s the elaborate playground of times past. Few places have been shaped more by Portugal’s Age of the Discoveries.  

From the Gothic Manueline architectural fantasy of the Monastery of San Jeronimo to the stalwart Belem Tower and striking Monument to the Discoveries , this is an area packed with history. 

Oh, and it’s the place to snap up the sweet, flaky and impossibly moreish pasteis de nata – they’re said to originate from the Pasteis de Belem , where you can still buy them today.

If, like me, you’re at least 50% driven by food, you are going to want to block out some time in your diary to visit.

Queues to takeaway can be long – my insider’s tip is to go and sit inside, there’s often no wait time and you can be tucking into your pasteis in a matter of minutes.

Spend Time in LX Factory

An old textile factory that’s turned into one of Lisbon’s biggest hipster hangouts? Sign me up!

LX Factory is a cool conglomeration of indie businesses, including shops, restaurants and bars housed in industrial-chic quarters.

It’s not that hard to see why this has become one of the city’s popular hangouts: the street art is off the hook and the food (yes, food again, it’s always food with me) is fab. There’s even a shop dedicated to cheesecake.

LX Factory, Why You Need to Visit Lisbon’s Hipster Hangout

Go Street Art Hunting

Lisbon is one of the big destinations on the street art scene, thanks to a roster of talented home-grown artists and lots of creative spaces for them to show off their skills.

Hotspots include LX Factory (above), Calcada de Gloria, Rua das Gaviotas and Avenida Conselheiro Fernando de Sousa. 

Get ahead by booking onto a street art tour

Eat Your Way Around Time Out Market Lisbon

The international arbiters of urban culture and cool, Time Out opened their first market in Lisbon in 2014.

Safe to say, it’s been drawing in the punters ever since. Many of Lisbon’s hottest restaurants and chefs have bagged a spot in the ever-changing rotation.

I’m a total sucker for a well-curated food market. 

The chance to have a small plate from a few different restaurants is a great experience, particularly when I’m trying to see the best of Portugal in 7 days and have a limited number of meals in each city.

My biggest tip? Go hungry and dine well.

Practical Information for Lisbo n

Getting to Lisbon

I’d recommend getting up and getting on with the journey from Porto to Lisbon as early as you can bear so you can make the most of your stay in Lisbon.

You could fly from Porto to Lisbon but it’s a bit of a waste of time. You’re much better off booking a private transfer, going by train or, at a push, hiring a car and driving down yourself.

If you do the latter, just remember that, like most cities, parking in Lisbon is not the easiest task. Trains and transfers take around three hours.

I recommend buying The Lisboa Card. It will save you a lot of money if you are planning on visiting quite a few attractions and includes public transport too. Pick yours up here .

Suggested Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz

I’ll be blunt. The Four Seasons is a treat. A very expensive treat.

It’s my favourite hotel in Lisbon, but I have to admit that it comes at quite a steep cost. If you can afford it, you can look forward to decadent interiors (including marble bathrooms), eye-catching city views and a breakfast that’s to die for.

There’s even a rooftop running track to help you burn it all off afterwards.

Check prices for the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz 

Or search for alternative Lisbon accommodation.

Portugal Itinerary Day 5: Day Trip to Sintra

Travelling to UNESCO World Heritage Sintra is like stepping into the pages of a fairy tale.

Brightly coloured palaces, exotic gardens and Moorish castles, you won’t regret making the trip.

Things to do in Sintra

Visit the palacio nacional de sintra.

Make a beeline for the Palacio Nacional, one of Sintra’s much-loved (and photographed) spots.

A curious mix of architectural styles, it’s the kind of building you won’t find outside of Portugal – spacious courtyards, opulent decor and Insta opportunities galore.

You can buy tickets on the day, book online (which gives you a 5% discount) or pay a little more to buy a skip the line ticket . If you’re doing this Portugal itinerary in the peak season, it’s well worth considering going for the skip the line option.

Pena Palace

The building that launched a thousand clicks – I was enamoured with the vibrant yellow exterior of the Pena Palace before I even clapped eyes on it in real life.

See what I mean?

Weird, wacky and all-out fabulous, the Pena Palace might look like an architectural romp, but in reality, it’s one of the most important expressions of the 19th century Romantic movement in Portugal.

As with Sintra Palace, you can buy tickets on the day, book online or buy skip the line tickets .

Castelos dos Mouros

Just when you thought that Sintra couldn’t get any more dramatic… you come to the Castle of the Moors. Often shrouded in cloud, this striking castle is a 2km walk from Sintra-Vila.

Buy tickets on the day, book online or buy skip the line tickets .

Getting to Sintra

The trip from Lisbon to Sintra isn’t difficult – a simple matter of hopping on the train from Rossio or Oriente station in Lisbon for around 40 minutes. Tickets are cheap (less than €5) and trains are frequent.

If you’d prefer to go on a tour, there are plenty of tours from Lisbon to Sintra – quite a few, like this one, take you to Cascais too .

If you do book a tour, make sure that it covers all of the entrance and ticket fees – when they do, they’re a surprisingly cost efficient way to do the trip.

Portugal Itinerary Days 6 and 7: The Algarve

Why should you go to the Algarve on your Portugal Itinerary? That’s easy. 

How do sun-soaked beaches with crystal clear waters and miles of Atlantic views, medieval towns and cities, fresher than you thought possible seafood washed down with crisp whites from the neighbouring Alentejo sound to you?

For many people, a week in Portugal starts and ends with a beach in The Algarve and I can see why. It is really quite enticing to plop down and simply appreciate that good, good Portuguese sunshine.

You’d be missing out though. 

Sure, the Algarve has spectacular beaches, but move away from these and you’ll discover a region with a vibrant culture and unique history that’s waiting to be explored.

Things to do in the Algarve

Explore lagos.

I suggest that you stay in Lagos during your time in the Algarve – not only is it a rather charming destination in and of itself, it’s a good base to explore the rest of the region in the limited time that you have left.

The centre of Lagos really isn’t very big – grab a map and walk to the baroque fantasy that is the Igreja de Santo Antonio.

Nature has created many of Lagos’s biggest attractions: the rugged Ponta da Piedade comes complete with sandstone cliffs and nesting birdlife.  Closer to town the Meia Praia is a good spot to try your hand at surfing, or simply sit back and enjoy the sun.

Visit the Market in Loul é

Stop off in the quaint town of Loule in the morning to see it’s famous covered market in full swing.

I’ve always stocked up on ingredients for the bbq during longer stays, but it’s worth popping in, if only to look at a traditional Portuguese market in action.

The Benagil Cave is a short drive away from Loule and one of the area’s best natural sights.

A complete guide to visiting the Benagil Cave

Walk Around Tavira

I personally think that Tavira would take the prize for the most picturesque town in The Algarve.

With a church on practically every corner, castle ruins and a gorgeous setting on the Rio Gilao, not to mention numerous buildings with elaborate tiled facades, Tavira is just lovely.

Once you’ve had a look around the city, strike out to the nearby beaches , including the Ilha de Tavira (only reachable by boat).

I loved the nearby Praia do Barril: a wild and rather windswept beach accessed by a short hop on a narrow-gauge railway and home to the quirky anchor cemetery. Yes, you read that right, anchor cemetery.

An insider’s guide to Tavira

Ilha Deserta + Estamine Restaurant

In case you didn’t get the memo, Ilha Deserta means… deserted island.

It might not be quite deserted, but this quiet island off the coast of Faro in the Rio Formosa Natural Park is the perfect place to escape the crowds residing on other of the Algarve’s heaving beaches.

Take one of the informative eco boat tours over to the Ilha , they leave a few times a day from Faro’s harbour. Speedboats provide a noisier but more direct means of transport.

The Ilha Deserta has another attraction though. Estamine Restaurant . 

This eco-friendly restaurant serves up astoundingly good meals with sea views.

By now you know how much I love Portuguese food (and hopefully you will too) – if you trust me at all, trust me when I say you need to get yourself to this restaurant.

Practical Information for The Algarve

Getting to the algarve.

There are plenty of transport connections between Lisbon and The Algarve, but it will depend on where you stay.

If, as I suggest, you stay in Lagos, you will need to get the train from Lisbon to Tunes (fast service) and then another slower service from Tunes to Lagos.

Book ahead – tickets can (and will) sell out during the high season.

Express buses run between Lisbon and Lagos, and take around the same time as the train.

Getting Around The Algarve

You can get around some parts of The Algarve without a car – particularly along the coast.

Other destinations can be a bit more difficult. I’ve listed four of my favourite spots in The Algarve, and in all honesty, I haven’t attempted getting between them without a car. Seeing as you only have a couple of days left of your 7 days in Portugal, I’d suggest hiring a car – it just makes life much easier for this part of the country.

If that’s not practical, Lagos is the easiest destination to base yourself in as there are plenty of hotels in the centre of town, with many stunning beaches in easy walking distance. It’s a great place to discover.

Suggested Stays in the Algarve

I’ve stayed in Lagos, Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago on various Portugal itineraries and can recommend all three as good bases for your stay.  

• Casa Mãe in Lagos is a good five-star boutique option.
• If you are going to spend longer than a few days in the Algarve (a week or more), book a villa at the Four Seasons Fairways.
• Looking for high-end luxe but with hotel amenities? The Anantara Vilamoura is the perfect spot.

So, there we are, we’ve finished up your week in Portugal. I hope you have a wonderful time discovering the best this vibrant country has to offer. 

If you have more than a week in Portugal, I’ve suggested a couple of additional destinations you may want to consider below, otherwise skip along to the Practical Information and Tips section at the end. 

Have More Time? Additional Locations for a Portugal Itinerary 

Evora .

A gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage town in the Alentejo with Portugal’s best-preserved Roman temple. 

Evora is a glorious passage through Portuguese history, with architecture charting pretty much every stop from the Romans to the Moors and present day. Spend a day or two exploring its winding alleys. 

Tucked away in the Alentejo, you can add this to your Portugal itinerary between Lisbon and The Algarve. 

Cascais 

If you think resort means plastic sun loungers and all-inclusives, Cascais will make you rethink your position. Imposing mansions and a flashy marina are grounded by cute fishermen’s houses that wind away from the harbour. 

Cascais is a short hop from Lisbon – beware, it does get busy in the summer. Add to the itinerary either before or after Lisbon as a beach stop . 

The former capital of Portugal (the first in fact), Coimbra is a genteel spot with a host of historical spots including a stunning Baroque Library. The large university and its resident student population keeps things lively. 

Add to your itinerary between Porto and Lisbon. 

Practical Tips for Your Portugal Trip

• Language: Portuguese. Obvs.
• Time Zone: GMT in winter, GMT+1 in Summer
• Currency: Euro €
• Telephone Country Code + 351
• Emergency Services Number: 112
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Pretty much everywhere. You can use your phone normally if you’re from the EU, otherwise you are better off buying a local sim card to use to avoid steep roaming fees.
• Tipping: Portugal isn’t a big tipping country, but a small tip is always appreciated.

Read more about tipping in Portugal here

Getting There

The main airports in Portugal are the Aeroporto de Lisboa in Lisbon, the Aeroporto Francisco Sa Carneiro in Porto and Aeroporto de Faro in Faro.

If you are travelling to the south Algarve, you can also fly into Seville in Spain and transfer from there, sometimes it’s cheaper.

Check flights on Skyscanner

Getting Around

You have three main options when it comes to transport for your 7 days in Portugal: train, bus and car.

There are benefits to each but I’d suggest taking trains and then hiring a car for the last two days in The Algarve.

Driving in Portugal isn’t hard but I’ve noticed that sometimes drivers can be a bit aggressive on smaller roads. Just keep your own pace and let them do their thing. Drive on the right.

Useful Portuguese Phrases

Hello – Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa Noite

Goodbye – Adeus

Thanks – Obrigado/ Obrigada

Please – Por favor

Yes – Sim

What to Pack

• Sunglasses :  Portugal is no stranger to the sunshine, you’ll need them.
• Universal Travel Adapter
• Microfiber Beach Towel
• Portable Battery Pack – to keep everything fully charged while you’re on the move. And also in case you end up staying in one of those hotels that think charging sockets are completely optional (why?!)
• Comfortable shoes:  Those super-cute cobbled streets might look #thatsdarling in your Instagram pictures but believe me when I say that they wreak havoc with your feet. Plus, with cities this walkable, it makes sense to do as much of it as you can.

And there we are, you’re all ready to set off. I hope you’ve enjoyed this itinerary and you’re ready to see the best of Portugal in 7 days.

Got any feedback or suggestions? Drop me a message in the comments below.

Check out my other Portugal travel guides:

• The Insider’s Portugal Travel Guide
• 20 Unmissable Spots in Portugal
• The Coolest Things to do in Lisbon
• Secret Spots in the Alentejo
• The Best Beaches in the Algarve

Love This? Save and Share on Pinterest

I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

Related Posts

André Saraiva in Lisbon: Street Art in São Vicente de Fora

Where to Stay in Porto: The Best Areas & Hotels For Your Trip

Discover the Best Beaches in Tavira: 8 Beautiful Sandy Spots

The Best Hotels in the Algarve, Portugal: Discover the Algarve’s Luxury Gems

This process has extra power if stated out loud.

• Pingback: The 20 Best Things To Do In Portugal – The Discoveries Of.
• Pingback: 4 Fantastic Day Trips from Lisbon You Should Make - Travelsewhere

I will forever appreciate the amount of detail you have included in this post. The Estaminé and Bairro do Avillez recommendations got me drooling. Thank you for sharing your experiences, as they have definitely shaped my itinerary for Portugal this summer. All the best!

Thanks Arina. So glad that you found it useful and it gave you a few ideas for your time in Portugal – absolutely love the country and hope you have a wonderful time.

Great post on Portugal! This is one of the best places to visit in Europe!

Thanks Whitney! Couldn’t agree more.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow me on Instagram for travel inspiration, tips, and guides.

Everything you Need to know when Planning a Trip to Portugal (2024)

Portugal has so much to offer as a destination — beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, interesting culture, delicious food and wine, and friendly people. And best of all, it is affordable compared to other popular European destinations! Planning a trip to Portugal isn’t hard, but if you want to scratch below the surface, you will want to read these Portugal travel tips first.

I fell in love during my first trip to Portugal , but it wasn’t until I recently had the opportunity to spend a few weeks traveling through the country that Portugal really got under my skin and I developed a deeper appreciation for this special country.

Read on for my Portugal travel tips about getting to Portugal , when to visit Portugal , how long to stay in Portugal , and Portugal travel tips , and get started planning your dream trip.

If you aren’t sure where you want to go in Portugal, I have put together four sample one-week Portugal itineraries that you can choose from.

If you would rather have someone else plan your trip and put together an amazing journey through Portugal with unique experiences, I’d highly recommend working with my partner EPIC Travel . EPIC will consult with you and then create a custom Portugal itinerary, designed especially for your interests.

Just mention that you read about them on We3Travel to receive a free VIP welcome gift or upgrade on arrival. (As a partner I will receive a small commission if you book a trip through EPIC Travel but I’ve traveled with EPIC twice and can’t recommend them highly enough!)

Getting to Portugal

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. All opinions are my own.

Tap Airlines , Portugal’s flagship carrier, offers direct flights to Lisbon or Porto from many US cities including Boston, Newark, Washington D.C., Miami, Chicago, and San Francisco. Known as being an inexpensive option for flying to Europe, TAP Airlines really maximizes its free stopover program to encourage visitors to spend time in Portugal. When you book a stopover with TAP Airlines, you can stay from one to five nights in either Porto or Lisbon for no additional charge.

