Best of Portugal One-Week Itinerary
Not so long ago, Portugal was seen largely as a beach and golf destination, with the Algarve taking center stage for tourists. But tourists have gradually discovered the rest of the country’s appeal as a cultural holiday destination, boasting wine, nature, and adventure tourism. Both Lisbon and Porto have also achieved an enviable status as two of Europe’s trendiest getaway destinations and are well-connected to flights throughout Europe, so you could start your trip in either city.
Here are some ideas for building a weeklong Portugal itinerary that includes a few days in and around Lisbon followed by options for seeing the north or south of the country. If you’d like to do both north and south, give yourself at least 10 days. Whatever you choose, getting around Portugal is easiest done by car; public transport might pose time and geographical constraints.
Lisbon and Around
Day 1: Lisbon’s Historic Center
In Lisbon, base yourself in the centrally located Baixa neighborhood. Start your exploration of Portugal’s capital at the bustling riverfront Comércio Square. From here, you can catch the famed yellow tram 28, which trundles through Lisbon’s most historic neighborhoods, like Alfama, Castelo and Graça. Worthwhile stops along the way include the São Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral, and the Portas do Sol Viewpoint. Enjoy a typical lunch in one of the traditional eateries in the mazelike historic quarters surrounding the castle and cathedral. In the afternoon, amble around the downtown and, for a fabulous view of the city, take the Santa Justa Elevator up to the Carmo Square and Carmo Convent, in the Chiado quarter. Then, spend the evening in the bohemian Bairro Alto to enjoy dinner and hit some nightspots.
Day 2: Belém
The next day, get an early start for sightseeing in Belém, a short trip west of the city center. Admire the city’s most iconic monuments—the sprawling Jerónimos Monastery and riverside Belém Tower. Stop for lunch and indulge in a pastel de Belém custard tart at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery for dessert. Return to Lisbon for a little rest at your accommodations before heading out again for a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar, such as the one at Hotel Mundial. Then make your way to the atmospheric Alfama neighborhood for dinner and a fado show (make your reservation well in advance).
Day 3: The Portuguese Riviera
Leave metropolitan Lisbon for the day, and head west by car to the affluent stretch of coast known as the Portuguese Riviera. Stop first in Estoril. Park up near the glitzy casino and its manicured lawns and have a stroll, stopping for a pastry at the famed Pastelaria Garrett. Weather allowing, bask for a while on one of Estoril’s golden beaches, then head to neighboring Cascais, where you can have lunch and rent a bike to cycle to windswept Guincho Beach. Make sure to stop at the dramatic Boca do Inferno rock formation en route. Head back to Lisbon for the night.
Day 4: Sintra
Today, make your way to Sintra. En route, stop at Cabo da Roca, mainland Europe’s most westerly point, for a photo. Allocate a full day for Sintra’s iconic attractions, like the whimsical Pena Palace and Regaleira Estate. Spend the night back in Lisbon.
From Lisbon, you can choose to go north or south to round out your week in Portugal. If you’d like to do both, save time by flying down to the Algarve from Porto on a one-hour direct flight.
Northern Option
Day 5: Óbidos and Nazaré
From Lisbon, head north toward Óbidos, stopping en route in Mafra. Take in the gargantuan Mafra National Palace and its pretty gardens. Continue traveling north for roughly another 45 minutes to the enchanting streets of castle-walled Óbidos. Explore Óbidos’s streets and walls and enjoy lunch. Then make the 35-minute drive north to surfy Nazaré. Here you’ll see the traditional fisherfolk drying their catch on the beach. For jaw-dropping views, take the local funicular up the cliffs to Sítio, the upper part of town, where the crowds gather to watch the monster waves in winter.
Days 6-7: Porto
From Nazaré it’s a 2-hour drive to Porto. The azulejo tile-clad São Bento Railway Station, the spindly Clérigos Tower, the amazing array of books at Livraria Lello, and the opulent Stock Exchange Palace are must-sees in Portugal’s second city, all within walking distance of one another, as is the glorious riverfront lined with rainbow-colored buildings. Make sure to try a monster francesinha sandwich for lunch.
In the afternoon, stroll across the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and visit one of the famous port wine cellars for a tour and a tasting. Head back across the river for the evening.
The next day, if you have time before your journey home, spend it on Porto’s riverfront. Take a boat tour or be whisked up to fantastic river views on the Guindais Funicular for those last Portugal photos.
Southern Option
Days 5-7: The Algarve
Make the three-hour drive from Lisbon to the charming fishing village of Carvoeiro. After lunch, hit the sand at Marinha Beach, one of the most famous and beautiful in the country. Afterward, sample the nightlife in one of the nearby western Algarve towns, such as Ferragudo or Praia da Rocha, before going back to your accommodations in Carvoeiro.
In the morning, take a boat trip to see the amazing Benagil sea caves along the coast. In the afternoon, make a side trip to the fortified city of Silves to admire its wonderful hilltop castle. On your last night, choose from Carvoeiro’s colorful selection of bars and restaurants for dinner and a cocktail (or two) before turning in. The next day, begin your journey home. If you have time, get a last look at Portugal’s sparkling coast at Carvoeiro Beach.
If You Have More Time: Two Days in Évora
About 1.5 hours east of Lisbon and 2.5 hours north of Carvoeiro, historic Évora lies in the heart of the rustic Alentejo. Évora’s charming walled city center is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Take in the grand Évora Cathedral with its splendid rooftop views, the regal columns of the well-preserved Roman Temple of Évora, and the morbidly fascinating Chapel of Bones.
After lunching on local delicacies like cured meats and regional cheeses, explore one of the upper Alentejo’s wine farms. Located a 30-minute walk (5-minute drive) north of Évora’s city center, the Cartuxa Estate is one of the most revered names among Alentejo wines. The century-old organic vineyard offers guided tours and tastings. For an unforgettable overview of the vast rolling plains of the vine-meshed Alentejo, book a sunset hot-air balloon ride.
Despite its sleepy feel, Évora has a youthful buzz thanks to the local university population, which means there’s a good selection of hip eateries and cool bars to try out before you turn in for the night. The next day, explore the Almendres Cromlech, an easy stop if you’re headed back to Lisbon.
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