Short on time but want to experience the kind of European break you’ll be talking about for years? Read on to discover trip ideas that’ll have you enjoying Portugal in unforgettable style — from adventure in the Azores to a 5 day itinerary in Portugal that’ll see you discover five incredible cities.
Kicking off with an undeniably exhilarating 5 day itinerary in Portugal, this Azores Adventure trip will have you canyoning, hiking, and paddle-boarding in truly sublime surroundings.
After arriving in São Miguel on day one, you’ll check into your scenically-site guesthouse before picking up the pace of day two when you’ll hike Sete Cidades Lake. Hike to the Vista do Rei viewpoint to take in their contrasting colors.
Day three will see you take to the deep, blue waters of the Atlantic to discover dolphins in the company of local biologists before the action ramps up further on day four, courtesy of canyoning Ribeira dos Caldeirōes.
A stunning natural park in north-eastern São Miguel, the area is renowned for its lush vegetation, picturesque waterfalls, ancient watermills, and epic adventure opportunities.
If you have time, round off this 5-day itinerary in Portugal with a paddle-boarding trip before returning to the airport on day five.
Lagoa das Sete Cidades is a feature of our 5 day itinerary in Portugal covering the Azores © Shutterstock
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Interested? Contact our experts and book this trip now.
Lisbon street scene © Shutterstock
If you’re keen to pack a whole lot of cultural punch into a short trip, this 5 day itinerary in Portugal should have you covered.
After arriving in Lisbon on day one, explore the historic district of Belém. Be sure to visit the Belém Tower — a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers insights into Portugal’s Age of Discoveries — before touring Jerónimos Monastery.
Come the early evening, venture to Lisbon’s Parque das Nações area. With a stunning waterfront and striking contemporary architecture, it’s a great place to dine with views of the Tagus River.
On day two, take an early train to Sintra and kick off your day with a visit to Pena Palace and the ancient ruins of the Moorish Castle. Spend the afternoon being wowed by Quinta da Regaleira. Famous for its gothic architectural style and mysterious gardens, it’s a place to lose yourself for a good few hours before heading back to Lisbon.
Day three will see you board a train to Porto. Book lovers won’t want to miss browsing Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores.
We also recommend taking time to admire the exquisite São Bento Station before heading to the Ribeira District along the Douro River. Perfect for a sunset stroll, this picturesque neighborhood is stacked with riverside restaurants
The delights of the Douro Valley await on day four. To max out your time, we suggest booking a tour to cruise the river, with a wine-tasting stop-off.
Next, take a late flight from Porto to Faro in the Algarve, ready to explore the historic coastal town of Lagos on day five.
Don’t miss visiting Ponta da Piedade in the afternoon — take a boat tour to appreciate its stunning cliffs and sea arches.
Finally, return to Lisbon in the evening ready for your departure.
Lagos, Portugal © Shutterstock
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Albufeira, the Algarve, Portugal © Shutterstock
If you’re looking to enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful beaches during a 5 day itinerary in Portugal, keep reading.
Covering notable gorgeous Algarve hotpots, it’ll see you experience the region's spectacular beaches and vibrant towns in an immersive, sun-soaked style.
We suggest booking an early flight to Faro so you have time to explore its old town on the afternoon of day one. Don’t miss visiting Faro Cathedral and the Arco da Vila before dining by the marina. Sunsets over the Ria Formosa are something else, too.
Rise early on day two to max out your morning on Praia da Marinha. Thanks to its cliffs and crystal-clear waters, this is one of Portugal’s most iconic beaches and a great place to snorkel.
Come the afternoon, move to less-crowded Albandeira Beach for some seclusion.
Spend the morning of day three at Praia da Rocha, which is known for its expanse of golden sands and lively vibe. After lunch, make your way to Portimão.
Work up an appetite by strolling its riverside area before tucking into tasty traditional food in the evening.
On day four, take a boat tour from Carvoeiro to visit Benagil Sea Cave — an awe-inspiring natural cave with a unique opening in the ceiling that lets in sunlight.
That afternoon, bliss out on Carvoeiro Beach. Surrounded by cliffs and traditional white-washed houses, its setting takes some beating.
With day five being your last, get up early for a final stroll along the beach, or book an evening flight from Faro so you can also enjoy one last Algarvian lunch before departing.
