Setting up a travel itinerary for Portugal seems easy, but it isn’t. The country is small, it’s all close, and that’s why we have the illusion that we’ll be able to scan the entire country in a week but in reality, this can be difficult. That’s why we created this itinerary- to help you plan your Portugal trip and make the most out of it.
Days 1 and 2: Porto
Spend two days getting to know Porto. It is a very, very beautiful city with a lot of personality. The truth is that it surprised me when we visited it. Porto has tons of places to see and things to do. You have to visit its bridges, the cathedral, the castle, the cellars, the Church and the tower of the clergymen, the Mercado do Bolhao, the Lello and Irmao bookstore, the palace of the stock exchange, the church of San Francisco, and much more.
Days 3-4: Braga and the surroundings
For the third day, I propose a routine that is not many kilometers but is very good. You leave Porto to the north and visit Viana do Castelo, Barcelos, Braga, Bom Jesus do Monte and Guimaraes. Barcelos has one of the most impressive open-air archaeological museums in Portugal and it’s also home to the legend of the pilgrim and the rooster, which makes that famous black-and-red rooster the symbol of Portugal.
Braga became one of the three capitals of Lusitania and its center and historic center are a fantastic walk and one that is very much enjoyed. It is a city with history and that is present in its streets. I will also tell you about it in detail.
Bom Jesus do Monte is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal and it is also beautiful. Mandatory visit. Last but not least, there’s also Guimaraes, a city with a central area that’s designated as a World Heritage Site.
Days 5-6: Coimbra and Bucao Forest
The fifth day of the route takes us south, slowly getting close to the highlight of the trip, Lisbon. You can travel around by renting a car or by using public transport. Just like most other countries in Europe, Portugal trains are relatively quick, reliable, and affordable.
Coimbra is an ideal city to spend at least one day and one night. You have to visit its famous university that is a World Heritage Site and is the oldest in Portugal.
Another place you must visit in the area is the Mata do Buçaco (Bucao Forest). It is a forest that was protected, cared for, and fenced off by the Benedictine monks. In it, they founded a convent, and later a palace was built that became a 5-star Palace Hotel. Today, it still works and it seems like you have gone back 50 or 60 years when you enter it. The Forest has the most varied and curious species of trees and plants. From Sequoias to gigantic eucalyptus trees or fern forests. It has several trails to cover it and it is really worth it.
Days 7-8: Lisbon
To just see the basics of Lisbon, you’d need at least 2-3 full days. You have to cover the historic district, visit the Castle, Baixa, Chiado, and the Alfama, spend some time at Belem and see its most notable attractions like the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, Confeitaria dos Pastéis de Belém, and the new MAAT Museum. And while you’re here, you may also want to check out the popular Oceanarium as well as the mesmerizing Parque des Nacoes.
Days 9-10: To the beach
The most beautiful beaches in the Algarve are located between Lagos and Albufeira . In Lagos, don’t miss Praia do Camilo and Ponta da Piedade. In Carvoeiro, the most beautiful is Praia do Carvalho . In Albufeira, check out Praia da Marinha and take the boat trip that takes you to the Caves of Benagil .
The historic city of Sagres is also worth a visit. If you’re planning to travel to Spain by car after your Portugal trip, you may want to stop in Tavira as well.