Portugal Itinerary (10 Days) – A Perfect Route + Map

Since it’s a fairly small chunk of Europe, many travelers think that they can easily see all of Portugal in 10 days. 

Don’t let its size fool you  – there is a lot of ground to cover when you’re visiting Portugal. If you don’t plan the perfect Portugal itinerary, you could very well miss the best things or waste valuable time.

Even though there are many places to visit in Portugal, it’s 100% possible to concoct an itinerary that covers the whole country. I got to know all the top Portuguese destinations after living there for a few months. Using that insight, I developed this efficient route through Portugal that only takes 10 days and hits all the best spots.

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10 Day Portugal Itinerary

👉 Pro Tip: On a quick 10-day trip you have to use absolutely every minute wisely, starting with where you’ll fly into. Instead of heading straight to Lisbon Airport like most people, fly into the Faro Airport if it’s possible. 

This allows you to start your Portugal adventure from the southern tip of the country and work your way up bit by bit. Otherwise, you’ll have to back track or save the amazing southern portion of the country for another trip.

Day 1 – The Algarve (Faro)

🛎️ Where to Stay: AP Eva Senses (excellent location), Hospedaria Frangaria (yummy restaurant on-site, accommodating staff)

📍 Google Maps 

On your first day in the Algarve region, you’re going to put Portugal’s beach reputation to the test. 

Start with a full breakfast spread from Padaria Urbana in Faro City. Then, spend the morning recovering from your jetlag on the beaches of Praia da Rocha Baixinha or Praia de Vilamoura just outside of the city. 

After a healthy dose of dips in the water and snoozes in the sand, it’s time for some traditional Portuguese food at Restaurante Chefe Branco. Make sure you order the bifinhos de porco and don’t you dare leave without trying one of their picture-perfect desserts, like Tarte de Natas. 

Since it’s only your first day in Portugal, we’ll take it easy tonight. Finish with a visit to the historic Igreja do Carmo, a church made out of bones. For dinner, have a plate of grilled fish or sirloin steak from Tasquinha Cruzeiro before turning in early for the night. 

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: AP Eva Senses (excellent location), Hospedaria Frangaria (yummy restaurant on-site, accommodating staff)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Restaurante Chefe Branco ($), Tasquinha Cruzeiro ($)   
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Columbus ($$), LAB Terrace ($$)

Day 2 – The Algarve (Lagos)

🛎️ Where to Stay: Marina Club Lagos Resort (very fancy, near the historic center), Lagos Atlantic Hotel (stunning facilities and views)

📍 Google Maps 

It’s day two in the Algarve region of Portugal, and today, it’s all about Lagos. This area is home to some of Portugal’s most recognizable (and gorgeous) natural attractions.

Fuel up with a breakfast bagel from Goldig Cafe & Take Away and an artfully prepared latte. Then, take a boat tour around the staggering rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. The waters surrounding this famous spot are filled with a variety of tours.

I highly recommend this Boat Trip to Ponta da Piedade from Lagos because it’s super affordable and informative. After the tour, slip into a swimsuit and trek the narrow steps down to Praia do Camilo beach. 

By now, your stomach is probably rumbling. Dine on some of the area’s exquisite seafood at a teenie restaurant called Casinha do Petisco. Their shrimp cataplana for two is to die for. 

Wrap up your meal in time for a late afternoon tour to the famous Benagil Sea Caves, like this 2-Hour Boat Trip that sets off at 4 pm. You’ve probably caught a glimpse of this place on an influencer’s social media and now you can capture your very own photo here.

Wind down with some tapas and drinks at Bon Vivant and call it a day. Tomorrow, we head north. 

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Marina Club Lagos Resort (very fancy, near the historic center), Lagos Atlantic Hotel (stunning facilities and views)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Casinha do Petisco ($$), A Petisqueira ($$), Goldig Café & Take Away ($)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Bon Vivant ($$), Amuras Bar ($$)      

Day 3 – Setúbal

🛎️ Where to Stay: Rio Art Hotel (affordable prices, near the waterfront), Hotel Cristal Setúbal (amazing staff and yummy breakfast)

📍 Google Maps

It’s been fun taking in the beachy vibe of the Algarve region, but on day 3, we’re headed a few hours north up to the fishing city of Setúbal. If you have a hankering for Portuguese wine, this is the first stop (of many on this itinerary) that will cure that desire.

For brunch, grab a colorful plate of healthy munchies at Turquesa in the city center. Then, make a stop at the seaside São Filipe Fortress for a bit of 16th-century history and beautiful ocean views. 

Much like its southern cousins, Setúbal is known for its natural beauty and the huge Arrábida Natural Park is an excellent place to experience it. Spend the rest of the afternoon getting to know this giant park by hanging out on the remote Galapos and Praia da Figueirinha beaches.

For a pre-dinner sugar rush, grab a miscellaneous sweet treat at Confeitaria d’Arrábida and take a little stroll around the city. It’s been a busy couple of days already. So, treat yourself to a meaty dinner of sirloin steak at Carnes do Convento followed by a glass of sweet Setúbal wine at Beco da Ribeira.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Rio Art Hotel (affordable prices, near the waterfront), Hotel Cristal Setúbal (amazing staff and yummy breakfast)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Casa do Mar ($$), Carnes do Convento ($$), Turquesa ($)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Beco da Ribeira ($$), Decibel Live Music Bar ($$)   

Day 4 – Lisbon

🛎️ Where to Stay: Rossio Plaza Hotel (perfect location, fantastic reviews), Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa (comfortable, good breakfast, budget-friendly)

📍 Google Maps | Things To Do In Lisbon | Where To Stay In Lisbon | Day Trips From Lisbon   

Ah, yes – the Portuguese capital city that everyone around the globe knows. It’s fair that Lisbon is so famous. It does have the certain ‘zhuzh’ that makes a city sparkle and today you’re going to find out exactly what I mean by that.

There is a smattering of top-quality breakfast places, but you should start the day with a benedict from Dear Breakfast in the Chiado neighborhood. When you’re fully satisfied, head to the historic hallmarks of the city. The UNESCO-listed Belém Tower and Jeronimos Monastery.

You can knock both out in a couple of hours by joining a tour like this Belém and Jerónimos Monastery Small-Group Walking Tour. This will also give you a good overview of and insight into Lisbon from a local.

After the tour, try out the beloved Portuguese custard tart at a local go-to shop called Pastéis de Belém. Then, grab a heartier meal and do a bit of unique souvenir shopping at LX Factory, an artsy complex housed in the remains of an old manufacturing plant. 

Make a quick trip to Castelo de São Jorge right before sunset to watch the sun fade away below Lisbon. Finally, cap the night with a cocktail from Foxtrot.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Rossio Plaza Hotel (perfect location, fantastic reviews), Urbano FLH Hotels Lisboa (comfortable, good breakfast, budget-friendly)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Cervejaria Ramiro ($$$), Solar dos Presuntos ($$), Dear Breakfast ($), Pastéis de Belém ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Pensão Amor ($$), Foxtrot ($$), 146 Bar ($$$)  

Day 5 – Sintra

🛎️ Where to Stay: Sintra Boutique Hotel (very modern style and central location), Hotel Sintra Jardim (affordable prices and historic grounds)

📍 Google Maps

The picturesque, romantic mountain town of Sintra is less than an hour outside of Lisbon and one of the most popular day trips from the capital city. It’s actually so magical that many famous Portuguese writers and artists say the destination holds powers of inspiration. 

Understand their love by visiting all of Sintra’s unique castles in the morning. These include Quinta da Regaleira Palace, the Moorish Castle, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pena Palace.

Afterward, munch down on a late breakfast at Café Saudade and make sure you try the ‘Saudade coffee’ to give you the energy burst you need halfway through your Portugal vacation. Next, go to the equally cool and creepy Initiation Well. Taking a picture down its winding, stone staircase is a necessary souvenir from Sintra.

