Well, I was born and raised in Portugal and lived there for most of my adulthood. Castaway TipTry to arrange your flights to arrive in Lisbon but depart from Porto (or the other way around). When to Go to Portugal Portugal boasts a Mediterranean climate year round, but the cooler months – November through February – are best avoided for … Porto occupies the north bank of the Duoro River, the gateway to Portugal’s famous wine region. Budget | O Quintal Guesthouse is a darling, light-filled B&B in the center of Carvoeiro. Just get out and take a walk. Lisbon One-Day Itinerary If you’ve got only one full day in the city, this step-by-step itinerary includes the all-important attractions in Lisbon. Find a place to stay in Porto Covo: Booking.com  |  Airbnb. The breakfast is extraordinary. An honorary mention to the Azores and Madeira. Highlights include the beaches of Praia da Ursa, Praia da Adraga, Praia Grande, and Praia das Maçãs. You can also continue your walk all the way to Ponta da Piedade. Located 300km (185 mi) east of Porto, the Majestic valley is a popular day-trip option. Faro itself isn’t the nicest town in the Algarve (in my opinion). While you can always rent a car and explore on your own pace, I suggest using public transport. Our epic 10-day itinerary focuses on Portugal’s greatest highlights, and how to visit them one day at a time. From Lisbon, the easiest way to get to Porto Covo is with the Rede Expressos shuttle bus. On your second day in Sintra, we’re going to check out Quinta da Regaleira in the morning, thus skipping the tourist crowds. You’ll overnight in guesthouses or hostels along the route. If not, you should have plenty of time to make your way back to Lisbon (around 3 hours by train). The third major highlight of the day is Carmo Convent. Psst: Lisbon may look awesome at first glance, but there’re plenty of tourist traps there. On my itineraries, I always recommend the arrival day to be left free of tasks. Our itinerary Our plans are never definite; we had decided to travel from Spain to southern France, return to Spain and Portugal. The bus departs from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Terminal. Before we get into the itinerary, let's first talk about how to get Portugal. On Day 2, we get to know the east part of the city. Tip: If you’ve never had a francescinha, definitely split one with a friend – unless you’re prepared to take a long afternoon nap. Lined with the remains of 5,000 monks, Capela dos Ossos is a bizarre but quite unique place that is an absolute must-see. This itinerary is largely based on our one month trip to Portugal in the fall. Top 20 Biggest Landmarks in South America, Top 20 Biggest Landmarks in North America. The former estate and its quirky gardens are the perfect way to start our day. This is where port wine ages for years before being shipped all over the world. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, those seasons won’t cut it, and you better search for flights around the summer months (July-September).If you’re a budget traveler, avoid the summer (August especially) and the holiday months (April, December). Psst: to plan your Sintra trip in detail, check out my Lisbon to Sintra guide where you can find useful information about prices, working hours, and of course, plenty of pictures. If you have another insurance agency you trust, that’s ok too, just make sure you’re covered. Porto is an incredibly bright and colorful town. You can also eaily reach  Praia de Vale Centianes beach, the starting point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. This post links to products and services we love, which we may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, though, don’t hesitate to add the scenic Algarve coast and the incredible Praia da Marinha beach to your 10 day Portugal itinerary.Â. We opted for the Sandeman free walking tour of Lisbon. We had a great dining experience at Meia Nau. Just pick out a cellar, walk in, and join their next tour. Portugal Itinerary 7 days Day 1 Arrive at Lisbon airport. Flanked by limestone cliffs topped with houses, the Praia do Carvoeiro is picture-perfect from every possible angle. The hotel we stayed in was Hotel Oceano and it was right by the beach. We highly recommend using Vicentina Transfers. Considered to have one of the best beaches in the country, the small resort-town is an excellent place for a family vacation. We tried their unique take on the traditional francesinha meat sandwich, and loved it (far more than the original). We highly recommend joining this Alfama Walking Tour to understand this neighborhood and it’s unique history. If you missed Sintra’s National Palace yesterday, you may pay a visit now too or even make a trip to the westernmost extent of mainland Portugal and Europe – Cabo da Roca. The Sé of Évora (the cathedral) is a beautiful piece of architecture, blending Romanesque with the Gothic. Stroll over Rua Augusta, and the vibrant Bairro Alto. The biggest attraction of Évora is the Bone Chappel. On day 5 of your Portugal itinerary, we recommend taking a day trip to the Sintra Coast to enjoy the coastal scenery and lesser known coastal villages in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. For those with 7 days in Portugal So, if you’re longing for a unique way to explore Portugal and you love the outdoors, this is for you. This café is more Australian-style than Portuguese, but that’s okay since the Portuguese don’t really eat breakfast. If the line is too big, though, you may skip the pastels in the morning and get a pack on your way back. Lisbon is the cornerstone of this 10 day Portugal itinerary and the place we’ll spend most time exploring. Take the Eva bus to