Planning a trip across an entire country can seem daunting, but this 10-day itinerary will take you from north to south Portugal with minimal stress and effort, allowing you to take in the beautiful landscapes, exciting cities and fascinating history that this country has to offer. 

Located on the Iberian peninsula in western Europe, Portugal is a stunning country with a mix of dramatic mountain ranges, rolling green hills, and rugged beaches. It is also steeped in history, with many ancient landmarks found all over the country from the Roman and Moorish occupations. Portugal’s maritime expertise also launched the age exploration in the 15th century, so there are lots of monuments and museums dedicated to the country’s seafaring past and its time as a major world power. Portugal is also a haven for wine lovers and foodies, so make sure you bring your appetite, especially if you like seafood! 

How this itinerary is planned

Although ten days is not enough time to see all of Portugal’s delights, it is a good amount of time to experience the highlights. You will gain a good understanding of the country and its people during this journey. This itinerary begins in the northern city of Porto and ends in the capital Lisbon. However, this route can easily be reversed if you fly into Lisbon. My trip was completely self-organised. I didn’t use any tour companies or travel agents, but you could do so to make the planning portion even easier.

Getting around Portugal

We will be using public transport for this adventure. Portugal’s train and bus network is refreshingly efficient and great value for money. Trains connect with most major cities and towns. They are comfortable and clean. We got all our train tickets from comboios de portugal. In the cities, we used buses and the metro. We found everything to be very affordable and simple to navigate. Taxis are widespread, while Uber is available in Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and the Algarve region.

You don’t need to rent a car for this itinerary, but you could do so for even more freedom and flexibility. There are many car rental places at Porto and Lisbon airports. Being a relatively small country, you probably won’t need to take any internal flights. However, those are available too, especially if you want to extend this itinerary by hopping down to the Algarve region.

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Day 1 & 2 – Porto (2 nights)

Start your 10-day trip in Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city. Often overshadowed by the capital Lisbon, Porto has plenty to offer visitors. From beautifully decorated buildings and churches that line the streets to its amazing restaurants and buzzing nightlife, there is much to explore. Of course, we cannot forget port, the delicious fortified wine native to Portugal. You can do a port tasting and tour at one of the wine cellars on the south side of the river (I recommend Graham’s Lodge). I wasn’t a big fan of port before visiting Portugal, but I was quickly converted and really enjoyed learning about the production process while sampling the different ages and types of port.

Porto is an extremely photogenic city. Take time to explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the historic Ribeira district while admiring beautiful buildings. Notable sites include São Bento Station, Porto Cathedral, and the Church of Saint Ildefonso. Head down the hill for a stroll along the buzzing Cais de Ribeira, the scenic riverfront promenade on the northern bank of the River Douro. Alternatively, cross over the iconic Ponte Luís I for drinks and stunning views of Porto from Marginal de Gaia. Porto is compact and walkable, making sightseeing easy in just two days.

For more ideas on what to do in Porto, click here

Where to eat and drink in Porto

There are so many places to eat and drink in Porto, but some I can recommend are;

Be sure to visit the Douro Valley for breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day of wine tasting.

• Ostras and Coisas – Fresh and tasty seafood in a classy setting. Treat yourself to one of their wonderful seafood platters!
• Pregar – Delicious traditional, Portuguese steak sandwiches. 
• Fábrica da Nata – A great spot for a breakfast Pastel de Nata, washed down with a glass of port. 
• Café Santiago – A good place to try Portugal’s famous Francesinha sandwich.
• Catraio – A cool bar serving up local craft beers.

Where to stay in Porto

The city is split in half by the River Douro. I recommend staying on the northern side as this is where the majority of attractions are. We stayed in this lovely Airbnb which was in a great location. If you’d rather stay in a hotel or hostel, check out Booking, Hostelworld and Agoda to see what fits with your budget and travel dates. 

Getting around Porto

It’s easy to walk around Porto, though it has a lot of steep hills which can be challenging – especially when it’s hot. Luckily there are plenty of bus routes around the city, as well as a metro system. 

Day 3 to 4 – Pinhão (2 nights)

On Day 3, take a morning train from Porto Campanha station to the cute town of Pinhão in Portugal’s stunning Douro wine region. This scenic journey takes around two hours and will take you along the winding Douro river, past numerous vineyards and quaint towns.

One of the first activities you should do though is visit one of the many wineries that are found in the area for a tour and tasting. I recommend Quinta De La Rosa, a short walk outside town along the river. This Quinta converted me into a huge port fan! Whichever winery you choose, you will be able to sample some exceptional wines and port. 

The next morning, hike up the hills and vineyards that tower over Pinhão. There are a few different routes to take that are shorter or longer, so choose whichever you’re comfortable with. From the top of the hills, you will be rewarded with spectacular views over the surrounding area. Keep in mind that there isn’t much shade on the Pinhão hills, so start your hike early to avoid the midday sun.

A great afternoon activity is a relaxing boat trip down the Douro River to learn about the history of the area, as well as the numerous port and wine producers that call this beautiful region home. In the evening, enjoy more port or the popular port & tonic mixer at a bar in town, such as Quinta do Noval, before heading to bed for another early start! 

For more ideas on what to do in Pinhão, click here

Getting to Pinhão

From Porto Campanhã station, take one of the IR trains to Pinhão station. This journey costs roughly €11 and takes just over two hours. Enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Where to stay in Pinhão

Pinhão is really small so for a short visit, I recommend staying close to the main road, where you can find the train station and the majority of all the shops, cafes and restaurants. If you’d like somewhere more secluded, we really liked our hotel Dois Lagares House, which is around 15 minutes’ walk from Pinhão train station. The accommodation is on the Quinta de Santo António vineyard and guests can take tours through the vineyard and sample their wines.

