planning portugal trip

The perfect Portugal Itinerary from 7 to 14 days

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Two weeks Portugal Itinerary Map

14 days Portugal itinerary

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

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

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

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✔️ Day 1 – Lisbon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also read: Traveling to Lisbon in winter

✔️ Day 2 – Lisbon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 3 – Cascais

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

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

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 4 – Sintra

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

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

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 5 – Óbidos

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 6 – Porto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 7 – Porto

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 8 – Braga e Guimarães

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

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

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

✔️ Day 9 – Coimbra e Fátima

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 10 – Lagos

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

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 11 – Lagos

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 12 – Sagres

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 13 – Sagres

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

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

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

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

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

✔️ Day 14 – Drive back to Lisbon

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

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

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

7 days Portugal itinerary suggestion

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

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

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

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

10 days Portugal itinerary suggestion

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

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

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

Unmissable places to visit in Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Useful Portugal Travel Tips

👍 when is the best time to visit portugal.

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

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

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

Read more about the best time to visit Portugal

👍Is Portugal safe

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

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

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

👍 Travelling around Portugal

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

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

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

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

👍 How many days to spend in Portugal?

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

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

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

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

before You Go…

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

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

Camila is an Oceanographer from Brazil which is where her journey began. Her studies have taken her to unique places around the world since she was a teenager. She found in her academic career the chance to come across different cultures and languages while working as a scientist. Living in several countries allowed her to share her experiences as a travel content writer for the last 4 years. She lived in fact in Portugal for several years and explored every bit of this beautiful country and she writes about it in this blog. She has a great passion for the outdoors and animals, especially dogs and seals (which, let's be honest, are basically sea dogs!).

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How to Plan an Amazing Portugal Itinerary (10 Days)

Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place. We started and ended our three month European adventure in Portugal, and fell in love with its warm, inviting culture (and SUPER friendly people), its food and wine, and its beautiful landscapes from the terraced vineyards in the world-famous Douro Valley, to the stunning beaches on the Algarve.

In this guide to planning your Portugal itinerary, here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Exactly how to plan a 10 day Portugal itinerary, including what stops to make, what route to take, and all the important logistics you need to know
• A guide to what to do, where to stay, and how to get there for each stop on the itinerary
• Options for shorter (5-7 days) and longer trips if you have more or less time than 10 days in Portugal

Throughout the guide, we’ll share our favorite finds and experiences in Portugal based on our trip to help you plan your unforgettable trip.

Sound good to you? Let’s get into it!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Is 10 Days in Portugal Enough?

We want to start this guide out by setting expectations before we dive into how to make the most of a trip to Portugal if it’s your first trip. 

No, 10 days is not nearly enough time to see everything there is to see in Portugal. It’s true that Portugal is a relatively small country, compared to other countries in Western Europe like Spain, France, and Italy. It’s also true that there’s just too much ground to cover in 10 days. 

So you need to go into this itinerary knowing that you’re not going to be able to see it all . 

If it’s your first trip to Portugal and you have 10 days, we think you’ll be disappointed if you don’t see Lisbon , Porto , and the Algarve . So we’ve structured this 10 day Portugal itinerary to make sure you’re able to spend about three days in each of those places. 

Is it ideal? No, ideally you’d have more time to explore within each region. But with limited time, you have to make some compromises. 

But Matt and Alysha, what about Coimbra / Nazare / Braga (insert many other Portuguese cities here) ? Yes, all of those are well worth seeing, but if you only have ten days and it’s your first time, we’d recommend focusing your time on the three places we outlined above – Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. 

What if you have more or less than 10 days?

• With 7 days in Portugal , we think you can realistically tackle the Lisbon – Porto corridor (including some nice day trips) OR the Algarve. Not both. 
• With two weeks in Portugal , you’ll have more time to breathe and can add a few additional stops in smaller cities like Braga , Coimbra , Tavira , or Évora in addition to seeing Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. 

Getting Around Portugal

Getting around Portugal with limited time is a bit complicated, which we’ll get into in a second. 

At a high level, there’s a robust train network run by Comboios de Portugal and bus network through companies like FlixBus and ALSA that connect most major cities and towns throughout the country.

We used Omio a lot on our trip to Portugal. Omio shows you all the options for getting from one city to another in one place – by train, bus, or plane – so that you can compare without going to multiple other websites. Plus, we ran into issues occasionally with our American credit cards getting declined through the official train website, and Omio was much easier to use without throwing our phones across the room. It’ll cost you a very small service fee (usually one Euro per ticket), but we think it was a much, much better experience (which is why we used it so often).

We love traveling by train, and it’s the best way to get around on the west coast, between Lisbon and Porto (and even further north than Porto) where there are both regional and high speed trains to choose from.

Trains in Portugal are significantly cheaper than in places like Spain and Italy, which is an added bonus (they’re also slightly less comfortable, in our experience). 

With limited time, always choose the high speed (Intercity, or IC) trains, which will be more expensive but significantly faster.

Once you get out of that major thoroughfare, the options for train travel get a little worse, which is where the bus network comes in. Oftentimes the buses take roughly the same amount of time as the regional trains, and can be even cheaper. 

For each step in this itinerary, we’re going to give you our take on the best way to get from one place to another. Oftentimes it will be the train, but sometimes the buses offer a convenient alternative. 

Should You Fly Between Cities in Portugal? 

This one highly depends on which route you choose below. There are some journeys, particularly from Porto to the Algarve, that are actually best done by flying between cities. 

We’ll get into this in the “routes” section, but we’d only recommend flying if it’s absolutely necessary – it will be expensive, oftentimes slower if you count all the time getting to the airport and sitting around waiting, and less convenient overall. 

Definitely don’t fly between Lisbon and Porto – the high speed train does a good job connecting those two major cities. 

Should You Rent a Car in Portugal?

We think you should rent a car to visit the Algarve . The car will give you the flexibility to get off the beaten path a little bit and out to some less crowded (but equally beautiful) beaches that just aren’t well connected with public transportation. We would not have been able to make it to nearly as many places as we did if we didn’t have a car.

That being said, you can still enjoy the Algarve without a car, but it will be a slightly different experience. 

However, we absolutely would not recommend having a car in either Lisbon or Porto , where it will be more of a hindrance than a help thanks to parking and traffic. 

Instead, plan on renting a car when you arrive on the Algarve, and keeping it only during that leg of the trip. This will also save you money in the long run on gas, days of car rental, and tolls. 

We rented a car through AutoEurope , which gives you the prices and availability for multiple car companies all in one place.

When you choose your carrier, stick to the major international car rental companies like Europcar, Hertz, and Avis, and steer clear of the regional Portuguese car rental companies, which will do their best to nickel-and-dime you into financial ruin. 

Tips for Renting a Car in Portugal

We think you should definitely rent a car to do the Algarve, it’s just a matter of figuring out the best way to do it for your particular trip.

Here are a few things to consider about renting a car in Portugal that we discovered over the course of our trip. 

• If you’re picking up a rental car in one place and dropping it in a different place, your rental will be subject to a “one-way” fee that escalates based on the distances between locations. For reference, we picked up our car in Lagos and dropped it in Évora, which is about a three hour drive, and it was a 50 Euro fee. We imagine the fee would be similar for Lisbon. 
• There is an airport surcharge of about 30 Euros, depending on the company, that applies when you are either picking up or dropping off at an airport (in this case, likely either Lisbon Airport or the Faro Airport). You could avoid this by picking up the car in Lagos instead, but if you are arriving at the Faro Airport, it makes more logistical sense to just pay the fee. 
• There are toll roads throughout Portugal, which means you will pay to use the bigger, faster highways. The two you’re most likely to encounter are the A2 between Lisbon and the Algarve, and the A22 between Lagos and Faro. The easiest way to handle them is to ask your rental car company to activate their electronic transponder, which will automatically bill you for any tolls. More information on toll roads in Portugal here . 

Where to Start & End Your Trip

There are two options that we’ve come up with, and each has a set of pros and cons. Which one you choose most likely depends on your flight into Portugal. 

The first option is flying in and out of Lisbon , which tends to have the most routes – particularly direct flights – in and out of Portugal to international destinations.

This is also likely to be the cheapest option, though it’s the least convenient in terms of logistics (as we’ll get into in the next section) because it involves you making your way back to Lisbon from the Algarve, which can be a bit of a journey at over four hours. 

The second option, and the one we’d strongly recommend, is to fly into Porto and out of Faro (the main airport on the Algarve).

This option might have fewer flight options and can be a bit more expensive, but it’s also by far the most convenient because it doesn’t involve hours of backtracking to catch your flight home. 

The Route for This Portugal Itinerary

We’re putting our stake in the ground and recommending the version of the itinerary that has you flying into Porto and out of Faro, which is by far the least complicated way to do it.

We think the potential added cost is going to be worth it for the time saved by not having to get back to Lisbon to catch your flight . 

We get that you might not agree, and it’s pretty easy to rearrange the itinerary below to accommodate flying in and out of a single city. You’ll just need to add a train or bus journey to your itinerary at the end to get back to catch your flight. 

With that out of the way, here’s how we’d spend 10 days in Portugal if it’s your first time. 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Porto in AM
• Day 2 : Porto 
• Day 3 : Day Trip to Douro Valley
• Day 4 : Travel to Lisbon (as early as possible)
• Day 5 : Lisbon
• Day 6 : Day Trip to Sintra
• Day 7 : Travel to Algarve + Pick up Rental Car
• Day 8 : Algarve
• Day 9 : Algarve
• Day 10 : Algarve + Fly Home

You obviously have a bit of flexibility in terms of when you choose to do the day trips from Lisbon and Porto, what days to do which activities, and more.

We’re not going to give you a day-by-day itinerary – instead, we’re going to give you our picks for what to do, where to stay, and how to plan a day trip (to the Douro or to Sintra) for each city. 

The Complete 10 Day Portugal Itinerary for First Timers

And now that we’ve got all the boring-but-important logistics out of the way, onto the fun stuff! 

If you’re coming from somewhere like the US or Canada, you’re going to be a little slow on your first day due to jet lag. Plan on taking it relatively easy, drink plenty of water, and don’t go buckwild on the Port on your first day in Portugal. 

Days 1-3: Porto + Day Trip to the Douro Valley

Your first stop in Portugal is Porto, which has a friendly rivalry with its neighbor to the south, Lisbon, over the fact that Porto was the original capital and is the city that the entire country is named after.

Portugal was conquered by the Christian armies of the Inquisition from north to south, ending in the 12 th Century, which is when the borders of present-day Portugal were formed (and have more or less stayed the same since). 

We found Porto to be similar to Lisbon in some ways, but significantly different in many respects.

The first is that it’s a much older city. Lisbon was leveled by a massive earthquake (somewhere between 8.5 and 8.9 on the Richter scale) in 1755. Along with the subsequent fires and a tsunami. Not a great day for Lisbon. 

Porto survived the earthquake, which means the buildings in the city center are much, much older. Which gives it a more lived-in feeling, and a less polished look. We heard the word “gritty” used, but don’t quite agree with that assessment. Lived-in is a better term in our experience. 

Everywhere you go in Porto, it feels like real people live there (rather than parts of Lisbon that feel like it’s exclusively tourists). And that’s a feeling that we really enjoy. 

P.S.: To help you plan an amazing few days in Porto, we wrote a guide to planning an amazing 3 days in Porto ! We also have a guide to spending one day in Porto , if you’re short on time.

Porto is a great two day destination, which begs the question “why do you have us here for three days then?” 

At the end of every trip, we do a “best experience / food / drinks” recap together over a glass of wine (or several). There was an experience that came up over and over again during the conversation about our trip to Italy , Spain , and Portugal.

And that experience was our day trip to the Douro Valley , which included a winery visit to try port, an amazing lunch experience, and a boat cruise on the picturesque Douro River. 

It’s expensive, it’s true, but we think it’s worth a whole day of your time to see the famous terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in Europe (if not THE oldest). 

Pro-tip : Every single local we met in Porto said something along the lines of “hey, be careful with port” – it’s super easy to drink, it’s 20% alcohol, and it’s full of sugar so the hangovers are awful. You’ve been warned. 

Arriving in Porto

There’s a handy metro line that goes to and from the Porto airport – Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) – in 30-40 minutes. You can buy tickets at the entrance, and it will connect you with the other metro lines once you arrive in the city. More information here . 

You can also take a taxi (which will cost around 23 Euros) or pre-book a private transfer to take the stress out of arriving. 

What to Do in Porto

Here are some things we enjoyed in Porto, in no particular order.

• A Walking Tour to Learn about Porto’s History . Porto’s history is fascinating, going all the way back to the Roman Empire (and beyond that, too) and along the way becoming the capital of Portugal before Lisbon was given that title. One thing you’ll notice is the fact that Porto is an older city than Lisbon, mainly because of the earthquake that leveled Lisbon in 1755. A walking tour will introduce you to all that history and more with a local who can give you tips on what to eat and where to eat it, how to get around, what not to miss, and more. We always do walking tours in nearly every city we go to, and always walk away (ha!) with a bunch of new stories and a better understanding of history. We’ve also learned that you get what you pay for here, and there’s a reason the free tours are, well, free. Here’s the one we’d choose in Porto, though we actually chose this private walking tour in Porto ourselves with our favorite tour company, Withlocals. 
• Miradouros . Porto is a beautiful city, perched on a hill overlooking the river below, so there are a few viewpoints that we think you shouldn’t miss. First is Miradouro da Vitória ( here on Google Maps), which is a place we found ourselves multiple times on our trip. It’s a great view out over the city and river, and it’s worth the effort you’ll expend coming from the bottom of the hill. On the opposite side of the river, Jardim de Morro ( here on Google Maps – technically in Vila Nova de Gaia) has some of the best views of the city, which sprawls up the hill away from the river, and the Ponte Dom Luis I (the bridge).
• The Port Houses in Vila Nova de Gaia . Across the river from the city of Porto is a separate city called Vila Nova de Gaia, which is where all of the port houses are located. It’s worth an afternoon of your time to cross the river and do a tour, where you’ll learn about the process of making port and usually get to enjoy a tasting at the end to understand the differences between ruby, tawny, and the other types of port. We did the tour at Graham’s Port Lodge and really enjoyed it, though we also heard good things about Taylor’s and Churchill too from various locals we interacted with. If you’re looking to try port in the city center of Porto, go to Prova , where we got a mini-lesson on the basics of port before we made it across the river later in the trip. 
• Eat a Bifana and a Francesinha . Two of Porto’s most famous dishes are meat-heavy sandwiches that we had mixed feelings on. Neither of us are huge meat eaters, and I have Celiac Disease and need to eat gluten free, so our choices were limited. We did manage to find both, though! The Francesinha is a sandwich stacked with multiple types of meat, a fried egg, and a spicy sauce made of beer and broth. It’s basically a heart attack on a plate. We enjoyed it, but probably wouldn’t eat it again. The second is the bifana , which is a pork sandwich that is both cheap and delicious. My brother was the guinea pig here, and ended up enjoying it. We got it at Conga , recommended to us by our walking tour guide. You know it’s authentic when you can see them making the meat in the window. 
• Livraria Lello . We’re conflicted about this one, because we actually chose to skip it after seeing the massive line outside – which exists all day long, opening to closing. This is a beautiful bookstore that became famous when fans learned that J.K. Rowling wrote a portion of the books while working in Porto as an English teacher in the early 90’s, and that this bookstore might have served as inspiration (key word: might). The interior, particularly the staircase, is beautiful, but we were a little shocked by the price and popularity. It’s 5 Euros to enter, which you’ll get back if you decide to buy a book.

You might notice that all of the port houses have very, uh, English names. Graham’s. Taylor’s. Sandeman’s.

That’s because they were, and still are, owned by English companies who, at the time they were started, were looking to find a new source of wine after the French ramped up prices.  

If you’re looking to get some deeper knowledge and insight into the food scene in Porto and northern Portugal, we’d recommend a food tour.

Given the fact that I have Celiac Disease, we didn’t do one ourselves (it would just be me salivating over everyone else eating delicious food, even though I’d love the history and stories part of the tour). Here’s the tour we would have done, had it made sense. 

Where to Stay in Porto

Porto is a compact city, so staying anywhere near the center of the city is going to put you within walking distance of basically everything in the city. It’s a little bit hilly, but not too bad.

We have an entire guide dedicated to deciding where to stay in Porto , which you should definitely read if you want to get deeper into each neighborhood we recommend and why we like it.

Otherwise, here are the highlights.

That being said, we’d recommend staying relatively close to the river, either in the upscale Ribeira neighborhood along the river, or in one of the neighborhoods adjacent to it to the north. 

We personally stayed in Bolhão , which was about 10-15 minutes away from the river on foot, and was a more affordable location than the area along the river. And, to be honest, it was much more enjoyable and we’d stay there again in a heartbeat. 

We heard mostly Portuguese (versus the mix of English, French and Spanish you’ll hear near the river) and there were a ton of great places to eat and drink within 3-5 minutes of walking. And it felt younger and more lively, particularly at night. 

We stayed at Your Opo Cozy Apartments , which was the perfect base for us because we need access to a kitchen and prefer having more space to spread out (especially since we were traveling with my little brother).

We also had our eye on Hotel Moon & Sun , which is a good option if you’re looking for a nice hotel in a great location (across from one of our favorite coffee shops in the city). 

Update 2024: My mom and her friend stayed at Hotel Moon & Sun in late 2023 and loved it. The location is great (they also loved So Coffee Roasters across the street).

We were originally going to stay at The Passenger Hostel , but changed to an apartment with more space when my brother decided to join. 

Planning Your Day Trip to the Douro Valley

In short, we could not recommend the tour we did more highly . Like we said above, we spent a full 90 days (well, 89, really) in Europe, and that day was at the top of the list of our favorite experiences. 

If you’re looking for our top recommendation, that’s the tour we’d choose. However, there are a couple of other ways you could tackle the Douro Valley. 

• Do it independently by public transportation : It is possible to do this day trip using public transportation, but we think you have to make significant trade offs doing it that way (though it is much cheaper). There is a train from Porto to Pinhão, a major town in the Douro Valley full of wineries and restaurants along the river. However, once you’re there, you’ll have to walk / taxi between places, and you’re really confined to the area immediately around town. 
• Do it independently by car : If you rent a car, we think you’ll have a better experience than using public transportation. But, again, it comes with tradeoffs. You’ll have to drive, which means watching how much port you drink (don’t drink and drive, folks!), and it can be expensive and inconvenient to rent a car for a day. That being said, it does give you more flexibility even than a guided tour to discover places that you wouldn’t have otherwise found, which we like. If you want to do the Douro Valley independently, this is how we’d do it. 

We’d definitely recommend making it out to the Douro Valley. The best way to do it is either by  booking the tour we did , which includes a winery, an amazing lunch (with more wine), a Douro River cruise (with more wine), and all transportation, or  renting a car and doing it independently .

Days 4-6: Lisbon + Day Trip to Sintra

Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is a lovely city to explore. In fact, it reminds us a lot of San Francisco, our last home before we quit our jobs and hit the road full time (ish).

It has hills with amazing views, a great food and drink scene, and even has a red bridge that looks suspiciously like the Golden Gate. 

We were somewhat surprised to learn that the entire city was essentially flattened in the 18 th Century thanks to a giant earthquake (another similarity to San Francisco). It has since been rebuilt, and has made multiple lists of “best places to travel” over the past decade or so. 

Lisbon is no longer off the beaten path, but it still very much has the charm of a mid-sized city, with a mix of tourists and locals, that places like Paris and Rome just don’t have. 

Getting to Lisbon

Hourly Intercity (IC) trains – those are the fast ones – depart from Porto’s Campanhã train station and will take you to Lisbon in about three hours. We’d opt for an early train to get to Lisbon by noon or so. 

Plan to arrive at Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia station, which is connected to the rest of the city with Lisbon’s clean and efficient metro. The alternative is Oriente, which is further out and not as well-connected. 

Click here to see prices and train times for the journey from Porto to Lisbon . 

What to Do in Lisbon

We have an entire guide to spending 3 days in Lisbon, which you should definitely read for far more detailed information on exactly what to do and see in Lisbon. 

Here are the highlights. 

• Try to Visit All the Miradouros . Lisbon is a city full of hills, which means there are great views to be had at the top of them. Our favorite views in the city were from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte ( here on Google Maps), which is allll the way at the top of the hill behind Alfama. The view, which includes the castelo and the bridge, is worth the climb (it’s where the picture at the top of this section was taken). Another great view is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara ( here on Google Maps), which is near Bairro Alto with views back towards the castle.  
• Take a Walking Tour to Learn About the City’s History and Rebirth . We actually did two different walking tours in Lisbon, and would recommend them both. The first was a private walking tour through Withlocals , which is one of our favorite tour companies. They connect you with a local who takes you on a one-of-a-kind private city tour to see their city through their eyes, which is unique. We also did the We Hate Tourism walking tour through the “Real City,” which is more focused on socially responsible travel and takes you to a neighborhood that you probably wouldn’t ordinarily make it to on your own. Both are great for different reasons. 
• Head Out to Belem . Belem used to be a suburb of Lisbon, and in a way it still kind of is, though it’s technically inside the city limits. There are a few things to do and see out in Belem, and it’s an easy 15-20 minute tram ride from the center to get there. There’s the Torre de Belem, a former defensive tower (that wasn’t particularly good at its job) turned prison that sits in a strategic location along the Tagus River. DON’T GO INTO THE TOWER – NOT WORTH IT. The Jerónimos Monastery is worth a visit for the beautiful cloister. The Monument to the Discoveries is a towering nod to Portugal’s intrepid past as one of the original naval powers in Europe. And, of course, there’s Pastéis de Belem , which claims to be the first place to sell the egg custard tart, and has its own name for them that nobody else gets to use (they came in second in our pastéis de nata taste-off). 
• Hunt for the Best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon . Over our time in Lisbon – almost a week – we made it a goal to try all the pastéis de nata and decide which one we liked best. We quickly learned that the endeavor was going to be impossible, so we decided to focus on the couple of spots that consistently get all the press. Mantegaria , a recommendation from our walking tour guide, ended up being the clear winner. Pastéis de Belem took the second spot. Aloma , a pick of both locals we did walking tours with, was a distant third, but that might have been user error given that the pastéis we got weren’t warm. It’s also worth noting that they aren’t usually gluten free, so Matt had to watch Alysha and his two brothers devour pastéis with reckless abandon. 

Where to Stay in Lisbon

First of all, below is the short version. We have an entire guide dedicated to deciding where to stay in Lisbon , which you should read for more detail on the options, pros/cons, and specific places to stay.

While there are many possible answers to this question, we think 99% of people should choose between the central and charming Chiado neighborhood, and the historic Alfama neighborhood, which is full of narrow cobblestone streets and amazing viewpoints. 

Chiado is more utilitarian – it’s well connected to the rest of Lisbon with its central location in the center of the city and a dedicated metro stop. There’s an endless number of places to eat and drink your heart out, and you’re going to be 5-10 minutes away from the best food and nightlife in the city (which we think are in Bairro Alto and Principe Real). 

Alfama is the most romantic part of the city. It’s the part of Lisbon where you’ll find narrow, pedestrian-only cobblestone streets, and it’s home to two of the best views of the city. There are a handful of hotels and guesthouses scattered throughout the neighborhood. 

We’d highly recommend avoiding staying in an Airbnb in Lisbon because of the impact it has had on housing prices, which have in turn forced locals out of the city and further out into the suburbs. Choose hotels, apart-hotels, guesthouses, and hostels instead. 

Planning Your Day Trip to Sintra

Sintra is a great day trip from Lisbon, and is also the most common day trip that visitors take, which means you’re not going to be alone on the journey out there.

The main attraction here is Pena Palace, which is all the way at the top of the hill. Take the bus or a taxi to get there from the train station, it should be your first stop in Sintra. From there, work your way back down the hill. 

Pena Palace is essentially a summer home, built in the Sintra Mountains by King Ferdinand II. Originally, it was a monastery on the hill, but it was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and sat there in disrepair for years.

Then, Ferdinand said “wouldn’t it be great to have a place to escape the oppressively hot Lisbon summers? Maybe a place on a hill, with nice views and a cool coastal breeze?” 

12 years later, the palace was finished. There are tons of other attractions to see in addition to Pena Palace, but you should keep in mind that you won’t be able to see them all on a day trip.

Focus on 2-3 (we have thoughts below on what those 2-3 should be, duh), and save some time for walking around the town of Sintra at the bottom of the hill. 

Planning on taking a day trip to Sintra? We have an entire guide dedicated to planning an amazing Lisbon to Sintra day trip , which has more detail than the section below.

Getting to Sintra 

Sintra is an easy 45 minute train ride from Lisbon’s Rossio Station in Baixa. Getting to Rossio is pretty easy from basically anywhere in Lisbon, including Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama. 

The most important thing to know is that you will want to be on the first feasible train out to Sintra , which totally depends on how early you want to wake up. 

The train we chose left at 8:11 am, which we think is the perfect time because you’ll arrive in Sintra around 9:00 am, and most of the attractions open at 9:30 am, giving you about 30 minutes to get up the hill to Pena Palace to start your day and beat the rest of the visitors. 

What to Do in Sintra

Here’s the thing – there’s actually A LOT to do in Sintra. So much so, that you’re definitely not going to be able to comfortably fit it all into a single day, which is likely the amount of time you have. 

For context, we were on one of the first trains out to Sintra, and didn’t make it back to the city until somewhere around 3:00 or 4:00 pm. And we only really did a couple of the many tourist attractions in Sintra. We would suggest picking two or three things that you’re most interested in, and tackling those two plus the town of Sintra, which has some good places to eat and drink. 

We also obviously have an opinion on what you should focus your time on, and we think the two sites you should choose are Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle . Both offer different experiences – one is an opulent palace with fertile gardens, one is a replica of a former, you guessed it, Moorish Castle with spectacular views out over the ocean. 