After flying TAP twice (note: my flights were complimentary as part of a media trip), I find them on par with other national carriers such as Aer Lingus or the old Alitalia. As part of the Star Alliance, you can also bid on upgrades or use miles to upgrade to Executive class or EconomyXtra. EconomyXtra seats offer spacious legroom and a generous recline, while Executive class seats deliver a full lay-flat bed for comfortable transatlantic flights. (See a full review of TAP Airlines Executive class .)

When to Visit Portugal

The best times to go to Portugal really depends on the region(s) you plan on visiting, but in general, the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October are going to be ideal . April and November are known to be rainy throughout the country and while winter temperatures in Portugal aren’t frigid (usually in the 40s and 50s), you will enjoy more time outside during those shoulder season months.

The cities of Lisbon and Porto are always going to be busy, especially during the summer and holiday breaks. But let’s talk about some of the other regions:

• Douro Valley , and northern Portugal : late August through October are ideal in the north. Wine harvest typically runs from late August to late September, although when we were there in early October a few vineyards were still harvesting and it was a great time to visit to see the grape stomping in action.
• Interior Alentejo: this dry region gets extremely hot in the summer, with temperature soaring above 40-45 degrees Celsius (above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.) The ideal time to visit would be in September or early October during the wine harvest when the temperatures are perfect for spending time outside or relaxing by the pool. May and June would also be pleasant, but July and August sound a bit unbearable to spend much time outside of the pool or air conditioning, and climate change is only making this more extreme. It also makes temperatures a bit less predictable. When I visited in October, the temperatures were in the high 70s or low to mid-80s, although this is unusually warm.
• Coastal Alentejo: if you want to enjoy the beach, you should visit between May and October. While the beaches will be more crowded with locals coming down from Lisbon, just walk a few minutes down the beach and you will have plenty of space to enjoy this area’s gorgeous wide sand.
• Algarve: the Algarve is really hopping in the summer when the tourists flock to the coast, but it really can be enjoyable year-round. You may not be swimming in the winter, but you can enjoy hiking the cliffs and exploring the caves and coastline. Plus the towns might be a little quieter during the off-season.
• Azores: the ideal time to visit the Azores is May-July, when the hydrangeas are in full bloom and the islands are bursting with color and lush greens. It will also be the most crowded. But luckily, the Gulf Stream keeps the waters around the islands fairly warm year round. No matter what time of year that you visit, the weather in the islands is very temperamental and can change at a moment’s notice so it is best to be prepared for sun, rain, wind, and fog — all in one day!

How Long to Spend in Portugal

Portugal is actually a fairly small country, not even as large as Indiana. But don’t underestimate how much time you need to properly explore the country! I hear so many people talking about doing Spain and Portugal in one trip. Well, I can tell you that I have spent two weeks in Spain and altogether three weeks in Portugal and I have not come close to seeing everything that I’d like to see in either country.

If you can spare the time, I’d recommend spending at least two weeks in Portugal and exploring three to four regions in each trip. I have created four different, one-week Portugal itineraries in a separate post, but some possible 10-14 day itinerary ideas are:

• Porto (3 days) + Douro (2-3 days) + Lisbon (3 days) + Sintra (1 day trip) + Cascais or Comporta (3 days)
• Lisbon (3-5 days with day trips) + Algarve (5 days)
• Porto (3 days) + Alentejo (5-7 days) + Lisbon (3-4 days)
• Azores: São Miguel (5 days) + Pico (3 -4 days with day trip to São Jorge) + Terceira (3 days)

Planning a Trip to Portugal

Planning a basic trip to Portugal isn’t hard, there is a lot of information available to help you decide where to stay and things to do in Lisbon , Sintra , Porto , and Cascais. However, if you want to venture beyond the ordinary, you may want some help planning your trip. Full disclosure, my recent trip to Portugal was hosted by Epic Travel and its travel partners so that I could experience an EPIC Portugal itinerary.

EPIC Travel is a boutique agency that specializes in travel to Portugal and Morocco. Its travel planners live in-country and have close relationships with hotels, guides, drivers, and tour operators on the ground. EPIC specializes in planning custom itineraries for clients that want to journey deeper and enjoy adventure and cultural experiences along the way.

In my experience working with EPIC both in Portugal and when I hired them to help me plan my Morocco trip , there are a wealth of reasons to work with an agency like EPIC to plan your trip to Portugal, including:

• Unique experiences — EPIC can arrange experiences that you couldn’t even think up on your own because you didn’t know they existed. These are sourced through close relationships on the ground and taking the time to really understand culture and engage with locals. Examples include cork trekking, bridge climbing, private tram tours with chef’s tasting menus, personalized farm visits and cooking classes, and so much more.
• Boutique, upscale and luxury hotels — EPIC goes out of its way to find interesting hotels that offer high touch customer service instead of going with the typical offerings you find on tour itineraries. And more than that, they can perfectly match individual travelers with an appropriate hotel based on travel style and budget. Because EPIC stays in close touch with hotel management, they can also pair you with the best room type and have sought out hotels that offer great amenities for families including villas with kitchens and children’s activities.
• High-touch service — the EPIC team works closely with clients to design a custom itinerary based on your travel tastes and interests. They are also on-hand to help adjust on the fly or handle any problems that arise. They even went so far as to greet us upon arrival at our hotel and arrange our COVID tests for the Azores.
• Save tons of time — Could you find these unique experiences and hotels on your own? Maybe with enough digging. But why spend hours and hours researching and still not be sure if you are making the right choices. It is so much of a time and mental energy savings to work with an expert. And not someone who is just outsourcing it to a third-party, but someone with direct relationships in your destination.

If you would like help planning and booking your trip to Portugal, please reach out to EPIC Travel and let them know that you read about them on WE3TRAVEL and you will receive a VIP Welcome Gift as a thank you!

Money & Language Matters

Traveling through Portugal is really quite easy, especially as an American. English is very widely spoken, although learning to say Bom Dia (good morning) and obrigado/obrigada ( thank you in Portuguese ) is a good idea [note: Duolingo only supports Brazilian Portuguese and the languages have a lot of differences.]

It is also a fairly cashless economy, with most restaurants and shops accepting Visa and Mastercard with a tap and pay chip, and many supporting Apple Pay. Just make sure you are using a credit card that doesn’t charge international transaction fees and contact your bank in advance to let them know about any international travel so they don’t block your transactions for fear of fraud (unless you have a travel card that doesn’t require this.)

However, you will find the few holdouts so it pays to either get some Euro from your local bank (be sure to order it at least a week ahead of your trip) or take some money out of an ATM (watch out for ATMs that charge high fees) when you arrive. Not all banks/ATMs will accept cards from other banks so it might be worth it to exchange some money before you arrive in the country for small purchases and tips (always request small bills.)

Before you go, be sure to check out my post on how much a trip to Portugal costs . In recent years, hotel and other expenses in Portugal have begun to creep up, so you have to search a little further for deals.

Tipping at restaurants isn’t customary and if you do leave a gratuity, it should be a small amount using just a few coins you have on hand. I always think it is a good idea to tip guides that provide great service, and those are usually happily accepted.

Food Matters

The food in Portugal varies from high-end, fine dining with Michelin-starred chefs to casual tabernas serving up inexpensive, authentic dishes. Some dishes you will see frequently include:

• Pastéis de bacalhau – salt cod fritters or croquettes
• Pastel de nata (or Belem) – classic egg custard tarts
• Caldo verde – kale or cabbage soup (often served as a starter)
• Sardines – typically grilled
• Fresh seafood – from shrimp in garlic butter to seafood rice to sea bass, monk fish, and octopus
• Bifana – the typical beef or pork sandwich
• Francesinha – sausage sandwich slathered in cheese and gravy found in Porto
• Piri piri chicken – roasted or grilled with spices from Mozambique
• Iberian black pig – acorn-fed and similar to Spanish jamon iberico but served both cured and as a grilled tenderloin
• Orange juice – don’t miss out on trying some of Portugal’s excellent oranges and other fruits
• Local honey – when you see local honey on the breakfast buffet, make sure to enjoy some!

Eating out in Portugal can be very affordable compared to other countries. If you are eating at a casual taberna, you can often get a full meal for under 10 euros, 15 with a glass of wine to go with it. One thing to look out for is the “couvert” which is typically a small basket of bread and dish of olives brought to the table at the beginning of the meal. This is sometimes listed on the menu and needs to be ordered, but other times it is brought automatically (but that doesn’t mean it is free.) If you don’t want it, or don’t want to pay for it, just turn it away.

Getting Around

Getting from place to place in Portugal isn’t hard and in most cases, it is easy to self-drive throughout the country on a well-established highway system. I say that with a few caveats!

• Do not attempt to drive in Lisbon or central Porto unless you are an experienced city driver and you have a place to park at your hotel
• Portuguese drivers can be quite aggressive and like to tailgate and don’t necessarily stay within the lines
• Driving through small towns can be a little nerve-wracking as the streets are extremely narrow (and often one-way so you will want a good navigation system)
• There are a lot of roundabouts/rotaries so make sure you are comfortable with how to enter and exit

I would also very highly recommend hiring a driver or taking a tour when visiting vineyards. Not only do you not want to drink and drive, but some can be a bit tricky to find. Also, some of the roads in the Douro Valley, especially on the north side of the river are gravel, narrow, and closely grip the edge of the cliffs.

You can also fly from Lisbon to Porto or the Algarve, but honestly, the drive isn’t that long so I find it is easier to just drive. If you fly into one city you can pick up a rental car (if from outside of the EU you may need an International Driver’s Permit, check with your rental car company) outside of the city and drop it off outside of the city on the return. Uber is fairly easy to find in the cities and trams are also available for getting around town (although often full because they are popular with tourists.)

Packing for Portugal

Choosing what to pack for Portugal will vary depending on when and where you are going, but there are a few items you need to put on your packing list:

• Comfortable, non-slip shoes : the tile sidewalks are lovely but they are worn smooth and slippery, especially on the many hills in Porto and Lisbon and even more so when it rains;
• Travel umbrella and rain coat: speaking of rain, you can expect to encounter some, especially if visiting the northern part of the country or between October and April;
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: when the sun does come out, it can be strong, even in October! Be prepared with a good sunscreen and a hat if you will be spending a lot of time outside;
• Bug spray or lotion: if you are visiting the Alentejo region, especially around farms or rice fields, you will encounter some flies and mosquitos, so best to be prepared;
• Travel-safe bag: Lisbon is known to have pickpockets, especially around crowded squares and scenic overlooks. Don’t lose your valuables, carry a bag that offers theft-protection. I bring my Travelon locking sling bag with anti-theft and anti-slash features.
• Motion sickness meds or bands: if you are driving through the Douro Valley or the winding roads in the Azores, you will want to be prepared if you suffer from motion sickness.

Visiting Portugal? You may also be interested in….

• How much does a trip to Portugal cost?
• 1 week Portugal itinerary
• 3 Days in Lisbon itinerary
• Self-guided  walking tour of Porto
• Tips for  visiting the Azores
• Things to do on São Miguel
• Best family hotels in Portugal

Save this to Pinterest

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

Find this useful? Share it!

Publish Date: November 26, 2023

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE A FAMILY VACATION PLANNING KIT!

We3Travel.com will use the information you provide on this form to send you newsletters. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting [email protected] . By clicking below, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with these terms.

Start typing and press enter to search

Traveling to Portugal: 7 things to know before you go

Editor's Note

Chances are you know someone who has traveled to Portugal and is raving about it. After spending two weeks exploring Portugal with my family pre-COVID, I wholeheartedly recommend the country as a great destination for kids when the time comes. But even the best places have pitfalls that come with the highlights, so here is what I encountered while visiting Portugal with kids in tow.

Related: The best credit cards for family travel

Lisbon is a no-go for strollers

There's a lot about Lisbon to love. It's clean, safe and fun to explore. However, its streets are paved with cobblestones and it is remarkably hilly. Young kids might have trouble keeping up. Consider that one of Lisbon's major neighborhoods is named "Bairro Alto," which literally means "high neighborhood."

This is from a two-hour walking tour of the city, and only records stairs, not hills:

Of course, you don't need to take a two-hour walking tour, but if you are visiting Portugal with an infant, I highly recommend a carrier over a stroller. With a toddler, you might want to limit your plans to neighborhoods that have public elevators and/or bring a stroller that is good with uneven terrain. On the upside, some of the elevators in Portugal, such as the Santa Justa Lift, are attractions in themselves.

Naturally, if an adult in your crew has limited physical abilities, some of these same terrain concerns would transfer to those situations -- so plan logistics accordingly.

We did discover that Ubers were cheap and plentiful. Most rides within the city were less than $7 for Uber X and many were under $12 for Uber Black.

Don't miss the Maritime Museum

A popular Instagram spot in the Belem District of Lisbon is the Monument of Discoveries. It's worth seeing for the view alone.

Read more: 11 best hotels for a beach holiday in Portugal

But our favorite spot was actually across the street at the Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha). It appealed to our kids much more than other museums as it took visitors through the adventures of Vasco da Gama and other Portuguese explorers. It even had artifacts from da Gama's voyages among its extensive collection. As a traveler, I was obsessed with the historical maps and globes displayed throughout the museum.

Younger kids will especially love the Galliot Pavilion at the end of the museum. There's a huge exhibition hall that houses royal yachts and brigs, fishing vessels and Portuguese ships with lots of room to explore.

Admission to the Museu de Marinha is $6 for adults and $3 for kids 4–12. The museum is open daily, 10 am to 6 pm, in summer; 10 am to 5 pm in the winter.

Lisbon's famous trams can get crazy crowded

If you have seen photos of Lisbon, you probably know about the iconic yellow trams weaving through the city's distinctive neighborhoods. That's not what we encountered in the days before COVID-19.

Read more: 13 of the most beautiful villages in Portugal

What we saw was a bit more crowded than the postcard image.

I'm not sure when the photos of empty trams are taken, but during an entire week, we never saw a tram that wasn't standing room only. If a future visit is in the cards for you and your family, consider whether or not you'll be able to comfortable social distance before jumping on.

Visit Sintra on a sunny day

Prior to visiting Portugal, everyone we asked told us that we must visit Sintra, mainly because of views like this:

This is another case where our reality was much different from our expectations. I mean, fog happens.

Our moderately cloudy day obscured the views as a misty fog bank enveloped Sintra. We couldn't see the ocean even when we drove just a few yards away. In retrospect, I should have paid more attention and realized that Sintra was a weather-dependent destination because of its location about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from Lisbon near the ocean.

The Algarve's water is colder than the Mediterranean

Something to keep in mind if you're an ocean swimmer: Average water temperatures in the Algarve in southern Portugal top out in the low 70s in mid-August. In late June, when we visited, the ocean was 67 degrees according to Sea Temperature , which felt too chilly for more than a toe-dip for us. Those degrees made a huge difference in our ability to swim in the ocean.

If your kids are into building sandcastles and chasing seagulls, the beaches along the Algarve are ideal -- sandy compared to the rocky ones in Mediterranean hot spots. Just keep in mind that you might have to descend a long flight of stairs to get to a spot for your beach towel. Here are some more tips for navigating the Algarve with kids along for the fun .

A house with a private pool is surprisingly affordable

TPG wrote about the Pine Cliffs Resort, a great hotel for families or groups of friends. Although it's definitely worth considering, so is renting a house with a private pool . We rented this one for 30% less than a room at Pine Cliffs for a week in June. With three bedrooms, including one in a turret, two patios overlooking the ocean and furnishings that look fresh out of an HGTV shoot, I'd say $254/night (before discounts) was a steal.

