The best Portugal Itineraries

If you’ve set your sights on an unforgettable vacation in Portugal, read on for Portugal itineraries that’ll give you plenty of food for thought. From a classic Grand Tour of Portugal — arguably the best Portugal itinerary — to suggestions for how to spend 5 days in Portugal, 10 days in Portugal (and more), you’ll come away armed with stack of ideas, and Portugal travel tips for year-round trips.

Recommended Portugal itineraries

If you're planning a trip to Portugal, these expert-crafted itineraries are a handy starting point. 

For more inspiration, discover our itineraries for different durations: 

• 5 days Portugal itinerary
• 7 days Portugal itinerary
• 14 days Portugal itinerary

Grand Tour of Portugal

Arguably the best all-round Portugal itinerary, this classic grand tour of Portugal will have you experiencing the best of the country in immersive style – from culture-rich cities and wine lands, to walking on the wild side in mountainous national parks.

Duration: 14 days

Lagos: 2 days

Lagos is the Algarve’s most historic town — the departure point for notable navigators during the Age of Discoveries.

It’s also one of the Algarve’s most attractive towns, largely thanks to its centre being enclosed by fourteenth-century walls at the mouth of the Ribeira de Bensafrim. 

Stroll along the waterfront Avenida dos Descobrimentos to see the remains of Lagos’s once impregnable walls and fortifications, which include the squat seventeenth-century Forte Ponta da Bandeira, guarding the entrance to the harbour.

For all its historical significance, Lagos’s main attraction is its proximity to some of the region’s best beaches. 

To the east is the long sweep of Meia Praia, while to the west you’ll find the series of coves, caves and rock stacks for which the Algarve is best known. 

Meanwhile, the most unsavoury aspect of Portugal’s historical forays overseas can be seen at Lagos’ Mercado dos Escravos, site of Europe’s first slave market, which opened in 1444. 

The current arcaded building was built as a guards’ mess in 1691, later acted as a customs office, and now holds a museum detailing the awful reality of the slave trade in Portugal and elsewhere. 

Next destination: drive from Lagos to Evora (2.5-3 hours) or take a train (around 4.5 hours with connections).

Évora: 1 day

A superbly preserved Alentejan town, Evora is one of Portugal’s most historic and unspoilt cities, and one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.

In fact, its Roman temple, Moorish alleys, circuit of medieval walls, ensemble of sixteenth-century mansions and ochre-trimmed, whitewashed houses have resulted in it being awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. 

The graceful ruins of Templo Romano stands at the very heart of the old city. It was built in the first or second century, supported by fourteen granite Corinthian columns, making it the most impressive Roman building in the country. 

Popularly known as the Temple of Diana (the Roman goddess of hunting), the little square in front of the temple is a great place to enjoy local wines and people watch.

Next destination: drive from Evora to Elvas (1 hours)

Elvas: 1 day

The attractive hilltop town of Elvas was once one of Portugal’s mightiest frontier posts, strategically positioned 15km from Spanish Badajoz.

Its star-shaped walls and outlying forts of Graça and Santa Luzia are among the best-preserved military fortifications in Europe, a factor that helped gain the town UNESCO World Heritage status.

Here you can look forward to climbing its scenic (steep) cobbled streets and relaxing in the café-ringed central square, the Praça da República.

Next destination: drive from Elvas to Lisbon (2 hours) or take a direct bus (2.5 hours).

Lisbon: 3 days

One of Europe’s most fascinating capitals, Lisbon is a captivating mix of ancient and contemporary — and beautifully located, overlooking the Tejo river estuary. 

As such, it’s clear why a whole lot of fuss is being made about Lisbon as a weekend break destination, and why we’ve allocated it 3 days of this Grand Tour Portugal itinerary.

A great place to start exploring is around The Alfama — Lisbon’s oldest and most atmospheric quarter.

Strolling its labyrinthine maze of narrow streets, steps and alleys wrapped round the steep lower slopes of the Moorish castle, is a must for any Lisbon visit. 

Home to many fado clubs, The Alfama also houses a museum dedicated to this classic Portuguese genre.

While here, don't miss the view from Castelo de São Jorge, or for city views, head to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte — a hilltop viewpoint in the district of Graça.

Editor’s tip: to make the most of your time in the city, wise up on the best area to stay in Lisbon, and discover the best things to do in Lisbon off the tourist trail.

Next destination: take a train from Lisbon to Coimbra (1.5–2 hours).

Coimbra: 1 day

Hugging the banks of a broad stretch of the Rio Mondego, handsome Coimbra (pronounced queem-bra) is famed for its historic hilltop university, dating from 1290, with its awe-inspiring Baroque library. 

