If you’re planning a trip to Portugal and don’t know exactly what to do there, we have prepared a 7-day itinerary for Portugal to help you decide where you want to go and what exactly you want to do. Read it and take inspiration, and start planning! We also provide some helpful tips, such as the best time to visit and what to pack. Check it out!
What To Know Before Your Trip to Portugal
Is Portugal Worth Visiting?
Yes, Portugal is a great place to visit. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from rich cultural heritage to breathtaking natural landscapes, all at reasonable prices. There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites across the country. If you love the coast, the Algarve region has amazing beaches and cliffs. Therefore, we recommend planning a 7-day Portugal itinerary so you don’t miss anything.
What is the best time to visit Portugal for good weather?
Portugal is pretty warm year-round, with snow being less common than in other European countries. Summer also coincides with the country’s high tourist season, particularly in July and August, when the weather is at its hottest.
Generally, the best times to visit Portugal are during spring, from March to May, and in autumn, from September to October. Why? The weather is milder and much more pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the cities. Additionally, there are fewer people, making it more comfortable and cheaper.
How to get around Portugal?
You have two options: either rent a car or utilize the extensive public transportation network. Both are perfectly fine, and ultimately, the choice between them depends mainly on your travel preferences.
For example, if you want more flexibility with your time and the possibility of making unexpected stops during long trips, consider renting a car. But if you prefer to travel light and meet new people, public transport is great. The most common means for that are buses, Carris in Lisbon, and STCP in Porto are the main bus operators. The metro runs daily between 6:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., and trains Comboios de Portugal connect the main cities.
How many days do you need in Portugal?
It depends heavily on how many cities you want to cover. Lisbon, for example, deserves at least three days, as it’s the capital and really beautiful, full of interesting landmarks. So, if you want to explore outside Lisbon, it’s best to plan your trip with 5-7 days in mind.
We suggest spending at least 7 days, as this offers a good balance between a short vacation and an in-depth exploration of the country. You won’t be a local expert, but it won’t be a superficial visit either. With a Portugal itinerary in 7 days, you can explore Lisbon for 2 or 3 days, then head to Porto, another 2 days, and take an excursion to the Douro region or the Algarve coast.
More days are possible, and some people do suggest 10-14 day itineraries, but that is a lot more difficult to plan, and also more expensive. However, if you decide to go for it, you can also include less touristy regions, such as Alentejo, the Azores, or Madeira, which also have their own charm.
Is Portugal expensive for travelers?
That is actually a really good question that every traveler needs to ask. In general terms, Portugal is not more expensive than other European countries, and in fact, it is on the more affordable side. But let’s talk numbers, so you can get a clearer idea. For example, for a 7-day trip to Portugal on a regular budget, which includes accommodation in a budget room, street food, or budget-friendly restaurants, and car rental or public transportation with reduced tickets, the cost could be between $400 and $600 per person.
Of course, this is a general estimate, and the total budget will depend on the type of accommodation you choose and whether you opt for more expensive services or extend your trip. Also, please note that prices may vary depending on the region and the time of year you visit.
How to stay connected with mobile data in Portugal?
To use mobile data in Portugal, you can either get a local SIM card or use an eSIM from any of the best providers that work there, like Yoho Mobile. And, if you travel now, you can try Yoho Mobile’s free eSIM and get instant access to mobile data in most countries. No SIM card, no contracts. If you want to get your eSIM plan afterwards, use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
Explore Portugal in 7 Days
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon
For this 7-Day itinerary to Portugal, we are thinking a lot about first-time visitors and what can help them plan their trip. So, we’re starting with the classic, a visit to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. And one of the first places that you have to visit in the capital is the Castelo de São Jorge, from where you can get some of the most breathtaking views of the city, including historic neighborhoods such as Alfama, the city center, and the Tagus River.
Photo by Mylo Kaye
You will probably be hungry after such a long trip, and we have the best place for you. Visit the Time Out Market to enjoy a varied and delicious lunch. You can choose from more than 30 styles, offering a variety of culinary options, including Bacalhau à Brás, Francesinha, a traditional Porto sandwich, sushi, pizzas, and tapas.
By evening, one of the best plans that you can add to your itinerary is a stroll in Alfama. This is one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, renowned for its narrow cobblestone streets that sparkle under nighttime illumination. The ancient architecture and decorative tiles create an enchanting atmosphere, which can be seen from Portas do Sol or Santa Luzia.
Day 2: Discover More of Lisbon
As we said, Lisbon is not a city that you can explore in just one day, and to start your second day there, you should dedicate the morning to the highlights of Belém. Begin with the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Belém Tower, one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks.
