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Best Road Trips in Portugal: 10 Super Scenic Routes

As much as I love city breaks, I will never say no to a road trip. One of my favorite scenic drives was in Portugal, a perfect destination to explore by car. Since then, I’ve been in an endless search for the best road trips in Portugal that I can add to my bucket list.

With the help of a few fellow bloggers, I finally have an epic roundup of road trip ideas, which I’m super excited to share with you. They are all adjustable, so whether you have a few days or 2 weeks in Portugal , you’ll find your inspiration here.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

10 of the Best Road Trips in Portugal

The algarve.

Contributed by Linn from Brainy Backpackers

Route: Faro to Lagos.

The south coast of Portugal is incredibly beautiful and offers so much to see and do. Going on an  Algarve road trip  is a great way to explore as much as possible.

For a one-week road trip, I suggest you start in Faro and end in Lagos, Portugal . You can easily drive back to Faro in 1 hour and 45 minutes to return your rental car and get on your flight back.

But on this seemingly short stretch, there is so much fun, and you should at least spend a couple of days in Albufeira, Carvoeiro, and Lagos.

Not all places are easily accessed by public transport, so a car is a must if you want to experience the best of the coastline.

You can spend a day in Faro and then enjoy the best things to do in Albufeira or get from Faro’s airport to Albufeira and save Faro for the last day of your road trip.

Get ready to see some spectacular beaches along the way, take the astounding Seven Hanging Valleys coastal hike (aka one of the best hikes in Portugal ), or paddleboard to the most mesmerizing cave in Portugal, Benagil Cave . Walk the boardwalk from Carvoeiro to the Algar Seco’s natural pool and caves.

Want to learn how to surf or scuba dive? Lagos is the place. This quaint town is just a short driving distance from the spectacular Sagres cliffs and the Ponta da Piedade cliffs, which I personally think are the most beautiful cliffs in the Algarve. 

São Miguel Island, the Azores

Contributed by Megan from Megan Starr

Route: Circular from Ponta Delgada.

One of the most scenic drives in Portugal is on the main island in the Azores, Sao Miguel. The best way to conduct this road trip is to start in the capital city called Ponta Delgada and circumnavigate the island.

I recommend taking a minimum of four days to complete the road trip as you will have many amazing stops on your  Sao Miguel itinerary .

From Ponta Delgada, you’ll want to head to the west of Sao Miguel toward Sete Cidades. This area is known for its gorgeous views, volcanic crater lakes, and more.

If you’re keen to stay on this side of the island, there are plenty of accommodations around Sete Cidades .

From there, you can start making your way to the north on the second day. The north coast is rugged and actually has the best weather, so enjoy the thermal pools, the views over the high cliffs, and a kind of hidden gem in Portugal called Salto do Cabrito.

The best place to stay on the north shore of Sao Miguel is at Sao Vicente Lodge or Santa Barbara Eco-Resort . Both are fantastic places with epic views.

From there, head to the east of Sao Miguel, a geothermal wonderland. Furnas is the highlight of the east, where you’ll find many natural parks, botanical gardens, and the chance to enjoy cozido das furnas , a local stew made underground with geothermal heat.

On your last day, head toward Ponta Delgada and stop at a few places along the way. If you’re feeling adventurous, try snorkeling or taking a tour to Vila Franco do Campo, a small islet in the sea.

End your road trip with some delicious food in the capital, Ponta Delgada, where you can enjoy the city life at an Azorean pace.

Alentejo Region

Contributed by Faye from Delve Into Europe

Route: Ėvora to Mertola, then onto the Algarve.

We had planned an  Alentejo road trip  for years because we thought it would be a great deal to see this rural province in southeast Portugal. It’s packed with whitewashed towns and medieval castles, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and some of the best Portugal scenery.

The only downside was that we didn’t have more time – we could easily have spent two weeks or more exploring the region.

It’s full of amazing places to stay, and we settled on three – the capital, Évora , and the fortified villages of Marvão and Monsaraz, both overlooking the Spanish border.

We also stopped at various places along the way, including the famous Saturday market of Estremoz, the stunning historic border city of Elvas, and the picturesque unexplored town of Castelo de Vide.

Évora makes a great starting point, and it warrants a couple of days or more. The tight cobbled streets of the Old Town are incredible and lead to a superb 2nd-century AD Roman temple and a fine concoction of a cathedral overlooking the whole scene.

Marvão is a magnificent mountaintop fortified village with one of the most spectacular castles in Europe, located high in the Serra de São Mamede range.

Monsaraz has a less dramatic setting but wins out on sheer beauty. We visited early in the season and had the whole village to ourselves at night, including the two main streets lined with stunning whitewashed buildings.

The view over the Basrragem do Alqueva lakes on the Spanish border at sunrise was unforgettable too.

Lisbon to Porto

Route: Lisbon to Porto.

Starting off with a classic, a road trip from Lisbon to Porto is a must-have experience in Portugal.

From palaces and monasteries to ocean views and enchanting villages, this is a fantastic route that combines a little bit of everything. Excluding 2 days in Lisbon and 1-2 days in Porto, you can complete it in 5-7 days.

Begin your journey in Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point (and one of the most Instagrammable spots in Portugal ), which provides some jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic coast.

Continue to Sintra, where you’ll find the iconic Pena Palace and other visit-worthy Portuguese landmarks like the old town, the Palace of Quinta da Regaleira, and the Sintra National Palace.

There are also plenty of things to do in Ericeira , which you can visit after either Cabo da Roca or Sintra.

From there, you must spend at least half a day strolling through the alleys of the picture-perfect village of Obidos, lose yourself in the beauty of the Bussaco Forest, unwind in the coastal town of Espinho, and enjoy some Port wine-tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia.

This route covers some of the country’s greatest highlights and is suitable for every type of traveler, which is exactly what makes it one of the best drives in Portugal.

Northern Portugal

Route: Circular from Porto.

Renting a car in Portugal is a fantastic way to explore its northern regions. Often overlooked, Northern Portugal is an incredible destination full of landmarks, vineyards, and scenic roads.

Start your journey with a couple of days in Porto , stroll through its colorful neighborhoods, sample some exquisite port wine, and visit its most amazing monuments like the Carmo Church and Bolsa Palace.

Continue to Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal, and then head to Barcelos, a town famous for the European legend of the Rooster of Barcelos. Next is the stunning city of Braga.

Braga has a lot to offer and can be a great weekend getaway destination, but most people visit it to admire the nearby religious complex of Bom Jesus do Monte.

The remarkable stairway consisting of over 570 stairs, along with the monastery at the top, is truly an impressive sight.

End your northern Portugal road trip with a day in Guimaraes (and its castles), the founding city of the kingdom of Portugal, and visit the charming town of Viana do Castelo.

Madeira Island

Contributed by Darek from Darek and Gosia

Route: Circular from Funchal.

If you love driving and looking for something unique, you have to go for a  road trip around Madeira Island .

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese island is known as the island of eternal spring – meaning it’s a perfect spring destination in Europe but is also great to visit at any time of the year!

You will start your trip in the capital of the island – Funchal. You should stay in Funchal for the night too and explore the main attractions of the city. Those will include the old town, the CR7 museum, and the Monte Palace tropical garden.

You can also head to Praia Formosa, one of the best beaches in Madeira , located only a short drive away from the city.

Start your second day on a high note – the Cabo Girao skywalk, which is one of the tallest viewing platforms in the world. Ponta do Pargo lighthouse and Porto Moniz and its natural pools will be the highlights of 3rd day on the road.

On the next day, explore the northern part of the island with its amazing viewpoints and São Vicente caves. You will be excited to see Casas Típicas de Santana on your 5th day, followed by one of the best hikes in Madeira – Ponta de São Lourenço.

If you love wildlife experiences, you could also book a tour of whale watching in Madeira .

For the best experience, it is recommended to dedicate at least 5-6 days to complete the road trip around Madeira, but nothing will stop you from spending a bit more time on the island – there are many incredible places to explore!

Central Portugal

Contributed by Cath from Passports and Adventures

Route: Circular from Faro/Lisbon/Porto.

