Want to see Portugal in a week?
Ready to witness some of the most stunning landscapes and wade through centuries of history?
Then join us as we hit the road to discover why Portugal is often called Europe's best-kept secret!
We’ll give you all the info you need for an unforgettable seven-day Portuguese travel itinerary. Let’s start to explore this beautiful nation!
1. What to Consider When Planning Your Portugal Adventure
There are several factors to consider when planning a visit to this mystical country by the sea if you want to make the most of your time here:
Budget: Know what you have to spend. Portugal can cater for people living rich – or cheap. Expect costs to be wildly different in the city to countryside.
Accommodation options: Will you stay in a grand hotel in the city, a quiet guesthouse in a tiny village, a relaxing beachside base, or are you backpacking and checking out the local hostels? Consider proximity to sites and accessibility to travel.
Time of Year: Choose wisely—summer brings festivals and beaches but also crowds. Spring and autumn provide cooler, quieter exploration opportunities.
Interests and Activities: Shape your itinerary to what you’re interested in. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoors enthusiast, Portugal has an array of options.
Health and safety: Portugal is one of the safest places in the world, with great health services. You should get travel insurance though.
Travel restrictions and visas: Just make sure your passport is in date. Most visitors won't need a visa for short stays in Portugal, but you should confirm your individual circumstances.
2. Your 7-Day Portugal Itinerary: From Lisbon to the Algarve
Then it’s on with a whirlwind tour for a week in Portugal - visiting everything from the streets of Lisbon to the beaches of the Algarve.
Portugal 7 Days Trip Table:
Day | Destination | Recommended Activities/Route |
|---|---|---|
1 | Lisbon | Lisbon Cathedral, São Jorge Castle |
2 | Belem | Belém Tower, Discoverers Monument |
3 | Lisbon - Cascais - Sintra | Hell's Mouth, Cabo da Roca |
4 | Sintra | Tour Pena National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira |
5 | Faro | Relax at Navy Beach, explore Benagil Cave |
6 | Obidos | Wander through Óbidos Castle |
7 | Peniche-Mafra | Visit Cape Carvoeiro, Berenga Grande Island |
Day 1:Lisbon
Lisbon's Historic Heart Kick off your Portuguese journey right in the heart of Lisbon. It's a city that mixes old-world charm with bustling modern life.
Must-see attractions:
Lisbon Cathedral: It's not just old—it's ancient, and it shows off some serious old-school art.
São Jorge Castle: Climb up and catch a panoramic view of the city. Trust me, it’s worth every step.
Where to Stay:
Crash in downtown Lisbon. It’s perfect for easy access to all the sights and sounds.
Grab a Lisboa Card for free public transport and discounts at many museums and attractions.
Day 2:Belem
Exploring Lisbon-Belem Next up, Belém. It's all about history and culture here.
Must-see attractions:
Belém Tower: This tower’s a big deal—it’s a UNESCO site and looks like it’s straight out of a storybook.
Monument to the Discoverers: This celebrates all those brave explorers back in the day. Plus, the view up top? Stunning.
Where to Stay:
Remain in the bustling heart of the city. Lisbon's central districts like Baixa or Chiado offer convenience and vibrant local culture at your doorstep.
Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
Day 3: Cascais and Sintra
Coastal Charm of Cascais and Mystical Sintra Time to hit the coast and the mystical hills of Sintra.
Must-see attractions:
Hell's Mouth: It's as dramatic as it sounds—a chasm where the sea roars.
Cabo da Roca: The edge of Europe. Feels like you’re at the world’s end.
Sinatra's Gems: Get lost in the fairytale palaces and gardens. Sintra is dreamy, folks.
Where to Stay:
After a day exploring the coastal beauty of Cascais and the mystical hills of Sintra, staying in Sintra itself is ideal. Choose from quaint guesthouses, historic inns, or boutique hotels nestled in the lush greenery of Sintra’s hills. This location provides the perfect base for exploring both the natural landscapes and the architectural wonders of the area.
Wear comfortable shoes as Sinatra's hills can be a challenge to navigate.
Day 4: Sintra
Enchanting Sintra Spends more time in Sintra. There’s a lot to see.
Must-see attractions:
Pena National Palace: This palace is a feast for the eyes with its bold colors and stunning architecture.
Quinta da Regaleira: It’s got secret passages and an air of mystery. Perfect for exploring.
Where to Stay:
Stay right in Sintra to maximize your exploration of its magical palaces and gardens. Opt for a charming guesthouse or boutique hotel nestled among the verdant hills to fully embrace the fairytale-like surroundings. This allows you early morning access before the crowds arrive and a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing.
Buy a combined ticket for multiple Sintra attractions to save on entrance fees.
Day 5:Faro
Faro's Coastal Beauty Now, off to Faro in the sunny Algarve. It’s beach time!
Must-see attractions:
Navy Beach: One of the prettiest beaches around. Great for a swim or just to chill.
Benagil Cave: You’ve seen it on Instagram, now see it in real life. It’s even better.
Where to Stay:
In Faro, choose a beachfront hotel or a cozy villa near Navy Beach to enjoy easy beach access and stunning sea views. Staying close to the beach means you're just a short drive away from other local attractions like Benagil Cave.
Early morning visits to Benagil Cave offer a more serene experience and better lighting for photos.
Day 6:Obidos
Historic Óbidos Step back in time in Óbidos, where the medieval vibe is strong.
Must-see attractions:
Óbidos Castle: Walk the walls and soak in the views. It’s like living in a history book.