If you want to add in a third sight, we’d recommend the Quinta da Regaleira . 

We’d do the two aforementioned sights before lunch, making your way down the hill as you go, having lunch in the town of Sintra, then doing the 10 minute walk out to the Quinta da Regaleira before heading back into town to catch the train back to Lisbon. 

Strap in, bring water and snacks, and prepare yourself for a full day affair. 

Here are some more details on the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. 

Pena Palace

There are two parts of the Pena Palace complex, and they require different tickets. There are the gardens, and then there’s the interior. We decided to skip the interior – we’ve seen plenty of opulent palaces over the course of our travels, maybe the rich dudes should have spent the money that they spent on their summer home on something, I don’t know, more useful?

We would recommend just getting a ticket for the grounds, and admiring the palace from the outside. Here’s how we’d spend your time: 

• Start by exploring the gardens. When we arrived, the palace was fogged in and you could barely make out the bright yellow facade. If you find yourself in the same boat, fear not! It will likely burn off. Head out to the High Cross in the gardens, which is a nice view (if the fog happens to be gone – it wasn’t when we were there). In general, our favorite part of the gardens was the lakes area at the bottom of the hill. 
• Then make the walk up to the palace. Admire the arches and tiles along the outside, and go up into the chapel, which is free. 
• Walk the walls of the palace . There’s a short path around the palace walls, which you should save for last because it’s a great view out over Sintra and all the way to the coast, so you want it to be clear. 

More info here . 

Castelo dos Mouros

Honestly, we were SO close to skipping this. But we were so glad we didn’t!

Walking along the reconstructed walls of this Moorish Castle from the 8th or 9th Century was the highlight of our time in Sintra, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. 

It was built when the were in control of the Iberian Peninsula, and then it was taken by the Christians in the 12th Century, and basically left in various levels of desertion ever since as tensions calmed and people no longer felt the need to live within the castle walls and started making their way downhill towards Sintra and proverbial greener pastures. 

There are some historical sights to see along the way, but we’d focus your time on walking the walls from one end to the other, which involves some steps (which are actually kind of hard), and is basically a nonstop spectacular view from start to finish. Go counter-clockwise. 

More information here . 

Dive deeper into Lisbon with our other Lisbon travel guides:

• 3 Days in Lisbon: Planning the Perfect Lisbon Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Lisbon: Our Guide to 4 Amazing Places to Stay
• Gluten Free Lisbon: A Complete Guide to Lisbon’s Best Gluten Free Restaurants
• The Best Coffee in Lisbon: 9 Amazing Lisbon Coffee Shops to Add to Your List
• Planning Your Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip: A Complete Guide

Days 7-10: The Algarve

The Algarve is the area along Portugal’s southern coast, and it’s very, very different from the other cities and regions in the country.

It’s more Mediterranean, with incredible fresh fish and seafood, warm weather (too warm in the summer for us), and a gorgeous coastline full of golden sand beaches and coves of turquoise water.

It’s the perfect place to spend the last few days of your Portugal itinerary soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beach before returning home. 

Getting to the Algarve

There are three options for getting to the Algarve if you’re coming from Lisbon. We used Omio to compare (and usually, book) our trains and buses in Spain and Portugal.

It’s a better user experience (we occasionally ran into issues with our foreign credit cards being declined by the official train websites) and it’ll just cost you a small service fee (usually 1 Euro per ticket). 

First is the train . We love traveling by train in Europe, and there are intercity trains (those are the fast ones!) that will get you from Lisbon to Faro in 3 hours.

From there, you’ll have to connect with a regional train to get to places on the Algarve like Lagos or Carvoiero (spoiler: those are two places we’d recommend staying on the Algarve). Book your train tickets as far in advance as possible for lower prices. 

Second is the bus – we’d opt for FLIXBUS. The bus is slightly less comfortable, we think, but usually cheaper (especially if you’re booking close to the date of travel, when Intercity trains become more expensive).

There are also more direct options to more places on the Algarve (Lagos, in particular), versus the train to Faro and then connecting with a regional train from there. The bus is going to take about 3.5 hours, and cost somewhere around 6-10 Euros. 

Third is renting a car in Lisbon and driving, which takes about three hours or so. This is a particularly good option if you’re flying out of Lisbon to get back home.

If that’s the case, this is actually our top recommendation because it’ll make getting back to catch your flight a little more simple, and you won’t have to pay a one-way fee for dropping off the car in a different place than where you picked it up. 

Whichever way you choose, we’d opt for an early departure from Lisbon to get you to the Algarve for the afternoon. Click here to compare your different options on Omio . 

Do You Need a Car on the Algarve?

After traveling by train and bus for part of our trip to the Algarve, and then renting a car for the second part, we have a strong perspective that the best way to enjoy the Algarve is by renting a car.  

Sure, there is a regional train network that connects the major towns on the Algarve, but oftentimes the best beaches are going to be a bit outside of town, and a car makes it easier to get there. 

Having a car will also give you more flexibility, since trains aren’t that plentiful (they only come a few times a day) and it’s hard to figure out exactly when local and regional buses come (or if they come at all). 

We rented a car twice during our three month European adventure, once in Sicily , once on the Algarve.

Both times we used AutoEurope to compare prices with different rental companies and find the best rates, and booked a car through Europcar , which was a pleasant experience both times. We’d recommend both.

What to Do on the Algarve

You have three days on the Algarve, and we have a strong perspective on what you should do with those days based on our own experiences. 

Heads up: In this section, we’re going to give you a bit more of a day-by-day itinerary to help you organize your time. For more detail, head over to our Algarve itinerary , which has all the information you’ll need to make the most of your time on Portugal’s southern coast. 

Day 7: Lagos and Around

On your first day, spend the day settling in and exploring the area around Lagos. There are three beaches in particular that we think are well worth your time. 

• The first, Praia dos Estudantes , is one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches thanks to the Roman bridge that is visible from the beach. 
• Next, stop by Praia do Pinhão , where you can pick up a coastal route up on the bluffs that takes you to the third beach on your tour-de-Lagos-beaches.
• The last beach, Praia da Dona Ana , is also one of the most-visited beaches in the entire region. It’s a little cove, accessible from both ends, and the best views of the beach are from the bluffs on the eastern side (which is where you’ll find yourself if you follow the coastal trail). 

All three beaches would be a good spot to relax in the sun for a few hours. Make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. You can walk to all of them, doing one big loop back to the center of Lagos. 

For seafood that’s about as fresh as it can be, head out to Restaurante Chico Zé for lunch, which is a 10 minute drive north of the center of Lagos.

It’s a family run, lunch-only establishment where there is almost always a line out the door during the high season (and sometimes during shoulder seasons). Don’t miss the grilled sardines, served with potatoes. 

An alternative closer to town would be Tasca Da Lota , which is within walking distance of the city center near the train station. It’s cash only. 

For sunset, drive out to Ponta da Piedade , which is a unique rock formation surrounded by sheer cliffs. It’s a spot that most of the boat tours leaving from Lagos stop at because there’s a series of cool sea caves and hidden grottos. 

On foot, you can walk down the long set of stairs to get to the base of the cliffs – just remember that you’ll have to climb back up. Once you’ve done that, it’s also worth finding the trail that heads west from the parking lot and walking along the boardwalks for more amazing coastal views. 

On the way, stop by Praia do Camilo , a small, hidden beach accessible only by climbing down a long set of steep stairs (and, again, climbing back up when you’re done, of course).

Day 8: The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

On your second day, tackle what we think is the best hike on the Algarve – the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail . 

This hike, best done from east to west starting from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes , was one of our favorite experiences in Portugal. And we’re from coastal California, which we learned is very similar to the Algarve in terms of scenery, flora, and fauna.

The point is, it’s a great hike, and that’s coming from two people who have done countless hikes with similar views and scenery. 

First, an overview of the full out-and-back hike. 

• Length : 7 miles / 11.4 km
• Elevation Gain : 1,200 ft. / 365 meters
• Season : Year round (more on this below)
• Trail Type : Out and Back (we have ideas on alternate routes below)
• Difficulty : Easy / Moderate
• Trailhead Location : Either Praia da Marinha or Praia do Vale de Centeanes
• Dog Friendly : Yes! 

If that sounds like too much for you, you have a few options in terms of shortening the hike. 

• Option 1: The Full Hike, Round Trip – 7 miles / 1,200 feet of elevation gain (11.4 km / 365 m). Hike the entire trail out-and-back from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes, and then back the way you came. 
• Option 2: The Full Hike, One Way – 3.5 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (6 km / 180 m). Do the entire hike, but only one way. This requires using either taxis, Uber, or hitching a ride to get back to your car at the first trailhead (or finding a way to get there without a car). 
• Option 3: Partial Hike, Out and Back – 3.3 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (5.6 km / 180 m). Hike the section between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Carvalho, which in our opinion is the best part of the trail. You can continue on to the nice lighthouse – Farol de Alfanzina, for an additional 2 miles (3.2 km) added to your round-trip distance. 

For more details, including which direction to go, where to park, what time of day to hike, and a detailed trail report, head over to our Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Guide .  

Finish your day at the ending point for the trail you hiked earlier in the day – Praia do Vale de Centeanes – which is a pretty spectacular place to watch the sunset.

You can either bring a blanket and set up shop on the beach, or head up onto the bluffs to the east of the beach, where there’s a point that juts out into the sea and has some benches overlooking the spectacular coastal landscape. 

Day 9: Sagres and the Western Algarve

On your third day, head the opposite direction towards the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll find a dramatic coastline that looks a little bit different than the one you’ve explored so far. Think towering limestone cliffs and dramatic drop offs with the churning sea below. 

This part of the Algarve, which is much quieter than the area around Lagos and to the east, reminds us a lot of Point Reyes National Seashore, which is a short drive from our home base in California. 

Start by driving all the way out to Farol do Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern-most point in Europe, and making your way back east towards Lagos. 

• Praia do Beliche ( here on Google Maps) was our favorite beach in the area, and the steps leading down to it are super steep (which is saying something in Europe, land of the unnecessarily steep steps).
• The town of Sagres is a little sleepy, but it’s worth heading out to the Fortaleza de Sagres , which you’ll have to pay a few Euros to access, but the views from the point are worth it. It is going to be windy when you’re there – it almost always is. It’s also home to some of the best surfing in Europe if that’s something you’re into. We were there in the winter, so we took a hard pass on surfing lessons . 
• Praia da Mareta ( here on Google Maps) and Praia do Martinhal ( here on Google Maps) are two nearby beaches we enjoyed. 

After you’ve explored Sagres and the surrounding area, you can either head back to where you’re staying and do some more exploring, or head up the coast north along Portugal’s Atlantic coast to Praia da Arrifana , which is a different feeling than the Algarve. Or you could stop by the small fishing town of Salema on your way back to Lagos. 

Where to Stay in the Algarve

For this amount of time on the Algarve, we’d recommend choosing one home base and exploring from there. 

Keep in mind that this is the quick version. We have an entire guide dedicated to choosing exactly where to stay in the Algarve , so you should head over there if you want the details.

For the sake of convenience, we also think that place should be relatively central to give you the best access to both the eastern Algarve and its pristine white sand beaches, and the rocky, cliff-y (is that a word?) coastline of the western Algarve. 

We stayed in two separate places in the Algarve, and would recommend them both. Those two places are Lagos and Carvoeiro , and anywhere in between those two, which are a 35 minute drive apart, would be a perfect place to stay. 

Lagos is more of a city, with a charming old town and plenty of bars, restaurants, and other amenities that you might be interested in.

If you’re looking to stay in the middle of a bustling city with lots of restaurant options and bars that are open until the early hours of the morning, Lagos is for you.

In Lagos, we stayed at the Salty Lodge , which is smack dab in the middle of the old town. We really enjoyed this place, and our room had a pretty spectacular view towards the ocean. If your room doesn’t, they also have a rooftop terrace with this view. 

Rooms at the Salty Lodge are apartment-style, complete with stovetops and ovens for cooking. Though you’ll be within walking distance of about 25 different restaurants, if you’d rather do not cook on your trip to Portugal. 

Carvoiero has a more relaxed vibe. Sure, there’s a little area near the main beach that has a nice stretch of bars and restaurants, but the draw here is the unparalleled access to beautiful beaches and the laid back nature of the town. If you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet place to stay, we’d recommend Carvoeiro.

In Carvoeiro, we stayed at Hello Villas , which turned out to be among the nicest places we stayed on our entire Portugal trip.

They’re spacious, quiet, and have everything you need to cook meals at home. Plus, they’re walking distance to town, though there’s a rather steep hill in between. 

Dive deeper into the Algarve with our other Algarve travel guides:

• A Complete Guide to Planning an Algarve Road Trip (3-7 Days)
• How to Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Complete Trail Guide
• Where to Stay on the Algarve: 5 Charming Towns to Use as a Home Base

What to Do with More Time in Portugal

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself with more than 10 days when you’re visiting Portugal, here are a few things that we’d add to your itinerary, along with how much time we’d allocate to each. 

• Évora (1-2 Days) : A stop in Évora, a walled town in Portugal’s Alentejo region, known for its great food and wine, that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. We were here for about 24 hours, and that was perfect. It’s just 90 minutes from Lisbon by train, but we’d recommend staying overnight if you can. 
• Coimbra (1 Day) : A charming, riverfront town known for having the oldest university in Portugal. Students walking around with Harry Potter-style capes give the town a lively, fun vibe, though only when school is in session. We spent a night here between Lisbon and Porto and enjoyed walking up the hill from the river, though school wasn’t in session so the town was a little empty. 
• Óbidos (1 Day) : Another good stop between Lisbon and Porto, this one is known for its intact medieval walls and castle, along with its charming narrow cobblestone streets. Plus, ginjinha, the sour cherry liqueur from Portugal, is served in a traditional chocolate cup here. 
• More time on the Algarve (1-2 Days) : You could easily add a day or two on the Algarve and spend it going deeper, especially on the eastern Algarve. We loved Tavira, and heard good things about Olhão (though we didn’t personally make it there). 
• Braga (1-2 Days) : Braga, way up in northern Portugal, is worth adding either as a day trip from Porto, or as an overnight destination on its own. We didn’t have time to fit it in (despite having almost a month in Portugal), but if we did, our first stop would have been Bom Jesus do Monte, a sanctuary on a hill with excellent views and architecture. 

What to Do with Less Time in Portugal

If you have less than 10 days in Portugal, you’re going to have to choose between the Lisbon / Porto corridor OR the Algarve. It’s just not possible to do Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve in less than 10 days. 

We’d recommend the Lisbon / Porto corridor for most people , which is the more culturally interesting place where you’ll find great food, wine, and historical places to learn more about Portugal’s history. You can easily spend anywhere from 5-9 days on this part of Portugal alone (honestly, you could spend months and not see it all). 

If you want a beach vacation , well, then the Algarve is probably your best bet.

7 Days in Portugal

With 7 days in Portugal, we’d focus on the corridor between Lisbon and Porto and spend 2-3 days in each with time for day trips into the surrounding areas. There’s a high-speed train connecting the two cities, so you can either fly in and out of the same city, or fly into Lisbon and out of Porto (or vice versa) – whichever is cheaper. 

You definitely shouldn’t rent a car for this version of the itinerary. It’ll be more of a pain than anything if you’re using Porto and Lisbon as home bases for exploring the surrounding areas. 

The good news is that everything in this 7 day Portugal itinerary is also in the more detailed itinerary above, so you’ll be able to use the information above to plan your trip. 

Here’s what that 7 day itinerary could look like. It depends on where you’re flying in and out of – this assumes into Porto and out of Lisbon, but it totally works if you’re flying into Lisbon, or even if you’re flying in and out of Lisbon or Porto. 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Porto
• Day 6: Day Trip to Sintra
• Day 7 : Lisbon + Fly Home

5 Days in Portugal

With 5 days, you have a few options. We’re going to give you three of our top picks, but of course there’s a nearly unlimited combination of different ways to tackle your visit to Portugal. 

You can do a shorter version of the 7 day Portugal itinerary we covered above, which could look something like this: 

• Day 3 : Travel to Lisbon (as early as possible)
• Day 4 : Lisbon 

The downside of that option is that you don’t have time to fit in day trips from either place. Which leads us to a second option, which involves focusing your entire time on Lisbon . 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Lisbon
• Day 2 : Lisbon
• Day 3 : Day Trip to Sintra
• Day 4 : Lisbon or Another Day Trip (Cascais or Óbidos)
• Day 5 : Lisbon and fly home

Last, but not least, is to spend 5 days on the Algarve. This involves either flying in and out of Faro and renting a car there, or flying in and out of Lisbon and renting a car from there. Here’s what that could look like. For more detail, check out our Algarve itinerary . 

• Day 1 : Arrive in Faro + Travel to Lagos / Carvoiero
• Day 2 : Lagos + Surrounding Beaches
• Day 3 : The Western Algarve (Sagres + Praia do Beliche)
• Day 4 : Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
• Day 5 : The Eastern Algarve (Faro + Tavira) + Travel Home

Planning a trip to Portugal?  

Here are our other Portugal travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip (even if you have to eat gluten free!).

If there’s no link below, it means we’re still working on it – long, in-depth guides take time! We’re working on it, though, we promise.

• 10 Days in Portugal: Planning the Perfect Portugal Itinerary
• 25 Incredible Things to Do in Lisbon: A Complete Guide
• One Day in Lisbon: The Best of Lisbon in 24 Hours
• 3 Days in Porto: Planning the Perfect Porto Itinerary
• One Day in Porto: How to See the Best of Porto in a Day
• Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal: The 3 Best Places to Stay

The Algarve:

• Where to Stay in the Algarve: 5 Charming Towns to Use as a Home Base

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

44 Comments

We have completed 2 weeks of our 4 week stay in Lisbon and the information shared here has been extremely helpful for us. We also made a day trip to Fatima and spent a few days in Porto and Lourdes (France). Lourdes was unusually cold 0 C (31 F) and because of that there were no crowds at all. We are from Michigan, so the cold weather didn’t matter much to us :). Porto is amazing and a must visit if you come to Portugal. We are staying in an ABB near Alameda metro station and we love it here – everything is within walking distance and my wife and I love walking. We easily do about 16-20K steps everyday! Uber is everywhere and very affordable and because of that, we haven’t tried the metro yet. Cafes and restaurants are everywhere and very good quality at a reasonable price.

Thanks a LOT to Matt and Alysha for documenting your experience which helped us a lot in our planning!

Thanks for the kind words, Joe! Glad you found our experiences helpful – that’s what we’re here for!

I am planning to visit Portugal for a 10 day trip starting April 11. Given this time of the year, does it make sense to visit Algarve? Is it possible to include Madeira by replacing Algarve for such a short trip?

Hey there! We were in the Algarve in early December, and it was lovely. It was warm – but not blazing hot – and the crowds were nonexistent. In April, it’ll be warmer and busier, but still worth a visit we’d say. However, if you want to do Madeira instead, just swap it in for the Algarve (it might get a little more complicated in terms of flights). However, we would say that it’s a lot of traveling to try to do Madeira (you essentially lose two full half days to flights).

I was reading some blogs and found yours to be the most detailed, precise and resourceful. So thank you for the efforts! I’ve heard a lot about Madeira Islands in Portugal, do you recommend visiting the islands in a 10day itinerary ? it is called the Hawaii of Portugal and I wanted to check if it worth visiting in a short span of time ?

Hey there! I would say that it’s a little far to try to do in 10 days, but if you wanted to squeeze it in, we’d essentially swap Madeira for the Algarve (you might have to move things around to accommodate the flights e.g. start in Lisbon, fly to Madeira and back, train up to Porto to finish). It depends on the logistics!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portugal Itinerary Days 1-2: Porto

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Porto

Take a walking tour of the city.

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

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

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

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

Take a Port House Tour

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

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

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

Food + Drink

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

Dinner at Restaurant DOP

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

Party at Hard Club

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

Hop on the Tram

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

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

Visit the Mercado do Bolhão

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

Hang Out at Baixa

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

Practical Information for Porto

Getting to porto.

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

Suggested Stay for Porto: The Yeatman

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

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

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

If You Have Extra Time: The Douro Valley

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

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

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

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

Portugal Itinerary Days 3-4: Lisbon

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

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

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

Things to do in Lisbon

Hop on a sidecar tour of lisbon.

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

Toot toot, beep beep!

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

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

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

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

Book your sidecar tour

Dine at Cervejaria Ramiro

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

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

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

Be prepared to queue during peak hours.

Check out my review of Cervejaria Ramiro

Explore Alfama

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a Meal at Bairro Avillez

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

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

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

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

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

Jazz at Hot Clube de Portugal

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

See the Sights in Belem

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

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

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

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

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

Spend Time in LX Factory

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

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

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

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

Go Street Art Hunting

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

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

Get ahead by booking onto a street art tour

Eat Your Way Around Time Out Market Lisbon

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

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

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

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

My biggest tip? Go hungry and dine well.

Practical Information for Lisbo n

Getting to Lisbon

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

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

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

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

Suggested Stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz

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

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

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

Check prices for the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz 

Or search for alternative Lisbon accommodation.

Portugal Itinerary Day 5: Day Trip to Sintra

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

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

Things to do in Sintra

Visit the palacio nacional de sintra.

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

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

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

Pena Palace

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

See what I mean?

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

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

Castelos dos Mouros

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

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

Getting to Sintra

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

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

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

Portugal Itinerary Days 6 and 7: The Algarve

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

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

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

You’d be missing out though. 

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

Things to do in the Algarve

Explore lagos.

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

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

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

Visit the Market in Loul é

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

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

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

A complete guide to visiting the Benagil Cave

Walk Around Tavira

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

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

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

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

An insider’s guide to Tavira

Ilha Deserta + Estamine Restaurant

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

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

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

The Ilha Deserta has another attraction though. Estamine Restaurant . 

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

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

Practical Information for The Algarve

Getting to the algarve.

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

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

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

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

Getting Around The Algarve

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

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

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

Suggested Stays in the Algarve

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

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

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

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

Have More Time? Additional Locations for a Portugal Itinerary 

Evora .

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

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

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

Cascais 

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

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

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

Add to your itinerary between Porto and Lisbon. 

Practical Tips for Your Portugal Trip

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

Read more about tipping in Portugal here

Getting There

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

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

Check flights on Skyscanner

Getting Around

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

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

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

Useful Portuguese Phrases

Hello – Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa Noite

Goodbye – Adeus

Thanks – Obrigado/ Obrigada

Please – Por favor

Yes – Sim

What to Pack

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

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

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

Check out my other Portugal travel guides:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks Whitney! Couldn’t agree more.

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Best 10 Day Portugal Itinerary

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Portugal is truly a phenomenal country to explore! The bustling cities are graced with amazing architecture and the distinct culture is as apparent as the rich history. Planning a Portugal Itinerary, however, requires some effort and careful consideration.

The cities in Portugal are not checklist destinations; they are best discovered with a little intrigue and a full dose of curiosity. It’s not a country to rush through, but one to experience. In our 10 Day Portugal Itinerary, we highlight the best of the country – from the seven hills of Lisbon to the fascinating landscapes of Madeira Island to the cobblestone lanes of Porto.

Why Plan a 10 Day Portugal Itinerary for Vacation

Once overlooked – perhaps for being not easy enough to reach or a bit too gritty – Portugal has surged to the top of popular European travel destinations. 

Luckily for us, we heard the positive chatter from fellow travelers ages ago. Our first trip to Portugal was in 2010 and we have returned many,  many times since. On each visit, we become even more enamored with the country – and with our Best Itinerary for Portugal, we think you will be smitten, too!

Portugal 10 Days Itinerary FAQs

Before we get to the day-by-day outline of our best Portugal Trip Itinerary, we will answer a few of the frequently asked questions about planning a vacation to Portugal.

Which Destinations does this Portugal Itinerary Include?

Portugal is a small but diverse country – and the top things to see in Portugal are spread far and wide. If we were asked to name the single best place to visit in Portugal, we would be hard pressed to give an answer. Therefore, we think it is wise to include multiple destinations in your 10 Day Travel Itinerary Portugal (especially if you are visiting for the first time).

With limited time in the country, travelers will want to hone in on the very best spots in Portugal. Rather than spending an entire 10 days in Lisbon, we recommend also visiting Madeira Island and Porto.

The largest city in Portugal, Lisbon is a vibrant place to visit. Throughout its history, it has suffered devastation and regaled in riches. Spread over steep hills and segmented into unique districts, Lisbon is a buzzing yet charming destination that should be included on any Itinerary for Portugal. Learn more in  our 3-Day Lisbon Itinerary .

A remote Portuguese island located in the North Atlantic Ocean, Madeira offers visitors a range of outstanding experiences. Top Madeira activities include hiking across mountaintops and swimming in natural lava pools. Additionally, there are attractions interspersed within the city of Funchal, like lush tropical gardens, and an epic culinary scene. Use our Madeira Itinerary for ideas for your trip.

A place we happily return to time after time, Porto is inspiring from the moment you lay eyes on it. Situated along the Douro River that was once instrumental in the area’s iconic Port Wine trade, Porto beckons visitors to discover it’s pedestrian lanes, manicured parks and outstanding restaurants. Our Porto Itinerary provides more sightseeing tips.

Do I Need a Car for this Portugal Trip Itinerary?

We designed our plan for 10 Days in Portugal without a car. Renting a car and finding parking can be stressful and expensive – and nobody wants that on vacation!

Our recommended Portugal destinations are well-connected by plane. Furthermore, visitors can get around each place by walking, using public transportation and joining tours. We highlight all the best options for transport in the Portugal Travel Tips section at the end of the article.

Is it Expensive to Tour Portugal?

Portugal has long been known as an affordable destination. Accommodation, food and drinks all tend to cost less in Portugal than in other major European cities – like London and Paris . Therefore, it is fairly easy to plan a budget Portugal trip.

As budget-conscious travelers ourselves, we include many inexpensive and free attractions and activities throughout our Portugal trip plan.