Capital of a fledgling Portugal from 1143 to 1255, Coimbra retains an impressive number of historical monuments, including ancient convents and two cathedrals. 

Its old town, curving round the hilltop where the university is located, oozes history, with a vibrancy resulting from the presence of around twenty thousand students who ensure the city is well-stocked with good-value cafés, bars and restaurants, some playing Coimbra’s jaunty version of fado. 

Meanwhile, curling from the riverfront round the slopes of the upper town, the Baixa, or lower town, is an atmospheric warren of narrow streets and alleys housing traditional grocers’ shops, tiny restaurants, cafés and the odd fashionable boutique. 

Next destination: drive from Coimbra to Serra da Estrela (around 2.5 hours).

Serra da Estrela: 1 day

For nature lovers, Serra da Estrela is likely to be a highlight of this Portugal vacation itinerary.

Home to the country’s only ski resort, in the country’s highest mountains, it’s a scenic destination for a night in the hills.

The mountains – snow-capped into late spring – soon impose themselves upon any approach, while the lower flanks of the range reveal a patchwork of small villages that retain much charm.

The odd Portuguese visitor comes to the serra to ski in winter, while many more come in summer to bag themselves a scenic picnic spot.

Boasting a network of relatively little-used hiking trails through peaks and valleys, it’s the perfect place to soak up Portugal’s rugged majesty.

Next destination: drive from Serra da Estrela to Porto (2–2.5 hours) or take a train from nearby Guarda (around 3 hours).

Porto: 2 days

A unique city, famed for its wines, football team and amazing riverside cityscape, Porto is packed with historic attractions mixed with modern verve. 

That’s especially so in the riverside bairro of Ribeira — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where waterfront cafés and restaurants are obvious attractions

Porto also serves as a gateway to discovering the region’s renowned wines. Start your journey in the city’s Museu do Vinho do Porto. Housed in a handsome eighteenth-century former wine warehouse, this details the city’s take on the history of the port wine trade. 

We also suggest crusing along the Douro river. Options range from a 50min bridges cruise, through evening and dinner cruises, to full-day and weekend cruises.

The longer cruises operate via the port wine town of Peso da Régua, halfway along the Douro, where – depending on your choice – you’re shuttled around a port wine lodge or take a trip on a steam train.

Editor's tip: wise up on where to stay in Porto.

Next destination: drive from Porto to Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerê (1.5-2 hours).

Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês: 3 days

Rounding off what might be the best Portugal itinerary, the magnificent Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s first and only national park.

Hugging the border with Spain, this wild, rugged mountain region is ideal for walk of the wild side, and panoramic drives.

The park divides into several distinct regions, with the southern area easily seen from the spa town of Caldas do Gerês, while mountain-, forest- and water-based activities are centred on nearby settlements like Rio Caldo and Campo do Gerês. 

In the centre lie the traditional villages of Soajo and Lindoso — beautiful places to stay, if you fancy a quiet few days week hiking — while the wild Serra da Peneda, in the north of the park, is one for real mountain aficionados. 

Here, you’ll often have the steep forested valleys, and wind-blown planaltos dotted with weird rock formations, entirely to yourself. As such, it's clear why Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês is one of the best places to get off the tourist trail in Portugal.

Wine routes

Our next Portugal itinerary is focussed on the country’s wine routes, and covers some of the country’s best vineyards while serving sublime countryside views.

As such, it’s a wonderful way to spend 10 days in Portugal if you want to mix nature, culture and cuisine.

Duration: around 10 days

Quinta Miradouro: 2 days

This wine-focussed Portugal itinerary kicks off in Quinta Miradouro, an Algarve wine estate owned by British singer Cliff Richard. 

This is actually one of three farms that form a wine co-operative which produces strong Vida Nova wines – named after the “new life” the farms have breathed into exhausted vineyards. 

While the co-operative has become something of a pilgrimage for Richard fans, who can be found posing for photos outside his nearby farm, Quinta do Moinho appeals equally to serious wine buffs.

Aside from visiting the three farms, while here be sure to explore nearby Algarve towns like Silves and Portimão for more local culture.

Next destination: drive to Évora, the heart of the Alentejo wine region (2.5–3 hours). 

Alentejo wine route: 2 days

While the art of wine-making in the Alentejo was already well established when the Romans occupied the country’s vineyards, it’s only relatively recently that Alentejan wines have become widely recognized as some of the best in Europe. 

As such, we’ve allocated the area a couple of days of this 10 days Portugal itinerary.

What makes the wines stand out from elsewhere is that they’re made from local grape varieties which thrive in the harsh soils.