Spend the rest of the day just wandering around the adorable, little town. There are lots of hidden gems to discover for such a small place and it’s a good workout with all the hilly streets. For dinner, we’re going to get fancy with a decadent feast at Incomum.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Sintra Boutique Hotel (very modern style and central location), Hotel Sintra Jardim (affordable prices and historic grounds)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Incomum ($$), A Raposa ($$), Bacalhau na Vila ($$)    
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Casa do Fauno ($$), Bar Saloon Cintra ($$)

Day 6 – Nazaré

🛎️ Where to Stay: Hotel Mar Bravo (comfortable, beachfront), Nazaré Marisol Praia (luxurious, beachfront)

📍 Google Maps | Where To Stay in Nazaré | Things To Do In Nazaré  

Nazaré is a personal favorite for me and probably anyone else who has ever visited this dreamy, beachside town on Portugal’s coast. 

You’ll want to spend as much time on the beach as possible here. Upon arrival, head straight to the Village Brunch and Coffee, grab some bites to go, and check out the town’s main feature: Nazaré Beach. 

Hang out at the beach for a while, have an ice cream cone or two, and then make your way to the Nazaré Funicular. This cable car will pull you up to some winning views overlooking the entire city.

Once you’re up on the elevated section of town, stop by the massive Praia do Norte. This beach is known for having some of the biggest waves in the world. Make sure you get back to Nazaré Beach or up to the O Sitio neighborhood as the sun sets to watch the natural show.

Then check out Nazaré’s thriving food scene in the evening. Eat fresh seafood that was caught in the ocean right next to you at Restaurante O Casalinho. I can personally vouch for the Pescada A Casalinho dish from here.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Hotel Mar Bravo (comfortable, beachfront), Nazaré Marisol Praia (luxurious, beachfront)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: O Casalinho ($$), Sitiado ($$), Bontà – Bistro Italiano ($$), Village Brunch & Coffee ($)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Nbar Café Concerto ($$), Inn Bar ($$)  

Day 7 – Aveiro

🛎️ Where to Stay: Hotel das Salinas (tasty breakfast in bed), Hotel Alfonso V (clean and cozy)

📍 Google Maps 

We’re nearing the end of your Portugal excursion, but we saved some of the best things in the whole country for last. On day 7, it’s Aveiro – also known as “the Venice of Portugal”. Begin the day by taking in a bit of the local culture at the Aveiro Museum located in a former monastery. 

Next, take a walk or even a ride in a traditional Moliceiro boat down the canals of Aveiro. Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, indulge in a glass of red wine and some eye-catching dishes from Restaurante O Bairro.

After a week of constant exploring around Portugal, it’s time for a good night’s sleep, so you can get the most out of your last three days. Catch a live performance at the Piano Bar if you can muster the energy, then go catch some ZZZs.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Hotel das Salinas (tasty breakfast in bed), Hotel Alfonso V (clean and cozy) 
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Restaurante O Bairro ($$$), A Nossa Casa ($$)  
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Piano Bar ($$), Maria Lounge Bar ($$)  

Day 8 – Douro Valley

🛎️ Where to Stay: Quinta Do Bosque (incredible views by the outdoor pool), The Vintage House (luxury galore in an old wine estate)

📍 Google Maps

After seeing a lot of Portugal’s beaches and tons of its mountains, the Douro Valley will be a completely different experience. Here, in the northern region, you’re diving head first into the natural beauty and rich wine culture of Portugal.

In the morning, learn about the area’s significance at the Museu do Douro. 

Afterward, give the wines a taste for yourself at the esteemed Quinta do Seixo winery. The grounds are in the heart of the Douro Valley’s softly patterned landscapes and offer world-class wine experiences for an affordable price.

For dinner, spoil yourself a little extra with a luxurious meal at DOC by Chef Rui Paula. 

👉 Pro Tip: It can be difficult to find places to stay in the Douro Valley. To save time and effort, you may want to just join an organized day tour of the area from a nearby city like Porto. 

Such as this Douro Valley small-group tour that comes with a wine tasting, lunch, and even an optional Douro River cruise.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Quinta Do Bosque (incredible views by the outdoor pool), The Vintage House (luxury galore in an old wine estate)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: DOC – Chef Rui Paula ($$$$), Castas e Pratos ($$$)   
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Quinta do Seixo ($$$),  Foz do Távora Bar ($$) 

Days 9 & 10 – Porto

🛎️ Where to Stay: Zero Box Lodge Porto (central location and unique rooms), Torel Avantgarde (award-winning 5-star hotel)

📍 Google Maps | Things to Do in Porto | Where to Stay in Porto

Porto is such an intriguing city that we’re going to slow down and spend the last two days here to soak it all in. 

Start your mornings at 7g Cafe to try their home-roasted coffee that earned them the honor of being named the 29th best coffee shop in the whole world [Source]. Or, grab an overflowing egg plate from Do Norte Café. If there’s one thing Porto has in spades, it’s good breakfast spots.

Now that you’re full, get to know the city with a visit to the gorgeous Porto Cathedral and the blue tile-filled São Bento Station. Both of these historical emblems of the city are located right near each other, so you can visit one right after the other.

Catch a glimpse of Luís I Bridge over the Douro River in the heart of the city. Or, wander through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal victorian garden to see the free-roaming peacocks and chickens. Don’t miss out on bites from Mercado do Bolhão for lunch, one of the best markets in Portugal. 

Mosey over to the Vila Nova de Gaia area for a wine tasting of the world-known Port at Caves Ferreira. For an afternoon pick-me-up, get a beautifully-made cup of ice cream or a chocolate-y crepe from Amorino. On the second day, opt for an intricate, pretty pastry from Mademoiselle for dessert.

Another thing you’ll find a lot of in Porto is flavorful food. Since you’re almost at the end of your trip, eat up! Get the Iberico ham from A Despensa that’s been aged for 24 months. On the last night of your adventure, eat an extravagant final meal at Muu Steakhouse. Finish the trip off by savoring a few last glasses of Portuguese wine from Capela Incomum.

• 🛎️ Where to Stay: Zero Box Lodge Porto (central location and unique rooms), Torel Avantgarde (award-winning 5-star hotel)
• 🍽️ Where to Eat: Tapabento S.Bento ($$), Muu Steakhouse ($$$), A Despensa ($$), 7g Cafe ($), Mademoiselle ($$)
• 🍺 Where to Drink: Capela Incomum ($$), Base Porto ($$), Caves Ferreira ($$)

Portugal Itinerary Map

Here is a Google Map with all the stops, hotels, and things to do in Portugal we’ve covered on this itinerary. You can click the star to save it to your own maps.

How to Get Around in Portugal

🚗 Rental Car – Visitors over 18 years old can rent a car in Portugal with a valid license. A car rental can be helpful if you’re planning on visiting far-out, rural destinations. But, if you’re sticking to major cities, driving through the narrow Portuguese streets is nerve-wracking and parking is a nightmare. 

For travelers who do plan on renting a car, make sure you’re getting the best rate by utilizing Discover Cars to compare rental prices. 

🚖 Hiring A Driver –  If the thought of driving in Portugal stresses you out, there is a simple solution. Just hire a driver! It’s one of the more expensive transportation options, but it’s also the fastest.

🚂 Taking The Train – For travelers on a budget in Europe, the train is the quickest and cheapest way to get around. It goes to major cities and some towns, but it might be more difficult to reach far-off destinations in Portugal. 

🚌 Catching The Bus – The bus is the cheapest way to explore every inch of Portugal. Rede Expressos is the main company people ride with. One-way tickets for the bus are usually a couple of Euros and almost always under $20. This is also the best way to get around within a big city, like Lisbon or Porto. 

🚶‍♀️Walking – If you’re only sticking to one or two places during your trip to Portugal, the best way to get around is on foot. Lisbon, Porto, Nazaré, and pretty much every other place mentioned in this itinerary are very walkable when you’re staying within city limits. Porto was even rated as one of the most walkable cities in all of Europe. [Source]

Portugal Itinerary Planning Tips

Spend At Least 10 Days in Portugal

Most travelers automatically plan for a week-long vacation. Seven days to spend in Portugal gives you enough time to see some of the country, but you’ll probably miss a lot of things when you only have a week to explore. 

Extending your vacation even a few days to a 10-day trip in Portugal offers a lot more wiggle room than it sounds like. Even having three more days provides more opportunities to do things and gives you extra time to travel between different Portuguese cities.

Eat All The Portuguese Food Staples

A trip to Portugal is packed with much more than beach days and historical sites – it’s also full of delectable Portuguese food. I actually think it’s one of the most underrated food gems in Europe. 

That’s why you should pad your itinerary with stops to try all the local specialties like pastel de nata, bifanas, piri piri chicken, cachorrinho and of course, Port wine.

Get Good, Comprehensive Travel Insurance

According to the Global Peace Index, Portugal is ranked as the 7th safest country in the entire world. But that doesn’t mean you can’t break your leg, lose a bag, or miss a flight during your vacation. Lower your chances of a trip-ruining mishap by protecting yourself with reliable travel insurance. 

Personally, my go-to travel insurance is always World Nomads. It covers tons of stuff that most travel insurance companies won’t touch with a 10-foot pole, like skydiving and rock climbing.

Plus, World Nomads insurance is affordable and comes with a 24/7 travel assistance line, so you always have someone to call for help if needed. 

Bring Lots of Casual Beachwear And Light Cover-Ups

Portugal is a sunny, beach vacation heaven and you’ll want to spend at least 40% of your time on the stunning seashores.

However, the beach-filled days mean you’ll need at least two pairs of casual beachwear and a stylish cover-up on your Portugal packing list.

Pick the Best Time to Visit For Your Preferences

Portugal has a reputation for toasty weather. While it does get hot, the seasons can drastically change the climate in this Western European country. 

If you visit in the summer, you need to be prepared for caustic heat waves and lots of days basking on the beach. If you’re coming during the winter months, it will be chilly and wet, but much cheaper.

Before you commit to booking your trip, figure out the best time to visit Portugal for your ideal experience. 

Visit Northern Portugal and Southern Portugal In Two Trips

While it’s possible to cover the entire country of Portugal in a little over a week, you will probably feel the pressure of rushing under these time constraints. 

To have a more easygoing time in the country, I’d recommend breaking it up into two trips – one week to explore the north and another for southern Portugal. This split-up itinerary offers a much more leisurely experience and time to discover the unique details of each region.

FAQs

How Many Days in Portugal Is Enough?

10 days in Portugal is enough time to get a strong introduction to the country and explore its most famous places to visit. Portugal isn’t a huge country, but it still takes some time to get around on public transportation and see all the staple sites. Plus, visitors will want enough time to relax on the beach and get into the local cuisine.

Can You Do Portugal In 10 Days?

It’s absolutely possible to do Portugal in 10 days. There are only around 220 miles separating the southernmost Algarve region from the northern area of Braga in Portugal. Thanks to the country’s top-notch public transportation system, getting from place to place doesn’t take that long even without having your own vehicle.

What is the best month to go to Portugal?

The best month to go to Portugal is in May. Despite the good weather during May, visitors won’t be bogged down by the crowds that start trampling through around June. Plus, the prices are usually a little cheaper around this time right before the high season kicks into full gear.

Is Two Weeks in Portugal Enough?

Two weeks is plenty of time to explore Portugal’s regions without feeling like you’re racing against the clock to do everything. It gives travelers the option of splitting the trip into two separate itineraries: north and south. It’s the perfect plan for a leisurely, low-stress trip to Portugal.

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🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

You officially have a fully planned, 10-day Portugal itinerary in your back pocket. Which part of the country are you most excited to visit on your trip? Let me know below!

If you need any additional stops along your itinerary, don’t forget to read my complete list of the best cities in Portugal.