Portugal itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

Some travelers stick to Lisbon and a few day trips. Others rent a car and wind their way through wine country or follow the coast down to the Algarve. The country’s size makes it easy to cover a lot, but rushing through too much can mean missing the parts that feel the most rewarding.

This guide breaks down some of the best Portugal itineraries, depending on how long you’ve got and what kind of trip you want. Use them as a starting point. 

And if you'd rather have someone else handle the details, Rough Guides’ local experts can plan a customized trip for you, from hotels to transport and anything in between.

Best Portugal itinerary at a glance

Most people spend around one to two weeks in Portugal. The right length of your Portugal itinerary depends on how much ground you want to cover and how fast you like to move. Portugal is a small country, but travel times can add up, especially if you're taking trains or driving longer distances.

• 7 days in Portugal itinerary: A week works well if you want to stick to the basics and avoid too much travel time. You can focus on one region or connect two cities without packing your schedule too tightly. It’s a good length if you’re short on time but still want to get a sense of the culture, food, and atmosphere. With just seven days, you’ll need to choose your priorities and move at a steady pace.
• 10 days in Portugal itinerary: Ten days gives you more breathing room. You can still see the highlights, but with time to add some extra areas that you might miss otherwise. You’ll have a little more breathing room for beach days, vineyard visits, or just slower mornings.
• 14 days in Portugal itinerary: Two weeks lets you explore more deeply. You can take your time in the bigger cities, venture into quieter regions, and get a better sense of the landscape and pace of life outside the main routes. If you enjoy slower travel, this amount of time lets you spend a few nights in each place, break up long drives, and add in experiences that don’t always make it into shorter trips. 

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7 days in Portugal itinerary

How to plan a trip to Portugal that's only a week long? This itinerary sticks to one iconic region: the Algarve. These seven days are more about everyday life and regional food than big resorts or busy beaches. You’ll spend time in small fishing towns, learn how local dishes are made, and explore some of southern Portugal’s lesser-known corners.

Day 1: Olhão

You’ll start this Portugal itinerary in Olhão, a fishing town known for its flat-roofed buildings and lived-in feel. The streets near the waterfront are lined with cafés, bakeries, and corner bars where people gather in the mornings for espresso and conversation. Along the promenade, boats move in and out of the harbor, from old fishing vessels to newer yachts.

From there, take a stroll through the older part of town. The buildings here have a different feel than in other parts of Portugal. There’s a North African influence that shows up in the architecture.

Some homes still have rooftop terraces (açoteias), originally used for drying fish but now better known for their wide views across the Ria Formosa lagoon. In the evening, grab a table at a no-frills café near the water and try razor clams with a cold Sagres.

Insider’s tip: Go to Tasca O Galo near the market. It’s nothing fancy, but the petiscos are great.

Day 2: Tour of Olhão

On day two of this Portugal itinerary, you’ll spend the day with a local guide walking through Olhão’s food scene. First stop is the market, right along the water. One side is all fish, fresh off the boats that morning. The other has fruit, vegetables, cheese, and local herbs.

People here love to talk about food, so you might hear some stories while you try a few samples. After the market, you’ll walk through quieter streets to a few tiny family-run places where you can taste regional dishes like garlic and coriander clams or a traditional fish stew. Everything is best when matched with local wine, usually something light and easy-drinking.

Insider’s tip: Ask the fish vendors what they’d cook for dinner. They’ll point you to something fresh and in season.

Day 3: Ria Formosa

For the third day of this Portugal itinerary, you’ll take a small boat out into Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of the best places to visit in Portugal. It’s a calm area made up of marshes, islands, and tidal channels, and there’s a good chance you’ll see flamingos or other wading birds.

Your guide will likely stop at a couple of barrier islands like Culatra or Armona. These places are still home to fishing families, and there aren’t any cars. It’s quiet. One side of the island faces the open Atlantic and the other looks back over the lagoon. Lunch is usually grilled fish or shrimp, eaten at a beach café with your feet in the sand and a glass of chilled white wine in hand.

Day 4: Olive oil & Loulé

Travel time: 30 minutes

Start the morning of day four by heading inland to a small, family-run olive oil producer. You’ll walk through the groves, learn how the different varieties of olives affect taste, and see both older and newer techniques used in making oil. The tasting session at the end is simple but informative, and you’ll likely leave with a better sense of what quality oil actually tastes like.

From there, it’s a short drive through open countryside toward Loulé. You’ll pass orchards, stone walls, and a few small villages on the way.

In Loulé, you’ll take a cooking work shop. In particular, a hands-on dessert workshop focused on traditional sweets made with almonds, egg yolks, and sugar. Recipes like Dom Rodrigos and Morgados have long histories and are still made for special occasions. You’ll prep and shape them yourself with the help of a local baker, then sit down for tea and taste what you made. You’ll also get the recipes to take home.