It's easier than ever to get to Portugal (in normal times)

Portugal is not currently open to most Americans due to COVID. And, as of Jan. 26, 2021, everyone age two and older traveling to the U.S. from Portugal must show a negative viral COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure before being allowed to board their flights; documented proof from a licensed healthcare provider of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days will also be accepted.

However, Portugal's pre-COVID popularity has not gone unnoticed by the airlines. TAP Air Portugal has a number of routes including nonstops from Washington, DC, Chicago and San Francisco. TAP is a member of Star Alliance and I've found great availability using United MileagePlus for 30k each way in coach or 70k each way in business class. United is a Chase transfer partner . Air Canada's Aeroplan is another good option if you want to transfer from American Express . TAP tickets include a free stopover in Lisbon or Porto , which can help maximize your travel budget.

Bottom line

Believe the hype: In normal times, Portugal presents tremendous opportunities for a great vacation, though that doesn't mean it is perfect for every single traveler. My teen, who is notoriously hard to please , listed Portugal among his favorite countries. When I asked why, his understated response was simply, "I liked the vibe there." I understood what he meant: Between the maritime history, the expansive vistas and the friendly people, I liked the vibe there, too -- though I'm sure having a private pool didn't hurt.

Read more about planning a vacation to Portugal:

• Tips for Exploring Portugal's Algarve Region With Kids
• Why Families Will Love Marriott's Pine Cliffs Resort in Portugal's Algarve Region
• Portugal Hotels on Points for Families of 4
• Go Here, Not There: European Cities Edition
• The Best Bucket List Points Trips to Beach Destinations

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favorite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Eurail travellers, or ask your own!

• Plan your trip
• Suggested Itineraries

Portugal Itinerary

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

With our Portugal itinerary, you'll experience Europe of old and new, where youthful cultural scenes meet undisturbed, traditional life. Portugal has the oldest borders in Europe and retained a lot of its ancient architecture. Add to the mix the sun-soaked beaches and friendly, relaxed nature of the Portuguese and it’s a great place to kick-back and take it easy. The country is well connected by train and its modest size means you can experience all of its regions in just a few weeks. All train travel within the country is covered by the Eurail Portugal Pass .

Itinerary in short

Cities visited on this trip:.

Click here or on the map to view this route in our Trip Planner

Porto, Portugal

A port of call for historic maritime voyages, Portugal’s second city is the perfect place to begin your own adventure. Stroll along the quayside between the colorful ancient buildings of the Cais da Ribeira and traditional boats parked on the River Douro . A free walking tour, starting at Lion’s Square (Praça de Gomes Teixeira), provides a great introduction to Porto’s history and culture. Linger at the Ribeira Square (Praça da Ribeira) afterwards and you’ll realize why UNESCO recognized the Historic Centre of Porto as a World Heritage site.

From Porto to Pinhão

Travel time:

Porto São Bento

Pinhão, Portugal

Save yourself a day to take the Douro Line (Linha do Douro) from Porto to Régua. Start at São Bento Train Station , which alone is worth visiting for its 100 year old, beautifully tiled walls. Return later in the day to Porto Campanhã Train Station. Portugal’s most stunning train ride takes you through 20 tunnels and across 30 bridges along the Douro valley. Stop at the terraced vineyards of Pinhão on the way, to sample the region’s world-famous port wines – you’re in Porto of course!

From Pinhão to Coimbra

Reservation needed:

Reservation required

Porto Campanhã

Coimbra, Portugal

Coimbra is home to Portugal’s oldest university and no fewer than 6 of Portugal’s kings were born here, including the first ruler Afonso I. No surprise then that the city is rich in history. Visit the tomb of Alfonso I at the Santa Cruz Monastery and don’t miss the Biblioteca Joanina , Coimbra’s extravagant 18 th -century library. Spend an evening at Fado au Centro for a thrilling live performance of Coimbra’s distinctive fado folk music.

From Coimbra to Lisbon

Lisbon, portugal.

Lisboa Oriente

Lisbon (Lisboa), Portugal

As Europe’s second oldest capital city, Lisbon is bursting with historic charm. Take a classic yellow tram to the Moorish Castle of São Jorge for a hilltop view of the city. Then descend on foot through the narrow alleyways of the Alfama district for a taste of old-time Lisbon. Start your evening late, and make sure dinner in the lively streets of the Bairro Alto district in on your Lisbon itinerary. Look in the menu for bacalhau , one of Portugal’s national dishes made from dried and salted cod. For delicious cocktails and fine Portuguese hospitality, head to Bar A Paródia in the west of the city. This hidden gem is one of the oldest bars in Lisbon and one of the most atmospheric too.

From Lisbon to Sintra

Lisboa Rossio

Sintra, Portugal

Be sure to add a day trip to Sintra to any stay in Lisbon. Natural and man-made beauty combine in this fairytale town. Climb the lush wooded hills to the spectacular Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) with its vibrant turrets and arches in yellow and red. Nestled in the woodland you can also climb the ramparts of the brilliant 8 th century Castle of the Moors . Back in the main town, pop into the little shops and cafés along the narrow, steep lanes. Try ginjinha , a sour cherry shot that comes in a tiny chocolate cup. Look out for locals selling them from their windows.

From Sintra to Faro

Lisboa Entrecampos

Faro, Portugal

Faro is best known as being the provincial capital of the Algarve. Here you can chill by the sea, in one of the many waterfront cafés or beaches. A short bus ride will take you to the popular town beach, Praia de Faro , for soft sand, friendly vibes and a beautiful sunset. Choose to stick within the harbor and Old Town (Centro Historico) and you’ll find plenty of historic delights, none more so than the Igreja do Carmo church. Its eerie bone chapel has walls constructed of femur bones and contains 1245 skulls originating from the Carmelite monks who lived there.

From Faro to Lagos

Lagos, portugal.

Lagos is a hotspot for backpackers who bring beach-party vibes and a lively nightlife. It’s also a place to relax to the max and find your personal beach paradise. The closest, Meia Praia , has a long stretch of golden sands, beach bars and water sports. For cliffs, caves and hidden alcoves, try the more secluded Praia do Camilo . For the best surf, take a bus to Sagres at the southwestern tip on Portugal. Further on, you can head to Cape São Vicente , which ancient Europeans perceived as being at the “End of the World”. On the way back, take a boat out to Ponta da Piedade and discover the spectacular grottoes and rock formations.

Experience this itinerary with the Eurail Portugal Pass!  

Related pages, spain itinerary.

France Itinerary

1 week in Portugal by train

1 week in Europe in the fall

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

Portugal… a land of medieval castles, cobblestoned villages, fascinating cities, golden beaches, extensive cultural heritage, superb cuisine and wine, and spectacular views.

Along the country’s approximately 500 miles of coastline you’ll find untouched nature - towering cliffs, awesome surfing waves which break onto the dunes, and white sand beaches with turquoise waters.

Lisbon, the charming coastal capital of Portugal, is located geographically on the fringes of Europe, but it is one of the continent’s oldest cities and one of its liveliest.

Porto, a breathtaking coastal city, blends its deep historic roots and rich heritage with a young and vibrant vibe, avant-garde culture, and outstanding wine.

Sintra is a charming, picturesque town located in the wooded hills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, a day trip from Lisbon.

 Tomar is home to spectacular landscapes, architectural gems, and outstanding cuisine – including great local wines.

Evora, one of the best-preserved and oldest towns in Portugal, is an enchanting and lively town, brimming with history, art, culture, and outstanding cuisine.

Coimbra is a charming, lively city which is steeped in culture and history – which offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, pastry shops, monuments and nightclubs.

Estoril, in the heart of the Portuguese Riviera, is a breathtakingly beautiful town which blends world class resort facilities with Portuguese charm and elegance.

Guimaraes, the “Cradle of Portugal,” is a well-preserved, vibrant medieval town that has retained the charm and authenticity of Portugal’s glorious past.

Viseu, a vibrant town with a rich, well-preserved history, is nestled in the hilltops of central Portugal surrounded by rivers and mountains.

The Portuguese town of Obidos is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval towns in Europe.

Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is the pearl of Costa Verde, a charming city that is home to magnificent scenery, gorgeous beaches, and a charming medieval center.

Trip Planner - Portugal

Create your perfect trip to lisbon, portugal.

Easily plan your trip based on your preferences, budget, and style

Plan your trip with RoutePerfect’s AI and optimize it by using RoutePerfect’s crowdsourced database, based on proven and enjoyable, well-crafted itineraries of thousands of travelers.

Portugal’s total area is close to 35,000 square miles, and it forms the westernmost border of Europe. Located on the Iberian Peninsula’s Atlantic coast, its geographical location led it to become one of the most powerful seafaring nations in the medieval world.  Portugal’s highest mountain range, the Serra da Estrela , is home to a 343 square mile park – a perfect spot for hiking and climbing in the warm months and skiing in the winter. The park is breathtakingly beautiful with lakes, rivers, forested valleys, and charming villages. Portugal’s highest peak, the Torre, is located here, and, its 19th century tower (torre in Spanish) offers spectacular views extending far into the distance.

While Northern Portugal is mostly mountainous, the Douro Valley, which runs alongside the Douro River , is a highlight of the area. Often referred to as the “enchanted valley,” the Douro Valley is extraordinary with magnificent landscapes, steep slopes, historic landmarks, outstanding hotels and cuisine – and, last but not least, its renowned Douro (port) wines. The area is dotted with lush orchards and vineyards, and don’t miss a visit to the wineries – including the luxury wine tastings!

Portugal’s south is characterized by vast lowlands, cork oak forests, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The architecture features Moorish influences - white villages, arched houses, low domes, and flat roofs.

In Eastern Portugal, the mountains are dotted with castles and fortress cities – testimony to the years of war in the region.

Lisbon , Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital, is a charming city nestled on seven hills. It is one of the oldest cities in the world – in fact, it is the oldest in Western Europe, predating other capitals by centuries. Lisbon is home to rich culture, beautiful beaches, narrow cobbled streets, delightful restaurants - and a vibrant nightlife. Visit the imposing Castelo de Sao Jorge castle which dates back to the 12th Century and the Torre de Belem fort with its iconic watch towers, breathtaking views, and scenic parks. Torre de Belem is a magnificent example of the unique late Gothic architecture of the time called Manueline- named for the 16th century monarch, King Manuel I. Go bargain hunting In the Feira de Ladra, Lisbon’s famous market, and don’t forget to sample one of the Pastel de Nata custard tarts that Lisbon is famous for. 

Porto , Portugal’s second largest city, is situated on the coast, as well, and features an abundance of incredible museums, Roman ruins, and medieval buildings. Many of the buildings are adorned with mosaics and azulejos –tin-glazed ceramic tilework distinctive of this region. The Clerigos Tower , a 246- foot bell tower, is the city’s most iconic silhouette and offers amazing panoramic views from the top of its 225 steps. The Crystal Palace Gardens offer an exotic paradise of flora. The palatial 19th-century Palácio de Bolsa , formerly a stock market, is another historical highlight in Porto. A trip to Porto isn’t complete without a visit to the nearby Porto Wine Cellars to learn about and sample the many varieties of the famous port. 

And now a brief recap of Portugal’s captivating history… Celtic invaders mixed with the ancient tribes of Iberia and created a Celtic-Iberian culture. The Romans, who added the Iberian Peninsula to their empire in the 2nd century BC, called their descendants Lusitanos. With the fall of the Roman Empire, Gothic invasions began, but, in 711, the Muslims conquered Portugal from the Visigoths and ruled the country for over 400 years.

Arab Moorish heritage, both architecture and culture, have survived through the centuries and their influence is unmistakable in many areas - the domed white houses, small windows, flat roofs, inner courtyards designed for life in a hot climate, and the Azulejo tiles that adorn private homes as well as churches, palaces, and other public buildings.

The Muslim rule lasted until 1139 when they were overtaken by Alfonso I who became the first king of Portugal.

Portugal’s power peaked in the 14th century during the time of King Denis who strengthened his country by building and fortifying a chain of fortresses along the Spanish border. He also founded the University of Coimbra , which became one of the most important educational institutions in Europe, and established the dialect spoken in the Porto region as an official spoken language, from which modern Portuguese grew.

It is impossible to talk about Portugal without referring to the 15th century period of prosperity and the Age of Discovery - also known as the “Age of Exploration.” During this time, Portuguese explorers were at the forefront of discovering new routes and untouched parts of the world. Henrique the Navigator initiated several famous voyages of discovery, including to the Madeira Islands and the Azores. Gil Eanes discovered the passable route around Cape Bojador – a major discovery for European traders along the route to Africa and India. Bartolomeo Diaz sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in 1487, establishing the sea route between Europe and Asia. In 1498, the explorer, Vasco da Gama, was the first to reach India by sea, Pedro Cabral discovered Brazil in 1500, and the Portuguese Magellan led the 1519 Spanish expedition to the East Indies and, in the course of the voyage, completed the first European navigation from the Atlantic to Asia.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal maintained its position as an international trading power. Under the rule of King Manuel I, the unique late Gothic architecture which came to be known as “Manueline” flourished, some of which remains today. The architecture is characterized by curled, exotic carvings depicting ships, sea creatures, shields, and other objects which are symbolic of nobility or related to seafarers. In addition to the Torre de Belem (the Belem Tower) and the Jeronimos Monastery located in Lisbon, the famous Unfinished Chapel in the Monastery of Batalha in Central Portugal is another primary example of this architectural style.

Portugal began to lose its powerful status after the Battle of the Three Kings in 1578. During the battle – a crusade against the Muslims in Morocco - the Portuguese King Sebastian was killed along with a large part of his army. Following the battle, Portugal was united with Spain for a period of 60 years.

In 1640, Portugal again became an independent country, but it never regained its status as an economic superpower. It lost several colonies, including Brazil in 1828, and Angola, Mozambique, and other African colonies –including Timor in the West Indies- at the end of the 20th century. Today, only Madeira and the Azores Islands remain under Portuguese control.

The monarchy in Portugal ended in 1910 and a Republic was created, but, due to its corruption and instability, the regime was overtaken by a military coup in 1926. A period of authoritarianism ensued, with a fascist- like regime, which lasted until the April 1974 Carnation Revolution – a military coup by left-leaning military officers. Following the coup, Portugal transitioned peacefully to a democratic system of government.

And now back to Portugal, the popular tourist destination. With a combination of rich culture and history, breathtaking natural beauty, outstanding wines and cuisine, international festivals, and mild temperatures, you’ll understand why Portugal is high on so many travel bucket lists! 

Regions in Portugal

Attractions in portugal, popular itineraries in portugal.

RoutePerfect uses cookies to improve our content and provide you with a personalized experience. By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage and assist in our marketing efforts. Learn more

• Portugal Road Trip: Itinerary & Planning Tips for 2024

This is a non-pretentious guide for a Portugal road trip along the coastline. This will allow you to drive along one of the wildest areas and most idyllic landscapes of Portugal. Information fully updated for 2024.

It’s funny how all the conversations I have about my home country with foreigners follow a trend.

• Chit-chat about Cristiano Ronaldo. Yeah, he’s an awesome player, makes a lot of money and I don’t get his love life either, bla bla .
• Random discussions about Portugal as a country. May or may not include clarifications that Portugal is NOT part of Spain.
• Where do you recommend to go to in Portugal?

Now, #3 is where the conversation gets interesting. My answer is always: explore Costa Vicentina on a road trip!

This article is a full guide and itinerary to explore southwest Portugal on a road trip. Pumped up? Let’s start the engines!

Why do a road trip in Portugal?

See, Portugal has million of tourists but the overwhelming majority is heading to Porto , Lisbon and Algarve, neglecting the rest of the country.

