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Relax. We make getting from city to city easy.

Experience the freedom of traveling door-to-door on your own schedule.

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"This was our first time to use the Daytrip service and it absolutely exceeded our expectations! Instead of…" Read more

People turn to Daytrip for transportation in over 120 countries around the world.

How can Daytrip drivers help you

Help with your luggage.

Our friendly drivers handle your bags for you, and keep them safe if you stop for lunch or sightseeing.

Door-to-door service

We bring you door-to-door with no surprises. No more having to figure out public transport, or paying extra for a taxi.

See how it works

And a dedication to safety

Thorough driver screenings.

We individually interview every Daytrip driver, so you can rest assured they meet our world-class standards.

Clean, comfortable cars

We have strict vehicle standards, so you’ll always get a late-model car that’s safe, clean, and comfortable.

Familiarity

Our drivers know the rules of the road, so they can get you from A to B safely.

So you can see the country’s best-kept secrets

Optional sight-seeing.

From ancient ruins to natural wonders, we’ve hand-picked the best things to see along the way.

Local tips and information

Our friendly drivers are locals, and are happy to share their insights or give tips on what to do at your destination.

And turn your ride into an unforgettable experience

16 Feb, 2024 Our first (but not last) trip with Daytrip This was our first time to use the Daytrip service and it absolutely exceeded our expectations! Instead of flying from Malaga Spain to Albufeira Portugal we decided to hire a driver. The cost and time required was about the same but the experience was so much more enjoyable with Daytrip. The booking process was simple and their communication was outstanding. As someone who's flown well over a million miles and has stayed in well over a thousand hotel nights, I truly appreciated how quick, clear and personal their messaging was (if it's AI then that's amazing). We can't say enough about pur driver, João S. He arrived early and messaged us that he was ready whenever we were. He greeted us warmly in excellent English (apparently everyone takes English in Portuguese schools) and even had an umbrella ready to keep us dry! He was very engaging and provided us with tons of great information as this was our first trip to Portugal. His driving was excellent and we always felt safe, even during a short period when there was heavy rain. We stopped for an excellent lunch at a wonderful little beach restaurant and let him order us a delicious traditional Portuguese meal. He dropped us off on time and extremely satisfied that we had made the right decision in picking Daytrip!

16 Feb, 2024 Great service The experience was very good. I am a full time traveler so I was looking for a service just like this. We had a good experience with Slaven our driver and I definitely will be using the company again. The driver came early and helped us with our luggage. The communication with him and the whole team was always very fast and good. There was no good option for us to travel from Italy to Slovenia with all the stuff we have and ski equipment but because of this service we were able to travel to Slovenia in 3 hours with no problem with all our stuff. The communication via email is excellent and they provide alot of information about your trip, you can see your driver’s photo and information, the car and the trip itinerary on your account, so you are uptodate on everything and it goes very smoothly. I definitely recommend them.

12 Feb, 2024 Excellent Service............ Daytrip is very reliable and sends multiple confirmations with very detailed instructions on pickups. Our driver, Patrick, also contacted ahead of pickup to confirm details and was on time picking us up. The vehicle was very clean and comfortable and we were provided bottled water.

Sightseer554573

11 Feb, 2024 Exceptional Service from Vientiane to Vang Vieng Easy to navigate website. Smooth journey with excellent and courteous driver, clean car. Most impressive of all was the customer service and care both pre and post journey. Would not hesitate to use Daytrip in future, or to highly recommend.

10 Feb, 2024 Excellent ride from Wadi Rum to Amman We were so happy with the service Ibrahim gave us on our drive from Wadi Rum to Amman via Shobak Castle. He arrived early, was friendly and extremely kind and generous, and a very safe driver. We loved our experience with him.

6 Feb, 2024 Great experience! Daytrip was such an easy platform to use to organize our transportation between St. Moritz and Innsbruck, Austria. They are so responsive

ashleydB1640HK

5 Feb, 2024 Daytrip experience Daytrip is the most convenient way to travel around Europe. Ricardo our driver is so informative but the best thing I love about him is how we felt safe with him. He truly made sure our travel is worth it.

micahangelak

29 Jan, 2024 A great day from Seville to Lisbon Daytrip is a great service avoiding airports, taxis, with the benefits of sight seeing and arrival in Lisbon stress free. We did have quite a few issues trying to pay on the Daytrip platform with multiple staff sending multiple emails, but once they were overcome, Armando our driver, picked us up on time in Seville. He was extremely flexible and informative. Gave us eating tips in Lisbon too. The van was very comfortable for us (3 adults) and clean. Thank you Armando for a great trip.

T9870CNrosas

28 Jan, 2024 Superb Service Such a professional service. Can't rate them highly enough. Very punctual, very professional drivers and the vehicles are very tidy indeed. Would highly recommend and will definitely use their service again. Thanks you.

nickcazwhitman

28 Jan, 2024 Such a smooth process Our experience with day trip was smooth from start to finish. We travelled from Tagaytay to Manila, PHILLIPINES Leo, was awesome he offered us drinks and snacks upon pickup, he helped with bags and we had a very enjoyable conversation the entire trip. He made an effort to get to know us and allowed us to know him. He Was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Such an easy service to deal with!

I3744RZandrews

6 Jan, 2024 Excellent transportation service -- highly recommended DayTrip were easy to work with, completely reliable, accommodated changes to our reservation when we needed to make them, and sent excellent, comfortable, clean vehicles with good drivers. They provided driver contact details so we could call them to check in when we arrived to the airport earlier than expected. The booking services seem to be based in Czech Republic and we were traveling in another country. Don't let that put you off. It all worked out seamlessly. I would highly recommend this company for transportation in Europe and would not hesitate to work with them again.

6 Jan, 2024 Consummate Professionals We have used the services of Daytrip all over Europe and Asia, and most recently Mexico. I must say every single experience has been perfect. All employees are consummate professionals with lots of knowledge and pleasant personalities. Looking forward to many more in the future. Keep up the great work!

3 Jan, 2024 Perfect. And we were difficult clients. Perfect customer care. We had to dates several times and pick-up time from midnight to midday just hours in advance. Very fast service. In person, not just a bot. Travelled Frantfurt - Amsterdam - Frankfurt. Great cars, great drivers.

stephanhV5691NO

2 Jan, 2024 Great car journey We are so pleased we booked this trip with Mark! He was timely from our hotel pickup in Vienna, very well informed, helpful and he made the trip to Bratislava far more enjoyable with his is personal knowledge of the area. Highly recommend Day Trip and Mark!

31 Dec, 2023 Maxim from Daytrip saved the day! Munich to Vienna Daytrip literally saved the day for us after a last minute flight cancellation. A Daytrip driver named Maxim from Prauge picked us up at 4:30 a.m. at our hotel in Munich and drove us on a dark and rainy morning to our next hotel in Vienna. Because of Maxim's professionalism and excellent driving, we were able to attend our pre-booked 11 a.m. performance of the Lippanzer Stallions in Vienna. I cannot say enough good things about Maxim. He was friendly, kind, and a pleasure to meet. Thank you Daytrip! Thank you Maxim!

14 Dec, 2023 Great service, fun stops. Day Trip is fantastic. I’ve used it in the past,!but our recent trip this December confirmed once again what a great company it is. I love the suggestions for stops on the way. I’ve been to several places that weren’t even on my radar and they were terrific. And who would not love door to door service with a friendly professional driver.

With simple, flexible bookings

Book with a click (or tap).

Our easy-to-use website and curated content mean you can book a trip on the other side of the world in seconds.

Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the trip

We know travel plans can change, which is why we have an industry-leading cancellation policy.

Plan one trip between cities or your whole vacation

53,600+ available routes

Daytrip offers the most convenient way to travel between cities around the world.

12,600+ sights

Make the most of your holiday with optional sightseeing stops.

Loevestein Castle

From tollhouse to political prison to museum, this medieval water castle has a long and captivating history.

Find the fruits of history in this ancient city turned seaside resort.

Lagunas de Atillo

It’s said that local tribes would drown their enemies in these beautiful high-altitude lakes.

National Transport & Toy Museum

Displaying almost anything you can think of, this nostalgia-inducing museum is one of the largest private collections in the world.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the cradle of Thai civilization.

Brixen is located in south Tyrol in northern Italy. A bishop's seat since 901, this Baroque town is the artistic and cultural capital of the valley.

Fort Knox State Historic Site

New England's best-preserved fort offers a scenic look at the region's fascinating 19th century history.

Ask locals in the region's most culturally important town what their favorite site is, and they'll probably say the incongruous Italian-style castle.

Springfield, MA

From the Titanic to Dr. Seuss, this little city is mad for museums.

Blarney Stone

For centuries, statesmen, authors, and actors have sought the gift of eloquence by performing a precipitous kiss on this legendary rock.

Budongo Forest Reserve

East Africa’s largest mahogany forest provides a home to hundreds of rare species, including Uganda’s largest population of chimpanzees.

Conchi Natural Pool

Discover this oasis amidst Aruba’s Arikok National Park, where adventure meets tranquility at a famous natural pool.

Victoria Educational Garden

This hidden gem in Texas provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city life, inviting visitors of all ages to explore its diverse landscapes and educational exhibits.

Brescia Castle

Standing at the top of Cidneo Hill lies the Castle of Brescia, one of the largest and best preserved fortresses of Northern Italy.

We believe traveling to another city should be more than easy. It should be an experience.

Daytrip was founded in 2015 with a simple goal in mind: to make traveling to another city easy. We know public transport is stressful and time consuming, so we came up with a better option: door-to-door service in a private car. And then we started thinking about what could make a travel day even better?

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Book today with Daytrip - risk free!

Make changes to your booking or cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

All Daytrip bookings are one way. If you need a return trip on a different date, simply book this as a separate one-way trip. For a same-day excursion, please request a custom trip . If you plan to stay more than a couple hours, we still recommend booking two one way trips so you're not paying a driver for waiting.

For Daytrip’s private service, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24-hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15-minutes before departure. While you can cancel your booking for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, changes requested under 36 hours are subject to driver availability, especially in the high season.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on screen. It's a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip . You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us .

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

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Daytrip   Reviews

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Our Croatian experience

I would love to highly recommend mydaytrip.com. We’ve just completed a 2 day trip from Zagreb to Dubrovnik. Our Driver Pavle was a wonderful driver, a pleasure to spend these days with. We saw so much beautiful countryside. Pavle was very helpful, knowledgeable, successfully made contact with us before we left Australia & any changes to our planned start day & was always on time with arrival & drop off. My day trip were very helpful with answers to questions, useful tips/timing when booking entry tickets, in this case National parks. Rosie & John

Date of experience : April 24, 2024

Seville to Lisbon

We were 3 passengers who travelled from Seville to Lisbon with Diogo. The trip was very comfortable - a large Mercedes van. We also had a stop in Merida to visit the Roman ruins. Diogo was extremely pleasant and well informed. The time passed quickly and we were very happy with the service provided.

Date of experience : April 15, 2024

So far I had booked 4 different trips…

So far I had booked 4 different trips on Team Daytrip. I love how professional they are.

Date of experience : April 20, 2024

Very easy booking processes

Very easy booking processes! The drivers I booked with were reliable on pick up time and communications before the day. The cars were clean and convenient, will book again!

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

An Amazing Service

My husband and I travelled with MyDayTrip from Meteroa to Athens, Greece. Our driver, Evan, was punctual, extremely courteous, careful and a considerate driver. It was a pleasurable, safe and extremely convenient transfer as public transport in Greece can be tricky. I recommend anyone considering MyDayTrip to book.

Date of experience : March 17, 2024

> I was very very impressed with day…

> I was very very impressed with day trip! > Jonathan and then Bilal were punctual, knowledgeable, and friendly. > They provided bottled water and clean vehicles. We arrived exactly > when we needed to and I was able to communicate with them on WhatsApp > easily. Bilal even waited for us when our boat was very late. I was > also impressed with the email communication with the daytrip team. > Everyone was helpful and responded very quickly. > Thank you so much for making our vacation less stressful and very enjoyable.

Date of experience : April 03, 2024

INCREDIBLE JORDAN TRIP

Please allow me to say the biggest Thank You to you & Day Trip Team for introducing me to Ibrahim, as not only did he provide a truly excellent service in terms of the Airport Pick-Up…which was polite, friendly, timely, comfortable and efficient…but also provided me with Excellent Contacts for Guides during my stay who provided me with the most incredible experiences over the 4 Days I was in Petra. He is a credit to your organisation and someone who should be valued highly in terms of Representation of not only Day Trip as a company…but also, as Jordan as a country. Look after him as he made my trip one I will never forget 😊

Date of experience : April 11, 2024

First time - Lisbon to Porto

Wow what an amazing experience. I used Daytrip for the first time from Lisbon to Porto with multiple stops. Bruno, the driver, was on time, very professional wearing a suit, and was very friendly. He even accompanied me to certain monuments explaining things like a guide and even took my pictures. We stopped at Obidos, Nazare, Bathala and Aviros which is more than the usual number of stops. Overall I have been extremely happy with this service and will surely use them again.

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

Budapest - Graz private transfer

Our trip was great! Our driver Mihaly came on time and was very hospitable, providing water for us. He was also very friendly and informative, telling us the history of Hungary and gyor. He left a good impression for us to keep using Daytrip!

Very good experience with our transfers

We had a very good experience with our Daytrip transfers between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and back to Chiang Mai. The driver was very professional, on time for pick ups and helpful during our sightseeing stop (we booked a temple stop on each trip). Car was clean and cold water was provided.

Date of experience : March 09, 2024

Daytrip from Split to Dubrovnik

We used Daytrip for the first time in a recent trip from Split to Dubrovnik, with stops along the way. Our driver, Ivo was great and significantly contributed to a wonderful visit to his country.

Date of experience : March 29, 2024

Great Service We used Daytrip on a recent trip from…

We used Daytrip on a recent trip from Lisbon to Lagos. Our driver Sergio C spoke excellent English was punctual, informative and a very save driver. Sergio’s car was clean and he provided us with water. We had a stop planned for lunch on the way to Lagos and Sergio guided us to a great place to eat. Definitely recommending Daytrip.

Date of experience : March 16, 2024

Fantastic day trip from Albania to…

Fantastic day trip from Albania to Croatia. We stopped into Perast, Montenegro along the way. Thank you!

Date of experience : April 02, 2024

Moving from our rental in PDC to Cancun, Mx

We were moving from our rental in Playa del Carmen to Cancun and arranged our ride through Daytrip. They were punctual, professional and very helpful. Our driver, Damian, was a lovely young man, who spoke very good English and carried our heavy bags and a bike, into the condo. You won’t go wrong in hiring this company, especially having read all the amazing reviews.

Date of experience : March 03, 2024

Convenient for some transfer

I have used DayTrip 3 times during my trip in Mexico. I am completely satisfied with the service provided. A good plus is the possibility to do some visits along the transfer.

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

Girls trip to Ireland

We used my Daytrip several times while in Ireland this past August. We were thoroughly impressed with the level of service we received as well as the knowledgeable and friendly drivers . It made seeing the country so much more enjoyable than having to worry about driving , insurance … and what side of the road to drive on !! Would definitely use them again and would highly recommend them . Thanks , Kim Brig & Meg

Date of experience : August 10, 2023

Excellent way to see a country

An excellent way to see some of the country without having to take a bus, plane or train. Good value for money when traveling with 1-4 people and you want to do stops along the way. It is also a nice way to meet a local driver who often provides information along the way. We have used this app many times in Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia and have never been disappointed. Excellent customer service, responsiveness, easy to use app, very reliable service. Highly recommend.

Comfortable ride from Porto to Lisbon

We had an amazing trip with Paulo. Paulo was right on time and very attentive to our needs. He gave us information on each stop we had and took us to a nice place to have a typical traditional lunch in Obidos. He was a very nice driver that took the time to give us information and allow time in each spot. He picked us up on time and we were dropped off at the time scheduled. We appreciate meeting Paulo and hope to see him again in the future. We highly recommend booking a day trip for your travel needs. This was well worth it for us traveling from Porto to Lisbon. Best to Paulo.

Date of experience : March 21, 2024

Easy, quick transfer with great driver!

We had a great experience! Cristian was early to the pick up and communicated with us easily. We enjoyed talking to him about Romanian life and society on the drive to Bucharest. When we arrived, our hotel was in a pedestrian zone and Cristian went above and beyond by parking nearby and escorting us to our hotel. It was a wonderful experience and we will definitely use DayTrip for transfers again!

Date of experience : March 08, 2024

I had a great experience with Daytrip for my airport trip. Booking was easy, and the confirmation was immediate. The taxi was punctual, clean, and comfortable. The driver, Dimitrios stood out for his kindness and professionalism, ensuring a pleasant and stress-free ride. We arrived at the airport on time. Excellent service.

Date of experience : March 26, 2024

20 Day Trips From Porto: Hidden Gems & Popular Spots

LOOKING FOR THE BEST PORTO DAY TRIPS?

Porto in Northern Portugal is the gateway to a world of diverse experiences. Day trips from Porto can lead you to the scenic vineyards of the Douro Valley, the historic charm of Braga — the oldest city in Portugal, and the academic brilliance of Coimbra University.

While Lisbon has its beauty, Porto holds an extra special place in my heart — I find myself loving it just a little bit more. Porto serves as an excellent starting point. So, whether you’re into history, nature, wine, or food, there’s something for everyone just a short drive, bus or train ride away.

