How Many Days to Spend in Portugal: An Excellent Itinerary

How Many Days to Spend in Portugal: An Excellent Itinerary

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Portugal is a beautiful country with many incredible cities, beaches, and islands. But when deciding how many days to spend in Portugal, you may wonder how many places you can visit.

Personally, I spent my first trip to Portugal in Lisbon and Sintra, but depending on how much time you have in the beautiful country, you can make other itineraries.

Keep reading to find the perfect Portugal itinerary and decide how many days to spend there.

Published: August 8, 2024

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Planning a trip to Portugal? Here are some travel guides to help:

Deciding How Many Days to Spend in Portugal

Deciding how many days to spend in Portugal is key to planning a trip that balances exploration and relaxation. With Portugal’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, there’s much to see and do, but you don’t want to feel rushed. Here’s how to determine the ideal length of your stay:

IN front of the water in Lisbon, Portugal
  • Travel Pace: Consider how fast or slow you like to travel. Some prefer a relaxed pace, while others want to see as much as possible.
  • Interests: Think about what interests you the most. Are you into history, food, or outdoor activities? Your interests will help shape your itinerary.
  • Bucket List: Identify the must-see places on your list. The more cities you want to visit, the more time you’ll need.
  • Travel Style: Decide if you prefer to immerse yourself in one city or explore multiple destinations.

Shorter Trips (5 Days or Less)

  • Visit One or Two Cities: Focus on Lisbon or Porto to get a taste of Portugal.
  • Highlights: Explore the historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Belém in Lisbon. Visit the Ribeira district in Porto and take a Douro Valley wine tour.
  • Extras: If you have more time, consider a day trip to nearby Sintra from Lisbon or the Douro Valley from Porto.

Longer Trips (6 Days or More)

  • See More of the Country: With more time, you can visit multiple cities and regions.
  • Extended Itinerary: Add destinations like the Algarve, Sintra, Coimbra, and the Douro Valley.
  • Deeper Exploration: Wander through ancient castles, relax on Algarve beaches, and explore charming villages.

Whether you have a few days or a week or more, tailoring your itinerary to your interests and travel style will help you make the most of your Portuguese adventure. No matter how many days you decide to spend in Portugal, there are some great itineraries in the next sections to inspire your trip.

Itinerary Options for Shorter Trips (5 days or less)

If you ask yourself how many days to spend in Portugal, and decide you only have a few days, don’t worry. A well-planned itinerary of 1 to 5 days allows you to get a small taste of this enchanting country. You can enjoy some of Portugal’s highlights if you have just a day or a few more. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the most of your short visit:

1-Day Portugal Itinerary

  • Lisbon: Start in the historic quarters of Alfama and Baixa, take a tram ride to Bairro Alto, and enjoy panoramic views from São Jorge Castle.
  • Optional: If you prefer Porto, explore the Ribeira district, visit a port wine cellar, and walk along the Douro River.

2-Day Portugal Itinerary

  • Day 1: Spend the first day in Lisbon or Porto, following the 1-day itinerary.
  • Day 2: Take a day trip. Visit Sintra from Lisbon, which is known for its palaces and gardens. Head to the Douro Valley from Porto for scenic vineyards and wine tastings.

3-Day Portugal Itinerary

  • Day 1-2: Follow the 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3: Explore more of the city you’re based in. In Lisbon, visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. In Porto, see the Livraria Lello bookstore and Clerigos Tower.

4-Day Portugal Itinerary

  • Day 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4: Add another day trip. From Lisbon, visit Cascais or Cabo da Roca. From Porto, consider a trip to Braga and Guimarães, cities with deep historical significance.

5-Day Portugal Itinerary

A colorful sunset over the streets of Lisbon, Portugal
  • Day 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4: Spend an extra day in the city or take a new day trip. In Lisbon, visit the coastal town of Cascais. In Porto, explore Braga and Guimarães.
  • Day 5: If you started in Lisbon, head to Porto, or vice versa. Spend your final day enjoying the highlights of the second city.

A shorter trip to Portugal requires careful planning to make sure you see everything you want to see without stretching yourself too thin. Whether you have one or five days, prioritize iconic experiences and attractions over trying to see it all. Guided tours can help you maximize your time, and remember to leave some leisure time to wander through neighborhoods, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the relaxed Portuguese way of life.