And trust me: despite being a small country, Portugal has a LOT to uncover. For starters, 500 km of Atlantic coastline home to a tremendous set of landscapes and experiences. There are dozens of other reasons why Portugal is worth visiting .

Plus, a road trip alone is something magic by itself. It’s all about the journey , not the destination, right? The adventure. Sticking your head out of the window and feel the wind ride your hair.

A road trip is one of the best ways to practice slow travel and budget travel . Not rushing things, enjoying the moment and investing deeply in getting to know a country.

Costa Vicentina: Southwest Portugal’s coast

Costa Vicentina sits on the southwestern coast of the country, belonging to the Alentejo region.

It still retains the authenticity and wild feeling, but with the same delicious food, the friendly people and the stunning landscapes that you can find in the rest of Portugal.

It’s characterized by dramatic beaches separated by dramatic cliffs, untouched landscapes and a raw Atlantic ssence hard to find elsewhere. Apart from the kilometers of beaches, there are also quaint villages, blissful coastal cities and vast natural parks.

While it’s starting to get a lot of hype, it’s still overshadowed by Algarve and generally overlooked by foreign tourists.

Portugal road trip itinerary

After almost 10 years living in Lisbon, I had the chance to do a few road trips and several summer explorations. I’m now delighted to share with you my guide for a road trip in southwest coast of Portugal .

• Starting Point : Lisboa
• Ending Point : Faro
• Recommended Duration : 10 Days
• Journey : Going south from Lisbon, it includes beach paradises like Comporta and Odeceixe and the untouched natural landscapes of Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e da Costa Vicentina (70.000 ha of pure virgin landscapes in the west coast of Algarve ).
• Transportation : I highly recommend renting a car for this trip.

Here are the stops I recommended on this road trip if your trip is 10-day long.

If you have more time, great, spend more time in each place of just take some of my extra suggestions .

Portugal road trip map

Nothing like a map to see where you’re going, right?

I’m about to mention several places in this guide, so I created this map to follow the journey easily.

Orange pins : Main road trip stops – preferred places to base yourself Yellow pins : Scenic landscape spots – don’t miss these if you’re a nature lover Blue pins : Beaches within route – places for a dive along the way Green pins : Extra & Add-Ons to this route – try to squeeze these in!

You can also open the map in a new window following this link . Find detailed descriptions of some of these places below.

LISBON: Starting off big!

You’ll need at least 3 days to get to know Portugal’s capital. To help you plan, I’ve put together a 3-day itinerary for Lisbon, with detailed tips on what to see and do .

Walking around the downtown is a must, but more than ticking off tourist attractions off the checklist, you might want to explore the most typical neighbourhoods of Alfama , Sé and Graça .

The awe-inspiring miradouros (viewpoints) and the narrow steep streets crowded with the moorish castle on top – Castelo de São Jorge -are the true essence of Lisboa .

Make sure you reserve some time to indulge in some experiences not to miss in Lisbon and to explore some of its secret places .

Before you’re gone, don’t forget to grab a stock of pastéis de nata and start your trip south, crossing either the Vasco da Gama or the 25 de Abril bridges.

Best hotels in Lisbon

I’ve made the hard work for you. This is a pre-filtered list of hotels in the safest areas of Lisbon.

My choice: Hotel Fenix Music

Charmingly music-themed hotel, super close to the center. Oh it comes with this stunning rooftop swimming pool.

ARRÁBIDA: Green and blue landscapes

Stretching along the south coast of the peninsula of Setúbal , Arrábida natural park is rich in golden beaches edged by impressive green mountains. It’s home to some of my favorite beaches around Lisbon .

The ex-libris of this area is the stunning Portinho da Arrábida with azure waters and a 17th-century fort. Personally, I’d rather endure a 20-min hike and reach Praia dos Coelhos to a more off the beaten track experience in direct contact with nature.

Both options ensure an awesome beach day.

Getting around Arrábida

Arrábida is a special place to get around. First of all, the road along the coast is one-way which means you always need to start your journey in the city of Setúbal to get there.

Secondly, parking is a mess. Since 2018, parking can only be done until Praia da Figueirinha (paid). Especially in summer weekends, this can be a nightmare. I recommend you get there as early in the morning as possible.

★ Where to stay in Arrábida ★

Casa da Adôa

Superbly located between the sea and the mountains, it’s a refreshing place to spend a day or two.

COMPORTA: The perfect beach getaway

When you arrive here, you’ll officially be in the Alentejo region. I’ve praised Comporta before and how this perfect beach getaway is still kept a semi-secret beach destination is beyond me turned into a luxury getaway for the European elite doesn’t surprise me.

Imagine a small village, stuck between the Atlantic, endless rice fields and the plain landscape (sort of an european savana) of Alentejo . Oh and 15km of the wildest beaches you’ll find in Europe.

It’s the perfect pitstop to disconnect and step into a new state of mind for the rest of your trip. The Royal family of Monaco, who comes here every summer, appears to agree.

💰 My value-for-money hotel recommendation in Comporta 💰

Comporta Villa Suites

Comes with an outdoor pool, but the ocean is just 3km away.

PORTO COVO: Summertime charm

Title of a well-known and melancholic portuguese song, Porto Covo is also a little hidden gem close to the port city of Sines . Somewhere in the maze of bright blue, red and white houses you’ll find many family-run restaurants with delicious and inexpensive food.

A 5-min drive out of the town center takes you to beaches with golden sands and turquoise waters. Try Praia de São Torpes – popular amongst surfers – or Praia da Ilha – with a great view for the small Pessegueiro islet.

Where to stay in Porto Covo

Monte Cerro, Porto Covo

Peaceful country house, perfect to relax a few days in a rural setting.

ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR: Music for your ears

Zambujeira do Mar is not particularly exciting as a town. Period.

Apart from the MEO Sudoeste summer festival happening each August (had a great time there partying my ass off at the sound of Calvin Harris!) there’s nothing much going on.

However, it’s a VERY interesting strategic point to spend a few days. There are lots of great affordable accommodation available as it generally attracts younger crowds.

Zambujeira is close enough to explore some of the best spots like the western most point of the whole Alentejo’s coast,  Cabo Sardão , and some more striking beaches such as Praia do Tonel and Praia do Carvalhal . Great hiking trails available as well.

Find your place to stay in Zambujeira

Search amongst the places to stay in Zambujeira do Mar with WiFi and a minimum overall rating of “Very Good” . Hard to go wrong with these!

ODECEIXE: Atlantic bliss

Where the river Ceixe meets the Atlantic, lies Odeceixe , technically already in the Algarve region. But this is not the typical Algarve you are used to.

Odeceixe is well known for one of the largest and glorious beaches in Portugal, surrounded by giant tree-covered cliffs of a giant natural park. Little confession to make: this is my favourite place of them all.

Save 2 or 3 days to explore the surroundings of Odeceixe . I’ve been here several times, but never stayed more than one full day. I REALLY want to come back not only for the top-notch local beach, but also to hike some of the surrounding cliffs.

💰 Where to stay in Odeceixe: my value-for-money suggestions 💰

Monte do Cardal, Odeceixe

A peaceful guesthouse surrounded by nature and the sound of the ocean in the morning. Breakfast with healthy homemade food.

Casa Vicentina, Odeceixe

Quiet, peaceful and charming, it’s the ultimate getaway spot. Just a short drive away from beaches.

Or… find your own!

Search amongst the places to stay in Odeceixe with WiFi and a minimum overall rating of “Very Good” . Hard to go wrong with these!

ARRIFANA: Cliff fantasy

Hidden at the bottom of a steep cliff, Praia da Arrifana is both a postcard landscape and a paradise for surfers. Down there,  Restaurante da Praia has great grilled fish, yummy salads and is also great for a relax drink at the evening at the sound of the waves.

Kayaking, windsurfing, SUP, surfing and water sports in general are HUGE in Portugal. If you haven’t tried these before, this is absolutely the time to do it. Arrifana in particular is a well-known destination for watersports lovers.

Where to stay next to Arrifana Beach

The Amazigh Bed & Breakfast is a great value place to stay next to the beach.

Utopia Guest House, Aljezur

Luminous rooms with private bathroom and breakfast included.

FARO/ALGARVE: The perfect farewell to Portugal

Although I prefer hands down the wild and vibe of Alentejo’s coastline, I got to say I’ve always enjoyed my time in Algarve .

Even though massive tourism threatens to take away some of its personality, it’s still home to some top-notch beaches in the world. There’s nothing wrong in saving 2 or 3 days to lay on them. It’s the perfect farewell to Portugal!

Faro is the only international airport in the region and it might be convenient to return back home. However there are much more beautiful places in Algarve, including some almost-deserted islands around – like the stunning Ilha do Farol . By all means don’t stick to Faro.

No matter what you do, it’s advisable to avoid the booze hotspots of Algarve: Albufeira and Vilamoura . These are nothing but bland touristy places with meh beaches nearby.

A slightly better option is Portimão , where there are excellent beach options: Praia do Vau or Praia dos Três Irmãos .

Lagos is one of my favorite areas in the Algarve . It’s a very tranquil place, even though the top beach there has suffered a massive reengineering project which made it unrecognizable. Faro airport is no far and there are transfer companies doing the journey.

There are some other great options around Lagos town like Praia do Camilo , Praia dos Pinheiros or Praia da Luz – where they say some are still looking for Maddie McCann.

Check the road trip map for other suggestions for beaches in Algarve .

⚠ Beware of the cliffs!

I remember hearing on the news some fatal accident involving cliffs in Algarve every single year. DON’T be the one on the news!

When you’re standing on top of the cliffs, watch your steps when you’re trying to get a better view for your photos and don’t get too close of the edge. Also, there are not usually fences on the cliff line so don’t be tempted to lay your towel right next to it. As good as a shade may feel in a hot summer day, cliff rock falls can happen anytime.

Where to stay in Algarve

Lagos is a great place to base yourself in the Algarve , giving you access to a series of top-notch small beaches.

Extra stops to add to this road trip itinerary

This itinerary has got a minimum recommended duration of 10 days, but if you have more time, make sure you explore other highlights of Portugal .

It’s relatively small country after all and you can easily add more places to your route and enrich your holidays. There are many other places in Portugal worth discovering.

Here are some suggestions:

Why not start your road trip route upper north in Portugal’s second largest city? Porto is very different from Lisbon – and of the rest of the country for that matter – in many ways.

But both are clearly national winners in two things: the sympathy of people and food. Read more about it in my Porto guide for dummies or in my weekend itinerary of the city.

The Essential Porto City Guide

Continue reading more about Porto on my complete city guide for dummies. Budget, itinerary and the best places to eat, it’s all in here!

Nazaré, Portugal

Nazaré is the most traditional fishing village in Portugal. Look around and notice the drying the fish and women with their typical set of seven-layered skirts.

While the main beach in the town is OK to get into the water, this is a place well-known for its GIGANTIC waves which has become a tourist attraction by itself. Praia do Norte is the location for the world record of the largest wave ever surfed – by Garret McNamara in 2013. The monster wave was 100ft or 30m high and can be seen in this video .

Sintra, Portugal

Located the northern-most extent of the protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, 30km from Lisbon, Sintra displays an alluring fairy-tale nature setting. This little town has been a summer retreat for the portuguese royal family for centuries and is lush with green forests, exotic flowers and exquisite architecture.

Make sure you don’t miss Castelo dos Mouros -the moorish castle overlooking the village – and Palácio da Pena , a Romanticist palace on a hilltop with great views over the entire Lisbon metropolitan area. Also, since you’re already in the area get a look at continental Europe’s most western point: Cabo da Roca . Beware of the wind!

Évora, Portugal

Since you’re at Alentejo already, venture out to the interior, entirely different from the coast. Évora in particular is drenched in history, heritage and culture, making it a constrasting break from all the beach and ocean. Also, a chance to have a sneak peek at how’s life in the interior of Portugal.

Warning: it can get VERY hot in peak summer months.

Seville, Spain

I know this road trip is about Portugal, but why not take a detour and include one more country in your itinerary? Iberian power! Seville is less than 200km away from the portuguese border and is the cultural centre of the region of Andalucía .

There’s a lot to do and specially to eat here. Grab some hot churros con chocolate , jamón or a freshly-made sangria in between your visit to the city’s main sights. Don’t miss El Alcazar , a royal palace built for Moorish kings, and the magnificent Plaza de España .

Driving in Portugal

While you can technically do this road trip with a scooter or motorbike (heck, even with a bike if you’re in the right shape!), renting a car is definitely the most convenient option to do this road trip, giving you total freedom and independence.

Public transportation is NOT reliable and will not reach most beaches and other spots mentioned here.

Renting a car in Portugal

For some reason I can’t understand, renting a car in Portugal is slightly more expensive than in other countries of Southern Europe.

That said, you can still find some great deals, specially if you book early! I always use this Skyscanner or my new favorite RentalCars to compare prices.

How are the roads in Portugal?

Driving in Portugal is not anywhere near like a Gran Turismo game and roads are usually in good shape. That said, you’ll need to be careful, as we’re talking about a country with one of the highest accident rates in Europe.

Although there is a direct highway from Lisbon to Algarve (A2 motorway), the cheaper and more scenic route for this road trip is through the regional and national roads. These skip the expensive toll system and go very close to the coast so it’s a more enjoyable journey.

If you happen to pass by any of the main tolls, take care NOT to use the green lanes Via Verde (a giant green V). These are strictly reserved for vehicles subscribed to their automatic toll payment system, so you will get fined and charged for the entire stretch of motorway!

Important information for drivers in Portugal

Some other useful driving numbers to remember – updated to 2024:

• Navigation: use Google Maps or Maze to drive around in Portugal.
• Alcohol Limit: 0.5g per liter. Equivalent to 2-3 small beers.
• Speed Limits: 50km/h in the built-up area, 90km/h outside of the built-up area and 120km/h on the motorways. Inside some limited residential areas and town historical centers the limit goes down to 30km/h.
• Safety: All vehicles should carry a safety triangle and reflective jackets.

Finding accommodation in Alentejo and Algarve

Having a lot of media attention lately, the accommodation in Alentejo has risen a lot in recent years, both in quantity and quality as resorts, rural houses and guest houses pop up like mushrooms.

My personal suggestion is Herdade do Amarelo , a stunning homestead next to Vila Nova de Milfontes , but there is a choice to all tastes and wallet sizes.

To make your life even easier, use this shortlist of the best-reviewed rural accommodation in the coast of Alentejo .

In the Algarve region, the offer accommodation is much higher but the best places can get fully booked with months in advance.

What is the best time of the year to do a road trip in Portugal?

Short answer: you should be fine to do this road trip anywhere between April and October, as warm weather in Portugal lasts for about half a year.

That said, along this route you’ll be driving along a wild Atlantic coastline, so weather can be chilly, rough and particularly windy very unpredictably.

If possible, avoid the month of August entirely. It will surely save you 20-30% of the overall budget, as everything since accommodation to a single bottle of water is inflated. Plus, it’s the default holiday month in Europe so all the towns I’ve mentioned turn into mini-Algarves .

In summary, if you can avoid peak months and at the same time maximize the probability of warm sunny weather, come to Portugal in May, June, July or September.

Should I visit Portugal in winter?

Between November and March it’s winter time and it can get especially cold next to the ocean. In Costa Vicentina, forget about beach weather it will be chilly and windy, although hiking is possible. It might be an interesting time for surfing enthusiasts.

Food in Portugal

OK, almost dinner time at the time I’m writing this, so let’s talk about food. I know this is suspicious coming from me *a bold statement is coming* but food standards in Portugal are simply great.