On the other hand, it would be easy to create a Luxury Portugal Itinerary. There are a fair number of high-end hotels, upscale dining opportunities and exclusive tours for travelers who want to splash out on their vacation.

Who Should Use this Itinerary for Portugal?

Our trip plan for Portugal features top sights and attractions in the country’s hottest destinations. The outline will appeal to a range of visitors – especially those interested in cities, architecture, historic sites, nature and local cuisine.

It should be said that this is not a Portugal Beach Itinerary. While we do visit Madeira, it’s really not a place for sunbathing on the sand. The best beaches in Portugal are located in the Algarve region with Lagos, Albufeira and Tavira being top picks.

Our itinerary does include quite a bit of walking – and the hills in Lisbon, Porto and Madeira are impossible to avoid. Therefore, those with limited mobility or just aren’t keen on racking up a lot of steps during vacation, should take that into consideration.

We travel as a couple – but our plan could easily be adapted to a Portugal Family Vacation Itinerary or Portugal Solo Travel Itinerary. The outlined trip could also serve as the base for a Portugal Honeymoon Itinerary with the addition of a few more romantic activities!

How Many Days in Portugal?

When creating a Trip to Portugal Itinerary, one of the first things to consider is duration. We think 10 Days in Portugal is ideal for a vacation – but understand that fellow travelers have other timeframes.

Therefore, we share sample Itineraries for Portugal later – including advice for spending 5 Days in Portugal and ideas for what to do in Portugal for Two Weeks.

Planning a Portugal Vacation Itinerary

As we already mentioned, planning a trip to Portugal can take some effort, but our day-by-day itinerary helps to make it as easy as possible.

In addition to outlining what to see and do, we also provide essential information about when to go, where to stay and how to get there.

While this Portugal Trip Plan provides an outline of sights, we also share detailed articles about specific attractions and activities throughout the itinerary.

Furthermore, travelers visiting Portugal from abroad will find it useful to read about How To Plan a European Vacation .

Organize your Portugal Vacation

When it comes to planning a trip in Portugal, there are heaps of details to consider. While using our Ultimate Portugal Itinerary as a guideline, keeping track of the specifics is essential.

We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner – to make sure nothing falls through the cracks!

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY PORTUGAL 10 DAYS

We’ve covered some of the basics, now it’s time to get to the day-by-day details of our Best Portugal Itinerary. Be certain to read until the end for important Portugal travel tips and information.

Save, Pin or Bookmark this Portugal Travel Guide to plan your vacation!

DAY 1: TOUR LISBON

Start your 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary in the capital, Lisbon. Get the lay of the land, then set off on your own adventure to discover a classic neighborhood. End the night with a traditional Portuguese musical performance.

Guided Lisbon Tour

Lisbon is a beautiful and complex place – and without the right context, it can be difficult to understand and fully appreciate the city. Therefore, we recommend starting your trip on a Guided Lisbon Walking Tour.

Let a local lead the way through the distinct districts of Alfama, Chiado and Baixa – while learning about the history and culture of Lisbon. Plus, on this highly rated 3-hour tour , participants get to taste a local snack, sample regional wine and indulge in a Portuguese pastry. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect start to your Portugal Itinerary?

Seafood Lunch with a View

Walking the hills of Lisbon will certainly work up an appetite – and a seafood lunch is an excellent choice for your first meal. With the city’s close proximity to the ocean, seafood is a staple of the local cuisine.

Dine in Praca do Comercio, the most opulent square in Lisbon, which opens to the Tagus River. Baia do Peixe, Museu da Cerveja and Martinho da Arcada are all good options. The restaurants on the dazzling, yellow square are a bit spendy, but the location is hard to beat!

Alfama Exploration

In the afternoon, explore more of the famous Alfama neighborhood on your own. The twisting, cobblestone streets are lined with buildings decorated in traditional azulejos tiles and freshly laundered clothes hang from windows to dry. The area is a delight to roam without a specific destination in mind, but there are a few sights worth seeking out.

Top Alfama attractions are the Se Cathedral, Sao Jorge Castle, Sao Vicente de Fora Monastery, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the National Pantheon and the National Tile Museum.

Lisbon Fado and Dinner

The stirring sounds of Fado are soulful and sometimes heartbreaking. The melancholy music is said to have originated in the streets of Alfama – and listening to a live performance is a must during your 10-Day Portugal Vacation!

To ensure you get a seat for Fado performance, we recommend buying tickets for a combination Dinner and Fado Show in advance . 

DAY 2: DAY TRIP TO SINTRA

Next up on your Portugal Travel Itinerary, set off for Sintra – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the whimsical retreat of Lisbon’s elite, the fanciful castles and elaborate gardens are now popular tourist attractions. Simple to reach by car or train, Sintra is a delightful day trip from Lisbon!

Sintra: DIY Trip or Organized Tour

The top things to see in Sintra are the colorful Pena Palace (and adjoining Pena Park), the ancient Moorish Castle and the beautifully eccentric Quinta da Regaleira Estate.

There are two options for visiting Sintra: Plan your own day trip using the train (and bus, once in Sintra) or join an organized tour.

The benefit of going on your own is that you have the freedom to choose what to see and what to skip – and it costs a lot less than a tour. Our detailed guide for Planning a Lisbon to Sintra Day Trip covers how to get there, what to see and do, ticket info and what to expect.

There are advantages to joining one of the organized tours to Sintra, too. Visitors are not encumbered with figuring out how to get there or how to get around. Instead, all the details are left to the knowledgeable guides. Additionally, most tours include multiple destinations – like the coastal town of Cascais – and the option to choose a full day  or half day tour .

Sunset at Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara

Be back in Lisbon in time to catch a phenomenal sunset from the fabulous Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara. A favorite Lisbon viewpoint for locals and visitors alike, the bi-level park features benches, gardens, a fountain – and a stunning view of Castelo de Sao Jorge.

This miradouro can be reached on foot – or, after a long day of sightseeing, there’s no shame in using the Gloria – Sao Pedro inclined funicular for a little help getting up the hill!

Bairro Alto at Night

Spend the rest of the evening elevated in Bairro Alto – one of the best districts in Lisbon. Etched with a Bohemian vibe and trumpeting an entertaining nightlife scene, Bairro Alto is a top Lisbon destination after dark.

Walk along Rua da Rosa and wander down the side streets to enjoy the atmospheric area. Make your way to a Lisbon-style tapas bar, like Leve Leve or Tapa Bucho.

Alternatively, tuck into a meal of traditional homemade cuisine among locals at the popular Toma La Da Ca, where every bite is delicious (just make an advance reservation).

For after dinner drinks, find your way up to the hip PARK Rooftop and savor the astounding view of Lisbon lit up at night while enjoying a beverage.

DAY 3: EXPLORE LISBON DISTRICTS

Your 10 Day Itinerary for Portugal continues by exploring more prime districts in Lisbon. In the morning, visit the riverside town of Belem – then after a scrumptious lunch in Lisbon city center, take a ferry across the Tagus to see the famous Cristo Rei Statue. Next, ride a tram to the west side for dinner and end your Lisbon stay in the Cais do Sodre District.

Belem and Pastel da Natas

Hop on a tram, bus or train – or walk along the riverside path – to the historic town of Belem. Just four miles from Lisbon, Belem was an important city during the Age of Discovery and is now a lively Portugal tourist destination.

Belem is home to many monuments and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Belem Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery – so expect plenty of company and long lines. After seeing the sights that pique your interests, be sure to stop by Pasteis de Belem bakery, the creator of the iconic Portuguese Egg Tart! Find more in our guide of Things To Do in Belem .

Lunch at Timeout Market Lisboa

The Time Out Market in Lisbon is a pioneer in the food hall concept that’s sweeping the globe. Gathering numerous top chefs under one roof, the food court boasts nearly 50 stalls of exceptional cuisine and local libations.

Patrons order from the individual kiosks and then gather at community tables in the center of the market. It’s a great opportunity to sample multiple Portuguese dishes in one location and meet fellow foodies!

Cristo Rei Statue

Standing atop a cliff on the south side of the Tagus River is a gigantic statue of Jesus. The Cristo Rei Statue can be seen from various viewpoints around Lisbon, but seeing it up close is breathtaking.

To get to there, board a ferry and once at the Cacilhas Dock, take a bus, an elevator or walk up to the statue. We share all the need-to-know details in our Guide to Visiting Cristo Rei .

Lisbon Tram

After sailing back across the river, partake in a true Lisbon tradition and ride a classic tram. The old yellow trams that rattle down the tracks and up the steep hills, just as they have since the early 1900s, are a symbol of Portugal throughout the world.

The two best lines are Tram 28 and Tram 25 – and both transport passengers to the west side of Lisbon, which is where we go next on our Portugal Itinerary!

Lisbon Estrela District

The Estrela District offers visitors a glimpse at local life in Lisbon. Even though there are far fewer tourists, the area boasts a number of attractions – including some of the Top Free Lisbon Things To Do . 

Important things to see are the impressive Basilica da Estrela Church (one of the Best Churches in Lisbon ), the gorgeous Estrela Park, the gorgeous Tapada das Necessidade Park and the ornate Cemiterio dos Prazeres Cemetery.

Consider eating dinner at the nearby Mercado de Campo de Ourique, which offers a more authentic experience than Time Out Market. Alternatively, make reservations for a phenomenal feast of typical Portuguese cuisine at Coelho da Rocha.

Evening in Cais do Sodre

Make your way back to the city center via tram to Cais do Sodre. People watching or bar hopping in the revitalized neighborhood is an excellent way to end your time in Lisbon.

Pink Street is packed with fun bars, but Pensao Amor – a brothel-turned-cocktail bar with outrageous décor – is not to be missed! For something a little more low key, check out O Bom O Mau e O Vilao just around the corner or Musa da Bica for craft beer. Tchau, Lisboa!

DAY 4: FLY TO MADEIRA IS LAND

It’s time to fly to the next destination on your Portugal 10 Day Itinerary: Madeira Island. After settling into your hotel (recommendations later), waste no time and begin your sightseeing in Funchal, the largest city on the island.

Classic Madeira Lunch: Prego Bolo do Caco

The cuisine in Madeira is distinctly different from mainland Portugal – and it is simply spectacular! 

For your first meal, sink your teeth into a comfort food classic: Prego Especial at Casa do Bolo do Caco. This massive sandwich features a piece of thinly sliced steak, lettuce, tomato, cheese, ham, bacon and a fried egg. It’s all stacked in between two slices of Madeira’s signature sweet potato bread, Bolo do Caco.

Be sure to save room for a Queijada, the island’s divine cheesecake-like pastry, and Pao e Companhia makes the best queijadas in Funchal!

Funchal Sightseeing Tour

The history of Funchal and Madeira is intriguing. The island was discovered in 1419 and was soon an important trade route stop, as the inhabitants excelled in the sugarcane and wine making industries. 

Visitors can get a proper introduction to Funchal on a guided sightseeing tour. Local guides lead the affordable 2-hour walking tour , which features all the top sights, highlighted by history and personal stories.

Alternatively, use our guide of Things To Do in Funchal to create your own walking tour!

Madeira Wine Tasting

In the late afternoon, get a taste of the island’s most well-known product: Madeira Wine. Islanders started making wine in the 15th century – and Madeira wineries still produce the sweet vino today.

Blandy’s Wine Lodge offers visitors the opportunity to tour their wine-making facilities and sample the final product in their old-fashioned bar. 

HM Borges and Pereira d’Oliveira are two other atmospheric wine tasting rooms in the heart of Funchal.

Petiscos Plates for Dinner

End your first day on Madeira Island with a leisurely dinner of petiscos at Tas’ca Principal. The tapas-style small plates are perfect for sharing – and the staff are friendly and happy to help explain the offerings.

We suggest trying a local dish – like limpets – and enjoy a refreshing drink with your meal!

DAY 5: SEE WEST MADEIRA

For Day 5 of our 10 Day Portugal Itinerary, you’ll want to get an early start visiting the famous sights on the west side of Madeira Island. Then reflect on your adventures over a magnificent Madeiran meal in Funchal.

West Madeira Tour

Western Madeira boasts striking landscapes and beautiful vistas. Visitors can see the sights on their own with a rental car or leave the hassle of driving to a professional and join an organized tour . 

There are numerous points of interest on Madeira West. Cabo Girao is a 1,900-foot-tall sheer rock ledge that ranks as one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. For a small fee and with a bit of bravery, you can step onto the glass-bottomed Cabo Girao Skywalk for a sensational view of the coast…and peek straight down at the waves crashing on the rocks far, far below.

Porto Moniz – on the northwestern tip of Madeira – is another must-see sight. Famous for the naturally formed lava pools, visitors can choose to swim at two separate complexes, both in an absolutely surreal setting.

Waterfalls, black sand beaches, quaint villages and more epic viewpoints are other top attractions in the west part of Madeira, Portugal.

Typical Madeiran Dinner: Espetada or Espada

The island’s two food specialties – Espetada and Espada – may sound similar, but they are vastly different. Both, however, are delectable!

Espetada is a dish of grilled, skewered meat, which is often served hanging from a hook. Espada is the famous Madeira seafood – Black Scabbard Fish – which is lightly fried and sometimes topped with banana or passion fruit.

To try either – or both – of the typical dishes, make reservations at Infinito Wine Bar. Although the restaurant lacks a menu, the proprietor-slash-waiter-slash-chef excels at making affordable, local dishes. Tell him what you’re in the mood for, and he’ll satisfy your culinary cravings…with a few surprises along the way!

Madeira Craft Beer

Coral is the local lager; it’s cheap and it’s everywhere. For a much better beer experience, head to one of the craft beer bars in Funchal – like Fuga Cidade or Funchal Tap. Although not much craft beer is being produced on Madeira, these bars pour a full lineup of inventive Portuguese brews from the mainland.

DAY 6: MADEIRA HIKE

OK, it’s time to burn some of those calories you’ve surely pick up on your Portugal Travel Itinerary! Lace up your shoes and embark on a hike in Madeira’s pristine nature. Not up for a hike? No judgement here – we share an alternate plan for the day, too!

Hike Madeira Trails

From the majestic mountains to the forested hillsides to coastal rock formations, Madeira landscapes are mesmerizing. Even better, the terrain is covered with hiking trails that take trekkers to the highest peaks, into the depths of a Laurissilva forest and to the easternmost tip among otherworldly rock formations.

The Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Trail – or Peak to Peak Hike – is the most challenging and rewarding hike on the island. Starting at the third-highest mountain, Arieiro Peak, the trail winds through rocky mountains to the summit of Pico Ruivo – the highest peak on Madeira. Tour companies lead guided hikes – and offer drop off and pick up services for the one-way hike. 

Levada do Furado Trail is a 7-mile trek from Ribeiro Frio to Portela through the UNESCO Natural History Site Laurissilva Forest. The mostly-flat path follows a levada – an irrigation canal used to bring rain water to drier parts of Madeira.

The walk to the easternmost point is the Vereda da Ponta do Sao Lourenco Trek. It’s a 4.5-mile roundtrip hike, but the trail is completely exposed to the scorching sun and often very windy conditions.

Hike Alternative: Madeira East Tour

Those who are not up for a strenuous hike can opt to join an organized tour of East Madeira. The scenic route makes stops at more of the breathtaking panoramas – including the trailheads at Sao Lourenco Eastern Point, Portela, Ribeiro Frio and Arieiro Peak. Book the East Tour!

At the end of the day, find your way to Rei da Poncha Bar in Funchal to toast your adventures with a potent Portuguese rum punch. Called Poncha and known as the Fisherman’s Drink, the concoction is made with Madeiran sugar cane rum, honey and citrus.

At Rei da Poncha, it’s popular to order a tasting platter – just be aware that the sweet concoction is deceptively strong!

Burgers for Dinner

While travelers should definitely sample an array of traditional food while visiting Portugal in 10 days, eating global dishes with a local twist is also important…and in Madeira, there’s a strong affection for hamburgers!

Hamburgueria 351 Bistro excels at making gourmet burgers (the Ranch Burger and 351 Burger are our favorites). Other popular burger restaurants in Funchal are Hamburgueria do Mercado and Rota 23.

DAY 7: MADEIRA GARDENS AND SUNSET CRUISE

Spend Day 7 of your Portugal Tour Itinerary discovering the vibrant and colorful gardens on the island – and use some of Madeira’s most interesting transportation options to do it! In the late afternoon, set sail on a cruise and then end the day eating dinner on the most popular street in Funchal Old Town.

Funchal Gardens, Cable Cars and Toboggan Rides

The tropical climate on Madeira Island is conducive to flowering plants and thriving greenery. Two of the most beautiful gardens are the Madeira Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Tropical Garden.

Start at the Botanical Gardens (use the public bus to get there) to see local flora along with plants from around the world. After touring the grounds, ride the 1-mile cable car to Monte, but before setting off to see the sights, eat lunch with a view at Local Shop Cafe.

Next, enter the 17-acre, hillside Monte Palace Tropical Gardens – which are the most exquisite gardens on Madeira. We recommend walking all of the trails, but don’t miss Central Lake, the traditional Santana House, the Oriental Gardens, the Alley of Hydrangeas and the pink flamingoes.

To travel back to Funchal you can ride a bus or cable car – but careening down the road on a Monte Toboggan Sledge is much more entertaining (terrifying?)!

Alternative Plan: Madeira Village Discovery

While we thoroughly enjoyed visiting these gardens above Funchal, others can instead opt to travel to one of the nearby villages. Valley of the Nuns is a picturesque town tucked into the interior mountains that is known for its chestnut products. Another option is to visit Camara de Lobos, which is a fisherman’s village on the coast just west of Funchal.

Madeira Sunset Cruise

A scenic sunset cruise is the perfect way to end your stay on Madeira Island. Catamaran cruises depart in the late afternoon when the sun idyllically illuminates the Funchal coastline and dolphins are often active in the deep blue waters.

The cruise then sails to the base of the Cabo Girao Cliff – and stops to allow passengers to jump off the boat for a cool and refreshing swim. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the catamaran slowly makes its way back to the marina while guests enjoy the sublime scene.

Dinner on Rua de Santa Maria

Rua de Santa Maria is one of the oldest streets in Funchal. Lined with restaurants, bars and fabulous street art, it’s one of the most popular places to dine in the city.

Make advance reservations at one of the top eateries – like Restaurante Taberna Ruel. Consider ordering a local dish that you have yet to try and get ready to say adeus  to Madeira, Portugal!

DAY 8: TRAVEL TO PORTO

Plan for an early start on the eighth day of your Portugal Itinerary 10 Days, because it’s time to fly to Porto. Get settled into your hotel and waste no time becoming acquainted with this marvelous city!

Francesinha for Lunch

There is, perhaps, no Porto Food more popular than the impressive Francesinha sandwich. Stacked with meat and cheese, drowned in sauce and sometimes topped with an egg for good measure, the Francesinha is a must-eat in Portugal and Porto is the place try one!

It seems nearly every restaurant in Porto serves their own version of the Francesinha, but our favorite spot is Café Restaurante O Afonso. Their sandwiches are absolutely massive, so you may want to share one…and then spend the rest of the day walking it off.

Self-Guided Porto Sightseeing Walk

The beautiful city of Porto sits on the Douro River, and brightly colored buildings crawl up the hillside. Mosaic black-and-white Calcada Portuguesa sidewalks wind through the Old Town, parading through pretty squares and passing landmark sights.

A great way to get a first impression of it all is to embark on a walk. Our easy-to-follow (and completely free) Porto Walking Tour features a route that showcases all the prime sights – and crosses the Douro River into Gaia, where Port Wine cellars line the riverside and traditional rabelos boats bob in the water.

Port Wine Tasting

Gaia is all about Port Wine – and visitors have a range of choices for sampling Porto’s signature drink, from in-depth tours to casual tastings. For those with a keen interest in Port Wine, book a cellar tour in advance , but you can also simply find a seat at one of the many cafes that offer five samples for a bargain price.

Dinner in Gaia

The riverfront in Gaia is rife with dining establishments – including everything from café petiscos tapas to a hip market to cozy restaurants.

We prefer to graze our way along the street. Start with a Cod Fish Cake at Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau (one of the most beautiful places in Gaia). Next, take a seat on the patio at Gourmet da Emilia for a round of petiscos – along with a glass of Vinho Verde (Porto’s ‘young’ wine). Finally, step inside the fun Mercado Beira Rio food hall where the choices of fantastic fare are plentiful!

DAY 9: DAY TRIP FROM PORTO

Day 9 of your 10 Day Trip to Portugal is spent exploring beyond Porto to see more of the region. Return to the city by evening for craft beverages and a favorite local meal. 

Porto Day Trip Destinations

Visitors will need to choose one of the many great Northern Portugal locations for a day trip. We are highlighting our three top picks: Braga, Aveiro and Douro Wine Valley.

Day Trip to Braga

On a day trip from Porto to the north, visitors can see the beautiful Baroque sights of Braga. Home to the first cathedral in Portugal and the UNESCO Heritage Site, Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga offers guests the chance to see elegant architectures and experience old world charm.

Braga can be reached by train or via an organized tour (which also includes a stop in Guimaraes and a typical Portuguese lunch). Read our complete list of the Best Things To Do in Braga !

Spend a Day in Aveiro

Aveiro is just a short train ride from Porto to the south, but may feel a world away. Known for its historic canals and traditional Moliceiros boats, Aveiro is a colorful town with a few splendid attractions and some remarkable architecture. Not to be missed is the town’s trademark pastry, Ovos Moles.

It’s easy to plan a day trip to Aveiro from Porto with our guide of the Top Things To Do – but visitors can also join a tour that includes a canal cruise in a Moliceiro boat.

Douro Valley Wine Day Trip

The Douro Valley Wine Region to the east of Porto is a spectacular place to see during your trip to Portugal! Wine estates featuring terraced hills lined with vines dot the valley. Visitors are invited on tours to learn about the history and process of making Port Wine – all of which end with a sample of the product.

Travelers can take a train to the Douro Valley (but it’s about 2.5 hours each way) or join a tour that visits multiple winery estates and includes lunch and a river cruise. 

Porto Craft Beer

Back in Porto by the early evening, rehydrate and then get ready to sample some local craft beer! The robust Porto Craft Beer scene is in full swing, with brewery tap rooms and dedicated beer bars popping up across the city.

Try the beers at Letra – one of our favorite Portuguese craft brewers – or pop into Catraio, Bao Bab or Armazem da Cerveja, where they feature beers from around Portugal and Europe.

Casa Guedes for Dinner

End your day with an incredibly satisfying meal at Casa Guedes Tradicional. A long-time favorite of both locals and visitors, Casa Guedes is best known for their succulent roasted pork sandwiches topped with gooey sheep cheese.

There is often a line that snakes out the door and down the street, but it moves pretty fast. Once you put in your order, grab a seat on the patio to enjoy your meal al fresco!  Note: Casa Guedes does have 3 other locations in Porto, but the original spot is our choice.

DAY 10: PORTO COAST AND MORE SCENIC SPOTS

On the last day of your Mainland Portugal and Madeira Itinerary, soak in a few more sights around Porto. In the morning, travel to the stunning coastline and savor a seafood lunch. Back in the city by the afternoon, enjoy a different perspective on a river cruise from Porto, then watch sunset from a unique vantage point. Finally, indulge in one last Portuguese meal to end your vacation!

Coast of Porto

In the morning, ride Tram #1 to the gorgeous coast near Porto. The 3-mile stretch of shoreline is marked with both golden sand beaches – as well as a few sights, like the Farolim de Felgueiras Lighthouse, the Sao Joao da Foz Fort, and the Parque da Cidade do Porto.

Use the seaside promenade to walk north towards the fishing village of Matosinhos (or hop on bus #500).

Fish Lunch in Matosinhos

Renowned for its seafood restaurants (there are said to be more than 600 in the area!), the fisherman’s village of Matosinhos is the perfect place for a fresh fish feast. At lunchtime, the tantalizing scent of fish being grilled over hot coals wafts through the air – and diners are spoiled for choice of fare.

Many of the restaurants line Rua Herois de Franca (Restaurante Lage Senhor do Padrao is a top pick) – and nearly all of them feature seafood rice, octopus salad, savory sardines and whole grilled fish as menu items. That said, our favorite Matosinhos restaurant is O Lusitano for their fair prices and friendly service.

Porto River Cruise and Final Sights

After that tasty seafood lunch, travel back to Porto in the afternoon for a river cruise. The Douro River is an integral part in the history of Porto – and you can get a better understanding of its importance on a relaxing boat ride.

The popular 6 Bridges Cruise  is a classic tour of the Douro River – allowing passengers to marvel over the scenic views, while floating along the same route as the old Port Wine rabello boats.

Travelers can also use the time in the afternoon to visit anything that they skipped on the first day of Porto sightseeing. We highly recommend at least getting a peek inside the Se Cathedral, Majestic Café, Sao Bento Train Station and Palacio da Bolsa if you haven’t already.

Additionally, visiting the lovely Livraria Lello Bookstore, climbing to the top of Igreja dos Clerigos Bell Tower and seeing the golden gilded interior of Igreja Monumento de Sao Francisco are other activities to round out your time in Porto.

Porto Sunset at Virtudes Miradouro

In the late afternoon, make your way to Virtudes Park for one last fabulous view. The large lawn is certain to be buzzing with both locals and tourist and provides an ideal spot to watch the sunset on your last night in Portugal.

Grab a craft beer at Musa or a bottle of wine from the Spar convenience store – and then settle in for a sensational sunset.

Last Portuguese Dinner

For your final meal in Portugal, partake in a casual dinner in a truly classic place. Make reservations at Taberna Santo Antonio for an authentic, Portuguese homecooked-style meal.

Alternatively, book ahead to dine at Antunes for a hearty meal of traditional Portuguese meat or fish dishes.  Bom Proveito!

Map of Portugal

Our plan for what to see in Portugal features three destinations: Lisbon, Madeira and Porto. Use this Portugal Itinerary Map for the location of each place; for an interactive map, use this link to Google .