Insider’s tip: Stock up on almond paste at the market in Loulé. The quality is way better than what you’ll find at most stores.

Day 5: Market-to-table cooking class

Travel time: 20 minutes

It’s a short drive from Olhão to Faro along the EN125. You’ll pass salt pans where white mounds of salt shimmer beside the water.

Once you’ve arrived in Faro, you’ll take another cooking class. This one begins Faro’s Mercado Municipal, where your chef leads you through the stalls to choose what’s freshest. You’ll learn how to tell good seafood from average (clear eyes, firm texture, and a clean, salty smell) as you pick out fish, shellfish, and vegetables for the class.

Back in the kitchen, you’ll cook Cataplana de Marisco, the Algarve’s traditional seafood stew made in a copper pot shaped like a clam. The chef talks you through how to layer flavors using white wine, tomatoes, and herbs, and how to time the seafood so nothing overcooks.

Depending on the season, you might also make açorda de marisco (seafood bread stew) or grilled fish with batatas a murro (smashed potatoes that go with almost everything).

Day 6: Wine blending in the hills

Travel time: 45 minutes

On day six of this Portugal itinerary, you’ll head inland to a small winery surrounded by hills, cork trees, and olive groves.  The inland drive climbs gradually through orange groves and quiet villages before reaching the lower Serra do Caldeirão hills.

Once you’ve arrived, the winemaker takes you through the vineyards and explains how local grapes like Negra Mole and Castelão grow in the coastal climate and stony soil.

After the tour, you’ll take part in a blending workshop. Guided by the winemaker, you’ll try different grape combinations, adjusting for structure, aroma, and fruit character until you find something you like. They’ll bottle your blend with a personalized label, and you’ll sit down to taste more of their wines with local cheese, presunto, and bread dipped in olive oil from nearby farms.

Day 7: Farewell to the Algarve

Your last morning in of this Portugal itinerary is spent slowly. It’s a good time to pick up a few things to take home: tins of smoked octopus, flor de sal, or carob syrup.

A walk along the Ria Formosa before you go is an easy way to take it all in one last time.

Insider’s tip: Conservas Olhão opens at 8 a.m. and is known for high-quality tinned seafood. The smoked octopus tends to sell out early.

Wondering how to plan your Portugal trip? Our Portugal local travel experts can design custom itineraries just for you.

10 days in Portugal itinerary

With a few extra days, you can create a Portugal itinerary that has a couple more stops. This itinerary focuses on the Northern region of the country. You’ll start in Porto, travel through the Douro Valley, pass through mountain towns, and end along the coast.  It’s an easy area to navigate, especially if you’re up for renting a car for part of the trip.

Day 1: Porto

Your first view of Porto is likely the hillside covered in old buildings leading down to the Douro River. The Ribeira neighborhood by the water is where most people start. It’s full of narrow streets, painted facades, and balconies with plants or laundry.

The Dom Luís I bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, which is where the port wine cellars are. It’s an easy walk across, and you’ll get one of the best views back toward Porto. At the wine lodges, you can try port and learn a bit about how it’s made. Some of the older ones like Taylor’s or Graham’s have nice terraces where you can take your time.

Insider's tip: If you're using public transport, the Porto Card can be worth it. You can buy it at the airport and it includes access to the metro, buses, and some discounts.

Day 2: Porto

Start day two of this Portugal itinerary with a climb up Torre dos Clérigos. It’s 240 steps to the top, and from there you can see how the city is laid out before winding your way back into the older neighborhoods. Not far from the tower is São Bento station, where the walls are covered in blue-and-white tile panels showing scenes from Portuguese history.

Nearby, the old cathedral district has some of the oldest buildings in the city. The lanes here are narrow and connect to small squares and local cafés. A bit downhill is Palácio da Bolsa, the old stock exchange with a flashy interior, and close by is Livraria Lello, one of the most famous bookstores in Europe. It does get crowded, so timing helps.

In the afternoon, you could head to the Casa da Música for something more modern or go to the Foz neighborhood at the edge of town. It’s right by the water and popular in the evenings.

Insider's tip: Buy your ticket for Livraria Lello online and go after 5 p.m. It’s usually less crowded then.

Day 3: Douro River cruise

A full-day cruise along the Douro River is one of the easier ways to see the valley without renting a car. Boats leave from Porto and head upstream past hillsides shaped into terraces for wine production. The further you go, the more rural it feels.

