How many days do you need in Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve?
- Most travelers spend 9-11 days in Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve combined
- Visiting Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve in 5-8 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 12 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are the Alentejo and the Douro Valley
How Many Days to Spend in Portugal
Recommended Itineraries for Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve
Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Gourmet Food Tour | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Tour of Lisbon & Fado Night | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Sintra via Cascais & Estoril | Sintra |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Porto, City Tour & Port Tasting | Porto |
| Day 5 | Mountain Biking in Peneda-Gerês National Park | Porto |
| Day 6 | Self-Guided Exploration of Porto & Northern Portugal | Porto |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Lagos & the Algarve | Lagos |
| Day 8 | Explore Lagos & the Greater Algarve Region | Lagos |
| Day 9 | Return to Lisbon, Depart |
Forget timetables and logistics—on this nine-day itinerary, you can sit back and focus on the beauty of Portugal's cities, countryside, and coast. With a private driver to whisk you between locations, you'll get lost in Lisbon's authentic alleys, spend a night among the romantic palaces of Sintra, tour Porto's riverside wine cellars, escape to the cork forests of Peneda-Gerês, and finish up on the golden beaches of the Algarve. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Culinary Excursion | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Half-Day Tour of Lisbon, Fado Dinner | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Porto via Tomar | Porto |
| Day 5 | Half-Day Tour of Porto, Evening Food Tour | Porto |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Douro Valley | Porto |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Lagos | Lagos |
| Days 8-9 | Explore Lagos & the Algarve Region | Lagos |
| Day 10 | Return to Lisbon, Depart | Lisbon |
Experience three of Portugal's most iconic destinations on this 10-day trip, starting in Lisbon, where you'll tour ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and a UNESCO-listed village in the forested hills. Next, head north to Porto—famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. The hardest decisions fall at the end, where you can choose between spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Porto, Afternoon Culinary Experience | Porto |
| Day 2 | Explore Historic Porto | Porto |
| Day 3 | Wine Tasting Experience in the Douro Valley | Porto |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Lisbon via Coimbra | Lisbon |
| Day 5 | Discover Authentic Lisbon, Evening of Fado | Lisbon |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Lisbon |
| Day 7 | Train to Lagos | Lagos |
| Days 8-9 | Free Days in the Algarve | Lagos |
| Day 10 | Train to Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 11 | Depart Lisbon |
Get to know the real Portugal on this immersive 11-day itinerary that blends culture, cuisine, and coastline. Savor world-class food and wine in Porto, then head south to discover Lisbon's authentic neighborhoods and traditional music. After a busy week of day trips and excursions, you'll trade the city for the coast and settle into a slower pace of life on the golden beaches of the Algarve. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
10-Day Itinerary Including Alentejo (Évora) & the Algarve
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Culinary Excursion | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Explore Lisbon with a Local | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Porto via Coimbra | Porto |
| Day 5 | Half-Day Tour of Porto, Evening Food Tour | Porto |
| Day 6 | Drive to Évora, Private Tour | Évora |
| Day 7 | Explore the Alentejo Region | Évora |
| Day 8 | Drive to Lagos, Explore the Algarve | Lagos |
| Day 9 | Explore Lagos & the Greater Algarve Region | Lagos |
| Day 10 | Return to Lisbon by Train, Depart |
See the highlights of Portugal's cities, beaches, and gorgeous towns on this fantastic itinerary that takes you through the country's must-see gems. Explore the urban centers of Lisbon and Porto with the help of experts, in-the-know-locals, and unique opportunities to see—and taste!—the incredible vibrancy of Portugal. You'll also visit tiny villages, imposing palaces, and dramatic beach towns off the beaten path. This trip plan is a wonderful option if it's your first time in the country! Read more
11-Day Itinerary Including Évora & the Algarve
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Roots, Food & Cultural Walk | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Explore Lisbon by Tuk-Tuk | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Porto via Aveiro, Tuk-Tuk & Boat Tour of Aveiro | Porto |
| Day 5 | Porto by Vintage Car & Port Wine Tasting | Porto |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to the Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise | Porto |
| Day 7 | Pick Up Rental Car & Drive to Évora, Capital of the Alentejo | Évora |
| Day 8 | Drive to Lagos & the Algarve Coast | Algarve |
| Day 9 | Catamaran Sailing Cruise to Benagil, Beaches of the Western Algarve | Algarve |
| Day 10 | Explore the Eastern Algarve | Algarve |
| Day 11 | Drive to Lisbon, Drop Off Rental Car & Depart |
Portugal's gastronomy and history intertwine on this lively 11-day itinerary. A series of guided excursions and private transfers will start you off—from wine tasting in the Douro Valley to cruising the canals of Aveiro and exploring Porto by vintage car. Then it's time to switch to a rental car and head south toward the Algarve, where you'll explore spectacular beaches and charming villages at your own pace. Read more
2-Week Itinerary Including Douro Valley & Alentejo
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon, Explore | Lisbon |
| Day 2 | Guided Walking Tour of Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra | Lisbon |
| Day 4 | Pick Up Rental, Drive to Óbidos | Óbidos |
| Day 5 | Drive to Porto, Free Afternoon | Porto |
| Day 6 | Drive to Douro Valley | Douro Valley |
| Day 7 | Drive to Évora via Tomar | Évora |
| Day 8 | Explore Évora | Évora |
| Day 9 | Drive to Estremoz via Arraiolos | Estremoz |
| Days 10-11 | Drive to Portimão, Explore the Alagarve | Portimão |
| Day 12 | Drive to Lagos, Beach Day | Lagos |
| Day 13 | Lagos to Comporta to Lisbon | Lisbon |
| Day 14 | Depart |
Experience Portugal's beauty, depth, and romanticism in this 14-day road trip that will show you the variety of the Portuguese landscape, from the city to villages and beaches. You'll experience the art and culture of Lisbon, see the fairy-tale village of Sintra, sip wine in Porto, and explore the wonders of Évora. Read more
How to travel between Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve
How to get from Lisbon to Porto
The journey between Lisbon and Porto is 195 miles (314 km) and averages 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 to the Algarve
Accessing the Algarve Region, in the south of Portugal, is easy via land transport from the rest of Portugal or 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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