No time to read up on all the exciting spots in and around Porto? Here are some “can’t-miss” places to visit from Porto:

• 🏆  Best Trip Overall –  Douro Valley
• 🍷  Best Trip for Wine Lovers  –  Pinhão (Douro Valley)
• 🏄‍♂️  Best Trip for Surfers  – Matosinhos  
• 🌿  Best Trip for Nature Lovers  –  Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
• 🏰  Best Trip for History Buffs –  Guimarães
• 🏠 Best Trip for a Local Experience   –   Ponte de Lima
• 🌁  Best Trip for a Unique Experience –   Arouca & Paiva Walkways  

20 Best Day Trips From Porto Portugal

Porto is fantastic, but sometimes, you need to escape the hustle and bustle of city life to explore something a little more. If you are looking for day tours from Porto and unique trips around Porto, this list of 20 Porto Portugal day trips is precisely what you are looking for:

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM PORTO

1. douro valley .

The Douro Valley , stretching over 250,000 hectares east of Porto, is more than just a spot—it’s a vast region filled with towns and villages.

Known as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s one of the world’s oldest wine-producing areas. With 110,000 acres of vineyards, it’s a haven for wine lovers.

The Douro River winds through the valley and spans an impressive 897 km. But it’s not just about wine; the valley’s stunning landscapes make it a top choice for hiking and sightseeing.

How to Visit the Douro Valley Independently | For a Douro Valley day trip from Porto, a train route goes into the Douro Valley —  leaving from Porto’s São Bento and Campanha stations . The tracks out to the Douro Valley run close to the river for long stretches, so it’s a gorgeous ride out. 

The train stops frequently at villages and towns along the way. If you want to go somewhere slightly larger, get off the train in the small city of Regua and explore the surrounding area. There are plenty of wineries nearby. 

Alternatively, renting a car and driving yourself out gives you more freedom regarding where and when to go.

Take a Tour to the Douro Valley | For a luxury Douro Valley wine tour, this private tour Douro Valley from Porto tour picks you up at your Porto hotel and drives you into the valley . You’ll visit two wineries and sample a variety of wines, plus a lunch of fish, meat, or vegetarian options is included.

2. Pinhão (Douro Valley)

Pinhão, a town along the Douro River, is often hailed as the ❤️ of Portugal’s wine country . With its riverfront, terraced vineyards, and iconic blue-tiled train station, the town is a picturesque gem in the Douro Valley.

While Pinhão is undeniably famed for its wine estates, it also offers visitors a chance to experience the quiet rhythms of life along the river. Whether it’s a leisurely boat ride on the Douro , a wine-tasting , or a stroll, Pinhão promises an authentic taste of the valley’s charms.

How to Visit Pinhão Independently | Day trips from Porto by train to Pinhão are among the best options. Departing from Porto’s São Bento station , the train ride offers breathtaking views of the Douro Valley and takes approximately two hours. Driving is also an option.

Take a Tour to Pinhão | For those who prefer a more curated experience, consider embarking on a guided tour. This tour Douro Valley Porto option takes you to Pinhão by van , then to two wineries, and on a short river cruise before stopping off for lunch.

3. Lamego (Douro Valley )

Known predominantly for its awe-inspiring Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies , Lamengo is adorned with intricate Baroque staircases leading up to the sanctuary. While the climb might be challenging, the top panoramic views are worth every step.

Beyond the sanctuary, Lamego’s cobbled streets and squares are full of ancient churches, chapels, and a picturesque old town. Lamego also claims to be the birthplace of the first Portuguese sparkling wines, making it another perfect place for wine enthusiasts.

How to Visit Lamego Independently | Lamego is accessible by road from Porto, with the journey taking roughly an hour and a half. While there isn’t a direct train route, the town is well-connected by buses.

🚘 If you prefer driving, the scenic route through the Douro Valley is also quite stunning.

Take a Tour to Lamego | If you’re keen on exploring Lamego without the hassle of planning, consider a private guided tour . One of the best Douro trips from Porto, you’ll explore this beautiful baroque town on this private tour.

4. Matosinhos

Matosinhos, bordering Porto to the north, is a charming city known for its picturesque beaches like Matosinhos Beach. It’s a hotspot for surfers, from beginners to seasoned pros. While in Matosinhos, take a trip to the lighthouse, climb to its peak, and soak in the panoramic ocean views.

Since fishing is central to the local culture, visiting the fish market is a must. And while you’re there, don’t miss out on dining at a local seafood restaurant to savor the day’s freshest catch.

How to Visit Matosinhos Independently | It’s easy to access Matasinhos independently. The A-line metro from central Porto goes directly to the city. The ride takes about 45 minutes. The distance is only about 9 kilometers, so the drive from central Porto can take under 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Take a Tour to Matosinhos | A day of surfing is at the heart of this tour , which is explicitly aimed at first-time surfers. Since Matosinhos is so close, you can get there from Porto by bike — this half day trips from Porto tour option will bring you around Porto and past the Matosinho beaches.

5. Guimarães

Located just 55 km (34 miles) northwest of Porto, Guimarães is often hailed as the birthplace of Portugal . It’s here that Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born, and the pivotal 12th-century Battle of São Mamede took place, laying the foundation for an independent Portuguese state.

Today, visitors to Guimarães can step back in time as they stroll through its well-preserved medieval streets, marvel at the grandeur of the Castle of Guimarães, and explore the stately Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

The city’s bustling squares, like the inviting Praça da Oliveira, are perfect spots to enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine. Guimarães offers a deep dive into Portugal’s rich heritage and is one of the best day trips Porto options.

How to Visit Guimarães Independently | A train runs directly from Porto Campanha to Guimarães . It leaves about every hour throughout the day. The ride takes just over an hour. Once you’re there, Guimarães is quite a walkable city. It’s just over 50 km (35 mi) if you want to drive.

Take a Tour to Guimarães |  This day tour Porto experience brings you from Porto to Guimarães as well as nearby Braga. On this private tour, you’ll see both the castle and the palace in Guimarães. Alternatively, this half-day tour will take you to all the main sites in Guimarães.

6. Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês

As the country’s only national park, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is the ultimate nature escape.  Located in the northwest of Portugal and extending across the border into Spain, it offers pristine beaches, scenic trails, and thrilling adventures. 

Explore ancient stone villages, relax in natural hot springs, and enjoy breathtaking views. The park is full of wild animals, including herds of wild horses. Peneda-Gerês is a top choice for nature and history lovers alike.

The families who live in the villages throughout the park maintain an incredibly traditional Portuguese way of life — sharing community water supplies and even doing laundry together at a village tank. 

How to Visit Peneda-Gerês National Park Independently | The park really is expansive, so the best way to get to and around it is by car. Entre Ambos-os-Rios at the park’s edge is just over 100 kilometers by road from Porto. The drive should take you about 90 minutes, and then you have ample freedom to explore the park.

Take a Tour to Peneda-Gerês Park | Since the park is quite big, an all-day tour like this one , which brings you through the villages as well as to waterfalls and lagoons, can be a great way to see it all. Alternatively, this is one of the best day trips out of Porto as it brings you to a lake, where you will kayak and paddle board before having lunch.

7. Braga 

At over 2,000 years old , Braga is Portugal’s oldest city and is the third-largest. While its size is noteworthy, its history is even more intriguing. Braga’s landscape is a canvas of varied architecture, interweaving lush squares, ornate baroque churches, and modern urban design. 

Braga is just a short trip from Porto — once there, visitors can explore the ancient Braga Cathedral and the Biscainhos Museum — once a grand palace. Another spot is the 18th-century sanctuary, Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO Heritage site, which also offers panoramic views from its hilltop location.

One of the must do day trips from Porto, Braga is also phenomenal local gastronomy to indulge in at traditional eateries. 

How to Visit Braga Independently | There’s a very easy direct train connection from Porto – Campanhã to Braga, making this one of the best day trips by train from Porto options. It takes about an hour, and trains leave every 30 minutes.

🚘 Driving is also a straightforward 55 kilometers, or about 35 miles. The drive should take around 45 minutes. 

Take a Tour to Braga |  If you want to combine your visit to Braga with a visit to Guimarães, this is one of the top day trips from Porto that does them both in one day , showing you around the ancient Roman city and the cathedral. Alternatively, this Porto to Braga day trip hits the same highlights , bringing you around in an air-conditioned van for the day.

8. Arouca & Paiva Walkways 

Arouca is home to 516 Arouca, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge , offering daring visitors a unique perspective of the Paiva River gorge below.

The remainder of the Paiva Walkways, located near Arouca, is a wooden walkway stretching 8 km (5 mi) along the Paiva River. While the walkway is well maintained, there are several stairs to climb up and down, so walking is not the easiest. 

Note that the walkways are ticketed, and a limited number of people are allowed daily.

How to Visit the Arouca Independently | There aren’t any public transport options to get you to Arouca from Porto, so the only way to make this Porto day trip independently is by car. There are parking lots at both ends of the walkway, either Espiunca or Areinho. The drive is about one hour from Porto.

Take a Tour to Arouca | This tour brings you to the town of Arouca as well as to the walkways and the suspension bridge. If you want to get a lot done in one day, this Paiva walkways tour from Porto also checks off the walkways and suspension bridge as well as nearby Aveiro.

Often dubbed the ‘Venice of Portugal,’ Aveiro is a city crisscrossed by waterways. When you visit, taking a leisurely cruise on one of the traditional Moliceiro boats gliding through the canals is almost mandatory.

Regardless of how you arrive, a stop at the train station is a must, where you’ll be greeted by walls adorned with stunning azulejos.

And while exploring the town, treat yourself to the local delicacy: Ovos Moles de Aveiro . These seashell-shaped sweets, made from egg yolks and sugar, are a delightful bite of the city’s culinary heritage.

How to Visit Aveiro Independently | One of the best day trips from Porto by train, getting to Aveiro from Porto is just one train stop away . The trip takes about 45 minutes. Going by car is also an easy trip of about 75 kilometers, or just under 50 miles, that should take about an hour.

Take a Tour to Aveiro | This Aveiro tour from Porto combines Aveiro with a trip to Coimbra . In Aveiro, you’ll go on a one-hour cruise on the canals. Alternatively, this Porto to Aveiro tour also gets you on a gondola and allows you some free time to explore Aveiro on your own.

10. Costa Nova 

Famous for its brightly colored fisherman’s houses and numerous beautiful beaches, Costa Nova is a quaint coastal village just 11 km (about 6.8 miles) from Aveiro . When you visit, don’t miss the main beach, Praia da Costa Nova.

With its windswept beauty, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, especially among surfers.

How to Visit Costa Nova Independently | There are no public transport connections to get you from Porto to Costa Nova, so your only option is to drive there. The route takes you through Aveiro — the perfect opportunity to combine the two in a day. The drive is about 85 kilometers (just over 50 miles) and takes about one hour. 

Take a Tour to Costa Nova | This full day one day trip from Porto combines the beautiful village of Costa Nova with a visit to the nearby Aveiro and even includes a moliceiro river cruise. Alternatively, if you want a more personalized experience, this private tour is the perfect option .

11. Coimbra 

Coimbra, located about 125 km (78 miles) south of Porto, is renowned for its historic university, one of only five in the world designated as a World Heritage Site . While visiting, you shouldn’t miss the university’s grand Joanina Library and the stunning São Miguel Chapel.

The old town is a treasure trove of historical sites, with key attractions like the Monastery of Santa Cruz, the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, and the Conímbriga Roman ruins just a short drive away.

As the sun sets, the city comes alive with the melancholic tunes of Coimbra fado , a unique and more academic style of fado music distinct from its Lisbon counterpart.

How to Visit Coimbra Independently | There is a direct train from Porto to Coimbra , which also passes through Aveiro. It takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. Otherwise, the drive takes about two hours, but you may encounter traffic. 

Take a Tour to Coimbra | The best day trip from Porto to Coimbra , this small group tour combines a trip to Coimbra with the nearby holy site of Fatima. Alternatively, if you want to do the same type of tour but prefer to have it be private —  this one is a great option .

12. Viana do Castelo 

Viana do Castelo, about 76 km (47 miles) north of Porto, is a gem on the northern Portuguese coastline. This charming seaside city melds its maritime past with architectural brilliance.

On a visit, head to the dome of the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which sits high above the city. Another church worth seeing is the stone Santa Casa Da Misericórdia. 

What truly sets Viana apart is its vibrant cultural scene, from the annual Festa de Nossa Senhora da Agonia, a celebration of folklore and tradition, to its renowned filigree jewelry , a delicate art form passed down through generations.

How to Visit Viana do Castelo Independently | There is a direct train to Viana do Castelo , which takes around an hour. Driving the distance should take around the same amount of time.

Take a Tour to Viana do Castelo | Since heading north puts you close to Spain, you can take a tour like this one that brings you to Viana do Castelo and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Alternatively, combine Viana do Castelo with Ponte de Lima and some wine tasting on a green wine tour on this half day wine tour Porto .

13. Barcelos

It was in Barcelos that the legend of the now iconic Portuguese rooster was born. The story goes that the rooster of Barcelos was a dead rooster who nonetheless helped to prove the innocence of a man who had been falsely convicted and sentenced to death.

In the Minho region, Barcelos is a historic town known for its 🐓 iconic rooster , which has inspired many colorful ceramic versions. Beyond this symbol, the city is a rich tapestry of medieval architecture, bustling weekly markets, and vibrant folk festivals.

As you stroll along the Cávado River, you’ll encounter the majestic Barcelos Castle ruins and the Gothic-style Mother Church. The town’s rich craft heritage is evident in its artisan markets, where traditional pottery and embroidery shine.

How to Visit Barcelos Independently | From Porto, you can take a train north to Barcelos . The trip takes about one hour. It’s about a 60-kilometer distance, so the drive is a similar amount of time without traffic. 

Take a Tour to Barcelos | To make the most of your day trip, this tour combines Barcelos with Braga and Guimarães on an all-day excursion.

14. Santiago de Compostela

Spain is a stone’s throw from Porto, so visiting Santiago de Compostela on a day trip is very doable. This city is where those making their pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago finish their long journeys — on the steps of the city’s cathedral. The city is grand and bustling and is one of the best Porto Portugal day trips.

How to Visit Santiago de Compostela  Independently | While there is a bus that goes directly from Porto to Santiago de Compostela, the earliest departure doesn’t get you there until 1:30 PM, making it an almost impossible day trip. The two-and-a-half-hour drive there is a much better option. Just ensure you have permission on your rental car to cross into Spain.

Take a Tour to Santiago de Compostela | One of the best day trips from Porto to Spain is this day trip from Porto , which combines Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho.

15. Amarante  

The town of Amarante is a gorgeous little spot on a river that shoots off of the Douro. With a fantastic mix of architectural styles dotted through the city, the best thing is simply going for a wander. Don’t miss Ponte de São Gonçalo, the arched bridge which has been standing since the 18th century. 

How to Visit Amarante Independently | Several bus lines get you from Porto to Amarante in a bit over an hour. The drive is about 60 kilometers and should take around an hour. It’s a gorgeous trip by bus or car. 

Take a Tour to Amarante | This guided tour shows you the highlights of Amarante , including its famous architecture. You’ll also have a chance to sample the region’s famous green wine. One of the best day trips near Porto, this is a half-day experience and starts after lunch. 

It is believed by the faithful that the Virgin Mary appeared to a group of children here in Fatima in 1917. It has since become a pilgrimage site. There are several stunning churches in Fatima, all worth seeing. There is also a very popular chapel at the site where the famed apparition took place. 

How to Visit Fatima Independently | Unfortunately, there are no public transportation options from Porto to Fatima, so you must drive there. It’s about 200 km (200 mi), and the drive usually takes two hours. 

Take a Tour to Fatima | This Porto to Fatima tour combines Fatima with nearby Coimbra on a one day trip. You’ll visit Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima and have a chance to attend mass before carrying on to Coimbra. And this Fatima tour from Porto is similar , but it is private for you and your group.

17. Eposende

Esposende effortlessly combines the allure of the Atlantic coastline with rich historical narratives. This coastal town, located 51 km (31.6 mi) north of Portugal, is known for its pristine beaches, perfect for sunbathing or diving into water sports like surfing and paddleboarding.

Beyond the sandy shores, the Castro de São Lourenço is a testament to the region’s ancient past. This historical archaeological site offers a deep dive into Portugal’s Celtic roots and panoramic views.

After a day of exploration, the town’s seafront promenades are dotted with local eateries, where you can savor fresh seafood while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

How to Visit Esposende Independently | Situated just north of Porto, Esposende is easily accessible by road. A drive from Porto takes approximately 30-40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a day trips Porto option. While public transport options are limited, the journey by car offers scenic views of the coastline and the lush landscapes of northern Portugal.

18. Ponte de Lima

Often celebrated as the oldest village in Portugal , Ponte de Lima is a timeless gem in the heart of northern Portugal.

Adorned with a legendary Roman bridge spanning the Lima River, visitors are greeted with architectural wonders, green gardens, and lively market squares. As one of the standout Porto Portugal day trips, Ponte de Lima offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

How to Visit Ponte de Lima Independently | By road, the village is a little over an hour’s drive from Porto, offering scenic vistas of northern Portugal’s lush landscapes. For those who prefer public transport, regular buses connect the two locations .