Many of the producers allow visits, during which you can find out about the wines, then sample them over meals to remember.

The best place to start is the headquarters of the Rota dos Vinhos do Alentejo in Évora, which can arrange tours to most of the nearby vineyards. Évora itself is a wonderful base.

Editor’s tip: explore Alentejo wine and food on a local tasting tour.

Next destination: drive from Évora to Viseu, heart of the Dão wine route. (2.5-3 hours).

Rota do Vino do Dão: 1 day

Known for its classic reds, the Dão valley is the next stop on this best Portugal itinerary for wine lovers.

For context, the Dão is a tributary of the Mondego and flows through the heart of the demarcated region where some of the country’s finest red wines are produced. 

Most of the wine estates lie either side of the river valley to the northeast of Santa Comba Dão, and you can spend a happy day pottering through the region’s small country towns, following winery signs on the Rota do Vinho do Dão to pretty villages like Santar.

It’s a hilly, granite area, cold and rainy in winter, but hot and dry in the sweltering summers, when the wooded slopes are particularly susceptible to ravaging forest fires.

While here, you could taster elegant reds at vineyards like Casa de Santar or Quinta da Pellada. 

Viseu’s charming Old Town is also a delight to wander, with the Sé Cathedral its most 

iconic landmark. 

Next destination: drive from Viseu to Vila Nova da Gaia (1.5 hours), or by bus to Porto, and metro to Vila Nova da Gaia (2–2.5 hours).

Port wine lodges, Vila Nova da Gaia: 1 day

No wine-themed trip to Portugal would be complete without a tour of the port wine lodges in Vila Nova da Gaia.

Often referred to simply as Gaia, it’s located directly across the Douro River from Porto’s Ribeira district. With around thirty port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia open for tours, it can be tricky to choose which to focus on. 

Cálem has one of the best visitor centers, in that it's especially informative on the port-wine production process. 

Ramos Pinto is also excellent if you’re also into vintage port history — the famous advertising posters of this Portuguese company did much to popularize port in the 1900s, and there’s a really good museum housed in the 1930s’ period offices.

Meanwhile, Graham’s lodge — originally founded by a Scottish family — has a splendid tasting terrace overlooking the river. 

Next destination: drive from Vila Nova da Gaia to Peso da Régua ((1.5–2 hours), or take the train for a more scenic journey (2-2.5 hours).

Peso da Régua: 1 day

Stacks of classic port-wine estates can be visited from Peso da Régua — a town on the Douro that’s also home to the headquarters of the Rota do Vinho do Porto and the Douro Wine Institute’s exhibition center. 

Declared the first capital of the demarcated port-producing region in the eighteenth century, Régua is the hub of Douro River cruises, which happens to be one of the best things to do in Portugal.

As a result of this wine-trade patronage, the town boasts excellent local restaurants and enticing quinta accommodation in its vicinity.

Next destination: drive from Peso da Régua to Pinhão, gateway to the Douro Valley (1–1.5 hours).

Pinhão: 1 day

With a classic backdrop of Douro wine terraces, Pinhão is the main centre for quality ports.

If you travel by car, don’t miss the short, winding 7km drive up to the miradouro at the small village of Casal de Loivos (Favaios–Alijó road) — some say there’s no better view along the whole of the Douro.

The whole drive is a wonderful route and there’s a real sense of arrival at Pinhão, where the river broadens and the terraced hills close in. 

Cruise boats tie up along a broad riverside promenade, where a couple of bars look out over a fjord-like vista.

While here, visit — or consider staying in —  Quinta Nova de Nossa Senhora do Carmo Covas do Douro. 10km west of Pinhão, this truly fabulous wine hotel is located in an eighteenth-century manor house on one of the most beautiful Douro estates. 

It’s a lovely, secluded space, offering its own vineyard tours and cellar tastings, plus bike and hiking trails.

Next destination: drive from Pinhão to Melgaço (2.5–3 hours).

Melgaço: 2 days

Located near the Spanish border, Melgaço — Portugal’s northernmost outpost — is the centre for the country’s famed vinho verde. 

A Minho border town perched high above the river, its pretty, restored center is clustered round the towering keep of a medieval fortress.

The local wine headquarters, Solar do Alvarinho, is housed in a fine granite mansion on the old town’s main street.

It boasts a well-stocked tasting bar and wine shop, as well as an exhibition area showcasing the region’s famed vinhos verdes

These are made from the Alvarinho grape, which produces a full-bodied wine with a much higher alcoholic content (around 12.5 percent) than other vinhos verdes. Consequently, it has the ability to age. 

