Portugal is a small but incredibly diverse country that is perfect for a one-week vacation. With stunning cities, beautiful beaches, and picturesque countryside, Portugal has something for everyone. In this blogpost we’ll provide you with a 7-day starter itinerary so you can make the most out of your first trip to Portugal. We’ll explore the best of Lisbon and Porto, as well as a visit to the charming town of Sintra.
Best time to visit Portugal?
- The best time to visit Portugal is late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (September to October). Temperatures are pleasant and there are fewer crowds compared to the summer season.
- We visited Portugal in January. While it was a bit colder, we really loved having the city all to ourselves.
How long should you visit Portugal?
This 7 day itinerary covers 2 major cities in Portugal, but if you have extra time on your hands you can certainly add a few extra days and destinations. If you haven’t been to Portugal before, this is a nice trip to start, but there is so much more to see! We’ll definitely visit Portugal again.
Transportation methods
We completed this entire itinerary with a combination of public transport and walking. You really don’t want a rental car in the cities as it is only inconvenient and parking is pretty expensive. The trains in Portugal on the other hand, are very easy to use and a lot cheaper than renting a car. We’d only suggest renting a car if you plan to explore more remote areas.
Complete Itinerary
To help you get some inspiration for your coming trip to Portugal, we’ve made this 7 day starter itinerary that takes you from Lisbon to Porto, with a small stop in between at Sintra. Of course, feel free to customize this itinerary to fit your schedule, budget and interests.
1. Lisbon
Day 1 – 3
💡Tip: Lisbon is known for its hilly terrain and numerous stairs. Research the location of your hotel or Airbnb beforehand; we discovered upon arrival that ours was situated at the top of a steep staircase – a real workout for our legs!
We started our trip in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. There is plenty to do and see in this city, such as exploring old monasteries in the Belém district, or wandering through the famous Alfama district with its narrow streets and traditional houses, and hop on one of Lisbon’s iconic yellow trams. For a romantic evening, watch the sunset at the Torre de Belém and visit a restaurant where you can listen to live traditional Fado music. And of course, a visit to Lisbon isn’t complete without having tried pastel de natas at the famous Pastéis de Belém pastry shop next to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
2. Sintra Day Trip
Day 4 – 5
Sintra is a perfect destination for a day trip from Lisbon as it’s only a 45 minute train ride from the capital. Must visits are the colorful Pena Palace, known for its unique architecture and stunning views, and Quinta da Regaleira, a magical place full of hidden tunnels, gardens, and waterfalls. Although you’ll likely end the day with sore feet from the extensive walking, it will be more than worth it. With a day trip you can get a good first impression of Sintra, however there is more than enough to see in Sintra itself. Therefore, we would recommend staying here for one or more nights. Want to know more about planning a day trip to Sintra? Check this blogpost!
2. Porto
Day 5 – 7
Porto is the ideal place to conclude your tour of Portugal. The city has a charming and laid-back vibe, with most spots within walking distance of each other. Particularly beautiful are the azulejos (white and blue tiles) that cover entire buildings, which Porto is famous for. Enjoy leisurely strolls through the colorful streets, visit a few museums, indulge in Portuguese cuisine, and savor the views over the river. Not too miss are the picturesque Ribeira District along the Douro River and the iconic neo-Gothic Livraria Lello bookstore.
