Ultimate 10-Day Portugal Itinerary: Complete Guide for 2025

Are you planning a trip to Portugal? Then you’ve landed on the right page. We recently just returned from an amazing trip to Portugal and we were blown away. From the inviting culture, food, wine, architectural history, colorful cities, and stunning landscapes in the Douro Valley wine region all the way to the seascapes of the Algarve. Portugal is truly a remarkable place to visit.

This itinerary is perfect for those wanting an authentic experience and want to see the best the country has to offer. With 10 days, you’ll be able to cover enough ground to leave feeling just as we did – blown away!

In this guide, we’ll cover the following items to help you plan the perfect Portugal Itinerary:

Exactly how to plan the perfect trip to Portugal, including all of the must-dos and our recommended route to travel, how to travel and important tips when it comes to transportation
A guide on the best places to stay, what to see and most importantly where to eat
We’ll also include a few shorter itinerary options to aid in planning if you’re short on time but want to get the most out of your time in Portugal

As we get into the guide, we’ll be sure to share our experiences and favorite places to help you create your unforgettable trip to Portugal.

Sound like a plan? Let’s dive in.

Is 10 Days Enough to Visit Portugal?

Our vote is at least 10 days in duration. While we feel like 7 would be enough, there is just no way that you’d be able to experience all that Portugal has to offer in each region.

If you have more time, 14 days will allow you to be able to cover all of the major destinations like Porto, The Douro Valley, Nazare, the Algarve, Sintra, and Lisbon.

Should you rent a car?

While it’s true that Portugal, just like the rest of Europe, has a very robust public transportation system, we highly recommend renting a car if you want to travel beyond Porto and Lisbon.

There is a train that runs between Lisbon and Porto, making the travel between the two cities easy to navigate. The further out from the cities you get, the more the bus system comes into play. Traveling by train is great and works to see the major cities but can be a little difficult if traveling beyond Porto or Lisbon.

If electing to travel by train or bus, we recommend using OMIO to book the best routes. This will help tremendously when organizing your routes and save you some hassle on trying to figure out your train schedule or bus schedule. Though we elected to rent a car and skip public transit, this would have been our next choice.

We rented a car through Budget Car Rental and would highly recommend them. There are toll roads all throughout Portugal, so ensure you ask for the toll pass to be activated so that you can just pay at the end. This will save you time and the hassle of having to have enough Euro to satisfy the toll each time.

Where should you start your trip in Portugal?

While there are infinite options when choosing your route, we truly believe that flying into Porto and then flying out of Lisbon is the best option.

The price you’ll pay in additional drop off fees with a rental car is well worth it, due to not worrying about trying to circle back to one main airport.

While we will always recommend travel hacking your flights with credit card points, flying into Portugal at the beginning or end of the peak season is where you’ll get the most value.

We used the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card to redeem points – which covered the entire round trip for us.

Peak season is typically between May and August. Booking travel in April or September you’ll find that the streets are a lot less crowded and you’ll be able to enjoy each destination to the fullest, while also saving money.

The Perfect Route to Travel Portugal

While there are many other routes you can take to see Portugal, we argue that this is hands down the best itinerary that exists.

We also understand that this may not align with everyone’s preferences and travel tastes, but if there’s one thing we know on this blog – it’s how to travel and make the most of our time. So you’ll just have to trust us on this one.

Day 1: Porto
Day 2: Porto
Day 3: Douro Valley
Day 4: Nazaré
Day 5: Algarve
Day 6: Algarve
Day 7: Sintra
Day 7: Sintra
Day 8: Lisbon
Day 9: Lisbon
Day 10: Lisbon

Instead of giving you a play by play itinerary we wanted to pull together our favorite aspects to include in your itinerary: attractions, food, and accommodation.

Porto: Days 1-2

I mean, if you’ve never been to Portugal before, you;re in for a real treat. Porto is one of the best cities in Portugal to start your itinerary off to a great start.

It is easily one of the most colorful cities in all of Europe and just has a super cool feel.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time but also appreciate the up and coming districts with local coffee shops, small artisan shops and trendy little nooks to explore.

We’d recommend at least 2 days in porto, at a minimum, which will allow you to take in all of the main attractions, historic landmarks and also indulge in some of Porto’s wonderful food and drinks.

What to do in Porto:

Here are some things we enjoyed in porto, in no particular order.