Itinerary Options for Longer Trips (5+ days)

With more than five days in Portugal, you can explore multiple cities and regions. The more days you can spend in Portugal, the more you’ll get to see of this unique country.

Here’s how to make the most of 6 days to two weeks in Portugal:

6-Day Portugal Itinerary

  • Days 1-3: Spend three days in Lisbon. Explore historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Baixa, visit iconic sites such as Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and take a tram ride through Bairro Alto. Allocate a day for a trip to Sintra to see its palatial estates and lush gardens.
  • Day 4: Travel to Coimbra. Visit the historic University of Coimbra, explore the Joanina Library, and stroll through the charming medieval old town.
  • Days 5-6: Head to Porto. Spend time exploring the Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets and colorful buildings. Visit Livraria Lello bookstore and sample port wine at one of the city’s famous cellars. Take a boat cruise on the Douro River to enjoy the scenic vineyards and historic bridges.

7-Day Portugal Itinerary

  • Days 1-3: Follow the Lisbon itinerary, including the day trip to Sintra.
  • Day 4: Spend a day in Coimbra. Explore the University, Joanina Library, and old town streets.
  • Days 5-7: Travel to Porto. Spend two days enjoying the city’s landmarks, such as the São Bento railway station adorned with azulejos and the Clérigos Tower. Use the third day for a trip to the Douro Valley. Discover the region’s vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and appreciate the stunning landscapes.

8-Day Portugal Itinerary

  • Days 1-3: Explore Lisbon and take a day trip to Sintra. Visit major attractions like the historic tram lines, Belém Tower, and Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. In Sintra, explore the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
  • Day 4: Head to Coimbra. Visit the University and its historic library, stroll through the old town, and enjoy a meal in one of its quaint restaurants.
  • Days 5-7: Discover Porto, focusing on the Ribeira district and the Douro River. Enjoy a port wine tasting and a river cruise. Consider a day trip to Braga and Guimarães to explore historic sites and enjoy local cuisine.
  • Day 8: Travel to the Algarve. Relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the coastal towns like Lagos or Albufeira, and enjoy seafood dining.

9-Day Portugal Itinerary

  • Days 1-3: Spend three days in Lisbon, exploring its neighborhoods and visiting Sintra.
  • Day 4: Visit Coimbra. Tour the University and Joanina Library, and wander through the historic streets.
  • Days 5-7: Head to Porto. Enjoy the city’s landmarks, including the Douro River cruise and port wine tasting. Use an additional day to visit Braga and Guimarães for their rich history and charming architecture.
  • Days 8-9: Relax in the Algarve. Spend time on the beaches, explore coastal towns like Tavira and Lagos, and enjoy the region’s seafood.

10-Day Portugal Itinerary

  • Days 1-3: Immerse yourself in Lisbon, including a day trip to Sintra. Explore Alfama, Bairro Alto, and visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. In Sintra, see the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
  • Day 4: Travel to Coimbra. Visit the University, Joanina Library, and explore the old town.
  • Days 5-7: Discover Porto. Explore the Ribeira district, visit Livraria Lello and Clérigos Tower, and enjoy a Douro Valley wine tour.
  • Day 8: Visit Braga and Guimarães. Explore Braga’s historic sites and Guimarães’ medieval architecture.
  • Days 9-10: Head to the Algarve. Relax on the beaches, visit towns like Lagos and Tavira, and explore the coastal scenery.