Alternate Portugal Itineraries

We’ve shared our ideas for how to plan a trip to Portugal for 10 days. However, we understand that not all travelers will have ten days in Portugal. Therefore, we are sharing a Portugal Suggested Itinerary for 5, 7 and 14 days.

Portugal 5 Day Itinerary

In our outlined Itinerary for Portugal for 10 Days, we squeeze in about as much sightseeing as possible. So, with half the time – only 5 days in Portugal – it is best to limit yourself to just one or two destinations.

Sample Portugal Itinerary 5 Days

In order to make the most of Portugal in 5 days, we recommend visiting only Lisbon and Porto.

Spend two days in Lisbon (with one possibly being a trip to Sintra) and then 3 days in Porto – as we outlined on Days 8 through 10 above.

Portugal 1 Week Itinerary

Travelers planning a Portugal One Week Itinerary can see quite a bit more – but we think it is still best to stay in only two destinations, and again, we would choose Porto and Lisbon.

Sample Portugal Itinerary 7 Days

With 7 Days in Portugal, we recommend following our timeline for both Lisbon and Porto (3 days in each city). However, choose one more day trip.

For example, travelers who are interested in nature could stay one more day in Lisbon – and take a day trip to Parque Natural da Arrábida . On the other hand, tourists who want to see both the Douro Wine Valley Estates and the canals in Aveiro should plan one more day in Porto.

Alternate Portugal Itinerary 10 Days

We’re confident that our 10 Days in Portugal Sample Itinerary showcases the top places and best cities in Portugal. However, some may want to stick to the mainland, rather than flying to Madeira Island, and we have some tips on how to do it!

10 Day Mainland Portugal Itinerary

There are quite a few different ways to plan a Mainland Portugal Itinerary for 10 Days. Which you choose will depend on your interests and whether you rent a car.

Portugal for 10 Days by Train or Plane

Travelers sticking to the mainland can plan a 10-Day Portugal by Train Itinerary that includes just Lisbon and Porto – with five days in each. Both cities offer more plenty to entertain you for 10 full days!

The fastest train between Lisbon and Porto takes just under 3 hours. There are several daily flights between Porto and Lisbon; the short and inexpensive flight takes about an hour.

However, train journeys in Portugal can also include additional stops. For example, you could plan a Portugal Train Itinerary for Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto. We recommend spending 4 days in Lisbon, 2 days in Coimbra and 4 days in Porto.

Those interested in the beaches in the south of Portugal could opt to create a Porto, Lisbon, Algarve Itinerary by train. For this route, we advise spending 3 days in Lisbon, 3 days in the Algarve and 4 days in Porto. Note: the direct train between Faro and Porto takes 6 hours; it is also possible to fly between Faro and Porto.

Road Trip Itinerary for Portugal

Travelers who prefer to drive can create an excellent 10 Day Portugal Road Trip Itinerary. In our opinion, the best Portugal Self Drive Itinerary would include visiting top destinations between Lisbon and Porto. Popular choices are Obidos, Nazare, Batalha, Fatima, Coimbra and Aveiro.

Portugal 14 Day Itinerary

Those planning a 2 Week Portugal Itinerary can simply add more time in each of the 3 location that we recommend for 10 days…or pick a fourth destination!

Sample Portugal Itinerary 14 Days

We think an ideal way to spend 2 Weeks in Portugal is 4 days in Lisbon, 6 days on Madeira and 4 days in Porto.

Alternatively, the Algarve could be added in. Begin with our 10-day plan – and spend the final 4 days in the Algarve (Lagos, Albufeira and Faro are all good options).

Mainland Portugal and Azores Itinerary

While we highly recommend visiting Madeira Island in our 10-Day Travel Plan for Portugal, the Azores are also a very tempting destination. The top activities on the Azores are hiking the nature trails, soaking in hot springs and chasing waterfalls.

Travelers who would rather visit the Azores than Madeira can swap one island for the other. Flights are nearly as frequent to the Azores from the mainland as they are to Madeira.

Spain and Portugal Itinerary

Many tourist – especially those from overseas – plan a vacation to see both Portugal and Spain on the same trip.

Ideally, visitors would plan a 2-Week Spain-Portugal Itinerary; one week in each country. Use our guide for How To Spend 1 Week in Spain and the above advice for spending a week in Portugal.

Portugal Trip Travel Tips

Are you ready to start planning a trip to Portugal? Of course you are! Stick with us because we have a few very important travel tips for Portugal that we want to share.

When is the Best Time to Visit Portugal

One of the biggest challenges is figuring out the best time to go to Portugal. The weather in Portugal tends to be mild and temperate in the winter and hot and hotter in the summer.

Porto and Madeira historically get the most rain in October, while Lisbon is wettest in November and December.

Taking this into account, we think it is best to travel to Portugal in springtime, when there is the highest chance for ideal weather.

How To Get to Portugal

You will likely travel to Portugal by plane. In addition to the ample flights to Portugal from numerous European cities, there are several direct flights that connect Portugal to the United States. In fact, many US to Portugal flights are now operating year-round!

For this 10 Day Itinerary in Portugal, we recommend starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto. Both cities have excellent international airports and direct flights from the USA. If possible, it would be ideal to fly into Lisbon (LIS) and out of Porto (OPO) or vice-versa; flying to Madeira (FNC) in between.

Read our hacks to scoring Great Deals on Flights and then jet over to Skyscanner to search for plane tickets to Portugal!

Best Way to Get around Portugal

In our Multi-Day Itinerary for Portugal, you will also need to fly from Lisbon to Madeira and Madeira to Porto. There are affordable, year-round flights between the island and the two cities, providing easy connections in Portugal for our trip plan.

Getting Around Portugal Destinations

As we have stated, you do not need a car for our Portugal Trip Itinerary. In fact, a car is completely unnecessary.

Lisbon and Porto both have excellent public transportation systems that include trains, metro lightrail, trams and buses. In Funchal there is a fine network of buses as well as limited service to the rest of Madeira.

All of the destinations in Portugal offer an array of organized tours. However, those who opt for traveling around Portugal with a car should read our advice for getting Cheap Car Rental Prices .

Where To Stay in Portugal for 10 Days

Choosing accommodations is a big decision for your Portugal 10-Day Trip. Each destination offers an array of lodging options in a range of prices.

For short stops, we think it is ideal to stay in a centrally located hotel – and we are sharing our top pick for each city. Before booking, we recommend reading our advice for finding the Best Hotels at the Best Prices .

Lisbon Top Pick: My Story Hotel Augusta

My Story Augusta Hotel in Lisbon is located in the heart of the city. While the rooms are a tad on the small side, they are comfortable, clean and a good value. Plus, the included breakfast gets rave reviews. Check rates and availability!  

Best Hotel in Madeira: Barcelo

Ideally positioned in the Funchal Old Town, Barcelo Madeira Hotel is hip and chic. The air-conditioned rooms are stylishly decorated and the top amenities at the hotel are the fabulous rooftop pool and bar and the tasty included breakfast. Check rates for your stay!  

Porto Accommodation: Hotel da Bolsa

Hotel da Bolsa was were we stayed on our first trip to Porto in 2010 due to its exceptional location in the historic center. While the property could use some updating, rooms are clean, equipped with air-con and the price for the area really can’t be beat. Check rates for your stay!

Packing Tips for Portugal Trip Itinerary 10 Days

Finally, it’s time to discuss what to pack for a trip to Portugal. We dish all our packing advice on our Travel Packing Page . Need a packing checklist? Get a free one here!  

Proper Shoes for Portugal

Our 10 Days Itinerary Portugal covers some ground in more ways than one – so you will definitely want a good pair of walking shoes. Between the steep hills and cobblestone streets, it is wise to pack shoes that are comfortable, lightweight and have a good sole.

My everyday sneakers were great for walking around Portugal – and Kris was most comfortable in his trail shoes. You can also read our reviews on the Best Shoes for Travel . 

Best Travel Camera for Europe

Our Portugal Holiday Itinerary visits some of the most picturesque places in the country! In order to truly capture the beauty of Portugal, we recommend upgrading to a real travel camera for your trip.

We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens – which we think it is one of the best budget cameras for traveling !

Functional Day Bag

With long days of sightseeing, travelers will want to carry a day bag to stow all of their everyday necessities . We use small backpacks with multiple zippered compartments – which are big enough to carry lightweight rain jackets , camera, refillable water bottles and snacks.

Use our reviews on the Top Day Packs for Travelers for ideas on which one is best suited for you.

Portugal Travel Insurance

Even though you carefully planned your perfect Portugal Itinerary, we all know how quickly things can go wrong. The airline can lose your luggage , someone can get sick while abroad or you may have to cancel your vacation in an emergency situation.

A good trip insurance policy may help cover the costs of unexpected travel woes. Check the coverage and affordable rates at World Nomads .

Portugal Travel Documents

Never forget the most important travel docs – like your passport, plane tickets, pre-booked excursions and completed Travel Planner – by keeping them secure in a Travel Organizer .

Start planning your trip to Portugal ! Search for the lowest airfares , top accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel planning tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Other Top European Travel Itineraries

• How To Spend 14 Days in Croatia
• 2 Weeks in London, Paris and Rome
• 3 Days in Amsterdam
• Greece in 2 Weeks
• 7 Days in Romania
• 1 Week in Tuscany
• Scotland in 10 Days
• Ireland 1 Week Trip without a Car

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting to Portugal

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

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

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

When to Visit Portugal

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

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

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

How Long to Spend in Portugal

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

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

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

Planning a Trip to Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

Money & Language Matters

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

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

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

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

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

Food Matters

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

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

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

Getting Around

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

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

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

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

Packing for Portugal

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

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

Visiting Portugal? You may also be interested in….

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

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

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Publish Date: November 26, 2023

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Planning a Trip to Portugal: Your Easy 11-Step Checklist

Traveling to Portugal for the first time and want to make sure that you’re planning the perfect trip?

After living in Lisbon as American ex-pats, we have lots of tips (spread across dozens of blog posts and counting) for planning a trip to Portugal!

We’ve compiled this simple checklist for planning your first trip to Portugal with the hope that it will help you fall in love with traveling the country as much as we have–and with any luck, you’ll have the chance to return again and again.

Here’s what to know about planning a trip to Portugal, organized with an easy-to-use checklist that will help you book your Portuguese vacation in no time!

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.

Your 11-Step Checklist for Planning a Trip to Portugal

Step 1: check visa requirements for visiting portugal..

Based on the geographic readership of Our Escape Clause, the odds are that the vast majority of you will not need a visa to visit Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism purposes.

This includes citizens of the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and of course, anyone from an EU member state.

Portugal is part of the Schengen Zone, and therefore, anyone who needs a Schengen Visa to visit the area will need one to visit Portugal.

In the future,  the ETIAS system –essentially an e-visa procured by filling out paperwork online before traveling–will come into effect for the Schengen Area.

After multiple delays, is currently slated to begin sometime in 2025.

It’s best to always confirm visa requirements through official sources before traveling!

Step 2: Book your flights to Portugal!

When shopping for flights to Portugal, you’ll no doubt notice that Lisbon has–by far–the biggest international airport in the country.

Technically called the Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), though I’ve never heard anyone refer to it that way outside of official signs, it’s the most likely first stop in Portugal for travelers coming from outside of Europe.

The Porto Airport (OPO, or Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport) also services a fair number of flights from outside the continent, and the number of international flights has been increasing over the years.

If you’re visiting Portugal as part of a multi-country Europe trip and are arriving from within the continent, the Faro Airport (FAO, or Gago Coutinho Airport) may also be worth checking out–especially if you’re looking at budget carriers.

Planning to visit another destination before or after Portugal?

Be sure to check if the TAP Air Portugal Stopover program , which allows you to build a 1-10 day Portugal “layover” into a flight to a different destination, is right for you!

We actually took advantage of the program on our own first trip to Portugal several years ago and used it to add 4 days in Lisbon to our originally planned trip from the USA to Paris .

Step 3: Narrow down your Portugal itinerary.

This might be both the most fun  and  most stressful part of planning a trip to Portugal: finalizing where exactly you’re going to go!

Our recommended 10-day Portugal itinerary systematically covers the top places to visit in Portugal (Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Douro Valley, and the Algarve), but ultimately, the sky’s the limit!

And, while you can easily extend that itinerary by simply adding more days to each destination (they all deserve it), there are also dozens of other options that might call your attention!

For less-crowded beach towns, head to the eastern edge of the Algarve (Tavira has lots to offer), or check out towns on the Silver Coast between Lisbon and Porto like Peniche (don’t miss the Berlengas Islands!), Averio, Ericeira, and Nazaré.

If wine, ossuaries, and underrated cities are your vibe, consider checking out Évora .

Love city-hopping? Portugal’s third city, Coimbra, is an ancient university town with lots to uncover.

Are monasteries your thing? If so, don’t miss the UNESCO-recognized monasteries of Alcobaça, Batalha, and Tomar (if you head this way, the walled town of Óbidos  is another must-see in the area).

Want to get far off the beaten path? Consider a visit to Peneda-Gerês National Park or to Monsanto , which is not only historic, beautiful, and uncrowded, but served as a House of the Dragon filming location.

… And of course, not only do these options barely scratch the surface, but they’re all located on mainland Portugal.

With enough time, you can stretch your itinerary even further afield with visits to Madiera and/or the Azores Islands, though each of them offers enough to do that they can also be standalone trips in their own right.

Step 4: Finalize your Portugal travel budget.

Now that you know exactly when your Portugal vacation is happening, how much your airfare was, and the kinds of things you want to do there, it’s time to finalize your Portugal travel budget!

We recommend taking the total amount you hope to spend during your first time in Portugal, subtracting any splurges or major expenses you know are coming (a pricey tour, some souvenir shopping , etc), and then dividing the remaining amount by the number of days you’ll be exploring the country.

Just like that, you have your daily budget for traveling in Portugal, or the amount of money you should try to stay under each day when you add up what you spend on food, activities, and intra-city transportation.

We detail this strategy more thoroughly in  our travel budgeting guide , and we’ve been using the same simple method for more than a decade!

Step 5: Book some activities in advance.

Hoping to enjoy some incredibly memorable tours and experiences in Portugal?

If so, be sure to book them in advance–and the more popular they are, the earlier you’ll want to book (especially if you’re traveling during the summer).

This is especially true for day trips like Sintra ( this Sintra day trip is one of the most popular day tours in the country), as well as attractions like the Jerónimos Monastery .

Sintra is, without a doubt, one of the most important places in Portugal to plan ahead for, whether you hope to visit on a guided day trip or simply by pre-booking tickets to places like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira in advance.

( Our detailed guide to visiting Sintra can help you plan that experience in detail.)

Some other experiences we have loved in Portugal include this delicious food tour (perfect for learning about Portuguese cuisine at the beginning of your trip), as well as a sunset cruise on the Tagus .

If you’d like to visit the Douro Valley but don’t want to drive there (too much port to enjoy!), pre-booking a day trip from Porto is also an excellent idea.

Step 6: Decide where to stay in Portugal and book your accommodation.

Now that you have the backbone of your vacation sketched out, it’s time to decide where to stay in Portugal!

We have specific recommendations for where to stay in posts about each destination we’ve written about (like this blog post about Lisbon and this one about Porto ), but overall, our general recommendation is to search for well-reviewed and centrally located properties within walking distance of some attractions.

These days, we book virtually all of our hotels and apartments in Portugal (and beyond) through Booking.com .

We typically aim for staying somewhere with an 8.0 rating or better, though that can vary a bit depending on the season, availability, how many hotels are in the area, etc.

A couple of hotels that we have particularly enjoyed throughout our travels in Portugal include Tivoli Lagos in the Algarve and NH Porto Hotel Batalha .

Step 7: Learn a little bit of (European) Portuguese.

As you’re planning your trip to Portugal, be sure to take the time to learn a little bit of Portuguese before you go!

Is it entirely necessary?

No, but it will be very appreciated!

(And whatever you do, definitely don’t speak to a Portuguese person in Spanish because it’s “the same” unless you want them to potentially tell you all about how it is very much not the same!).

For English speakers, Portuguese spelling and pronunciation don’t necessarily always match up in an intuitive way, but preparing a few phrases in advance (and maybe bringing along a phrasebook like this ) can help.

Keep in mind that many online resources teach Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation, which is a bit different from European Portuguese.

For a few phrases on a short trip, it’ll do in a pinch, but seek out specifically European resources if you can.

Here are a few phrases to add to your arsenal:

Basic Portuguese Phrases to Learn When Planning a Trip to Portugal

Bom dia. — Good day.

Boa noite. — Good evening.

Adeus or Tchau (Pronounced like “ciao”.) . — Goodbye.

Por favor. — Please.

Obrigado (if a male is speaking) or Obrigada (if a female is speaking). — Thank you.

De nada. — You’re welcome.

Fala inglês? — Do you speak English?

Step 8: Make a packing list for Portugal (and shop!).

Generally speaking, packing for Portugal is fairly simple: a standard Europe packing list will cover most of what you need (here are our suggestions for spring , summer , fall , and winter ).

However, you’ll definitely want to pay close attention to your footwear.

Not only does a typical Portugal vacation involve climbing lots of hills (both Lisbon and Porto are full of them!), but it’s also a bit hard on your feet in other ways.

The distinctive Portuguese pavement (or  calçada portuguesa ) that you’ll see throughout the country offers its challenges: these walkways are both beautiful and a bit of a hazard in the rain.

They’re  incredibly  slippery when wet, especially if they happen to have fallen leaves sitting on them.

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

Here are a few other useful odds and ends to add to your Portugal packing list:

Travel Adaptors for France  — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics–don’t forget to add buying these to your to-do list for planning your trip to Portugal!

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Reusable Water Bottle  — Save both money and plastic during your trip to Portugal and add a reusable water bottle to your packing list!

I love this metal one , and you’ll be glad to have it on you after snacking on the pastéis de nata  that you’ll undoubtedly pick up on the go!

Sea Bands  &  Non-Drowsy Dramamine  — If you’re planning to hit the water during your trip to Portugal and are prone to motion sickness like me, I strongly recommend adding Sea Bands to your packing list.

I use them on all boats and the occasional bus, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.

You don’t want to miss out on the joys of boating around the coast or rivers due to seasickness!

Step 9: Purchase travel insurance for your Portugal vacation.

Don’t forget to  purchase travel insurance  before jetting off to Portugal! While Portugal is generally a perfectly safe place to visit, traveling, in general, opens you up to vulnerabilities that you simply don’t have at home.

If you miss a plane or train, have your luggage get lost, get pickpocketed, or worse, get injured, you’ll be glad that you have insurance.

Given how inexpensive travel insurance is when purchased in advance (especially as compared to the price of plane tickets to Portugal!), it’s well worth the investment.

Check travel insurance policy inclusions and prices for your trip here.

Step 10: Make an arrival plan.

This part of planning a trip to Portugal is as simple as it is important: make an arrival plan.

When you arrive in (most likely) Lisbon or Porto, you’re undoubtedly going to be exhausted, overwhelmed, and probably a bit jetlagged, too!

No matter how many times we arrive in a new place, it never stops being a tiny bit stressful, simply because there are a lot of variables at play in the first few hours of arriving somewhere new.

Make life easier on yourself by thinking ahead: when working on your plan for traveling to Portugal for the first time, figure out what your exact steps will be after the plane lands.

That means exactly how far away your hotel is, how you’ll get there from the airport (metro, taxi, airport transfer?), and if you’ll be traveling by taxi, what a reasonable price is.

Unlike some European cities, neither Lisbon nor Porto have regulated flat taxi fares from the airport, so you’ll likely need to negotiate (15 Euro or so is generally a solid rate in Lisbon).

Technically, taxis are expected to always use the meter–but traveling from the airport to the city center is often an exception to that rule when on the ground.

Though it’s not strictly necessary or the most budget-friendly option, if you’d like to make arriving in Portugal very easy for yourself, consider treating yourself to a private airport transfer when you arrive!

Here are well-reviewed airport transfer services for Lisbon , Porto , and Faro .

Book your airport transfer in Portugal today!

Step 11: Enjoy an amazing trip to Portugal!

Once you’ve done the planning… it’s time for the fun part!

Enjoy every step of your first trip to Portugal, from the confusing parts to the magical ones–and yes, both will probably end up with a prominent place in your memories.

I vividly remember arriving in Portugal for the first time, jet-lagged, exhausted, and fresh into Lisbon off of a red-eye from New York City.

We were bleary-eyed and uncertain when getting a taxi from the airport and dropping off our luggage… but shortly thereafter grabbed a coffee at Fabrica da Nata (a place that would become a regular stop of ours in later years) before enjoying a Campo de Ourique food tour on our first morning in the country.

The thrill of enjoying a sunset cruise on the Tagus , taking a day trip to Sintra for the first of many times, tasting our first pastel de nata, and meandering the streets of Alfama left quite an impression on us: only a few years after our very first trip to Portugal, we moved to Lisbon for a beautiful, sun-soaked year.

I can’t guarantee that every first trip to Portugal will be quite as life-changing–but I can’t guarantee that it won’t, either.

Read More About Visiting Portugal

Excited to be planning your first trip to Portugal and want to keep reading?

We’d be thrilled to help!

You can  browse our dozens of Portugal blog posts here , or check out these guides:

• 33+ Important Tips for Visiting Lisbon for the First Time
• Portugal in Winter: Best Things to Do + Tips (What You Need to Know!)
• 15 Best Things to Do in Belém, Lisbon (+ Itinerary)
• 10 Exciting Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)
• Adorable Amarante, Portugal: Things to Do + Travel Guide

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.

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Traveling to Portugal: 7 things to know before you go

Editor's Note

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

Related: The best credit cards for family travel

Lisbon is a no-go for strollers

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

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

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

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

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

Don't miss the Maritime Museum

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

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

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

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

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

Lisbon's famous trams can get crazy crowded

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

Read more: 13 of the most beautiful villages in Portugal

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

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

Visit Sintra on a sunny day

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

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

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

The Algarve's water is colder than the Mediterranean

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

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

A house with a private pool is surprisingly affordable

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

Read more about planning a vacation to Portugal:

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

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Plan unforgettable road trips!

Road Trip in Portugal – Tips + Itinerary for 7 days, 10 days…

Last updated on November 16, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Time to plan your amazing Portugal Road trip!  There is so much to do, that planning can be overwhelming. Below is my guide to help you:

• Decide when, how long and where to go,
• Define your Portugal road trip itinerary for 7 days, 10 days or longer… 
• Get inspired with Portugal itinerary examples with the South, North and more,
• Book your rental car and accommodations,
• Prepare for driving and the trip!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Portugal:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Portugal: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Benagil sea cave from Portimao

My favorite excursion from Lisbon: Sintra Pena Palace and Cabo da Roca

My favorite places to stay:

• Lisbon: see best rated hotels – e.g. Santiago de Alfama boutique hotel
• Porto: see best rated hotels – e.g. Descobertas Boutique Hotel
• Lagos: see best rated hotels – e.g. Uma Cas A Beira Sol

Overall planning tips – Portugal Road Trip

Let’s start with some general information to start planning a Road Trip around Portugal.

Best time to visit Portugal

I think the best months to visit Portugal are May and October as the weather is mostly beautiful and it is less crowded. However note that during those periods, the water is not very warm – it is the Atlantic Ocean after all…

Other things to do about travel periods:

• There can be quite a difference in temperature between the coast and inland
• There is also quite a difference between North vs the South.
• July and August are very busy with European tourists as well as locals on holidays
•  Smaller attractions are closed in the Winter
• You will have longer days to drive around and see the sights if you visit in Spring rather than in Autumn. 

How to get to Portugal

• Flying – the main airports in Portugal are Lisbon and Porto – some low cost companies sometimes have really good prices to Porto, so don’t dismiss them just because Lisbon is the capital – 
• Train or buses – if you are coming from Europe, trains and busses can also be good options although you need to have a lot of time and patience
• Driving – of course, Portugal is reachable by car from mainland Europe, but from anywhere except Spain it is quite a long drive!
• Cruises – Ships on the Atlantic can make port in Porto or Lisbon or Portimao (on the Algarve Coast)

The main airports are:

• Porto in the North
• Lisbon in the center
• Faro in the Algarve region (South)

Compare flight prices on Skyscanner

Portugal is part of the Schengen treaty. There are no requirements for Europeans and most Western countries for up to 3 months – check with your embassy.

How long to drive around Portugal?

Do not attempt to tour the entire country if you have less than 2 weeks. Even with 2 weeks, you would have to be diligent to only focus on some highlights of each regions in order to make it work. 3 to 5 weeks is way more comfortable.

Driving times in Portugal

To help you plan your road trip Portugal, below are driving times between main cities to get a feel for what you can do in a day. Note that these times are often via motorways, so tolls apply:

• Lisbon to Sintra – 30min to 45min depending on traffic
• Lisbon to Coimbra – 2h
• Lisbon to Porto – 3h
• Lisbon to Evora – 1h30
• Lisbon to Albufeira (Algarve) – 2h30
• Lisbon to Manteigas (Serra de Estrela) – 3h30
• Porto to Manteigas (Serra de Estrela) – 2h30

Decide where to go in Portugal by car & for how long

Choosing your destinations – portugal map of regions.

