10 Days in Portugal: The Ultimate Itinerary

Planning a trip to Portugal? Ten days is the magic number! Portugal is a popular vacation destination known for its gastronomy, beaches, sunny weather, rich heritage, and beautiful landscapes. Luckily, we have the perfect 10-day itinerary to help you plan the trip of a lifetime. From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the picturesque vineyards of the Douro Valley, we’ll cover where to go, where to stay, and what to do.

Before we begin, let’s cover a few facts. First, this 10-day itinerary starts in Lisbon, where most international flights arrive. Second, the first day of the 10-day Portugal itinerary starts bright and early, so we assume you’ve arrived in Lisbon the night before. Third, the 10-day itinerary is quite busy. Feel free to modify it if you want more time to rest. Finally, this itinerary is designed with public transport in mind. If you’re traveling by car, feel free to make additional stops along the way!

Related: Portugal Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

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Day One in Portugal: Lisbon

The coastal capital city of Portugal is hilly and decorated with pastel buildings, colorful tiles, and gorgeous views. It’s a fantastic starting point for ten days in Portugal.

The most popular places to stay in Lisbon are Baixa, Alfama, and Chiado. A hotel in these locations puts you close to most major tourist attractions. Also, staying in one of these areas makes traveling on foot easy. If you prefer public transport, purchase a Navegante occasional card (formerly Viva Viagem). It’s only about 55 cents (€0.50) and is easy to reload and use throughout Lisbon. Whether traveling on foot or via public transport, here’s what to experience on the first day of our 10-day Portugal itinerary.

Morning in Baixa and Chiado

These two neighborhoods have shops, restaurants, plazas, and neoclassical buildings. Rossio Square is probably the liveliest of the lot. It’s a great place to grab breakfast and people-watch. Similarly, Rua Augusta is busy and a fantastic destination for a bite to eat, a coffee break, and a little shopping. And don’t miss two popular viewing points: Praça do Comércio and the Santa Justa Lift. The former is a plaza on the Tagus River. There’s a viewing platform atop the Arco da Rua Augusta. The latter is a wrought iron elevator with gorgeous terracotta rooftop views at its summit.

Afternoon in Cais do Sodré

This trendy Red Light District is worth a visit. Check out Rua Nova do Carvalho, also known as Pink Street. It’s the perfect opportunity to snap Instagram-worthy photos and have a beverage at an outdoor restaurant. The Elevador da Bica is also a popular tourist spot. The iconic tram climbs a steep slope and offers views of the Tagus River.

For lunch, pop into Time Out Market. It’s a large food hall with plenty of yummy options, everything from octopus to pastel de nata (custard egg tarts). After a bite to eat, explore the narrow, winding streets of the Alfama neighborhood. It’s the oldest part of Lisbon and one of the most beautiful areas in the city. You’ll see beautiful Portuguese tiles, cobblestoned streets, rainbow pastel buildings, and many beautiful viewpoints, like from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Don’t miss the Sé Cathedral for a mix of Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic architecture.

Evening in Bairro Alto

Lisbon’s nightlife district is the place to be when the sun goes down. Expect busy bars, packed restaurants, live fado music, and unique shops.

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Day Two in Portugal: Lisbon to Cascais

Morning Exploring More of Lisbon

On your last day in Lisbon, explore more on your own or opt for a unique tour. There are many to choose from. Popular tours include private city tours, food and wine, and museum tours. If you want to explore independently, don’t miss the Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum). The art museum specializes in traditional Portuguese tile work and is a must-see attraction. Also, the view from the Church of São Vicente de Fora rooftop is pretty spectacular.

Afternoon and Evening in Cascais

Lisbon’s beautiful beach town is only 40 minutes from the Cais do Sodré station in Lisbon to the Cascais station. The Cais do Sodré station is pretty close to Time Out Market, so it’s an excellent opportunity to grab lunch and enjoy yourself on the train. A ticket here costs approximately US$2.50 (€2.30).

The main attraction in Cascais is the beaches. Praia da Rainha, Praia da Duquesa, and Praia de Cascais are the most popular. The water is cold on the coast, but it’s perfect for a quick dip on a hot day or a stroll along the sand. For a gorgeous spot, check out the Mirador Casa de Santa Maria.

After a few hours on the beach, head to the town. It’s small but beautiful, with gorgeous tiles, plenty of greenery, and colorful houses. Grab dinner at a cute café, get gelato at the very popular Santini’s, and stroll back to the sand for sunset.