Beginning and ending in Faro, one of the best road trips in Portugal is one in which you explore the Central Region of the country. This road trip can also start and end in Lisbon or Porto, covering the three airports in the country.

From Faro, this trip will take 7 days, covering towns and cities in Portugal from Lousã to Nazaré, Obidos to Sintra, and finally Lisbon before returning to Faro. The journey from Faro towards Lousã will take approximately 4-5 hours along the main A2 motorway.

Once in Lousã, you can explore the surrounding area, with a visit to the Praia Fluvial da Bogueira recommended. This river beach is great on a hot summer day, and you should also visit the small ruined castle.

After two nights, visit the historic city of Coimbra, which is only 30 minutes by car on your way to Nazaré.

Nazaré is famous for its surfing thanks to the huge waves that roll in from the Atlantic Ocean. However, it is also a great base for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites nearby.

Three sites are easily accessible, being the monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, and the convent in Tomar. You could visit them over one or two days.

After two nights, head south towards Sintra, stopping at the historic walled town of Obidos and the Buddha Eden Garden in Bacalhôa, before reaching Sintra.

Stay overnight and spend a day exploring the Pena Palace and Moorish castle before heading to your destination of Lisbon, where there is a wealth of things to explore during the two to three nights we recommend for your stay before returning to Faro.

This  7-day road trip exploring Central Portugal  is ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers.

The Monasteries of Central Portugal

Contributed by Cate from Sacred Wanderings

Route: Coimbra to the monasteries.

For an amazing road trip through three  UNESCO World Heritage Listed Monasteries in Central Portugal , begin in Coimbra.

To see all three monasteries, and have some leisure time to explore the countryside of Central Portugal, allot 3 days and 2 nights to this itinerary. Coimbra is easily accessed via train from Porto or Lisbon and is a wonderful city to explore in itself.

From Coimbra, head to Batalha. Batalha Monastery is a stunning place, with abandoned cloisters and once-in-a-lifetime architecture. From Batalha, you can easily reach Alcobaça for the night and stay in one of many incredibl e hotels .

Walking around the monastery at night is a magical experience. There are also plenty of wonderful, intimate seafood restaurants to try.

Grab dinner in Alcobaça and then explore its UNESCO World Heritage monastery, very different from Batalha. Enjoy a leisurely drive through the countryside to get from Alcobaça to the city of Tomar.

Explore the city before heading to Tomar’s famous Convento de Cristo. A monastery and castle in one, the Convento is a wonderful place to explore with children or as adults.

Stay in adorable Tomar for the night at a leisurely pace, or turn in the rental car and take the train to Lisbon.

Costa Vicentina

Contributed by Paulina from Paulina on the Road

Route: Lisbon to Costa Vicentina.

One of the best road trips to undertake in Portugal is from Lisbon to Costa Vicentina in the south of the country. You can complete this road trip in a couple of days, stopping at various places in between.

When you happen to reach your destination, then one of the  best things to do in Costa Vicentina  is hiking the Rota Vicentina and admiring the beach and water views you get in the network of hiking trails spanning hundreds of kilometers.

One of the best hiking trails in the area is Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar, which provides 22.5 km (a little under 14 miles) of scenic landscapes. Another great hike is the Fisherman’s Trail.

When exploring the place, you should also visit tourist places like Zambujeira do Mar, Odemira, and Odeceixe.

On this road trip, you get to see a range of sceneries, from rolling hills and splendid wooded river valleys to olive groves and cultivated fields that back the exciting Atlantic coast.

When it comes to accommodation, you can book private rooms called ‘quartos,’ where the price ranges between 30-40 Euros.

Porto to the Douro Valley

Contributed by Stephanie from History Fangirl

Route: Porto to the Douro Valley.

One of the best Portugal road trip ideas is the drive from Porto to the Douro Valley, one of the top wine regions in Portugal .

Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porto, you can pick up your rental car at the airport but don’t skip visiting the city itself.

Sprawled over both sides of the Douro River, the city has one of the most beautiful (and colorful) skylines in the world. Set aside at least two days in Porto before moving on.

If you love seeing UNESCO sites, you will enjoy spending a day or two in the town of Guimaraes.

From here, you can move on to the Douro, where you should give yourself at least two days to enjoy  Port tasting at the Quintas (wineries) located alongside the river . The Duoro Valley is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and tasting wine has never been such an educational experience!

While the Duoro Valley is a joy to drive around, if you want to enjoy wine tasting once you get here, prepare to spend a bit extra on taxis or even hire a private driver to take you safely around the area.

If you have extra time, you can drive south and add a day in Fatima,  Tomar , or even Coimbra before heading back to Porto to drop off your car. 

Related Posts

• Free things to do in Lisbon
• What to pack for Lisbon

Do you love European road trips? You should also read:

• Best road trips in Spain
• The ultimate Andalusia road trip itinerary
• Places to add to your northern Spain road trip itinerary
• The best northern Italy road trip itinerary
• Northwest Italy road trip itinerary
• Best road trips in Italy
• Road trips from Milan

Planning an off-season trip? Here’s a great Portugal winter itinerary and the best winter city breaks in Europe (including Lisbon)!

Tell me in the comments and pin this post for later!

About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

21 thoughts on “Best Road Trips in Portugal: 10 Super Scenic Routes”

This site has inspired me! My husband and I planned on doing the “tour” thing, but really wanted to go at our own pace. He is a photographer and likes to stop if he sees something he wants to shoot pictures of! You have made my fears disappear! We are 66 & 70 years old, so we know there are a few limitations for us, but now I have a comfort level of striking out on our own using your itineraries and suggestions! We will probably go in October…any insights?

Your comment just made my day, Janet! Thank you! Portugal is a very tourist-friendly destination, so with the right preparation, you can totally explore it on your own. October is a great time to visit as there are fewer crowds than in summer and the weather is more than pleasant 🙂

Hello Or, I am planning an independent, self-guided road trip with my daughter sometimes in june-july for 12 days. I love your suggestions. Do you know any local and affordable agency in Portugal? I live in Augusta, GA, America.

Thank you for your help.

Hi Christine! I’m so happy you liked this post 🙂 Are you referring to a self-drive tour agency? I usually plan my own trips, so I don’t have any personal experience with these companies. If you want to share your budget (you can email me), I can try to consult some colleagues.

You’re welcome!

Thanks for the tips, I’ll read more when it’s time to prepare for our trip to Spain and Portugal.

You’re welcome 🙂 I’m here if you have any question.

I’ve always wanted to do a longer trip through Portugal after i did an Algarve road trip. This is so useful and has so mucj inspo for when I can next go back!!

I’m happy it was inspiring! Portugal definitely deserves to be visited over and over again 🙂

This is a great guide – Portugal is so high on my bucket list. I’ve only ever heard good things about it 🙂

Thank you! Portugal is truly amazing, and I think a road trip is the best way to explore it 🙂

We LOVE road trips! We spent a couple of weeks road tripping around Spain and Portugal last year, but clearly we need to go back. The monastery and coast hike look amazing.

I clearly love road trips too 🙂 I hope you get to go back soon!

We’ve done a road trip from Lisbon to Porto passing by Fatima, Aveiro and Cabo da Roca. I want to come back to explore more of those beautiful places! Great guide 🙂

That sounds like a great road trip 🙂 I’m glad you liked this post!

I love going on road trips. We stopped in Portugal while doing a road trip of southern Spain, but only for a few hours so I would love to go back!

Yeah, a few hours are definitely not enough! I hope you get to go back soon 🙂

OMG! Is it possible to say that I want to eat these pics? 😀 Why does Portugal have to look to appetizing and beautiful?

I think you’ve described it accurately – appetizing 😛

Amazing itinerary! I went to Lisbon a few years back & have been dying to go back to Portugal! There are so many beautiful places to see!

Thank you! And yes – there’s too much to see lol

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

Portugal Travel Guide

A stunning surfers’ coastline, timeworn cities full of yummy eateries, and hills dotted with vineyards – this is Portugal.

Best time to visit Portugal

Best places to visit in portugal, 9 bucket list things to do in algarve, portugal, monsanto: the stunning rock village of portugal, the castles and palaces of sintra, portugal, 14 best things to do in lisbon (3-day guide), map of portugal, weather in portugal.

