The Ultimate Portugal Travel Itinerary

Portugal Travel Itinerary

Embark on a Journey Through Portugal

Welcome to your ultimate Portugal travel itinerary! From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the historic charm of Porto and the sun-soaked cliffs of the Algarve, these carefully crafted 5-day, 7-day, and 14-day plans immerse you in Portugal’s rich history, delectable cuisine, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re savoring pastéis de nata in Belém, exploring medieval castles in Sintra, or wandering the Douro Valley’s vineyards, your Portuguese adventure awaits. Choose your journey below and let Portugal captivate your heart!

Top Tips for Visiting Portugal

When to Go

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is warm and busy, especially in Lisbon and the Algarve. Winter is mild with lower prices, ideal for city visits.

Weather

Lisbon averages 15–25°C in spring/fall, 20–30°C in summer, and 10–15°C in winter. Porto is cooler (10–20°C spring/fall, 5–15°C winter). The Algarve sees 25–35°C in summer and 10–20°C in winter.

Transportation

Book trains early via Comboios de Portugal (CP) for discounts. City metro/bus tickets cost ~€1.50–€2. Rent cars for rural Alentejo or Douro Valley (~€30–€50/day).

Culture

Learn basic Portuguese phrases like "Olá" and "Obrigado/a." Tipping is optional (5–10% for good service). Dress casually but respectfully, especially in churches.

Budget Tips

Purchase Lisboa Card for museum and transport discounts. Eat at local tascas for affordable meals. Book accommodations and trains early for better rates.

Safety

Beware of pickpockets in tourist areas like Lisbon and Porto. Keep valuables secure and use reputable transport services for safe travel.

Lisbon (Days 1–3)

Portugal’s vibrant capital, blending historic charm with modern energy.

History: Founded around 1200 BC, Lisbon thrived as a maritime power during the Age of Exploration.

Highlights: Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Alfama, LX Factory, Bairro Alto.

Best Time: April–June or September–October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Transport: Fly into Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS).

Food to Try: Pastéis de Nata, Bacalhau à Brás, Bifana, Caldo Verde.
Day 1: Morning – Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery; Afternoon – Pastéis de Nata at Pastéis de Belém; Evening – Alfama stroll.
Day 2: Morning – LX Factory; Afternoon – Bairro Alto; Evening – Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro.
Day 3: Morning – Castelo de São Jorge; Afternoon – Train to Porto (~3 hrs, €20–€40, CP).

Porto (Days 4–5)

A historic city famed for its port wine and riverside charm.

History: Porto, with Roman origins, became a key port for trade and port wine production in the 18th century.

Highlights: Ribeira District, Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello, Port wine cellars.

Transport: Train from Lisbon (3 hrs, €20–€40, book via CP).

Food to Try: Francesinha, Tripas à Moda do Porto, Port Wine, Rodelas.
Day 4: Morning – Ribeira District; Afternoon – Clérigos Tower; Evening – Dinner at Casa Portuguesa.
Day 5: Morning – Livraria Lello; Afternoon – Port wine tasting at Vila Nova de Gaia; Evening – Depart Porto.

Lisbon (Days 1–3)

A lively capital with historic trams and scenic viewpoints.

History: Lisbon’s maritime legacy shaped Portugal’s global exploration in the 15th–16th centuries.

Highlights: Alfama, Belém, Sintra, Tram 28.

Transport: Fly into Lisbon (LIS).

Food to Try: Cataplana, Sardinhas Assadas, Pão com Chouriço.
Day 1: Morning – Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery; Afternoon – Pastéis de Belém; Evening – Alfama.
Day 2: Morning – Day trip to Sintra (train, ~40 min, €5–€10); Afternoon – Pena Palace.
Day 3: Morning – Tram 28 ride; Afternoon – Miradouro da Senhora do Monte; Evening – Train to Coimbra (~2 hrs, €15–€25).

Coimbra (Days 4–6)

A historic university city with medieval charm and fado music.

History: Coimbra was Portugal’s capital in the Middle Ages and is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Highlights: University of Coimbra, Joanina Library, Sé Velha, Mondego River.

Transport: Train from Lisbon (2 hrs, €15–€25).

Food to Try: Leitão, Chanfana, Queijo da Serra, Arroz Doce.
Day 4: Morning – University of Coimbra; Afternoon – Joanina Library; Evening – Fado at À Capella.
Day 5: Morning – Sé Velha; Afternoon – Mondego River walk; Evening – Dinner at Zé Manel dos Ossos.
Day 6: Morning – Day trip to Conímbriga ruins (bus, ~30 min, €3–€5); Afternoon – Return to Coimbra; Evening – Train to Porto (~1.5 hrs, €10–€20).