• Capital of Portugal since 1255
• Located at the mouth of the Tagus River
• The city built around 7 hills fascinates with its cosmopolitan atmosphere
• Highlights include the castle, the paved streets, the old neighborhood, the Santa Justa Lift, the monasteries and churches…
• See my article about Lisbon

Sintra-Cascais

• Very close to Lisbon
• The region of Sintra-Cascais and its Natural Park are home to magnificent Unesco sites and scenic coastlines
• In the historical town of Sintra you can visit architectural wonders: the colorful Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, the National Palace…
• Along the coast your can see cliffs and beaches such as Magoito beach and Cabo da Roca
• See my guide to Sintra Cascais Natural Park

• South of the country,
• the Algarve Coastline is nowadays full of resorts.
• It is home to precipitous cliffs, many stunning beaches and sea caves
• The main towns are Lagos, Portimao, Albufeira and Porto
• Highlights include the Benagil Sea  Cave, Ponta da Piedade, Marinha beach, Falesia beach… and many many other beaches
• See my guide to the Algarve Region
• See my article about renting a car in Faro & Algarve

• A vast area in the heart of Portugal
• The main city  is Coimbra
• The region offers a wide variety of scenery with coastal areas, historical fortified villages and the mountains of Estrela
• Highlights include villages such as Obidos , Monasteries such as Batahla , coast with giant waves such as Nazare and mountains inland

Porto and the North

• The Northern part is considered the cradle of Portugal with the original Capital Guimaraes.
• It is mostly famous for the Douro River fertile grounds
• It is home to the famous city of Porto with its river, bridges, historical monuments…
• Highlights of the region are the wineries along the Douro River, the towns of Guimaraes and Braga, the more Natural areas to the North
• See my article about Porto

• Between the Tagus River and the Algarve, this vast and sunny lowland offers agricultural landscapes.
• It is famous for its fields of Oak Cork
• Highlights include prehistoric sites and old villages such as Monsaraz

Portuguese islands

• Portugal also has beautiful islands.
• There volcanic and famous for their scenery: Madeira, west of North Africa and the Azores, further west into the Atlantic Ocean.
• However they deserve their own trip. Check out my articles about Madeira

Time to dedicate to each region

Of course, you can focus on just one single region and visit it in depth. Even each cities deserves quite a long time to be discovered. Below are my estimations to give you a general idea of what to plan. These timeframes do not include spending long hours laying on beaches. I love road trips and seeing as much as possible The following times are sufficient to see the highlights and get an overview of each region

• Lisbon – 1 to 3 days
• Sintra-Cascais – 2 to 4 days
• Algarve – 4 to 10 days
• Center – 4 to 10 days
• Porto and the North – 3 to 6 days
• Alentejo – 2 to 4 days

Define your Portugal road trip itinerary and Book

Defining your portugal road trip itinerary.

In the next sections, I am sharing some fo the best road trips in Portugal with itinerary examples, especially different options if you only have 7 days. And you can combine them if you have longer. However, if you want to create your own by choosing the locations that inspire you the most, check out my travel guide eBooks:

Plan your dream trip to Portugal with my guides!

• 13 easy-to-plan maps
• 120+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• Useful planning tips
• 200+ large photos 

• 8 easy-to-plan maps
• 65+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• 110+ large photos 

Renting a car and Driving in Portugal

To rent your car:

• All major brands of car rental are available at the airports
• Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated sites!
• Choose the car and company you prefer (remember the villages narrow streets)
• Consider their full coverage option – I always take it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles
• See all my 36 tips in my Portugal car rental article.
• It is on the right side of the road
• Driving in Portugal is actually quite easy. There are many good quality motorways
• Road signs are clear
• Just be careful with the tolls in the South where you cannot pay cash
• Learn more (with video and photos) in my Driving in Portugal article

Accommodations in Portugal

There is a large offering of accommodations in Portugal: hotels, rentals, guesthouses, campsites… In Summer, you should book ahead as it fills up quickly especially in the Algarve. For Sintra, Lisbon and Porto you should book ahead all year round.

My recommended towns to stay in during your road trip:

• In Lisbon, to explore the vibrant city –  see best rated accommodations
• In Sintra, to visit as many palaces as possible –  see best rated accommodations
• In Porto, to feel the history –  see best rated accommodations
• In Obidos, to walk on the medieval walls at sunset –  see best rated accommodations
• In the Douro valley, if you love wine –  see best rated accommodations
• In the Algarve, my favorite town is Lagos –  see best rated accommodations
• In the Algarve, Portimao is practical to visit all the best beaches –  see best rated accommodations

Find more inspiration in my article about  where to stay in Portugal

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

LISBON TO PORTO Portugal road trip Itinerary 7 DAYS

Let’s start with a classic: Doing a Lisbon to Porto Road Trip won’t take you off the beaten track but you will see some of the best architecture the country has to offer.

DAY 1 – LISBON

Take the time to explore Lisbon. Maybe get to the Belem area to visit the Jeronimos monastery and/or the Belem Tower . Climb up to the Lisbon Castle and enjoy magnificent views of the city

Night in Lisbon – Choose from the best rated Lisbon accommodations

DAY 2 – LISBON + SINTRA

Lisbon to Sintra – 45min

Then make your way to Sintra and visit one of the palaces – there are plenty to choose from: the colorful Pena palace , the ruins of the Castle of the Moors , the Sintra National palace, Quinta da Regaleira and its intriguing park…

Night in Sintra – Choose from the best rated Sintra accommodations

DAY 3 – SINTRA

Visit another palace or 2 in Sintra and if you want to escape the city, head to the coast with the cliffs at Cabo da Roca or the Splendid Magoito Beach .

Drive Sintra to Obidos – 1h

Night in Obidos – Choose from the best rated Obidos accommodations

DAY 4 – OBIDOS + BATALHA

If you are up to it, wake up early an enjoy the atmosphere of Obidos at sunrise by walking on the wall. Admire the white houses as the sun starts hitting them.

Drive Obidos to Batalha – 1h

Enjoy one of the most beautiful buildings in Portugal and a Unesco classified heritage site. The Batalha Monastery is quite impressive. Don’t miss the unfinished chapels at the end!

Night in Batalha – Choose from the best rated Batalha accommodations

DAY 5 – COIMBRA + BUSSACO

Batalha to Coimbra – 1h

Leave Batalha and head North to the Main town in the Central Portugal: Coimbra which used to be the medieval capital of Portugal for more than a century.

Coimbra to Luso – 45min

Then leave the husstle and head out of the beaten path to find a location appreciated by the locals: the thermal region of Luso and its Bussaco Park. Enjoy the air, the trees, the fountains around the beautiful Bussaco palace.

Night in Luso – Choose from the best rated Luso accommodations

DAY 6 – AVEIRO + PORTO

Luso to Aveiro – 45min

Head North and stop at Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. Maybe you can take a boat trip in the traditional boat or head to the beach and its colorful houses.

Aveiro to Porto – 1h

Continue North and reach Porto. Explore the famous city of Northern Portugal. You can maybe visit the Cathedral and enjoy the views from the Bridge. Or you could visit one of the Port wine caves and enjoy a tasting

Night in Porto – Choose from the best rated Porto accommodations

DAY 7 – PORTO

Continue discovering Porto with its many churches and amazing viewpoints. Maybe you feel good enough to climb the Clerigos Tower…

Drive back Porto to Lisbon – 3h

Extra Suggestions to make it a Portugal Itinerary 10 Days

If you want to turn this into a 10-day itinerary:

• Add a day between 3 and 4 to explore the Coast with Cabo da Roca, Magoito Beach, the peninsula of Peniche. Maybe you can take a boat trip to the Berlangas Reserve islands
• Add 2 days in the famous Douro Valley from Porto

1 WEEK IN PORTUGAL self-drive itinerary – Limited Driving

If you don’t like driving too much, this is not a problem. There is much to do not far from Lisbon. With this itinerary, you will get a taste of it all: city, nature, beaches, monasteries, palaces, medieval villages…

DAY 1 & 2 – LISBON

Take the time to explore Lisbon. Maybe go to the Belem area to visit the Jeronimos monastery and/or the Belem Tower . Climb up to the Lisbon Castle and enjoy magnificent views of the city

Don’t miss the St Vincent monastery with its Azulejos tiles and the Carmo Convent , remnant of the 18th century earthquake.

You can also just walk around the Alfama district and listen to the typical Fado Music

Nights in Lisbon – Choose from the best rated Lisbon accommodations

DAY 3 & 4 – SINTRA CASCAIS NATURE PARK

Visit the many palaces of Sintra: Pena Palace , National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira and the ruins of the Castle of the Moors . Admire the architecture and explore the beautiful hilly parks.

You can also drive towards the coast to admire the cliffs at the Westernmost point of Cabo da Roca and drive along the west coast to discover some of the beautiful beaches of the Nature Park.

And Don’t forget to bring binoculars to make the most of those views!!!!  Check out my guide to find the best travel binoculars for your needs.

Nights in Sintra – Choose from the best rated Sintra accommodations

DAY 5 – PENICHE/ BELENGAS + OBIDOS

Sintra to Peniche – 1h15min

Drive to Peniche and explore the rocky peninsula. Maybe you can do a boat tour to the Berlengas islands, a beautiful nature reserve not far from the coast

Peniche to Obidos – 30min

Head to the medieval village of Obidos and explore its narrow streets, taste the local specialties and walk on the fortification walls all around

DAY 6 & 7 – MONASTERIES

• Obidos to Alcobaça – 1h
• Alcobaça to Batalha – 30min
• Batalha to Tomar – 45min

Complete the loop of the 3 monasteries: Alcobaça, Batalha and Tomar Convent of Christ . All of them are fascinating in their own way and provide a different experience. Most websites talk a lot about Batalha but I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the Convent. In Tomar spend some time in the city as well. A lot of history there! On the way you can also stop at the famous modern religious site of Fatima.

Drive back to Lisbon from Tomar – 1h40

Night in Batalha – Choose from the best rated Batalha accommodations  (or in Tomar )

• Add 1 day from Lisbon driving South to the Arrabida Natural Park to enjoy the beaches and scenic bays
• Drive East for 2 days to explore the city of Evora with its many historical buildings and ruins as well as the beautiful village of  Monsar a z . Perched on a hill, the white houses have a premium view of the region

Night in Evora –  Choose from the best rated Evora accommodations

7 days in PORTUGAL itinerary – THE SOUTH

Heard that the Algarve region is magical? Yes, it is. So, below is a suggested itinerary to head down to South Portugal and complete a West Algarve Road Trip in 7 days.

Don’t miss the St Vincent monastery with its Azulejos tiles and the Carmo Convent , remnant of the 18th century earthquake near the Santa Justa Lift .

DAY 3 – SOUTH WEST COAST PORTUGAL

Lisbon to Lagos – 3h

Drive South along the coast (do not take the Motorway). The Nature park is amazing with beautiful beaches such as Porto Covo, Odeceixe or Praia da Arrifana. This is simply stunning and different from what you will see in the South coast of the Algarve.

Night in Lagos – Choose from the best rated Lagos accommodations

DAY 4 – LAGOS BEACHES + SAGRES + ST VINCENT CAPE

Lagos to Sagres – 40min

Sagres to Portimao – 1h

Head to the Southwesternmost point of Portugal at Cape St Vincent and admire the cliffs at the nearby Sagres fort.

Some of the best beaches in the Algarve are located near Lagos: Dona Ana and Camilo Beach . It is also the home of Ponta da Piedade , a promontory with caves arches and beautiful rock formations. A great pace to watch sunset!

Night in Lagos again or Portimao –  Choose from the best rated Portimao accommodations

DAY 5 – PORTIMAO BEACHES + CAVE BOAT TOUR

Portimao to Albufeira – 35min

Portimao is a bigger city. But right there are some fantastic beaches such as Tres Castelos. Not far is also the double arch beach of Tres Irmaos and the adorable village of Ferrugado.

From Portimao you can take an amazing 2-hour boat trip to discover the coast and the sea caves from the water. Not to be missed! It normally includes the internationally renowned Benagil Sea Cave. Check program and price

Night in Lagos or Portimao again – or Albufeira – Choose from the best rated Albufeira accommodations

DAY 6 – ALBUFERIA BEACHES

Today you can discover what is known as one of the best beaches in the world: Praia da Marinha – vertiginous cliffs, arches and pinnacles. Better to visit at low tide. Other lesser known beaches around are also remarkable.

DAY 7 – INLAND ALGARVE + DRIVE BACK

Albufeira to Lisbon – 3h

Head inland to the Castle of Silves and the mountain town of Monchique or Bartholomeu before driving back to Lisbon

• Add 2 days to explore  East Algarve  – the landscape is quite different with long flat white sand beaches – Take a boat trip to Ria Formosa and spend the night in Tavira
• Come back via the off the beaten path village of Mertola in the Guadiana Nature Park and visit the city of Evora

7 days Portugal driving itinerary – PORTO & NORTH

Some people will prefer to historic feel and the vineyard landscapes of the North. So, here is an one-week itinerary for North Portugal:

DAY 1 & 2 – PORTO

Explore the famous city of Northern Portugal. You can maybe visit the Cathedral and its many churches or admire the city from the incredible viewpoints. Maybe you feel good enough to climb the Clerigos Tower…

Or you could visit one of the Port wine caves and enjoy a tasting.

DAY 3 – BRAGA + BOM JESUS + SANTA LUZIA

Visit the iconic Bom Jesus church near the town of Braga. It is famous for its grand staircase with perfect perspectives. Then you can head to the coast where the Sanctuary of Santa Luzia offers splendid views of Viana do Castelo and the sea.

Night in Viana do Castelo – Choose from the best rated Viana do Castelo accommodations

DAY 4 – NORTHERN VILLAGES + PENADA GERES

Drive along the Northern border with Spain to discover the fortified villages protecting the country – stop at Valença, Monçao, Melgaço…

Head South through to the Northern Penada Geres National Park with the Lindoso castle.

Night in Ponte da Barca – Choose from the best rated Ponte da Barca accommodations

DAY 5 – PENADA GERES + GUIMARAES

Explore the South part of the Penada Geres National Park with the river branches at Adpropeixe – Do not miss the Miradouro Pedra Bela

Night in Guimaraes – Choose from the best rated Guimaraes accommodations

DAY 6 & 7 – DOURO VALLEY

Explore the vineyards of the Douro Valley. Amazing views all along especially where the river is bending a lot. Spend the night at one of the vineyards and enjoy the local port wine.

Night in in the Douro Valley – Choose from the best rated Douro Valley accommodations

• Add 2 days to explore the mountains of Serra De Estrela around the town of Manteigas. The Zezere Valley is particularly beautiful. Maybe you can hike or refresh at the river beach
• Come back via the town of Aveiro – take a boat trip to discover the town and head to the beach to see its colorful typical houses

Need to rent a car in Portugal ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the narrow streets in villages
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Portugal Itinerary 7 DAYS – EAST PORTUGAL

Want to go off the beaten path. Everywhere in Portugal is popular, but the East is less visited than the rest but is has some real gems. Below is a suggested itinerary:

DAY 1 – TOMAR

Lisbon Tomar – 1h40

Drive North and stop at Tomar to learn about the knight templars. Visit the town and get uphill to explore the Convent of the Christ . This is quite a big place so take your time!

Night in Tomar – Choose from the best rated Tomar accommodations

DAY 2 & 3 – SERRA DE ESTRELA

Tomar to Manteigas – 2h30

Head North East to Serra de Estrela. This mountainous park has the highest points in mainland Portugal. Manteigas is the main town but there is much to see such as the Linhares Castle, the Zezere Valley and the strange formations at Senhora da Boa Estrela.

This is also a hiking paradise if you are up to it.

Night in Serra de Estrela – Choose from the best rated Serra de Estrela accommodations

DAY 4 – MONSANTO

Manteigas to Monsanto – 1h45

Head South to visit Castelo Branco and its beautiful gardens, before heading to the unique village of Monsanto .

It has been named the most Portuguese of the Portugal villages, and yet it does not look like any other village in the country. No white houses here. The hill is covered with huge boulders and the houses have been built around them, above and even under them. Plan enough time to really explore and admire the architecture as well as climb to what remains of the castle.

Night in Monsanto – Choose from the best rated Monsanto accommodations

DAY 5 – MARVAO + SOUTH MAMEDE

Monsanto to Marvao – 2h

Next stop: the nature park of South Mamede. It is home to beautiful hills and the Famous Mar v ao Village. Perched on a hill, its fortification walls offer magnificent views over the whole region. Some days you can see very far away!

Night in Marvao – Choose from the best rated Marvao accommodations

DAY 6 – MONSARAZ + AREA

Marvao to Monsaraz – 2h

A little bit more South you can visit the palace at Vica Vicosa.

And then you can head to another inspiring village near the Spanish Border: Monsaraz .

This one is also perched on top of a hill with fortification, a castle and white houses. Yet the atmosphere is completely different from the others. Plus, the views of the Barrage lake are mesmerizing.

Night in Monsaraz or Evora – Choose from the best rated Monsaraz accommodations  and Evora accommodations

DAY 7 – EVORA

Monsaraz to Evora – 1h

Come back to Lisbon via the city of Evora – discover its many sites and maybe visit the Chapel of Bones.If you like ancient history and don’t mind driving on a dirt track for a few kilometers, nearby are the Menhir and the Megalithes of Almendres

Evora to Lisbon – 1h45

Portugal Itinerary 2 WEEKS or More

There are so many possibilities it is hard to give you a 2 weeks in Portugal itinerary. You can play with combination of the 7 and 10 days itinerary above.

To really get a good view of all regions (except the islands) you have to plan 3 weeks.

If you have less than that, you should make choices.

My eBook can help you organize a tour that really fits what you like. With the preselected scenic attractions in each region and the maps localizing them, you can choose where to stop and build your own perfect road trip itinerary.

Plan your dream trip in Portugal thanks to my guide

• 13 maps to easily plan your itinerary
• GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
• Tips to make the most of your time
• 200+ original photos to help you choose

Portugal Itinerary 5 DAYS – NO CAR

If you have only 5 days in Portugal and have never been to Lisbon, then I recommend not renting a car because:

• You can visit a lot in Lisbon and discover some of the best locations around thanks to small group tours
• This will allow you to alternate quiet local days with days on the road
• You will avoid the hustle of packing / unpacking
• You can enjoy the vibrant Nightlife in Lisbon

Here is my recommended Lisbon-based itinerary:

DAY 1 – SINTRA

Organized excursions can take you to Sintra where you can discover one of the palaces before heading to the coast and discover Cabo da Roca, Cascais and some stunning beaches – Check Program and price

Or you can Take the train to Sintra and explore it by yourself with the hop on hop off bus

DAY 2 – OBIDOS + BATALHA

A great day awaits you visiting the medieval village of Obidos (and maybe drinking the iconic cherry liqueur) before heading to the magnificent Unesco-classified Monastery of Batalha. The excursion will also take you to the coast. Quite a full day where you will see many faces of Portugal! – Check photos, program and price

DAY 3 – LISBON

Explore Lisbon at your own rate. Consider buying a Lisbon card with access to many attractions + transportation

DAY 4 – NATURE TRIP

Enjoy some time in nature and select one of the following tours:

• Berlangas Archipelago – a nature reserve you can reach from the Peniche peninsula – Check photos, program and prices
• Arrabida Nature Reserve and Dolphin watching tour – amazing landscapes, beaches and wildlife on this tour – Check photos, program and price

DAY 5 – LISBON

Continue exploring Lisbon. So much to see and experience!

Staying in Lisbon

OTHER TIPS – money, packing, emergency…

• Language – Portuguese but English is widely spoken in touristic areas
• Money – Euros only
• Tips – not mandatory (often 10% at restaurant and taxi)
• Credit card widely accepted – some off the beaten track small accommodations might request cash
• Electricity – 220V, Types C/F (Plug with 2 round Pins)
• Meals are really big portions!
• Emergency – 112

Packing List

Nothing very specific to Portugal to pack. Head to my Travel Checklists article to get ready for your trip.

Answers to your FAQs

Is is easy to drive around portugal.

Yes, it is easy. Roads are in very good conditions in general. Road signs are clear and there is no tricky driving tips. Learn more in my article about driving in Portugal

Compare car rental prices on my favorite platform:  Discovercars.com – one of the best rated sites!

How many days do I need for Portugal?

It depends on what you want to see:

• To see the highlights between Lisbon and Porto and the cities – 7 to 10 days are enough
• To drive around the country and see the highlights of each region : 2 to 3 weeks 
• To explore the entire country with more in depth of each region : 4 to 5 weeks

Is 10 days in Portugal enough?

Again it depends on what you want to see. With 10 days, you can already see:

• Lisbon, Sintra,  Porto and some villages and monasteries in between
• Or – Lisbon and the Algarve

However, you can enjoy all the regions with only 10 days.

Which is nicer: Porto or Lisbon?

Both cities are very different.

• If you prefer character and gastronomy, head to Porto.
• But if you prefer architecture and museums, head to Lisbon
• If you have just a weekend, choose Porto
• But if you want to spend a whole week in a region, prefer Lisbon.

Learn more in my article Porto vs Lisbon.

What can you see in Portugal in 6 or 7 days

• If you land in Lisbon , with 6 or 7 days, you can enjoy the city of Lisbon, head to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park with palaces and beaches, and head inland for traditional villages and monasteries – learn more
• If you land in Porto , with 6 or 7 days, you can enjoy the city of Porto, the historical towns of Guimaraes and Braga, the Venice of Portugal and the wineries of the Douro Valley – learn more
• If you land in Faro , with 6 or 7 days, you can example the Algarve with the magnificent beaches and cliffs, the boat tours to enter sea caves and the charming inland villages – learn more

Want to see more of the best Portugal has to offer?

• 30 Most beautiful landscapes in Portugal – read article
• Best things to do in Portugal – read article
• 5 most charming villages in Portugal – read article
• The best beaches in Portugal  – read article
• Lisbon vs Porto – where to go? – read article

21 Best towns and cities in Portugal

And keep track of your own trip!

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February 25, 2019 at 10:25 AM

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How to Plan an Amazing Trip to Portugal

November 1, 2023

When I sat down to plan a fairly last-minute trip to Portugal this summer, I didn't realize it had become such a popular destination. With its incredible architecture and tiled buildings, gorgeous beaches, and stunning wine country, it's easy to see why people are drawn to the country. In this article, I'll share some tips that I picked up while planning a trip to Portugal as well as what we learned once we got there. Hopefully, they will help you as you plan your next trip.

This post contains affiliate links which means I receive a small commission if you purchase something using the links. This won’t cost you anything extra but helps keep this blog going. Thank you for your support!

Pro Tip: If it's been a while since you've taken an international trip, be sure to check the expiration date on your passport , plus country entry requirements. Some countries require up to 6 months validity on your passport from the date of departure. ( Portugal requires 3 months validity .) If your passport expires before then, you may not be permitted to enter the country.

First Steps to Planning a Trip to Portugal

Portugal has been on my list of places to visit for years. After a tough summer with an unexpected tragedy, I decided it was time to get away to a place I've been dreaming of going. Given its popularity, planning a trip to Portugal several months (to a year) in advance is probably best. However, we managed to plan a great trip in about a month and a half. 

When to Visit Portugal

Despite last-minute planning, late September / early October was the perfect time of year to visit Portugal. Every day was sunny and daytime temperatures in most places were warm to hot. Evenings were cool and pleasant. The air was fresh and it didn't seem very humid to me.

Planning Your Portugal Itinerary

Deciding where to go in Portugal was surprisingly difficult. For it being a relatively small country, Portugal still has too many beautiful places to visit them all in one trip.

First step of trip planning for me is some initial research using the Portugal Lonely Planet book, various blogs, and watching vlogs on YouTube. A shout-out to some sites that I found particular helpful when planning:

• Portugal: 10 Must Visit Places vlog by  Dave in Portugal
• Restaurant and food guides in Lisbon and Porto by  2foodtrippers
• Exploring Douro Valley article by  Cocktails and Carry-Ons®

How Long to Visit Portugal

Our trip to Portugal was 14-days in duration. Two weeks is a good amount of time in Portugal. It not only allowed us to visit Lisbon and Porto, but also a few smaller towns as well. 

Óbidos - medieval walled city

If you have one week for your trip, I'd recommend focusing on Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley. If you had 3 weeks, you could easily follow our itinerary, then head down south to the Algarve to enjoy the beautiful beaches and cliffs as well.

Pacing the Itinerary

The trick for me to planning a fantastic trip is to allow time to wander and relax in each town while also exploring as many new places as possible. In general, we prefer to spend 2-3 nights in each place which allows for 1-2 full days in each location. 

Below is our 2-week itinerary in Portugal. This itinerary felt well-paced to me, although we could have spent more time in certain towns. Some of our road trip stops did cut into our time in the cities in which we stayed.

Our 2-Week Portugal Itinerary

• Lisbon   - 2 d / 3 nt
• Sintra - day trip from Lisbon
• Porto   - 2.5 d / 3 nt
• Douro Valley   - 3 d / 3 nt
• Coimbra   - 1.5 d / 2 nt
• Óbidos  - 1 d / 1 nt 
• Lisbon - 2.5 d / 2 nt

Road trip stops along the drive from Porto to Lisbon: Aveiro, Nazaré, Peniche, Ericeira. 

Rossio Square in Lisbon

How Far Ahead Should I Book?

Since we had not initially planned to visit Portugal this year, we ended up planning our trip very last-minute. We began planning in early August and left on September 22nd for our trip. Despite our late planning, we found amazing places to stay and had an incredible trip.

With that said, if you know you're going to take a trip to Portugal, I recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially if you're traveling during peak season . We weren't traveling in peak season but I found that hard to believe with how crowded it was.

Accommodations: 4-6 months 

If you know you're going to be traveling several months ahead, I'd recommend booking accommodations quite early. The earlier you book, the wider range of available (and affordable) accommodations you'll find. 

If you're visiting the Douro Valley and would like to stay at any of the wine hotels, I'd recommend booking even earlier, perhaps even a year in advance. Accommodations at the wineries are usually quite small and are booked up quickly.

Rental Car: 1-2 months

As with accommodations, the earlier you can reserve your rental car, the more options you'll have available. If you're going to rent a car in Portugal, keep in mind that you'll also want to make sure your hotel has parking or find a garage nearby.

Pro Tip: If you do not have an EU or American driver's license, you are required by law to have an International Driver's Permit (IDP) in addition to your driver's license to drive in Portugal. Since we have Hong Kong driver's licenses, I headed back to awful queue at the Licensing Office to get an IDP .