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Day Three in Portugal: Sintra

All Day in Sintra

We couldn’t leave Sintra out of our 10-day Portugal itinerary. This unique destination is full of castles, villas, and beautiful gardens. Getting here is easy. Hop on a train at Lisbon’s Rossio station and travel about 30 minutes (approximately US$5.50) to the train station in Sintra. The town is a short 15-minute walk from the station.

We’re only spending one day in Sintra, so a little advanced preparation is a good idea. You can buy tickets beforehand to avoid waiting in long lines for popular attractions. A convenient and reliable way to do this is online using an Airalo eSIM. Some attractions you might not want to miss:

• Pena Palace: Pena Palace is the most popular on the list. It’s a lavishly decorated Romanticist castle on a hill among lush greenery in the Sintra Mountains. It’s brightly colored with a red, yellow, and blue exterior.
• Quinta da Regaleira: This 16th-century property in Sintra is a Renaissance-style manor and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lush gardens surround the five floors. Plus, there’s a secret path that leads to a waterfall.
• Monserrate Palace: Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the peaceful Monserrate Palace is the traditional summer resort of the Portuguese court.

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Day Four in Portugal: Lisbon to Porto

You’ll want to explore this magnificent city in northwest Portugal all day, so hop on an early train from the Lisbon – Santa Apolónia station to Porto’s Campanhã station. The train ride takes approximately three to three and a half hours. Upon arriving, check into your hotel. We recommend the Ribeira (the riverside district), São Bento and Avenida dos Aliados (central), Batalha/Santo Ildefonso (near a great shopping street: Rua de Santa Catarina), and Quarteirão da Rua Miguel Bombarda (the Arts District). Luckily, Porto is pretty small and very walkable. The entire historical city center was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you’ll definitely want to check that out!

If you have enough time today, explore the Bolhão neighborhood. Head to Batalha Square for cafes and bars, check out the gorgeous tile work on the 18th-century Chapel of Souls and Santo Ildefonso Church, and visit the Mercado do Bolhão to see stalls selling salt cod, sardines, and lavender.

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Day Five in Portugal: Porto

Morning in Bolhão and the Santo Ildefonso Neighborhood

If you missed Bolhão yesterday, definitely explore this morning. Treat yourself to a pastel de nata for breakfast and a hot cup of coffee while you wander. If you’re a shopper, there’s no better place than the Rua de Santa Catarina. You’ll find everything from local shops to international stores and cute boutiques. Next up, check out the beautiful, colorful tilework on the Chapel of Souls and the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso. These spots are stunning.

Afternoon in Downtown Porto

For more blue and white tiles, check out the Igreja do Carmo. It’s one of the oldest buildings in the city. Harry Potter fans will love the Livraria Lello, the inspiration behind the books. The gothic-style bookstore is unique, with a red staircase and large stained-glass windows. If you’re prepared to walk 200 steps, check out the Igreja dos Clérigos for panoramic views of the city from Clérigos Tower.

Try a Portuguese sandwich for lunch — ham, sausage, steak, cheese, and tomato beer sauce between two slices of thick bread. If that feels too heavy, there are many excellent restaurants in downtown Porto. Reservations are recommended.

Evening in Ribeira

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Ribeira is one of the liveliest areas of Porto. It’s picturesque, with cobblestoned streets, 18th-century houses, and plenty of restaurants and bars with river views. The Dom Luís I Bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, which is also worth exploring. The sunsets from Vila Nova de Gaia are also spectacular. Head to the Jardim do Morro. Take a cable car to the garden to take in the sunset and listen to live performers.

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Day Six in Portugal: Day Trip to Costa Nova/Aveiro

The striped fisherman homes, charming boats, and long sandy beaches are reason enough to take a day trip to Costa Nova. And Aveiro is a beautiful Portuguese city with a town worth exploring. Admire art nouveau architecture, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and ride a traditional moliceiro boat.

Luckily, both towns are easy to reach from Porto. The train takes about an hour to travel from Porto Campanhã to Aveiro, and the journey between Aveiro and Costa Nova is a quick 15-minute taxi ride away.

Another alternative to taking a day trip to Costa Nova and Aveiro is a group tour. Many travel from Porto to spend a few hours in each Costa Nova and Aveiro before returning to Porto. It’s a great way to see the country while letting someone else be your guide and hopefully learning something new about the region along the way. Make new friends on the group tour? An Airalo eSIM will help you stay connected while traveling.

