Portugal is a land of rich history, beautiful landscapes, and incredible food, and it offers one of the best-value destinations in all of Europe due to its relative affordability, temperate climate, and friendly atmosphere. This 12-day Portugal itinerary will expose you to the best of Portugal’s most popular destinations, including the enchanting cities of Porto, Sintra, and Lisbon, and the stunning Algarve region.
Days 1 to 3 of Your Portugal Itinerary: Porto
Begin your adventure in one of Portugal’s oldest cities, Porto, which is known for its beautiful architecture and world-famous port wine.
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and start exploring the city. Head to Ribeira, Porto’s historic district, and wander through its narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses. Visit the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and take in panoramic views of the city from its upper deck. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner at a local restaurant like A Cozinha do Manel and Antunes and sample some delicious port wine.
Where to stay in Porto
One of the most wonderful places to stay in the city is Canto de Luz. This 12-suite boutique property is the perfect place for groups to stay with large, spacious rooms, and a family-style kitchen and dining area. If you’re looking for the city’s finest hotel, book a stay at the Intercontinental Porto, a stone’s throw from the iconic São Bento Railway Station.
Day 2: Livraria Lello, Clérigos Tower, and Palácio de Cristal
Start your day by visiting Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Next, climb the Clérigos Tower for a bird’s-eye view of Porto. Afterward, stroll through the gardens of Palácio de Cristal and enjoy the stunning vistas over the Douro River. End your day with a sunset river cruise and marvel at the illuminated cityscape. For convenience, opt for a 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus tour to see all the city’s sights at your own pace. Spend some time shopping on the bustling Santa Catarina Street and dine at the iconic Majestic Cafe, Tapabento, or the trendy Vogue Cafe.
Day 3: Day Trip to Douro Valley
Take a day trip to the marvelous Douro Valley, famous for its terraced vineyards and serene landscapes. Enjoy a guided tour of a local winery, followed by a wine-tasting session, lunch, and a shared cruise on a traditional ravello boat. Return to Porto in the evening and indulge in a sumptuous seafood dinner at local favorites O Gaveto or Ostras & Coisas.
Days 4 to 5 of Your Portugal Itinerary: Sintra
Leave Porto behind and make your way to the fairy-tale town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Sintra Mountains.
Day 4: Stop in Aveiro
En route to Sintra, stop in Aveiro, known as the Venice of Portugal due to its network of canals. Take a ride on a traditional moliceiro boat and stroll through the vibrant Costa Nova neighborhood with its colorful striped houses. Don’t forget to try the city’s local sweet treat, ovos moles, at one of the pastry shops in town.
Where to stay in Sintra
Sintra has a number of stunning boutique hotels, including Tivoli Palacio Setais, Sintra Marmoris Palace, and Villa Bela Vista, which overlooks Sintra’s main square, Largo Rainha Dona Amélia.
Day 5: Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace
Begin your day by visiting the colorful Pena Palace, a masterpiece of Romantic architecture. Though the palace, itself, doesn’t open until 9:30 am, arrive at 8 am to give yourself time to walk up the hill and explore the grounds. You can also buy bus tickets to the top if you don’t wish to walk uphill. The palace also has a nice restaurant, which would be great to grab a bite to eat so that you can continue visiting other sites in Sintra.
After spending a few hours at Pena Palace, head to the lush gardens and hidden tunnels of Quinta da Regaleira. If time permits, visit the elegant Monserrate Palace and the Castelo dos Mouros. In the evening, dine at a local restaurant like Incomum or Tascantiga.
Days 6 to 8 of Your Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon
Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, and get ready to discover its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.
Where to stay in Lisbon
Lisbon offers a variety of accommodation options from guesthouses to five-star hotels. A few of the best places to stay can be found along the city’s most prominent street, Avenida da Liberdade. Those hotels include Hotel Tivoli Avenida Liberdade and the Valverde Hotel. Other amazing properties in the city include The Lumiares, which has a wonderful rooftop restaurant, and the Torel brand of hotels. The city also has a number of aparthotels that include breakfast, such as Edificio Ex Libris Almaria.
Day 6: Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
After a short transfer from Sintra, spend a half-day in the historic district of Belém, where you’ll visit the iconic Belém Tower and the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery. Make sure to visit the Pastéis de Belém cafe, which serves the original version of Portugal’s famous pastry, pastel de nata. Only pastries from the famous cafe can be called pastel de Belém; all others are called pastel de nata. Since Lisbon is the birthplace of Fado music, you must also watch a traditional Fado performance with dinner.
Day 7: Alfama District and São Jorge Castle
Explore the charming Alfama district, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning viewpoints. Visit the impressive São Jorge Castle and Miradouro das Portas do Sol, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the evening, dine at the bustling Time Out Market, sampling a variety of Portuguese delicacies. The market, which is also known as Mercado da Ribeira, is also a great place to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Day 8: Lisbon Shopping Guide
Shopping enthusiasts will find a delightful mix of traditional and modern shopping experiences, including in the Baixa district, where you’ll discover a variety of local shops selling traditional Portuguese products such as azulejos (ceramic tiles), cork items, and handmade crafts. For luxury fashion, head to Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s most exclusive shopping boulevard, lined with high-end designer boutiques and international brands. If you’re looking for a more contemporary shopping experience, make your way to LX Factory, a creative hub that houses unique artisanal shops, trendy clothing stores, and quirky bookshops.
Days 9 to 11 of Your Portugal Itinerary: The Algarve
Travel south to the Algarve, Portugal’s sun-soaked coastal region, known for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and seaside towns.
Where to stay in Algarve
The Algarve coast is dotted with several five-star resorts, including W Algarve, Martinhal Sagres, Anantara Vilamoura, and Bela Vista Hotel & Spa.
Read: Why You Should Visit the Algarve
Day 9: Lagos Exploration, Ponta de Piedade, and Praia do Camilo
Spend the day exploring the historic town of Lagos, visiting its lively marina, ancient city walls, markets, and beaches. Embark on a boat tour to the breathtaking Ponta da Piedade, a natural wonder with dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and turquoise waters. Afterward, relax on the golden sands of Praia do Camilo and soak up the sun.
Read: Best Algarve Beaches
Day 10: Day Trip to Benagil Cave and Silves
Take a guided kayak tour to the mesmerizing Benagil Cave, which is accessible only by water. Continue to the charming town of Silves, where you’ll visit the impressive Moorish castle and stroll through the cobbled streets.
Day 11: Albufeira
In Old Town Albufeira, wander through the main square, Largo Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco, and the maze of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful bougainvillea. Make sure to visit the historic Pau da Bandeira viewpoint for panoramic views of the stunning coastline and pristine beaches. As you stroll through the town, discover a variety of local shops offering traditional Portuguese handicrafts, such as pottery, cork products, and hand-painted azulejos. Visit the Igreja Matriz, a beautiful 18th-century church that showcases exquisite architecture and intricate artwork.
Day 11: Free time in the Algarve
Spend your final day at the pool or relaxing on one of the region’s famous beaches.
Day 12: Depart Portugal
As they say, all good things must come to an end, but this 12-day Portugal itinerary provides a comprehensive journey through one of Europe’s still underrated countries.