Lagoa (10-15 min). But remember—this is just a sample. As a guest, you can enjoy two swimming pools and a spa center. Perfect place to spend a day (or two). Once finished with the palace, make sure you explore its gardens too. This map and cialis for a dollar itinerary shows what we actually did. To help with details, I have a 3-day Lisbon guide where you can get more information about each highlight (prices, working hours, pictures) and a map to help you navigate around town. It’s definitely more popular with tourists than locals, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. She (Rita) weaved stories together so impecably that we decided to join another tour of hers later in the day: the Alfama Walking Tour. Sintra is usually done on a day-trip from Lisbon, but I strongly suggest spending the night there. We recommend Praia do Pinhao, Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana. That’s all from me, I hope you enjoy your 10 days in Portugal!————————————If you haven’t planned your trip there yet, find out how I plan my trips!————————————I have 17 bucket list ideas for Portugal. Rooms are airy and designed thoughtfully. We saw plenty of Lisbon, and It’s time for our first day-trip. The capital of Portugal welcomes 4.5mln tourists every year and (most likely) would be the start of your adventure. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you visit, though. I hope you’ve found this 7 days in Portugal sample itinerary helpful in building your own adventure. With our Portugal itinerary, you'll experience Europe of old and new, where youthful cultural scenes meet undisturbed, traditional life. This one has nothing to do with the Pena Palace. There are three must-see areas in the Iberian country – Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve coast. The city is also famous for its churches (which are countless), parks, and theatre. Situated on the opposite bank of the Duoro River, Gaia is celebrated for its port wine cellars and its magical views of Porto. Cash . Cash is king in Portugal, with many shops and restaurant not accepting credit or debit cards. You want something unusual on your 10 day-Portugal itinerary? The train system is incredibly well developed in Portugal. Required fields are marked *, Designed by GlobalCastaway | All rights reserved 2020, What we’ll See in Our Ten Days in Portugal, How to Spend 3 Days in Sofia – The Best Travel Itinerary, The Best Bangkok Souvenirs to Take Home With You. There are plenty of castles and palaces to see, but doing more than two in a day would really drain you. Address: Tv. That was the best fish we had since Fisherman Hari in Montenegro. Also, many restaurants and accommodations close in the winter. We walked in without a reservation and were seated outside (covered outdoor terrace). Relatively still under the radar, Porto offers an incredible atmosphere (that even inspired J.K.Rolling’s wizardly world), gorgeous azulejo-tiled buildings (perfect for Instagram enthusiasts), out-worldly views (especially around the Douro River), and some of the best wine on the planet (its the birthplace of Port wine).Porto is also perfect for a day-trip to the Douro Valley. A trip to either of them has nothing to do with anything else in the country. This is Évora. A Note on Travel Insurance in Portugal Please, do NOT travel without travel insurance! Change in Lagoa to another Eva bus to Carvoeiro (10-15 min). You don’t need a car for this trip. If you want a quiet, and more intimate evening, Coupage is a perfect place to go. Inside Portugal: Itineraries - Before you visit Portugal, visit Tripadvisor for the latest info and advice, written for travelers by travelers. You’ll also be treated to cliff and ocean views from your room (opt for sea view) and the hotel’s various bars (there are three). This excellent and trustworthy luggage transfer service is easy to book online and extremely professional. If you book 4 or more transfers, it’s 15 EUR for a single transfer for two bags. Unlike nearby Spain, everywhere I went, people spoke English, and they spoke it quite well. And we have plenty of day trips to check out the nearby towns. Portugal is an incredibly safe place to visit. Experience one sunset in Porto and you’ll swear it’s the most timeless city in Europe. With its quaint fishing villages, stunning Praia da Marinha beach, family orientated towns, and awe-inspiring landscapes, Algarve is one of the best spots in Europe to go for a beach holiday. For the next four days, you’ll follow the Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail along the pristine Vicentina Coast. We’ve integrated the incredible Fisherman’s Trail into this Portugal travel itinerary … Change in Lagoa to a direct Rede Expressos bus to Lisbon (3 hrs). An hour away from Lisbon (by city train), Sintra is incredibly easy to reach. COMOBA is a café with great food, espresso, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies. Their tapas are infused with Asian and Mexican influence. The rocky landscape of the island is quite a stunning sight on itself but complemented by the São João Baptista fort it becomes a top game-of-thrones-styled place to visit. Take the Eva bus to Lagoa (10-15 min). Budget | Ahoy Porto Covo Hostel is a centrally located hostel directly on the Fisherman’s Trail. If you use this one week Portugal itinerary as your guide, I bet you will love it too. Taberna Salmoura is a tapas restaurant in Alfama. Address: R. Heróis de França 375, 4450-159 Matosinhos, Portugal | Tripadvisor Reviews. Once we see the miradouros (viewpoints), we make our way to the São Jorge Castelo. While Algarve is a fantastic place with stunningly beautiful shores, its main attraction is… well the