Benagil Cave © Shutterstock
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Wondering whether to take a longer trip to the Algarve? See our customisable Real Algarve 7-day itinerary.
Praia Da Rocha beach, the Algarve, Portugal © Shutterstock
If you’re the kind of traveller who’s keen to get off the beaten track, here’s a 5 day itinerary in Portugal that will help you do exactly that.
Book an early flight to Lisbon so you can explore the Alfama District on the afternoon of day one.
One of the oldest and most traditional areas of Lisbon, it's known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and the sound of traditional music. On that subject, you could spend the evening dining in a local restaurant that features live Fado music.
On day two, rise early to travel to Serra da Estrela — Portugal’s highest mountain range. After a three-hour drive, spend the rest of the day hiking some of its epic trails.
Be sure to visit Torre — the highest point in mainland Portugal — or glacial valleys like the Vale do Rossim before overnighting in a mountain village such as Manteigas or Covilhã.
Next up, head to Alentejo on day three — a region that’s known for its rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves, and charming villages. Stop off in medieval Monsaraz or Marvão to meander through ancient castles and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside in slow-paced serenity.
Come the evening, enjoy a wine-tasting session in one of the local vineyards, or eat in a local tavern to try dishes like açorda — a traditional bread and garlic soup.
On day four, travel to Costa Vicentina. Part of the Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park, you could spend your time here blissing out on pristine beaches like Odeceixe and Amoreira.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could surf, sea kayak, or hike part of the Rota Vicentina — a network of walking trails along one of southern Europe’s most beautiful, well-preserved coastal areas.
That evening, stay in a coastal town (consider Vila Nova de Milfontes or Aljezur), and enjoy fresh seafood with a backdrop of the sun setting over the Atlantic.
On day five, enjoy a last walk on the beach or a final dip in the ocean before returning to Lisbon ahead of your flight home.
Monsaraz Castle © Joao Custodio/Shutterstock
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Serra da Estrela, Portugal © Shutterstock
If culture’s your thing, this five-day, five-city itinerary should satisfy your cravings for everything from history and old-town ambiance to devouring delicious local cuisine.
Kick off your trip on day one with an early flight to Lisbon that gives you time to visit the city’s historic sites and most vibrant neighborhoods.
You could start at Belém, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém for a deep dive into Portugal's Age of Discoveries.
Next, wander the narrow streets of the Alfama district. Be sure to visit the São Jorge Castle for panoramic views before tucking onto traditional Portuguese dishes at a local tavern.
Come the evening, head to the bohemian bars of Bairro Alto for dinner, and to see a live Fado performance.
Porto awaits on day two. After exploring the historic centre in the morning, meander down through the Ribeira district to the Douro River for lunch at a riverside restaurant.
You could also cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour-and-tasting experience at one of the renowned port wine cellars.
On day three, travel to Coimbra to tour one of the oldest universities in Europe, before lunching in the old town and visiting the Old Cathedral.
More old-town magic awaits on Braga on day four. On arrival, visit Braga’s cathedral — it’s the oldest in Portugal — and take a tram up to the Bom Jesus do Monte pilgrimage site for superb views.
Day five will see you travel to Aveiro. Take a boat tour through the picturesque canals before checking out the Art Nouveau Museum.
Love your grub? Head to the fish market, or else take a short trip to nearby Costa Nova for a seafoodlunch at a beachfront restaurant before heading to Porto for your flight home.
Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, Braga © Shutterstock
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Moliceiro boats, Aveiro, Portugal © trabantos/Shutterstock
As you’ll have seen from the Portugal itineraries detailed above, it’s possible to pack a range of rewarding experiences into just five days.
That’s especially the case if you spend time planning your trip carefully, or else enlist the help of a local expert who'll take the hassle out of planning while delivering travel experiences that are personalized to your needs.
Overall, five days will give you a tantalizing taste of Portugal’s culture, cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, though it goes without saying that a longer stay would allow for a more in-depth exploration of each region.
Considering a longer trip? Check out our suggested ways to spend 10 days in Portugal, and options for spending a week in the country.
And, if you’re in the market for more Portugal inspiration, read up on the best things to do in Portugal, and browse our customizable Portugal itineraries.
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written by
Joanne Owen
updated 09.05.2024
