Portugal, with its stunning coastline, historic cities, radiant sunshine, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking relaxation, Portugal has something to offer. But how many days should you spend exploring this gem of a country? Let’s dive into the details.
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Where to go in Portugal
The first step to deciding on the ideal number of days to spend in Portugal is to determine your travel style and priorities. Are you doing a cosmopolitan tour of Europe? Then you can easily spend a few days to fully experience one of the major cities (Lisbon or Porto) and then hop on a flight to your next destination. Do you prefer wild adventure and rugged beauty? Then a week in the Azores or Madeira might be more your style. How about a mix a both? Throw in Algarve and Alentejo and you can easily get lost in Portugal's charm for two weeks.
Lisbon and Surroundings
Lisbon: Portugal's capital is a must-see for any itinerary. Explore the narrow streets of Alfama, visit the iconic Belém Tower, and indulge in pastéis de nata (custard tarts) at our favorite Manteigaria. For the best food and drink, check out our local recommendations.
Sintra: A day trip to Sintra is a must. Marvel at the fairytale-like Pena Palace and explore the lush gardens of Quinta da Regaleira.
Cascais: Enjoy the coastal vibe in Cascais, known for its sandy beaches and charming old town.
And so much more... Our recommendations for Lisbon go beyond the typical tourist traps (we live here, after all). Check out our full Lisbon itinerary for all the best ideas.
Porto and the North
Porto: Wander through Porto’s colorful Ribeira district, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, and sample port wine in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Douro Valley: Take a scenic tour of the Douro Valley, famous for its terraced vineyards and wine estates.
Algarve
Lagos: Relax on the golden beaches of western Algarve and explore the dramatic Ponta da Piedade cliffs.
Faro: Discover the historic center of Faro and its medieval walls. Easiest access via train/bus from Lisbon.
Tavira: Not your average Algarve town. Stroll through the cobbled streets and visit its Moorish castle.
The Islands (Madeira and the Azores)
São Miguel (Azores): A green paradise for nature lovers. Explore São Miguel’s twin lakes at Lagoa das Sete Cidades and soak in the iron-rich thermal pools of Furnas.
Madeira: Discover dramatic landscapes through levada walks and catch breathtaking views from Pico do Arieiro. The capital (Funchal) has plenty of good bars and restaurants.
Getting Around Portugal
Trains: Portugal’s train network connects major cities efficiently. The train is especially convenient for traversing the "backbone" of Portugal from Porto to Lisbon to Faro (though we recommend renting a car if you want to explore Algarve).
Metro: Both Lisbon and Porto have reliable metro services to get around the city. Lisbon also has a wonderfully scenic coastal train running from Lisbon through Belém to Cascais.
Rent a Car: For flexibility, rent a car to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. A must for Algarve and Alentejo.
Tours: Airbnb or GetYourGuide tours are a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of Portugal without worrying about a rental car. We've personally enjoyed bike tours through Sintra, wine tours in the Douro Valley, and Island tours on Madeira, just to name a few.
Average Travel Costs
Accommodation: Budget travelers can find hostels for around €20-€40 per night. Mid-range hotels or Airbnbs cost €70-€120, while luxury options can exceed €200.
Food: Enjoy affordable meals at local restaurants (€10-€20 per person). Splurge on seafood like grilled sea bass ("robalo") and fine dining.
Transportation: Trains and buses are reasonably priced. Car rentals vary based on seasonality and the type of vehicle (much cheaper if you can drive manual transmission). Flights can be surprisingly cheap (under €100) within Europe, including some great deals to Madeira. Just remember to pack light so that you can take the budget airlines and skip the bag check.
Our Ideal Portugal Itineraries (3, 7, 10+ Days)
So how would we recommend you build your itinerary? Let's keep it simple with three basic trip templates.
3-Night Trip
Focusing on Lisbon is perfect if you want to do a proper Euro trip that includes more than just Portugal. And remember that once you're in Europe, flights between countries are cheap and easy.
Day 1: Explore Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods
Day 2: Day trip to Sintra
Day 3: Visit Cascais and relax by the sea
7-Night Trip
Here you have a choice: rent a car to explore the countryside, or opt for a train and flight. If you like driving you can explore the incredible beauty of the Alentejo coast and Algarve. If you'd prefer for someone else to do the navigating, Madeira is a perfect alternative. Either way, the extra nights allow you to see both of Portugal's major cities in this itinerary.
Car Option
Days 1-3: Lisbon and surroundings
Days 4-5: Rent a car in Lisbon and take the scenic route down to Algarve
Days 6-7: Drive to Évora and explore the Alentejo countryside
No Car Option
Days 1-2: Porto and a day-trip tour of Douro Valley
Days 3-5: Train to Lisbon and surroundings
Days 6-7: Catch a flight from Lisbon to Madeira and explore the island via a tour
10+ Night Trip
More nights allow you to relax and take in the full Portugal experience, from Porto to Lisbon to the Algarve and even some of the lesser-visited regions in between (we love Évora in Alentejo)! Check out our full series of Portugal trip itineraries for the best ideas from a couple of local expats:
Remember, Portugal is about savoring moments—whether it’s sipping wine by the Douro River or watching the sunset over the Algarve cliffs. Tailor your trip to your interests, and you’ll fall in love with this enchanting country we now call home.
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