The weather in Portugal is incredible! With a warm Mediterranean climate, you can expect lots of sunshine and good temperatures, making it the perfect destination for outdoor activities and beach days.

Great cities

10 great things to do in porto, portugal, evora, portugal: a travel guide to the historical treasure, 9 best things to do in albufeira, portugal.

Beautiful Portuguese villages

Ferragudo, portugal: the prettiest village in the algarve, 9 things to do in cascais, portugal, 8 most beautiful villages & towns in portugal, obidos: one of portugal’s most beautiful villages, douro valley: portugal’s stunning wine region, for your roadtrip, how to travel portugal by campervan + rental, renting a car in portugal in 2024: all you need to know, road trip portugal: the perfect 3-week itinerary, how to rent a car in portugal, best travel insurances, how to use google maps offline.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Portugal via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Portugal worth visiting?

Portugal is a captivating destination with a beautiful blend of historic charm and stunning landscapes. From its picturesque cities like Lisbon and Porto to the golden beaches of the Algarve, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Is Portugal cheap to visit?

In Portugal, you can try delicious cuisine, stay in charming accommodations, and enjoy things to do without breaking the bank. The country offers great value for travelers. Bigger cities, like Lisbon, have slightly higher prices but still offer many reasonably-priced hotels and restaurants.

Can I drink tap water in Portugal?

In Portugal, you can confidently sip from the tap – the water is safe and refreshing to drink! Bring a reusable bottle to top up at one of the many fountains, and stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Portugal?

Most travelers from the EU, the US, and many other countries can enter Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa. Check the requirements for your country, and get ready for your Portugal holiday.

What language do they speak in Portugal?

Often not easily placed when heard elsewhere, in Portugal, they speak Portuguese. Listen to the romantic rhythms as you journey through the diverse regions. However, English is also widely spoken, especially in more metropolitan areas like Lisbon.

Do I need travel insurance for Portugal?

Travel insurance is your safety net for all your adventures in Portugal, ensuring you have peace of mind while road-tripping the coastline in a camper or surfing the ocean. It protects you against unexpected events, whether it’s a canceled flight or an accident.

What power plug type does Portugal have?

Portugal uses Type F for its power plugs, so it’s a good idea to carry an adaptor to power up your devices when traveling to Portugal. Type F has two round pins that fit most European sockets.

Why do people love Portugal?

Portugal is one of the gems in southern Europe, a place where time weaves tales through cobbled streets and golden beaches touch the Atlantic Ocean. From its soulful fado music, delicious pastries, and the warmth of its people, it’s loved by many who journey here.

Travel to Portugal

Portugal is a country where the thrill of nature takes over and gives travelers a buzz like no other, from the wind in your hair as you drive down the rugged Algarve coast to the sun shining on salty skin after a good surf. Road tripping is a must here, with endless quiet roads that hug extraordinary cliffs, caves, and zig-zag right through stunning national parks like Sintra . All of this makes a vacation in Portugal perfect for adventure lovers.

How to Plan Your Trip to Portugal

Follow our Portugal travel guides to plan the perfect road trip! Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on the southern coast, party in Albufeira , or dive into the rich history of Porto , we’ve got you covered with our informative guides. Explore all the best places in Portugal, or check out our 2-week Portugal itinerary .

If you want to see even more of the country, 3 weeks in Portugal is even better.

Best Time to Visit Portugal

Portugal’s good weather makes it a year-round destination. The sun reigns supreme in the southern Algarve region, with scorching summers drawing beach lovers to the golden shores. The central areas, including Lisbon and Porto, enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers. The islands, like Madeira and the Azores, boast a temperate maritime climate, keeping the scenery lush year-round.

Shoulder Seasons: Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept – Nov) is the best time to visit Portugal. During these shoulder seasons, temperatures are nice, and tourist crowds are low, making it a great time to go sightseeing, hiking, or enjoying wine tasting in the Douro Valley .

High Season: The summer months are the peak season when coastal regions bustle with visitors for the sun and sea. Spring and fall are more relaxed times to explore historic sites, like Lisbon’s iconic neighborhoods and Porto’s wine cellars.

Coastlines and Beaches

Portugal’s beaches and coastline are a sun-kissed paradise, with over 1790 kilometers of sparkling sand. From thrilling water sports near Ferragudo to leisurely beach hopping or simply basking in the summer sun, visiting the coastline is one of the best things to do in Portugal.

The Algarve: Along the Algarve’s rugged cliffs, discover hidden coves and dramatic grottoes that invite you to explore. The pristine Praia da Marinha, with its iconic limestone arches, makes you feel as if you’ve just stepped into a postcard.

Best places to surf: For surfers, the waves of Praia do Guicho near Lisbon make up the perfect playground. Catch a wave, feel the ocean’s energy, and soak up the incredible atmosphere on your vacation in Portugal. Meanwhile, the golden beaches of Praia da Comporta provide another serene escape with quiet rustling dunes.

The Azores Islands: In the Azores, the beaches are unlike any other, with black volcanic sands contrasting with the blue waters on São Miguel Island. It’s as if you’ve landed on another planet.

Food, Culture, and Religion in Portugal

Portugal is a land of captivating contrasts, noticeable in its food, culture, and religion.

Food: The cuisine is a delicious fusion of flavors and influences, boasting seafood along the coast and tasty custard tarts in the cities. Pair all of that with an iconic local wine, and you have great cuisine for your Portugal holiday.

Culture : Portugal’s cultural heritage is a testament to its rich history. From Lisbon’s historic Alfama district with narrow winding streets to Porto’s Ribeira, there’s much to marvel at in Portugal. Listen to the soulful music of Fado echoing through the streets as you sit down on one of the vibrant terraces, looking out over the historic towns and villages by the sea.

Religion : Portugal’s religious roots run deep, with many devotees worldwide still visiting the country on their pilgrimage. Its Catholic heritage is evident in ornate churches and religious festivals that bring communities from many neighborhoods together.

Why You Should Travel to Portugal

With its charismatic character and irresistible blend of old-world charm and sun-kissed coast, a vacation in Portugal is bound to leave every traveler in awe. In Lisbon , stroll through the labyrinth of streets covered in colorful tiles. Then, check out fairytale-like Sintra or historic Evora, where tall castles and old buildings peep between the lush forests. And don’t forget the postcard-worthy coastline, perfect for every type of beachgoer. Combine that with delicious cuisine and a great atmosphere, and you’ll soon feel like you belong.

Safety and Travel Advice in Portugal

Portugal is generally a safe and welcoming destination for travelers. However, staying informed about safety measures and travel tips is always recommended.

Natural disasters: Portugal experiences a relatively low occurrence of natural disasters. However, while rare, earthquakes and forest fires can happen. Download your local government app or register at an embassy for emergency updates.

Crime and safety in Portugal : Crime levels are generally low in Portugal. However, like in many tourist destinations, petty crime can occur in crowded areas or tourist hotspots like Lisbon and Porto. Pickpocketing is a risk, especially on public transport and crowded bus and tram stations. Try leaving your valuables at home and carry your bag in the front. Be particularly careful on the number 15 and 28 trams in Lisbon.

Beach time is one of the best things to do in Portugal, with many kilometers of beautiful golden sand. However, some locations aren’t safe for swimming with strong rip tides and undercurrents. Don’t swim at beaches without a lifeguard or those that have warning flags. A red flag indicates danger; don’t go into the water. A yellow flag means caution, meaning you can walk in the water but not swim.

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic: Depending on your destination and the time of year, traffic can be busy in Portugal. If you’re driving a rental car in Portugal, always watch for traffic signs and stick to the rules (even when locals don’t). Avoid driving in city centers or hilltop villages, known for traffic jams and narrow streets and use our Portugal travel guides for the best tips.

Car theft: Foreign-registered and rental cars in Portugal can be subject to car theft. Because of this, always be mindful of where you park, and don’t leave anything on display inside. Try to remove all valuables and luggage from your vehicle if you can.

Travel Insurance: One of the things we always recommend for your Portugal holiday is purchasing travel insurance. Whether it’s lost luggage or unforeseen accidents, travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring a smoother and worry-free experience. Check out these best travel insurances .

