You have spent one week in Portugal and are looking for perfect locations to explore. This is the right place for you to look for perfect locations in Portugal. In one week, you can check out all the must-see places in Portugal. It is a captivating country on the Iberian Peninsula, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.
Exploring everything in Portugal in one week can be challenging. However, this meticulously written itinerary will help you in your decision-making and will save you time. It will allow you to experience the best the country has to offer.
Table of Contents
- The Complete Itinerary for Seven Days in Portugal
- Day 1: Lisbon Arrival and Exploration
- Day 2: Lisbon Delights and Belém District
- Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra - A Fairytale Escape
- Day 4: Journey to Porto - The City of Port Wine
- Day 5: Douro Valley Day Trip - Wine, Scenery, and Charm
- Day 6: Relaxing on the Algarve Coast
- Day 7: Algarve Exploration and Departure
- Final Thoughts
The Complete Itinerary for Seven Days in Portugal
Here is a table to help you quickly identify the key points of the guide before we get into the specifics of the entire plan.
Days |
Location |
Activities |
Highlights |
Day 1 |
Lisbon |
Explore city centre, Praça do Comércio, Tram 28 ride, São Jorge Castle |
Panoramic views, Pastel de Nata, Fado performance |
Day 2 |
Lisbon |
Jerónimos Monastery, Pastéis de Belém, Belém Tower, Eléctrico 15 tram, LX Factory |
UNESCO sites, Pastéis de Belém, trendy LX Factory |
Day 3 |
Day Trip: Sintra |
Pena National Palace, Pena Park, and Quinta da Regaleira |
Fairytale palace, romantic grottoes, Pena Palace viewpoint |
Day 4 |
Porto |
Ribeira district, boat tour, Luís I Bridge, Port wine cellar visit and tasting |
UNESCO Ribeira, Douro River views, Port wine experience |
Day 5 |
Day Trip: Douro Valley |
Explore by car, train, or boat, winery tour and tasting, charming villages |
Terraced vineyards, breathtaking scenery, local wines |
Day 6 |
Algarve Coast |
Relax on beach, water activities, explore town centre, seafood dinner |
Pristine beaches, water sports, relaxed atmosphere |
Day 7 |
Algarve Coast |
Explore coastline (Ponta da Piedade, Praia da Marinha), local markets, farewell dinner |
Dramatic cliffs, golden sand beaches, Portuguese souvenirs |
Day 1: Lisbon Arrival and Exploration
Arrive in Lisbon and explore all that Lisbon has to offer. Before leaving, check-in at your hotel and leave all your bags there. Firstly, check out the magnificent Praça do Comércio with a view of the Tagus River. After that, get on the yellow tram 28, which will move through little streets and reveal secret squares.
In the afternoon, you can visit the famous landmark of Lisbon, the São Jorge Castle, for a perfect city view. If you are a foodie, then try out the famous Portuguese dessert known as pastel de nata. At night, enjoy a traditional dinner show that showcases the beautiful, sad Portuguese music known as "fado".
Day 2: Lisbon Delights and Belém District
On the second day, start your journey with a visit to Jerónimos Monastery. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that shows beautiful Manueline architecture. Your next stop should be at the historic Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém. Try out the creamy and decadent Pastéis de Belém. It's an original recipe for the Pastel de Nata. After that, you can explore the Belem Tower, which is a symbol of Portugal's discovery.
In the afternoon, take a ride on the electric tram 15. You will experience the waterfront at the famous LX factory. This is a former industrial complex that is now filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You can enjoy your dinner in the lively Bairro Alto District, which is known for its vibrant nightlife.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra - A Fairytale Escape
If you want to escape the city hustle, then Sintra is the perfect location for you. It is a charming town nestled in the Sintra mountains. You can also discover the Pena National Palace, which is a dazzling fairytale-like structure. This showcases architectural styles from the Renaissance to Romanticism. Moreover, you can roam around in the mystical Pena Park and enjoy the exotic plants and romantic waterfalls.
In the afternoon, you can visit Quinta da Regaleira. It is a captivating place with mysterious tunnels, waterfalls, and fountains. In the evening, you can return to Lisbon to enjoy the breathtaking sunset view from the Pena Palace viewpoint.
Day 4: Journey to Porto - The City of Port Wine
On day 4, you can catch a train or fly to Porto. Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. You can visit Ribeira district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has colourful houses and a beautiful lining of the Douro River. Take a boat to enjoy the stunning views of the city's historic centre. You can also explore iconic bridges, including the Luís I Bridge.
In the afternoon, you can pay a visit to the Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour. You can also taste different new dishes and breathtaking vistas of Porto across the river. Also, test different Port wines and learn about their production plans.
Day 5: Douro Valley Day Trip - Wine, Scenery, and Charm
Plan a trip to the Douro Valley for the next day. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rows of vineyards. You can explore the valley by car, train, or boat cruise and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. After that, you can visit the winery (Quinta) for a tour and taste the local wines. Moreover, you can also learn about the unique grape varieties and traditional methods of port wine production.
In the afternoon, you can explore charming villages like Pinhão or Peso da Régua. Enjoy the local atmosphere and eat a delicious Portuguese lunch.
Day 6: Relaxing on the Algarve Coast
On day 6, take a scenic train ride or fly south of the Algarve. It is a famous region for its stunning beaches and warm climate. For a better experience, you can check into hotels near coastal towns like Albufeira, Lagos, or Faro. You can spend your day soaking up the sun or exploring the beach. Also, perform different water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or surfing.
In the evening, you can visit the charming town centre, enjoy fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurant, and relax in the calm atmosphere.
Day 7: Algarve Exploration and Departure
Take a bike tour or rent a car to discover the Algarve's varied coastline. For a unique viewpoint, you can visit the striking cliffs of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos. This place is reachable by boat. As an alternative, stroll along the magnificent Praia da Marinha, a lengthy strand of golden sand bordered by dunes.
In the afternoon, visit a traditional Portuguese market to purchase souvenirs, such as colourful Bordalo Pinheiro tableware, hand-painted ceramics, and cork products. After dinner, return to the airport in preparation for your evening flight. If your flight is later, take some time to unwind on the beach or explore a nearby town.
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Final Thoughts
Portugal is a pack of everything. It has so much to offer its visitors. This guide gives you a taste of everything. However, there is so much more to discover in the country. If you are short on time, then this article is perfect for you. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and delicious food, Portugal will leave you wanting to come back. So reserve your seat now and get ready to discover the nation's charm and breathtaking locations.