Take a Tour to Ponte De Lima | Explore all three major cities in Northern Portugal on this Private Tour: Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima, and Braga from Porto , one of the best day tours Porto has to offer. Alternatively, you can take this Ponte de Lima Guided Buggy Tour , where you’ll explore the landscapes of Ponte de Lima and Viana do Castelo from Serra da Nó.

Viseu is the main city in the Centro region of Portugal and deep in the Dão wine region . But it’s not just about the wine. The city’s culinary landscape is a delightful exploration of age-old recipes and innovative fusions.

On your visit, you should visit the Viseu Cathedral and wander around the central parts of the old town. 

How to Visit Viseu Independently | While there are no direct connections from Porto to Viseu, you can get there by public transportation with a change in Aveiro. This will take about two to two and a half hours, while driving the 130 or so kilometers should be just around an hour and a quarter. 

Take a Tour to Viseu  | If you’re curious about this region of wine, this tour is a great one to book . It takes you to Viseu as well as to Lamego. But there is an optional wine tour add-on, too, and if you like reds, the Dão is a fairly underrated region. 

Tomar is a town with a rich past, primarily known for its ties to the Knights Templar. The highlight is the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site, which is a must-visit for its stunning design. Besides its historical spots, Tomar has cozy streets, parks, and the peaceful Nabão River running through it.

Plus, if you visit at the right time, you might catch the colorful Festa dos Tabuleiros , a local yet incredibly stunning festival that takes place every four years.

How to Visit Tomar Independently | It’s easy to get to Tomar from Porto by train , taking about two and a half hours. If you prefer driving, it’s roughly a two-hour trip.

Take a Tour to Tomar | Tomar is technically closer to Lisbon than it is to Porto, so if you plan on visiting Lisbon, then why not make a stop in Tomar along the way? This one-way Porto to Lisbon trip takes you through Coimbra and Knight Templars Town of Tomar.

Can you do a day trip from Porto to Lisbon?

Yes, a day trip from Porto to Lisbon is possible, especially if you’re short on time. Lisbon to Porto day tours offer a whirlwind experience of Lisbon’s highlights, making it feasible for those on a tight schedule.

That said, while day trips from Lisbon to Porto (or vice versa) are convenient, they might not allow you to fully immerse yourself in all Lisbon has to offer. If your travel plans permit, it’s worth dedicating a few days to explore Lisbon in depth.

If you’re not pressed for time, consider taking a leisurely route between Porto and Lisbon, stopping at various points of interest. This approach enriches your travel experience and breaks up the journey, making it more enjoyable.

Day Trips from Porto: Frequently Asked Questions

Porto is a great base to start exploring northern Portugal. With so many options, picking the best tours in Porto Portugal can be tricky.

If you’re thinking about day trips from Porto to Douro Valley to see its beautiful landscapes or looking for day trips from Porto by car for more freedom, this FAQ section is here to help answer your questions and get you on your way.

​​What is a good day trip from Porto Portugal?

Porto, a vibrant city in northern Portugal, has numerous captivating destinations suitable for day trips. One of the top picks is the Douro Valley , where you can admire terraced vineyards and indulge in local wine tasting.

For history enthusiasts, Guimarães offers well-preserved medieval streets and significant landmarks like the Castle of Guimarães.

If you’re keen on experiencing a mix of nature and tradition, Aveiro , often dubbed the “Venice of Portugal,” is a must-visit with its charming canals and colorful boats. Nearby, Costa Nova is known for its picturesque striped houses and sandy beaches.

And for a touch of academia, Coimbra boasts one of the world’s oldest universities. Each destination presents a unique facet of Portugal’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Can you do a day trip to Douro from Porto?

Yes — you can do a day trip to Douro from Porto. The Douro Valley, renowned for its stunning landscapes and wine terraces, is conveniently close to Porto.

For those keen on exploring the region in depth, there are various day trips to Douro Valley from Porto available . Whether you prefer guided tours or solo adventures, the day trips from Porto to Douro Valley offer diverse experiences.

Also, the Douro Valley day trip from Porto by train provides a scenic journey, allowing travelers to witness the valley’s beauty from the track.

Is a day trip to Douro Valley worth it?

Absolutely — a day trip to Douro Valley is well worth it. The region offers a captivating blend of scenic vineyard terraces, historic quintas, and the majestic Douro River.

Douro Valley day trips from Porto are popular for those based in Porto, giving visitors a taste of the valley’s renowned wine culture.

Opting for a douro tour from Porto provides insightful guidance on the region’s rich history and wine-making traditions. Additionally, Douro River day trips from Porto allow travelers to experience the serene beauty of the river while exploring the valley’s highlights.

Is Coimbra a day trip from Porto?

Yes — Coimbra is a doable day trip from Porto. It takes just over an hour to get to Coimbra from Porto by train, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the city before heading back at the end of the day.

If you’d prefer a tour, there are a few options which will make a fabulous day of it as you sit back and relax. 

Is Braga worth a visit?

Yes — Braga is definitely worth a visit. It’s a historic city known for its ancient architecture, beautiful churches, and lively festivals.

For travelers in Porto, Braga is an excellent choice for day trips from Porto without a car , as it’s easily accessible by public transportation.

While a day trip in Porto offers its own unique charm, venturing out to Braga provides a different perspective on Portuguese culture. Even if you’re pressed for time, Braga can be explored as one of the half-day trips from Porto, giving you a taste of its rich heritage in just a few hours.

Is Lisbon or Porto better for tourists?

Lisbon and Porto are both great cities. Lisbon is larger and more international. It has more of the most famous attractions in Portugal. Porto is more laid back. Porto attracts more of the young Portuguese artists and the city is very vibrant but overall is calmer than Lisbon. 

Final Thoughts: Best Day Trips from Porto

A world of adventure awaits just outside Porto’s city limits. Whether you’re wondering what to do in Porto over an extended stay or looking for weekend trips from Porto to spice up your itinerary, there are endless options.

From day trips around Porto that plunge you into history to Porto day trips by train that whisk you to scenic landscapes, the choices are as diverse as they are delightful. Consider Porto trips that lead to the lush vineyards of the trips to Douro Valley from Porto or embark on serene boat trips from Porto that allow you to appreciate the region’s natural beauty.

With so many places to visit near Porto, the hardest decision you’ll face is choosing which adventure to embark on next. Your next trip to Portugal promises to be filled with memorable excursions and enchanting discoveries.

My name is Caitlin. I am from Vermont, USA. I have lived in Setúbal, Portugal since 2021. I work as a writer and editor as well as a teacher. Outside of work I love horseback riding, hiking, and exploring new places around the globe. I write about my travels at The Country Jumper.

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Hi. My husband and I, both seniors, will be in Lisbon on 28/3 till 1/4, and want to travel northwards for about 3weeks. Can you recommend a town that would be a good base for our day trips to all the gorgeous places further north than Lisbon including Porto; the Douro Valley etc etc. Thinking short term rents in Porto may be a little high so hoped you could suggest somewhere else. We plan to use the local trains to get around; really don’t want to hire a car, but if necessary we probably will. Many thanks, sharyn

If you want to explore outside of Porto, then you’ll need a car, unless you want to do tours. Yes there is a train and buses, but it can be tricky to enjoy the Douro Valley if you don’t have transporation. If you do want to stay somewhere in the Douro, i would recommend Pinhao as there is a direct train from this quaint little town straight to Porto. It is also in the heart of the Douro and really nice to explore (albeit a little small). When we stayed in the Douro we stayed in the town of Alijó. But we needed a car 100% to get around. If you still want to stay around Porto and still a little close, try places like Matosinhos or Vila Nova da Gaia. There is also a cute little beach town called Ovar that is 20 minutes away and they do have a train that goes to Porto. Any places that is not in Porto (in the city itself) should be a little more cost effective.

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Day trips from Porto for sipping wine, learning Portuguese history and pastry tasting

Jul 5, 2022 • 6 min read

The Douro Valley is stunning and going on a vineyard tour only adds to its flavor © Merrill Images / Getty Images

Porto is a tough place to leave, with fascinating cobblestone districts , vibrant nightlife and a wealth of great restaurants . And yet, there’s a whole world of intrigue just beyond the city. 

Craggy mountain wilderness, towering medieval castles and hilltop vineyards with jaw-dropping views are among the many attractions awaiting you on a day trip from Porto. Whether you’re seeking a nature escape with rugged trails and waterfalls or want to explore some surprisingly amorous elements of village life in the Minho, Porto makes an ideal gateway to the wonders of northern Portugal . 

For several destinations, you’ll need a car to visit, but others are easy to reach either by train, bus or, if you’re visiting the Douro Valley, by boat on an organized tour. When planning your itinerary, be sure to place these five outstanding destinations at the top of your list. 

Drink in the views – and legendary wines – in the Douro Valley

The Douro Valley was recognized as a demarcated wine region in 1756, making port wine exclusive to Portugal in the same way Champagne is exclusive to its namesake region in France. This upriver destination is the hub of Portugal’s famed port-wine industry, with neat rows of terraced vineyards snaking up the mountainside along both banks of the Douro River. 

The Douro Valley can be visited for its scenery alone, but a vineyard tour (including tasting) adds to the experience and is offered by most wineries or quintas (note that some close over the cooler months). To fully appreciate the magnitude of the valley, we recommend a 1-hour cruise up the river from Pinhão in a yacht or vintage rabelo (traditional wooden cargo boat). Before heading back to Porto, you can dine at riverfront spots in Pinhão like Veladouro .  

How to get to the Douro Valley: A number of companies run day tours to the Douro Valley and include tastings. A train from Porto stops in Pinhão, from where a number of wineries, such as Quinta das Carvalhas , are accessible by foot. Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. The views along the N-222 as it hugs the river east of Peso da Régua are magical.  

Head to Amarante for historic monuments and giggle-worthy baked goods

Art, architecture and obscene baked goods are the big attractions in one-of-a-kind Amarante. Regional Portugal generally errs on the conservative side, so the sight of elderly ladies laying out rows of penis-shaped cakes on street-side stalls may come as a surprise. But the phallic sweets – offered as a symbol of fertility – have become synonymous with Amarante, so expect to see many as you walk around town. 

After giving the signature cake a try, visit the church and monastery of São Gonçalo and supposedly up your chances of finding love by rubbing the statue above Gonçalo’s tomb. The monastery is also home to an impressive art museum dedicated to one of Portugal’s finest 20th-century painters, Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. 

In front of the church, the Ponte de São Gonçalo crosses the Tâmega River. The arched bridge is the site of a victorious battle for the Portuguese against the French during the Peninsular War and now serves as the main vehicular route into town. There’s also a walking path below the bridge that follows the gentle bend of the Tâmega. Walk across the bridge to wander narrow streets dotted with small bars and cafes on either side of the river, and try the region’s famed smoked meats and vinho verde (a light, refreshing wine produced only in the Minho).

How to get to Amarante : Rede Expressos buses run every 90 minutes or so from Porto’s Campo 24 de Agosto bus station to Amarante and take about 50 minutes.

See Portugal’s oldest cathedral in Braga

Braga is a pedestrian-friendly city with atmospheric cafes, boutiques and striking water features seamlessly woven into the ancient cityscape. Take a stroll amid the colorful flowers of Jardim de Santa Bárbara and visit the Sé for a peek inside the oldest cathedral in Portugal. This beauty showcases some of the finest architecture in the country, with design styles from many centuries.

A star attraction of Braga is Bom Jesus do Monte, 5km (3 miles) from the city center (take local bus number 2 or a taxi). At the bottom of the hill, the sight of the baroque stairway zigzagging up to the church is as much a highlight as the church itself. Tackle the 580 steps on foot (recommended, so you can check out the statues and gardens along the way) or take the funicular to the top: the elevated views are ace. If you can stretch your day trip into the early evening, Braga lights up beautifully by night.

How to get to Braga: The Linha de Braga train runs frequently from Campanhã station taking just over an hour.

Take in the dramatic mountain views amid the vast Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês

Narrow roads twist through a rapidly changing landscape of granite boulders, dense pine forests and stunning river views in Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park. Often simply referred to as Gerês , the park covers a series of mountain ranges and spills over the Spanish border. Anywhere you see miradouro on a map is a viewpoint – and likely a good one. There are numerous hiking trails, Roman ruins and sparkling waterfalls . In winter, Gerês can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow.

Small villages are scattered throughout the park. This includes Lindoso, where you can see a 13th-century castle that played a key role in Portugal’s Restoration War. Nearby is Soajo, with its rows of espigueiros – little granite buildings that were elevated to keep water and mice out of the local grain supply. They’re quite dramatic against the mountainous backdrop.

How to get to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês: Public transport is scarce in Gerês, so hire a car or join a guided tour. It’s about a 90-minute drive from Porto to either Soajo or Lindoso. 

Visit Portugal’s former capital at Guimarães

Guimarães plays a central role in the nation’s history as the first capital of Portugal. The small town was also the birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques. Today, the city center is a Unesco World Heritage Site, where tidy rows of colorful buildings line the streets, and slender laneways lead to cobbled squares and alfresco cafes. The symmetrical spires of the Nossa Senhora da Consolação and medieval arches of Padrão do Salado add architectural interest to the cityscape.

Uphill from the center are the well-preserved ruins of the imposing Castelo de Guimarães ; nearby is the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança , which showcases 15th-century decor and manicured grounds. Peak elevation can be achieved by heading up to Penha aboard the Teleférico de Penha, a cable car that climbs 400m (1312ft) to a dramatic lookout over the city. Take a packed lunch to enjoy at the top or set off along one of the marked hiking trails. 

How to get to Guimarães: The Linha de Guimarães train takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Campanhã.

This article was first published September 2019 and updated July 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 10 Day Portugal Itinerary

Getting around during your 10 days in portugal, the ultimate 10 days in portugal itinerary, other portugal destinations to add to your itinerary, tips for making the most of portugal in 10 days, the best time of year to visit portugal, what to pack for your trip to portugal, your 10 day portugal itinerary map.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning: Alfama + Castelo de São Jorge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon: Baixa + A Food Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up for your Lisbon food tour today!

Where to Stay in Lisbon

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a splurge?

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

Check rates & book your stay in Lisbon today!

Day 2: Enjoy more of Lisbon’s highlights.

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

Morning: Bairro Alto + Chiado

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

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

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

Afternoon: Belém + The Jerónimos Monastery

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

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the Jerónimos Monastery, while a must-see, is home to some of the longest lines for any tourist attraction in Portugal!

Pre-book your ticket and, since you’re visiting Belém in the afternoon, consider going close to closing time (we took the photos of the monastery that are included in this post on a September afternoon close to closing time).

Grab your Jerónimos Monastery tickets today!

Evening: Sunset Boat Tour or Fado Show

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

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

Not into cruises?

Alternatively, you could opt to attend a Fado show instead, to experience a different side of Portuguese culture.

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

Book your sunset boat cruise or Fado show today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The train takes about 40 minutes from central Lisbon.

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

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

Book your Sintra day trip today!

Alternative Day Trip: Obidos + the UNESCO Monasteries

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

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

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

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

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

Book your UNESCO monasteries + Obidos day trip today!

Day 4: Head north to Porto.

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

Morning: Train to Porto

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

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

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

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

Shop train tickets from Lisbon to Porto today!

Afternoon/Evening: Porto’s Historic Center

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Porto

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

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

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

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

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

Check rates & book your stay in Porto today!

Day 5: Explore Porto in-depth.

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

Morning: More of Porto’s Historic Center

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

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

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

Afternoon/Evening: Ribeira + Vila Nova de Gaia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is even more stunning in person!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your Douro Valley day trip today!

Day 7: Make your way from Porto to Lagos.

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

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

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

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

All of the options have their pros and cons, you can price rental cars via Discover Cars here and check train and flight tickets on Omio here .

Personally, we’d rather drive or take the train, as we generally consider flying more hassle than it’s worth for distances this short.

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

Evening: Lagos’ Historic Center + Ponta da Piedade

Once you arrive in Lagos and get checked into your hotel, you’ll potentially still have a bit of daylight left to work with!

Start getting to know the town by wandering the historic center and waterfront.

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

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

Where to Stay in Lagos

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

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

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

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

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

We recommend staying in Lagos for 2-3 nights.

Check rates & book your stay in Lagos today!

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

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

Morning: Boat Tour From Lagos

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

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

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

Book your Ponta da Piedade boat tour today!

Afternoon/Evening: Algarve Town-Hopping

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

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

Looking for something a bit more out of the way?

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

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

Alternative: Beach Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning: Bengail Cave + Carvoeiro

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

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

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

Don’t want to kayak or SUP?

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon/Evening: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

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

This out-and-back trail is absolutely stunning and one of our favorite places in Portugal, and the very top photo of this Portugal blog post was snapped when we were hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

Featuring absolutely magnificent views all the way through, every step of this moderate trail is a delight.

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

Alternative: Beach Day

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

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

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

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

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

… over one more pastel de nata, probably!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alcobaça + Batalha + Tomar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose your day trips based on your travel style.

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t overextend your itinerary.

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

Try to resist the urge, though!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check train routes + schedules in Portugal today!

Bring shoes with an excellent grip.

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

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

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

Be prepared to climb lots of hills.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Adaptors for Portugal   — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

About Kate Storm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds like a fantastic trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Christine,

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

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

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

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

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

Hope that helps and that you guys love Portugal!

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

Hi Richard!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Melanie,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Smidge!

Here you go:

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

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

Hi Richard,

Happy that you found our site helpful!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Regards, Ken

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

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

Hope you guys have an amazing trip!

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you guys have a great time!

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

Hi Gabrielle,

Happy anniversary! And thank you so much. 🙂

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

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

Hope you guys have a wonderful anniversary trip!

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

That’s fantastic to hear, thanks Gabby! 🙂

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

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

Congratulations, that’s exciting!

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much, Christina!

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

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

Hope you guys have a fantastic time in Portugal!

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

Thanks! Christina

Hi Christina,

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

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

Hope that helps a bit!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Perfect 10 Days In Portugal Itinerary

There’s nothing as romantic or idyllic as a road trip through Portugal. The country is a land finely aged like wine.

It stuns with its vintage-y cities, whitewashed medieval villages, a beautiful seacoast, and delicious food and wine.

Top this all off with a dollop of historic UNESCO sites and some soulful Fado music, and you have the perfect sensual and cultural vacation.

I was recently in sun-drenched Portugal again on a geographical cure. This is the 10 day Portugal itinerary that I used which I wouldn’t alter one bit if I had a do-over.

You’ll have three bases: Lisbon (4 nights), Coimbra (2 nights), and Porto (4 nights). I give you tips on where to stay for each city.

My itinerary starts in Lisbon and ends in Porto. But you could easily reverse the order and start in Porto.

Overview Of 10 Days In Portugal Itinerary

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you’ll see with 10 days in Portugal:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Lisbon and explore
• Day 2 : Explore Lisbon
• Day 3 : Explore Belem, Lisbon’s UNESCO suburb
• Day 4 : Day Trip to Sintra
• Day 5 : Visit Obidos and Alcobaca Monastery en route to Coimbra
• Day 6 : Explore Coimbra
• Day 7 : Visit the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga en route to Porto & half day in Porto
• Day 8 : Explore Porto
• Day 9 : Day Trip to Guimaraes and Citania de Breiteros
• Day 10 : Tour the Douro Valley

As with all of my suggested itineraries, I recommend that you use this 10 days in Portugal itinerary as a guide. You can tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and pace of travel. 

10 Days In Portugal Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in lisbon.

You’re likely going to arrive in Lisbon in the late afternoon on day 1 of your 10 day Portugal itinerary. Be sure to book a speedy private transfer from the airport. To get oriented, you may want to book a  guided walking tour .

Begin by exploring Rossio Square. It’s located in the bustling city center, Baixa.

Admire the wavy tile mosaics around the King Pedro IV statue. Then head down Rua Augusta to the Praça de Comércio, the showy 18th century square with a triumphal arch.

But don’t dine here; the squares are mostly filled with tourist restaurants.

Instead, head to Lisbon’s Chiado neighborhood. It’s a popular arty upscale neighborhood filled with lovely cafes, chic art galleries, bookshops, and tony boutiques.

You can also book a  3 hour guided walking tour  of Chiado. I went on this tour and loved it.

In Chiado, you should visit the evocative Carmo Convent . The convent was founded in 1389 by Portuguese knight Nuno Álvares Pereira, who had won the favor of the King of Portugal, João I.

It’s a touching memorial to the worst day of Lisbon’s history, when a 1755 earthquake demolished much of the city including the convent.

The romantic ruins remain today, as a memorial — a glorious shambles really. It’s a strangely affecting place, sharply contrasting with Lisbon’s Pombaline architecture. You can visit the church rooms and a tiny archaeological museum.

After visiting, settle in at an authentic Chiado eatery, like Taberna da Rua das Flores or Cantinho do Avillez.

For a Michelin dining experience, try Alma (which just got a second Michelin star) or Belcanto.

In lieu of a restaurant, you can also book a guided food tour that includes Chiado .

Day 2: Explore Lisbon

Wake up and head to Lisbon’s most charming neighborhood, the colorful old world Alfama.

Steeped in history, immortalized in Fado, and rising over Lisbon, Alfama is one of Lisbon’s most authentic districts. A city outside a city.

With steep stairways tumbling down to Baixa below and Castelo São Jorge (St. George’s Castle) standing guard above, Alfama is incredibly beautiful and photogenic.

You can follow my DIY walking tour  in Alfama. You can book a  3 hour guided walking tour .

You don’t have to go inside St. George’s Castle. It’s a 20th century recreation of the Moorish castle that previously existed there. But if you want to, you should pre-book a  skip the line ticket . 

And there are other free miradouros, or viewpoints, in Alfama — Largo das Portas do Sol and Miradouro da Graça.

You can follow a specific walking tour in Alfama. Or just surrender to the lively chaos and get lost in the maze of tangled streets. While you’re there, admire the sparkling azulejo tiles that adorn the buildings and streets.

I like to think that Lisbon was given the nickname “Queen of the Sea” because its tile bedecked buildings resemble precious stones that decorate crowns.

In the afternoon, seek out some of Lisbon’s hidden gems . Or take in a museum.

My favorite museum is the National Tile Museum , where you can see and learn the history of Lisbon’s azulejo decorations.

Housed in a sublime 16th century convent, this unique museum covers the entire history of the azulejo (hand-painted tile). You can book a guided tour to see it all. If you love ceramics, you can also book a  guided tour of the museum with a tile making class .

But the Gulbenkian Museum is also a splendid option. It’s a phenomenal museum showcasing the collection of ancient art of the mega collector Calouste Gulbenkian.

Click here to pre-book an entry ticket. Click  here  to book a guided tour of the museum and its gardens.

Both museums are somewhat off-center. But Ubers and taxis are very pretty darn inexpensive in Lisbon.

In the evening, head to Time Out Market for dinner. It’s located in a cool converted warehouse.

It’s foodie heaven, with some of Lisbon’s best chefs serving incredible food in the many food stalls. There are also wine bars galore. Portuguese wine is cheap and tasty.

As an alternative, you could book dinner and a flamenco show . Or cruise down the Tagus River and see Lisbon’s landmarks lit up at night.

Day 3: Explore Belem, Lisbon’s UNESCO Neighborhood

On the third day of your Portugal adventure, make your way to the UNESCO-listed neighborhood of Belem . While I chose to drive, you can easily catch a tram from Comercio Square or Figueira Square.

Once you arrive, you’ll find a peaceful escape from the lively buzz of central Lisbon. Enjoy the refreshing Atlantic breezes, marvel at the grand Manueline monuments, and watch boats lazily drift along the broad Tagus River.

Here, you’ll feel transported back to the Age of Discoveries, a time when Portugal was a leading colonial power, navigating and claiming parts of the vast unknown world.

1. Jeronimos Monastery

With limited time, your top priority is Jerónimos Monastery . It’s a glorious 500 year old UNESCO site and a mandatory destination in Lisbon.

It’s the premiere example of Manueline architecture in Portugal. Manueline architecture was a short lived late Gothic artistic movement that lasted 30 years in the early 16th century.

It’s a distinctively Portuguese style, named after its key influencer, King Manuel I, who reigned from 1495 to 1521 during the Age of Discoveries.

You must pre-book a  skip the line ticket   or you’ll wait in incredibly long lines. You can also book a  3 hour guided walking tour of Belem  that includes a skip the line ticket to the monastery.

There’s nothing like the moment you walk into the monastery’s two level cloister, honey colored and dripping with organic detail.

You’ll be wowed by the delicately scalloped arches, twisting turrets, and columns intertwined with leaves, vines, and knots. And the gargoyles and beasties on the upper facade.

2. Tower of Belem

The Tower of Belém is a beautiful Manueline-Gothic style structure. It’s also part of Lisbon’s UNESCO designation. It’s just a 15 minute stroll along the river from the Jeronimos Monastery.

Belem Tower is a fortress-like structure also built by Manuel I. It had a very Game of Thrones like feel to me with its filigree stonework. A very narrow spiral staircase leads you to the top for fantastic views.

You can only buy tickets for the tower at the attraction, not online, and there will be a line. But you can book a  2 hour skip the line guided tour  the includes the the tower and the monastery.

Perched proudly on the Belem’s waterfront is a huge 56 meter statue-monument called the Monument to the Discoveries. Built in 1960, it was commissioned to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.

You’ll also see a huge 56 meter statue-monument called the Monument to the Discoveries. It sits perched proudly on the Belem’s waterfront.

Built in 1960, it was commissioned to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.

When you’re done gorging on Belem’s Manueline architecture, stop in for a delicious Portuguese pasty at the famous Pastéis de Belém. Then head back to Lisbon.

At the evening, head to Lisbon’s nightlife spot, the hilly neighborhood of Bairro Alto for food and drink. Or take in a Fado show in Chiado to experience Lisbon’s unique expressive singing.

Day 4: Day Trip to Nearby Sintra

Day 4 takes you to nearby fairytale town of Sintra.

It’s a gorgeous rock star of a town torn from a storybook. But Sintra’s is incredibly popular, and a tricky place to visit on a day trip. Expect crowds and long lines.

I have decided views about how to tackle the town, which boasts numerous UNESCO castles and palaces.

Here are my tips for decoding Sintra . To avoid long waits in lines, you may want to pre-book a  guided skip the line tour for Pena Palace, the top attraction. Or go on a  guided tour of the Sintra’s highlights with a historian .

If you don’t want to worry about transportation, book a  guided tour ful l day tour from Lisbon  or a  guided day tour that includes the coastal Cascais and Cabo da Roca .

1. Pena Palace

Pena Palace is the most popular UNESCO site in Sintra. Pena Palace is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. It’s beloved by its adoring visitors.

The palace is the most romantic of the romantic 19th century palaces out there. I’ve just never seen a monarch adopt a Ronald McDonald theme for his or her palace before.

Pena Palace startlingly colorful. It’s a heavy handed mishmash of different architectural styles. It looks like several castles smooshed together. There’s a schizophrenic whirlwind of onion domes, turrets, crenellation, and fanciful sneering gargoyles.

Because most people adore Pena Palace, the lines for the interior are epic. Pena Palace has a real Mad King Ludwig feel. I couldn’t decide whether the colorful palace was a real life “fairytale” or a tacky pastiche on steroids.

I decided just to enjoy the extreme whimsy and differentness of the place, a creation of King Ferdinand II, a genius who dared to be different.

2. Quinta da Regaleira

My personal favorite palace in Sintra is the bewitching Quinta da Regaleira .

Quinta was built by eccentric and superstitious millionaire Antonio Monteiro. It’s an extravagant stony affair with follies and a mysterious initiation well.

The buildings are adorned with a heady mix of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish, Neo-Manueline, and Renaissance features. There are gargoyles and carvings associated with Masonry, the Knights Templar, and the Rosicrucians.

In the palace brochure, Quinta is described as an “imaginary universe of symbolism and metaphor.” It felt that way to me, very Pans Labyrinth-esque.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket. You can book a guided tour from Lisbon that includes both Quinta and Pena Palace .

Where To Stay In Lisbon

I would recommend staying in or near the Chiado neighborhood. The  Verride Palacio Santa Catarina  is a boutique hotel in a renovated palace with incredible views.

LX Boutique  is a pretty luxury hotel with a maritime themes and blue colors. The  Memmo Principe Real   is a historic hotel in a quiet area. It has limestone floors and original paintings.

If you want to stay in the cobbled Alfama district, the  Solar Do Castelo  is a beautiful boutique hotel housed in a romantic 18th century mansion.

The  Eurostars Museum  is a beautiful historic hotel that’s also a good choice. It comes complete with a spa, sauna, and Turkish bath.

Day 5: Visit Obidos and Alcobaca Monastery En Route to Coimbra

On day 5 of your Portugal itinerary, you’ll travel to Obidos and Alcobaca Monastery en route to the city of Coimbra in Central Portugal. These were two of my favorite stops in Portugal.

Just an hour from Lisbon, pretty Obidos is a dreamy UNESCO village that will stela your heart. The town is perched fetchingly on a hill and encircled with stout medieval walls.

Obidos is decorated with splashes of blue and yellow paint and filled with bougainvilla-covered whitewashed homes. You’ll be seduced by its beauty and shabby chic romantic aura.

You can book a 2 hour guided walking tour of the town. You may also want to book a   guided day tour from Lisbon .

Stroll down the main drag, Rua Direita, which runs from the Porta da Vila to Obidos Castle.

It’s stuffed with whitewashed buildings, quirky bars and cafes, exquisite shops, and ubiquitous ginjinha stands. The iron street lamps and chipped stone facades complete the vintage look.

The real magic of Obidos lies off the main drag. So veer towards Obidos’ quiet maze of pathways to enjoy the quiet, color, and romance.

You won’t find another person in sight. This is where you’ll find the intangible fairy dust of Obidos, and its greatest gift to the traveler.

2. Alcobaca Monastery

Just 30+ minutes north of Obidos is Alcobaca Monastery .

I was dazzled by Lisbon’s Jeronimos Monastery. Still, that didn’t diminish my awe at seeing the austere beauty of Alcobaca, which is also a UNESCO site.

The monastery was founded almost 800 years ago in 1153. Construction took place over centuries.

It’s a mix of Gothic and Cistercian architecture with intricate workmanship. The monks moved into their new stone digs in 1223, and the church was finished in 1252.

The monastery is more impressive inside than the outside. Despite the overwrought Baroque overlay, once you enter the doors, everything changes.

The monastery becomes a monument to simplicity and majesty. There’s no riotous Baroque carnival inside. It feels light and airy.

In the transept, you’ll find the monastery’s greatest possession: two magnificent royal tombs lying opposite each other.

They are the “his and hers” marble tombs of the star-crossed lovers King Pedro I of Portugal and the Inês de Castro of Spain.

Theirs is a tragic medieval tale of obsessive love and political intrigue, the Portuguese equivalent of Romeo & Juliet. Inês was murdered by Pedro’s father to end their affair.

Day 6: Explore Coimbra

On day 6 of your 10 days in Portugal, you’ll explore the pretty city of Coimbra . The city is sometimes called the “Athens of Portugal.” Coimbra is often neglected by travelers in Portugal, and it shouldn’t be.

Perched on the Rio Mondego, Coimbra was Portugal’s medieval capital. And the city still has steeply stacked houses tumbling down its historic old town.

You may want to book a 3 hour guided walking tour to get oriented and see the main attractions. You can also book a guided tour that combines a city tour and a visit to Coimbra University.

1. Coimbra University

For starters, you’ll be bowled over by the architectural splendor of Coimbra’s #1 site — Coimbra University — sitting at the highest point in Coimbra.

It’s yet another of Portugal’s UNESCO landmarks . The swirling black cape uniforms of its students look very Harry Potter-esque.

Founded by royal charter in 1290, Coimbra University is a UNESCO site that’s old. One of the oldest universities in the world, older than Oxford University. It’s vast courtyard contains a cluster of 16th to 18th century buildings.

The university’s palace boasts the Great Hall of Acts, whose current design dates from 1655. The university’s chapel has beautiful painted ceilings.

But the main event is the over the top Joanina Library. You will be given a timed entry slot, so don’t wander away and miss your time window.

2. Baroque Library

The famous library was built from 1717-28 during the reign of Joao V. It’s also, not exactly shockingly, known as the Baroque Library.

It has a large central hall with a nave like structure divided into three main rooms, clad in beautiful gilded bookshelves. It looks and feels more like a museum than a library.

To get the full scoop on this amazing landmark, you may want to book a 2 hour private guided tour .

3. Coimbra Old Town

Once you’ve visited the university, head into Coimbra’s old town. Coimbra has a melancholy beauty all its own. Coimbra has its own pottery style, its own version of Fado, and an attitude.

It’s a stylish place, where black caped students, tony cafes, and ancient monuments all blissfully co-mingle.

The main pedestrianized street is Rua Ferreira. It’s lined with elegant old buildings and the Igreja de Santa Cruz, with a magnificent tiled interior.

Stop in at the Carlos Tomás pottery shop, to see the artist at work and select some distinctive Moorish-influenced Coimbra Pottery.

4. Se Velha

Off the main drag, you find some steep and narrower streets. Here, you’ll find Coimbra’s Old Cathedral, Se Velha .

The austere 12th century Sé is one of Portugal’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture. The main portal and facade are particularly striking, almost gold in the warm afternoon sunshine.

Finish your day with some Portuguese food.

You’ll have endless options for great food in Coimbra. We settled in at DUX Taberna Urbana, for a contemporary take on traditional dishes. Or sample some of the port wine Portugal is famous for.

Where To Stay In Coimbra

Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra is a great place to stay. The hotel has charming rooms with exposed stone walls.

The Sapientia Boutique Hotel is a pretty hotel in a historic building right by the university. Some of the rooms have amazing city and river views.

The Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas is a small luxury hotel. It has a library filled with ancient books and a spa.

Day 7: Visit the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga En Route To Porto

On day 7 of your 10 days in Portugal, depart for the pretty city of Porto. En route, stop at the Roman Ruins of Conimbriga. History and archaeology buffs will be in 7th heaven.

Conimbriga is one of the largest Roman settlements outside Italy, dating from as early as the first Iron Age in the 9th century B.C.

Romans built an amphitheater for over 10, 000 people, city walls, three bathing complexes (with stone heating ducts) temples, and several residences.

Conimbriga wasn’t excavated until the late 19th century. Only about 20% of the entire city is currently unearthed.

The highlight of Conimbriga is its exquisite and well-preserved collection of colorful mosaic floors. The ones at the House of Fountains are especially remarkable.

Depending on how much time you spend among the ruins, you should have a good part of the afternoon to discover Porto. This colorful, vintage city is a haven for travel photographers and dreamers alike. In fact, Porto is currently one of Europe’s top destinations.

The city is enchanting, with a beautiful array of colors, Baroque churches, azulejo tiles, and charming cobblestone streets. Yes, there are hills, and while they might give your legs a workout, they also offer incredible views of Porto’s picturesque scenery.

I advise starting off with a guided walking tour to see the highlights.

There are plenty of other fun ways to get around Porto as well. You can take a guided Segway tour , zoom around on an electric bike tour , or sail down the Duoro River on a boat cruise .

1. Livraria Lello

On your strolls, you’ll like come across Livraria Lello.

It’s Porto’s uber-popular and photogenic bookshop. It’s considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and classified as a National Monument.

Livraria Lello is renowned for its lovely art deco, art nouveau, and gothic interior. It also claims bragging rights as the rumored inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series.

The late afternoon is a much better time to visit than early morning. People start lining up way before opening time.

2. Cais de Ribeira

When you’ve gotten the lay of the land, head to the Cais de Ribeira for a cocktail or some pottery shopping. The riverside quarter of Porto is a medieval warren of narrow winding streets and pastel painted facades in faded glory.

Tall and colorful row houses are crammed along the river bank. And there are plenty of trendy bars, cafes, shops, street artists, and entertainers.

3. Dinner and Cocktails

That night, have dinner at an authentic Portuguese restaurant like Casa Aleixo, Cafeina, or Brasao Coliseu.

If you want a beautiful space (though rather touristy), try Cafe Majestic. The Art Nouveau decor, vintage mirrors, and period lighting inside made me swoon.

If you’re feeling casual and really adventurous, now’s the time to try Portugal’s “heart attack” sandwich, the Francesinha. It consists of ham, sausage, and steak, topped with cheese, beer and egg.

You can get a traditional sandwich at Francesinha Cafe or a more modern version of the extreme comfort food at Porto Cruz.

Alternatively, you could take a guided food and wine tour , a craft beer and food tour , or pair a fado show with a wine tasting .

Porto also has a new food trend, a version of tapas called petiscos. There are some tapas restaurants on Rue dos Caldeireiros. You can also book a 3.5 hour guided tapas tour .

Day 8: Explore Porto

1. almas chapel.

The Cappela das Almas is a little charmer of a church, completely wrapped with an ornate blue and white tile mural on its exterior.

The bright blue mural was added in 1912, though it’s painted in an 18th century style.

Its 15,947 tiles depict scenes from the death of St. Francis of Assisi and the martyrdom of Santa Caterina. The chapel was definitely one of the most unique things I saw in Porto.

2. Igreja do Carmo

The lovely Igreja do Carmo is close to  Livraria Lello  and the Palacio da Bolsa. It’s Instagram famous for its grandiose and exquisite side panel festooned with azulejo tiles. 

The Baroque and Rococco style church was built in the 18th century and had its exterior tiles installed in 1910. The tiles depict the founding of the Carmelites religious order.

The church seems big, and looks like two churches smooshed together. And it is. Like Capela das Almas, people line up and take turns getting photos against the famous wall.

3. Se Cathedral

Don’t miss the imposing fortress-like Se Cathedral, part of Porto’s UNESCO designation.

Construction began in the second half of the 12th century. It has been renovated and now sports three different architectural styles — Roman, Gothic, and Baroque.

The church facade has two towers topped with crowned cupolas, buttresses, a rose window, and a crenellated arch. Inside, the barrel vaulted ceiling, the nave, and the altar are fabulous.

The atmospheric Gothic Cloister is the Se’s must see highlight. Entry to the cathedral is free, but you’ll pay 3 euros to visit the cloisters. It’s worth parting with the cash, just to view the exquisite stonework and 17th century azulejos.

Be sure to step out onto the terrace for one of the best views of Porto.

4. Bolsa Palace

Then visit Palácio da Bolsa and the Church of Sao Francisco, right near each other. The Palacio is the old stock exchange.

It was built in the 19th century in a Neo-Classical style. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the Porto and part of the city’s UNESCO designation.

You need to go inside to comprehend the richness of the elaborate sculpture, decorative carvings, plasterwork, frescos, chandeliers, and tiles.

The golden stuccoed Moorish Revival Salão Árabe is almost overwhelming. The glass-domed Hall of Nations is also beautiful.

Click here to book a ticket and guided tour.

4. Church of Sao Francisco

The Church of Sao Francisco is also a stunner. The outside is Gothic and the inside is all Baroque.

You’ll feel smothered in orange gold detail. The church is encrusted with 450 pounds of gold on its pillars, columns, and high altar. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed in the church.

One of Sao Francisco’s prized treasures is a sculpture of Jesus’ family tree, known as the “Gold Church.”

On your visit, you can also tour the catacombs and a museum housing relics from the church’s monastery, which was destroyed in 1832.

5. Ponte Luis I

In the late afternoon, walk across the top of the bilevel Luís I bridge for stunning views.

This bridge connects the Ribera section of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, a town south of the city famous for its port wine warehouses.

The metal arched bridge was designed by one of the famous French engineer Gustave Eiffel’s pupils, Théophile Seyrig. Its construction began in 1881 and required 3,054 tons of metal. When built, it was the longest metal bridge in the world.

Usually there are young kids and men jumping from the lower level of the bridge in exchange for euros. Visitors can walk over it, drive over it, or take the train. We walked on both the upper and lower levels. Views on the top are obviously better.

6. Sierra do Pilar Monastery

When you’re in Gaia, hike up to the Serra do Pilar Monastery Miradouro. You’ll have commanding views of the Douro River.

The adjacent Jardim de Morro also has good views and doesn’t require a steep-iso climb. Plunk down and rest in the grass with Porto’s young hipsters.

Then take the funicular ride for fabulous views. To catch the cable car, cross the lower level of the Luís I bridge from Porto, turn right, and walk along the river in Vila Nova de Gaia past the vendors and wine caves. Eventually, you’ll come to the ticket office for the cable car on the river.

Don’t leave without sampling the local tipple, port wine. You book a visit at one of Nova da Gaia’s famous port wine caves . Or go on a 3 hour walking tour of the wine caves .

And inspect the street art installation, Half Rabbit , by artist Bordalo II. We had a simple but delicious meal at Mamma Bella on a quiet side street in Gaia.

Day 9: Day Trip To Guimaraes & Citania de Breiteros

Now that you’ve covered Porto, on day 9 it’s time to day trip from Porto to a dreamy UNESCO village.

Choose either Braga or Guimaraes. You can book a half day tour from Porto to Guimaeres or a half day tour to Braga .

It’s difficult to do both towns in a day unless you book a full day guided tou r that includes both towns.

1. Guimaraes

Dating from the 9th century, medieval Guimaraes is a surefire charmer. Sit in one of the medieval squares, Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago.

Admire the architecture. Preferably while sipping Portuguese coffee or, better yet, a glass of vinho verde wine.

Then head down the main pedestrianized drag, Rua de Santa Maria, for some cuteness and possible shopping. At the end of the street, you’ll find Guimaraes’ two main attractions — the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and Guimaraes Castle.

Guimaraes Castle is famous as the birthplace of D. Afonso Henriques. He was the first king of Portugal. The castle is part of the town’s UNESCO designation.

The foundations of the current castle date back to the late 10th century. t was built to protect a nearby monastery. Its jagged crenellations will conjure images of crusaders on horseback.

The castle was built to protect a nearby monastery. Its jagged crenellations will conjure images of crusaders on horseback.

The medieval castle is picturesque from below. But when you begin to climb its walls … wow. You have beautiful views of the countryside.

The fully renovated ducal palace is mostly a museum for artifacts and 17th century furniture. But I thought it was still worth a visit.

It was built to protect a nearby monastery. Its jagged crenellations will conjure images of crusaders on horseback.

2. Citania de Briteiros

On your way back to Porto, if you have the time and energy, get off the beaten path and stop at Citania de Briteiros . It’s just a 25+ minute drive from Guimaraes. From Citania, it’s a 1:10 drive back to Porto.

The utterly ancient archaeological site sits at the very top of the boulder strewn hill of Saint Romão, accessed by a very long and winding road (which may make you carsick).

Citania is an obscure early Iron Age archaeological site. It’s a type of “hill fort” called an oppidum . It’s the largest of a scattering of porto-urban Celtic hill settlements on the Iberian Peninsula.

The site was likely inhabited between 200 B.C. and A.D. 300. It may have been the Celtiberians last stronghold against advancing Romans.

Day 10: Tour the Douro Valley

This is your last day of your 10 day Portugal itinerary. And there is nothing better to do than take a classic tour of the Douro Valley. The Douro Valley is incredible, a glorious spot.

And the rest of the world is beginning to discover what the Portuguese have known forever. The Duomo is ne of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions.

The dramatic valley showcases steep terrace vineyards carved into mountains, granite bluffs, pretty villages, and 18th century wine cellars.

It’s really easiest to visit on a tour. Here some tour you can choose from:

• a 1 0 hour small group tour with wine and food tastings
• a 10 hour tour to the wineries that includes lunch
• a 10 hour tour with local wine experts
• a 9.5 hour tour with wine tasting and a boat cruise

Where To Stay In Porto

There are some fantastic hotels in Porto. One outstanding historic hotel is the Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace . The beautiful hotel is near Clergios Tower and has an indoor swimming pool and spa.

The Pestana Palacio do Freixo is a luxury hotel in an 18th century Baroque building with view of the Duoro River. Just opened in 2019, the Torel Palace Porto is an elegant hotel with a tranquil outdoor patio.

PortoBay Flores is a romantic hotel in a tastefully renovated historic building with spa and wellness facilities. The Torel Avantgarde is an award winning hotel with a stunning outdoor pool and panoramic views over the city.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 10 days in Portugal itinerary. You may enjoy these other Portugal travel guides:

• 35+ Historic Landmarks in Portugal
• 10 Day Itinerary for Portugal and Spain
• 2 Day itinerary for Lisbon
• 4 Day Itinerary for Lisbon
• Where To Find Azulejos in Lisbon
• Hidden Gems in Lisbon
• Best Day Trips From Lisbon
• Best Day Trips From Porto

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4 thoughts on “Perfect 10 Days In Portugal Itinerary”

Brilliant itinerary with great recommendations. I’ve been planning a trip for a few months and love what you have provided. I was planning to go in February or March. Any thoughts on that timeframe? Thanks kindly, Vicki

Thank you. I think it would be fine. But then I regularly travel to Europe at that time to avoid crowds and am happy to put up with not perfect weather. That said, Porto might be a bit rainy or chilly.

Hello – Thank you for a all of the great recommendations and things to keep in mind when visiting Portugal. I am planning a trip in December and am considering visiting the Azores. Any thoughts? I am looking at a 10 day trip and really like the itinerary you shared on this blog.

Thanks Nora! I have not been to the Azores yet, but people say they are fabulous.

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Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

8 Day Portugal Itinerary: Vineyards, Cities, & Villages

What is the best 8 day Portugal itinerary for first-time visitors? Is 8 days enough for Portugal?

Having traveled extensively across this stunning coastal country, I can attest to its amazing people, culture, and, of course… food! From iconic foodie destinations like Lisbon, and Coimbra to lesser-known gems like Aveiro and Guimarães, this 8-day itinerary highlights all of the amazing things first-time visitors should include on their trip.

Depending on your travel style, 8 days may sound too short or too long, but I’ve curated this itinerary to ensure it suits a multitude of travel types. We’ll be starting our journey in the vibrant city of Porto, and from there, we’ll travel down Portugal’s rugged coastline through everything from small fishing villages to the charming capital of Lisbon.

I’ve also included ample information on the best time to visit Portugal, how to get around, my personal travel tips from my own experiences, as well as ample information on how much time is typically recommended to spend in the country as a whole.

Felicidades!

The Ultimate 8 Day Portugal Itinerary

From Porto’s majestic riverfront and Douro Valley wine country in Northern Portugal to Coimbra with its famous hilltop setting on your way across Southern Europe into Nazaré or Lisbon where coastal culture awaits – there are many places that make up this gorgeous Iberian peninsula!

On this spectacular 8-day itinerary, you’ll experience the major cities, sweeping coastlines, and the lovely towns that make up the western coast of Portugal!

Day 1: Porto

Porto is a great destination for everybody. You can find modern architecture, old buildings to explore, and, of course, plenty of wine country!

Popular activities include taking boat rides from one side of the river Douro River to the other , or visiting other historic sites like São Bento Station, Luís I Bridge, and the iconic red staircase of the Livraria Lello.

Things To Do in Porto

Start your day off with brunch at Zenith – Brunch and Cocktails Bar on Praça de Carlos Alberto. They’re serving up authentic brunch menu items all day long for a delicious start to your 8 day Portugal itinerary!

After you eat, make your way towards the center of town where you can climb the red staircase of Livraria Lello before entering the impressive Iglesia de los Clérigos (Clérigos Church) boasting Porto’s iconic bell tower.

From there, check out the impressive São Bento Station before making your way over to the Porto Cathedral on your way over the famous Luís I Bridge .

Pop your head into the riverside district of Cais da Ribeira to mingle with the locals and witness stunning scenery overlooking the Douro River before grabbing lunch at one of the dozens of authentic eateries.

Spend your evening making your way up to the Muralha Fernandina , the edge of the city offering sweeping views of the Douro River, as well as some interesting history on the 14 th -century wall that is now a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Did you know that the Douro Valley is one of the best wine producers in the entire world ? If not, and you’re a wine lover, be sure to check out some of these top-rated wine tours from Porto to the Douro Valley !

In the post, we also include wine tours that take place right in Porto if you don’t have time for a day trip!

Day 2: Coimbra

Perched on the edge of the Mondego River, this vibrant city is full of side-by-side cookie-cutter houses that seem to grow up the hilltop.

Coimbra is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal. It’s home to some breathtaking architecture and a unique cafe culture, but it also has plenty for tourists who need their fix of partying or shopping!

Things To Do in Coimbra

Some of the best sights in Coimbra are its awe-inspiring cathedrals like Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and Igreja de Santa Cruz, as well as historic buildings such as the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova and the Museu do Mosteiro de Santa Clara a Velha.

You can also find excellent shops selling high-quality goods on Avenida Central, one of the main roads that goes through town.

To start your day, head to Nata Lisboa for a fresh cup of coffee and a Pastel de Nata or a light sandwich.

From here, you can either make your way down to the lovely Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra , a botanical garden offering gorgeous scenery, or up to Igreja de Santa Cruz , a popular detailed church.

Once you reach the gardens, turn left and walk down R. Infantaria 23 to the Sé Nova Cathedral (New Cathedral).

Once you’ve explored to your heart’s content, I highly suggest following the beautiful, windy streets as you make your way over the Santa Clara Bridge to the Museu do Mosteiro de Santa Clara a Velha and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova .

Spend your evening back in the center of town and enjoy late-night music and delicious tapas at the endless bars and restaurants with the locals!

Day 3: Nazaré

Nazaré, Portugal is a charming and picturesque fishing village.

Known for its strong cultural heritage from the Portuguese Azores Islands, it’s a place where you can walk around on cobblestone streets flanked by tiny colorful houses with blue-painted window shutters or wander through rolling green hills dotted with sheep to find incredible views of oceanside cliffs.

This seaside town offers a plethora of interesting sights and activities. From its natural beauty to its fascinating past, you’ll find yourself wanting to spend more time than just one day exploring the area.

Spend your evenings enjoying fresh seafood, local wines, and tapas at any restaurant!

Things To Do in Nazaré

When you’re on vacation, there’s no reason you can’t devour a delicious breakfast every morning! Head to Village Brunch and Coffee for freshly squeezed juices and authentic brunch recipes that continue bringing in both locals and tourists alike.

For your first day in Nazaré, I suggest exploring the town and major sites and attractions so you don’t feel rushed on your second day. But, you can choose to relax on the beach if your feet need a break from the first few days of sightseeing.

If you do decide to explore the town, start by wandering the dozens of tiny cobblestone streets behind Nazaré Beach. Check out the hand-crafted shops, the tiny tapas bars, and chat with the locals!

If you have time, check out the impressive Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré), a 14 th -century shrine with an interesting history of the Virgin Mary behind it!

Before beginning your all-night fiasco out on the town, climb up to the Mirador del Suberco – it’s the best lookout in Nazaré offering panoramic views of the city!

Day 4: Nazaré

A quaint fisherman’s village with just enough space between individual homes so each resident has unobstructed access both along the coastline and around inland areas perfect for exploration, Nazaré is one of the most popular destinations on this 8 days Portugal itinerary.

Today is the day for the beach! Nazaré is full of beautiful beaches including the popular Nazaré Beach , as well as North Beach .

One of the most famous places in the world for its extremely high surf, the waves here occasionally reach up to 30 meters high (100 feet)! Though there are plenty of days where the waves will be just right for body surfing and kids, use caution when the seas are rough.

Want to enjoy a small hike after your day relaxing in the hot sand and turquoise blue waters? Make your way over to the Fortress São Miguel Arcanjo and Farol da Nazaré !

These scenic hikes will provide sweeping views of the Portuguese coastline and Nazaré Beach for some of the best picture opportunities on this side of the country!

Afterward, make your way into town again where you’ll see how this once small fishing village has become an epicenter of hospitable charm. Though fishing is no longer the main source of income due to the major influx in tourism, there is no shortage of character here.

The women still dress in traditional wear and you can watch your food get cooked right in front of you on the streets over large vats of open flames.

Though more touristy now, Nazaré is one of the most authentic destinations on this 8 day Portugal itinerary!

Day 5: Óbidos – a highlight on this 8 day Portugal itinerary!

Known for its medieval charms, Óbidos should be at the top of your Portugal itinerary. The village has been inhabited since Roman times and is famous as one of Europe’s best-preserved walled villages.

Visitors come from all over to explore the cobbled streets, beautiful castle ruins with stunning views out across lush green hillsides or down towards a tranquil river below – whichever way they turn their gaze!

Things To Do in Óbidos

Start your day with a delicious breakfast from the local hotspot, Cantina do Parque , before heading off on a journey to the infamous Castelo de Óbidos .

Keep in mind that this restaurant is about 4 kilometers from the main part of the city, so if you can’t get on the train and don’t have a car available to you, it might be better to find a restaurant closer to town.

While the castle will likely take you the majority of the day, if you’re a quick sightseer, then you’ll also be able to fit in the Museu da Cerâmica , as well.

Take the 35-minute train ride from Óbidos Station to the Caldas da Rainha Station to get there (this same train can also get you to the great breakfast spot I mentioned above).

The town of Óbidos may be small, but it’s packed with things to do. Spend your time wandering the cobblestone streets and take some pictures of the stunning buildings!

And don’t forget about food – there are plenty of local cafes where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes like octopus salad or squid ink pasta while people-watching at window seats by the streetside cafés!

Day 6: Sintra

Sitting high in the hills about an hour outside of Lisbon, this quaint little village offers locals and tourists alike an experience like no other! The best part about exploring it?

The towering 12 th -century Pena Palace is surrounded by a beautiful green park full of hiking trails and scenic overlooks!

Things To Do in Sintra

Sintra is known for its grand architecture, palaces, and fortresses, making this one of the most medieval towns in Portugal. Start your day in the center of town and grab a bite at the popular Café Saudade for breakfast.

From here, hop on the train at the Largo C.M. Sintra Station and take the 16-minute ride to the Palacio da Pena Station. You’ll only have about a 7-minute walk to the palace.

Explore the impressive Pena Palace and its surrounding gardens for hours on end as each new room is more beautiful than the last! Take dozens of pictures from this sky-high perspective, roam the corridors, and finish your afternoon with lunch at the restaurant.

Once you have finished exploring the palace, you can do one of two things (or both if you move quickly!): you can take a 10-minute walk up to the Castelo dos Mouros , a Moorish fortress dating back to the 8 th -century, or you can take an hour and 15-minute train ride to the Cabo da Roca – the most western point in Europe!

Personally, I think you can fit in both. Get up at the crack of dawn to explore Pena Palace and the surrounding gardens, walk up to the hilltop Moorish fortress for a quick visit, then come back down and hop on the train.

The Cabo da Roca offers one of the best views in Europe and deserves to be on your 8 day Portugal itinerary, so do yourself a favor and try to squeeze it in!

If I haven’t convinced you yet, check out my 7 reasons why the Cabo da Roca is one of the best day trips from Lisbon or my Ultimate Day Trip to Sintra Guide and Itinerary !

✔️ Pro Tip: Get your lunch to go from the restaurant or pack lunches for the day and eat them on the train to save time!

Day 7: Cascais

Lively and historic Cascais is a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience Portuguese culture.

With its cobblestone streets, azure beaches, delicious restaurants on the water’s edge and charming villas set in vineyards overlooking the ocean—Cascais offers visitors an abundance of things to do!

The best way to enjoy the gorgeous city of Cascais is by wandering through its historic streets or exploring its many charming shops for souvenirs.

From medieval castles to beautiful beaches framed by lush green hillsides, there are so many things you can do while visiting this historically rich coastal hub.

Things To Do in Cascais

Our suggestion is to start with breakfast at Local – Your Healthy Kitchen Cascais , an authentic Portuguese restaurant serving up top-quality meals from breakfast through dinner. Once you’ve satisfied your appetite, do as a tourist does and take to the streets!

Cascais is full of vibrant craft shops, a Portuguese-designed square layered with white and blue bricks, and streetside cafes serving up afternoon espressos and tapas!

Cascais is one of our favorite towns on this 8 day Portugal itinerary for its traditional design, unique local eateries, and beautiful layout. Once you’re done exploring the town, it’s time to take a peek at a few of this town’s top sights!

As you make your way down to the point of Santa Marta, you’ll be rewarded with exquisite ocean views, the Santa Marta Lighthouse and Museum , the Citadel of Cascais , and the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães .

However, there’s one attraction that not many people get to. If you’re up for a quick 10-minute walk to the western end of the point, you’ll witness the incredible cliffs of the Boca do Inferno (that’s me pictured above!)

You’ll often see fishermen climbing down these impressive cliffs casting deep inside the caves, and locals enjoying a lunch nearby.

As one of the most special parts of Cascais, I highly suggest including it on your 8 day Portugal itinerary!

✔️ Pro Tip : When you get down to the viewing platform, you’ll notice a break between the cliffside and the platform on the right-hand side. This is where the fishermen walk down to get closer to the water for casting. This is also how I got that really cool picture above! Follow it for a great picture opportunity, and don’t worry, it’s not as dangerous as it looks.

Day 8: Estoril

Estoril has many great sights within its borders-from the beautiful sandy beaches of Tamariz , Azarujinha , and Poça , to the historic buildings with fascinating stories about their past inhabitants, and quaint cafes tucked away behind plazas where locals gather over coffee or drinks at sunset.

From the beautiful town center with its quaint shops and cafes to the world-class golf courses that tempt you at every turn, there’s no shortage of things to do in Estoril!

Things To Do in Estoril

Before jumping into the waves for some surf or falling head over heels in love with a Portuguese dress, start off with a hearty breakfast at Pastelaria Garrett !

This restaurant offers everything from traditional home-cooked recipes to classic staples, making it the perfect way to start your day.

Then, similar to Cascais, just start exploring! Estoril and Cascais are a classic duo day trip on any Portugal itinerary that includes Lisbon, so enjoy the square, chat with the locals, buy yourself an authentic Portuguese souvenir , then relax on the beach for the ultimate day in Estoril!

Got a history buff in your group? Check out the local museum, Casa das Histórias Paula Rego , which offers eclectic exhibits and artwork by the Portuguese-born artist, Paula Rego in an architecturally distinct setting.

End your evening with wine and tapas at one of the dozens of seaside cafes and bars set along the beautiful coastline! You also have the option of adding one of these 11 Incredible Lisbon Boat Tours to your itinerary if you’re so inclined.

✔️ Pro Tip: This marks the end of our 8 day Portugal itinerary, but if you happen to have the ability to join a 10 days Portugal itinerary or more, consider these fun add-ons! You’ll likely need to fly or take the train out of Lisbon anyway, so why not add an extra day or two for exploring Portugal’s vibrant capital?!

Optional 8-Day Portugal Itinerary Add-Ons

Day 9: lisbon.

A city bustling with culture, Lisbon is an unforgettable destination. Whether you’re looking for gorgeous views or a rich history to explore, this port town has something that will suit your tastes!

With so many amazing sites, attractions, landmarks, and panoramic views, you’ll want to spend at least two days in Lisbon if you can fit it into your 8-day Portugal itinerary.

If not, then check out my article on how to spend one day in Lisbon for everything you’ll need to know about exploring the best this vibrant capital has to offer in just 24 hours!

Since Lisbon is a rather large city with lots of steep hills, it’s best to divide the city between two days so you don’t retrace your steps and end up climbing the same hills over and over.

Things To Do in Lisbon

For the first day, we’ll be focusing on the western side of the city near the Chiado , Cais do Sodre , and the Bairro Alto neighborhoods.

Want to take a ride on one of those yellow trolleys you see going everywhere? Head to Chiado where you can get on the Elevador da Bica , or the Bica Funicular! It will take you down the popular Rua de São Paulo and Rua do Loreto for a fun activity in Lisbon.

Once you get off, wander through the nearby Ribeira market where you’ll be able to explore dozens of stalls offering handmade crafts, different food options from around the world, as well as traditional Portuguese recipes! This is the best place to get lunch in Lisbon.

Once you’ve finished lunch, it’s time to take to the streets. Since many of the major attractions lie in Lisbon’s eastern side, use today’s for getting lost in Lisbon’s tiny, charming streets and sampling as many local foods as you can.

It may be one of your last days on your Portugal itinerary, so relax and enjoy the view!

Day 10: Lisbon

On your second day in Lisbon, we’ll be focusing on the eastern side of the city around the Alfama and Baixa de Lisboa districts. Start your day in the Praça do Comércio , the main square of Lisbon.

I would avoid getting a sit-down breakfast in this area as it tends to be rather touristy and you’re more likely to experience inflated prices and poor quality service, but a quick pastel de nata and a coffee in this area will do just fine!

From here, walk under the main arch of the square and follow Rua Augusta, one of the most popular shopping streets in Lisbon.

When you get to the end, you’ll be greeted by the impressive Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel , a medieval 12 th -century Catholic church that was destroyed during the famous Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

You’ll also have the opportunity to ride up the Santa Justa Lift which offers spectacular views of the city!

From here, I suggest taking a trolley back down to the start of the Alfama district where you can explore the Lisbon Cathedral , St. Anthony’s Church , and the Museu do Fado (Music Museum of Portugal).

Alfama is also home to two beautiful observation decks in Lisbon, both offering incredible panoramic views of the city’s red clay rooftops and Tagus River.

The first is called Miradouro das Portas do Sol and the second is Miradouro de Santa Luzia and are within close proximity to each other, though you may want to take advantage of the trolley to get you up the hill!

If your feet are up for it (though you can take a trolley), make your way up to the Moorish Quarter and step out onto the terrace of the Mirador de Graça .

Take in the stunning views of Portugal and reminisce on all of the magical experiences you’ve gained thus far! Then, make your way back to one of these amazing hotels in Lisbon with rooftop pools .

What To Do if You Want a 10+ Days Portugal Itinerary

If you’re lucky enough to have more than 10 days available for spending in Portugal, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in Europe… one of them being the Algarve .

Aptly named, the Algarve is a paradise on Earth. It’s one of Europe’s southernmost regions with sandy beaches and crystal blue waters that make it hard to believe you’re still in Portugal! It’s also one of the best regions in Portugal to go sea kayaking !

Spend a few days exploring the dozens of scenic beaches like the one shown above ( Marinha Beach ), kayak through sea caves to the infamous Benagil Caves , or take a boat ride through the scenic Ponta da Piedade .

Stroll the city streets of Lagos to find authentic souvenirs and enjoy some tapas around every corner!

Once you’ve taken in all the sun you can, head up to the Castelo de Silves , a Moorish castle offering spectacular views of this tranquil coastline.

For the evening or on an additional day, spend at least a few hours exploring the tight network of whitewashed houses in the Old Town Of Albufeira ! This beautiful village mimics almost that of Santorini, Greece, and is known for its delicious, local seafood and hospitable people.

Some other great trips to fit in on your Portuguese itinerary include the coastal cities of Sines , Vila Nova de Milfontes , and the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina !

7 Days Portugal Itinerary Option

If you don’t quite have 8 days to spend in Portugal, don’t fret! That’s still plenty of time to see and do a lot of the fun things in this culturally packed country.

While you could cut the above itinerary down so you only have between a half and full day in each place, I don’t think you’ll get the most out of your trip that way, and you could end up becoming disappointed and overwhelmed by the amount of traveling you’ll need to do.

Instead, here is an updated 7 days Portugal itinerary that dedicates time to the absolute best places to visit with the right amount of time in each place for when you’re traveling on a time crunch!

Day 2: Óbidos

Day 4: sintra, day 5: cascais and estoril, day 6: lisbon, day 7: lisbon.

This new 7-day Portugal itinerary cuts down your time in Nazaré to one day and eliminates the town of Coimbra.

While Coimbra is beautiful, you’ll actually see a lot of similar sights in both Nazaré and Lisbon, so Coimbra is really only necessary if you have enough time to make it work.

This itinerary also has you combine both Cascais and Estoril into one day. Now don’t stress, the two towns are within walking distance of each other!

On our first trip to Portugal, we did both Cascais and Estoril in a single day, then actually took the train back to our Lisbon accommodation. It’s extremely easy to walk around these two towns when you’re short on time, so don’t worry, you won’t feel stressed.

Lastly, we kept the itinerary to include the two days in Lisbon. Since the capital is such a large city with dozens of museums, nearly half a dozen scenic overlooks scattered between each district, and dozens of cathedrals, churches, and famous landmarks to see, it’s nearly impossible to do it all in one day.

Plus, since you’ll be nearing the end of your trip, you’ll want to be able to enjoy your last few days without being stuck on public transportation or wasting time getting from place to place.

For your last few days in Lisbon, enjoy some olives and wine, get lost in the city streets, have a pastel de nata and an espresso, chat with some locals, and photograph every nook and cranny of the city!

Travel Tips for Visiting Portugal

Portugal may be one of the most sought-after destinations in Europe, but before you go jetting out your door, there are a few things you should know.

• In Portugal, the locals speak Portuguese, not Spanish . Do your best to learn a few phrases before you get there since many of the smaller towns won’t be as familiar with English and other languages.
• Hopefully, you like seafood . The Portuguese are very big into utilizing the freshest ingredients from their local landscapes which, of course, mainly includes the ocean. Fresh seafood, wine, and olives are a large part of Portuguese cuisine.
• It gets very hot in the summer . If you aren’t someone who loves the beach, but plans to visit Portugal during the summer months, be prepared for hot days and extreme amounts of sunlight. You also won’t find many shops and restaurants with air conditioning, so keep that in mind when planning your 8 day Portugal itinerary.
• Portugal uses the euro for currency . Worth less than the U.S. dollar, be prepared to lose a little bit of money on exchange rates if you are coming from the U.S.
• Pack good walking shoes . As you’ll learn more about below, the best way to get around Portugal’s small towns and cities is to walk! Be sure to pack supportive walking shoes that will successfully get you up and down hills and over dozens of cobblestoned streets.
• If you don’t want the hors d’oeuvre, send it back . It’s normal for waiters to bring you a small dish of bread and olives before you order food at a restaurant. If you don’t want it, however, kindly ask them to take it away, otherwise you will pay a few euros for it.
• If you want to see museums, try to visit on Sunday . Some museums in Lisbon and Porto offer free entry on Sundays!
• Watch your belongings . While pickpocketing isn’t as common here as it is in other European cities, you should still keep an eye on your belongings and never leave them unattended.
• If you order a café, you’re going to get an espresso . The Portuguese often start their days with a shot of espresso, so if you’re looking for something with milk, be sure to ask for a meia de leite instead.
• 112 is the equivalent of 911 . If you have an emergency and need emergency services, be sure to call 112! It’s free to call.

The Best Time to Visit Portugal

While Portugal is a wonderful destination to visit year-round, there are a few things you should consider before planning your 8 day Portugal itinerary.

First, think about your travel style . Do you have your heart set on soaking up the sun on one of the dozens of beaches in Cascais ? Or would you prefer to explore the secret castles and do some hiking in Sintra without the swarms of other tourists?

While Portugal is the perfect place to visit in summer, you’re going to experience it with tens of thousands of other people. Don’t get me wrong, if you don’t mind the tourists, this is the best time to visit Portugal!

The weather is warm enough for swimming but not too hot that you can’t explore the beautiful cities on foot, and people come from faraway places as well as nearby countries like France, Spain or Italy – making it a popular tourist destination year-round with many things to do such as late-night concerts at church squares on weekends!

However, if you’re looking to avoid the tourist season, it’s best to travel to Portugal outside of the summer months of June through August . May will still provide warm weather and the majority of shops, bars, and restaurants will be beginning their summer hours.

September offers a nice relief from the summer heat just before fall sets in with warm ocean temperatures and a comfortable air temperature, so you’ll still be able to squeeze in a few good beach days on your itinerary!

How to Get Around Portugal

While you have a few options for getting around Portugal, there are some ways that are more regularly suggested. First, when you’re in the major cities of Lisbon and Porto, avoid renting a car .

The streets often climb steep, narrow hills, and cross paths with the local trams and trolleys. Not to mention the thousands of tourists and lack of parking, save the car rentals for when you’re leaving the main cities.

The best way to get around in each of the places we discussed is to walk ! The majority of Portugal’s towns and cities are extremely walkable with the majority of attractions being within close proximity to each other.

You can also rent bikes for a fun and local way of seeing a town! Bikes provide the perfect combination of convenience and efficient sightseeing on a budget, so this is a highly recommended family or couples activity you can do.

To get between major cities, Portugal has a great public transportation system where you can take either a train or bus . However, the train doesn’t stop everywhere, so be prepared to make several connections and do some walking in between stations if you’ll be visiting more off-the-beaten-path destinations.

➡️ For a full guide on train travel between Porto and Lisbon , read my post about it here !

If your 8 day Portugal itinerary involves many small towns, it’s usually recommended to fly into Porto or Lisbon, enjoy the city, and then rent a car when you plan on leaving.

This will save you the headache of dealing with a rental in busy cities, but will allow you the freedom to explore smaller destinations on your own schedule!

What to Eat on Your 8 Day Portugal Itinerary

Portugal’s cuisine and wine are a delight for visitors with tastes from all over the world. Portuguese dishes can range from traditional to modern depending on where you eat them, but one thing is certain: Portugal has some of the best seafood in Europe!

Owing to its incredible bounty from the local waters, locals and tourists can enjoy generous quantities of the freshest seafood around.