You’ll pass through a couple of locks, which are slow but interesting. The boat rises gradually as it moves inland, eventually reaching vineyard areas where port and table wines are made. Some cruises include lunch at a wine estate along the river, with local dishes and wine pairings. On the return trip, the light often softens over the valley.

Day 4: Guimarães and Braga

Travel time: 1 hour from Porto to Guimarães

Guimarães is where Portugal’s first king declared independence in the 1100s, and this is where you’ll spend day four of this Portugal itinerary.

The medieval castle is still there at the top of the hill, and the streets below are full of old stone buildings and shady squares. You can visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza while you’re there. It’s set up with rooms and tapestries and has a different feel than many other royal buildings in the country.

Braga is about 15 miles (25 kilometers) away and known for its religious history. The Sé Cathedral includes parts built across several centuries. Outside of town, the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary is worth seeing for its long baroque staircase. If you don’t feel like walking, there’s a funicular that takes you to the top.

Insider's tip: Try to get to Guimarães Castle right when it opens. 
 

Day 5: Hike Passadiços do Paiva

Travel time: 1.5 hours from Porto to Arouca

This is one of the most scenic hikes in the region. The Passadiços do Paiva boardwalk runs for about 5 miles (8 kilometers) through the Arouca Geopark, following the Paiva River as it cuts through a steep gorge. You’ll pass waterfalls, quartz cliffs, and natural pools where people sometimes swim if it’s warm out.

The big draw is the Ponte 516 Arouca: a suspension bridge that’s 1,692 feet (516 meters) long and hangs 574 feet (175 meters) above the river. It moves a bit as you cross, but it’s stable and the views are worth it. You’ll see local plants and maybe some birds or goats along the way

Insider's tip: Start the hike by 9 a.m. if you can. It’s cooler.

Day 6: Jeep ride in Serra da Arada

Day six of this Portugal itinerary heads into the remote roads of Serra da Arada. You’ll follow narrow tracks that cut through the granite mountains, including a section known as Estrada do Portal do Inferno, or Hell’s Gate Road.

It’s dramatic, with steep drops and tight turns, but your guide handles the driving. One of the stops is Regoufe, where old wolfram mines from the World War II era are still visible in the hills.

Then you’ll make your way to Drave, an abandoned shale village that feels frozen in time. The houses are crumbling now, but shepherds still graze sheep up here like they always have. This part of Portugal feels like it’s been left alone for a long time. Eagles still circle overhead, and wolves occasionally pass through.

Day 7: Arouca

Arouca’s main landmark is its monastery, where a community of Cistercian nuns has lived for centuries. Inside, you can visit the tomb of Queen Mafalda and see a small museum with religious artifacts and old manuscripts.

The church is full of wood carvings and gold leaf. In town, markets sell local sausages, cheeses, and sweets. Later in the day, you’ll visit a beekeeping farm where the process hasn’t changed much over the generations. Then it's out to Frecha da Mizarela waterfall, which drops over 245 feet (75 meters) into the valley. There’s a short trail with a few spots to stop and take in the view.

Insider’s tip: Try to go to the monastery between 2 and 4 p.m. Most tour groups are gone by then, and it’s quieter.

Day 8: Douro Valley

Travel time: 1 hour from Arouca to Amarante

Start day eight of this Portugal itinerary in Amarante. The nearby monastery is worth a look for its quiet cloisters and baroque altarpieces. From there, make your way to Vila Real to explore Mateus Palace. You’ll probably recognize its facade from the labels of rosé wine bottles, though the real draw is the symmetry of the formal gardens and reflecting pools.

After that, you’ll head into the heart of the Douro Valley. Vineyards line the hills, and you’ll stop at a few wine estates to try both port and regular Douro wines. Lunch is usually served on a terrace overlooking the valley, with classic regional food and wine pairings.

The full route is about 95 miles (150 kilometers) and crosses through three wine regions: Vinho Verde, Douro, and part of Dão.

Insider’s tip: If you want to dig deeper into Douro reds, ask for a vertical tasting so you can see how they age compared to port.

Day 9: Lamego & Viseu

Travel time: 1.5 hours from Lamego to Viseu

Lamego is known for its sanctuary, built on a hilltop with a staircase of 686 steps leading up through fountains and tiled scenes. The church at the top is worth the climb, and the view down over the town is great. The old castle gives you another angle, and the Gothic cathedral has a quiet feel with paintings and tapestries inside.

Just outside of town, you can visit Raposeira, a winery that’s been making sparkling wine since the 1800s. From there, the road heads toward Viseu, through forested hills and granite villages typical of the Dão region.

You can take the fast A24 and A25 highways or the older N2 if you’d rather see the scenery. It’s about 50 miles (80 kilometers) and passes through two very different wine areas, which explains the shift in styles.