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Day Seven in Portugal: Travel to Lagos or Faro in the Algarve

The train journey from Porto to Lagos is approximately seven to nine hours long. The train (roughly US$60) runs from the Porto – Campanhã station to Lisbon – Oriente, where you’ll transfer to make your way to Tunes. If you travel by train, you’ll see a lot of the country, but this will take up a considerable part of your 10-day Portugal itinerary. If you wish to get to Lagos much faster, consider a plane. Flying is only about an hour, and finding a good deal is common! Book a flight directly to Faro, which is the main airport in Algarve.

When you get there, depending on how you arrive and how much free time you have, head to the beach. The beaches in the Algarve are simply stunning. At sunset, head to Ponta da Piedade in Lagos. This is a magnificent spot to watch the sun go down. Lagos is also a great spot to grab dinner after a busy travel day. The lively town has plenty of options to choose from!

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Day Eight in Portugal: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Day eight offers the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, and the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is the best way to do it. Explore the coastal cliffs, underground caves, and beautiful beaches.

Popular starting points for this trek are Marinha Beach, or Praia do Vale de Centeanes. The easiest way to get here is via a group tour. As a bonus, these tours often end with a lovely dinner, a few drinks, and a gorgeous sunset. If you prefer to go solo, know that the drive is 40 minutes, and the best parking lot is at Marinha Beach. The trains and buses are an option, but you’ll need to take quite a combination from Lagos or Faro, and an Uber ride can be quite steep (about US$40 each way).

No matter how you arrive at the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, the effort is worth it. The moderate out-and-back trail is 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) roundtrip. Wear proper hiking sneakers or boots; since the sun is likely out, wear a hat and sunscreen, and bring water.

A few highlights include Praia da Marinha, one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, Farol de Alfanzina, a beautiful lighthouse, and the trail’s sweeping panoramic view of the sea and stony arches.

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Day Nine in Portugal: Albufeira and a Cave Tour

Morning in Benagil Cave

Benagil Cave is one of the most famous in the world. You can book various cave tours from Lagos, including a speedboat tour, a family-friendly catamaran tour, or a kayak tour. The cave itself is unique, with a big hole in its center, and will definitely make your jaw drop.

Afternoon and Evening in Albufeira

The unique town of Albufeira, known as the party capital of the Algarve, is a white-washed old town with stunning views of the turquoise sea and golden beaches. It has 18th-century churches, a colorful marina, and plenty of restaurants and shops.

The main activity in Albufeira is spending time on the beach. Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach) and Praia do Peneco are the two most popular beaches. Stroll the sand, dive in the water, windsurf, sunbathe, or jet-ski — there’s plenty to do here. For lunch, wander the Old Town and treat yourself to a fresh seafood restaurant overlooking the beach. The Strip is adjacent to Old Town and is a lively spot to pick up souvenirs to take home. Those traveling with kids should spend time at the marina. Not only is it beautiful and colorful, but there are small rides for kids and plenty of green space.

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Day Ten in Portugal: Ponta da Piedade

The last day of our 10-day itinerary is here, and it’s a good one!

Morning on a Boat Around the Ponta da Piedade

Sail through caves and caverns alongside sandstone cliffs to hidden beaches. Book a tour boat or, for a little more exercise, kayak through the crevices.

An Afternoon on the Beaches in Lagos

After a morning on the water, relax on the sand or explore the cliffs. Student Beach and Potato Beach are perfect for soaking up the sun while enjoying the views. Alternatively, hit the bluffs above the beaches. The views are stunning!

An Evening in Downtown Lagos

Enjoy good Portuguese food and live entertainment on your last night in Lagos. It’s a lively town and the perfect place to celebrate a wonderful ten days in a gorgeous country.

Portugal eSIM: Stay Connected with Airalo

Stay connected during your trip to Portugal with an eSIM from Airalo. An eSIM is a tiny SIM that’s embedded in your device and works 100% digitally. You can download an eSIM plan for your destination and instantly connect to a mobile network. There’s no need to find a SIM card vendor, manage multiple SIMs, or worry about roaming fees.

Here are just some of the benefits of using an Airalo eSIM:

• Connect to a mobile network within minutes.
• Choose from flexible local, regional, and global data plans.
• Say goodbye to expensive roaming charges.
• Store multiple eSIM data plans on your device.

You’re all set to spend ten days in Portugal! Head to the Airalo store to browse eSIMs for Portugal and 200+ destinations worldwide.