• 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!

Paiva Walkways, Arouca: All You Need To Know

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

Enjoy the ride and help me improve this guide!

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

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

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

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

Reasons to Visit Portugal

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

My travel tips valid anywhere

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

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

You might also like these articles 💬

Japan Two Week Itinerary: The Best of Japan!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 10 Day Portugal Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning: Alfama + Castelo de São Jorge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon: Baixa + A Food Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up for your Lisbon food tour today!

Where to Stay in Lisbon

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a splurge?

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

Check rates & book your stay in Lisbon today!

Day 2: Enjoy more of Lisbon’s highlights.

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

Morning: Bairro Alto + Chiado

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

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

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

Afternoon: Belém + The Jerónimos Monastery

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

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

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

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

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

Grab your Jerónimos Monastery tickets today!

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

Evening: Sunset Boat Tour or Fado Show

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

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

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

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

Book your sunset boat cruise or Fado show today!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The train takes about 40 minutes from central Lisbon.

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

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

Book your Sintra day trip today!

Alternative Day Trip: Obidos + the UNESCO Monasteries

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

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

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

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

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

Book your UNESCO monasteries + Obidos day trip today!

Day 4: Head north to Porto.

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

Morning: Train to Porto

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

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

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

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

Shop train tickets from Lisbon to Porto today!

Afternoon/Evening: Porto’s Historic Center

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Porto

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

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

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

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

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

Check rates & book your stay in Porto today!

Day 5: Explore Porto in-depth.

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

Morning: More of Porto’s Historic Center

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

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

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

Afternoon/Evening: Ribeira + Vila Nova de Gaia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is even more stunning in person!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your Douro Valley day trip today!

Day 7: Make your way from Porto to Lagos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Evening: Lagos’ Historic Center + Ponta da Piedade

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Lagos

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

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

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

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

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

We recommend staying in Lagos for 2-3 nights.

Check rates & book your stay in Lagos today!

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

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

Morning: Boat Tour From Lagos

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

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

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

Book your Ponta da Piedade boat tour today!

Afternoon/Evening: Algarve Town-Hopping

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

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

Looking for something a bit more out of the way?

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

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

Alternative: Beach Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning: Bengail Cave + Carvoeiro

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

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

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

Don’t want to kayak or SUP?

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

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

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

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

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

Afternoon/Evening: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

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

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

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

Alternative: Beach Day

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

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

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

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

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

… over one more pastel de nata, probably!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alcobaça + Batalha + Tomar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choose your day trips based on your travel style.

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t overextend your itinerary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check train routes + schedules in Portugal today!

Bring shoes with an excellent grip.

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

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

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

Be prepared to climb lots of hills.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Kate Storm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sounds like a fantastic trip!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Christine,

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

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

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

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

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

Hope that helps and that you guys love Portugal!

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

Hi Richard!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Melanie,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Smidge!

Here you go:

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

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

Hi Richard,

Happy that you found our site helpful!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Regards, Ken

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

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

Hope you guys have an amazing trip!

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you guys have a great time!

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

Hi Gabrielle,

Happy anniversary! And thank you so much. 🙂

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

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

Hope you guys have a wonderful anniversary trip!

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

That’s fantastic to hear, thanks Gabby! 🙂

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

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

Congratulations, that’s exciting!

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks so much, Christina!

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

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

Hope you guys have a fantastic time in Portugal!

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

Thanks! Christina

Hi Christina,

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

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

Hope that helps a bit!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Ultimate 10 Days in Portugal Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop 2: Evora — 2 nights

• Octant Evora , for the best overall hotel

Stop 3: Comporta — 3 nights

• Sublime Comporta , for the best overall hotel

What to Know Before Choosing Your Itinerary

How Much Time is Really Needed to Visit Portugal?

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

What is the Best Way to See Portugal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How I Structured this 10 day Portugal itinerary

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

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

The 10 Day Portugal Itinerary — Lisbon to Alentejo to Comporta

Stop 1: lisbon & nearby day trips.

Recommended Time: 4 nights

Getting into lisbon from the airport.

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

Where to Stay in Lisbon

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

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

My Favorite Things to Do in Lisbon

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

The Best Restaurants in Lisbon

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

The Best Coffee Shops in Lisbon

• Hello, Kristof
• Copenhagen Coffee Lab & Bakery

Where to Take a Day Trip From Lisbon

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

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

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

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

Stop 2: Evora

Recommended Time: 2 nights

Getting to evora from lisbon.

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

Where to Stay in Evora

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

My Favorite Things to Do in Evora

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

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

Where to Eat in Evora

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

Things to Do Nearby Evora

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

Sample Itinerary for Evora

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

Stop 3: Comporta

Recommended Time: 3 nights

Getting to comporta from evora.

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

Where to Stay in Comporta

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

My Favorite Things to Do in Comporta

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

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

Where to Eat in Comporta

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

Sample Itinerary for Comporta

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

If You Have More Time

For more beaches & small towns.

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

For Small City & Wine Region

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

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

1. Book Your Flights

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

2. Book Your Accommodations

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

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

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

4. Book Your Car

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

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

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

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

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

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

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

Xx, Jessica

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1-Week Portugal Itinerary: Where to Spend 7 Days in Portugal

Millions of tourists travel to Portugal every year, but it can be hard to figure out where to go. Luckily, this 1-Week Portugal Itinerary guides you on where to spend 7 days in Portugal. 

The itinerary starts in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon and then heads south. You can enjoy the journey fully through public transport, but when leaving Lisbon to head to the Algarve, we do recommend renting a car.

When renting your vehicle, you can select to pick up the car at Lisbon airport and return it at the end of your trip at Faro airport, where this itinerary ends.

While both Central Portugal and the north have a lot to offer, this 7-day itinerary is perfect for a first-timer who hasn’t yet visited the country. 

For everything you need to know before traveling to Portugal, check out our  Portugal Survival Guide.

Day 1: Arrive in  Lisbon

This 1-Week Itinerary in Portugal starts in the capital of Lisbon. Many cities around the world fly directly to Lisbon. You can fly directly to Lisbon from many US airports, including Miami, Boston, Washington, San Francisco, and New York. 

One of the oldest cities in western Europe, Lisbon has seen a boom in tourism due to its unique beauty, historical attractions, and affordability.

The birthplace of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic  Fado  singer, Lisbon is rich in culture, history, and striking views. 

Guide to Lisbon

For your visit day in Lisbon, start your day off in Alfama. The oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and the home of fado. Explore the neighborhood and look out for Fado spots, as well as historical monuments such as the Lisbon Cathedral, the Convent of the Grace, and more.

For lunch, take a look at our  favorite restaurants in Lisbon. 

For a traditional Portuguese meal, we recommend Alfaia, one of the oldest restaurants in Lisbon that opened in 1880.

If you are vegan but still want to try Portuguese food, we definitely recommend Ao 26 Vegan Food Project.

For the best pizzas in Lisbon, head to Casanova in Santa Apolonia to take some pizzas cooked in a large wood-burning stove and enjoy views of the Tagus river. 

Then head to Miradouro da Graca, one of the most iconic viewpoints in Lisbon. At the top of the seven hills of the city, you get to see historic neighborhoods and take photographs of the surroundings. 

Then take the iconic 28 tram from Miradouro da Graca that passed by Praca do Comercio and other locations. Hop off in Chiado.

Chiado is well known for being home to the best stores a nd luxurious cafes, located in the heart of the city. The 1700s Bertrand book store is located here, as well as the emblematic cafe A Brasileira. 

Take a 15-minute walk to Praca do Comercio, the city’s central waterpoint front. The large square used to be the site of the former royal palace that was destroyed in the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755. 

There are multiple shops and restaurants in the square. You can also climb the Rua Augusta Arch for 360 views of the city and the square. 

For dinner, head to 1 de Maio in Bairro Alto for an affordable Portuguese meal. This hidden restaurant offers delicious fresh seafood that you can see from the window and a variety of meats like lamb. 

After dinner, head to Pink Street in Cais do Sodre. The street features pink pavement and was once Lisbon’s Red Light District. Today, it is a nightlife hotspot.