Insider’s tip: Try going up the sanctuary steps in the early morning. The tiles are still damp and glossy from the dew, and it’s usually quiet and cool.

Day 10: Aveiro

Travel time: 1.5 hours from Viseu to Aveiro, 1 hour from Aveiro to Porto Airport

Aveiro’s canals and painted boats are the first thing you’ll notice. The moliceiros drift through town past Art Nouveau buildings, especially around the main canal where the old merchant houses are still intact.

A short ride away, Costa Nova has rows of striped houses once used by fishermen. These days they’re summer homes and popular for photos. There’s also a good local fish market. Before the end of your Portugal itienerary, pick up some ovos-moles. These egg yolk sweets are shaped like seashells and fish, and have been made in convent kitchens for generations.

Insider’s tip: Head to Casa Peixinho on Rua de Coimbra for ovos-moles. It’s a local favorite.

Want your trip to flow smoothly? Our local experts create itineraries with every detail in mind.
 

14 days in Portugal itinerary

With a two weeks Portugal itinerary, you’ll get the chance to explore the city and the quieter country side in a relaxed and thorough pace. This itinerary is concentrated in southern Portugal, with days in Lisbon, medieval towns, and along the coast.

Day 1: Lisbon

This Portugal itinerary starts in the capital. Once you land and get settled, head straight into the city center to stretch your legs and shake off the travel.

Baixa is the flattest part of Lisbon, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, and it’s full of wide streets, grand squares, and neoclassical buildings. Praça do Comércio opens up to the river, and it’s a nice place to stop and watch the movement along the waterfront. In the evening, take a slow walk by the Tagus River.

Insider's tip: Grab a Lisboa Card at the airport. It covers the metro, trams, and buses, and gets you into quite a few museums too.

Day 2: Lisbon

Start day two of this Portugal itinerary in Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. The streets are narrow and steep, and getting around usually means walking uphill or down stone staircases. It’s a lived-in area, with corner cafés, small grocers, and clotheslines overhead.

If you're interested in fado, there are small venues that host performances in the evenings: some more traditional, others geared toward visitors. São Jorge Castle sits at the top of the hill, and the views from up there stretch across the river and rooftops. Afterward, make your way through Bairro Alto. During the day it’s fairly quiet, with local shops and street art throughout.

In the evening, head down to the river for a boat cruise. It’s a low-key way to see the city’s skyline and bridges from the water. You’ll pass the 25th of April Bridge, sail along the Belém waterfront, and see the Cristo Rei statue from a distance.

Day 3: Sintra, Cascais and Estoril

Travel time: About 40 minutes by train from Lisbon

Sintra makes a great day trip from Lisbon. The train from Rossio Station takes about 40 minutes. The town feels cooler and greener, with palaces scattered across the hills. You’ll find bakeries in the center selling travesseiros and queijadas, two local sweets.

Pena Palace is the big draw here, but the town has a few other palaces and gardens worth seeing. If you’re driving or on a tour, continue out to Cabo da Roca. It’s the westernmost point of mainland Europe, with dramatic cliffs looking over the Atlantic. Then follow the coastal road through Cascais and Estoril. You’ll pass beaches like Praia do Guincho and dramatic rock formations like Boca do Inferno.

Insider's tip: After Pena Palace, head to Quinta da Regaleira. It has strange underground passageways, towers, and mossy staircases that feel like a secret garden.

Day 4: Belém and Western Lisbon

Belém is just west of central Lisbon and has a lot tied to Portugal’s maritime history. Start with the Jerónimos Monastery. It's a massive complex built in the early 1500s and full of carved details like ropes, shells, and plants, all linked to the Age of Exploration. Just down the road, the Torre de Belém was once part of the city’s defense system at the mouth of the river.

Right around the corner, you’ll probably notice a line forming outside Pastéis de Belém. The bakery’s been making custard tarts since 1837, and they still use a secret recipe.

The area also has a more contemporary side. The MAAT museum sits right by the water in a curved white building with a rooftop walkway. A bit further inland, LX Factory is a former industrial area that now has bookstores, cafés, studios, and street art. It’s easy to spend an hour or two wandering around and grabbing a coffee or snack.

Day 5: Lisbon to Évora

Travel time: Around 1.5 hours by car or direct train

On day five of this Portugal itinerary, you’ll leave Lisbon for the Alentejo region. The drive to Évora takes about 1.5 hours, and the landscape shifts pretty quickly with fields, cork oak groves, olive trees, and small whitewashed towns.

Évora itself has a compact historic center surrounded by old walls, and it’s easy to explore on foot. The Roman temple is right in the middle of town and still in good shape, with a few Corinthian columns that have been standing there since the first century.

Around the corner, the Chapel of Bones is unusual. It’s a small room lined with human bones and skulls, built by monks in the 1600s as a reminder of mortality. The cathedral nearby has stairs up to the roof if you want a wider view across the city and surrounding countryside.

In the late afternoon, you could take a hot air balloon ride. If the weather’s clear, you’ll get a quiet, slow view over farmland, scattered villages, and the rolling plains that stretch across this part of Portugal.

Insider's tip: Try to eat at Botequim da Mouraria if you can. It’s a tiny restaurant in the old part of town with a short menu of classic Alentejo dishes.

Day 6: Alentejo

Travel time: 45 minutes by car from Évora

On day six of this Portugal itinerary, you’ll take an easy drive across typical Alentejo scenery with cork trees, olive groves, and long open roads.

Elvas rises out of the plains with a star-shaped layout you can actually see from above. Built to defend Portugal’s eastern border, the fortifications here are some of the largest in Europe. The Amoreira Aqueduct stretches nearly 4.5 miles (7 kilometers) into the city with over 800 arches.

You’ll also want to check out the twin hilltop forts, Santa Luzia and Graça, both designed with layers of defense and wide views across to Spain. Inside the walls, Elvas has quiet cobbled streets, a few small squares, and a medieval castle that held firm during multiple sieges.

Insider’s tip: There’s a small contemporary art museum inside the fortress. It’s easy to miss, but worth a visit.

Day 7: Estremoz

Travel time: 30 minutes by car from Elvas

Estremoz is known for its marble. It’s been quarried here since Roman times and lines streets, churches, and palace façades throughout town. Many, in fact, call the area the “white city."

At the top of the hill, the Torre das Três Coroas (Tower of the Three Crowns) was once a royal residence. Queen Saint Isabel lived here, and there’s a chapel in her honor filled with intricate tiles. The upper town’s marble streets reflect the sun in late afternoon, leading to lookouts across the plains.

If you’re here on a Saturday, the main square turns into a market with regional produce, clay figures, and hand-painted ceramics that Estremoz is famous for. On the edge of town, you’ll see the marble quarries themselves, still active and supplying stone worldwide.

Day 8: Wine uasting in Alentejo

Vineyards stretch across the region, with native grape varieties growing under the hot sun in stony soils, and on day eight of this Portugal itinerary you will visit them,

A visit usually includes a walk through the vines, a peek inside the production area, and a generous tasting. Some places still use traditional foot-treading methods, while others have switched to steel tanks.

Lunch tends to be heavy on local favorites like açorda or migas, often paired with wines made just a few feet away. Many estates also produce olive oil, and a tasting can help you understand how the timing of harvest affects the flavor. In nearby Arraiolos, craftspeople still weave the region’s famous wool rugs by hand, continuing a long-standing local tradition.

Insider’s tip: Ask if they have wine aging in clay amphorae. A few producers still follow ancient Roman methods, and the taste is completely different from modern styles.

Day 9: Évora to Mértola via Monsaraz

Travel time: 2.5 hours total driving via Monsaraz to Mértola

The Alqueva Reservoir has reshaped this part of the region, creating long stretches of water dotted with small islands. Monsaraz stands above it all, with stone houses and castle walls overlooking the lake. The village feels unchanged, with narrow streets and panoramic views.

From there, head south toward Mértola, following the Guadiana River through a nature reserve. The landscape shifts gradually from forested hills to dry scrubland. Along the way, you might see storks or, if you’re lucky, an Iberian lynx. Cork trees cover much of the area, and many have been harvested for generations.

Insider’s tip: Stop at the Dark Sky Alqueva visitor center to find out the best times and places for stargazing. The skies out here are incredibly clear.

Day 10: Mértola to Tavira

Travel time: 2 hours by car to Tavira

You’ll spend day ten of this Portugal itinerary in Mértola, a town built on layers of history, from ancient traders to Moorish scholars. You’ll see Mértola’s past in the architecture, especially at the church that still has its original Islamic mihrab.

The Islamic Museum holds ceramics and manuscripts from the period, and Roman ruins are scattered along the hillside. The castle looks out over the Guadiana River, which was once a major trade route. Restaurants focus on regional food like game stew and freshwater fish cooked with olive oil and herbs.

Insider’s tip: Skip trying to park in the old town. Leave your car outside the walls and walk in. It’s easier and more pleasant on foot anyway.

Day 11: Ria Formosa Natural Park

Ria Formosa is a maze of tidal channels, lagoons, and barrier islands where saltwater meets freshwater. It’s a peaceful place to explore by boat. As you move through the marshes, keep an eye out for flamingos, spoonbills, and purple herons feeding in the shallows.

Ilha de Tavira is one of the easier islands to get to. The ferry ride across the lagoon is short, and the beach stretches for miles. The water stays shallow for a long way out, so it’s good for swimming or just floating around.

Back in town, the Roman Bridge crosses the Gilão River. Most of what you see today was rebuilt in the Middle Ages, but the base might go back even further. Tavira Castle is just above it. It’s small, but the gardens are nice and you can see across the rooftops. Next door, the Church of Santa Maria holds the tombs of knights from the Christian reconquest.

Insider’s tip: If you’re around during low tide, bring binoculars. Seahorses are often visible in the seagrass beds, and this area has one of the largest populations in Europe.

Day 12: Eastern Algarve coast

The eastern Algarve has a slower pace than the busier towns farther west. Fishing is still part of daily life here, and the landscape shifts between dunes, marshes, and quiet beaches.

Cacela Velha is a tiny hilltop village with a crumbling fort and a church that overlooks the ocean. The beach below is only accessible by boat or by walking out at low tide, so it stays fairly empty. Praia Verde is nearby, with dunes backed by pine trees and seasonal orchids. If you're lucky, you might see a chameleon crossing the path.

Vila Real de Santo António was rebuilt in the 1700s after the Lisbon earthquake, using the same grid layout as the capital’s downtown. The town faces Spain across the Guadiana River. Just inland, Castro Marim Castle stands above centuries-old salt pans, still worked by hand. These wetlands draw thousands of birds during migration season, including flamingos in spring.

Insider’s tip: If you’re here in August, check out the medieval fair at Castro Marim. It’s a community event with live music, food, and performances inside the castle walls.
 

Day 13: Central Algarve

Travel time: The full circuit from Tavira takes about 45 minutes, with 15 to 20 minutes between stops.

Day 13 of this Portugal itinerary takes you through a loop inland, through small towns where everyday life moves a bit slower and the coastal tourism feels farther away.

Loulé is known for its covered market. The tile work and Moorish arches give it character, and inside you’ll find everything from fresh seafood to copper pots and local fruit. The streets behind the market are good for wandering. Some houses still have traditional chimneys that inspired Gaudí.

In São Brás de Alportel, the Costume Museum has an interesting collection of folk clothing, including detailed embroidery and lace. Not far from there, Estoi has a palace from the 1800s with formal gardens and tiled staircases. Down the road, the Roman ruins at Milreu include floor mosaics and foundations from a once-prosperous villa that shipped fish sauce across the empire.

Insider’s tip: Loulé’s Saturday market is best early in the morning. You’ll find everything from antiques to live animals, and it gets busy quickly.

Day 14: Departure

Travel time: It takes about 30 minutes to drive from Tavira to Faro Airport using the A22. If you’ve returned your rental car, the regional train takes around 35 minutes.

If you have time in the morning, you can take one last walk around Tavira or stop in Faro before heading to the airport.

Faro’s old town is easy to explore on foot. The streets are quiet, with orange trees and small plazas. If you’re only making one stop, go to the Capela dos Ossos, the bone chapel inside Igreja do Carmo. The cathedral is nearby, with a plain exterior and a very ornate interior.

Insider’s tip: Download your maps and boarding pass before you leave. The wifi at Faro Airport isn’t always reliable, especially in the check-in area.

Personalize your Portugal travel itinerary

Portugal is different for everyone, so why follow someone else’s plan? Rough Guides' local experts can create an itinerary that matches your interests and pace. If you’re into wine, you might explore quinta estates in the Douro. History buffs can follow a trail of Templar castles and Moorish architecture. Families might prefer beaches and kid-friendly activities. The idea is to plan your days around what matters to you.

Our travel experts are local to Portugal and can take care of hotel bookings, restaurant reservations, private guides for deeper insights, or arranging cooking classes or surf lessons. With 24/7 support during your trip, you’ll have help available whenever you need it.

Ready to plan your trip? Connect with our local experts. Share your travel vision, dates, and interests, and they’ll put together an itinerary that makes Portugal easy to explore and customized to what you want to do and see.

Best Portugal wine itinerary

This route through northern Portugal takes you from historic Porto to the wine terraces of the Douro Valley. You’ll spend your days between riverside cafés, centuries-old cellars, and quiet vineyard towns that show how deeply wine culture runs in this part of the country.

• Days 1 & 2: Minho
  • Start in the Minho region, northeast of Porto. Amarante is a small town stretched along the river, known for its old bridge, convent sweets, and relaxed pace. Continue to Guimarães, often called Portugal’s birthplace, where you can walk through cobbled lanes and climb up to the medieval castle. Then visit Braga, one of the country’s oldest cities. The baroque stairway at Bom Jesus do Monte is worth the climb.
• Days 3 & 4: Douro Valley
  • Head east into the Douro Valley, where steep hills are covered with vineyards. Port wine comes from here, but you’ll also find excellent dry reds and whites. Staying at a quinta, or wine estate, is a great way to experience the area. You can usually tour the vineyards, help with grape picking during harvest season, and join in for simple home-cooked meals. A river cruise gives you a good sense of the valley’s scale, while hikes between small villages like Provesende and Favaios show off quieter corners of the region.
• Days 5 to 7: Porto
  • End your trip in Porto, a city built along the Douro River. The old town climbs up from the waterfront, with narrow streets leading to tiled churches and small squares. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge for a great view of the city, then visit the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank to learn how Port is aged and blended. Back in central Porto, stop by the Livraria Lello bookstore, known for its carved staircase and stained glass. Between walks, drop into a café for a coffee and a pastéis de nata.

Best Lisbon itinerary

Lisbon is a city of steep hills, tiled buildings, and music drifting from neighborhood bars. This Portugal itinerary combines its main landmarks with local neighborhoods, plus easy day trips to nearby palaces and beaches.

• Days 1 & 2: Baxia and Alfama
  • Start in Baixa, the downtown area rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. It’s easy to explore on foot, with wide streets and elegant squares. From there, walk uphill into Alfama, where narrow lanes wind between small houses and cafés. You’ll pass local markets, old churches, and eventually reach São Jorge Castle for sweeping views across the city.
• Days 3 & 4: Belém
  • Take the tram or train west to Belém, once the departure point for Portuguese explorers. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and the Torre de Belém, then grab a pastel de nata from the original bakery nearby. Later, head back toward Bairro Alto, Bica, or Príncipe Real. These hilly neighborhoods have great sunset views and come alive after dark.
• Day 5: Sintra
  • Sintra is about 45 minutes by train from Lisbon and worth setting aside a full day. Start early at Pena Palace, which stands above the forest with bright towers and terraces. Walk or take a short taxi to Quinta da Regaleira to explore the gardens and spiral well, then continue to the Moorish Castle for views stretching to the coast.
• Days 6 & 7: Newer Lisbon
  • Spend a morning exploring Lisbon’s newer districts. Parque das Nações has long riverside paths and modern architecture, while LX Factory has shops, galleries, and casual restaurants in a former warehouse complex. When you’re ready for the coast, take the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais, about 20 miles (32 km) away. The beaches are relaxed, and the promenade is perfect for an afternoon walk.
• Days 8 & 9: Local Lisbon
  • The Feira da Ladra flea market, held near the National Pantheon on Tuesdays and Saturdays, is a good place to browse antiques and handmade goods. Then wander through Mouraria, one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods, known for its family-run restaurants and colorful street art. Before you leave, have one last pastel de nata.
     

Best Madeira itinerary

Madeira feels compact but layered. You can drive from a misty mountain ridge to the ocean in less than an hour. The island’s trails, viewpoints, and small towns are easy to reach by car, and there’s always somewhere nearby for a swim or a meal with local wine.

• Days 1 & 2: Funchal
  • Start in Funchal, where most flights arrive. The old town is easy to wander, with narrow streets, local markets, and small cafés where you can sit outside and watch the morning rush. The Mercado dos Lavradores is worth a quick walk for its fruit stalls and fish market.
• Days 3 & 4: Central highlands
  • Head inland toward the highlands, where the landscape shifts to steep valleys and cloud-covered peaks. This is where you’ll find the levada trails: narrow paths that follow old irrigation channels through forests and cliffsides. Levada das 25 Fontes is a good introduction, or you can try Caldeirão Verde for something longer. Stop in Santana afterward to see the traditional A-frame houses and have lunch before driving back toward your base.
• Days 5 & 6: Mountain peaks and natural pools
  • If you’re up early, the hike between Pico do Arieiro and Pico Ruivo is one of the best ways to experience Madeira’s peaks. It’s about 7 miles (11 km) round-trip with steep climbs and tunnels cut into the rock. The route feels exposed in parts, so check conditions before starting. When you’re ready to relax, drive to Porto Moniz on the northwest coast. 
• Days 7 & 8: Westerncliffs
  • Spend your last couple of days driving the western side of the island. Stop at Cabo Girão for the glass platform views, then follow the road toward Ponta do Pargo. The lighthouse there overlooks the cliffs and is especially nice at sunset. If you have time before heading back to Funchal, stop in a few inland villages for a slow lunch, usually grilled meat, salad, and fried cornmeal cubes served with local wine. 
     

How many days do you need in Portugal?

For a first visit, you’ll want to aim for at least 7 to 10 days to get a feel for Portugal without rushing. That gives you time for Lisbon and Porto, plus a day trip somewhere close.