2 Week Portugal Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon. Explore Alfama and Bairro Alto. Visit the Lisbon Cathedral and ride Tram 28 for a city overview.
  • Day 2: Visit Belém. See the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Enjoy pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém.
  • Day 3: Day trip to Sintra. Visit Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle. Return to Lisbon in the evening.
  • Day 4: Explore more of Lisbon. Visit the Gulbenkian Museum and stroll through the Parque das Nações. Evening train to Coimbra.
  • Day 5: Explore Coimbra. Visit the University of Coimbra, Joanina Library, and the old town. Walk along the Mondego River and see the Santa Cruz Monastery.
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to the nearby Roman ruins of Conímbriga. Return to Coimbra and explore more of the city’s historic sites.
  • Day 7: Travel to Porto. Explore the Ribeira district, visit Livraria Lello, and climb Clérigos Tower.
  • Day 8: Take a Douro Valley wine tour. Visit local wineries, enjoy wine tastings, and admire the vineyard landscapes.
  • Day 9: Explore more of Porto. Visit the Serralves Museum, Palácio da Bolsa, and take a boat tour on the Douro River.
  • Day 10: Day trip to Braga and Guimarães. In Braga, visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and the Sé de Braga. In Guimarães, explore the medieval old town and Guimarães Castle. Return to Porto in the evening.
  • Day 11: Travel to the Algarve. Stay in Lagos. Relax on the beaches and explore the old town.
  • Day 12: Explore the Algarve’s coastal scenery. Visit Ponta da Piedade, take a boat tour to see the caves, and visit the nearby town of Sagres.
  • Day 13: Visit other Algarve towns like Tavira and Faro. Explore the charming streets, visit local markets, and enjoy the coastal views.
  • Day 14: Relax and enjoy the Algarve’s beaches. Optional visit to Ria Formosa Natural Park for birdwatching or a boat tour. Evening travel back to Lisbon.

With a longer stay in Portugal, you can explore more cities and regions in depth. Each day, you can uncover Portugal’s diverse attractions and experiences, from historic sites and cultural landmarks to stunning landscapes and relaxing beaches. This extended time allows you to create a rich and personalized travel experience, immersing yourself fully in Portugal’s charm and beauty.

Tips For Planning Your Portugal Itinerary

A side view of Pena Palace in Sintra

Planning a trip to Portugal involves more than just choosing destinations. To make the most of your visit and ensure a smooth experience, keep these tips in mind:

  • Research Local Festivals: Check the local calendar for festivals and events happening during your visit. These can offer unique cultural experiences but may also impact availability and prices.
  • Prioritize Must-See Sights: Identify key attractions and landmarks you don’t want to miss. Whether it’s Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods or Porto’s wine cellars, having a list will help you stay focused and ensure you see everything you want to see.
  • Consider Travel Time: Portugal is a compact country, but travel between cities still takes time. Plan your travel days carefully and account for transit times to avoid feeling rushed.
  • Book Accommodations Early: Popular cities and regions can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Secure your accommodations in advance to get the best options and prices.
  • Use Public Transportation: Portugal’s public transportation network is efficient and cost-effective. Trains, buses, and trams are good options for getting around cities and between regions.
  • Learn Basic Phrases: While many Portuguese people speak English, learning a few basic phrases in Portuguese can enhance your travel experience and help you connect with locals.
  • Try Local Cuisine: Portugal is known for its delicious food. Make sure to sample local specialties like pastéis de nata, bacalhau, and regional wines.
  • Pack Accordingly: Portugal’s weather varies by region and season. Pack layers and be prepared for warm and cool temperatures, especially if you’re traveling between different parts of the country.
  • Allocate Downtime: Don’t over-schedule your days. Leave time for relaxation and spontaneous exploration to fully enjoy the local atmosphere and avoid burnout.

Planning a Portugal itinerary requires careful consideration of your interests, travel logistics, and local opportunities. By researching destinations, booking in advance, and being flexible, you can create a rewarding and enjoyable travel experience. Remember these tips to ensure a well-rounded and memorable visit to Portugal, no matter how long you decide to stay.

Tours in Portugal

If you want to dive deeper into Portugal or just have less to plan for your trip, I highly recommend taking a tour or two during your trip. No matter how many days you have to spend in Portugal, there are tons of short tours, day trips, and even multi-day tours to take in Portugal.

Enjoy Portugal No Matter How Many Days You Stay!

Choosing the right length for your Portugal trip depends on how much of the country you want to explore.

  • 1-3 Days: Focus on one city and consider a day trip.
  • 4-8 Days: Visit two cities for a broader experience.
  • 8+ Days: Explore three or more cities for the ultimate, more varied adventure.

Whether you’re in Portugal for a short stay or an extended journey, planning wisely will help you make the most of your trip and create lasting memories.

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