Porto (Day 7)

A riverside city with colorful architecture and port wine heritage.

History: Porto’s trade prominence grew with its port wine industry in the 18th century.

Highlights: Ribeira, São Bento Station, Porto Cathedral.

Transport: Train from Coimbra (1.5 hrs, €10–€20).

Food to Try: Cachorrinho, Bacalhau com Natas, Vinho Verde.
Day 7: Morning – Ribeira and Douro River; Afternoon – São Bento Station; Evening – Depart Porto.

Lisbon (Days 1–4)

A vibrant capital with historic neighborhoods and scenic views.

History: Lisbon’s maritime prowess drove Portugal’s global exploration in the 15th century.

Highlights: Belém, Alfama, Sintra, Cascais.

Transport: Fly into Lisbon (LIS).

Food to Try: Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, Pastéis de Nata, Caldeirada.
Day 1: Morning – Belém Tower; Afternoon – Jerónimos Monastery.
Day 2: Morning – Day trip to Sintra (train, ~40 min, €5–€10); Afternoon – Quinta da Regaleira.
Day 3: Morning – Alfama; Afternoon – Castelo de São Jorge.
Day 4: Morning – Day trip to Cascais (train, ~40 min, €5–€10); Afternoon – Beach and marina; Evening – Train to Évora (~1.5 hrs, €10–€20).

Évora (Days 5–6)

A UNESCO-listed city with Roman and medieval heritage.

History: Évora, a Roman stronghold, became a cultural center in the Middle Ages.

Highlights: Temple of Diana, Évora Cathedral, Chapel of Bones, Alentejo vineyards.

Transport: Train from Lisbon (1.5 hrs, €10–€20).

Food to Try: Carne de Porco à Alentejana, Açorda, Sericaia.
Day 5: Morning – Temple of Diana; Afternoon – Évora Cathedral; Evening – Dinner at Dom Joaquim.
Day 6: Morning – Chapel of Bones; Afternoon – Alentejo vineyard tour (~€30–€50); Evening – Train to Faro (~3.5 hrs, €20–€40).

Algarve (Faro & Lagos) (Days 7–9)

A sun-soaked region with dramatic cliffs and golden beaches.

History: The Algarve was a Moorish stronghold until the 13th century, later a hub for maritime exploration.

Highlights: Faro Old Town, Ria Formosa, Ponta da Piedade, Lagos beaches.

Transport: Train from Évora to Faro (3.5 hrs, €20–€40).

Food to Try: Cataplana de Marisco, Frango Piri-Piri, Dom Rodrigos.
Day 7: Morning – Faro Old Town; Afternoon – Ria Formosa boat tour.
Day 8: Morning – Bus to Lagos (~1 hr, €5–€10); Afternoon – Ponta da Piedade.
Day 9: Morning – Lagos beaches (Dona Ana); Afternoon – Train to Coimbra (~5 hrs, €30–€50).

Coimbra (Days 10–11)

A historic city with a prestigious university and fado tradition.

History: Coimbra was Portugal’s capital in the 12th–13th centuries and is renowned for its university.

Highlights: University of Coimbra, Joanina Library, Santa Cruz Monastery.

Transport: Train from Faro (5 hrs, €30–€50).

Food to Try: Leitão, Chanfana, Pastéis de Tentúgal.
Day 10: Morning – University of Coimbra; Afternoon – Joanina Library.
Day 11: Morning – Santa Cruz Monastery; Afternoon – Train to Porto (~1.5 hrs, €10–€20).

Porto & Douro Valley (Days 12–14)

A riverside city and wine region with historic charm.

History: Porto’s port wine trade and Douro Valley’s vineyards shaped its global fame.

Highlights: Ribeira, Douro Valley, Clérigos Tower, Livraria Lello.

Transport: Train from Coimbra (1.5 hrs, €10–€20).

Food to Try: Francesinha, Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, Port Wine.
Day 12: Morning – Ribeira; Afternoon – Clérigos Tower.
Day 13: Morning – Day trip to Douro Valley (train/tour, ~2 hrs, €30–€50); Afternoon – Wine tasting.
Day 14: Morning – Livraria Lello; Afternoon – Depart Porto.

Your Portuguese Adventure Awaits

Portugal has enchanted you with its coastal charm and historic treasures, from the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the medieval allure of Évora, the sunny cliffs of the Algarve, and the wine-soaked beauty of Porto’s Douro Valley. Whether you explored for 5 days or 2 weeks, you’ve savored Portugal’s cuisine, history, and landscapes. Ready to plan your trip? Book your trains at Comboios de Portugal (CP) and start packing for an unforgettable adventure. Boa viagem!