If you have two weeks, it’s easier to include the Algarve, or even add a few days in Madeira or the Azores. Portugal’s not huge, so getting around is pretty straightforward. Just be sure to try not to cram in too many places. Portugal is best when you slow down. 

What is the best time to visit Portugal?

Late spring (April to June) and early fall (September to October) tend to have comfortable weather without big crowds. It’s generally the best time to visit Portugual to be outdoors and move around.

Summer, in July and August, is busy in Lisbon and the Algarve, and temperatures can climb above 86°F (30°C). The coast is warm enough for swimming, but city sightseeing can feel exhausting.

Winter, from November to March, is cooler and wetter, but prices are lower, attractions are quieter, and the weather is still warmer than other parts of Europe.

How do you get around Portugal?

It’s pretty easy to travel around Portugal on your own. Trains connect Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and other main cities. The Alfa Pendular high-speed train gets you from Lisbon to Porto in around 3 hours, and the ride is comfortable.

Regional trains cover many coastal areas, though they don’t run as often. For smaller towns and inland areas, buses usually fill the gap.
Lisbon and Porto both have reliable metro systems that are useful for getting around. If you’re planning to explore the countryside, hill towns, or the Douro Valley, renting a car can be helpful. Just be aware that driving in Lisbon or Porto isn’t ideal. Streets are narrow, parking is limited, and traffic can be a hassle.
 

How much does a trip to Portugal cost?

Portugal remains one of Western Europe's more budget-friendly destinations, though prices have increased in recent years. Daily costs depend on your style of travel, from hostels to mid-range hotels to higher-end stays.

On a budget, you can expect around $250 (230 €) per day. A comfortable mid-range stay usually comes to about $350 (320 €) per day. Higher-end options can reach around $520 (475 €) per day. Lisbon and Porto are more expensive than smaller towns, and the Algarve peaks in summer. Museum tickets are usually reasonable, lunch menus called menu do dia are affordable, and local wine is easy to find at good value. Traveling between cities by train is inexpensive if you book ahead.

Can I do a Portugal trip without speaking Portuguese?

Yes, absolutely. You’ll get by just fine in most places, especially in cities and coastal areas. A lot of younger Portuguese people speak English, and those working in restaurants, hotels, and museums usually do too. In Lisbon, Porto, and along the Algarve, you’ll see plenty of English menus and signage.

That said, learning a few words like obrigado/obrigada (thank you), por favor (please), and bom dia (good morning) really does help. Even just trying earns you a friendlier response. If you head into rural areas or small inland towns, English is less common. In those cases, a translation app and a bit of patience go a long way.
 

Is the Algarve worth including in a first-time itinerary?

It depends on what you want from your trip. If you're mostly interested in Portugal's history, architecture, and traditional culture, you might want to focus your time on Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, or the Douro Valley. But if swimming, boat trips, or just relaxing near the sea are important to you, then the Algarve is worth a few days.

he Algarve can work well for a short add-on, especially in spring or fall when it’s not as crowded. It’s popular with families too. If you're short on time, though, it’s not essential for getting a sense of what Portugal is all about. The towns of the west like  Lagos and Sagres tend to hold on to more of a local feel than some of the larger resort areas farther east.

Can I combine Lisbon and Porto in one trip?

Yes, it’s easy to visit both. Lisbon and Porto are only about three hours apart by train, and they pair well. Most people spend 3 to 4 days in Lisbon, including a day trip to Sintra, and 2 to 3 days in Porto, with the option to head into the Douro Valley.

Trains run regularly and aren’t expensive. Some travelers like starting in Porto and ending in Lisbon, since the airport in Lisbon has more international flights. Just don’t try to squeeze them both into day trips.
 

Is the Douro Valley worth visiting if I don't drink wine?

Yes, there’s plenty to enjoy even if you’re not drinking. The hills are lined with vineyards that follow the river in steep, narrow terraces, and the views are worth the trip. You can take a scenic train ride along the Linha do Douro, go on a river cruise, or hike between small villages and vineyards. Many estates open their grounds to visitors, where you can learn about how wine is made or try regional food without needing to do a tasting.

It’s much quieter than the cities and moves at a slower pace. Early mornings and the harvest season in fall are especially beautiful.

Should I visit Madeira or the Azores?

It depends. Madeira is good for dramatic landscapes, levada hikes, subtropical gardens, and established hotels and restaurants. It is accessible with direct flights from Lisbon and other European cities and works well as a 3–4 day addition. The Azores are more suited to travelers who want volcanic landscapes, whale watching, hot springs, and less-visited islands. Moving between islands takes more planning, so the trip works best for a week or more.