I honestly can’t find a better combination of taste, price, and healthiness in Europe . If you are really to take this road trip, I bet my pinkie finger you will not have one mediocre meal. #highexpectations

Take advantage of your time in Portugal to eat food generally unavailable or expensive elsewhere: fish. Grilled fresh fish with a simple pinch of salt and herbs to season is one of my favorite summer pleasures. Luckily, that’s not hard to find at all in the entire Costa Vincentina, with equally delicious prices.

What to eat in Alentejo

And speaking of Alentejo in particular… oh dear. We’re talking about one of Portugal’s gastronomic edens! Don’t miss the big peppery olives ( azeitonas ) for starters and a glass of regional wine to drink. After all, half of the country’s wine is produced here.

Bacalhau  (codfish) dishes are frequent as well as porco (pork), but you can’t miss to try a local plate and my personal favorite:  Carne de Porco à Alentejana – a mouth-watering combination of pork, wine, potatoes and clams.

PORTUGAL MINI TRAVEL GUIDE

How to get to portugal.

Lisbon and Porto are very well served by airline connections from all over Europe and also from the U.S., South America and Africa.

If you’re coming from the United States , take a look at Azores Getaways . They have great flight + hotel + transfers deals for Portugal.

If you’re not into travel packages or you’re not coming from the US, I recommend Skyscanner or the new online sensation TravelPerk to find the cheapest flight prices.

Where to stay in Portugal

To make your life easier, start your search with my pre-selection of the best hostels/hotels/guesthouses/villas for each of these amazing spots:

• Lisbon (heart of the city)
• Porto (heart of the city)

These include only accommodations with great-to-excellent rating and a good free WiFi . You can’t go wrong with these!

Best time to go to Portugal

While summers are long in Portugal and you can expect good weather anywhere between May and October, make sure you avoid August. Unless you have a thing for packed beaches!

The Ultimate Itinerary of São Miguel Island (Made By An Azorean)

The top azores hot springs & thermal baths in sao miguel.

• Furnas, Azores: Unique things to do in the Furnas Valley
• Ponta Delgada, Azores: 12 Things To Do In My Hometown
• The 13 Most Beautiful Azores Beaches
• When Is The Best Time to Go To Azores?
• 47 Reasons To Visit Portugal In 2024
• The Best Hotels in São Miguel, Azores For All Kinds Of Travelers
• Azores: 20 Travel Tips To Know Before You Go

Enjoy the ride and help me improve this guide!

You know I always love to put together a complex travel plan – just like I did with my Croatia road trip guide , my Japan itinerary or my island hopping guide in Thailand . This one is different though. Being my country, I did it with little or no research: it was written all from the heart 💖.

This guide will be updated regularly from now on, so after you use it and visit Portugal yourself, let me know of any additional suggestions or tips, I’d love to hear what I’ve missed!

Creating this guide made me want to do this road trip it all over again. It’s cheap, it’s still unspoiled by tourism and comes with a getaway feeling to it which is harder and harder to find nowadays.

I really hope you can have the same experience. Because contrarily to the immense coastline of awe-inspiring beaches of Alentejo , Cristiano Ronaldo does not need any more hype!

Reasons to Visit Portugal

Continue reading more about Portugal with these 40+ reasons why it should be on your immediate travel plans.

My travel tips valid anywhere

• 🏨 To find the best deals and book your stay with free cancellation, I recommend Booking.com (from my experience, often cheaper than Airbnb)
• 🚗 Always compare car rental prices before you book anything (and if possible use local rental shops!)
• ☑️ Travel insurance is a must these days – don’t overlook it! I recommend Allianz or Safety Wing if you’re always on the go
• 💰 Use Revolut to save in exchange rates and payments abroad; it’s a game-changer!
• ⚙️ Amazon has the largest offer in travel gear, clothing, and accessories – check out my Travel Store !
• ✈️ Are you dealing with a delayed or cancelled flight? Airhelp may help you get a compensation for it!

Did this help plan out your vacation? What have I missed for a memorable Portugal road trip? Leave a comment in the comments below 👇

You might also like these articles 💬

Japan Two Week Itinerary: The Best of Japan!

Destinations🌎

10 Exciting Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)

From the dramatic coastline of the Algarve to the stunning terraces of the Duoro Valley, and from the quaint charms of Obidos to the otherworldly palaces of Sintra, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit on a Portugal road trip.

Nestled in the southwest corner of mainland Europe, driving through Portugal offers a neverending supply of sublime views and hidden gems.

Long an overlooked corner of the continent (though that has changed dramatically in recent years!), road trips in Portugal are bound to leave you hoping for more.

When we moved to Lisbon as American expats, we knew we wanted to spend lots of time exploring by car–and we have!

Even still, there are many Portugal road trip itineraries still left on our long wish list, so we’ve teamed up with several other travel bloggers to show you a wide variety of the scenic drives that the country has to offer.

Here are the best road trips in Portugal–plus some essential tips to keep in mind as you plan your adventure!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Essential Tips for Your Road Trip in Portugal

Rent the smallest car you can..

Especially if you’re coming from the USA like us, you’ll likely find Portuguese roads–especially in small villages and in the countryside–are smaller than what you’re used to.

Save on gas, rental costs,  and  stress while driving in Portugal by renting the smallest car you can manage to fit yourselves and your belongings into.

We recommend searching for your (tiny) 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.

Shop rental cars for your Portugal road trip today!

Plan on renting a manual, or prepare to pay.

Like the rest of Europe, manual cars are the norm in Portugal.

If you only drive automatic, you’ll absolutely be able to find a car to rent for your road trip… but be prepared to plan ahead (especially if you’re traveling during the busy season when the cars get reserved quickly), and to pay extra fees for the privilege.

Prepare to pay lots of tolls.

Portugal is notorious for its number of toll rolls, especially on popular routes like driving from Lisbon to the Algarve.

The easiest way to pay the tolls is to get a “Via Verde” pass from your rental car company (they will almost certainly offer you one), which will keep a tally of your tolls and charge you automatically.

We generally get charged by the rental car company for the tolls we racked up using our “Via Verde” pass within a week or so of turning the car in.

Plan your parking in advance.

This especially applies overnight parking–ie, look for hotels that include parking or have a plan for parking listed–but also during day trips. 

Whether you’re visiting a small village, beach, trailhead, or city, knowing where to park before you arrive will save lots of time, stress, and often money.

For overnight parking, we use  Booking.com  and ideally look for places using the “free parking on-site” filter.

Depending on where you are going during your road trip in Portugal, though, free parking may not be possible–in that case, carefully check and see what hotels have reasonably-priced parking nearby.

A hotel that is an extra 10 Euros/night may end up being an excellent deal if there’s inexpensive parking nearby!

Your life will be much easier if you have a Portuguese SIM Card.

This assumes your phone is unlocked, of course, but seriously: getting a local SIM card before taking off on your road trip in Portugal will make your life so much easier!

Having access to everything from a GPS to restaurant reviews is a huge benefit of traveling in the modern age, and bringing those tools along with you as you explore Portugal by car is a fantastic idea.

You can absolutely purchase a local SIM card once you arrive, but if you want to get everything set up before you go, you can also purchase an EU SIM card for your trip  in advance.

Know that you’ll need reflective jackets in the car.

This is a standard rule in Portugal, and the jackets must be worn during any breakdowns or accidents.

If you’re renting a car for your Portugal road trip itinerary, this will likely be included in your vehicle.

On the off-chance that you’re driving your own vehicle into the country, though, it’s important to keep in mind!

The Best Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

The best of the algarve road trip.

From Campbell of Stingy Nomads

The spectacular Algarve coast in the south is one of the most picturesque places to road trip through Portugal.

The region is famous for little fishing villages with white-washed houses and cobbled stone streets, beautiful sandy beaches backed by jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, and delicious seafood.

A road trip is a perfect way to explore the charming towns and unique turquoise coastline.

With good roads and facilities and relatively short distances between towns, driving is easy in the area.

The capital of the Algarve, Faro, is a popular entry point to the region with an international airport.

Carvoeiro, about an hour’s drive from Faro, is a small town packed with attractions.

Spend a day on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, Marinha Beach with golden sand and crystal clear water.

Visiting Benagil cave is a must-do activity from Carvoeiro and you can enter the famous cave by boat trip, paddleboard, or kayak.

If you enjoy hiking don’t miss the striking Seven Hanging Valleys Trail .

From Carvoeiro drive to Lagos, home to a beautiful marina, one of the nicest old towns to explore, and plenty of unreal beaches.

Don’t miss Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana and Porto de Mos Beach.

Keep on driving to Sagres, the south-western tip of Europe with dramatic scenery the Romans used to call the end of the world. The wild ocean here is known for excellent surfing.

Make your way back to Albufeira, this once fishing village has some beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Driving Distance

Recommended road trip length.

This road trip can comfortably be driven in 7 days.

Loop from Lisbon through Portugal’s Medieval Southern Interior

By Emily of Wander-Lush

Brimming with charming medieval towns, historic castles and majestic cathedrals, a road trip through Portugal’s southern interior is a dream for history and architecture buffs.

This loop route starts and ends in Lisbon, making it ideal for travelers who are flying in and out of the capital.

Ease into things with a short but scenic drive to Obidos .

Just over an hour from Lisbon, this picture-perfect town of whitewashed houses and red roofs is a popular day-trip destination; linger on after the tour buses have departed and wander the quiet streets, visiting the impressive aqueduct and Obidos Castle.

Allow two nights to see the various monuments, and make sure you budget enough time for getting lost down the cobblestoned streets.

When it’s time to leave, duck inland to Santarem, a gorgeous Portuguese city on the edge of the Tagus River.

Catch the view from Santarem Castle and take in the gorgeous vernacular architecture before leaving the city behind to discover forests, wetlands, and river ecosystems in nearby Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park and beyond.

From there, it’s a short drive to Tomar, a former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar and home to one of the finest examples of Portuguese Renaissance architecture in the Convent of Christ.

Set aside a full day to enjoy the longest leg of this drive as you take the scenic back-road into the Alentejo region, stopping at Arraiolos, Pavia, and any other picturesque village that catches your eye.

Finish up with a few days in medieval Évora , visiting the 12th-century Gothic cathedral and the mythical Chapel of Bones.

318 miles or 512 km.

The total driving time for this Portugal road trip is just over 6 hours, but you should take your time on this historic route and make the most of each town.

A full week to 10 days is ideal.

Lisbon to Porto Road Trip

From Or of My Path in the World

With so many  beautiful places to visit between Lisbon and Porto , it’s no wonder why driving from the Portuguese capital to the country’s second city is such a popular road trip in Portugal.

From colorful palaces and castles to charming coastal towns to medieval villages and landmarks, there’s a lot to see and experience.

First, you can visit Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point.

After taking in the views of the Atlantic coastline, head to the UNESCO-listed Sintra, one of the best Portuguese cities for those who love fairytale palaces.

These include the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace.

Next, visit Obidos, one of the most enchanting medieval villages in Portugal.

Stroll through the cobbled streets, walk along the walls, or even book a night at the Obidos Castle.

Continue to the city of Tomar, where you’ll find the infamous Covent of Christ, and visit Coimbra, the home of one of the oldest universities in the world, and enjoy the local version of Fado music.

If that’s not enough, you can also hike through the enchanted Bussaco Forest, and before arriving in Porto, stop at Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour at some of the best Port wine cellars in the area.

About 351 miles or 565 km.

We recommend dedicating at least 5-7 days to this road trip, though it could easily be extended to 2 weeks.

Vicentina Coast Road Trip Route

From Alya of The Algarve Family

A road trip along the wild and beautiful Vicentina Coast in southern Portugal is an incredible experience.

The coast stretches between Odeceixe in the north and Sagres in the south.

The Costa Vicentina is still to be discovered by international tourists. It’s very different from the popular southern Algarve.

The road trip can be done from Lisbon. The route follows the famous Fishermen’s Trail , one of the most beautiful coastal hiking routes in Europe.

You can combine a road trip with a beach holiday or a weekend filled with outdoor activities such as hiking or surfing.

The Vicentina Coast road trip starts in the small town of Porto Covo, 170 km south of Lisbon, and finishes at Cabo de S.Vicente, the southwesternmost point of continental Europe.

From Porto Covo, drive about 45 km south towards Zambujeira do Mar. 

It is a quiet town with a couple of beautiful beaches and stunning views of the rugged coast from the cliffs.

On the way make stops in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Praia do Almograve, and Cabo Sardão. 

The next day continue driving along the coast from Zambujeira do Mar towards Sagres.

This part of the route has many stunning beaches and breathtaking lookout points.

Places to stop on the route are Odeceixe Beach, Amoreira Beach, Arrifana, Bordeira Beach and viewpoint point, Cabo de S.Vicente, and Sagres. 

Driving Distance 

This Portugal driving route is perfect for a 3-day weekend trip.

An Azores Road Trip on Sao Miguel

From Megan of meganstarr.com

One of the best road trips in Portugal (and the rest of Europe ) is on the beautiful island of Sao Miguel in the Azores.

The island may be small (744 sq km / 290 sq mi), but it is jam-packed with incredible viewpoints, diverse landscapes, some of the best hikes in the Azores , and so much more.

The best way to see Sao Miguel is to rent a car and do a road trip!

On your first day, start off visiting the western side of the island.

Western Sao Miguel is brimming with lush greenery and volcanic lakes … which is a stark contrast to the eastern side of the island.

During this day, be sure to visit Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, Kings View (as well as the abandoned hotel called ʻMonte Palaceʻ there), Sete Cidades, and the sea stacks of Mosteiros.

For the second day of the trip, you will be visiting the dramatic landscapes of central Sao Miguel.

Some of the best landmarks and places to visit are Pocos, the famous Pineapple Plantation, Lagoa, Estacao Emissora do Pico da Barrosa viewpoint, and Salto do Cabrito… one of the most  beautiful waterfalls on Sao Miguel .

Finally, for the third day, you will head east! The east is the ʻhotʻ spot with a lot of hot springs and volcanic activity.

You can start your day in Lagoa das Furnas (be sure to try a Cozido das Furnas!), Parque Terra Nostra, and Salto do Prego.

End your day at the mind-blowing Miradouro Ponta do Sossego before heading back to Ponta Delgada (where you will spend your last day on Sao Miguel).

Taking a road trip of Sao Miguel will allow you to deeply connect with the island and never feel like youʻre spending more time driving than enjoying the scenery.

There are plenty of stops and the diversity of each will make you yearn for a second trip even before heading home from the first!

You will need a minimum of three days to travel the island (to get a good sense of it) and an additional day to spend in the capital city of Ponta Delgada.

A Scenic Drive Up the Silver Coast

From Jenifer of The Evolista

A road trip from Lisbon to Nazare will give you an up-close look at why people love the stunning Silver Coast of Portugal. 

The first village is Ericeira, a cool surf town, 30 minutes north of Lisbon.

Surfers flock here for the best waves in Europe.

Wander through the white cobblestone streets for shopping, delicious restaurants, and charming Ericeira hotels with ocean views for an overnight stay.

Next, head to Peniche for a dose of history. You’ll find a well-preserved fort that dates back to the 17th century.

If you have time, take the 45-minute ferry to the Berlengas Islands. 

The road heads inland to the walled, medieval city of Obidos. This picturesque town, filled with narrow streets lined with shops and cafes, is perfect to explore for a few hours.

Then you’ll head back to the beaches of Foz do Arelho.

It’s a beachy town overlooking a gorgeous lagoon where people enjoy a variety of water sports including SUP, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Last but not least is the town famous for big wave surfing, Nazaré.

So whether you’re looking to catch some waves or relax and rejuvenate, you’ll find plenty of things to do on a road trip from Lisbon to Nazare along the Silver Coast in Portugal.

114 miles or 183 km.