Take a Local Tour to Learn About Porto’s History

Take a Stroll to Porto Cathedral

Located close to the douro river in porto sits the Porto cathedral. It dates back nearly 915+ years and was built by the Romans. It’s easily viewable from many lookout points in porto, but is truly hard to fathom the size until you are up close in person.

View the City from Miradouro da Vitória

Porto is such a beautiful city that is perched high up overlooking the river. There are a ton of overlook points but this spot is easily one of the most unique views. Make sure to make a pit stop here when you’re out exploring the city.

Visit Mercado do Bolhão

Get a taste of local porto culture, this is portos open fish market where you’re able to purchase all kinds of local cuisine.

Visit the Church of Souls

Admire the Portuguese blue tiles still preserved from decades of fine craftsmanship. This is probably one of the coolest church exteriors in the city. It sits on the corner of a busy street, but makes for an awesome photo opportunity.

What to Eat in Porto

There are endless options in Porto and we’d be remiss if we didn’t state that it is purely impossible to narrow down all of the best options! However, we have strict dietary needs and these restaurants were perfect for us! Most importantly they accommodated our Gluten and Dairy intolerances (yay!).

Breakfast at Noshi Coffee

Noshi Coffee was one of our first meals in Porto and it did not disappoint! This little cozy spot had tons of amazing options on their menu.

From a fresh brewed oat milk latte to gluten free avocado toast – this spot will have you off to a great start. Not to mention they have a ton of plants and a really cool atmosphere to hang out in.

Lunch at Honest Greens

Another absolute must is Honest Greens. If you love whole foods and have strict dietary restrictions, this place is awesome!

It also has tons of options for the regular people out there too that just want something really yummy to eat.

It’s fresh and incorporates a lot of unique options that cater to everyone. We didn’t capture any photos here but you’ll just have to trust us on this one.

Afternoon Coffee at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

After all of the walking you’ve done up to this point, there’s a chance you’re ready for a quick pick me up.

That’s where this specialty coffee shop comes into play – locally owned and roasted, Fabrica Coffee Roasters will satisfy that caffeine ich.

Dinner at Ribeira Square Restuarante

Okay, so you want the authentic Portugal Cuisine? This is the spot for you. It’s situated right by the river, tucked away in a romantic little nook.

It’s owned by a lovely couple and they cook everything fresh – not to mention they carry tons of wine, traditional portuguese port wine and any other beverages. Give their fresh cod and potatoes a try – thank us later!

Take a Local Port Wine Tasting Tour

Where to Stay in Porto

We did a lot of research before traveling to make sure we were staying in a safe area for the best price. Ultimately we landed on staying out of the city centre, closer to the porto college campus in Baixia.

This area was still safe but also on the rise, with quick access to downtown and tons of coffee shops, restaurants and local shops.

Riberia is also another great option if you want to stay closer to the river – but that also comes with a little bit larger of a price tag and is a little further away from some of the main monuments in Porto.

We’d highly recommend this airbnb for its location, ease of walkability (less than 10 minutes to the river) and cost.

If you wanted to stay in Ribeira, we’d recommend staying at the Ribeira Douro Hotel. It offers a great location right next to the river.

Douro Valley: Day 3-4

The Douro Valley was easily one of the top highlights of our trip. The drive into the valley was like nothing else we’ve ever experienced before. It was so beautiful, with winding roads along the river and stunning views of vineyards. We spent one day in the Douro Valley but we left wishing we had more time – this is why we’re suggesting you spend 2 days here. Though it is completely doable in one day.

What to do in the Douro Valley:

Here are a few things to do in the Douro Valley, in no particular order.

Wine Tastings

If you have the time to drive to the douro valley and stay, we recommend checking out a couple of wineries while you’re in the valley. Afterall, this is the hallmark of the region.

Quinta do Nova: Offers a detailed look at port making, with teachings of how grapes were traditionally harvested and stomped.

Quinta da Pacheca: This famous winery in Lamego offers guided tours of the estate and tastings of its wines and regional products.

Quinta do Vallado: Offers tastings of rare Reserva Field Blend wines made from some of the vineyard’s oldest vines.

Book a Wine Tour

If you aren’t sure about driving and want to make the popular day trip to the region, which is still a wonderful way to see the region – you have the option of taking a guided boat tour up the river. On this tour you’d be able to hit two wineries and enjoy a nice cruise in the valley, without having to worry about driving! Get Your Guide has a lot of popular tour options to choose from.