Train Tickets: 1-2 months

On this trip, we only took one train - the high speed (Alfa Pendular) from Lisbon to Porto. Booking more than 8 days in advance, you can save up to 65% on certain tickets . The train was a great option - comfortable, fast, and mostly on time. 

Winery Tours & Tastings in Douro Valley: 1-2 months

If you're planning to visit the Douro Valley, you'll need to book tours and tastings at most wineries in advance. Some will allow walk-ins for tastings, though you may not have the same options as if you'd booked ahead. 

View from Quinta do Pôpa in Douro Valley 

When I booked about 1 month in advance, most of the wineries we wanted to visit still had openings, though some time slots were already full. 

Pro Tip: Although many wineries have the option for online booking, I found it better to email them. When booking a tour via email, we didn't have to pay in advance and had greater flexibility to choose our tastings when we arrived versus deciding in advance. 

Restaurant Reservations: 2 weeks to several months

After learning from our Italy trip last year, we made some reservations for restaurants in Portugal. It turned out to be a good move as Lisbon and Porto, in particular, were crowded and it was difficult to get in at peak time without a reservation. The alternative is to eat at off-peak hours.

That being said, even trying to make reservations 2-3 weeks in advance, some of the more popular places (i.e., Tapisco in Lisbon, Taberna dos Mercadores in Porto) were already booked for months. So, if you plan to visit any of the trendy restaurants, start booking months in advance!

Tourist Attractions (Palaces, Monasteries): 2 weeks or less

For many attractions, such as palaces, museums, and cathedrals, you can buy your tickets online ahead of time. Normally, I don't like buying tickets to attractions in advance because it puts me on a schedule and I like having flexibility in my day.

For certain attractions, we'd heard buying in advance was highly recommended. Some we did and were grateful. Others we did not and missed out. As a general rule, if you have any sights that you know you don't want to miss, you should buy tickets in advance.

Next Steps - Booking the Trip

Once you have a basic plan in place for your trip, it's time to start booking! Normally, I tend to plan and book simultaneously since I'm always planning last-minute. 

Booking Flights

Since we were coming from Asia, we found that a roundtrip to/from Lisbon worked best for us. We flew Emirates from Hong Kong through Dubai to Lisbon and had a smooth journey there and back.

If you're coming from elsewhere in Europe, you might choose to fly into Lisbon and out of Porto.

Tip for booking flights:  I start by searching on Skyscanner.com to see what flights are out there and which combination of airports and dates look the most affordable and work best with our timing.

Finding & Booking Places to Stay in Portugal

When you're booking a trip at the last-minute, finding the perfect places to stay is tough. But for our trip to Portugal, I found an amazing variety of accommodations with charm, warm hospitality, and great views.

Method for Finding Accommodations in Portugal

For this trip to Portugal, I searched several sites, including Expedia and Booking.com . As I began booking our accommodations, I was shocked by how expensive hotels were. Not sure if this would change if we'd booked earlier.

House in Óbidos with a view of the walled city

For Lisbon and Porto, our budget was 200-300 USD per night. For the smaller towns, I tried to stay under 200 USD per night, with one obvious splurge. 

Accommodations Booked in Portugal

Ultimately, I booked a variety of boutique guest houses, a bed & breakfast, and apartments which we thoroughly enjoyed. Each place was comfortable, clean, with nice view and in central locations, walking distance to most attractions.

Our balcony in Porto with a view of the Clérigos Tower

Here is a list of the places we stayed in Portugal, the site where I booked it, as well as what each place cost. 

• Lisbon: Casa do Patio by Shiadu   (Booking - 697 USD for 3 nights; 471 USD for 2 nights) 
• Porto: Casa dos Lóios by Shiadu   (Expedia - 802 USD for 3 nights) 
• Pinhão: The Vintage House (Booking - 482 USD for 1 night) 
• Covelinhas: Quinta da Travessa (Booking - 256 USD for 2 nights)
•   Coimbra: Casas da Alegria   (Booking - 279 USD for 2 nights) 
•   Óbidos: Mood Lodging - Óbidos (Booking - 150 USD for 1 night) 

Booking Transportation in Portugal

When deciding what mode of transportation is right for your trip to Portugal, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself. 

• Are you traveling between cities or into the countryside?
• Do you want the flexibility to stop in places without worrying about a train schedule?
• How much luggage do you have?
• Are you confident driving on narrow streets or in tiny parking garages?
•  How comfortable are you driving in a country whose language you might not be familiar with?

Ultimately, we decided to do a mix of train and driving for our Portugal trip. We knew we did not want to have a car while in Lisbon and Porto. Not only is it not necessary for getting around the cities, but trying to find parking would be inconvenient and expensive.

As a result, we explored Lisbon and Porto first. Then, rented a car for a week and returned it when we got back to Lisbon.

Riding Trains in Portugal

Traveling by train in Portugal is quite easy and very convenient. We took the commuter train to Sintra on a day trip from Lisbon and a high-speed train from Lisbon to Porto. The high-speed trains are comfortable and make a great way to travel.

Booking Train Tickets Online

For the long-distance trips, I recommend booking your ticket ahead of time online. I booked our Lisbon to Porto trip on the Alfa Pendular high speed train on the  Comboios de Portugal site. Be sure to have your passport ready when booking as you'll have to enter your passport number. 

Once booked, you'll receive an email with a PDF of the tickets which you can print or pull up easily on your phone for the ticket collector. Though I recommend taking a screenshot of the QR code beforehand in case you lose service during the train ride.

Commuter Train Tickets

Unfortunately, you cannot book your commuter train tickets online. If you buy a Lisbon card , however, train transportation from Lisbon to Sintra is included. The 24-hr Viva Viagem (Carris/Metro/CP option) also includes the train to Sintra, which is a CP suburban train.

Train in Sintra - above it you can see the Moorish Castle on the mountain

If you do not get any of these cards, then you'll have to purchase your ticket in the station. Arrive early if you're going to Sintra because there will be LONG QUEUES at Rossio Station.

Pro Tip: Line up in the queue for the ticket counter instead of the ticket machines to purchase your rail tickets, especially if you're buying for more than one person. At the ticket machines, you can only purchase one ticket at a time. Plus, you must use a different credit card for each ticket purchased. As you can imagine, buying tickets like this is time-consuming and those lines move more slowly.

Renting a Car in Portugal

In order to explore the Portuguese countryside and some of the smaller towns, we decided to rent a car. Rental cars were fairly affordable when we visited and driving in Portugal was easy. 

Pro Tip: Most highways in Portugal are toll roads. The rental car should have a toll transponder in the car. After your trip, expect an additional bill from the rental car company with the toll fees.  Our total in tolls for a week came to ~27 USD. They were charged to the credit card we left on file with the company and we received an email with the receipt.

To start searching for rental cars, I used Rental Cars and Expedia to compare prices. 

Recommendation for Rental Car Pick-up and Drop-off in Portugal

We booked a Hertz rental car on Expedia with a pick-up in downtown Porto and drop-off in downtown Lisbon. However, we had awful experiences picking up our car (almost 2-hr wait) and trying to drop it off (office closed even though it was supposed to be open). Therefore, I recommend choosing the airports for pick-up and drop-off .

The airports would have more cars on-site, more staff working, plus longer opening hours, so hopefully your experience will be better than ours was. We ended up dropping our car off at the Lisbon airport since the downtown office was closed and it was a smooth process.

Pro Tip: If you are trying to decide if you want to rent a car, remember that you'll also have to consider parking. Check if your hotels offer parking. If not, can they recommend a nearby garage and how much additional will that cost. Also, streets in some cities may be drivable by local permit only, so you'll want to be sure to avoid those in order to not get a ticket.

Ordering Tickets for Tourist Attractions

In order to be sure to see certain attractions that are important to you, be sure to book those tickets in advance. Some sights that you should consider booking in advance are: 

• Palaces in Sintra, including Pena Palace , Quinta da Regaleira , Moorish Castle . Or consider booking a Sintra tour .
• Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon - You can also buy entry tickets on GetYourGuide or entry is included with the Lisbon Card.
• Livraria Lello in Porto (known as the "Harry Potter Library"). We booked the Ticket Voucher Gold (€15.90) which allowed us to skip the line for our timeslot and walk right in.

National Palace of Pena in Sintra

Other Things to Consider Before Your Trip to Portugal

Now that you have your trip booked and you're getting closer to when you need to leave, here are some things you should consider to prepare for your trip. And for a more complete list, check out my   Ultimate Guide to Preparing for International Travel .

Visa and Entry Requirements

Before any trip, it's important to check what the visa and entry requirements are for your nationality for the country or countries to which you're traveling.

As a U.S. citizen, no visa is required to enter Portugal for tourism for stays under 90 days. 

Learn Key Phrases in Portuguese

Although English is widely spoken throughout Portugal (more than I was expecting!), it's nice to learn a few phrases and pronunciation before traveling to Portugal. If you've learned any French, Spanish, or Italian, reading Portuguese should come fairly easily. However, Portuguese pronunciation is entirely different from other romance languages. 

As a result, I'm glad that I used the app Duolingo to get comfortable with Portuguese pronunciation and learn some basic phrases. It made it a lot easier to understand some of the things people asked me while in Portugal. Even after realizing that Duolingo teaches Brazilian Portuguese instead. Whoops! 

Download the Uber / Bolt App

Taxis and rideshares are very cheap in Portugal. Since it's easier to call a taxi using a rideshare app, make sure you have one of the ones used in Portugal, Uber or Bolt , downloaded before you go. 

Packing Tips for Portugal in Autumn

Depending on the time of year that you visit Portugal, the things you'll need to pack will change. In early autumn, we found Portugal to be quite warm and sunny during the day, but with cool evenings, nights, and mornings.

This weather made it hard to know how to dress some days, but also meant layers were a good idea. Often, I'd wear jeans to breakfast, change into a dress for the day, then be back in jeans at night. Or, stay in a dress but would throw a sweater or jacket over it.

My Favorite Outfit for a Trip to Portugal

After spending two weeks in Portugal, I thought I'd share my thoughts on the best outfit to bring to Portugal in autumn. Without a doubt, the outfit I preferred to wear during the day in Portugal was a light, summery dress ( this one was my favorite for walking around during the day) with Allbirds white sneakers. 

To make it more comfortable to walk around in dresses, I usually wear a pair of  Lululemon shorts underneath. This also turned out to be a good idea in Portugal given the strong ocean breezes that tended to lift my dresses! 

Other Items to Bring to Portugal

Other than clothes, I'd recommend a few other things you should consider bringing for an extended trip to Portugal. 

• Laundry detergent + clothes line: Even if you don't have a washing machine, you can handwash clothes in your hotel sink to avoid overpacking.
• Adapter: A handy thing to have for any international trip. 
• Portable charger: Especially important if you're using your phone as your camera.
• Blister care: You'll be doing a lot of walking in Portugal so having band-aids and blister care ready. (Although, my Allbirds were so comfy that I never got blisters on this trip, unlike last year in Italy with the Keds.) 

Even if you forget something, you can find most everything you need in Portugal. In fact, you should be sure to leave room in your suitcase in case you do a bit of shopping while you're there.

Final Thoughts

Planning a trip to Portugal can be overwhelming with all the preparation and reservations needed, but it's also exciting to watch the trip come together. Even though I stressed a lot during the planning, I was very happy that I'd done it once we arrived.

However, even the parts of the trip that I didn't plan out in detail were amazing. So, whether you're an over-preparer or under-preparer, you'll be sure to have a fantastic trip to Portugal! 

Other Articles You May Enjoy

Next article in the Portugal series: 4 Days in Lisbon, Portugal – A Complete Itinerary

Or, if you're thinking about planning a big trip, here are some other articles you may find useful:

• How to Plan an Awesome Trip to Italy
• 2-Week Adventure Itinerary in Northern Thailand & Laos
• 28 Memorable Activities in Asia for Your Bucket List
• Ultimate Guide to Preparing for International Travel

Happy traveling!

Like this article? Pin it!

Sounds like we both had a great trip there. Great post! BTW we used Centauro car rental in Spain and Portugal this trip and our previous trips to Spain. Great service, newer cars, and competitive prices.

So glad you also had a great time in Portugal! Thanks for the tip about the rental cars. I’ll definitely look into Centauro if we take another trip there. Our car was nice, but the overall customer service at Hertz was pretty awful.

This was super helpful Becky! Portugal has been on my travel list for years & learned a lot from this post. Definitely need to stay longer than originally thought. Loved your dresses!

I’m so glad you found it helpful, Cindi! Portugal has been on my list for years too and I’m so glad I finally got to visit. I’m already ready to go back! 🙂

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How To Plan a Trip to Portugal

Daniel James Clarke

March 11, 2024

13 min read

At first glance, Portugal seems like a quick-to-explore slither on Europe’s western edge. But look a little closer, and you’ll soon see this compact country packs in a continent’s worth of experiences—and that’s before you even get to the dozen-odd islands across the Azores and Madeira archipelagos. From the southern Algarve’s glorious butterscotch sands to the north’s traditions and timeless mountain towns, deciding which of Portugal’s diverse destinations to visit is your first challenge. 

Seeking surf? Stick to the west coast, where the world’s largest waves crash against craggy sea cliffs. Craving a cultured city break? Hobbly Lisbon’s rickety trams, renovated palaces, and intercultural cuisine await. Eager for an escape? Central Portugal’s schist villages are the perfect stargazing bolthole. Or why not cross the country top to toe on the 459-mile-long N2 road? 

Planning a trip to Portugal usually means quickly accepting that you'll need a second visit—but here’s what to know to plan the perfect first vacation.

When to visit Portugal 

Portugal’s reputation for sun, sea, surf, and sand might seem summer-suited. Yet, with winter skiing (yes, really) and February’s carnival celebrations, wildflower-flanked trails in spring, and autumn’s grape-stomping harvests, there truly isn’t a bad time to visit Portugal.

Spring (March–June) and autumn (September–November) are arguably the best seasons for a countrywide trip and climate. During the summer high season (June–September), festivals and lifeguarded beaches can compensate for higher prices, while winter (December–March) is best for low-season hotel and flight deals, superlative surf, and a more local atmosphere. 

Bear in mind, there are some seasonal and regional variations to keep in mind.

Lisbon is having a moment, and Portugal’s capital is now a popular city break any weekend of the year. In summer, when Spanish cities are scorching, the Atlantic breeze keeps Lisbon appealing, while the winter sun makes it a reliable end-of-year getaway. One of Lisbon’s busiest and best times to visit is during Festa de Santo Antônio in mid-June, when the historic streets overflow with humorous singing, salty sardines, and kaleidoscopic decorations.

Porto and the North

Northern Portugal gets more drizzle in the winter, so come in spring when the Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês is most lush and Braga’s Easter celebrations are in full swing. Or plan an autumn trip around the wine harvest when the Douro Valley is a delight.

The Algarve and Alentejo

The Algarve is (mostly) about beaches, and with the country’s sunniest climates, it’s a reliable pick for much of the year. However, in the low season, many businesses shutter, making April through October best. Know that this is the Atlantic, not the Mediterranean, so swimming is chillier here than in Spain or Italy no matter the season. Alentejo’s hinterlands can be unbearably hot in summer, so spring and fall are best for vineyard-hopping road trips. 

Madeira and the Azores

Closer to Africa than the Algarve, Madeira is Portugal’s most year-round destination, seemingly in a constant state of spring. On the other hand, the  Azores , adrift in the Atlantic about 900 miles west of the mainland, can have wild winters, with reduced ferries and a higher chance of rain and gales.

How to get to Portugal 

Lisbon is Portugal’s main gateway, but direct, intercontinental flights have expanded access to regional airports. 

Lisbon (LIS) has direct routes to and from many US cities, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. The  average cost of flights to LIS found by Going is $504, with the cheapest deal we’ve sent being $247 from Florida (FLL). 

Porto (OPO) has nonstop flights to and from New York and Boston. In May 2024, United will launch the first direct flight from the US to the Algarve, linking New York (EWR) with Faro (FAO). Air Azores provides direct flights to São Miguel (PDL), Terceira (TER), and Madeira (FNC) from certain US airports, which vary by season. Most other flights operated by  TAP Air Portugal include a transfer in Lisbon, which can be handy when using their  stopover program .

Before you go

3–11 months out

Monitor airline deals, and book flights during the  Goldilocks Window . If you’re traveling to the Azores, book accommodation and car rental as soon as possible, as demand often outstrips supply.

3–7 months out

Check passport validity for Portugal/Schengen Zone, and schedule any vaccine boosters. The  CDC recommends all routine vaccines (such as influenza, chickenpox, and polio) are up to date. If necessary, ensure you have travel insurance to cover possible cancellations.

2–6 months out

Book hotels around six months ahead if you’re visiting in peak summer, on a popular weekend, or have your eye on a particular hideaway. New accommodations are always opening in Portugal, so even last-minute trips will afford a fairly decent stay. If you’re planning to visit remote villages, options can be scarce, so book now. Finalize car hire, make MICHELIN restaurant reservations, and book any Azores inter-island ferries—schedules are usually published four to six months in advance.

1–2 months out

Book intercity train tickets (usually released 60 days ahead) to secure seats and discounts—they can always be canceled.

2–4 weeks out

Book intercity buses (released six weeks ahead), airport transfers, and significant activities, such as fado concerts, Sintra’s palaces, guided tours, and Douro River cruises. Contact any rural vineyards you plan to visit, as smaller producers usually need advance notice.

3–5 days out

Purchase an eSim if needed—alternatively, Vodafone stores are in major airports—and consider if a  Lisbon or  Porto sightseeing card is worth purchasing on arrival.

How long to spend in Portugal 

On a flying, three-day visit, focus on either Lisbon or Porto, with a  day trip . In Lisbon, you can spend two days exploring the city and another palace-hopping in Sintra or on the coast in Costa da Caparica or Arrábida. In Porto, spend your third day visiting the Douro Valley’s wineries. With five days, you could combine both major cities into a whirlwind trip. Take a week, and you could string together Lisbon, Sintra, Nazaré's surf scene, Aveiro’s dune-backed beaches, and Porto for a fast-paced Portugal overview.

On an 8–10 day vacation, consider starting with the Algarve’s dramatic rock formations in Lagos or Benagil before heading north, or plan 11–14 days to allow for some hinterland exploration around Alentejo’s vineyards or Central Portugal’s  12 Historical Villages . If you can spare more than two weeks, explore Portugal’s offbeat corners, such as the Minho or the Serra da Estrela mountain range.

If you wish to include Madeira’s epic trails or the Azores volcanic wonders in your itinerary, know that these two archipelagos could easily be their own vacations. Spending a few days on Madeira or São Miguel, the Azores main island, as part of your Portugal trip, will allow the chance to experience the highlights of either. Just keep in mind that there’s plenty on the mainland to fill a full vacation. Also, weather-related flight delays aren’t uncommon—so plan a spare day either side of any intercontinental flights departing Lisbon. 

Deciding which cities and regions to visit in Portugal

Portugal’s geography is diverse. In the south, beach days are plentiful. In the center, medieval villages, vineyards, and mountains await. And up north, national parks and hardworking cities are threaded by festivals and traditional crafts. Then, there are the two archipelagos, which are ideal for active, volcanic adventures. 

Approach Portugal as seven major tourism regions: Lisbon and its surroundings, Alentejo, Algarve, Centro, Porto and the North, Madeira, and the Azores. (Note: There are historical regions often still discussed today that fall into these more modern designations.)

Portugal’s personality-packed capital spills over seven hills overlooking the Tagus River. Vintage yellow trams trundle past museums, pretty miradouros (viewpoints), tascas (taverns) serving traditional cuisine, and along the river to UNESCO-listed monasteries and famous custard tart shops. It’s a city that offers something for everyone, and as the country’s main gateway, Lisbon deserves no less than two days on your itinerary so you can tour the historic Alfama district, party in Bairro Alto, and visit Belém’s historic sights.

Sintra, Cascais, and Setúbal 

The Lisbon Metropolitan Area—which includes the Estremadura and Ribatejo regions—boasts plenty, all easily accessed from Lisbon in less than an hour. Slip away to Sintra for stately homes and palatial complexes, head to Cascais for a well-healed seaside escape, or set your sights south on Setúbal and Sesimbra, where the Parque Natural da Arrábida has some of Portugal’s most spectacular, overgrowth-shrouded bays and beaches.

Évora and the Alentejo

If you’re traveling from Lisbon to the Algarve, you’ll pass through the Alentejo region—but try not to pass too quickly. Évora, the regional capital, has a Roman temple, a Chapel of Bones, and first-class wineries; luckily, it can be visited on a long day trip from Lisbon. Stay a little longer to ease into the slumber, and discover stuck-in-time villages, such as hilltop Monsaraz or museum-like Mértola.

The Algarve

In the sun-kissed south, every day is a beach day. From windswept western bays and craggy rock formations best seen by kayak to sandbar islands in the Ria Formosa, swimming suits and sunscreen are essential. However, there’s also an evolving wine scene here, as well as ancient Roman and Islamic ruins and a couple of idyllic mountain villages—Monchique even has thermal springs.

The Silver Coast 

Between Lisbon and Porto, the Costa da Prata (Silver Coast) is best known for its world-beating waves, especially around easy-going Ericeira and crowd-calling Nazaré. You could easily spend a few days making your way up this coast. Popular stops include the protected Berlengas Islands and Aveiro, with its Venice-compared canals. Take a detour inland to visit Óbidos, Portugal’s prettiest medieval village, or a clutch of UNESCO-listed monasteries and sights around Alcobaça, Batalha, and Tomar.

Coimbra and the Beiras

Coimbra is Portugal’s university city. From robed student serenades to a decadent library, everything here seems to revolve around academia. However, it’s also the capital of the expansive and unsung three Berias region (now often called Centro Portugal), crammed with offbeat hiking adventures, tiny granite villages, and lesser-visited vineyards.

Portugal’s second city wows with glorious architecture—the gilded, Islamic-inspired interior of the Palácio da Bolsa is spectacular—an excellent dining scene, the Port lodges of Gaia, and plenty of azulejos (Portugal's signature tiled façades). But the North, which includes the Minho and Trás-os-Montes regions, merits a longer stay. Trains and day cruises will take you to the terraced Douro Valley vineyards; the Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês is a hikers' haven; and historic medieval cities, such as Guimarães, Bragança, and Braga, are layered with stories. 

Portugal’s two archipelagos are the Azores, with its nine volcanic islands, and Madeira, where the two main isles are its namesake adventure playground and the golden-sand speck of Porto Santo. If you want cinematic adventures, you can’t go wrong with either group. Madeira excels for its waterfalls, levada trails—which track an ancient irrigation system—and above-the-cloud hikes, while the Azores bubbles with geothermal activity, whale-watching, and hydrangea-lined trails. Either archipelago could be a stand-alone vacation. This is especially true of the Azores, where island-hopping can be hindered by flight and ferry delays—you’d want to allow at least three weeks for a fairly fast-paced trip around all nine isles.

How to get around in Portugal 

No car is required in Lisbon or Porto. Metros, trams, commuter ferries, city buses, metered taxis, and rideshare apps (such as Uber and Bolt) will get you there when walking won’t. Purchase a travel card to save money. Day trips to Sintra, the Douro Valley, and Cascais by train are painless, and rail is the best overall option for traveling between cities. Just check for planned strikes a few days ahead. Rede Expressos’ excellent and affordable bus network connects most towns, with regional bus services (Vamus in the Algarve and Transdev in the center and north) filling in local gaps.

Know that buses, especially in rural areas, are scheduled around school and commuting. As such, if you’re planning to tour hinterland vineyards, offbeat spots, secluded shorelines, or visit the Azores, a car is essential—though, it’s recommended to collect it when leaving hard-to-park historic city centers. Some transport options, such as Lisbon’s rickety yellow trams and funiculars, Madeira’s human-powered toboggans, and the  Spain-Portugal zip wire , are more about memories than movement.

Domestic flights connect Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, though only the Faro–Porto route really rivals rail.  Seven Air serves small airports in more remote areas. Domestic flights are a must to reach the Azores and Madeira. Ferries operate between some Azores isles and link Madeira to Porto Santo but no longer connect with the mainland.

Dos and Don’ts in Portugal

Do watch a fado performance, Portugal's hauntingly beautiful music, but don’t talk over the singers—performers are respected, not background music, and you’ll likely be shushed.

Do eat couvert (the bread, olives, and snacks that come before a meal) if you want—some say it’s a scam, but it’s an affordable and traditional appetizer—but don’t feel bad about sending it back either.

Do shop in local mercados (markets) for fresh produce, but don’t buy fish on Sunday or Monday, as fishermen aren’t usually out on these days.

Do learn a little Portuguese, but don’t get Spanish (or even Brazilian Portuguese) confused—most people speak good English.

Do bring comfortable shoes—high heels on slippery calçadas are a menace—but don’t forget some smart clothes and layers.

Do check opening hours in advance, especially in the low season when certain restaurants and attractions close, but don’t rely only on online information or emails—it’s always best to pick up the phone in Portugal.

Things you need to book in advance in Portugal 

Intercity trains in Portugal require seat reservations (standing is not allowed), so you’ll want to secure tickets one to two months in advance, with a hefty discount, on popular routes. Sintra’s palaces require ticketed time slots, so  book in advance to avoid queues and enjoy an online discount. Similarly, rural vineyard visits, river cruises, and any guided tours are best booked ahead.

Portugal's fine-dining scene received a dedicated MICHELIN guide in 2024, so acclaimed restaurants, especially those in hotels such as Vila Joya and The Yeatman, should be booked months ahead. In the Azores, demand for everything is sky-high in summer, so secure hotels and car rentals quickly.

How to budget and manage your money for Portugal 

Portugal’s days as a budget destination are waning. However, it remains excellent value-for-money at the lower end of the mid-budget price point. In general, it’s much more affordable than other western European destinations (such as France or Germany), though prices in more visited parts of the country are now similar to other popular southern European countries, such as Spain or Italy.