Photo by João Reguengos on Unsplash
Keeping up with Lisbon’s most well-known neighborhoods, we now head to Baixa, the commercial and financial Heart of the City. It’s known for its neoclassical architecture and spacious squares. Start your tour at the impressive Praça do Comércio and the Arco da Rua Augusta, a pedestrian street lined with stores, cafés, and restaurants where you can have lunch.
Later, you can head to La Pink Street, one of the city’s most popular nightlife destinations, which is filled with energy, music, and laughter. And to end your night, if you’re looking for something lively, you can visit Musicbox, one of the most popular clubs known for its live performances.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra and Cascais
Now that you have spent two full days in Lisbon, it’s time to explore the rest of the country. So, for day 3, we have planned a day trip to Sintra and Cascais. Some people might divide this trip into two, dedicating one full day to each of these localities. But we have planned so much more, and in one day, you can visit the most important landmarks.
Starting in Sintra, you must visit the Pena Palace, an extravagant and colorful construction with a unique exterior. You can also enjoy the interior, especially the restored rooms where the Portugal monarchy used to live, and the stunning outdoor gardens. Afterward, you can walk to the nearby Castelo dos Mouros, which offers panoramic views. Then head to the center of Sintra for lunch and explore Quinta da Regaleira, famous for its unique architecture.
Photo by Mylo Kaye
In the afternoon, you can visit Cascais, A beautiful fishing town that was made a vacation resort by King Luis I. Nowadays, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon, mixing very well the seaside charm with it’s red beaches, and the historic part of the city, with old buildings and streets. If you want a short adventure, explore the Quinta da Regaleira Gardens and follow the winding paths leading to various grottoes and tunnels.
Afterwards, you can enjoy the beaches of Cascais, such as Praia da Rainha and Praia do Guincho, perfect for sunbathing or swimming. You can also walk along the promenade that connects Cascais to Estoril, making it ideal for a relaxing stroll or a bike ride if you still have energy.
Day 4: Explore Óbidos & Tomar
We now head to Obidos, one of the oldest cities in Portugal, which has archaeological remains dating back to its Roman settlement era. However, the most well-known historical period to admire in the city is from the medieval times, as exemplified by the 14th-century walls surrounding the town, and the tiled roofs and white houses decorated with bougainvillea.
You can enjoy a refreshing stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and find lots of craft stores, restaurants, and cafes. If you enjoy seafood, you must try the traditional salted cod or the dried octopus. If you prefer meat dishes, don’t despair; there are plenty of pork dishes and traditional sausages to try in Obidos.
Photo by Hasmik Ghazaryan Olson on Unsplash
In the afternoon, you can visit another historical building, the Convent of Christ, which has been an important religious and cultural center for centuries. A guided tour is the perfect way to get more detailed information about the site’s history and architecture. And, to end the day, you can visit the Sanctuary of Fatima, a site of great cultural significance that features the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of Apparitions.
Day 5: Fly to the Azores
After such an invigorating day covering those beautiful two cities, the shortest way to continue our itinerary is with a flight directly to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the island of São Miguel in the Azores. After you arrive, take a moment to breathe in the marine breeze before exploring the city’s main points of interest.
You can visit classic places, such as the António Borges Botanical Garden, an incredible destination for nature lovers, or the Graça Market, where you can sample local products and purchase souvenirs for your friends and family. If you’re looking for food options, enjoy the Seafood Feast in Ponta Delgada. Sample delicious seafood at popular restaurants such as A Tasca, with several traditional Portuguese dishes, including fresh seafood, Cantinho do Casi, known for its specialty fish soup, or Cais 20, famous for its octopus and other dishes.
Day 6-7: Explore Azores’ Natural Wonders
Still in Ponta Delgada, you can start learning more about the natural beauty of the Azores, by hiking the most important trails, such as Boca do Inferno, known for its easy access and spectacular views; Mata do Canário, which goes through a dense forest; or Serra Devassa, which winds through surrounding mountains and volcanic craters, with spectacular views of the volcanic landscape.
If you are passionate about marine life, don’t miss the whale-watching experience with companies like Moby Dick Tours, Terra Azul, or Futurismo, one of the oldest and most recognized companies in the Azores that focuses on scientific research and respect for whales.
Later, to relax for a bit, visit some of the main Black Sand Beaches in São Miguel. For example, Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara, renowned for its black sand and impressive waves, is ideal for surfers.
Photo by Matej Pribanic on Unsplash