The food here ranges from small dishes (tapas) like sandwiches to large plates of hearty stews or roasted meats, all served alongside wine and sangria (my personal favorite).

Foods you should try while visiting Portugal include their world-famous olives ! They come both as tapenade for appetizers along with breads including prosciutto crostini or garlic toast, but also on their own skewered over open flames during the evening hours at many restaurants.

Seafood can be found everywhere: sardines ( Sardinhas Assadas ) get grilled up by vendors who line Avenida da Liberdade opposite Lisbon’s grandest shopping district near Rossio Square, octopus salad is served along streetside restaurants on the boardwalk to the west of Praça do Comércio, and squid ink pasta is a delicacy found in restaurants all over the country.

For a fresh, white fish, try the most commonly eaten fish in Portugal: Bacalhau !

Then, there’s the oh-so-good famous Portuguese custard tarts: the Pastel de Nata (Pasteis de Nata is the plural form).

These buttery, flaky, bite-sized tarts are the perfect sweet breakfast or on-the-go snack that you can find all over Portugal.

Don’t like creamy textures? Don’t worry, I don’t either. But, the perfectly crisp and flaky crust creates an unbeatable balance that you’ll be devouring one after another!

Now, we can’t talk about Portuguese cuisine without even mentioning the wine … sangria is a large part of Portuguese culture so be ready to get whisked away with 1€ glasses filled with fresh fruit for 24 hours of happy hour!

Another reason to leave those heels at home, a few of these and you’ll be relaxing at a riverside cafe in no time… isn’t it nice that Portugal is so affordable? Remember that red wine pairs nicely with meats and hearty stews, while white wine is most often paired with fish and light pasta dishes.

As for traditional dishes, be sure to try some of the country’s specialties including Caldo Verde , a green soup made with kale, potatoes, olive oil, and sometimes chorizo, and Piri Piri Chicken which is spicy marinated whole chickens that get roasted over high heat and flames – very popular all over the country!

Then, there’s a dish for all of the true meat eaters out there – the Cozido à Portuguesa !

This traditional dish starts with a layer of flavorful rice and potatoes and is then topped with an array of slow-roasted meats of all sorts and covered in the drippings.

Served with some wilted cabbage, this authentic Portuguese dish is bound to make it on anyone’s 8 day Portugal itinerary!

FAQ: 8 Day Portugal Itinerary

How many days is ideal for portugal.

In my opinion, 10 days is ideal for spending in Portugal since you’ll have enough time to explore the cities, relax on the beaches, sample wine in the Douro Valley, and even kayak through the Benagil Caves!

While it is possible to spend just one day in Porto or Lisbon, there is so much more to see in this beautiful country that will take much longer than a single day in each place. Portugal is a country with so many natural attractions and historical landmarks that you can spend weeks here exploring!

Beaches are popular spots to enjoy the sun, the cities are known to have some of the best food in Europe, and the small villages are bursting with unparalleled charm and coastal views.

Everywhere you look there’s something new to be explored in this dazzling paradise! From the mainland all the way to the remote Azores, I recommend spending at least one week in Portugal if you can.

Otherwise, you may regret not planning for more time and wishing you had made other arrangements. The best way to go about planning your own 8 day Portugal itinerary is to keep as many things fluid as possible.

Book flexible accommodations with a 24-hour notice cancellation policy, wait to buy your train tickets until you get to the station, and only buy tickets for attractions that you are positive you’ll be attending.

While all of these things can cause stress in the long run if you end up following your itinerary to a T, they’ll also give you the flexibility to change or cancel your plans in the event that you decide to stay in a certain place longer or to skip the second night in a place and move on to the next destination.

Can You Do Portugal in 8 Days?

You can absolutely see most of the major sites and attractions from Porto all the way down to Lisbon in just 8 days !

You’ll be able to spend some time relaxing on the beach, exploring the endless cobblestone streets, sampling dozens of unique restaurants, and shopping in trendy shops and boutiques.

If you’re looking to explore further down the coast of Portugal where the Algarves begin, you will likely need at least 10 days to avoid feeling rushed.

However, if sticking around the major cities and train stops is your ideal vacation, then 8 days in Portugal is enough time!

Is a Week Too Long in Portugal?

One week is not too long to spend in Portugal, in fact, a 7-day Portugal itinerary can be the perfect amount of time to explore the country’s rich diversity, encompassing its stunning coastal towns, historic cities, and breathtaking countryside .

If you’re a backpacker or enjoy being on the move, I can see why you may think spending a full week in just one country can be a time-consuming choice, but despite Portugal’s compact size, the country has some of the most beautiful and diverse regions of anywhere in Europe!

From the vibrant streets of Lisbon and the Douro Valley’s incredible wine estates to the serene beauty of the Algarve’s beaches, a 7-day journey offers a well-rounded experience of Portugal’s unique charm.

How Much Does it Cost to Visit Portugal for 8 Day?

Portugal is well-known for its history and culture, as well as the stunning natural landscapes that it has to offer. But, it’s especially great for those looking to travel on a budget!

Portugal offers inexpensive prices in comparison to other popular European countries such as France or Italy. This makes it an excellent destination not only for tourists but also young, or budget travelers who are seeking an affordable vacation.

While prices will vary by the season that you visit Portugal, with summer being the most expensive, I have pulled a few averages to help you get an estimate of how much money you will need to budget for your 8 day Portugal itinerary.

Based on each section, add up what you believe you will be taking part in to help figure out what you will be spending.

Transportation (per trip and person)

Flights : varies on date and season, check Expedia for the best deals ! Car Rental (for 8 days) : 330€ Taxi : 6.50€ Trolley Ride : 3€ Metro : 1.50€ High-Speed Train (Porto to Lisbon) : 35€

Breakfast : 1.40-6€ Lunch : 6-10€ Dinner : 9-20€ Multiple Course Meal (2 people) : 40€ * Get out of the main tourist squares to find food on the lower end of the above prices! *

Attractions

Pena National Palace and Park : 13.30€/11.88€ Belém Tower : 8.50€ Castelo dos Mouros : 7.60€/6.18€ Santa Justa Lift: 5.30€ (purchase tickets at lift) Lisbon Card : 19-42€

Accommodation (per night)

Budget Hostel : 16-60€ Mid-Range Hotel : 80-120€ Luxury Hotel : 136-600€+

Which City is Better Porto or Lisbon?

This depends on a number of items including what your goals are sightseeing-wise, if you plan on going to the beach, how many museums you would like to visit, and so on.

So, to determine which city is better for you , we’re going to explain how each one rates in terms of each item, which will help you decide which one to visit if you don’t have time for both on your Portugal itinerary!

If you’re a true history buff looking to dive deep into Portugal’s ancient history, then you better ensure that Lisbon is on your itinerary! While Porto does have several great museums, Lisbon boasts 62 in the city alone.

And if you get the Lisbon Museum Card , then you’ll have unlimited access to dozens of museums as you make your way around the city.

While Porto is set on the beautiful Douro River, the majority of the beaches require some traveling to the west coast which would take over an hour to walk to or about a 30-minute train ride.

Lisbon, on the other hand, is home to almost a dozen beaches right in front of the city, as well as dozens more a short train ride away to the seaside towns of Cascais and Estoril.

If you have a heavy focus on sunbathing on your Portugal vacation, then Lisbon is your go-to city!

When it comes to attractions, Lisbon simply has a lot more to offer for a few reasons. Since it’s the capital of the country, you’re going to find the most amount of major landmarks and sites that the country wants to conveniently show its visitors.

It also brings in nearly double the amount of tourists than Porto every year, so naturally, there are far more businesses and shopping districts to explore here.

Porto is often described as a compact, mini Lisbon, so you’re going to find fewer attractions and fewer tourists in this city (which is usually a good thing!)

As for the scenery, we believe these two cities are pretty equal. They both offer iconic lookouts, red clay rooftops, and stunning settings perched over a river.

While Lisbon may be the larger city, Porto is no less beautiful with its charming, yellow tram and infinite amount of riverside cafes. When it comes to beautiful scenery, you can’t go wrong visiting either Porto or Lisbon!

When it comes to nightlife, Lisbon takes the win on this one. Due to its cosmopolitan atmosphere and sheer quantity of bars, restaurants, and exotic nightclubs, there’s no end in sight to the exciting experiences you can have here.

Visitors can stroll down the iconic Pink Street after dark listening to live music and pop in and out of over a dozen bars on this single, lively strip.

As for Porto, you’re more likely to enjoy quieter evenings along the river eating tapas and drinking wine with some locals. Depending on your definition of going out for a night on the town, either city may please you.

3 Best Hidden Gems in Portugal!

Want to escape the city of Lisbon and get off the beaten path? Me too!

​ Check out this ultimate guide where I tell you all about the best hidden gems in Portugal – from the beaches in Cascais to the vineyards of the Douro Valley… and more!

If you’re planning your Portugal vacation and don’t know where to start, this guide will get you exploring this vibrant country like a local!

Other Helpful Portugal Resources

Is Lisbon Safe? 21+ Tips for Staying Safe in Lisbon Portugal 21 Best Portugal Packing List Items for 2024: What to Wear in Portugal The Complete Guide to the Supermarkets in Lisbon Barcelona vs Lisbon: The Ultimate City Comparison The Beautiful National Symbols of Portugal: Bird, Animal, Tree, Flower, Fish, & More! Does it Snow in Portugal? The Complete Guide

Portugal might be one of the most underrated countries in Europe that I have had the pleasure of visiting so far! It offers gorgeous scenery, great cities with bustling nightlife and vibrant culture, as well as fresh cuisine that will keep your taste buds happy.

With all of this and so much more, there’s no wondering why Portugal itineraries top the list as some of the most popular in the entire world! Before jetting off on your Portuguese vacation, be sure to use my helpful tips and advice for planning your ultimate 8 day Portugal itinerary .

Hey there! I'm Emily Concannon, a seasoned globetrotter who has backpacked her way across over a dozen European countries, immersing myself in the diverse cultures, languages, and cuisines of the region.

My passion for travel transcends personal experiences; I've spent years learning how to transform my globetrotting knowledge into personalized itineraries for fellow travelers worldwide.

With a tally of 26 countries (and counting!) under my belt, my day job involves extensive research on different countries which often leads me to booking a new adventure every chance I get!

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Portugal Itinerary 7 Days: Where To Go In Beautiful Portugal - IL

Cruise a river past the terraced landscape of one of Portugal’s finest wine-growing regions. View a Gothic church with 650 pounds of gold plating. Step back in time at Portugal’s best-preserved Roman ruins, and experience interactively the history of the nation’s capital. Stretch out on the sands of the Portuguese Riviera and, atop a mountain in a national forest, embrace Romanticism in a flamboyant palace. Sip award-winning wines, dine on fresh fish and aged beef, and marvel at the variety of breads and pastries available in aromatic padarias and pastelarias. Think you can’t do it all in one week? Read on.

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Days 1 and 2: Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Braga, and Esposende (Two nights)

Begin your week in Porto, arranging to arrive as early in the day as possible. Leave luggage at your lodging and head to Rua Santa Caterina. At the church of the same name, you’ll get a dazzling introduction to the classic blue-and-white Portuguese tiles, azulejos. Stroll along Santa Caterina and stop at the art deco Café Belle Époque for coffee. Fifteen minutes away is Lello Bookstore, famed for its legendary staircase, and frequented by J.K. Rowling when she taught English in Porto .

Next, visit the Church of São Francisco, noted for its painted woodwork and all that gold. At lunchtime, stop into Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel’s Rib Beef & Wine Restaurant, featuring a mixology bar and Tomahawk Irish Black Angus. You can work off those calories with a walk to the Douro riverbank, where you may browse for souvenirs at its many stalls and shops. In the late afternoon, cross the Dom Luis I Bridge spanning the river to Vila Nova de Gaia where you can tour and taste at centuries-old port wine houses. Grab some petiscos, the Portuguese equivalent of tapas, before turning in early for a good night’s sleep.

The next day, opt for a relaxing boat cruise through the Douro Valley, including lunch and wine tastings. It might be just the ticket if you have a touch of jet lag. Or experience two new cities:

Drive 45 minutes north to Braga. Close to city center is the cathedral, one of the most architecturally important buildings in the country. Next visit the Residence of the Biscainhos, a former manor house, now a decorative arts museum boasting manicured gardens. When it’s time for coffee and pastry, pop into Centésima Página, a charming bookstore located in Casa Rolão, an 18th-century, Baroque-style house with a garden café.

Esposende is about 30 minutes due west of Braga, situated on the Atlantic Ocean and the Rio Cávado. Stroll the marginal and enjoy a late lunch at one of the inviting waterfront cafés. Afterwards explore the past at Castro de São Lourenço, an archaeological area in Vila Chã. Back in Esposende, finish with an oceanside sunset cocktail before returning to Porto.

Days 3 and 4: Lisbon, Cascais, and Sintra (Two nights)

Rise early for the three-hour drive south, then begin your Lisbon experience at Castelo São Jorge. It’s a hike to the top, but tuk tuks are available for rent. Roam the ramparts with camera in hand, because here are some of the best views of the nation’s capital. You’ll also want a shot of the outdoor café’s famous locals: a glorious muster of parading peacocks.

The castle is in the city’s oldest district, Alfama, whose Moorish influence gives it a distinct, culture-rich flavor. After lunch at Time Out Lisbon Market, which features many local chefs, head to the Lisboa Story Center. It offers a comprehensive picture of Lisbon from its earliest roots to the present, including a first-hand look at the Great Quake of 1755 which destroyed most of the city.

Just 20 minutes away is a closely grouped treasure trove of sites. Jerónimos Monastery is a prime example of Portuguese late Gothic Manueline style architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entrance to the church—housing the sepulchers of kings and discoverers—is free, and there are lovely gardens complete with a grand fountain in front of the complex. Directly across from it stands the Monument to the Discoveries, a towering structure perched on the edge of the Tejo River. The trio is complete with another UNESCO site, the 16th-century Belém Tower, which played a significant role in the country’s maritime adventures. Wrap up the day at Lx Factory. A historical industrial complex open until 2 a.m., it provides a variety of arty retailers and restaurants.

In the morning take A5 west along the Estoril coastline, lined with lovely beaches. Thirty minutes later you’ll arrive at the expat -friendly fishing village of Cascais , filled with restaurants, shops, parks, and more. The bayside 15th-century fortress is now a pousada (historic hotel), perhaps a spot to stay on a return visit.

Your next stop is Sintra . Skip the Moorish castle if you had your fill at São Jorge but do tour the town’s colorful trademark Palace of Pena. It appears as it did in 1910, when a revolution forced the king and his family to flee the country. Time permitting, take in Monserrate Palace, an exotic villa with exquisite grounds, and just one of the other attractions in town. Sintra is packed with opportunities to explore, eat, drink, and shop. It’s also packed with tourists, so be prepared to wait at times. It’s worth it.

Day 5: Évora (One night)

An hour and a half east of Lisbon, Évora is the capital of the country’s Alentejo region. Don’t miss the Roman Temple, the cathedral, and the Igreja de São Francisco, a church with an eerie, skeleton-adorned chapel of bones. If you haven’t lost your appetite, go to Fialho and order favada real de caça, a bean stew traditionally served to royal guests after hunting trips, and sopa de beldroegas (purslane soup). Finally, spend the night in Monte do Serrado de Baixo, a B&B in a typical alentejana structure.

Day 6: Albufeira and Vilamoura (One night)

It’s time to experience Portugal’s southern region, the Algarve , and discover why it’s favored by so many expats. After the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Évora , stop first in Albufeira , the Algarve’s largest and busiest city, and book a cruise on a pirate ship for dolphin and whale watching.

Vilamoura lies 30 minutes to the east. Here you can enjoy golf, tennis, boating, or simply loll on a pristine beach. At nightfall, chic bars and a wide assortment of restaurants offer their best.

Day 7: Faro and Tavira (One night)

After breakfast, drive 30 minutes east to Faro . In nearby São Brás de Alportel, you can take a cork factory tour (Portugal supplies 80% of the world’s cork) or rent bikes and tour the countryside.

Tavira is noted for its 37 churches. There’s also an excavation underway in the middle of town, uncovering ruins from the days when it was a Roman seaport. You might want to know, too, that Seville is only 110 miles from here. Sample Spain and return to spend the night at a former 16th-century convent, Pousada Convento de Tavira. In the morning you can hop a flight to Porto if you booked a roundtrip from your point of origin, or simply fly home from Faro International Airport.

Renting a Car in Portugal

To rent a car, generally, you must be age 25 or over and it may be a good idea to have an international driver’s license (available for those 18 and over) if you are from the U.S. or Canada. Some car rental agencies require them. In the U.S., you may obtain this from the Automobile Association of America for a small fee if you are a member or check your local Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are between the ages of 21 and 24, you may be able to find a rental car; however, you will usually pay an underage fee that can be €100 ($115) or more.

Additionally, some providers have a maximum age for renters. It depends on the company but can start as low as 70 years of age. Be sure to check with the company to confirm your eligibility if you are under 25 or over 70 to ensure there are no surprises once you arrive.

Rental car insurance may be a good idea depending on your personal auto policy and the credit card benefits you have. Check before leaving home and purchase the daily insurance if you are not covered. Some insurance on personal injury coverage may be necessarily included in your contract with the rental company, anyway. Confirm pricing and coverage ahead of time in order to avoid a big surprise at the rental counter on arrival. Generally, though, it is as seamless as renting in the U.S. or Canada.