While here, you could also hike in the nearby Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Life's a beach

With a focus on some of the best beaches in Portugal, this Portugal itinerary 7 days could easily be doubled up to give you more time to bliss out, or enjoy pretty excellent surfing conditions.

Taking you from the Minho region in the north, to the Algarve in the south, it’ll also have you seeing a range of the country and its landscapes.

Duration: around 7 days

Foz do Minho: 1 day

Foz do Minho, Minho Portugal’s northernmost beach is a hidden gem, a sandy bank facing Spain across the Rio Minho river estuary.

2km from Caminha, which was a thriving port back in the seventeenth century, the beach is located on an idyllic wooded peninsula where the Minho flows into the Atlantic. 

A wooden boardwalk hugs the water’s edge, leading to a sheltered river beach

Alternatively, head five minutes through the pines to a great Atlantic beach, with a little fortified islet just offshore, and Spain visible opposite. 

After exploring the pristine sands, dunes, and pine forests, or taking a walk along the riverbanks, stay overnight in Caminha or nearby Viana do Castelo.

Next destination: drive from Foz do Minho to Nazaré, Estremadura (3.5 hours).

Nazaré, Estremadura: 1 day

Known for its giant waves and lively surfing culture, Nazaré boasts wide sandy beaches and a longstanding traditional fishing heritage. 

These days, however, don’t come expecting a quiet village vibe. Rather, Nazaré attracts big crowds through the peak summer months, and New Year’s Eve on the beach is one of the biggest parties in Portugal. 

If that wasn’t enough, the annual Carnaval parades are rumbustious all-night affairs.

While here, visit Praia do Norte — where record-breaking waves draw surfers — or stroll along Praia da Nazaré. 

Next destination: drive from Nazare to Caparica (1.5 hours).

Caparica: 1 day

Just south of Lisbon, the Costa da Caparica is a favorite for surfers and day-trippers from Lisbon.

Allegedly named after the discovery of a cloak (capa) full of golden coins, Caparica beach, located at the northern end of the Costa da Caparica, is Lisbon’s main beach resort. 

While it’s certainly busy, the family atmosphere, restaurants and seaside cafés full of tanned surfers make it a thoroughly enjoyable day out. 

From the main Praça da Liberdade, the pedestrianized Rua dos Pescadores – lined with cafés, restaurants and inexpensive guesthouses – heads down to the seafront. 

Next destination: drive from Caparica to Galapos (40 minutes).

Galapos, Parque Natural da Arrábida: 1 day

Next on this 7-day Portugal itinerary, a very different beach experience awaits in Galapos, in Parque Natural da Arrábida.

7km southwest of Setúbal, the craggy, scrub- and wood-covered slopes of the Serra da Arrábida rise to around 500m above a dramatic coastline dotted with cove beaches that make up the Parque Natural da Arrábida.

Home to wildcats, badgers, polecats, buzzards and Bonelli’s eagles, it’s stunningly beautiful, though surprisingly little known to tourists.

To reach the coast’s best beach, Galapos, either walk from the tiny harbour village of Portinho Da Arrábida, where a cluster of waterside restaurants and former fisherman’s houses face the Bay of Setúbal – or drive from the coast road to Setúbal. 

On arrival, you’ll be greeted by crystal-clear waters backed by lush green cliffs. 

Next destination: drive from Galapos to Comporta, Alentejo (1hour).

Comporta, Alentejo: 1 day

Famed for its chic vibe, endless white sand beaches, and rice fields, Comporta is simply magnificent. 

Known as the "Hamptons of Portugal", Comporta attracts the likes of artists, designers and international celebrities to its beaches, boutiques, stylish lodges and beachside restaurants

Yet despite its aura of exclusivity, it’s retained a laid-back, unpretentious charm, with Praia da Comporta and Carvalhal Beach boasting miles of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful atmosphere. 

Next destination: drive from Comporta to Praia do Amado, the Algarve (2.5 hours).

Praia do Amado, the Algarve: 2 days

A surfer’s paradise in a remote corner of the Algarve, Praia do Amado features dramatic cliffs, sweeping sands, and powerful Atlantic waves. 

Put simply, it’s one of the country’s most stunning and rugged beaches, with its golden sand contrasting beautifully with the turquoise Atlantic waters and the dramatic rock formations scattered along the shoreline.

Though the setting feels remote, it’s easily accessible, with a few laid-back beach cafés on hand if you fancy tucking into fresh seafood or enjoying a sundowner drink after a day of surfing or stretching out.

On your second day around these parts — and the last day of this Portugal itinerary — either explore more of the Vicentine Coast, or drive 1 hour to Lagos to relax at Praia Dona Ana or Praia da Marinha.

Editor’s tip: discover more of best things to do in the Algarve.