Many bars today still reflect the Red Light District such as the iconic bar Pensao Amor which has memorabilia from the time. Walk around to experience the nightlife which often fills the street, locals bringing their drinks outside. 

Best Hotels in Lisbon

• Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel:  Awarded the Best Luxury Green Hotel in 2019, Inspira Liberdade provides a relaxing Feng-Shui vibe for its guests. The hotel has a SPA, fitness room, bar, and a restaurant with Portuguese food called Pen Brasserie Mediterrânica.
• Selena Secret Garden :  The hostel also has a rooftop deck, CoWork space for professionals, and a movie room. In the heart of Cais do Sodre, you are close to contemporary art galleries, bars with riverfront views, and within walking distance to Chiado.
• Bairro Alto Hotel:  This hotel is situated in the best location in Lisbon, between Bairro Alto and Chiado in an 18th-century building in central Lisbon. The hotel features a restaurant with award-winning Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha.

Day 2: Lisbon

For your second day in Lisbon, we recommend exploring Belem. Belem lies along the Tejo Estuary and is home to two UNESCO sites, Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. 

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a former monastery in Belém constructed in Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style and you can visit the church for free. 

Torre de Belem is a 16th-century fortification that once served as an embarkation spot for Portugal explorers. It features a Manueline style and has been a World Heritage Site since 1983.

A 2-minute walk from the monastery, head to Pasteis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented.

In the afternoon, we recommend booking a sightseeing tour. Since you only have 2 days in Lisbon, this is a great way to see as much of the city as possible. Here are our favorite guided tours of Lisbon:

• Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk : This tuk-tuk tour rides up and down the hills of Lisbon, going through the city’s oldest neighborhoods and main attractions.
• Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour:  Book a 24-hour ticket which includes an audio guide. This affordable ticket allows you to visit different routes and hop in as you would like. 
• Lisbon 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike:  This tour allows you to cycle through Lisbon on comfortable e-bikes with a guided tour. You will get to visit different viewpoints and historical attractions.

At night, walk to Bairro Alto, the most popular area for drinking outdoors. Tons of locals and tourists line the streets of Bairro Alto with a beer in hand. We recommend Ze dos Bois Gallery, a musical center that has live music and serves tasty drinks. 

Best Restaurants in Lisbon

• Ze dos Cornos: For a Portuguese person, this place is like arriving at your Avó’s (grandma´s) house for dinner. Everything off the menu hits the spot, but try their codfish with potatoes or their rabbit. You can have a large full meal here with wine for under €15. 
• The Green Affair: Open since 2018, the Green Affair serves Portuguese and international dishes. The restaurant offers lunch menus for less than €11 including a starter, main, and drink. For dinner, you’ll pay around  €30 for two people. 
• Alma: Henrique Sá Pessoa’s, Alma also has two Michelin stars. The menu includes Portuguese dishes with influences from his worldwide travels. The menus start at €145 per person and do not include drinks. The wine tasting menu costs €80 per person. 

Day 3: Day Trip to Cascais & Sintra from Lisbon

Book Sintra & Cascais Tour

The great thing about Lisbon is its proximity to quaint coastal towns. Our favorites: Sintra and Cascais. We recommend either driving to these locations (both around 30 minutes from Lisbon), booking a guided tour , or taking a 30-minute train to each town. 

In Sintra, we recommend heading to Piriquita for the staple deserted called a “travesseiro”. After this energy boost, head to the Castle of the Moors. This is a medieval castle that sits on a hilltop and was built by the Moors in the 8th century.

Then, head to Pena Palace, one of the most iconic palaces in all of Portugal. The palace has a Disney-like feel, painted in beautiful colors in a romanticist style. You can also wander around the castle and see the beautiful green area that surrounds it. Tickets cost around €15.

Guide to Sintra

We recommend having lunch at a seafood restaurant in Cascais. Our favorites are Furnas do Guincho and Baia do Peixe, the latter being a more affordable alternative.

Then it’s time to explore Cascais, the richest municipality in the country! Head to “Praia da Rainha”, a secluded  beach  with a wonderful view, perfect for a family photograph.

Find Frederico Arouca street, a high street with major stores selling Portuguese souvenirs. Then walk to the City Hall in Praca 5 de Outubro, a beautiful building surrounded by cobblestoned streets.

To wrap up your day, head to Guincho beach,  a 10-minute drive from the center of Cascais, to watch the sunset. If the weather is nice, take a dip! But be careful with the waves as they can get quite high. 

Guide to Cascais

Day 4 & 5: Tavira

A 3-hour drive from Lisbon, drive south to Tavira, in the beautiful region of the Algarve. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Faro or a bus directly to Tavira. 

Tavira was built alongside River Gilão and features some of the best beaches in the Algarve, as well as picturesque narrow streets with traditional houses. Along with the stunning beaches, the town has multiple attractions such as shops and historical buildings.

Your two days will be more slow-paced than the past days in Lisbon. You will be spending most of your time at the beach.

Our favorite beach is Praia do Barril. The beach features a wooden path over golden sand which provides a gorgeous contrast with the dark blue waters. Due to the large size of the beach, you will rarely feel like it’s too busy, despite its popularity.

Praia de Tavira and Praia da Terra Estreita are also great alternatives in Tavira. If you want to discover multiple beaches this affordable  4-hour boat tour  takes you on an octopus tour and stops at multiple beaches.

In between resting at the beach, we recommend exploring Tavira. Take a walk through the city and explore the Chapel of Sao Bras, castle, and convent. Book this 100% electric 1-hour tuk-tuk tour  if you want a guided tour of the city from a local’s perspective. 

Tours in Tavira

Best Hotels in Tavira

• São Paulo Boutique Hotel:   São Paulo Boutique Hotel is located less than 5 kilometers from the beach and features an outdoor swimming pool, bar, shared lounge, and large garden for guests to enjoy. 
• OZADI Tavira Hotel:  A 4-star hotel AZADI Tavira Hotel is 3 kilometers away from the beach and features a large outdoor pool, a fitness center, and two restaurants. 
• Quinta Dos Perfumes:  An 8-minute walk from the beach, Quinta dos Perfumes is an 88-acre farmhouse that features beautiful orange groves and a salt-water outdoor pool.

Guide to Tavira

Day 6: Day trip to Benagil Caves

Benagil is a fishing village known for its stunning beaches and sea caves. The Benagil caves are a must-see if you head to the Algarve. We recommend booking a guided tour, many of which start in Albufeira. Here are the best day tours to Benagil Caves.

• Dolphins and Benagil Caves from Albufeira : This boat tour allows you to discover dolphins, marine life, and Benagil caves in an inflatable boat. A stop for a swim is included!
• Caves and Coastline Cruise from Albufeira to Benagil : This catamaran cruise takes you on a scenic route between Albufeira to Benagil. You will get to explore the sea caves and go for a swim. 
• Boat Tour to Benagil Caves from Armacao de Pera : A boat cruise from Armacao de Pera that takes you to see the Benagil Caves with a crew that will tell you about the region.

Benagil Tours

Day 7: Morning at the beach and travel home

Enjoy your last day at your favorite beach in Tavira. Again, we recommend Praia do Barril. Then travel back home from Faro Airport, only a 30-minute drive away from Tavira.

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30+ Portugal Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: July 20, 2023

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Take a single glance at Portugal and you’ll soon leap to the same conclusion as its millions of doting visitors: this is one of those destinations that seems to have it all.

From verdant valleys and golden beaches to fairytale castles and buzzy cities, visitors are swimming in choice as much as they are in sweet, custardy pastries.

But it’s not all custard tarts and photo opps. The truth is, Portugal often catches first time visitors off guard with random culture shocks, unexpected tourist traps and (sadly) even pickpockets and scams.

Luckily, I’ve learned all these the hard way (over 3 week-long trips) so you don’t have to.

So, from tactical tips for itinerary planning to assorted mistakes to avoid, here are my top Portugal travel tips and must knows for first time visitors. I hope you find them helpful!