Where to Stay:
For a night in Óbidos, immerse yourself in the medieval ambiance by staying within the walled town. A range of quaint inns and traditional houses offer modern comforts within historic settings, right at the foot of Óbidos Castle.
Try the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, served in a chocolate cup for a unique local taste.
Day 7: Peniche ang Mafra
From Peniche to Mafra Wrap up your trip with the coastal views of Peniche and the grandeur of Mafra.
Must-see attractions:
Cape Carvoeiro: Take in the ocean views. It’s a great spot for some final reflection.
Berlengas Grande Island: If you can, catch a boat out here. It’s peaceful and pretty.
Mafra National Palace: End with a bang. This palace is massive and massively impressive.
Where to Stay:
For your final night, a practical option is to stay in Mafra, close to the grand Mafra National Palace. Alternatively, if you prefer to savor the last of the coastal vibes, choose Peniche and enjoy a seaside hotel or a local guesthouse.
Check boat schedules to Berlengas in advance as trips depend on weather conditions.
3. The Top 10 Food and Beverages in Portugal
Portuguese cuisine is as diverse as its terrain, with a focus on its seafaring history and locally grown ingredients. Here are ten tasty treats and drinks you must sample to get a good taste of Portuguese gastronomy:
1. Bacalhau à Brás:
This dish turns the simplest of ingredients into something heavenly. Salt cod is shredded then fried with onions, straw potatoes and scrambled egg. Finish with black olives and parsley.. it’s just one of the 365 ways the Portuguese use cod though.
2. Caldo Verde:
A nourishing soup of kale, potatoes and chouriço sausage. Born in the Minho province in the north of Portugal, it's a dinner party staple and perfect for warming up during cold weather.
3. Francesinha:
A prince among sandwiches, this unique Porto creation is layered with ham, sausage and steak, covered in melted cheese and a hot tomato and beer sauce. Wash it down with a cold beer and fries on the side, this is a sandwich to really get your teeth around.
4. Pastéis de Nata:
These custard tarts are a delight, the creamy filling offset by the crispy flaky pastry shell. If possible, get one still warm from the bakery, with those in Belém as their birthplace.
5. Polvo à Lagareiro:
Whole octopus comes roasted, tender to the bite, and often cooked with plenty of olive oil, garlic and onions. Potatoes are included, baked to soak up all those rich flavors.
6. Piri-piri chicken:
The chili this dish was named for is also known as African bird’s-eye chili, and adds heat to this spicy garlic and olive oil grilled dish. Smoky and fiery, it’s a treat.
7. Alheira:
A ‘sausage’ made not from pork but in its origin (veal, duck, chicken, quail and rabbit are common) and pasty. Originally a way for Portuguese Jews to get around rules of the Inquisition, they today remain a quirky bite to know of.
8. Port wine:
No trip to the forkland of Portugal should be made without a sample of their more vinous produce. Key to the nation's cultural identity, wines from the Douro Valley are praised for their notes of fig, coffee, almond and more.
9. Bifana:
Originally food for the working classes but too delicious to remain separate, this marinated pork filet sandwich is sold in tascas – the local Portugal taverns – up and down the country. Bon appétit!
10. Azeitão cheese:
Composed of sheep's milk and hailing from the Setúbal Peninsula, this soft cheese has a tang all its own. Great with bread and served with a dash of good piri-piri oil.
4. Additional Travel Tips for Portugal
Packing Essentials:
Clothing: Pack light garments suitable for hot days, but also a few warmer items for cooler nights. Weather in Portugal can be fickle, especially along the coast.
Footwear: You'll want comfortable shoes for walking Lisbon's hills or exploring the cobbled streets of historic towns.
Accessories: Don't forget a power adapter compatible with European sockets (types C, F, or L) and sunscreen to protect against the strong sun.
Handling Cash and Payments:
Currency: While plastic is widely accepted in urban centers, cash is still king in smaller towns and rural areas, so make sure to have some euros on you.
Digital Payments: In bigger cities, digital payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are handy for a quick and secure transaction.
Understanding Local Etiquette and Customs:
Greetings: Politeness is key in Portugal. A simple "Bom dia" (Good morning) or "Boa tarde" (Good afternoon/evening) will go a long way in shops and restaurants.
Dining: Don't start eating until your host or the oldest person at the table does.
Attire: If you're visiting a place of worship, make sure you keep covered – shoulders and knees at the least.
Transport Options:
Portugal's rail and bus network is fantastic, making it a breeze to get around various regions, such as the vineyards of Douro, or zip between cities.
Renting a Car or Scooter:
Portugal has some strict traffic rules and steep fines, so be cautious when on the road, and note that tolls are in place on many major highways.
In urban areas, watch for low emission zones that restrict older vehicles to cut down on pollution.
Communication:
While Portuguese is the native tongue, English is prevalent in tourist areas.
Still, learning a bit of the local lingo – tips like "Obrigado" if you're male or "Obrigada" if female (both mean "thank you"), "Por favor" (please), and "Desculpe" (excuse me) will deepen clientele and be appreciated by locals.
Summary
That's all for this 7-day travel itinerary to Portugal.
This itinerary took us to the ancient streets of Lisbon, the fairytale palaces of Sintra, and the wild coast of the Algarve. Experience the best of Portugal’s culture, cuisine, and coastal vistas.
Every day is new and exciting. Cherish every moment in the country of diversity and charm. Have a great trip!