Average cost of hotels

Private, shared-bathroom rooms cost as little as $25. Expect to pay $60 for a mid-range, family-run guesthouse. At upscale boutique hotels, plan to spend $150+, perhaps even double in Lisbon or on the coast with a sea view.

Average cost of sit-down meal

Affordable, fixed-price daily menus in tascas cost $10–$15. Expect a three-course dinner with wine at a restaurant to cost $40 per person. MICHELIN tasting menus start from $100.

Average cost of street food

In a local pastelaria (pastry shop), a coffee and pastel de nata   (egg custard tart, one of the quintessential eats of Portugal ) cost roughly $2.50. A beer or wine can be just $1.65.

A metro ride costs $1.80, a booked-ahead high-speed train from Lisbon to Porto is $24, and fado concerts start at $15+ (unless you book a guided tour).

Credit card usage is more common in Portugal than it used to be, but many businesses—especially small, local ones—only accept cash. American Express is rarely accepted. As such, always carry euros, including a few coins for tips or toilets. Using an ATM at an actual bank often guarantees a better rate than other ATM operators and is usually superior to exchanging USD. If you do need to exchange currency, use a well-established bureau de change, such as NovaCâmbios or Unicâmbio, which have downtown offices and airport desks—fees may be slightly higher for the convenience of using an airport counter.

Tipping culture is less rigid, and rounding up for taxis and at snack bars is the norm. In restaurants, leaving a few euros is accepted, while 10% is considered a good tip for great service in more formal dining rooms.

Useful websites and apps for Portugal

• https://www.cp.pt/ - National railway operator
• https://rede-expressos.pt/ - Main bus operator
• https://www.carris.pt/ - Lisbon public transport
• https://bolt.eu/ - Popular Uber alternative
• https://glovoapp.com/pt/ - Delivery app for food, pharmaceuticals, and groceries
• https://www.toogoodtogo.com/ - Save affordable end-of-day food “waste” from restaurants
• https://www.practiceportuguese.com/ - Paid app for European Portuguese 

Frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Portugal

Freelance Writer

Daniel James Clarke is a British-born travel writer and photographer who immigrated to Portugal after a lifetime of vacationing (and falling in love) with the country. He’s a co-author of Lonely Planet’s Portugal guidebooks and is happiest when slow-traveling—and eating—across southern Europe. 

Published March 11, 2024

Last updated March 11, 2024

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• Map of Sao Pedro de Moel
• Map of Figueiro dos Vinhos
• Map of Alcobertas

Portugal throughout the year

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

Q&A about Portugal

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Top 10 Useful Tips for Planning a Trip to Portugal (2023)

By: Author Kim Tate

Posted on Published: February 14, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Portugal? I’ve fallen in love with this European country and feel it should be on everyone’s must-visit list! From the amazing architecture and tiles to the welcoming locals, Portugal will become one of your favorite places. Here are 10 tips to help you plan a trip to Portugal!

How Long is the Flight to Portugal

First off let’s look at how to get to Portugal. From the US, you’ll mostly be looking at flying out of an east-coast airport for direct flights. TAP Airlines is the national airline for Portugal and offers non-stop flights out of a few US cities (Newark, New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Miami). You’ll likely fly into Lisbon airport from the US, but Porto is another option.

From Newark to Lisbon, the flight will take about 7.25 hours. Flying from Newark to Porto is just about 7 hours. And if you are able to get a non-stop flight out of the west coast, San Francisco to Lisbon will take about 11 hours. You’ll definitely find more flights available from the east coast (Newark or Boston) and if you want non-stop flights, TAP Airlines has the best options.

Related Post: TAP Business Class vs Economy Xtra Flight Experience

I should also mention that the Azores is a very popular tourist destination and is closer to the US since the islands sit in the middle of the Atlantic.

The flight from Newark to the Azores is only 5.5 hours versus the 7+ hours to mainland Portugal. There’s also a local airline, Azores Airlines, that flies between the US and the Azores.

How to Get Around

When you’re thinking of how you want to get around Portugal, you’ll want to know how much you’ll be moving around the country. Most of the highway infrastructure around the country is very developed and easy to drive and follow. Driving is the same as in the US, right side of the road driving (the driver sits on the left).

The issue with driving yourself in Portugal comes with the cities and towns. Many of the roads are EXTREMELY narrow. Parking is also problematic in a city center and could be difficult to manage for a tourist.

For tourists, I’d recommend hiring a driver for day trips if you’re looking to adventure beyond a city (i.e. Lisbon or Porto). If you’re planning to venture to more of the country like the Alentejo and Algarve regions, a confident driver would be fine with a car rental from the outskirts of the city and driving to those regions that have a bit more space.

Driving in the Douro Valley can be done but it does require a bit of research and planning. The roads on the south side of the Douro River are more developed, whereas trying to visit wineries on the north side of the river is much harder due to there being no developed roads.

If I was recommending transportation to a friend, I’d likely tell them to avoid a rental car. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are easily available in major cities.

There is also a fairly extensive rail system in Portugal and you can book a train ticket between many of the large cities. Taxis are also still used at airports and in cities. Public transportation can be the best way and most economical way to get around.

As I said before, one of the easier options is to hire a driver for a transfer or day trip. While hiring a driver is a more expensive option, it’s often worth the added expense since it allows you to relax and not worry about logistics. Many times your hotel can offer great recommendations for airport and day trip transfer drivers.

On my recent trip to Portugal, I was working with EPIC Travel and they made all of our driver bookings and transfers. Epic is a bespoke luxury travel planning agency that works only in Portugal and Morocco — the countries where their agents live.

Epic Travel has the best local contacts and will help book you a Portugal vacation that is immersive and saves you the stress of planning an entire international vacation on your own. If you do work with Epic, be sure to mention ‘ Stuffed Suitcase ‘ when you’re booking and you’ll get a VIP gift!

Regions of Portugal

There are seven main regions of Portugal , all with unique sites and beautiful places to visit. Most of the areas offer medieval towns or historic cities, unique food experiences, outdoor activities, and friendly people.

Check out these awesome Places & Cities in Portugal to Visit !

Northern Portugal is most notable for being home to the Unesco World Heritage Site of Porto and the Douro Valley. This region is where Portugal was founded in the 12th century. Plus, it’s famous for being the home of port and Douro wines. This is a river valley region and you’ll find some outdoor activities in this area like hiking and riverboat rides.

In Central Portugal, you’ll discover some historic towns and castles, like in Belmonte. You’ll also find the Serra da Estrela mountains, which are home to the highest peak in mainland Portugal. The mountains are perfect for outdoor adventure, and they’re also home to herds of sheep that are used to produce the famous S erra da Estrela cheese.

Probably one of the most popular regions for tourists, the Lisbon region is home to the country’s capital, Lisbon. This beautiful city is the largest in Portugal and is a must-see for any visitor. But beyond Lisbon, this region is also home to some of the most notable images of Portugal, namely the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém and Pena Palace in Sintra.

One of the biggest surprises from my recent trip was the discovery of the Alentejo region of Portugal. This region is the largest in the country, but often gets overlooked by visitors. If you love wine, great hotels, and fantastic night skies, you must add Alentejo to your Portugal itinerary!

The Algarve is another extremely popular destination for tourists visiting Portugal. It’s along the southern coast and known for its rocky cliffs and sandy, beautiful beaches as well as having plenty of resort hotels and golf courses. The architecture of Algarve towns also shows its Arabic history.

This area of Portugal is a popular vacation destination for locals as well as tourists. The Algarve is also a great place to enjoy some Peri-Peri Chicken.

A growing tourist region of Portugal is the Azores. This is an archipelago off the coast of Portugal which is actually an autonomous region operating on its own from Portugal. It’s made up of nine islands all with unique features that will appeal to those wanting outdoor adventures, relaxing hotels, and/or amazing scenic views.

The largest island is São Miguel, which also contains the main airport in the city of Ponta Delgada. The Azores is a growing tourist destination, so I plan you visit soon if you want to see it before the crowds get too large.

Planning a trip to the Azores can be a bit tricky, reach out to EPIC Travel if you want to experience the best the Azores has to offer. Make sure you start planning and booking early as there is limited infrastructure for the growing tourist interest.

Another island and autonomous region of Portugal is Madeira. I don’t know much about the tourist offerings of Madeira but it’s known for its Madeira wine as well as being a great spot for whale watching and scuba diving.

Planning Your Itinerary

I have a few tips for planning your Portugal itinerary. You’ll need to carefully consider how much time you have for your vacation. And you’ll also want to know how much you want to move around. While Portugal is a small country, you still need time to see all the great sites so moving around does take time for sightseeing.

If it’s your first trip to Portugal and you only have a week, I would say you have a couple of options. You can stay solely in Lisbon and take day trips outside of the city to popular places like Sintra and Belém.

You also might consider flying into Lisbon and then out of Porto to experience both cities. Lastly, if you’re looking for some city touring and wine tasting, you could arrive in Lisbon and drive out to the Alentejo region for a few nights, then come back to Lisbon to end your trip and fly back home.

Coming from the US, another option for a 7-day vacation could be entirely in the Azores if you’re searching for a trip with more adventure and nature.

You could also fly into Lisbon for a few nights, then fly to the Azores for a few nights, and then fly home to the US from the Azores. The drawback is this plan costs you an extra travel day which limits what you can see.

Having 10 to 14 days would allow you much more freedom in planning a trip to Portugal. On my recent trip, I spent 17 days touring the country. It was very busy and we moved almost every night. While I’m glad I got to see a large part of the country, I recommend visitors stick to 1-2 stops for a 1-week trip, and only 3-4 stops if you have 2 weeks.

I think an ideal first trip to Portugal would include a visit to Lisbon and one additional region. Either head north to see the Porto and/or the Douro Valley, head inland to the Alentejo for a relaxing stay with wine tasting, or head to the south region of the Algarve for beaches.

Again, I’m going to mention that if you truly want to experience Portugal, consider working with EPIC Travel and have them plan your whole Portugal vacation. They’ll make all the bookings and arrangements for you and they’ll tailor your trip to include unique local experiences that the average tourist might not know to book.

You tell EPIC how many days you want to travel and your budget and they’ll create a perfect Portugal itinerary for you. Don’t forget to mention ‘Stuffed Suitcase’ to get a special VIP gift with your booking!

Best Places to Visit

If you’re planning your first trip to Portugal, you’re going to want to experience some of what makes the country unique.

Lisbon should definitely be on your list. It’s the capital of Portugal, the country’s largest city, and is filled with historic architecture. You’ll find lots of hills and narrow streets. Buildings are covered in gorgeous tile, and many sidewalks and roads are paved with a mosaic of limestone and basalt. You can also check out great views of the Tagus River.

Two options for day trips from Lisbon are Sintra and Belém. Both offer tourists a chance to look back at history. Sintra has the Pena Palace as well as Quinta de Regaleira and the Castle of the Moors. Belém is home to the Jerónimos Montesary and the cafe that serves the classic Pastéis de Belém, as well as many museums.

For wine lovers, you’ll likely want to plan to visit Porto and the Douro Valley. It’s the home of port wine and an emerging table wine region. The Douro Valley is famous for its terraced vineyard river valley. Wine lovers might also consider visiting the Alentejo region of Portugal.

And visitors looking for a resort vacation and beaches should consider visiting the Algarve region or perhaps Comporta or Cascais which are closer to Lisbon.

What to Wear in Portugal

Packing for Portugal will vary greatly based on when you’re visiting and where you’re going. The south of Portugal can be fairly mild all year long, although the winter months can be rainy and cool. Up north, you’ll find a wet and cold winter. During the summer months, the interior Alentejo region can get extremely hot.

One of the best things to wear in Portugal is a good pair of shoes. Especially when walking in the cities! The limestone and basalt sidewalks and roads can get extremely slick if it rains, so wear a pair with traction.

For women, I recommend you consider wearing a variety of long maxi dresses paired with a cardigan as well as a good pair of pants and various tops. If you’re traveling in a shoulder season, a good cardigan that is easy to pack and carry is a must-have. And of course, bring shorts if you’re traveling during warm weather.

In Portugal, dinner time is typically fairly late. Most restaurants will be busy with locals beginning around 830-9 pm. If you’re at a restaurant and it’s busy between 6-8 pm, you’re probably seeing a lot of tourists. :) Since dinner can run late in the evenings, it’s good to be prepared for the temperature to drop.

You can dress casually in Portugal and rely on accessories to help you dress up an outfit. I did not visit any nightclubs, so can’t advise you as to what the popular type of dress is for that kind of activity. But for standard travel, a comfortable long dress or pants and top paired with a cute pair of shoes with traction is all you need.

For my trip a few of the go-to items I packed that worked well for me were:

• Travel Pants (I love these Gap joggers and Columbia joggers and pants )
• Maxi/Midi Dresses (check prAna , Columbia , and J.Crew )
• Various Travel Tops ( Columbia , Target , prAna )
• Jeans / Shorts
• Comfy Shoes (I loved my Vionic Laguna Espadrille and Sketchers )
• Packable Jacket (if traveling during cooler temps)

Of course, if you’re planning a trip to some Portugal beaches, you might want to check out my beach packing list for any extra items you might want to bring along. Keep in mind that in many popular tourist towns, you can find stores selling items you might have forgotten.

Best Time to Visit Portugal

Portugal is an ideal destination for shoulder season travel. Prices are lower and you’ll find fewer crowds.

If you can visit in the spring, March to May, you’ll find the country in bloom and the temperatures just starting to rise a bit. You might still have some rain, but you might get lucky with some blue skies, too. Many attractions will also begin to reopen from winter closures after Easter.

Summer is considered the peak season for Portugal. Summer months will have hot temps inland, but it’s also an ideal time for beach vacations. Keep in mind that many of the locals become tourists to those very same beaches during the summer months, especially August. If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to book in advance and aim to be indoors during the peak midday temps.

Be sure you check that your accommodations have air conditioning if you’re visiting in the summer. Also, be prepared for mosquitos during the summer months!

Autumn in Portugal is my favorite time! The wine harvest typically takes place from around mid-September to October, so the vineyards will all start changing colors (mid to late October) and you’ll get to enjoy some great winery activity. You’ll also miss the chaos of summer travel crowds. The weather will be very nice although evenings will start to cool down and rain may be in the forecast.

How Much Does a Trip to Portugal Cost

Traveling to Portugal can be one of the more affordable European vacations. It’s also a great destination for novice international travelers since so many locals speak English and transportation is fairly easy.

Airfare to Portugal will vary widely based on where you’re departing from. If you can get yourself to the east coast, you can likely find flight deals to Portugal for around $500 per ticket in economy. Sign up for flight deal notifications from a program like Dollar Flight Club or Scott’s Cheap Flights .

Many accommodations, even in the heart of Lisbon, are still priced well. You can expect to get a 3-4 star hotel for $150-$225 per night, and you might even be able to get a luxury hotel for around $250-$400 per night depending on the location and season. You’ll also be able to find many multi-room options that work well for families.

Food in Portugal is where you’ll save some money, and there is plenty of delicious food to enjoy! You can easily find affordable meals in various towns and cities, while tourist towns will have an added cost due to it being for tourists.

I think you can expect to spend around $12 USD (€10) for the main dish at dinner at an average restaurant. If you’re dining at a hotel restaurant or nicer tourism area restaurant, you would expect to spend about $25-$50 for entrees.

Like other European countries, many Portugal restaurants offer a bread service, called couvert. Sometimes they’ll bring it to your table without you ordering it and if you enjoy it, you’ll be charged for it.

Tipping is not a big priority when dining in Portugal. Often you can leave a little bit of your Euro change as a way of a tip. Some suggest tipping around 5-10%, but based on my experience with locals, tipping is not expected and might already be “included” in the prices.

The final consideration when figuring out the cost of your Portugal vacation is attractions. While much of your sightseeing will be free as you walk and explore, you can expect to spend money on tours and museum entrances. Museums will cost a nominal fee of around $2-$12, a larger tourist attraction might cost more.

If you decide to book any guided tours , you should expect to spend about $70-$100 per person for small-group day trip tours. And don’t forget to add a small tip for your tour guide.

Of course, EPIC Travel set up all of our tours as part of our package on our recent trip, but if I was booking on my own, I’d make sure to include some of these tours:

• Duoro Valley Wine Tasting & River Cruise
• Sintra Full Day Trip from Lisbon
• Lisbon TukTuk Tour (do this on your first day to help learn the city)
• Lisbon Food Tour
• Private Lisbon/Belem Sunset Boat Tour (or group tour )

Keep in mind when traveling to Portugal it’s a good idea to have some Euro cash on hand but much of your purchasing will be done with credit cards. Portugal uses tap to pay quite a bit, and I have found that Visa is probably the most widely accepted card.

Things to Buy in Portugal

One of the great things to do when you travel is to buy some great souvenirs! If you’re thinking of what you might want to bring home, here are some of the top Portugal souvenirs:

• Port wine – I highly recommend doing some tastings and learning about all the types of port wine before deciding which to buy.
• Wine – beyond Port wine, Portugal has some great wines and many are not available in the US. If you’re able to find a way to bring or ship a favorite wine home with you, I recommend buying some.
• Cork – Portugal creates a lot of cork, unfortunately, much of it becomes champagne corks. Beware of buying cork products in cities as much of it is not authentic.
• Pottery – Portugal has some amazing pottery and ceramics, the town of Corval in Alentejo is one of the best places to buy some.
• Sardines – this is more of a funny gift, but sardines are big in Portugal and in Lisbon, they even have a sardine tourist store that has canned sardines for the year you were born.
• Olive Oil – olives are plentiful in Portugal so it’s no surprise that olive oil is bottled by local producers and makes a great souvenir.

I’ll also mention that while you can’t bring it home, you should definitely enjoy orange juice with breakfast while you’re in Portugal. And if you like honey, that’s another must-try during your trip!

What Language is Spoken in Portugal

If you want to learn some Portuguese before your trip, you might have a bit of an issue. Most of the online language learning programs only offer Brazilian Portuguese, which does have some differences from European (Portugal) Portuguese.

YouTube might be your best option for learning Portuguese. Although, I was glad I had done some learning with Duolingo.

English is widely spoken in most tourist centers and English speakers can likely get by easily with a few basic words and a translation app. I’ll also mention that knowing Spanish might also be helpful as there is some crossover with Spanish.

Some words you might want to know:

• Hello – Olá
• Good morning – Bom dia (afternoon – boa tarde, evening – boa noite)
• Goodbye – Tchau (said like the Italian ciao “chow”)
• Please – Por favor
• Thank you – Obrigado (m) /Obrigada (f)
• Yes – Sim
• No – Não
• Do you speak english? – Fala inglês?

Hopefully, this information will help you plan your trip! I absolutely love the country and would happily go back again. Feel free to comment or email me if you have any questions about planning a trip to Portugal.

And, don’t forget that if you are looking to have your trip planned for you, EPIC Travel offers bespoke travel planning services. They’ll arrange a trip with authentic experiences and amazing accommodations around the country. Be sure to mention ‘Stuffed Suitcase’ to get a VIP gift with your booking.

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Monday 10th of July 2023

Thank you for this blog entry. Very informative. I looked up EPIC travel, their intake form says their minimum budget for the week in Portugal is 5,000-6,000 Euro per person. Can that be right? I was going to reach out to them, but not if that is the minimum per person. Any guidance you have on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Wednesday 12th of July 2023

Hi Merritt, they are a bespoke custom tour company and do book higher end properties and experiences, so it's possible that is the price point. I do recall them mentioning that their average customer spends $10-$15k on their trips. EPIC is specifically focused on Portugal and Morocco, so their guides and partnerships are a little more upscale than some other general tour companies. You could always look at a company like Intrepid or G Adventures as they often have more moderate priced tours, but just know it's not going to be private and custom.

27 Best Places & Cities in Portugal to Visit (Map Included)

Wednesday 13th of July 2022

[…] with planning your trip to Portugal? My entire 17-day trip was organized by Epic Travel. They’re a small bespoke travel agency […]

Wednesday 11th of May 2022

Going to Portugal next week!!! Do I need power adapters???? Your blog is so helpful!

Yay! I bet you're going to have a fabulous time. Portugal uses 230V supply voltage and 50Hz, so some of your electronics might be okay with an adapter. You will need an adapter to convert your US-style plug into European-style outlets. I have a standard European plug converter and it fits types C and F plugs. The bigger question is if you have any special electronics that will need a power converter as well. Most electronics (like an iPhone apple charger) will have the ability to handle 230V and 50 Hz but you can always look on the charger to see what it's licensed for. Power converters are typically needed for larger electronics and hair accessories. Let me know if that makes sense or if you have further questions! And, thanks for asking bc I'll add that to my post soon!

TAP Portugal Business Class (Executive) Complete Review [vs Economy Xtra]

Friday 15th of April 2022

[…] might also enjoy reading my tips for planning a trip to Portugal! It includes some information about how long the flight to Portugal will be from the […]

• Portugal Road Trip: Itinerary & Planning Tips for 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Why do a road trip in Portugal?

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

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

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

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

Costa Vicentina: Southwest Portugal’s coast

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

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

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

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

Portugal road trip itinerary

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

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

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

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

Portugal road trip map

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

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

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

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

LISBON: Starting off big!

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

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

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

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

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

Best hotels in Lisbon

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

My choice: Hotel Fenix Music

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

ARRÁBIDA: Green and blue landscapes

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

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

Both options ensure an awesome beach day.

Getting around Arrábida

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

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

★ Where to stay in Arrábida ★

Casa da Adôa

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

COMPORTA: The perfect beach getaway

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

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

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

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

Comporta Villa Suites

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

PORTO COVO: Summertime charm

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

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

Where to stay in Porto Covo

Monte Cerro, Porto Covo

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

ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR: Music for your ears

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

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

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

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

Find your place to stay in Zambujeira

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

ODECEIXE: Atlantic bliss

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

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

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

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

Monte do Cardal, Odeceixe

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

Casa Vicentina, Odeceixe

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

Or… find your own!

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

ARRIFANA: Cliff fantasy

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

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

Where to stay next to Arrifana Beach

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

Utopia Guest House, Aljezur

Luminous rooms with private bathroom and breakfast included.

FARO/ALGARVE: The perfect farewell to Portugal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

⚠ Beware of the cliffs!

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

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

Where to stay in Algarve

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

Extra stops to add to this road trip itinerary

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

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

Here are some suggestions:

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

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

The Essential Porto City Guide

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

Nazaré, Portugal

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

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

Sintra, Portugal

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

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

Évora, Portugal

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

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

Seville, Spain

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

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

Driving in Portugal

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

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

Renting a car in Portugal

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

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

How are the roads in Portugal?

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

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

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

Important information for drivers in Portugal

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

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

Finding accommodation in Alentejo and Algarve

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should I visit Portugal in winter?

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

Food in Portugal

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

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

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

What to eat in Alentejo

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

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

PORTUGAL MINI TRAVEL GUIDE

How to get to portugal.

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

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

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

Where to stay in Portugal

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

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

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

Best time to go to Portugal

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

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

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

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

Enjoy the ride and help me improve this guide!

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

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

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

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

Reasons to Visit Portugal

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

My travel tips valid anywhere

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

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

You might also like these articles 💬

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HELPING YOU PLAN YOUR PERFECT TRIP TO PORTUGAL

25 essential tips for your first trip to portugal.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full disclosure policy  for further information.

If you’ve never been to Portugal, you’re in for a treat. You might even fall a little bit in love, especially if you know what to expect. My insider Portugal travel tips can help you prepare and make your first trip go as smoothly as possible. 

Knowing a little about local customs, especially in restaurants, will help you feel more confident and avoid that nasty suspicion that you’ve been ripped off.

If you’re still trying to decide if Portugal is the place you want to visit then read my Portugal: 15 Reasons To Make It Your Next Destination post.

Read on for my insider advice on planning a trip to Portugal including what to bring, what to expect when eating out and how you can save money on accommodation, transport, food, shopping and activities. This practical travel guide is based on my 16+ years of travelling around Portugal, and helping other people plan their ideal Portugal vacation.

👉ALL THESE TIPS AND MORE IN ONE HANDY EBOOK 👈

I’ve combined these 25 tips with a wealth of other insider insights and practical information to help you avoid costly mistakes and plan your ideal Portugal trip.

Before you book your first trip to Portugal

1 . Try to avoid the hottest, busiest and most expensive months of July and August if possible. You’ll find great deals, good weather (most of the time) and fewer crowds if you travel to Portugal off-season .

Weather-wise, May, June and September are usually hot but not unbearably so and although the risk of rain increases from October to April, and it does get cold at night, it’s possible to get lovely sunny days any time of year. If you’re travelling with young children, these slightly cooler months would make life a little easier – see my practical tips for family travel in Portugal .

Get the full low down on the best time to visit Portugal in this post .

2. Check travel times and distances between places if you’re considering visiting more than one region. It makes far more sense to take your time exploring one area properly and come back later to see another place than to spend half your holiday travelling between destinations. 

If you feel you must cram as much as possible into one trip, you can save a few hours by flying between Faro and Porto. There are flights between Lisbon and Porto but when you factor in getting to and from the airport and security checks, I don’t think you save much time compared to train or road transport and it’s not great for the environment.

See my fully-managed Portugal itineraries if you don’t have the time or confidence to plan your own trip to Portugal.

3. If you’re making your own travel arrangements for touring Portugal, find out how to get from the airport to your accommodation before you book your flights. If you’re relying on public transport for transfers, especially between cities, you could get caught out if services finish earlier than you expected or don’t run at weekends.

You can pre-book an airport transfer if you’d rather keep things simple.

You may also want to get a SIM card on arrival so that you’re connected as soon as you arrive and can order an Uber/Bolt. You can buy data and normal SIM cards from the Vodafone shop at Lisbon and Porto airports or, if you intend to a lot of data-heavy work while travelling, an international SIM card may be a better option.

