How many days do you need in Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & the Algarve?
- Most travelers spend 10-14 days in Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and Algarve combined
- Visiting Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and Algarve in 8 or 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 15 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Alentejo, Évora, and Douro Valley
How Many Days to Spend in Portugal
Recommended Itineraries for Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & the Algarve
Recommended Itinerary for 13 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Afternoon Culinary Experience | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Guided City Tour, Sunset Sailing Cruise | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra, Heritage Hike | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Day Trip to Nazaré & Batalha | Lisbon |
| Day 5 | Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Lagos & the Algarve | Lagos |
| Day 6 | Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Caves | Lagos |
| Day 7 | Free Day in the Algarve, Cabo de São Vicente Sunset | Lagos |
| Day 8 | Drive to Coimbra, Private City Tour | Coimbra |
| Day 9 | Drive to Porto via Aveiro | Porto |
| Day 10 | Day Trip to the Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise | Porto |
| Day 11 | Explore Porto, Afternoon Cooking Class | Porto |
| Day 12 | Day Trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park | Porto |
| Day 13 | Depart Porto |
This 13-day itinerary showcases Portugal's many faces with a combination of guided experiences and a choose-your-own-adventure road trip. See the Lisbon skyline by sailboat and hike to the hilltop palaces of Sintra, then strike out toward the Algarve coast for golden beaches, hidden coves, and spectacular sunsets. Turn north to end your journey in Porto, where you'll trade the car for a driver as you sit back and enjoy day trips into the Douro Valley and Peneda-Gerês National Park. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
2-Week Itinerary Including the Alentejo
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Walking Foodie Tour | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Tour of Lisbon, Fado Dinner | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Coimbra via Óbidos & Alcobaça | Coimbra |
| Day 5 | Guided Tour of Coimbra | Coimbra |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Porto, City Tour | Porto |
| Day 7 | Day Trip to Guimarães | Porto |
| Day 8 | Day Trip to the Douro Valley | Porto |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Évora via Tomar | Évora |
| Day 10 | Explore Évora & the Alentejo | Évora |
| Day 11 | Train to Lagos | Lagos |
| Day 12 | Explore Lagos & the Algarve | Lagos |
| Day 13 | Return Train to Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 14 | Depart Lisbon |
This itinerary includes Portugal's two biggest cities, a slew of historic villages, and some spectacular beaches for an epic adventure to remember. Start in up-and-coming Lisbon to explore ancient ruins and trendy districts before going north to UNESCO-listed Porto (and its nearby wine region). You'll also get time in the university towns of Évora and Coimbra—each with its medieval attractions and dining scenes—before kicking back for a few days in the Algarve. Read more
15-Day Itinerary Including the Douro Valley & Alentejo
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Explore | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Private Tour of Old Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Coimbra via Óbidos | Coimbra |
| Day 5 | Explore Coimbra | Coimbra |
| Day 6 | Transfer to the Douro Valley | Douro Valley |
| Day 7 | Douro Valley Wine Tasting Tour & Boat Ride, Transfer to Porto | Porto |
| Day 8 | Private Guided Tour of Porto with Wine Tasting | Porto |
| Day 9 | Free day in Porto | Porto |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Évora | Évora |
| Day 11 | Private Guided Tour of Évora & Monsaraz | Évora |
| Day 12 | Transfer to the Algarve | Algarve |
| Day 13 | Guided Tour of Villages & Beaches in the Algarve | Algarve |
| Day 14 | Return to Lisbon via the Vicentina Coast | Lisbon |
| Day 15 | Depart Lisbon |
Get a complete Portuguese experience with this 15-day trip that hits the country's north, south, and west. Begin with tours of Lisbon and the fairy-tale castles of Sintra, then head north to sample the wines and flavors of Porto and the Douro Valley. Meet Portuguese history in medieval Coimbra, fortified Óbidos, and the ancient Roman city of Évora. Venture back south to the pristine coast of the Algarve to end your journey relaxing on its world-famous beaches. Read more
How to travel between Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & the Algarve
How to get from Lisbon to Porto
The journey between Lisbon and Porto is 195 miles (314 km) and averages between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. There are several ways to get between the two major cities, but the most convenient and comfortable way to make the trip is via train. Read more
How to get from Porto to Coimbra
Traveling from Porto to Coimbra, 79 miles (122 km), is easy with several transport options. Going by train is the quickest way, and the bus is a runner-up, both allowing you to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Read more
How to get to the Algarve
Accessing the Algarve region, in the south of Portugal, is easy via land transport from the rest of Portugal or from Spain. Its main hub is the city of Faro, the regional capital, which has its own international airport. There is another small airport in the Algarve, in Portimão, though it receives far fewer flights. Read more
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