The drive time is only 3 hours in total but you should definitely plan at least 2-4 days for the trip so you have time to explore and take advantage of the charming towns and fun activities available.

Offbeat Peneda-Gerês National Park Road Trip

From Coni of Experiencing the Globe

When a country has only one national park, and you love nature, you might consider a visit.

When it’s a perfect loop from one of the country’s top destinations, then you must add it to your itinerary.

Gerês is not on most people´s  travel bucket list , but it absolutely should be!

Located only 60 miles from Porto, in the northern corner of Portugal, if you’re into culture tourism, hiking, or sightseeing in nature, Gerês will make for the perfect road trip.

The park is huge, and everything you will want to see is spread out, so jump into your car early, maybe make a quick stop in Braga, and head to Rio Caldo, where you can find a few restaurants and hotels (and campsites), and where the day will fly by swimming or walking around the river.

The next day, start by visiting the village of Gerês.

You’ll see shepherds leading their cattle to graze, and grannies selling homemade goodies.

Stop in Miradouro Pedra Bela for incredible views, in Cascatas de Fecha de Barjas if you want a bit of a trek with an amazing waterfall for a swim at the end, or in Cascata de Pincães if you want an easier hike.

Finish the day by going down an old Roman road to Ponte da Misarela, known as the Devil’s bridge, a beautiful man-made medieval building cohabiting with the stunning landscape.

You can find accommodation looping back to Gerês.

On the third day go towards Mata da Albergaria, a magnificent oak forest, and then to the small village with a top-of-a-hill castle of Lindoso.

Finish the day in Soajo, where you’ll see  Espigueiros , a collection of granite granaries built above the ground, where corn is still being kept.

From Porto to the village of Gerês lay only 60 miles, and your north Portugal road trip itinerary will determine how much driving you’ll do.

If you stick to the three days detailed above, you’re looking at around 230 miles.

Portugal Driving Tip : if you’re running out of petrol, from Lindoso cross into Spain. In a short 15-minute detour you’ll find a gas station.

There are many other waterfalls, viewpoints, small villages, and sanctuaries that you can visit if you have more time.

A minimum to take in the most important sites is 3 days, but if you have a week or more, the park will keep you entertained.

Porto + Duoro Valley Road Trip Loop

From Moumita and Sankha of Chasing the Long Road

The road trip from Porto to Douro Valley is one of the most incredible road trips in Portugal and is one of the best  things to do from Porto .

This Portugal road trip is structured as a loop starting and ending in Porto.

Start your Portuguese road trip adventure by exploring the city of Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal.

The old Historic Centre of Porto, alongside the nearby Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From taking a short cruise over the Douro River to exploring the magnificent Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world), Porto offers a lot. 

Spend at least 2-3 days in Porto before exploring the Douro Valley.

The drive to Douro Valley is very scenic.

The entire valley is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its terraced vineyards.

You will be treated to stunning sceneries and some delicious wine and food. The road follows endless gorgeous vineyards over the lush green hills and the historic wine villages. 

There are numerous miradouros (viewpoints) on the way, where you can stop to take photos and admire the view.

Don’t miss the famous Double Viewpoint or Miradouro do Penedo Durao.

For wine lovers, many of the wineries here offer Port wine tasting and a tour of their cellar. 

Be sure to stop by the small village of Pinhao, with its famously charming train station, along the way.

About 127 miles each way.

It takes around 4 hours to drive between Porto and Vila Nova de Foz Coa.

We would suggest spending at least 4-5 days exploring Porto and the towns and villages of Douro Valley.

Island Road Trip on Madeira

From Marjut of The Smooth Escape

Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean, 700 miles off the coast of mainland Portugal.

Home to dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush vegetation, this sub-tropical island is known as the Hawaii of Europe.

The best way to witness the beauty of Madeira is by taking a road trip.

As the island is quite small, you can use the capital city Funchal as your base and take day trips via car to the different parts of the island.

Start your trip by spending a day in Funchal. With its tropical gardens, cobblestone streets, and endless ocean views, it’s a fantastic city to explore.

Next, drive to Madeira’s northwestern coast where you’ll find towering cliffs, natural pools, and picturesque villages.

Make sure to visit the black sand beach in Seixal which is considered one of the best beaches in Madeira . 

The next stop is Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak where you can enjoy striking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike the challenging trail to Pico Ruivo.

Visit also the traditional thatched houses in the village of Santana and do the scenic ‘levada’ walk to Caldeirão Verde waterfall.

Round off your trip by exploring the moon-like landscapes of the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. 

Although you could cover this whole distance in a couple of days, I recommend spending at least 5 days on this Portuguese road trip because there’s so much to see and do along the way.

Alternate Lisbon to Porto Driving Route

From De Wet of Museum of Wander

Yes, you can drive from Lisbon to Porto in about three hours, but do you really want to do that if you could slow down and see rural Portugal and a stunning surf town along the way?

This road trip takes you inland from Lisbon to the Alentejo region with whitewashed villages, cork forests and vineyards before heading back to the coast.

Stop in  Nazare  on the Costa da Prata for the freshest seafood,  long stretches of empty beach and enormous waves to surf before ending your trip in gorgeous Porto.

Leave Lisbon and head east towards Evora in Alentejo.

Evora is a stunning medieval town surrounded by a city wall.

In Evora, explore the cobblestoned old town, see the famous Bone Chapel and Roman Temple, dine on exquisite regional food, and do some wine tastings.

The countryside around Evora is peppered with vineyards, wineries, cork forests, and megalithic complexes to explore with your own wheels, too.

Then head back to the coast for some beach time and relaxation in Nazare.

In Nazare, head down to the lighthouse and Praia do Norte to see (or surf) the giant waves that Nazare is famous for.

After visiting Nazare, it’s about a two-hour drive to Porto, where your road trip ends.

357 miles or 576 km.

You enjoy this Portugal road trip in a weekend, but five days or more will be much more relaxing.

[convertkit form=3127238]

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.

8 thoughts on “10 Exciting Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)”

Good morning!

My husband an I are planning a road trip in Portugal in mid-Sept. to mid-Oct. 2023. How difficult is it to find overnight accommodations on the fly? We’d like to take our time each day and then find a place to rest to maximize our time. We are thinking of leaving from Porto, continuing through Douro Valley, north through National Park and the coast on return.

Assuming you’re flexible with where you stay (and especially if you’re open to staying in more rural properties), it’s not a problem at all. Based on your route I think you guys will be just fine going on the fly.

If you want to stay at a winery in the Douro Valley, you might consider booking that in advance, but if you’re just hoping to stay in the general area, you should be able to find something.

Hello Lee, My husband and I and another couple are doing a road trip through Portugal after a cruise that ends in Barcelona. Same time frame as your trip except 1 year later…October 2024. We plan to get a car in Barcelona. Can you share what you learned and/or what you recommend? I’m just beginning to research Portugal so I don’t even know what questions to ask. We are thinking roughly a week exploring Portugal.

Hi Kate and Jeremy, Thank you for your invaluable blog!

We are planning a trip to northern Portugal the last two weeks of September. We would like to do a walking tour in the Penada- Geres National Park. Do you have any personal recommendations for companies who organize such tours? We are keen to spend approximately a week there, and want to visit smaller villages. Our home base will be Porto.

Many thanks in advance for any advice you may have,

Unfortunately I don’t, as we haven’t had a chance to visit yet! I do know that Get Your Guide, one of our favorite aggregates to book tours through, has a few options leaving through Porto that are listed.

Thanks, Kate. We have gone ahead and booked with MACs Adventure. Really looking forward to it!

All the best, Anne

Very nice compilation. It would be even nicer if you put a caption under pictures telling where they are.

Thanks for the feedback, Jeff! We have started slowly adding location captions on some of our new posts, but it’s quite the job with 8+ years of archives to go through! 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

How To Have The Perfect Day Trip To Sintra, Portugal (Detailed Itinerary)

Ask anyone who’s been to Lisbon. They’ll probably recommend you go see the “red and yellow castle in Sintra”.

Yes, Sintra (and the Pena Palace) are super popular things to do when visiting Lisbon … but you can’t simply just show up in Sintra and expect things to fall into place.

There’s actually a ton of planning that needs to go into a Sintra day trip!

Like buying timed tickets to enter Pena Palace. (Pro tip: Don’t just show up empty-handed!)

And deciding how in the world you’re going to even get up to the palace, perched high up on a hill. And then once you’re done with Pena Palace, do you just go home? What else is there to do in Sintra to make your time worthwhile?

To help you answer all these questions and then some, I created an easy-to-follow Sintra day trip itinerary for you — with all the logistical details included!

You’ll learn everything from how to get to Sintra, which palaces are worth your time, what time to get your day trip started, which buses to take to get around, and so much more.

Ready to dive in and have the perfect Sintra day trip from Lisbon?

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

What Is Sintra And What Will You Find There?

Sintra is a charming town set amidst the lush mountains of Serra de Sintra , not too far away from Lisbon (only 15 miles away).

While you may not be able to tell because things are so spread out and shrouded by greenery, Sintra is home to tons of opulent mansions with amazing and unique architecture — many of which were built by royalty and the ultra-rich of the past!

But it wasn’t always that way. Sintra has been inhabited by a few different civilizations in the past, each leaving its mark on the landscape and shaping its identity over the centuries.

A Brief History Of Sintra

The area’s prime location amidst the mountains of Serra de Sintra made it an appealing settlement for early inhabitants, who saw it as having defensive advantages. During the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Sintra flourished as an important center of agriculture and commerce.

Fast-forward to the 12th century — Sintra then becomes a royal retreat and summer residence for Portuguese monarchs, drawn to its cool climate and natural surroundings. For a good amount of time, it remained an area for royal retreats.

Throughout the centuries, Sintra continued to evolve as a cultural and artistic hub, attracting writers, poets, and artists inspired by its romantic landscapes and historic charm.

In 1995, it finally earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its cultural landscape!

What To See In Sintra

Within the Sintra area, these five attractions stand out as being the most popular among visitors:

• Pena Palace – perhaps the most-visited landmark in the Sintra area, this is the ketchup + mustard-looking castle that everyone visits; a work of pure Romanticism!
• Quinta da Regaleira – a lesser-visited attraction, this is a whimsical mansion filled with enchanting gardens, mysterious (almost secretive) tunnels, and unique architecture. Apparently, this spot has recently blown up on TikTok, which I have mixed feelings about.
• Moorish Castle – Before the elites and royalty came along, the Berbers (North African Moors) built up the Moorish Castle to guard the town. You’ll find this ancient castle perched atop a rugged hillside, looking super cool all on its own.
• Monserrate Palace : A picturesque palace with eclectic architectural style + gardens full of exotic plant collections from around the world.
• Sintra National Palace – Around 1840, Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle in which Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, and Renaissance elements were displayed. Located in the town center, it’s now a historic house museum.

Why does Sintra have so many palaces? Back in the day, the royal families and the rich flocked here (for its beauty and cooler weather compared to Lisbon). A lot of them went all out to build their summer homes here.

With just a day trip, you won’t be able to visit them all in one day.

Our day trip will take you to Pena Palace , Quinta da Regaleira, and Sintra National Palace . The first two dwellings I think are most beautiful, and the last one is just super convenient.

Having said that, if you find the other attractions more interesting, feel free to swap them in as you see fit!

How To Get To Sintra From Lisbon

Where is sintra from lisbon.

Sintra is only 15 miles or so northwest of Lisbon, making it a super accessible day trip. In fact, the travel time from Lisbon to Sintra is only about 35 to 40 minutes by train .

Most people get to Sintra in one of two ways:

• by taking the train on their own
• or opting for a guided day trip tour

Option 1: Lisbon to Sintra by Train

Getting to Sintra via train is super easy, and super affordable too. Trains leave from the Sete Rios Station in Lisbon’s city center every 10-15 minutes or so and the roundtrip ride costs less than €5. Crazy cheap, right?

The trip from Lisbon to Sintra by train should take about 35-40 minutes.

• One-way train from Lisbon to Sintra:  €2.40

Pro Tip: Use Portugal’s official train site to get the most accurate train times, travel times, and ticket costs. Enter the name of the train station closest to your hotel and enter “Sintra” as the final destination.

If you plan on taking the train a lot in Lisbon (the main form of public transportation I use to get around Lisbon), you’ll want to get a reloadable  Via Viagem card . You can simply tap and go at the gates — no need to stand in line at the machines to buy train tickets to Sintra!

These machines are usually always preoccupied with long lines anyway. The Via Viagem card really comes in handy and saves you a lot of time from waiting around.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure you get off at the right stop – Sintra Station (Estação de Sintra). Do not get off at Portela de Sintra, which is the stop immediately before this. Just remember, the correct station for Sintra and all the palaces is Sintra Station. It’s the last stop on the line, where mostly everyone on the train will get off too, so it’s hard to miss.

Option 2: Lisbon to Sintra by Guided Tour

If you don’t want to figure out how to take the train on your own (even though it’s easy, I promise!), you can opt for a guided day trip.

These day trips are effortless — your guide takes care of all the logistics for you: getting you to Sintra, getting you from palace to palace, admission to these palaces, explaining the significance and history of everything you’re seeing, and taking care of the whole itinerary for you, too.

I have always found my own way to Sintra by train, but that’s because I’ve always traveled either solo OR with young, spry, and able-bodied friends.

If I were to ever visit Sintra with my parents, aunts, or uncles (they’re older, so excessive walking is tough on their legs/feet), I would 100% opt for a guided tour so that EVERYTHING is taken care of!

Sintra Day Trip From Lisbon: 1-Day Itinerary

For the rest of the itinerary, I’m going to assume you opted for a self-guided day trip to Sintra. That means you have the freedom to pick all your activities and the freedom to stay at each location for as long as you like!

Walk (or catch a ride) up to Pena Palace

Our first stop is going to be Pena Palace. This one’s the most popular attractions in Sintra, so you’ll want to get it done as early in the day as you can.

Once you get off at the Sintra train station, you’re going to need to find your way up to Pena Palace. It’s located high up on a hill.

Start paying attention because this is probably the hardest part about the Sintra day trip itinerary!

I personally love walking up the hill to get to Pena Palace (I’ve done it both times I’ve visited Pena Palace), but I understand that others might not want this or even be able to. I’ll give you a few different options on how to get there below.

WALKING TO PENA PALACE

The walk from the Sintra train station to Pena Palace takes approximately 35-45 minutes depending on your walking speed. Having done the walk up to Pena Palace on multiple trips to Sintra, I can tell you that not too many people opt to walk.

Very rarely did I pass by other people on my walks!

It’s quite uphill, but the entire walk up is pretty and super enchanting! The path is well-marked, easy to follow (when you use your maps app), and takes you through the charming historic center of Sintra.

Along the way, you’ll pass by Sintra’s city center (quaint cafes, shops selling local crafts), take quiet paths through sections of nothing but trees and greenery, and you’ll even see the Moorish Castle in the distance.

While the path does have some uphill sections that’ll make you break a sweat, it’s not a strenuous hike where you need huge amounts of water, and the majority of it is paved.

If it happens to be a really hot day, or you find yourself short on time and don’t have 45 minutes to spare on just walking, then you should try getting there on a set of wheels instead.

TAKING THE BUS TO PENA PALACE

For those who prefer not to walk, there is a bus service (434) that operates between the Sintra train station, Pena Palace, and a few other touristy destinations.

The bus departs regularly from a stop near the train station and takes visitors directly to the entrance of the palace, making it a convenient option for those with limited mobility or those short on time.

Here’s everything you need to know about taking the bus to Pena Palace:

• 434 Bus Route Circuito da Pena (circular route):  Sintra Train Station → Moorish Castle → Pena Palace → Sintra National Palace / Sintra Town → Natural History Museum → Sintra Train Station ( timetable here )
• Bus rides cost €4.55 for a single bus ticket. Have cash on you to pay for this. You can buy tickets directly from the bus driver. They sell a hop-on-hop-off bus ticket for €13.50, which could be good if you don’t plan on doing any walking at all (and plan to take the bus everywhere).
• Buses come a few times an hour, depending on how busy it is.  You may get lucky and come up on the bus stop with the bus already there waiting for people to hop on. Or, you may need to wait 15 minutes or so for another one to show up. Buses run more frequently during the peak summer months.

There’s also Bus 435 , but this bus doesn’t go to Pena Palace. Bus 435 takes visitors to places like Quinta de Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, and other palaces. Don’t get on this one.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Once you get dropped off at Pena Palace, the trek isn’t over. You still have to walk about 10-15 minutes up a fairly steep hill, or you can take a separate bus straight to the entrance for €3 (after you present your entry ticket).

After reaching the ticketing entrance, you still need to walk uphill more to reach the actual palace!

TAKING A TUK-TUK TO PENA PALACE

Another fun (but more expensive) way to reach Pena Palace is by taking a tuk-tuk ride from the Sintra train station. Tuk-tuks are small, motorized vehicles that can navigate the narrow streets of Sintra with ease, and you’ll find a lot of drivers with tuk-tuks waiting for you at the train station.

The people driving the tuk-tuks will likely try to sell you on a ride up to the palace, but just know they DON’T come cheap. They know tourists are usually confused about how to get to Pena Palace and they try to take advantage of that!

Just keep in mind that the bus ride is €4.55. Anything excessively more than… say €6-8 per person would be considered NOT worth it in my eyes!

TAKING A BOLT/UBER TO PENA PALACE

Bolt is the main way I get around Portugal when I need a quick and convenient ride. And the good thing is, they’re super cheap in all of Portugal! They typically have much better pricing than regular cabs, and there’ll be no language barrier to worry about (since you do everything — like pick your destination and pay the bill — through the app).

I’ve never called a rideshare car to get me to/from places in Sintra, so I’m not entirely sure how readily available cars are in this area.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to just open the app and try calling a car from the train station if none of the other options appeal to you!

TAKING A TAXI TO PENA PALACE

You can also opt to take a taxi from the Sintra train station to Pena Palace. Because of how touristy Sintra is, you’ll find taxis available outside the train station. Taxis will cost more than Uber/Bolt.

Pena Palace

At this point, I hope you have your pre-booked Pena Palace tickets . You have two ticket options:

• Palace and Park Ticket:  Most people choose this one. You get entry into the palace itself with all the decked-out rooms and history + access the grounds and gardens. (Cost: €20 for adults)
• Park Ticket:  If you don’t think going inside the palace is worth it and just want to enjoy the palace from the outside, you can save a few euros by grabbing a Park Ticket. (Cost: €10 for adults)

Now, it’s time to get explorin’!

The Pena Palace is a jaw-droppingly pretty castle that’s unlike any other castle out there. It’s bright red and yellow for goodness sake!

Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, the palace combines elements of a former monastery with whimsical castle-like architecture. The first thing you’ll want to do is explore the interior of the castle.

As you explore the colorful rooms, decor, and fantasy-like architecture of the palace interior, you’ll feel like you’re in an actual fairy tale. I mean, how did people live like this? SO JEALOUS.

Well… with the exception of all the other people trying to enjoy their tour of the inside as well. Sadly, because of how popular Pena Palace has become, you won’t really get to linger in rooms / areas for too long. There will probably be a long line of people behind and in front of you.

Photos taken during my first trip to Pena Palace — overall, pretty calm experience.

I’m not a fan of massive crowds, but even I had to come to terms with the fact that Pena Palace is no longer a secret and accept the masses. During my visit in 2018, touring the inside of the palace was pretty peaceful. I never felt rushed, annoyed, or squished by other visitors.

My experience in 2023 was quite the opposite. It was so hectic and so packed — I couldn’t wait to get out of there!

This is why I urge you to visit Pena Palace at the very start of the day (or at the very end, once the guided day trips have left)! The crowd levels are HIGH.

After you’ve explored the inside of the palace, it’s time to take in the gorgeous grounds around the palace itself. Make sure to take a walk around the castle walls, especially the Arches Yard and Terrace Walk . These are hands-down the prettiest areas for photos!

From the outside, you can even climb upstairs and pop into the elevated towers to soak in the views of the surrounding countryside — you’ll even be able to spot the Moorish Castle in the distance.

Enjoy the palace from different angles and levels!

After exploring the outdoor spaces of the palace, you can head down to explore the gardens! The palace is surrounded by a lush park filled with all kinds of exotic plants and winding paths, so you should definitely spend at least 30 minutes enjoying the outdoors here.

Taken during my second visit to Pena Palace, lots more people!

In contrast to the throngs of humans overrunning the palace, the park area was surprisingly empty and peaceful. Plus, it offers great views of the palace.

Pena Palace Tickets: Palace + Park Tickets or Park Only?  

Quinta da regaleira.

From Pena Palace, it’s time to explore my favorite area of all of Sintra — Quinta da Regaleira!

Quinta da Regaleira was unlike ANYTHING I had ever experienced before. While Pena Palace is unique in that it’s colorful and playful, Quinta da Regaleira is whimsical, mysterious, and downright enchanting.

Add in all the greenery that surrounds this mansion and you’ll get a truly mesmerizing world of wonder!

First off, Quinta da Regaleira is not a castle, it’s an estate. Built by an eccentric Free Mason, it houses some of the most unique, question-inducing elements like hidden tunnels and the mysterious Initiation Well. It’s also filled with occult-like symbols that make you question why they’re there to begin with! It’s all very intriguing, to say the least.

As you wander through the grounds, you’ll encounter ornate gardens, winding pathways, and statues / structures that seem straight out of a fairy tale.

Secret grottos, evil-looking lizard statues, descending into wells and tunnels… BUT WHY!

If you’re trying to pinpoint the architectural style of this place, it’s going to be hard. You’ll come across so many intricate designs that blend Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles.

One of the must-see areas at Quinta da Regaleira is the iconic Initiation Well , a spiral staircase that’s meant to descend deep into the earth … almost like it’s descending into the underworld!

While its exact purpose remains shrouded in mystery, the experts (aka my tour guide) believe it was used for ceremonial rituals or secret gatherings. The guy was a Free Mason after all.

Many tunnels and caves lead from the well to other parts of the grounds. The entrances are covered with maritime rock brought in from the Peniche region to give a feeling of a “submerged world”.

Pro Tip: If you want to see the initiation well, head there first. It’s the most popular spot in Quinta da Regaleira, so it gets busy. There’s usually a line to enter the well too. After you finish up with the well, you can take your time seeing the rest of the castle!

In addition to the Initiation Well and all the creepy/cool tunnels, be sure to explore the grand palace, the lakes, Leda’s Grotto, the charming chapel, and even the waterfall. There’s so much good stuff to see scattered throughout the estate grounds.

You can buy your skip-the-line Quinta da Regaleira tickets here.

Quinta da Regaleira: Self-guided or guided?

My recommendation would be to do a little bit of both.

Quinta da Regaleira is full of hidden meanings and symbolisms that reveal a deeper, more mysterious side to the estate. It’s hard to know any of that without a guide.

The first time I visited Quinta da Regaleira, I did it completely self-guided. Because I found all the nooks, gardens, and grottos to be completely enthralling, I was able to spend 3+ hours here — completely captivated by the beauty of the property!

I hadn’t noticed the fact that I didn’t actually learn anything new about the mansion. I was so distracted by the beauty of the whole dang thing!

It wasn’t until my second visit to Quinta da Regaleira (where I DID have a guide) that I realized how little info I had learned about it during my first visit. On my second visit, my guide shared SO much history, proposed theories, and intriguing facts about the Quinta.

While my first visit was all about taking in the beauty and tranquility of the place, my second visit was all about learning WHY Quinta da Regaleira looks the way it does.

If you only plan on visiting Quinta da Regaleira once in your life, I’d get a guided tour. Or at the very least, opt for the audioguide so you can better understand what you’re looking at!

Explore Sintra’s historic city center

From Quinta da Regaleira, the walk back down to Sintra’s city center really isn’t bad. It’s about a 10-minute downhill walk.

There’s a lot of charming architecture to see along the way, including lots of colorful azulejo tilework and water fountains you can actually drink out of!

As you continue strolling downhill, you’ll eventually start seeing some of those shops you came across earlier on.

With the remainder of your time in Sintra, you could browse through the gift shops, home decor stores, and ceramic stores (you’ll find lots of blue, yellow, and white ceramics as well as things with sardines on them!).

You’ll also find a couple of storefronts selling ginja (or sour cherry liqueur), so if you haven’t had a chance to taste it in Lisbon, you’ll have your chance here!

The streets start to become quite maze-like, but that’s half the fun of exploring Sintra! You’ll never know what’s tucked away in a random corner.

You’ll find a few more establishments including handicraft/gift shops, restaurants, an ALE-HOP (a chain store that sells all kinds of random stuff you never knew you wanted), Fábrica da Nata (for pastel de nata!), and a long-standing pastry shop called Casa Piriquita .

If you need a quick snack, don’t miss Casa Piriquita, a local institution! You can get all kinds of pastries there, but their signature item is the Travesseiros da Piriquita . If this location is too crowded, there’s also their second location, Piriquita II , not too far away.

Travesseiros de Sintra is one of the most sought-after sweets in Sintra, by both locals and tourists alike. Travesseiros are made with puff pastry, egg yolks, almonds and sugar, and are universally recognized as one of Sintra’s greatest delicacies. You gotta try one while you’re here!

Sintra National Palace

If you aren’t completely pooped out from exploring two massive palace/mansion grounds, your next stop can be the Sintra National Palace .

The Sintra National Palace — as its name suggests — served as an important place in Portugal’s royal history. Over the centuries, it’s been inhabited by multiple royal families, with each generation/reign leaving its mark and adding personality to its halls and chambers.

The abundance of hunting in the region, the freshness of the climate during the summer months, and the need to take refuge during periods of plague in Lisbon all contributed to the Palace of Sintra turning into a regular destination for the monarchs.

Inside the palace, you’ll immediately notice the intricate tile work on the walls, the super ornate ceilings, and the ritzy furnishings that reflect the wealth and power of its former inhabitants.

Don’t miss the Sala dos Cisnes (Swan Room), adorned with adorable little swan motifs, or the enchanting Sala dos Árabes (Arab Room) filled with Moorish-inspired decorations!

The interior of this place is just absolutely stunning! Best of all, there are way fewer crowds compared to what you’ll experience at Pena Palace, which means you can take your time and explore the entire palace at your own pace without feeling rushed by constant footsteps behind you.

When you’re outside, don’t miss the palace gardens and the two conical chimneys rising from the palace’s kitchen, a unique feature that you won’t see anywhere else.

Since this palace is a lot smaller than Pena Palace, you should only need about 1 hour to see everything.

Early dinner: Romaria de Baco

If you’re in the mood for traditional Portuguese food, head to Romaria de Baco for a real meal. If you like seafood, try the black risotto with shrimp and clams or the grilled squid for the main course. They also have all the traditional bacalhau dishes too.

If meat is more your thing, opt for the pork tenderloin which was also amazing!

Have More Time? Other Stops For Your Itinerary

I tend to take forever to look around outdoor spaces when traveling solo.

Since so many of Sintra’s palaces had outdoor areas to explore in addition to the actual palaces, I’ve only ever been able to fit in 2-3 places whenever I visit Sintra.

If you’re a fast explorer, you may be able to fit in more on your Sintra day trip! If so, here are a couple of other stops you could consider adding to your Sintra day trip itinerary:

The Moorish Castle

Isolated high up on one of the peaks in the Sintra Hills, the Moorish Castle is a fortification founded in the 10th century during the period the Moors occupied the Iberian Peninsula.

Its walls snake across the hills with their granite blocks interlinking boulders and cliffs.

I didn’t make it to The Moorish Castle, but I’ve heard really good things about it. You can easily walk here from Pena Palace (a 15-minute walk). Since most guided tours don’t go here, you’re almost guaranteed a peaceful experience here.

Monserrate Palace

Another unique palace in Sintra! And no, it won’t look or feel like any of the other ones you’ll have seen already.

Unlike the other palaces, Monserrate Palace is characterized by its exotic and eclectic design, inspired by Arabic, neo-gothic, and Indian architectural styles.

In addition to super unique palace architecture, the botanical gardens are worth seeing! You’ll find all kinds of exotic trees, flowers, and water features throughout the outdoor space.

Essential Travel Tips For Your Sintra Day Trip

Get your timed entry pena palace tickets ahead of time..

If you wait until the day-of to buy your ticket there, you might have a LONG wait ahead of you. That’s because admission at Pena Palace is now time-based. This means if all the time slots for your arrival time have already been sold out, you’ll be given the next available time slot, which could be 1-2 hours after you’ve already arrived.

This actually happened to me on my second visit to Pena Palace! My friends had decided last-minute that they wanted to visit. (Last-minute is never a good idea!)

Online reservations were sold out that morning, so our only option was to show up physically at the ticket office to buy tickets. Luckily, they had availability for in-person ticket purchases.

BUT, we had to wait 2 whole hours before they would let us in! We had walked all the way up the hill to get to the Palace, so there was no way we were walking back down to kill time. So we mostly just sat around for the whole two hours before getting in line to enter. It was a total waste of time, to be honest!

To avoid long lines and stupid wait times, purchase your tickets for Pena Palace online ahead of time . This will mean no wasted time — you’ll get to enter the palace at your desired time slot. Easy in, easy out!

Try to get the earliest time slots for Pena Palace.

This palace gets quite crowded, so for the most enjoyable experience (and the least number of people in your castle photos), try to show up before everyone else!

This will also mean more time to explore the rest of Sintra’s treasures ahead of everyone else (everyone else is probably stuck at Pena Palace waiting for their time slots to enter the palace, hehehe).

How I’d recommend getting from Pena Palace to Quinta da Regaleira.

On my first trip, I walked the full 35 minutes it takes to get from one palace to the next. Unless you love walking and/or have the time to spare, I wouldn’t recommend it to just anyone!

A more efficient route is to do the following:

• From the train station, take bus 434 up to Pena Palace.
• To leave Pena Palace, take bus 434 to return to the historic center. After Pena Palace, you’ll probably need some food, or even a quick snack. Grab something in the town center.
• Walk from the town center to Quinta da Regaleria. It’s only a 12 to 15-minute walk!

If you’re traveling outside of the summer season, bring warm clothes to Sintra.

Sintra can be significantly cooler than Lisbon, especially during the off-season. Be sure to bring warm clothing and dress in layers to stay comfortable. If the clouds and the fog are rolling through, it’ll feel a lot colder when the sun isn’t shining directly on you. 

During my last visit in March, I had to hunt for spots of sunlight at 10 am because I was so cold in the shade!

Sintra Day Trip: A Step-By-Step Itinerary

If you need help figuring out how exactly to get around to all these stops efficiently, you can follow this guide below:

• 8am : Catch the train from Lisbon to Sintra.
• 9 am: From Sintra train station, take Bus 434 up to Pena Palace .
• Explore Pena Palace for a few hours — you should have a timed ticket for early in the morning.
• 12 pm : To leave Pena Palace, walk or take Bus 434 to return to the historic center. After Pena Palace, you’ll probably need some lunch or even a quick snack before the next stop. Grab something in the town center before heading to Quinta da Regaleira .
• 1 pm: Walk from the town center to Quinta da Regaleira . It’s only a 12 to 15-minute walk!
• Explore Quinta da Regaleira for a few hours. To leave Quinta da Regaleira, take the same 15-minute walk you did to get back to the town center.
• 4 pm: Explore Sintra National Palace (open until 6:30 pm), located in the town center. Walk through town and explore the local shops.
• 6 pm : Have dinner in Sintra, or head back to Lisbon for dinner!

