Portugal is soaked in history, boasts of beautiful landscapes, and enjoys an animated cultural scene. A history enthusiast, foodie, and just a lover of scenic settings—a 10-day Portugal itinerary will make it too easy to visit the best stuff that’s tucked in this country. From the coastal charm of Lisbon to the wine-rich Douro Valley, here are the best ways to see Portugal within your days.
Portugal Itinerary
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Day 1-3: Lisbon – The Vibrant Capital
Browse the Heart of Lisbon
Start this exploration from the historic central part of the capital, Baixa, where you can walk around the iconic Praça do Comércio and be astonished by the beauty of the Arco da Rua Augusta. Then head toward Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon, with narrow streets and traditional Fado music, and you’ll find the breathtaking Sao Jorge Castle popping up on the way up.
Taste Local
Lisbon is a haven for foodies. Get your traditional fill of Pastel de Nata at Pastéis de Belém, an 1837 patisserie. For dinner, visit Time Out Market, where you will have several Portuguese dishes all under one roof.
Day Trip to Sintra
Take a day trip on your third day to the ‘fairytale’ town of Sintra, a short train ride away from Lisbon. Here, you can visit the Pena Palace, a colorful, kitsch, and romanticist castle crowning the town atop a hill. Then there is the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, known for its gothic architecture and enigmatic gardens.
Day 4-5: Porto: The City of Bridges
Discover Porto’s charm.
Head on to Porto and enjoy its port wine and beautiful bridges and architecture. Drive to the city’s old town, Ribeira, where you can go on foot along the narrow streets and behold the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. You can do a tour inside Palácio da Bolsa, which is neoclassical and also from the 19th century—very nice Arabian Room.
Delight in Porto’s Delicacies
Porto is known for serving Francesinha, which is a rich stuffing sandwich with all types of meat, cheese, and rich beer sauce poured on top. Accompanied by a glass of local port wine, this is the total experience of Porto. Or, for something sweet—sample the Toucinho do Céu traditional almond cake of pork fat.
Cruise the Douro River
A visit to Porto would not be complete without a cruise on the Douro River. During this cruise, the views of the city’s landscape are taken in, and one is brought closer to the wine estates, which meander along the riverbanks.
Days 6-7: Douro Valley – The Wine Country
Exploring the Vineyards
From Porto, drive to the Douro Valley in search of vineyards that are offered on terraces, UNESCO-protected landscapes, and wines on the level of world-ranking. You can visit the various wineries in this area during your stay. Learn how wines undergo processing here and taste a selection of the best Port and Douro wines. The hurtliest place to note is Quinta do Seixo, owned by Sandeman, and Quinta da Pachecha.
Enjoy the Scenic Drives
The Douro Valley definitely is one of the most scenic drives in Portugal. Swirl round its rolling hills along the Douro River and all the viewpoints, like São Leonardo da Galafura, which gives a very nice panoramic view of the whole valley.
Day 8: Coimbra – The Historic University Town
Unravel the Tangled Thread of Coimbra’s Past
Coimbra is a city of grand historical and cultural depth, having once been the capital of Portugal. One of the must-dos here is a visit to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra. Inside it, there is a visit to the Joanina Library, an 18th-century architectural Baroque masterpiece. Go on an excursion to the Coimbra Old Cathedral, or Sé Velha, and to the Monastery of Santa Cruz, a place where the first kings of Portugal were buried.
In the Local Culture
It also became known for a distinctive way of Fado music, the Fado de Coimbra. Take an evening to experience this soulful music by going to a traditional Fado house.
Day 9: Évora – The City of Ancient Wonders
Walking Through History in Évora
Évora: World Heritage of UNESCO and Human City. Start by visiting the Roman Temple, said to be in excellent condition and one of the most important Roman buildings on the Iberian Peninsula. Visit the Gothic monument of the Cathedral of Évora (Sé de Évora) as well as the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), a small compact chapel that is lined with millennia-old bones and skulls.
Relish the Flavors of Alentejo
The region of Alentejo, in which Évora is located, is very famous for its hearty cuisine. Do not miss trying the traditional bread soup, Açorda, and Porco Preto, a kind of black Iberian pig.
Day 10: Algarve – Paradise on the Coast
Enjoy Rest on the Beaches of Algarve
End your Adventure through Portugal in the Algarve, home to a breathtaking coastline full of golden beaches and dramatic cliffs. Spend your last day under the sun stepping foot on the magnificent beach of Praia da Marinha, one of the most beautiful beaches around the world. Go inside Benagil Cave, an ocean cave with a hidden beach.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood
For tasty seafood, just head to the coastal towns in the Algarve. Taste a dish of Cataplana, a stew of seafood cooked in a traditional copper dish, or Percebes (goose).
This is a land where one experiences the dynamism of Lisbon’s streets, the tranquility submerged in the vineyards of Douro, the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve—all the history, culture, and natural beauty that Portugal has to offer. There is no doubt that Portugal leaves its first-time visitor or a travel enthusiast coming back for more.
Conclusion: Portugal – A Road of Discoveries
From the busy streets of Lisbon to the silent vineyards of Douro Valley and further to the sun-kissed beaches of Algarve, there can hardly be found anything that could not enchant every single person in a country like Portugal. This journey of 10 days will take you into the very heart of Portugal: history, culture, and natural beauty combined. Whether you are visiting for the first or second time, the charm of Portugal is undeniable.