Save this list of Portugal Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Go beyond the most famous Portuguese destinations

We’ll start with the basics: when planning your trip to Portugal, remember that there’s a lot to see beyond the coastal hotspots of Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

Portugal is a (satisfyingly rectangular) country composed of 18 districts and two autonomous regions, with a myriad of places to visit beyond the most frequented, from its many historic cities up North (e.g. Braga, Guimares, Lamego) and inland (e.g. Coimbra, Evora, Elvas), to its spectacular nature in Peneda-Gerês National Park and on their many islands.

SO, all that to say, if time permits, definitely expand your itinerary beyond the most famous sights, because this will allow you to experience a bit more of the country, while dodging some of the popular areas’ notorious crowds at the same time.

2. Public transport is fine for city to city travel, but you’ll need a car for more remote areas

I’ve never rented a car in Portugal, and have found the public transport system to be simple and easy for getting from city to city.

But, truthfully, the most flexible way to get around and potentially explore off the beaten path is renting a car. Doing so will give you the best opportunities to control your own schedule, and find more remote areas like quieter nature spots or beaches (especially in the Algarve).

I did find the lack of car to be quite limiting when we wanted to get out to less popular areas, so if exploring more offbeat spots is a priority to you, then a car rental is something to consider.

This Portugal tip comes with a big disclaimer however: beware that driving in Portugal involves many tolls and a lot of close encounters with the country’s most notorious danger….. Portuguese drivers.

For a potential ‘in-between’ option then, I’d suggest looking into taxis/hiring a driver. I’ve found these services to be quite affordable in Portugal, with Uber being an especially easy option.

3. Consider flying in/out of different airports

In terms of arriving in Portugal, there are 3 international airports: Lisbon (LIS), Faro (FAO) and Porto (OPO).

And after personal experience at each of these airports, I have the following planning tip to offer: if you are visiting multiple destinations, consider booking flights into one city and then out of another (provided the price difference isn’t eye-gougingly painful).

This is because Portugal is small, but many of its most popular destinations aren’t that close together, so getting around does still take time, hence why you’d ideally want to avoid having to double back.

In the past, I’ve flown into Porto for instance and then spent 10 days going from there down to Lisbon, then down to Lagos in the Algarve and then departing via Faro Airport.

This made for a much smoother journey than going all the way back up to Porto, which meant more time spent soaking in views like these:

4. On a budget? Look into Europe’s low cost airlines

If you’re travelling Europe on a budget, then here’s a big Portugal travel tip: Portuguese airports are very well serviced by budget airlines like RyanAir and easyjet .

SO, if you’re planning a big Europe trip involving other countries, it may be worth looking into whether you can find cheaper flights into other European destinations, then flying into Portugal through a budget airline. This could potentially save you hundreds of euros!

You might want to check out my cheap flights to Europe guide for more.

5. Use the TAP Portugal Stopover to Save Money

Another potential money saver is looking into a TAP Portugal Stopover.

TAP Portugal is an airline that offers a really great deal where you can organize a free stopover in either Lisbon or Porto for up to ten nights en route to another destination.

So, if you plan properly, you can essentially get two destinations for the price of one!

NOTE: While this tip could potentially save you money, beware that TAP Portugal doesn’t have the best reputation, and is notorious for delays/other issues. One of my friends living in Portugal even told me that people say TAP stands for ‘Take Another Plane’ so be sure to keep these potential drawbacks in mind before booking.

6. Avoid visiting Portugal in July and August

Now as for when to visit Portugal, a good rule of thumb is to avoid July and August. I say this in my general Europe tips post for pretty much every destination.

This is when the crowds and heat are at their worst, with hyper inflated prices to match.

The same applies for major school holidays like Easter because Portugal is a very popular family vacation spot among Europeans.

Instead, aim to visit between May – June or September – October. I’ve been to Portugal before in both March and April and found it to be quite rainy both times, so shoulder season would be more ideal for dodging both crowds and biblical downpours.

7. Beware that there will still be crowds in shoulder season

On that note though, I don’t want you to underestimate how crowded it can get in Portugal, even in shoulder season.

Portugal may still be seen as an up and coming destination among North American travellers, but it has been a go-to vacation spot among Europeans for YEARS and years and years…

So don’t be surprised when there’s a lot of people around. Even in March. or April. Sadly, there’s no true ‘off-season’ in Portugal these days!

8. Book popular day trip destinations as overnight stays instead

Of course, in spite of the country’s frightening popularity, there are still ways to avoid crowds and outsmart your fellow tourists.

One of my top Portugal travel tips for this is booking popular day trip destinations as an overnight stay instead.

This will allow you to wake up really early to see the busiest sites before the day trip crowds arrive, and then enjoy them properly after they leave.

I did this for instance in Sintra, opting to stay for two nights instead of going as a day trip from Lisbon as most visitors do. The result? I was able to enjoy many of Sintra’s palaces without feeling like I was in a selfie stick mosh pit.

… So, I’d highly recommend doing popular day trips as overnight stays instead. Book early enough and sometimes accommodation in these areas is cheaper than in big cities!

9. Learn some Portuguese basics & have Google Translate handy

For first time visitors to Portugal, an immediate culture shock is often that English is not as widely spoken here as other tourist areas in Europe, especially among older residents.

And while getting with English is usually fine in larger cities, once you venture out into smaller towns, speaking no Portuguese can be a challenge… so I’d advise having Google Translate (one of my must-have Europe apps ) ready to go.

BUT more importantly: at the very least, you should learn how to say hello and thank you. So, memorize these! Tattoo them on your wrists:

• Hello is Olá, but it’s more common to greet according to the time of day so Bom Dia (Bong Dia) for good morning, Boa Tarde (Boa Tarht) for good afternoon and Boa Noite (Boa Noit) for good night
• Thank you in Portuguese is gendered, and the way you say it depends on if YOU are a man or woman. So men say Obrigado, women say Obrigada

10. Note that there’s differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese

Now, if you decide to go all-out and learn some Portuguese for your trip, it’s probably a good idea to make sure you’re learning European Portuguese pronunciation, as opposed to Brazilian Portuguese.

Like with most languages, Portuguese has various accents/dialects/variations, but I’ve heard the difference between European vs. Brazilian Portuguese can actually be quite stark, so to maximize your chances of being understood, try to make sure you’re learning European Portuguese.

One channel I came across that was great for this was Practice Portuguese, so give them a watch.

11. And… remember that Portuguese and Spanish aren’t the same

It feels silly that I have to say this, but I’ve anecdotally heard of many visitors busting out Spanish in Portugal, expecting to be understood.

Therefore let me clarify this most obvious Portugal travel tip: remember, in Portugal, they speak Portuguese, which may share some similarities with Spanish, but is an entirely different language of its own.

So keep in mind that while you may be somewhat understood, it’d be pretty rude to just randomly speak Spanish at people. So… let’s all just make a pact right now to not do that.

12. Learn to pronounce destination names in Portuguese

Apart from learning the basics in Portuguese, another important Portugal language tip is to learn how to properly pronounce your destinations in Portuguese.

This will save your life when it comes to asking for directions, because many places are pronounced differently to how they may be pronounced phonetically in English.

I found this video to be super helpful for this purpose.

13. Beware of ‘Portuguese Time’

Another cultural difference is to beware of Portuguese time.

Unlike in some central European countries like Germany , Austria or Switzerland, punctuality isn’t really a huge priority in Portugal, and things tend to be more laidback in terms of time.

As a tourist, this probably won’t impact you that much unless you’re making plans with Portuguese friends, but just know that time is definitely a bit more flexible there, and so if you have tours that start a bit later than planned, just don’t be too surprised.

14. Be prepared to walk uphill a LOT

Now onto another Portugal travel tip that pretty photos fail to convey: prepare yourself for the leg workout of your LIFE.

Portugal is overall an incredibly hilly country, so you’ll be encountering plenty of ups and downs during your visit, especially if you visit Lisbon and Porto.

The cobblestones are also very slippery, especially when it rains so make sure you have good, solid footwear. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

15. Consider attraction passes/cards to save money

If you plan to visit a lot of museums and paid attractions while you’re visiting Portugal, you should also look into attraction passes like the Lisbon Card and the Porto Card which offer you unlimited public transport and also admission to multiple attractions for one set price.

This can work out to a lot of savings, although to be honest, I’ve found many of the best things to do in these cities are free!

Especially if you’re not super into museums, this option may not be worth it, so just crunch the numbers and total up the price for your must-see attractions to see if the pass works out to be cheaper.

16. Beware of tourist traps

Okay, now it’s time for me to get a little controversial. I love Portugal as a destination, but I have to concede there are a lot of tourist traps (many of which are perpetuated by online guides/influencers) so I’m going to quickly share my opinion on some to be mindful of in the country’s most popular destinations:

Here are some tourist traps in Lisbon to keep in mind:

‘The Pink Street’: In real life, it’s just a street with restaurants and bars, and the pink isn’t nearly as perfect or vibrant as the photos make it look. It’s also usually crowded in the evenings… so don’t get your hopes up too much!

Tram 28: Super congested, super busy, lots of pickpockets, and you can enjoy the views much better if you just walk along the same route.

The Santa Justa Lift: Nice to look at, with great view from the top, but the lines are insanely long and you can easily walk up to the viewpoint for free and not have to wait in line. The best part of this attraction is really just seeing it and enjoying the view, so don’t think it’s a must do to actually ride it. 

Here are some tourist traps in Porto to keep in mind:

Libreria Lello: Initially got famous because it was claimed that JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter there or was inspired by it (a claim she has now publicly denied). It is of course still a very pretty bookshop but unless you get there first thing in the morning or just before they close, it will not be magical at all because it is painfully crowded and almost impossible to get these nice photos without people in them because the shop is small. There’s also a 5 euro voucher you have to purchase to get inside, which gives you 5 euros off a purchase, but it’s not free to go in to take a look.

Private Property Viewpoints: Unfortunately, irresponsible Instagrammers have made a habit of taking photos from areas that are private property, so many of the most sought after views in the city aren’t actually open to the public. So, make sure you do your research before you set out!

17. Look beyond social media to find unique hidden gems

So, on that note, it’s important to look beyond social media to find fun places to visit and cool activities in Portugal.

Most travel content about Portugal focuses on the same spots over and over, but the flip side of that is there are TONS of cool gems just everywhere that you can kind of discover along the way for yourself.

I would recommend doing research on Portuguese language blogs or check out local Portuguese bloggers to get an inside scoop on more offbeat places because there are so many, and I can’t wait to go back and see more for myself.

18. Seek out Miradouros everywhere you go

On that note, one really easy way to find beautiful places in Portugal is searching for Miradouros.

This is Portuguese for viewpoints and there are SO many of them especially in Lisbon.

So if you ever feel bored, just search Miradouro and go – guaranteed you’ll find a good view.

19. Beware that free museum days aren’t free for everyone

A lot of travel guides online have been perpetuating the Portugal travel tip that many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month in Portugal…

BUT it’s important to note that actually when you look at the fine print, many of these offers are only valid for residents of Portugal (e.g. here ) so keep that in mind and double check on official websites before you head out expecting your freebie.

20. Make sure you try Vinho Verde

Moving onto Portugal tips for food and drink – AKA the most delicious and valuable section.

My first recommendation is to try Vinho Verde or green wine. I know it sounds weird, but the ‘green’ part of the wine has less to do with the wine’s colour, and more with its age.

In short, Vinho Verde is a young drinkable wine that’s not aged, and often a little fizzy, making it THE most delicious and refreshing accompaniment for a sunny terrace. I warn you though: this is some dangerously drinkable stuff, and you’ll be swallowing it by the gallon throughout your trip.

21. And avoid ordering Port wine with your meal

On the topic of wine, if you find yourself wanting to try the famous Portuguese Port wine, know that it’s a very sweet dessert wine that is usually enjoyed on its own after a meal (though sometimes before) and not one you sip during your meal.

… So avoid pairing your dinner with Port. That’s not the best way to enjoy it!

22. Research regional specialties before you go

Food-wise, Portuguese cuisine is super hearty and delicious, with many regional specialties depending on where you are in Portugal so be sure to Google the particular must-tries of your destination.

Of course, I can’t resist sharing a few quintessential recommendations.

First off, if you’re by the coast, fresh seafood is abundant and delicious, especially Bacalhau or Codfish which is available in literally hundreds of ways, including Pastéis de Bacalhau which are deep fried balls of potato and cod. So good!

In Porto, one very gluttonous must-try is the incomparable Francesinha – a thick sandwich stuffed with all kinds of meat and cheese then topped with more melted cheese, a dreamy sauce and often a fried egg.

And, a specialty of Belem and Lisbon is the almighty Pastel de Nata. These are egg custard pastries that come in a crispy crust. They are absolutely incredible, and sure to be one of the highlights of your trip (and possibly life).

23. Consider ordering Petiscos to sample a variety of flavours

Not sure where to begin with Portugese cuisine? A great way to try a lot is by ordering Petiscos, which are small shareable bites similar to Tapas.

Of course, what is served as Petiscos can vary regionally as well, so be sure to do some research or ask for local recommendations, but overall, ordering a bunch can be a nice way to try a lot of different dishes and it can also be a more affordable alternative to getting full main dishes as well. 

24. Prepare for late meal times

In terms of dining out, there are a few things you should know. First off – mealtimes in Portugal may be later than you’re used to.

It’s not uncommon for dinner time to be around 8 or 9pm or even later. Meals often last longer here too, taking several hours, so don’t feel any need to rush. Remember, Portuguese time is relaaaaaxed and fluid.

25. Do not expect continual service in restaurants

Another Portugal must-know is you should not expect continual service in restaurants here.

Often smaller local restaurants (or their kitchens) will be closed in the late afternoon to early evening, so from 2 or 3pm until 7pm, during which they only have some snack items or might not be open at all.

In larger cities, you’ll probably still find some places open but often these will be the ones that cater more to tourists.

So, keep these timings in mind so you can manage your hanger accordingly.

26. Learn how to spot tourist trap restaurants in Portugal

Speaking of restaurants that cater to tourists, there are a few easy ways to spot touristy restaurants in Portugal.

The first is if they’re in a particularly touristy area near a big attraction, you can probably expect prices to at least be a bit higher, and the value for money to be worse. A huge red flag is any place where there’s a host actively trying to get you to eat at their restaurant, as well as places with huge pictures or where the menu is a bunch of languages. 

Often you can escape these by just walking a few blocks away from the main sights so be sure to look around a bit before committing.

Or if you want to enjoy the atmosphere because sometimes these touristy restaurants do have some great views and locations, just pop in for a drink, rather than a full meal. 

27. Know that your table snacks will probably cost extra

Another important Portugal must-know is that often when you arrive at a restaurant, there will be snacks like olives or bread put on the table.

To the surprise of many first time visitors, these aren’t actually included and come at an extra cost, known as “Couvert”, which is usually 1-2 euros per person.

Just know this isn’t a scam, it’s just a cultural difference in the way they charge for things so keep that in mind if you’re eating at a restaurant, and feel free to say ‘no thank you’ if you don’t want any, and you will not be charged for them. The price of the Couvert is also usually listed on the menu, so you can double check the cost before committing.

28. Learn Portuguese tipping etiquette

Tips aren’t expected in Portugal to the same extent as in North America, but if you want to, usually rounding up or doing 10 percent is fine.

29. Bring cash (in smaller denominations)

Another important Portugal must-know once you arrive is that you should make sure you have cash on you.

While many places are taking card now, paying with cash is still the norm in Portugal, especially with smaller bills. The smaller the denominations you can get the better, because I’ve found that smaller places like cafes don’t like to break large bills. Ideally, keep to ten euro bills or below.

30. Don’t carry too much cash at once

That said, do not bring too much cash out with you at once, especially in touristy and busy areas in Lisbon, because pickpockets can be a an issue.

I’ve only been pickpocketed twice in my life and Lisbon was one of them so I’m still a bit sore about that.

So, go by my rule of thumb, which is to not carry more cash than you can stand to lose.

31. Beware of sketchy dealers

Another scam to look out for is dealers offering to sell you ‘illicit substances’ when you’re just out and about, minding your own business on the street. 