All the major rental car companies like Hertz and Avis operate in Portugal, but why not look into a company like Europcar (www.europcar.com) to find a cheaper rate? One website that will search all the car rental companies for you is www.autoeurope.com .

Remember to request a vehicle with automatic instead of standard transmission (the more common type in Europe) if you are not familiar with using a stick shift. There’s no need to add that complication to your trip. Save your energy instead for discovering a cozy restaurant in a tiny aldeia or a windswept castle on a mountaintop. And please, don’t forget what type of fuel the car uses. Diesel, or gasóleo, as it is known here, is very common. Choose the black handle at the pump (bomba) for gasóleo and the green handle for gasoline (gasolina). Another hint: Fuel is called combustíveis and it is sold at an oficina or bomba, which is also where you would seek service if your car has mechanical difficulties.

There are a few things of importance to keep in mind when driving in Portugal. The general rules are the same as in your home country, and they are standardized for the most part throughout the EU. However, there are a few notable differences.

One common mistake made by visitors is to drive in the left lane of a highway. This is a big no-no. The left lane is only used for passing and then immediately you should return to the right. Also, any solid line regardless of color is not to be crossed. Most of the lines in Portugal are white, and if solid, regardless of what type of road it is on, don’t cross it. This includes turning into a store or parking lot in a city. If there is not a dotted line on your side of the road, then you must go to the next roundabout (rotunda) and turn around. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially at crosswalks (called zebras here). Pedestrians have the right of way at all non-traffic light-controlled locations and will frequently simply walk into traffic to cross the road. Stop when in doubt to be on the safe side.

The speed limit is standard for the type of road you are on. Pay attention to the signs and you will have no problems. You should check out the information at www.autoeurope.com/travel-guides/portugal/portugal-road-signs /to be familiar with the various images used on signs and what they mean. For the most part, it will be readily apparent from the picture.

The above is not meant to imply that it is a challenge to drive here: It isn’t. Rent a car and take to the open road and you will discover much more of Portugal than if you only use public transportation.

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Seven Places to Retire in Portugal for Under $30,000 per Year

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• Destinations

Wild Junket

My 7-Day Portugal Itinerary: The Perfect Portugal Road Trip

Last Updated on April 10, 2024

A Portugal road trip is high on many travelers’ bucket list. This is the ultimate 7-day Portugal itinerary recommended by expat Nick Wharton.

Portugal has long conjured up images of sandy beaches and dramatic coastlines, but few people know just how diverse the country is. From the luscious vineyards of the Douro Valley to the historical architecture of Lisbon and the rocky cliffs of Algarve , Portugal is much more than just a beach destination.

My partner and I had the opportunity to live and travel around Portugal for more than 8 months and we have gotten to know it rather well. I’m an avid fly fisherman, and enjoy traveling Portugal with my fishing fly rod ; while my partner loves hiking and camping,  as well as good wine. We’ve found Portugal to be a fantastic all-round destination whether you like the outdoors, history or food.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Portugal

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This Portugal itinerary starts and ends in Faro in the Algarve region. If you’re in Europe, there are plenty of cheap flights from various cities around Europe. Eg you can get budget flights from London to Faro for $50 return. From the US, you can find flights from New York to Lisbon for as cheap as $500 return.

It’s important to have travel insurance, whether you’re traveling Portugal for a week or a few months. It will cover you in case of mishaps or emergencies.

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for worldwide coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

Getting Around Portugal

Car rental in Portugal is extremely affordable and driving is the easiest way to visit Portugal. These days you can find a 7-day Faro car rental deal for just 50 euros! Their roads are excellent since a vast network of toll roads was built a few years ago. Unfortunately, the toll fees do add up. They can cost as much as €35 per day depending on where you’re traveling.

Search for Car Rental in Portugal

This is the best way to explore Portugal in my opinion. My wife and I rented a campervan for a 2-week trip around Portugal and we absolutely loved it. The campervan came with everything we needed for around $90/day including basic insurance, outdoor table and chairs, bedding, cooking gear and even a wifi router.

Wild camping is one of the best things about campervan travel , but unfortunately, it’s not always possible in Portugal. Technically wild camping is allowed in Portugal, but you can find some beautiful, remote wild camping spots on Park4Night App .

Train travel in Portugal is comfortable, fast, reliable, and affordable. But if you want to explore the backroads, trains might not get you where you want to go.

The main train line in Portugal runs from the north all the way down to the Algarve in the south with the main stops being Porto, Lisbon, and Faro. The national rail company is Comboios de Portugal. You can find all the schedule and train fares on their website .

We have lived in Portugal in every season. The best time to visit Portugal depends on what you want to do and where you’re visiting. Summer (July – August) is the best time to visit northern Portugal as the weather is cooler in the mountains and there are never as many people in the north as in Lisbon or in the Algarve.

If you want to be on the beach without the crowds, the best time to visit is in late spring (May – June) and early autumn (September) . Avoid winter (November – February) as it will be too cold for swimming. For surfing, you should come in September and April when the surf is considerably more powerful.

For this Portugal itinerary, I recommend flying into and out of Faro in the Algarve. Alternatively, you can do this route in the opposite direction and fly to Porto instead. From there, head to Peneda-Gerês and through Lisbon to the Algarve, and back to Porto.

• Day 1-2: Faro to Olhão
• Day 3: Olhão to Lagos
• Day 4-5: Lisbon
• Day 6: Porto
• Day 7: Peneda-Gerês National Park

Portugal Itinerary Day 1: Faro to Olhão

After arriving in Faro, drive straight to the town of Olhão about 20 minutes to the east. Faro itself isn’t the nicest town in the Algarve (in my opinion). Olhão, on the other hand, is a beautiful fishing village that is an up-and-coming tourism destination. It’s growing quickly, but as of now it’s still delightfully quiet.

In Olhão, check into your accommodation and then wander down to the seafront to see its many restaurants and artisan shops. You won’t miss the red-brick municipal market that’s chocked full of stalls selling fresh seafood and local produce. For dinner, head to Chá Chá Chá Restaurant for some authentic Portuguese food in an atmospheric setting on a quiet back street.

Airbnb: Jasmine Cottage

Jasmin Cottage is a stylish cottage just 10 minutes from Olhão, tucked in the quiet countryside with a gorgeous pool (pictured). Its design oozes character, from the vaulted ceiling to the vibrant artwork and designer furniture. Check availability here.

Mid Range: Hotel Cidade de Olhão 

Set in the Olhão city center, this well-priced hotel has a rooftop pool and an all-white contemporary design. It’s got an excellent location steps from restaurants. Check rates here.

Luxury: Quinta dos Poetas

Located in Olhão’s countryside, this resort has a large outdoor swimming pool, a large garden with lake and spacious apartments housed in a colonial building. Check rates here.

Portugal Itinerary Day 2: Islands around Olhão

Next day, hop on one of the frequent ferry boats to one of the nearby islands, such as Ilha da Culatra and Ilha da Armona . These islands are part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park , and both boast some of the best beaches in Portugal .

You’ll also find restaurants that specialize in the famous razor clam rice or the caldeirada fish stew, one of Portugal’s best dishes.

We booked this island boat tour — it was fantastic and informative. Check out more island tours here .

Situated 2.5km east of Olhão is the beautiful 60-hectare Centro Educação Ambiental de Marim (commonly known as Quinta de Marim). A 3km trail takes you through various ecosystems – dunes, salt marshes, pine woodlands – as well as to a wildlife rescue centre and a historic water mill.

The hike is stunning and well worth the €2.80 entrance fee. To get there, you need to drive there following this Google Maps link .

Portugal Itinerary Day 3: Olhão to Lagos

It’s time to hit the road! Heading west along the coast towards Lagos. The drive only takes 1 hour, so you have time to stop in a few of the towns along the way: stroll on the boardwalk and waterfront in Alvor , and have lunch in busy Portimão before arriving in breathtaking Lagos.

Lagos is a clifftop beach town that is a fully developed tourism destination. Don’t expect a small quaint village like Olhão. You’ll find British pubs, night clubs, and packed beaches. But there is still charm in the city.

Lagos is an important city that is steeped in history, and the variety of historical monuments and buildings reflect this varied past. The old town is the nicest one in the Algarve in my opinion. Visit the beautiful Santo Antonio church, the Mercado dos Escravos (Europe’s first slave market) and the charming 17th century Bandeira Fort.

Consider joining a walking tour with our friend Maria who runs her food tour on Airbnb. It’ll take you to some truly local spots and give you a sample of regional cuisine and tasty wines.

This is what the Algarve is most famous for: the Ponta da Piedade are a series of beautiful sandstone cliffs, considered the finest natural feature of Algarve. This headland to the south of Lagos has been eroded over the millennia by powerful winter storms to form unique cliff formations, which include sea arches, grottos and smugglers caves.

Explore the cliffs via the pathways that cross and climb the cliffs and go surfing if the weather permits. Alternatively, join one of the boat tours that depart from Lagos marina . Another boat tour worth checking out is the trip to famous Benagil Caves .

Airbnb: Casa Lily

With spectacular beach views, this ultra-modern 2-bedroom apartment is part of the upmarket Ocean View development, which sits atop a hill over the wonderful Praia Porto de Mós. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Lagos Avenida Hotel

Offering an outdoor pool and views of the marina and sea, Lagos Avenida Hotel (pictured) is set in Lagos city center in the Algarve, within a 10-minute drive from Meia Praia Beach Lagos. Check rates here.

Luxury: Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Located right on the beach of Porto de Mos, this resort is one of the best in Lagos with chic and luxurious rooms boasting pool views. Check rates here.

Portugal Itinerary Day 4-5: Lisbon

From Lagos, it’s a 3-hour drive north to Lisbon. The capital city is a highlight of any Portugal road trip, so it definitely deserves 2 nights of your time in Portugal!

This city is one of the funkiest cities I’ve been, with amazing food, impressive architecture, and excellent museums. Check out this Lisbon itinerary for a detailed day-to-day breakdown.

On day 1, either wander on your own in the old town areas of Alfama, Principe Real and Chiado or join a walking tour. We recommend this walking tour on Airbnb. Alternatively, catch one of the vintage cable cars to get from one neighborhood to another.

In the evening, head up to the Park Rooftop Bar , for stunning sunset views of the city from above. After sunset drinks, have dinner at Taberna Portuguesa , one of the best restaurants in Lisbon, for some authentic Portuguese fare. If you’re craving for some international food in a cool setting, try the Timeout Market , an open-air market with trendy culinary flair.

The next day, wake up and head down to the waterfront. Enjoy a nice stroll or a Seyway tour along the boardwalk and check out Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery . Get your tickets here to skip the line .

Then hop on the ferry and cross the Tagus River to the other side where you can have fantastic views back towards Lisbon. The Belem ferry runs every few minutes and costs less than 3 euros each way. Spend the evening on this side of the water, head to one of the many restaurants with fantastic views.

Airbnb: Baixa-Chiado Penthouse

With a spectacular 180º terrace view, this spacious penthouse is located in one of the most iconic streets of Lisbon right next to Terreiro do Paço. Check rates here.

Mid Range: H10 Duque de Loule

This attractive boutique hotel features panoramic views and modern rooms with four-poster beds and unique flair. Check rates here.

Luxury: The One Palácio da Anunciada 

Located in the heart of Lisbon, this landmark hotel is housed in a regal colonial icon. It has a stunning outdoor swimming pool, spa and luxurious suites. Check rates here.

Portugal Itinerary Day 6: Porto

Next, this Portugal road trip will take you further north to Porto (also known as Oporto). Portugal’s second biggest city is around a 3-hour frmo Lisbon.

Located on the Douro River, Porto is a colorful, stunning city famous for its Port wine and charming old town.Check out our detailed 3-day Porto itinerary for details.

Get here as early as possible and start with a walk along the riverside area of Cais da Ribeira. Enjoy a coffee and a pastel de nata (egg tart) at one of the many restaurants here and then head to the iconic Luís I Bridge for some photos.

Stroll to the Church of São Francisco , the Palácio da Bolsa, Clérigos Church, Praça da Liberdade, Casa da Música, and the Porto Cathedral before ending the day off at the windy Foz do Douro (the point where the famous Douro River meets the Atlantic). If you’re here in time for a late lunch, head to Bacchus Vini for some wine and tapas when it opens at 3pm.

For dinner, I recommend going for dinner with a traditional Fado show . Fado is a Portuguese music style that’s been placed on UNESCO list of World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The best place to see a fado show is here in Porto, so don’t miss it! Alternatively, Artesão Bistrô is great for a finer dining experience.

Airbnb: The Porto Concierge

Centrally located in Casa da Musica, this loft style house is stylish, spacious and extremely welcoming. It sleeps up to 4 people comfortably. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Pão de Açúcar Hotel

In Porto’s historic center , this art deco hotel is just a hop away from Avenida dos Aliados and the Metro station. Some of the rooms even feature vintage cars and unique retro decor. Check rates here.

Luxury: Palácio Do Freixo 

It doesn’t get more luxurious than this! Overlooking Douro River in Porto, the 5-star Palácio Do Freixo (pictured) is a national monument and heritage hotel set in a restored 18th-century Baroque building. Check rates here.

Itinerary Day 7: Peneda-Gerês National Park

From Porto, it’s only about an hour’s drive to reach the pristine Peneda-Gerês National Park . If you’re a fly fisherman like me, then this is the best place to experience fly fishing in Portugal . I hired a guide named Antonio with Minho Fly Fishing and itt was great to have an experienced angler to show me the ropes.

There are some fantastic hiking trails in Peneda-Gerês National Park like the Hiking Loop from Rua do Calvário or the trails around Vidoeiro Gerês Camping. I highly recommend staying at the campsite for the night if you have a car/campervan for this Portugal road trip.

Airbnb: Casa Antiguo Tribunal

Located in a picturesque village (Parada Lindoso) in Alto Minho within the Peneda Geres Park, this old stone house has been lovingly restored into a warm, comfortable home. Check rates here.

Mid Range:  Pousada Geres-Caniçada

Uniquely located in the heart of the national park, this traditional guesthouse (pictured) overlooks the river Cávado and the peaceful Caniçada dam. It offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant with panoramic views. Check rates here.

Luxury: Luna Arcos Hotel Nature & Wellness

Within Arcos de Valdevez, part of the Biosphere World Reserve, this modern hotel has a large pool and spacious, modern rooms with spectacular views. Check rates here.

This is the last day of your Portugal road trip! It’s going to be a long day, so wake up early. On a straight shot, the drive back to Faro takes about 6 hours.

If you have time, try to do a quick side trip into the Douro Valley . This is Portugal’s most scenic wine country and is a fantastic place for a scenic drive and gastronomic experience. There are plenty of wineries here that offer incredible tastings and delicious lunches.  Quinta da Roêda is the oldest Port wine producer and Quinta das Carvalhas is considered the icon of Douro with unique views of the landscape.

Portugal is relatively cheaper than other parts of Western Europe like Germany and UK. If you’re traveling Portugal on a tight budget, taking public transport everywhere, and cooking your meals and staying in a cheap Airbnb, then you can get by on as little as €75 per person per day.

If you step it up a bit and rent your own car or campervan and eat at restaurants from time to time, then you’re looking at closer to €150 per person per day.

What you pack for your Portugal road trip will depend on when you go and the activities you want to do. If you’re surfing, be sure to bring your board, or plan to rent one on the way. Bring a good pair of hiking boots if you’re heading to the northern part of the country.

If you’re like me and you love fly fishing, then you should definitely bring a fly rod with you. If you’re spending most of your Portugal trip on the beach, then a couple of beach chairs and an umbrella are essential, but you can pick those up at Pingo Doce for as little as €40 for a full set.

Enjoy Your Portugal Road Trip!

Phew that’s a wrap! We’ve definitely packed a lot in this 7-day Portugal itinerary. This is just about as much as you can cram into a Portugal road trip without feeling burned out.

In fact, this Portugal itinerary would work even better if you have 2 weeks in Portugal. You’ll then get to spend a few nights in Lisbon and Porto , and take side trips to the charming towns of Sintra and Cascais.  But for those with just 7 days in Portugal, this Portugal itinerary is a good middle-ground and gives you enough time to see the best of the country.

Here are more of my articles to help you with your trip planning:

• Weekend in Porto: My 3-Day Itinerary
• My 2-Week Spain Itinerary
• My Detailed Guide to Spanish Cuisine
• Where to Find the Best Tapas in Barcelona
• A Perfect Weekend in Malaga
• Best Things to Do in Granada
• Things to Do in Mallorca Beyond the Resorts
• My Guide to Hiking the Camino de Santiago

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

Nick is an avid angler and traveler who has been on the road since 2008, seeking the outdoors and great fishing spots everywhere he goes. He started his own blog about fly fishing where he shares his knowledge of the sport and favorite destinations for anglers around the world.

Inspired? Pin it!

Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page .

• Booking Flights : Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
• Accommodations:  I always use  Booking.com   to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
• Travel Insurance:  It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
• Health Advice:  I always refer to the travel guides on the   CDC website  for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
• Tours:  If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures . I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with  Viator  and  GetYourGuide ; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
• Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
• Transportation : Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using  Bookaway and Busbud . They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
• Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable .
• Internet/Data : Get an eSIM on Airalo before your trip to stay connected wherever you go. Just download the app before your trip, purchase a data package and voila! No need to change SIM cards or visit a telco store.

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