If your trip to Portugal is about to begin and you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry, you have found the right place. This article aims to help you plan your unforgettable 2-week travel itinerary in Portugal.
Portugal is filled with beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, a rich history, and mouth-watering food that make this country one of the best travel destinations in the world.
During the warm weather months (April to October), everything is open in the country, making it questionably the best time to visit. This time of year is also best to maximize all the activities that Portugal has to offer from hiking to wine tasting, wandering the picturesque streets, experiencing water activities, and everything in between
PORTO REGION ( 3 Days )
Many travelers prefer to book their flight into Lisbon but landing in Porto is often the more economical choice. Porto offers the perfect ambiance of relaxation and harmony with a nominal number of visitors.
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal next to Lisbon, It is listed as one of Europe’s oldest towns and in 1996 it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city lies near Douro River which makes it the “Port of wines”. And in this city you can also find one of the oldest book stores in the world, the “Livraria Lello Bookstore” which was ranked as one of the most known beautiful bookstores in the world and a top destination in Portugal.
Porto is a favorite spot for digital nomads as well as it offers an affordable experience perfect for temporary home.
Explore Porto
For your first day in Porto, it is time to explore the city, experience the streets and the people, and visit the historical sites of the city. Dive straight into the culture and the vibe of the city of Porto.
Day 1 Morning:
The Chapel of Souls
The Perfect spot to start your itinerary in The Chapel of Souls.
The Chapel has become iconic in the age of social media, however it is a well reasoned hot spot.The architectural design accompanied by blue tile exterior walls that wrap the whole chapel make this place special and stand out.
Brunch at Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
Igreja de Santos Ildefonso, a popular dining and shopping spot, is just a short walking distance from the Chapel. Here you can have your brunch in preparation for your city tour.
Porto Cathedral
A few minutes away from Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is the Porto Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church that can be found in the historical center of Porto.
Day 1 Afternoon:
Livraria Lello
Famous for being one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello, is the oldest bookstore in Portugal that is still operational. Having inspired many of the most well known authors of our day, this world-famous book store is absolutely worth a walk through.
Igreja do Carmo
Take a short trip to another church within the city. We know a lot of churches, but the unique architecture of each adds to the charm of the city, and what is a European vacation if not to admire some of the most beautiful old architecture?
Igreja e Torre dos Clerigos
Get mesmerized at night by this eye-catching tower that lies in the city and is famous for being the “Lighthouse of the City” at night. Igreja e Torre dos Clerigos is the tallest campanile in Portugal.
Day 1 Evening:
With 5 star reviews online, Muu Steakhouse is one of the most reputable establishments in the city and it is best to make a reservation days before arriving. This place is a paradise for meat lovers as it offers the most flavorful and quality steak in the city, however, be ready to splurge on this meal as it is a more pricey establishment.
Not into steak or prefer a more casual atmosphere or budget friendly price point? Our favorite things to do is to open our phone to the trusted map application and search for restaurants – narrow down the search by selecting star rating and price point. Choose from the nearby selection that looks delicious.
Wine Tasting in Douro valley
Day 2 Morning & Afternoon:
The Douro Valley is famed as Portugal’s wine region. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Douro Valley while tasting different kinds of wine. For wine lovers, this experience must not be missed. Our recommended way to experience both the beauty of the region as well as the delectable wines is to enjoy a guided hiking and tasting tour. There are many operators to choose from offering the perfect balance of hiking, wine and food. Another option is to experience wine tasting along the Douro river with a full day boat trip which includes lunch in addition to the region’s best wines.
Day 2 Evening: Experience Sunset Along the Douro River
Day 3: Douro Valley Hiking
The Douro Valley is so beautiful that one day is not really enough to take it all in. We recommend spending a second day hiking, enjoying the views, the wine, and the delectable home cookings of local restaurants and wineries.
Aveiro, Portugal ( 1 Day )
Aveiro is famous for its canals and its Nouveau Architecture that makes the city colorful, which is why it’s also known as the “Venice of Portugal.” There are scenic waterways that lead through Aveiro, and colorful gondola-style boats pass through them.
Aveiro lies at the edge of the Ria de Aveiro, a lagoon with saltwater, known for its seaweed, rich fish, and salt.
Explore Aviero City
Day 4 Morning:
Take a Moliceiros ride tour
One of the ways to experience this charming city is through its canal. The tour will take you around 45 minutes to an hour. It is available anytime of the day but it’s quite peaceful around sunrise.
Spend the rest of your morning walking around the city.
Aveiro is a small city that can be fully explored within a day. Take some time to appreciate the tiny colorful streets of this city. Portugal is famous for its unique tilework pattern exteriors and every building is different from one other. Enjoy wandering around and getting lost in the city, and taking as many photographs as you like.
Museu de Arte Nova
The city’s reputation as an open-air Art Nouveau museum is attributed to a series of buildings constructed along the main canal in downtown Aveiro with façades inspired by the romantic Art Nouveau period.
Day 4 Afternoon: Costa Nova
Enjoy a quick quick change of scenery in this nearby beach town, Costa Nova. It is a quick 10-15 minute drive from Aveiro. Famed for its striped houses that lie along the coastal area, Costa Nova is home to a variety of cafes, bars, and delectable seafood restaurants of course.
Aside from sunbathing and seafood, Costa Nova offers water and leisure activities that you can experience during the day trip.
Day 4 Evening: Wining and Dining
Rich in its variety of open-air seafood restaurants, enjoy a perfect scenic view and while enjoying delicious cuisines and flavorful wines.
Coimbra, Portugal ( 1 Day)
Coimbra is also known by the Portuguese as the City of Knowledge, as it is the home of the first and only university established in the country between the years 1290 and 1911. This was a home to many Portuguese royal members, making this town a historical place.
Day 5 Morning:
The Old Cathedral is famed for being the most genuine Romanesque Cathedral in Portugal. It is a fortress-like infrastructure that is well known for its main entrance, coined, Porta Especiosa (beautiful door). Take a walking tour around the Cathedral, and you will observe its unique architectural characteristics.
The University of Coimbra
As you go uphill, you can marvel at the Mondego river flowing through the city and then head to the main attraction: UC (University of Coimbra). This marvelous University is not just an ordinary university. This is the first university established in Portugal and one of the oldest universities in the world.
Day 5 Afternoon:
Jardim Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears Garden)
This beautiful scenic garden is a must-see place when in Coimbra. Known for witnessing the tragic love story of Inês de Castro and King of Portugal D. Pedro.
Day 5 Evening:
We recommend using the evening to make your way to the next city on the list, Lisbon, enjoying dinner along the way.
The Capital City of Lisbon (2 Days)
Day 6 Morning :
Alfama Neighborhood
Narrow and windy streets, old facades, little corners, and hills are some of the famed characteristics of the area. The Alfama neighborhood offers a wide range of activities, including historical sites, unique photography locations, and local shopping opportunities.
Praca do Comercio
Having explored Lisbon’s oldest quarter, it’s time to visit Praca do Comercio, another popular destination in Lisbon. The best ways to get here are to either take a quick ride on the iconic tram #28 streetcar or take walk the 10 – 15 minutes from Alfama
Day 6 Afternoon:
Lunch at Baía do Peixe
The restaurant is located around Praca Do Comercio and actually overlooks it. It has an outdoor patio that is an enjoyable experience. They serve seafood dishes and very good wine.
Castelo de São Jorge
Experiencing the walls of the fortress and learning about Portuguese history would be the perfect way to spend your first evening.
Fado live show
Fado live show is on of the most popular live entertainment experience in Lisbon. It’s great way to spend your first evening in the city while hanging out with locals.
Day 7 Morning:
Coffee and Pastries at Ceres Boulangerie
Have some coffee and a pastry (or multiple, no judgement here) at Ceres Boulangerie before you head to your next destination. Enjoy your slow morning while feeling the ambiance of the place and people watch in the beautiful city of Lisbon.
Bairro Alto
Among Lisbon’s most vibrant neighborhoods is Bairro Alto. Journalists and writers have made this neighborhood their home around the 1800s, lending a hand to creating the bohemian lifestyle that still eminates here today.
Principe Real
Located in north Bairro Alto, the Principe Real neigborhood, also known as the neighborhood of love, is known to be the nicest and most delightful in Lisbon.
Day 7 Afternoon:
Elevador de Santa Justa
After spending the morning wandering through some of the most reverant neighborhoods in Lisob, make your way to the Elevador de Santa Justa to enjoy the breathtaking views of Lisbon from the observation deck.
Pink Street
A trip to Lisbon is not complete without making it to the most visited street in the city, “Pink street.” Along the street you will find bars, cafes, and restaurants to grab a bite to eat before moving on.
Belem
Described as the architectural jewel of Lisbon, Belem, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Belem is a beautiful place to wander around taking in the picturesque views at any time of day, but is particular magical as the golden hour approaches and the sun begins to set.
Various walking tours are available as well as tours of the Belem tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.
Algarve Coast ( 2 Days )
With only two days to spend in the Algarve region, we have a list of breathtaking locations that you should be sure not to miss!
Day 8 Morning:
Ponta da Piedade
Start your morning off early at Ponta da Piedade. This is a unique coastal scenic point featuring arches, grottos, caves, and towers and is one of the coolest attractions in the Algarve. The best way to see Ponta da Piedade is by boat. Though there are boat tours available, we recommend renting a kayak from Lagos town and experiencing the reward of paddling around and through. Afterwards, admire the view from above by walking along the cliff walk and then down the stairs to get an up-close look of the lagoon.
Lagos Old Town
After, take some time and wander around Lagos old town which is extremely vibrant with a traditional Portuguese façade of white buildings, colorful doors, and pebbled streets. Enjoy a Portuguese tart as you wander through town.
Day 8 Afternoon:
Once you have explored Lagos town, make your way down to Algar Seco area, a former fishing village that has transformed into a wonderful beach town with a distinctive Portugeuse appearance. The Carvoeiro Boardwalk is located in between the Church of Nossa Senhora da Encarnaao and the Algar Seco. In the quaint old town nearby, you’ll find scenic buildings along pebbled roads. After exploring a bit off the beaten tracks, enjoy a lunch before exploring the boardwalk.
After wandering around and taking in the views of the striking cliffs, take the short drive to iconic Benagil Caves.
Having an opening created through the rugged cliffs, the Benagil Cave is famous for its appearance. There are two main ways to explore Benagil: the first is by taking a short cliffside walk along a trail and standing atop the cliff peering down into the cave; the second and more popular way is to access the cave from the shore by swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking.
Day 8 Evening:
Enjoy dinner with a view before making your way to your nights accommodation.
Day 9:
On your second day in the Algarve, you’ll spend some time exploring towns and going to a very unique beach.
Day 9 Morning:
Tavira
The town of Tavira is unlike many of the places you have visit on the southern coast of Portugal. Well known for it’s many bridges, the town has a rich history as it was once ruled by the Moors.
Close to Tavira, is a beach named Praia do Barril. This is a laid back sandy beach has a cafe and restaurant, but is worth a visit as it is the final resting place for old tuna-boat anchors.
Day 9 Afternoon:
Olhao is just down the road from Tavira on the way to Faro. This is a bustling fishing town that doesn’t feel very touristic at all. Stroll along the promenade to the marina and sample fresh food at the market.
Faro
Spend a few hours wandering around town and taking in the local culture.
There are several great places to eat and drink, so be sure to stop off for lunch before making your way to the Faro airport for your flight to Madeira.
Madeira ( 5 Days )
Picture yourself in tropical paradise, surrounded but unreal views, natural pools, high lush mountains formed by volcanos and guess what? You’re in the Portuguese Island of Madeira. Madeira is definitely a destination that is worth a 1-to-2 week stay in of itself, but we cannot have a Portugal Itinerary without it.
We recommend taking an evening flight at the end of your second day in the Algarve region and renting a car to allow you to squeeze in as much as possible to your short time in Madeira.
Day 10:
Caldeirao Verde Lavada Trail
Wake up early and drive to the Caldeirao Verde Lavada trailhead, which is about 17ish kilometers of relatively flat trail providing views of beautiful waterfalls and mountainous views. You’ll pass through dark tunnels where a flashlight or phone light will come in handy. At the end of the trail there is an impressive waterfall, where if it’s a warm day, you can enjoy a swim in the very cold water below before making your way back to the car. (Side note: there is a paid parking lot at the beginning of the trail or a free lot about 10 minutes walk further along.)
Spend the afternoon wandering around a few of the towns and enjoying local snacks. Be sure to find a restaurant or café with a view to enjoy the sunset as you eat an early dinner in preparation for your early morning tomorrow.
Day 11:
The second day in Madeira is an especially early morning. We recommend setting your alarm for about 4-5 am (depending on the time of year) to allow yourself to proceed to your first destination.
Achado do Teixeira
Park your rental car and hike approximately 45 minutes up to experience the sunrise from the top of Madeira’s highest peak, Pico Ruivo. (It can get a bit cold at the top so remember to bring an extra layer.)
Coffee & Food
After relaxing a bit and enjoying breakfast at one of the many cafes (we enjoyed our supermarket purchased breakfast, but Marcel’s bistro and Delicias da Bia came highly recommended), hiking to Pico Ruivo from the side of Pico Arriero is a rewarding challenge.
Pico Arriero
About an hour drive from the Achado do Teixeira parking lot, is the trailhead for Pico Arriero.
Taking about two and a half hours in each direction, this is a more challenging hike, requiring at times a flashlight through caves and walking along narrow paths at the cliff’s edge. The rails along the route make it relatively safe, but it is quite the thrill for those with a slight fear of heights. That said, there are fantastic views and several worthy photo opportunities along the route as well as a café close to the summit to cool off. (Be sure to bring plenty of water, especially on a warm day.)
After a hiking filled day so far, we recommend spending the rest of the day relaxing at your accommodation or the beach, taking in the views, and eating.
Day 12: Adventure Day
Canyoning in Funchal Ecological Park
For a bit of extra adventure, we recommend using this day to go on a canyoning trip in Funchal Ecological Park. There are several options to book the tour (we chose one called Epic Madeira), most of which are approximately four-to-five hours and include climbing, and jumping in and out of a river. Safety is key, so make sure you book a tour through a reputable organization and listen to the instructions throughout to keep the trip exceptionally fun.
Camara De Lobos
Enjoy wandering around town, grab a snack, and snap some photos as you settle your heart rate from the adrenaline filled morning.
Ponta da Sol
We recommend heading to this village on the south coast of Madeira where it always seems to be sunny. There is a beautiful beach to relax at, but more than that a glorious arch that can be found at the end of a cliff path and is the perfect place to watch the sunset and capture some amazing photographs.
Day 13 Morning:
Lavada of 25 Fontes
The Lavada of 25 Fontes hike is one of the more popular trails on the island. There are shuttles available from the parking lot to the trailhead for a few euros, but we recommend walking the extra 20 minutes and enjoying the beautiful scenery. This trail ends at the waterfall from which the trail takes its name – featuring 25 miniature falls. Enjoy a swim to cool off before heading back to the car.
Day 13 Afternoon:
After stopping off at a café for lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the Seixal pools on the north side of the island. These natural pools are breathtakingly beautiful and a paradise even for the casual photographer with their dramatic rock formations and crystal clear. Further north, there are more popular pools at Porto (here, an entry fee is required, while the Seixal pools are as of this article, free to enter).
Once you’ve splashed around, photographed, and relaxed to your heart’s content, head back towards your accommodation to have an early dinner and organize for tomorrow’s departure home.
Day 14: The Final Day in Paradise
After packing up and checking out from your accommodation, spend all of the time you have remaining before your flight exploring some of the amazing view points of the Island and exploring more of the towns.
Garganta Funda
Drive to the very north of the Island to find an 140 meter waterfall that cascades down into the sea.
Ponta de Pargo
A five minute drive away is another viewpoint with amazing views near the lighthouse.
Miradouro do Massapez
Continue the drive south and stop at this beautiful observation deck.
Cabo Girao
The highest cliff view point on the island sits at about 580 meters above sea level and allows for amazing views.
Eira do Serrado
Another viewpoint near Funchal with exceptional views.
Finish the day off at the Funchal market where you can try several tropical fruits and then select a local café to have a bite to eat before catching your flight home.