This is of course mainly an issue in high-traffic tourist areas, as they always target silly tourists who don’t know better.

Here’s how it works: someone will come up to you and ask if you want something innocent like sunglasses, then they’ll follow up with whether or not you want said illicit substances. Apart from the fact that this already sounds sketchy, they’re also not selling real illicit substances, so no matter what, make sure the answer is no.

32. Be mindful of later opening times

Another thing to be mindful of when visiting Portugal is opening times.

(I’m talking of course about actual shops and restaurants, not those aforementioned dealers)

Overall, things run on a later schedule in Portugal relative to most of central Europe, so you can expect supermarkets to not open until 8am and close later as well, usually at 9 or 10pm.

33. Pack warmer layers no matter when you visit

Okay final Portugal packing tip for you, be sure to pack some warmer layers, even if you’re going in the summer because the wind in Portugal (particularly along the coast) is vicious .

No – seriously. My trauma can attest! Portuguese wind can be really biting, especially when temperatures drop at night, so having at least one warm layer in your suitcase is a must.

I hope this list of Portugal Travel Tips was helpful!

Congratulations on making it through the longest ever list of Portuguese travel tips. I admit this was already a VERY long list of tips for Portugal, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

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1 thought on “30+ Portugal Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go”

Thank you! I enjoyed the common sense approach. This was very helpful.

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14 things Portugal locals want you to know before you visit

Feb 25, 2024 • 7 min read

Learn how to act like a local in Portugal by following these key tips © AnnaTamila / Shutterstock

Many years ago, as a young backpacker, I made plenty of mistakes when traveling around Portugal – from trying to see everything on one trip to indulging in free appetizers that weren’t really free. 

Since becoming both an honorary Lisboeta (Lisbon resident) and Tripeiro (Porto dweller), I have learned some essentials about the country. From the best methods for getting around to wardrobe essentials. Here are the key tips to help you make the most out of your trip to Portugal.

Don’t try to see it all in one trip

Portugal is a small country – roughly the size of the state of Indiana in North America and slightly larger than Scotland. But there’s a lot to see here , from hilltop villages in the Alentejo to remote UNESCO World Heritage sites , not to mention over 100 beaches in the Algarve. A rookie mistake is trying to see all of Portugal during one visit. Even if you have a few weeks to spare, you won’t be able to visit everything in this diverse country. Instead, pick one or two regions and focus your trip there, allowing yourself time to see both highlights as well as local markets, vineyards and other less-visited attractions. 

Decide where to go

The mountains, the seaside, cobblestone-lined city streets? Portugal has plenty of options when it comes to travel. With a week at your disposal, you can combine a bit of urban adventure with scenic getaways nearby. If you have Lisbon in mind, you can spend several days there, along with day trips to Cascais , Sintra and the beach-dotted Setúbal Peninsula , or spend a couple of days in Évora or on the lovely Alentejo coastline. 

A great northern itinerary combines Porto with some vineyard visits along the picturesque Douro River . Beach lovers might skip city life altogether and spend their time in the Algarve , checking out cliff-backed beaches, hidden coves and quiet fishing villages. If you have something more active in mind, plan a hiking outing in the mountains of the Serra da Estrela , which you can pair with time spent exploring craggy villages like Manteigas and Linhares, as well as the university town of Coimbra . 

Book your accommodation well in advance 

Portugal’s growing popularity means some of the best places to stay get booked up months in advance. This is especially true if you’re traveling in the peak months of June through August .  Once you have your itinerary organized, reserve your lodging. If you’re traveling off-season (November through March), you’ll have much more flexibility – so you can book your first few nights and plan your other nights on the go. 

Lower your carbon footprint by traveling on trains and buses

You can go green by ditching the car and getting around by public transportation. Portugal has a decent train network that connects major cities like Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and Faro. Buses help fill in the gaps to smaller towns across the country. Service has expanded in recent years, particularly in the south, where the new Vamus Algarve covers just about every part of the Algarve, from tiny beach villages on the central coast to the soaring sea cliffs near Sagres . Skipping the car rental also means you won't have to hassle with parking, toll roads and heavy traffic, among other things.     

Don’t bother taking a taxi from the airport

Speaking of trains and buses, as soon as you arrive, you can save money and cut down on CO2 emissions by hopping on public transport from the airport. Portugal’s three international airports all have good options for whisking you into town. The Lisbon metro’s linha vermelha (red line) can get you into the center, as can the speedy Aerobus, while Porto’s metro (violet line E) runs from the airport to the heart of town. From Faro airport in the south, you can take the Vamus Algarve Aerobus, which shuttles into Faro and also to the key towns of Albufeira , Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos .

Remember the cardinal rule of dining in Portugal: nothing is free 

Servers often bring bread, butter, olives and even cheese or other appetizers to diners before their meal. Keep in mind that these unordered items will always be added to your bill if you choose to partake. If you don’t want them, just send them away – a polite "no thank you" ( não obrigado/a ) will do the job. Prices for couvert range from €2 per person and upwards. 

Bring a few smart-casual outfits 

Shorts are fine on the beach, but if you wear them around the city, you’ll quickly brand yourself as a tourist. At nicer restaurants, bars and nightclubs, you’ll want to follow the local lead and dress things up a bit.

Become an expert on tipping etiquette

At restaurants in Portugal, many locals don’t tip at all or simply round up when paying for a meal. In more tourist-oriented establishments, a tip is more common – usually around 10% – and may even be added as a service charge. Tipping is not expected in cafes or bars. However, if you’re in a fancy high-end place, you should plan on tipping (along the lines of €1 for a specialty cocktail). Rounding up the fare is also common practice when taking a taxi or rideshare. 

Bring your own bag to the market 

Portugal has huge markets where you can see stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as charcuterie, cheeses, olives, bakery items and other fare. Amid such culinary largesse, you can assemble a first-rate picnic, just be sure to bring your own bag to the market. You might want to throw in a corkscrew so you’re always prepared to pop open a bottle of vinho verde , an Alentejo red and other good-value Portuguese wines. 

Pack sturdy shoes

Even if you limit your travels to the city, you’ll want to have good shoes. You’ll find steep streets, loose cobblestones and uneven sidewalks in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and many other towns. Save the heels and dress shoes for nicer restaurants and nightclubs. Good shoes will also come in handy when you want to take a walk beyond the town. Across the country, Portugal has some magnificent hikes , like the stunning clifftop trail of Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos – not difficult to do, but you need proper footwear. 

Dress modestly when visiting churches

Save the shorts, short skirts and tank tops for the beach – keep things covered up when visiting the cathedrals ( Sés ) and monasteries of Portugal.

And don’t forget to throw in the swimsuit 

No matter where you roam in Portugal, you’re never far from the beach or a sparkling inland lake or river. Porto and Lisbon both have lovely beaches within easy reach of the city center, while remote corners of Portugal – like Peneda-Gerês National Park have waterfalls and natural pools. It would be a mistake not to bring your swimsuit, even if you think you won’t need it.   

Learn some Portuguese and use it

Outside of Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, you might encounter people with limited English. For smooth sailing, it helps to learn some Portuguese. If nothing else, locals appreciate the effort to speak their language, however rudimentary your accent. When entering a room, it’s polite to say " bom dia " (good day) or " boa tarde " (good afternoon) to those around you.

Be mindful of petty crime 

Portugal is generally a safe country to visit with a low overall crime rate – violent crime is extremely rare. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are the main concerns to keep in mind, especially when traveling on the trams and metro in Lisbon or Porto. Avoid moving around during the crowded peak times, and don’t zone out on your phone. At night, be cautious walking around empty streets wherever you are: you’re better off taking a taxi. 

Car break-ins can also happen, and rental vehicles are sometimes targeted. Don’t leave anything of value in your car, and it's best not to leave luggage or other items in the trunk/boot of your vehicle (yet another good reason to embrace public transportation). 

This article was first published Aug 9, 2022 and updated Feb 25, 2024.

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Posted: June 2, 2024 | Last updated: June 2, 2024

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Having explored over 20 countries in the last 3 years, Megi is committed to bringing the freshest, most up-to-date news and perspectives on the world's most fascinating destinations.

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