beaches. Clinging to the coast almost the whole time, this exhilarating trek gives you access to remote beaches and secret coves. The fish was excellent too. This guide is your complete 5 days in Portugal itinerary. Budget | Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel is a lively and buoyant hostel in Lisbon. From there, go north to Porto, visit Coimbra before you go to the south to Algarve and return to Lisbon. Change in Lagoa to another Eva bus to Faro. The sauce is so delicious that they usually bring you extra, which makes for the perfect dip for your fries. After having a coffee next to the river, we continue with two of Porto’s most prominent attractions – The Porto Cathedral and the incredibly picturesque church – Igreja de São Francisco. Guests have access to a sauna, a watertank (rooftop pool), and the downstairs bar and restaurant. How to Hike Mount Bromo for Free, Without Using a Tour ... How to spend 3 days in Rome, itinerary with a map, All You Need to Know About The Valley of the Kings. We also have time to check out some of the most picturesque places in town. Alfama is the old town of Lisbon and also a great place to have our morning coffee. In the afternoon, I suggest checking out Igreja de São Roque (the most beautiful church in town) before getting on the Ascensor de Gloria (vintage Lisbon funicular). The next part of your Portugal itinerary takes you to the Vicentina Coast to walk the Fisherman’s Trail. This 2 week Portugal itinerary is designed for people who love coastal walking and nature-based travel experiences. Portugal road trip itinerary After almost 10 years living in Lisbon, I had the chance to do a few road trips and several summer explorations. Portugal Itinerary. Thank you for supporting our blog!! While the place is quite impressive, It’s mostly for wine lovers and even though pretty much everyone likes wine, I’m not sure many people would like to devote a significant part of their vacation strictly to it. Rooms are simple, but extremely clean and comfortable. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of English spoken in Portugal. If you’re looking for a vacation mostly spend lying on a sunbed (or a surfboard), Algarve (and Praia da Marinha) should be the cornerstone of your 10 day Portugal Itinerary. Travel insurance not only covers you if something happened but free your mind of worry, so even if nothing happens, you enjoy your vacation way more. If you opt for the metro, head to Trindade (central Porto) station. Then, visit the 18th-century Baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina. For my travels, I use World Nomads. On your way there, make sure you check the Dom Pedro IV square and Santa Justa Miradouro (but don’t use the overrated elevator). If you’re an avid wine enthusiast, make sure you pa a visit to the Douro Valley. Take the Eva bus to Lagoa (35 min). Come here for eggs dishes, pancakes, acai bowls, smoothies and more. Check the bus schedule here. Bonus: coffee and tea are freely available in the restaurant at all times during the day. If your flight home departs from Porto, you can enjoy a leisure day alongside the Douro River. Your start-point depends on the location of your hotel, but here’s a great route you can adjust according to your needs. Here, you’ll find the best and freshest fish in Porto. For those skeptical about integrating a trek into this itinerary, because you have luggage, don’t worry, there’s a solution. Our Portugal Road Trip Itinerary We had a total of 8 days to spend and we wanted to see as much of Portugal by car as possible. From Azenhas do Mar, we recommend taking an Uber or Kapten to the Sintra train station (20 minute ride). But we won’t go there just to take a walk. Even if you’re not that big of a wine enthusiast, the views of the valley and its majestic wilderness are something worth seeing. After lunch, walk over the Dom Luís I bridge to the port wine cellars in Gaia. After dinner here, you can walk the streets of Alfama to the vibrating sound of Fado. It has everything you need to plan a successful trip from what to see in Portugal, how to plan out your days, and tips for getting around and where to stay. You’ll overnight in guesthouses in 4 coastal villages along the route. Portugal Road Trip Itinerary #2: Colourful towns and culture – Lisbon to Porto Our alternate Portugal Road Trip itinerary avoids the Algarve coastline altogether in favour of seeing Portugal’s big towns and cities. Carmo and Carmelita churches with their stunning azulejo-tiled exterior is a perfect place for a new profile picture while the Clerigos Church and its tower offer stunning panoramic views of Porto. I have a detailed guide about Porto too. Why should you trust me? It’s close proximity to grocery stores and restaurants is a huge plus. To see all the highlights in each area, it will take 14 days in Portugal. Find a place to stay in Porto: Booking.com  |  Airbnb. Like all the restaurants, fish is priced by the kilogram. As mentioned above, my 10 days in Portugal itinerary would be focused around the biggest cities in the country – Lisbon, and Porto. Use this 10-day Portugal itinerary to help you plan the perfect first trip to Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, the Douro Valley, and more. Looking to travel to Lisbon, Portugal? We’ve integrated the incredible, If you’re looking for live music and a lively atmosphere, Rua is the spot. Day 3 would be dedicated to the west side of the city and, more specifically, the neighborhood of Belém. When I travel, my biggest goal is to submerge into the country’s identity, to embrace the vibe, and to catch its soul. The location can’t be better. 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