Read my post on why I believe it’s important to consult a travel expert when planning your trip .

Discounts on Portugal travel

4. More and more destinations in Portugal offer a tourist card, such as the Lisbon Card and Porto Card , which give free or discounted public transport and discounts on all manner of typical holiday expenditures.

That said, you need to make sure it’s actually going to save you money so find out which of the places you want to visit offer reduced entrance fees with the cards. If you are over 65, most museums give you 50% discount anyway.

Tip: Check the local tourist information website before you travel to see what’s available and start saving money from the moment you step off the plane.

My favourite sites for saving money on accommodation and car hire are here: Where To Find The Best Portugal Travel Deals .

See my Portugal accommodation guides to help you find a great place to stay

Note that major destinations in Portugal have introduced a tourist tax of €1-2 per person per night to cover the increased pressure on the local infrastructure. You pay this at your accommodation so budget accordingly.

Keep in mind that if you’re a non-EU resident you may be able to claim back the tax you’ve spent when shopping. For details check out my Tax free shopping in Portugal for Non-EU Residents post.

Documents to bring on your Portugal trip

5. Double check that your passport is in date – you may need it to be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of travel if coming from outside the EU – and bring a couple of photocopies with you.

By law, you have to carry photo ID when in Portugal but won’t want to risk losing your precious passport so leave that in your hotel safe and keep a photocopy with you and carry some alternative form of photographic ID like a driving licence.

6. If you live in the EU, apply for and bring your European Health Insurance Card . It doesn’t substitute full travel insurance but will reduce the costs of emergency treatment. If you’re coming from elsewhere, you should make sure you have insurance to cover health emergencies as the costs can quickly soar. Get a quote from Yonder

7. The good news is that you don’t need any special vaccinations for visiting Portugal unless you’re coming from a Yellow Fever zone.

8. If you have an EU passport, you don’t need a visa to enter Portugal. Other passport holders should check Visit Portugal’s Entry Formalities  although American, Canadian and Australian citizens can travel visa-free for 90 days (total) within the Schengen area.

9. If you plan on renting a car, don’t forget your driving licence – if you’re coming from certain countries, you may need an International Drivers’ Permit so check with the rental company and, if necessary, get one before your trip. Drivers with licenses issued in the UK, USA and Canada don’t need an IDP.

You need to have your licence with you when driving in Portugal plus the paperwork for the car and your ID.

See these essential tips for renting a car in Portugal

Money matters when visiting Portugal

10. I always like to have some local currency on me when I arrive in a foreign country but if you do land in Portugal without euros, there are ATMs (look for Multibanco signs) in all international airports and towns so you can withdraw euros directly from your bank account or top up your cash if you run out. Avoid Euronet machines as their charges can be extortionate. 

11. Although credit cards are accepted in many places, smaller outlets, including some restaurants, only take cash. Note that if you pay by credit or debit card you will probably be charged for each transaction so check with your bank before deciding how you want to pay for purchases.

12. If you exchange money before travelling to Portugal, try to avoid bringing large bills, i.e. bigger than 50 euros. If your currency exchange provider has given you a stack of 100, 200 or worse, 500 euro notes, take them into a local bank when you arrive to get a stash of smaller notes.

Packing tips for a trip to Portugal

13. Clothes-wise, several thin layers are a good idea as they allow you to adapt to changeable temperatures. Loose, lightweight natural fibres will help you cope with the summer heat but you’ll need jeans/heavier trousers and sweaters in winter.

Bring comfy shoes or sandals, depending on the season, preferably with fairly thick non-slip soles. When you see the uneven cobbled pavements , you’ll understand why. Don’t wear spiky heels unless you want to ruin them or break your ankle.

For detailed advice about what to bring, read my guide to packing for Portugal .

If you’re coming to do a walking holiday, this article about what to pack for long distance hikes may be more relevant.

14. If you’re venturing deep into rural Portugal, you’ll need to be better equipped as local shops stock a more limited range of products. In the natural parks, shops of any description are few and far between.

15. It’s not standard practice for Portuguese accommodations to have tea-making facilities in guest rooms even if they do have a fridge. If you can’t live without your cuppa, pack a travel kettle and a few decent tea bags. Be warned that fresh milk is much harder to find than UHT in Portugal so you might prefer black or herbal teas.

16. Even if you’re travelling to Portugal in winter , you should bring sunglasses and use factor 30 sun cream as minimum if you have fair skin. Bring a fold-up umbrella too, just in case. You’ll need a hat in summer and insect repellent if, like me, you attract mosquitoes and other biting insects.

17. When visiting a major tourist destination like the Algarve, Porto or Lisbon, or basically any large town or city, don’t worry if you forget to pack something or are hampered by hand luggage restrictions. With the exception of obscure prescription medication, you can buy pretty much anything you’re likely to need in Portugal although some things, like sun cream and bug repellent, may be a little pricier.

Learn a little Portuguese

18. While it’s perfectly possible to get by in English in the major tourist areas, learning a few simple phrases in Portuguese will go a long way.

No one expects foreigners on holiday to be proficient in the language but just saying thank you in Portuguese is appreciated. It’s obrigado if you’re a man and obrigada if you’re a woman, by the way.

There are plenty of free and affordable resources to help you learn European Portuguese .

As for Portuguese phrasebooks , the best of the bunch is probably the Lonely Planet Portuguese Phrasebook & Dictionary , which has sections on eating and drinking as well as all the functional language you’d expect and help with pronunciation.

Eating out in Portugal – tips for travellers

The most common complaint I see on TripAdvisor is from people who think they’ve been ripped off by Portuguese restaurants. Most of the time, it’s simply a case of not knowing the local customs.

19. It’s standard practice for waiters to bring you little dishes of olives, bread, cheese and cold meats but they are not freebies unless they are part of a set menu.

If you don’t want them, just politely send them back untouched and you won’t be charged. Strictly speaking, you shouldn’t be charged for items you didn’t order but it avoids confrontation if you know how to deal with this in advance.

If you are tempted but worried about the creeping cost of your final bill, check the price before tucking in. The bread and olives are usually very cheap.

20. Super-fresh fish and seafood are among Portugal’s gastronomic highlights.

Seafood restaurants often have a selection of the catch of the day displayed on a bed of ice. You choose the fish and they grill it to perfection. In such cases, it’s hard to know how much it will end up costing as the fish is charged by weight. To get an idea of the price and avoid a nasty surprise at the end of a lovely meal, ask the waiter for an estimate during the selection phase.

Alternatively, order a Cataplana de Marisco (seafood casserole) or Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice) which are usually stuffed with ocean goodies for a fixed price.

21. Don’t be surprised if your main course seems lacking in vegetables. Many Portuguese people get their greens and other vegetables by starting a meal with a soup. Ask what the main dish is served with and order a side salad or vegetables if you feel the need.

22. Unlike in the UK where a waiter will usually take your drinks order while you’re contemplating the menu, food gets priority in Portugal. The waiter may bring some unsolicited (but not free – see above) appetisers to your table before taking your order but will often not ask about drinks until the food has been dealt with. If you’re parched and need a drink while deciding, you’ll need to initiate the drinks order when the waiter brings the menu.

23. A great way of economising on eating out is to do what the locals do and have a main meal at lunchtime with a menu do dia (set menu of 2-3 courses) or prato do dia (dish of the day). Check what is and isn’t included before saying yes to everything the waiter offers you but generally speaking, you can get a 3-course meal with wine for under 10 euros.

See this post about Portuguese food you should try

Read about wonderful Portuguese drinks, beyond wine.

More information in How To Order Like A Local At Restaurants, Cafés & Bars In Portugal

The first two of these books about Portuguese food have lots of practical information to help you be more adventurous when trying local dishes.

Festivals and sightseeing in Portugal

24. It’s well worth checking out some of the local events while you’re here. Every town, village and city has at least one food or saint-related festival at some point during the year, especially during the summer months.

My guide to Portuguese festivals and celebrations gives you a seasonal sense of what’s on.

The Visit Portugal website has details of major events including music festivals, sports championships and film festivals.

For smaller events, look out for somewhat garish posters on lamp posts and bus stops or check with the local tourist information office or regional tourism websites such as Visit Algarve to find out what’s on during your stay but don’t expect the information to be published more than a few weeks in advance.

25. If you intend to visit museums and monuments, there are two important things to consider. One is that some offer free admission on Sunday mornings or discounts with the local tourist card.

The other is that most are closed on Mondays so you’ll need to check and plan around this if you have your heart set on seeing something specific.

If you need help with your Portugal itinerary, I can get you on the right track with a range of trip planning services .

Bonus tip: Getting through customs in Lisbon airport

Sometimes there is a very long queue at customs when you arrive in Lisbon airport, often early in the morning when international flights arrive (don’t ask me why they haven’t organised staffing to deal with this!).

If you have an EU passport you can use the EU passport line to avoid the longer “All passports” queue.

If you don’t have that option, the Priority Passport Line, which is mainly for crew, is also an option for anyone who is disabled, pregnant, elderly or traveling with children under two.

If none of those apply, you could be in for a long wait so go to the bathroom before joining the queue.

When it’s time to leave Portugal, you may be able to claim tax back on shopping you’ve bought. To find out what you need to do check out my Tax free shopping in Portugal for Non-EU Residents post.

Looking for a Portugal travel guide book?

Click on the links below to see my top picks via Amazon

My first choice would be a DK Eyewitness Travel Guide to Portugal , partly because I’ve contributed to them in the past and partly because I like the pictures, maps and layout.

The Frommer’s Portugal Guide  is written by two well-respected journalists who live in the Lisbon area, one Portuguese and the other British. Having met them both, I would certainly trust their recommendations.

I also like Rough Guides’ approach to travel guides and their Portugal travel guide is no exception.

You may also be interested in:

15 Fantastic day trips from Porto

How and when to explore the Douro Valley

25 things to do in Coimbra

Pin me for later!

First trip to Portugal? Here are 25 essential tips.

104 Comments

We are a family of 5 traveling in June to Lisbon to spend 4 days then 3 days in Porto, than back to Lisbon for 1 more day before we leave. Wondering if public transportation is the way to go to get around- WE are a family of 5 and not if that is the most cost efficient. Our kids are older teenagers’ and will want to indulge in food and wine and culture. Any recommendations would great be appreciated- Your site is great too

Thanks Ricardo, that means a lot to me.

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Solo traveller to Douro Valley: train/rental car/group tour - Portugal Forum

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Solo traveller to Douro Valley: train/rental car/group tour

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Ideally I would like to spend 2/3 days in the Douro valley and go for a little hike, take a boat ride and visit a vineyard. Basically enjoy the scenery. From there I want to head to Guimarães/ Braga , before going back to Porto.

How is it to drive in the Douro Valley (traffic/road-wise)? Would you recommend doing this alone? Or is the train a much better option, giving in on flexibility but being able to enjoy the views instead of paying attention to the roads?

If going by train, what would be a feasible itinerary for 3 days Douro valley/ Guimaraes/Braga ? Especially considering one of the days will be a public holiday (labour day).

Lastly, if having to decide between Guimarães and Braga which one would you suggest? Can both be done in 1 day or do you need more time?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and tips!

2 replies to this topic

The roads are "twisty" in some locations but drivable.

It's easy to take the train from Porto to the Douro Valley but you'll have to return to Porto to take the train to Braga or Guimarães, that's why I suggest the car as the best option.

The other option is to take the train to Regua in the Douro Valley from there take the bus to Guimarães / Braga.

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Weather in Madeira in February travel guide

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written by Olga Sitnitsa

updated 16.04.2024

February in Madeira offers a mild winter climate when the island enjoys a comfortable chill, often buffeted by a soft Atlantic breeze. The pleasant weather in Madeira in February creates the perfect conditions for exploring the stunning mountains, beautiful gardens, and picturesque villages. The mild temperatures and friendly atmosphere are ideal for walking in the levadas, enjoying the local cuisine, and relaxing on the quiet beaches, which are pleasantly cool and offer a peaceful retreat.

Highlights Madeira weather in February

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7 days  / from 3005 USD

Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia

Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.

7 days  / from 2963 USD

The Real Algarvian Experience

Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.

11 days  / from 1696 USD

A self drive to Portugal's North and Center

Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.

Tailor-made trips for   Portugal

The weather in Madeira in February is characterized by a mild winter climate, maintaining the island's reputation for year-round pleasant temperatures. Here are the highlights:

• Moderate temperatures : In February, average temperatures range from cool to comfortably mild, making it ideal for those who prefer a cooler climate without extreme cold.
• Rainfall : This month is part of the wetter season in Madeira, with occasional rainfall throughout the month. However, the rains often come in quick bursts and are usually interspersed with periods of clear skies, allowing for time to spend outdoors and explore the surrounding area.
• Sunshine : Despite the increased chance of rain, February also has many clear and bright days, with an average of 5-6 hours of sunshine daily. This provides ample opportunity for sightseeing and enjoying the island's natural beauty.
• Sea temperature : The sea remains relatively cool, with an average sea temperature of around 18°C (64°F), which can be a little bracing for swimming but still pleasant for those used to cooler water.
• Atmosphere : There are fewer tourists in Madeira in February than during the peak season, allowing for a more relaxed and peaceful experience of the island's attractions, from its charming towns to its natural wonders.

Keen to visit Madeira? Talk to our local Portugal experts to kick-start creating your dream trip. And to ensure you're well-equipped for your trip explore our list of tips for traveling in Portugal .

Toboggan wooden sledge, Funchal, Madeira, Portugal  © Shutterstock

February in Madeira has a mild winter climate, offering a unique combination of weather conditions that can nevertheless affect travel plans. The island tends to be cooler at this time of year, with sunny and rainy days alternating. 

While you can still count on a few hours of sunshine each day, February is also part of Madeira's wetter season, which means the likelihood of occasional downpours. This variability in the weather in Madeira in February can be a two-pronged stick: on the one hand, the rain feeds the island's lush landscapes, making outdoor activities such as hiking in the levadas particularly scenic. On the other hand, heavy downpours can sometimes disrupt vacation or transportation plans.

February falls during Madeira's low tourism season, primarily due to the cooler and wetter weather. This means less crowding at popular attractions and potentially lower accommodation and flight prices, making for a more relaxed trip.

Overall, February can be a great time to visit Madeira if you prefer mild weather and fewer tourists. The combination of cooler temperatures, moderate tourist numbers and the possibility of both sunny and rainy days creates an attractive environment for exploring the island's natural beauty. However, if your travel plans rely heavily on guaranteed sunshine and outdoor activities, you may find the unpredictability of February's weather a bit challenging.

Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on the best time to visit Portugal .

Madeira, Portugal © Shutterstock

In February, Madeira enjoys a mild winter climate characterized by average high temperatures of 16-19°C (61-66°F) and average lows of 11-13°C (52-55°F) . With these temperatures, February is one of the coolest months on the island, but still quite mild compared to winter conditions in mainland Europe.

Variations between day and night can be noticeable, but not extreme. Temperatures are cooler in the evening and early morning, allowing you to sleep without heavy bedding. During the day, it's warm enough for outdoor activities, although a light jacket or sweater may not be unreasonable, especially when exploring coastal or mountainous areas where the weather can be more changeable.

When comparing February temperatures to other times of the year, it is cooler than the summer months, when temperatures can climb into the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F) or higher, but marginally warmer than the coldest months such as December and January. February's climate is a refreshing contrast to the warm, dry summers, offering cooler and more varied weather, but still comfortable for exploring all that Madeira has to offer.

Want even more inspiration for your Portugal adventure? Discover the best places to visit in Portugal .

February is the low tourist season in Madeira, which means less crowding at popular attractions and sites. This reduced tourist flow provides a quieter vacation, allowing you to experience the beauty of the island without the hustle and bustle of the high season, such as July and August. Due to the reduced demand, February also offers the advantage of lower accommodation prices and possibly airfares, making it a cost-effective time to travel.

Moreover, the benefits of visiting Madeira in February go beyond just financial savings and more relaxed sightseeing opportunities. This time of year features unique events such as the Madeira Carnival , one of the island's most colorful celebrations, providing guests with a great opportunity to experience the local culture and festivities. 

Compared to the summer months, when prices peak and places become crowded, February offers a balance of mild weather, cultural experiences, and value for money, making it an attractive option if you want to enjoy Madeira's charms at a more relaxed pace.

Paul da Serra plain / Plateau Paul da Serra, Madeira © Shutterstock

Are you ready to plan your dream trip to Portugal? The local experts at Rough Guides can help you create a fully customized and unforgettable itinerary tailored to your preferences . Here are three tantalizing travel options you should consider:

• Azores Adventure (6 days): Discover the traditions and natural beauty that San Miguel Island has to offer you - exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking through picturesque hills and valleys, the thrill of canyoning and much more.
• The Wines of Portugal (9 days): This unforgettable journey takes you to some of Portugal's best wine regions, including the Douro Valley. Taste the best local varieties and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complete with guided tours of their historic old towns.
• Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures (9 days): Visit Portugal's two autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as it is known, and São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided tours will introduce you to the highlights of both islands, with plenty of time to explore on your own or simply relax.

In February, Madeira offers a combination of cultural festivals, natural beauty, and serene relaxation, making it a great destination for those who want to explore the island's diverse attractions at a leisurely pace.

• Madeira Carnival : Experience the vibrant festivities of one of Madeira's biggest annual events. The streets come alive with colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and lively music, offering a unique glimpse into the island's rich cultural tapestry.
• Visit Festa dos Compadres : Kick off the carnival season in the quaint town of Santana with this traditional event that marks the beginning of pre-holiday festivities in Madeira. Satirical skits, costumed parades, and burning of effigies offer a unique take on local customs and humor.
• Watch the almond blossoms at Quinta do Arco : In late winter, the almond trees bloom, covering parts of the island in a delicate white and pink blanket of flowers. In the garden of Quinta do Arco, you can observe the stunning almond blossom, the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls and photography.
• Visit the thermal baths in Ponta do Sol : To relax, visit the natural thermal pools in Ponta do Sol. These warm, mineral-rich waters are ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation in a serene setting, especially appealing during the chilly month of February.
• Wine tasting in Funchal : February's chilly evenings are perfect for cozying up with a glass of Madeira wine. Visit several historic wine houses in Funchal for a tasting where you will learn about the wine making process and taste different varieties of this world famous fortified wine.

Madeira offers only a fraction of the unique experiences that Portugal has to offer. For even more ideas for your vacation, see our guide to the best things to do in Portugal .

Wine barrels in Madeira, Portugal  © Shutterstock

A year-round paradise, Madeira offers unique experiences every month to suit a variety of travelers' preferences. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures, cultural events, or just a relaxing vacation in nature, Madeira's diverse climate and activities ensure that there is always something special to do here.

• March : Spring awakens with blooming flowers and ideal temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities.
• April :  Delight in the Madeira Flower Festival, where the island explodes with color and fragrant displays.
• May : Enjoy comfortable temperatures and the start of the season of outdoor activities, including the Madeira Island Ultra Trail.
• June :  Take part in the Atlantic Festival with fireworks and music, which marks the beginning of the summer festivities.
• July : Enjoy the summer heat, ideal for beach walks and water sports in Madeira's crystal clear waters.
• August : Experience the peak of summer with lively street festivals, including the popular Madeira Wine Festival.
• September : Take advantage of warm seas and less crowded attractions as the high season comes to an end.
• October : Watch the leaves change and enjoy the mild weather, ideal for exploring the island's natural landscapes.
• November : Enjoy the quieter side of Madeira and the wine harvest festivities, ideal for food lovers.
• December : Get into the festive spirit with Madeira's famous Christmas lights and New Year's Eve fireworks.
• January : Experience the tranquility of post-holiday Madeira, ideal for enjoying its natural beauty without the crowds of tourists.

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

Umbraphiles feeling the post-eclipse blues should start checking the expiration date on their passports.

The next total solar eclipse is set to happen on Aug. 12, 2026, over Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and a small part of Portugal, according to NASA . 

In North America, only a partial eclipse will be visible, so if April’s event made you an eclipse chaser and you want to see totality, you’ll need to head overseas.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Here’s what you’ll need to know before packing your bags:

Do you need a passport or visa for the best destination?

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse mostly goes through places Americans can travel visa-free with their passport, so long as they’re planning to stay for less than 90 days.

Spain, Portugal, Iceland and Greenland all allow visa-free tourist travel for U.S. passport holders.

Spain, Portugal and Iceland are also members of the Schengen Area, which allows for visa-free travel in much of Europe, meaning if you decide to make a multi-country trip out of your eclipse adventure, you won’t need to clear customs if you’re coming from much of the rest of Europe, either.

One major change for travelers to Europe from the U.S., however, is that electronic preauthorization will become a requirement beginning in mid-2025. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) requirement will apply to all four open countries in the path of totality. 

Depending on the state of the Ukraine war, travel to Russia may or may not be an option for most Americans by 2026, so it’s unclear what the paperwork requirements will be by then.

Is it better to see it from the beach?

Beaches can be a great place to see the eclipse because there are few natural obstacles blocking observers’ views of the sky. The 2026 path of totality passes over beaches on Spain’s northern and southeastern coasts, as well as over islands in the Mediterranean Sea including Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The eclipse will also pass over coastal areas in Greenland and Iceland, according to the National Solar Observatory . 

Cruising Altitude: What it was like to see the eclipse from a plane

Will there be eclipse cruises or flights?

Almost certainly, although most operators have not announced specific plans yet. 

Cruise lines will also offer more viewing opportunities. Princess Cruises “has created a bespoke itinerary aboard Sky Princess to position the ship near Spain on that date,” according to a spokesperson for the line. The cruise will open for bookings on Princess’s website on May 23.

Cunard Line has sailings on its Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria and Queen Anne vessels that will put passengers in prime spots to watch .

'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Holland America Line is also planning multiple sailings around the event, though details are still to be announced. “Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's vice president of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, previously told USA TODAY in an email.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Already planning to see the next solar eclipse in 2026? What travelers need to know.

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Fjords, Pharaohs or Koalas? Time to Plan for Your Next Eclipse.

If you can’t get enough of totality, or missed out this time, you’ll have three more chances in the next four years in destinations like Iceland, Spain, Egypt and Australia.

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By Danielle Dowling

Are you still a little giddy from the magical moments of totality during Monday’s solar eclipse? Or did clouds swoop in to block your view? Maybe you just couldn’t make it to the path of totality this time. No matter what, the question now is “ Where and when will it happen again?”

“People who have never seen it before, the first words out of their mouth after the totality ends is ‘I’ve got to see another one, this is incredible, this is unbelievable.’ That is when you become addicted to these things and end up traveling no matter where the next one is,” said Joseph Rao, an eclipse chaser and guest lecturer at the Hayden Planetarium.

So, if like Mr. Rao, you’ve developed a raging case of umbraphilia — the love of eclipses — you’ll have three chances over the next four years to see the moon blot out the sun. The first, on Aug. 12, 2026, will start above Greenland, then strafe the west coast of Iceland and move along the Atlantic Ocean and over Spain. Almost a year later, on Aug. 2, 2027, another will skirt the Mediterranean coast of North Africa then cross Egypt and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The third, on July 22, 2028, will cut across Australia and the southern tip of New Zealand.

Future Eclipses

Eclipse chasers will have several more chances this decade to view a total solar eclipse .

Last week, as Victoria Sahami , the owner of Sirius Travel , was preparing to guide a group of tourists in Mazatlán, Mexico, for Monday’s big event, she was also planning for these other upcoming eclipses. Ms. Sahami joined the ranks of the eclipse-obsessed when she witnessed one in Venezuela in the 1990s. “Like many people, I was hooked. There was no going back,” she said.

Total solar eclipses happen fairly regularly — about every one to two years — in locations scattered around the world. “That’s the great thing about them: You wind up in places that you don’t normally go,” Ms. Sahami said.

A major spoiler is weather, which will be a big variable in the 2026 eclipse — one Greenland, Iceland and Spain will see.

“Iceland normally has a lot of cloud during that time of year,” said Paul Maley , who runs Ring of Fire Expeditions . “The data shows Spain to have the higher good-weather prospects of all three. However, the sun is low in the sky and the eclipse ends as the sun hits the horizon at sunset.”

Because of Iceland’s mercurial meteorology, Ring of Fire Expeditions is going all in on Spain, with a 10-day excursion on the mainland. Sirius Travel is offering not only a five-day trip to Majorca but also an eight-day tour around Iceland. It will be based in Reykjavik, and the itinerary will remain flexible on the day of the eclipse so the tour can easily pivot toward the location with the least cloud cover. Ms. Sahami recommends the trip for those who already have a few eclipses under their belt and would be happy just to take in the sights of Iceland if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The 2027 eclipse, on the other hand, promises to be truly stellar: Luxor, Egypt — the site of numerous ancient temples as well as the Valleys of the Kings and Queens — sits right in the middle of the path of totality and will be bathed in darkness for a full 6 minutes 23 seconds. Weather-wise, it is what Ms. Sahami called “a slam dunk.” “You know you’re going to see it. You know that you’re not going to get any clouds,” she said.

But for all its potential, those considering Egypt should be aware that the State Department has a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning for the country because of the risk of terrorism.

The 2028 eclipse will darken the skies over Sydney, Australia, for 3 minutes 49 seconds. It will be the first time the city has experienced a total solar eclipse since 1857. Ms. Sahami has her eyes on a trip based out of there, while Mr. Maley has chartered a cruise ship off the northwest coast of Australia. It will be winter there, he said, but that isn’t likely to mean bad eclipse-viewing weather.

If you want to see any (or all) of these eclipses, you should get started on planning and booking now, particularly if you want to sign up for a trip organized by a tour company. One of Sirius Travel’s excursions to Luxor is already full.

Scrutinize refund policies and look into insuring your trip. Several companies will fully refund your deposit if you cancel a year in advance. A lot can happen, Ms. Sahami said, “but if you think you’re going to go, why not?”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .