Planning a Portugal travel itinerary feels like trying to choose your favorite pastry at Pastéis de Belém – overwhelming but delicious either way. I remember standing in Lisbon's Alfama district last spring, map in hand, realizing I'd completely underestimated how much this country has to offer. You'll need more than pasteis and port wine to make your trip work (though definitely include those!).
Having traveled Portugal three times now – once disastrously underplanned – I'll help you avoid my mistakes while squeezing every drop of adventure from this coastal gem. Whether you've got 7 days or 14, we'll craft your perfect route.
When Should You Visit Portugal?
Honestly? There's no awful time, but crowds and prices vary wildly. My golden rule: avoid July-August if you hate both heat and cruise ship crowds. I made that mistake once in Sintra – never again.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Best For | Worst For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March-May | 15-22°C, some rain | Medium | Wildflowers, hiking | Beach swimming |
| June-August | 25-35°C, dry | HIGH | Beaches, festivals | Budget travelers |
| September-October | 20-27°C, dry | Medium | Wine harvest, warm seas | Guaranteed sunshine |
| November-February | 8-15°C, rainy | Low | Budget, cities | Algarve beach clubs |
That sweet spot? Late September. I had 22°C days in Porto, empty castles in Sintra, and paid €90/night for a boutique hotel in Lisbon that costs €250 in summer. You'll thank me later.
How Many Days Do You REALLY Need?
Portugal's smaller than Indiana, but packed with surprises. Here's the reality check:
Portugal Travel Itinerary Options
- 7 Days: Lisbon + Sintra + Porto (rush mode)
- 10 Days: Add Algarve or Douro Valley (balanced)
- 14 Days: All highlights + hidden gems (ideal)
Seriously – if you try to do Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve in 7 days, you'll spend half your trip on trains. I learned this the hard way on my first visit. Stick to one region if under 10 days.
The Classic 10-Day Portugal Travel Itinerary
This balanced route covers icons without constant packing:
Lisbon (3 Days)
Morning tram rides in Alfama aren't just postcard moments – they're the cheapest sightseeing tour at €3. Must-dos:
- Pastéis de Belém (skip the line inside – secret tip!)
- Castle of São Jorge at sunset (bring wine)
- Feira da Ladra flea market (Tuesday/Saturday)
Personal rant: The Santa Justa Lift is pretty but a €5.30 tourist trap. The view from Miradouro da Graça is free and better.
Sintra Day Trip
Take the 40-minute train from Rossio Station. Book Pena Palace tickets online to avoid 2-hour queues (€14). Pro tip: Uber between castles costs less than tuk-tuks.
Porto (3 Days)
Porto feels grittier than Lisbon – in a good way. Don't miss:
- Port tasting at Graham's (€20 tour includes 3 ports)
- Livraria Lello bookstore (go at opening to avoid crowds)
- Francesinha sandwich at Café Santiago (heart attack on a plate)
My favorite memory? Watching sunset from Dom Luís I Bridge with locals sharing cheap vinho verde.
Douro Valley (2 Days)
Take the scenic train from Porto (€15) or splurge on a river cruise. Stay at Quinta da Pacheca wine hotel – sleeping in a wine barrel is as fun as it sounds (€200/night).
Algarve Alternative
If beaches > wine, fly Lisbon to Faro (1hr, €50). Base in Lagos for epic cliffs:
- Praia do Camilo staircase beach
- Benagil Cave tour (book Ecocean for sustainability)
- Sagres cliffs at Europe's edge
Transportation: Trains vs Cars vs Planes
Portugal's transport is efficient but has quirks:
| Option | Best For | Cost Example | Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trains (CP) | Lisbon-Porto (3hrs) | €25-35 | Book 2 weeks early for savings |
| Buses (Rede Expressos) | Small towns | 50% cheaper than trains | Use FlixBus app |
| Car Rental | Algarve/Douro | €30/day manual | Avoid city driving |
| Flights (TAP) | Lisbon-Faro | €50 one-way | Watch for bag fees |
My rental car nightmare? Lisbon's narrow streets and €40/day parking. Stick to trains between cities.
Where to Stay: Areas & Price Guide
Hotel prices swing wildly by season. Here's what you'll actually pay:
| City | Best Area | Budget | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | Baixa/Chiado | Goodmorning Hostel €25 | Hotel Lisboa Plaza €120 | Verride Palácio €350 |
| Porto | Ribeira | Passenger Hostel €30 | Carris Porto €110 | Torel Palace €300 |
| Algarve | Lagos | Guesthouse Marazul €55 | Lagos Avenida €130 | Conrad Algarve €450 |
That €300 Douro Valley hotel? Totally worth it for sunrise over vineyards. But Lisbon hostels are so good I sometimes skip hotels.
Eating & Drinking Costs (No Tourist Traps)
Portuguese food is hearty and affordable if you know where locals go:
- Coffee + Pastel de Nata: €1.80 at neighborhood padarias
- Bifana sandwich: €3.50 at Mercado da Ribeira
- Seafood dinner: €15-25 at Cervejaria Ramiro (Lisbon)
- Port tasting: €10-20 at Graham's or Taylor's
Drink tip: House wine is cheaper than water – €2-4/glass. Supermarkets sell great vinho verde for €3/bottle.
Portugal Travel Itinerary Common Mistakes
After three trips, here's what I'd do differently:
- Overbooking day trips – Sintra needs FULL day
- Underestimating hills – Lisbon has San Francisco-level inclines
- Missing fado in Mouraria (not fancy restaurants)
- Assuming credit cards work everywhere – small shops are cash-only
My biggest regret? Only budgeting 2 hours for Porto's Livraria Lello – that place is heaven for book nerds.
Packing List Essentials
Beyond basics, don't forget:
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones destroy flip-flops)
- Reusable water bottle (tap water is drinkable)
- Light scarf for churches covering shoulders
- EU power adapter (Type F)
- Spanish phrasebook (many don't speak English)
Portugal Travel Itinerary FAQs
Is Sintra doable without overnight stay?
Absolutely. Take 8:36am train from Rossio, return by 7pm. But staying lets you experience Pena Palace without crowds – worth considering.
Should I rent a car for Algarve?
100% yes. Public transport is patchy, and hidden coves require wheels. Just avoid cities – parking in Lagos gave me gray hairs.
How much cash should I carry?
Unlike Spain, Portugal still loves cash. Withdraw €200/week for markets, taxis, and small cafes. ATMs (multibanco) have low fees.
Can I do Portugal on €50/day?
Hostels, supermarkets, and buses make it possible. But €80/day is more realistic for comfortable travel with occasional treats.
What's overrated?
Sorry folks, but the Santa Justa Lift and Cascais felt underwhelming for the hype/time. Better viewpoints exist for free.
Final Advice Before You Go
Leave gaps in your Portugal travel itinerary! My best moments happened spontaneously – joining a neighborhood barbecue in Porto, finding a hidden azulejo tile shop in Lisbon, or hiking coastal trails no blog had mentioned.
Portugal rewards slow travel. Sip that port slowly. Chat with the old man running the pastry shop. Get lost in Alfama's alleyways. That's where the real magic happens.
Oh, and pack stretchy pants. You'll need them after all those pasteis.
Comment