Where to Stay in the Douro Valley

If there is one place to splurge on a luxurious experience it is here – we found an awesome airbnb tucked back in the Douro Valley that offered some of the best views. Not to mention one of the most beautiful airbnb’s we’ve ever stayed in (yes, there is a hot tub!)

If you want to experience a local property with immaculate views of the river and a quiet tranquil space, we’d recommend staying at the Dajas Douro Valley airbnb.

This was one of the major highlights of our trip! We left wishing we had more time here and believe it is a hidden gem in the valley.

Take a Drive Along the N222

On your way out of the valley, you must drive along the N222. This is one of the prettiest drives and for good reason! We took this route on our way out of the valley as we made our way to Nazare.

Nazaré: Day 5

Home to the largest waves in the world, Nazaré is one of those towns where it feels like everything has stood still for 50 years. From the cliff tops to the seaside surf town – Nazaré is a great pit stop between the Douro Valley and making your way south.

What to do in Nazaré:

Nazaré is one those places where it feels like time has stood still. There aren’t a lot of new buildings and the town seems to have a small feel to it. There are only a handful of options when it comes to dining and accommodations but that does not take away from it’s beautiful beaches and cliffs!

We added Nazaré to the list because of the Big Wave surfing that it is known for – if you aren’t into seeing this popular surf spot, then feel free to omit this from your itinerary and enjoy another day in the Douro Valley or Algarve.

Visit the Big Wave Surf Museum

Located inside of the São Miguel Arcanjo Fort in Nazaré, the big wave surfing museum is a must do when visiting. Nazaré is home to the largest waves in the world and the museum houses surfboards from those who have conquered and surfed these waves. Even those who do not surf can appreciate the feat that these surfers have accomplished!

Check Out the Open Air Sun Dried Fish Museum

The Museu do Peixe Seco or Sun-Dried Fish Museum is located right on the beach close to downtown. As you walk along the coast, you won’t miss it, as there are rows and rows of traditional trays lined with fish drying in the sun. The museum area is free to view and there is usually a local elder guarding the drying fish.

Take a Ride on the Funicular

On a clear day, the Funicular offers stunning panoramic views of the coast and cliffs. If you stay downtown or choose to stay at the top of the cliffs, you can easily ride the Funicular to avoid having to hike up or down.

Walk Along the Cliffs

Once you’ve made it to the top of the funicular, start at Point De Vue and walk along the upper cliffs. You’ll enjoy some of the most epic views of the coastline and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of some of the largest waves in the world.

Where to stay in Nazare:

We chose to stay at the top of the cliffs at this airbnb with hopes of having a wonderful view of the ocean! One thing to note is that clouds do come in and sometimes you’ll be in complete fog – especially in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.

Algarve: Days 6-7

From Nazaré to the Algarve region it is roughly a 3 hour drive – this will be the longest leg of your trip but let me tell you.. It. Is. Worth. It. The Algarve is one our top destinations in all of Portugal, solely based on the beautiful beaches, cliffs, warmer climate and cuisine.

There are many cities within the Algarve region and they all have their own features that make them great choices.

Lagos is well known for its nightlife and unique rock formations, whereas Sagres is known for its surfing and dramatic cliffs. Faro is more centrally located and also has an airport.

We opted to stay in Carvoeiro where there are calmer waters, a romantic town and tons of amazing cliffside restaurants.

What to do in Carvoeiro:

Walk Along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk

The boardwalk starts at the Algar Seco taking you along the dramatic coastline of cliffs and ocean views. We started our morning off here and walked along the boardwalk for sunrise, exploring the caves and avoiding the crowds that tend to come as the day goes.

Soak Up Some Sun at Carvoeiro Beach

If you take our recommendation to walk along the boardwalk, chances are you’ve worked up a sweat and could benefit from a dip in the ocean.

This beach is one of the coolest little gems in the Carvoeiro – don’t forget to bring your sunscreen!

Hike Along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail:

While this could be its own blog post – it is a very popular outdoor activity for those that love to be outdoors.

You could spend an entire day walking along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail as it is full of amazing views of Portugal’s dramatic coastline.

The trail begins and/or ends at either Praia da Marinha or Praia do Vale de Centeanes, stretching 7 miles along the coast. Chances are you’ll want to pack a lot of water and snacks to enjoy this out and back hike.