434 Bus Route:  Sintra Train Station → Moorish Castle → Pena Palace → Sintra National Palace / Sintra Town → Natural History Museum → Sintra Train Station ( timetable here )

Planning Your Trip To Portugal?

Here are some of our other Portugal travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip there!

• 32 Lisbon Travel Tips To Make Your Trip So Much Better
• 3 Days In Lisbon: The Perfect Itinerary For First-Timers
• Where To Stay In Lisbon: 5 Best Neighborhoods To Choose From
• 50 Fun Things To Do In Lisbon, Portugal (Massive Guide To Lisbon!)
• The Ultimate Guide To Getting Around Lisbon By Public Transportation

Near Lisbon

• 15 Unforgettable Things To Do In Óbidos, Portugal
• Evora, Portugal: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
• 2 Days In Porto: A Detailed Itinerary (+ Essential Travel Tips)
• How To Spend 3 Perfect Days In Porto: Detailed Itinerary!

• Lisbon Tourism
• Lisbon Hotels
• Lisbon Bed and Breakfast
• Lisbon Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Lisbon
• Lisbon Restaurants
• Things to Do in Lisbon
• Lisbon Travel Forum
• Lisbon Photos
• All Lisbon Hotels
• Lisbon Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Lisbon
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Please sense check this plan - Lisbon Forum

• Europe    
• Portugal    
• Central Portugal    
• Lisbon District    
• Lisbon    

Please sense check this plan

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Lisbon District forums
• Lisbon forum

My question is that on the day we return to Lisbon on the train, would it make sense to stay in the Oriente area near the station, so we don't have to travel far to get to our accommodation, and it's a very easy trip on the train to the airport the next day? I don't know that area at all, so don't know whether it's a good idea.

If we have time for more sightseeing in Lisbon the on our arrival day from Porto, we are very happy to take the metro into the older part of Lisbon (or just for a final dinner).

Thanks for your opinions.

3 replies to this topic

Oriente metro station is a six minute journey to the airport and about 25 minutes to the centre.

Thanks for the responses. I actually didn't realise the train could go past Oriente station- I thought that was the end of the line. In that case, Santa Apolonia Station could be a better destination.

• LIsbon airport to Obido 3:16 am
• Lisboa cards 3:12 am
• A Week in Portugal 1:28 am
• Lisbon Oceanarium Travel Question yesterday
• Last Night- Nice Restaurant Near Airport May 23, 2024
• Hotel cancelation for busy weekend May 23, 2024
• Best transport Lisbon to Carvoeiro - Bus or Train May 23, 2024
• Sintra day trip- tour recommended? May 23, 2024
• Saint Anthony 2024 May 23, 2024
• Suggestions May 23, 2024
• Lisbon advice with children May 22, 2024
• Ribeira das naus May 22, 2024
• Money exchange May 22, 2024
• Apple Store?? May 22, 2024
• How can I travel from Seville to Lisbon? 18 replies
• Lisbon to Barcelona 10 replies
• train faro to lisbon 12 replies
• Best Part of the City to stay in Lisbon 4 replies
• Best beach close to Lisbon 7 replies
• Where to stay in Lisbon for 1st time? 5 replies
• Lagos to Lisbon by bus / train 4 replies
• december in portugal 5 replies
• Hop on hop off tourist bus 8 replies
• Transfers from Lisbon to Cascais 9 replies

Lisbon Hotels and Places to Stay

• Flight Connecting Times Lisbon Airport
• How do I get from the airport to Cascais
• How do I get from point A to B using public transportation?
• How do I get to Sintra? How do I get around Sintra? What can I do in Sintra?
• How to locate a lost item
• Which area should I stay in? Can you recommend a hotel or an apartment?
• Where can I eat?
• What can I do in Lisbon? What is there for kids to do in Lisbon?
• Left Luggage in Lisbon
• Lisbon: Getting Around
• How do I get from the airport to the city?
• Lisbon Restaurants to consider...

Benagil Cave in 2024 – New Rules, Helpful Tips & The Best Tours

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: May 22, 2024

When visiting the Algarve Coast of Portugal, the first thing we wanted to see was Benagil Cave. Booking a tour was confusing, as we heard several conflicting reports on how to visit Benagil Cave. We visited Benagil Cave in October 2023. During our Benagil Caves visit, new rules were put into place, but things have already changed for 2024.

Table of Contents

What is Benagil Cave?

Benagil Cave is the Alagarve’s most famous sea cave because of its impressive domed ceiling with a natural skylight. Inside, the sea cave boasts a golden sand beach, layers of sandstone walls, and turquoise waters, creating a mesmerizing play of light and color.

The cave is located in the small village of Benagil, a short distance from popular towns such as Carvoeiro and Portimão. Benagil Cave boat tours leave from Portimão, making it a convenient and accessible destination for visitors exploring the Algarve’s coastline. It is also located on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, a famous hike in the Algarve.

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a 5.7km hike that takes you from Praia da Marinha to Vale Centeanes. Benagil Cave is located in the middle of the hike at the small village of Benagil. There is a parking lot nearby, so even if you don’t hike the entire Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, you can visit Benagil Cave and see it from the skylight above.

Visitors used to be able to swim or kayak from the village of Benagil to Benagil beach, but that is no longer possible unless on a guided tour.

New Rules and Regulations for Benagil Cave

Local authorities have introduced new measures to preserve Benagil Cave. The cave is a protected natural wonder, and with the increasing number of visitors, it was becoming dangerous and unmanageable. Boats were capsizing, and the beach was constantly overcrowded. By limiting boats and stopping access, Benagil Cave can be preserved for years to come.

Limited Access : To manage the flow of tourists and reduce environmental impact, access to the caves is now limited. It’s essential to book your tour in advance , especially during peak season (June to September).

Guided Tours Only : Solo kayaking and swimming to the caves are no longer allowed for safety reasons. All visits must be part of an organized boat tour with licensed operators.

This ensures that the caves are visited sustainably and safely. We saw police boats patrolling the coast, and they were very serious about conservation. We also saw kayakers capsizing. We have heard that fines for swimming in the cave can be as high as €2500.

Environmental Fee : A small environmental fee has been introduced, which is included in the tour price. This fee supports conservation efforts and helps maintain the caves’ natural beauty.

Is Benagil Cave Open in 2024?

Yes, the Benagil Cave will open to visitors in 2024. However, due to new regulations and to ensure visitors’ safety, access to the cave is now only allowed through organized boat tours with licensed operators. These measures help manage the number of tourists and reduce the environmental impact.

Trust me, even with measures in place when we were visiting Benagil Cave, it was a zoo out there on the water. Kayaks capsized, boats lined up to enter the caves, and entering Benagil Cave was only a short 3 or 4-minute experience.

However, we loved our boat tour of the Algarve coast. The other sea caves, sea arches, and high limestone cliffs make it one of the most spectacular coasts in the world. It puts the Great Ocean Road in Australia to shame, and I thought that was spectacular.

Can you swim in Benagil Cave?

Due to regulation changes, independent kayakers, swimming, and landing on the beach were no longer allowed. But you can book organized kayaking tours. When doing more research, we found one tour that offers a swim in Benagil Cave.

This tour claims to be the only one that swims to Benagil Cave and takes you right inside the cave. We find this hard to believe because when we visited, nobody was allowed to step foot on Benagil Beach, but things do change quickly. They are the only tour we could find, and when we put in dates to book, they accepted our booking, so this is a possibility. If you find out more, please let us know. The tour is through Viator, with Vagamundo Tours as its operator. When looking for the Vagumndo Tours website, I found that it was no longer in operation. So, this could be an old link.

At the time of writing, Portugal Tourism is having a meeting to solidify the Benagil Cave Navigation rules. The best advice we can give is to book an organized tour. Swimming to the cave can be dangerous regardless, and the businesses along the Algarve Coast will know what the new rules are.

How to Visit Benagil Cave

We took a boat tour to reach the Benagil Cave, and even after the authorities met this week, I am sure that the only way to visit Benagil Cave would be by organized tour.

In 2024, some people have claimed that motor boats are no longer allowed, while others claim that kayaks and SUPs are no longer allowed. When we visited at the end of the season last year, Kayaking and SUPs were not allowed due to overcrowding and safety reasons.

As we mentioned above, we saw kayakers capsize in other sea caves and watched as groups of kayakers went into the caves, taking a lot of time and looking chaotic. So, the best advice we can give is to book an organized tour with a licensed operator to ensure that you are following the law.

If businesses have their say, I believe that motorboat tours will win out. These tours depart from various nearby locations, such as Carvoeiro and Portimão, making it easy for travelers to include this natural wonder in their Algarve itinerary. Motorboats are also very easy to navigate and police. We will update you as soon as we hear more.

Can you Visit Benagil Cave by Land?

You cannot visit Benagil Cave by land; it is only accessible by sea. However, if you want to see Benagil Cave from above, you can view it from land. Benagil Cave is located along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. You cannot enter the cave from above, but you can look at it from above through its domed ceiling. There is a fence around it, so the view isn’t the best, but it is a beautiful hike.

Also, while we were there, many people hopped over the barriers for their Instagram photographs. We do not recommend this. That fall would do some serious damage and cause a huge fine.

Getting To Benagil Cave

By Boat Tour: As of October 2023, the only way to visit Benagil Caves was by boat tour. These tours depart from various points along the Algarve coast, including Benagil Beach, Carvoeiro, and Portimão.

Our Tour of Benagil Cave

We booked our Benagil Cave boat tour through our hotel, The Tivoli Carvoiero . Starting on the Arade River, we took a zodiac tour to the Atlantic Ocean through Portimão, where we saw the picturesque fishing village of Ferragudo (among the 20 most beautiful villages in the country) and the Fort of S. João do Arade, also known as Castle of Ferragudo, built in the 19th century.

Our tour covered a lot of ground, taking us to see the famous beaches of the Algarve, including Praia da Rocha, Praia Grande, Carvoeiro, Vale de Covo, which was located directly in front of our hotel, and Carvalho. The grand finale was Algar de Benagil. If you can, make sure to sit at the front of the boat for optimal viewing. You can book a similar tour here.

We booked the first tour of the morning that started at 10 am. We were at Benagil at about 11 am, which was perfect as the sunbeams were high enough to light the cave.

Helpful Tips to Visit Benagil Cave

Book in Advance : Given the new restrictions and popularity of the Benagil Caves, booking your tour well in advance is crucial. Online bookings are highly recommended.

Choose a small boat – We booked a small zodiac speed boat tour that held 18 people. There were some very large boats on the water that could not get into the caves like we did. If you can, get on the boat first and go right to the front. Dave and I saw way more at the front than the rest of the passengers.

Choose the Right Time : Early morning tours are less crowded and offer the best lighting for photography. Sunset tours are also magical, with the golden light illuminating the cave’s interior. Tides also have an impact on entering some caves but Benagil can be entered at any time.

What to Bring : Pack light, but don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof camera. Some tours provide life jackets and waterproof bags, but it’s best to check in advance.

Photography – We used a GoPro when visiting Benagil Caves but Dave also had his camera a Sony A1. Being on a speed boat, our equipment was safe and dry, but we packed a dry bag in case of splashing.

Stay Safe : Listen to your guides, wear your life jacket, and respect the natural environment. Swimming near the caves can be dangerous due to strong currents and boat traffic.

Explore Nearby : After your tour, take some time to explore the surrounding area. The Algarve coast is dotted with charming villages, stunning beaches, and excellent seafood restaurants.

Should you Visit Benagil Cave in 2024?

Absolutely! Visiting the Benagil Caves is an unforgettable experience. No matter which way you see it, the Algarve Coast is worth it alone. The sea cliffs, other sea caves, and arches are a spectacular sight, and going along the coast from Portimao to Praia da Marinha was one of the most beautiful boat trips we’ve ever taken.

With the new rules in place, you can enjoy this natural wonder responsibly and sustainably. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply looking for an adventure, the Benagil Caves are worth visiting. So, book your tour, pack your essentials, and get ready to explore the magical Benagil Caves!

Plan more of your trip to the Algarve and Portugal

• Where to Stay in Algarve: 5 Best Areas To Stay
• 3 Days in the Algarve Itinerary
• 48 Hours in Lisbon, Itinerary
• Is Portugal Expensive To Visit? Travel Costs And Budgets
• 30 Best Things To Do in Portugal

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

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:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

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.

You May Also Like

How To Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: The Ultimate Guide

Where to Stay in Algarve: 5 Best Areas To Stay In 2024

The Perfect One Day in Lisbon Itinerary

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.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

Portugal is facing suspension from the schengen zone. here's what you need to know if you have a trip planned.

Travelers eyeing Portugal must be aware of the EU's pressure on the country to implement a new border control system by July 2024, or face suspension from the Schengen Area. Delays attributed to bureaucratic hurdles and financial constraints highlight the urgency and potential impact on tourism and travel plans.

‘Digitalisation of Schengen Visa application will be a game changer’

Are you planning a trip to Portugal?

Schengen visa rule to give more Indians a reason to plan European summers

• Monitor Updates: Regularly check news sources and updates from the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.
• Stay Flexible: Be prepared for potential changes in travel plans, including possible delays and additional checks at the border.
• Check Visa Requirements: If a suspension occurs, ensure you understand any new visa requirements or travel restrictions that may be implemented.

Welcome to Venice. That’ll be Rs 450. Italy town to charge some tourists an entry fee

Read More News on

How a pop culture in car buying is making Maruti, Hyundai, Tata groove

Comvest CEO lands in trouble for not disclosing beneficial ownership in Gurugram firm

Over 75% investors have never started or run companies: Mohandas Pai

OTT shouldn’t go over the top with regulatory demands

Four reasons why Zara’s India growth is not in the fast lane anymore

Stock Radar: 50% rally in 1 year! Cipla breaks above a falling trendline resistance; should you buy?

Find this comment offensive?

Choose your reason below and click on the Report button. This will alert our moderators to take action

Reason for reporting:

Your Reason has been Reported to the admin.

To post this comment you must

Log In/Connect with:

Fill in your details:

Will be displayed

Will not be displayed

Share this Comment:

Uh-oh this is an exclusive story available for selected readers only..

Worry not. You’re just a step away.

Prime Account Detected!

It seems like you're already an ETPrime member with

Login using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits

Log out of your current logged-in account and log in again using your ET Prime credentials to enjoy all member benefits.

To read full story, subscribe to ET Prime

₹34 per week

Billed annually at ₹2499 ₹1749

Super Saver Sale - Flat 30% Off

On ET Prime Membership

Unlock this story and enjoy all members-only benefits.

Offer Exclusively For You

Save up to Rs. 700/-

ON ET PRIME MEMBERSHIP

Get 1 Year Free

With 1 and 2-Year ET prime membership

Get Flat 40% Off

Then ₹ 1749 for 1 year

ET Prime at ₹ 49 for 1 month

6th Anniversary Offer

Get flat 20% off on ETPrime

90 Days Prime access worth Rs999 unlocked for you

Exclusive Economic Times Stories, Editorials & Expert opinion across 20+ sectors

Stock analysis. Market Research. Industry Trends on 4000+ Stocks

​Get 1 Year Complimentary Subscription of TOI+ worth Rs.799/-​

Stories you might be interested in