How many days do you need in Lisbon, Porto & São Miguel Island?
- Most travelers spend 10-13 days in Lisbon, Porto, and São Miguel Island combined
- Visiting Lisbon, Porto, and São Miguel Island in 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 14 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Coimbra, Douro Valley, and Évora
How Many Days to Spend in Portugal
Recommended Itineraries for Lisbon, Porto & São Miguel Island
Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon | Lisbon |
Day 2 | Explore Lisbon, Azulejo Tile Workshop & Fado Dinner | Lisbon |
Day 3 | Day Trip to Sintra via Cascais & Estoril | Lisbon |
Day 4 | Transfer to Porto via Óbidos, Batalha, Fátima & Coimbra | Porto |
Day 5 | Discover Porto & Afternoon Food Tour | Porto |
Day 6 | Port Wine Cellars & Tasting Experience | Porto |
Day 7 | Fly to Ponta Delgada & Explore Western São Miguel | São Miguel Island |
Day 8 | Tour Central São Miguel: Lagoa Fogo, Caldeira Velha & Ribeira Grande | São Miguel Island |
Day 9 | Furnas Valley Tour, Discover Eastern São Miguel | São Miguel Island |
Day 10 | Fly Back to Lisbon | Lisbon |
Day 11 | Free Day in Lisbon | Lisbon |
Day 12 | Depart Lisbon |
This 12-day adventure checks off Portugal's classic highlights before escaping to the Azores' untamed nature and remote beauty. Embark on a perfect itinerary of day trips, culinary tours, and cultural excursions as you discover Lisbon and Porto, then set out across the Atlantic to explore volcanic valleys, crater lakes, and towering waterfalls on the island of São Miguel. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 13 Days
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrival in Porto, Afternoon Foodie Experience | Porto |
Day 2 | Private Guided Visit of Porto, Explore Porto in the Afternoon | Porto |
Day 3 | Free Day in Porto | Porto |
Day 4 | Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise | Porto |
Day 5 | Transfer to Lisbon via Coimbra | Lisbon |
Day 6 | Explore Lisbon, Evening of Fado | Lisbon |
Day 7 | Free Day in Lisbon | Lisbon |
Day 8 | Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets | Lisbon |
Day 9 | Fly to São Miguel Island, Azorean Culinary & Wine Experience | São Miguel Island |
Day 10 | Beaches of São Miguel | São Miguel Island |
Day 11 | Hiking Adventure to Lagoa do Fogo | São Miguel Island |
Day 12 | Explore the Furnas Valley | São Miguel Island |
Day 13 | Return to Lisbon, Depart |
Experience two vacations in one on this diverse 13-day journey through Portugal. Start on the mainland to tour the highlights of Lisbon and Porto (with a slew of fascinating day trips to the Douro Valley, Coimbra, and Sintra in between). Then it's time to jet off toward the remote Azores archipelago, where you'll spend four days exploring the volcanic landscapes, verdant scenery, and wild beaches of São Miguel Island. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
2-Week Itinerary Including Coimbra, Évora, Douro Valley & Braga
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Ponta Delgada | Ponta Delgada |
Day 2 | Culture & Food Tour | Ponta Delgada |
Day 3 | Half-Day Whale Watch Excursion & Sete Cidades Hike | Ponta Delgada |
Day 4 | Fly to Lisbon & Private Tour | Lisbon |
Day 5 | Free Day in Lisbon | Lisbon |
Day 6 | Day trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril | Lisbon |
Day 7 | Transfer to Évora, Private Tour | Évora |
Day 8 | Explore Évora & the Alentejo region | Évora |
Day 9 | Drive to Coimbra, via Óbidos & Alcobaça | Coimbra |
Day 10 | Guided Tour of Coimbra | Coimbra |
Day 11 | Transfer to Porto, City Tour | Porto |
Day 12 | Wine Tasting in the Douro Valley | Douro Valley |
Day 13 | Full-Day Hiking in Peneda-Gerês National Park | Braga |
Day 14 | Depart Porto |
Spend two weeks taking in the best of Portugal's scenery, history, food, and wine. This trip begins with three days in the Azores on the gorgeous green isle of São Miguel; discover the charming city of Ponta Delgada, sample local delicacies, go whale watching, and admire the island on a fantastic hike. You'll then head to Lisbon for two days of city life, followed by a string of beautiful towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites. End your stay with time in Porto and enjoy tasting flights of incredible Porto wine in the sweeping romance of the Douro Valley. Read more
How to travel between Lisbon, Porto & São Miguel Island
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