Visit the Famous Benagil Caves:

There are many options to visit the caves – from kayaking to boat tours. We’d recommend booking a tour early to make sure you have a slot as they can fill up pretty quickly. Get Your Guide has a lot of options when it comes to different tours to choose from.

Watch the Sunset Overlooking Carvoeiro Beach:

One of our last nights in Carvoeiro, we knew we wanted to watch the sunset before calling it a day. Perched high on the cliffs overlooking Carvoeiro Beach, there are plenty of benches and places to sit.

We opted to relax at the Miradouro da Senhora da Encarnação lookout point – you’ll easily be able to grab the setting sun. You may also notice a few locals enjoying a bottle of wine and evening snack (not a bad way to end the day, I’d say).

Where to stay in Carvoeiro:

There are numerous places to stay in the Carvoeiro and all of them are great choices but we believe that the Castelo Guest House offers some of the best views! We woke up to the sunrise beaming off of the cliffs and drank our morning espresso right from our balcony. Talk about dreamy. Aim to book this one early so that you are able to lock it in because this is avery popular accommodation – trust me on this one!

Where to Eat in Carvoerio:

Breakfast at Earth Shop & Cafe (Vegan)

Tucked away off the main strip, Earth Shop & Cafe is a hidden gem. They had so many options, indoor/outdoor seating and tons of fresh breakfast food to fuel you for the day. We’d recommend grabbing a healthy breakfast here before enjoying the sun or trails.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner at Encci’s

Another amazing option would be Encci’s – if we had to pick one restaurant for the entire trip, this would be the ONE. The food is fresh, giving a farm to table vibe, the perfect coffees and fresh pressed juices, all the way to wine and pizza for lunch or dinner (gluten and dairy free options for those that need it). Not to mention, there is usually live music on the weekends.

Dinner at Elliot’s

Elliot’s is another great place if you want something more traditional but need options (gluten and dairy free). We loved the cuisine and had a nice bottle of red wine. It is tucked away but only a few minutes walking distance from our recommended accommodation at the Castelo Guest House.

Sintra: Days 8-9

From Carveiro, we recommend driving to Sintra and spending two full days here. Sintra is a melting pot of luxury castles and romantic rich history dating back hundreds of years.

We felt like we stepped back in time and lived like royalty, touring famous castles/palaces and botanical gardens. Sintra is an absolute must to any Portugal itinerary.

What to do in Sintra:

Visit the Pena Palace:

Pro tip: Start your day early by getting to the Pena Palace for the first tour of the day, you’ll need tickets prior to showing up to avoid waiting in long lines. Make sure to book this one early because they can sell out.

Visit the Moorish Castle:

Pro tip: Visit this right after the Pena Palace because you do not need to buy tickets prior to visit. You can purchase admission quickly upon arrival. However, paying online is helpful too just to be safe.

Visit the Quinta De Regularia:

Pro tip: End your day here as it is at the base of the mountains.

This makes for a long day but I promise it’s worth the views and the experience.

Take a ride on a Tuk Tuk

Okay, hear me out – yes they are glorified three wheeled motorcycles but they can get you to where you need to go quickly and cheaply.

Though you should pay attention and avoid overpaying – for reference we paid $40 for a ride from downtown to the doors of Pena Palace. Taxis can get you around but it is more difficult as the roads are very narrow in Sintra.

Where to stay in Sintra

There are many options to stay in Sintra that allow you to be close to downtown and food, but our personal favorite accommodation was Chalet Saudade.

This old vintage home was renovated and turned into a guest house, there are 4 floors, each with their own unique vibe. We opted to stay on the ground floor, with tons of space and our own private garden. Talk about romantic!

Lisbon: Days 9-10

No trip to Portugal would be complete without taking trip to the capital. Situated along the coast with stunning views of the ocean and river that run through the city, there is not much to dislike. You’ll be greeted with the vibrant Portuguese colors and endless opportunities to explore the dynamic culture, food and wine. We recommend spending 2 days in Lisbon to scratch the surface on the major city.

What to do in Lisbon:

Visit the Belem Tower

Take a trip to the Belem Tower, which sits on the water – you’ll be impressed by the architecture and the views. The tower was built in the 16th century and used to protect Lisbon from incoming raids along the River Tagus. Later on, to most a surprise, the tower was used as a state prison.

Check out the Jardim Botanico

Built in 1873 to teach botany and agriculture, this botanical garden is now part of the National Museum of Natural History and Science. If you love learning about plants or want something different to look at other than architecture, this is a great spot to mix things up.