Getting around Pinhão

You will probably be able to walk to everything you need in Pinhão, as we did. However you can also find taxis waiting outside the train station if you want to explore further afield.

Day 5 and 6 – Coimbra (2 nights)

It’s an early start on Day 6 as you take the train to Coimbra, a mediaeval city perched atop a hill. Once the capital of Portugal, Coimbra is a charming city full of history, so I would suggest two days here to see everything at a relaxing pace.  

After you have checked in at your accommodation, grab a delicious pork sandwich at O Bolotas before exploring the city’s magical old town. This area sits on a steep hill and is connected by dozens of photogenic narrow streets, with historic landmarks at every turn. An important site to visit in the area is the Sé Velha (the old Cathedral), which became Coimbra’s first cathedral back in the 12th century. This beautiful sandy yellow, fortress-like building blends elements of Romanesque architecture with Moorish and Gothic influences (Admission price €2.50). Another of Coimbra’s many beautiful churches you should visit is Igreja de Santa Cruz, which contains gorgeous blue tile murals as well as the remains of Portugal’s first King! 

Make sure to visit Coimbra University, the city’s claim to fame. Founded in the 13th century, it is not only the oldest university in Portugal, but one of the oldest in the world! Several areas of the university are open to visitors, such as the beautiful Joanina Library, the Royal Palace, Saint Michael’s Chapel, and laboratory (Admission price €13.50, all open areas included). The heart of the university is Paço das Escolas, a large square that has a lookout tower offering great views over the city. In the evening, relax with the locals in one of the many pretty squares (such as Praça do Comércio), listen to some live music and soak up the atmosphere.

On day two, visit the Botanical Garden of Coimbra University (free admission). This enormous, sprawling park is a joy to walk around for a couple of hours. It houses tropical plants and flowers, fountains, and even a bamboo forest! To gain entry, you must walk through the arches of a 16th-century aqueduct, which adds to the grandeur. Afterward, cross over the river at Ponte de Santa Clara or Pedro e Inés Bridge for wonderful views of Coimbra’s historic centre.

For more ideas on what to do in Coimbra, click here

Getting to Coimbra

From Pinhão, travel by train back into Porto Campanha on the IR train. From here, change trains to the IC and head south to Coimbra B station. The whole journey will cost around €20 and take roughly 4 hours. You should be aware that there’s a second station in Coimbra, two minutes’ ride away from Coimbra B (the second station is called ‘Coimbra’). Why have two stations just minutes apart? Who knows! Luckily trains regularly shuffle between the two Coimbra stops. 

Where to stay in Coimbra

Another must-visit site is the Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha, an archaeological site of a mediaeval monastery abandoned centuries ago due to flooding (Admission price €4).

Like many Portuguese cities, Coimbra is cut in half by the Mondego river. I suggest staying on the east side, where you can find the train stations and the majority of the city’s tourist attractions, hotels and amenities. We stayed in the very pleasant Coimbra Monumentais B&B by the botanical garden, which was well-located as we could walk to everywhere we wanted to reach within 20 minutes or less. 

Getting around Coimbra

Coimbra is best explored on foot, though it can get very steep in the Old Town. There are also plenty of buses to take to different parts of the city (although they don’t run through the Old Town), as well as taxis and Ubers. 

Coimbra is best explored on foot, although it can get steep in the Old Town. There are also plenty of buses to take to different parts of the city (though they don’t run through the Old Town), as well as taxis and Ubers.

Day 7 to 10 – Lisbon (3 nights)

After breakfast, take the train down from Coimbra to Lisbon, Portugal’s cool and vibrant capital city. In this itinerary, I’ve dedicated 4 days to Lisbon as there is so much to do and see here. One of the best ways to get a feeling for the city is to do a free walking tour. This is a great way to get an understanding of Lisbon’s fascinating history, while also learning about various landmarks from a local guide. Our walking tour took us to important sites like Igreja de São Roque, Praça do Comércio (the enormous square down by the river), and the ruins of the Carmo Convent, which was destroyed during the devastating earthquake in 1755.

Be sure to explore Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon. This former fishing village is a maze of cobbled and winding streets full of charm and intrigue. Here you will find traditional arts and craft shops, cafes, houses and plenty of restaurants. The steep streets will eventually lead you up to Castelo de São Jorge, one of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks.

We decided not to visit Castelo de São Jorge after learning the castle is not an original (it was reconstructed in the 1940s as part of a huge restoration project). Our walking tour guide was very disgruntled that people pay to enter the reconstructed castle while there are so many authentic, historical sites to Lisbon instead! You will certainly get good views from São Jorge’s terraces, but there are plenty of other lookouts (Miradouros) in Alfama that offer equally stunning views.

During your time in Lisbon, you should spend a morning in Belém, a peaceful district about 5km west of the city centre. The biggest draw of this area is the mesmerising Jerónimos Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly impressive. At some 300 metres long, this beautifully decorated complex comprises of the stunning Igreja De Santa Maria and the beautiful cloisters. When we visited we had to queue a while for tickets (sigh), but it now looks as though online booking is available, Hurray! (Admission price €10).

Afterwards, head to the banks of the Targus River to another important landmark in the area, Belém Tower. This 16th-century fortification has intricate carvings and motifs covering all sides. You can visit the interior, but it’s equally nice to admire from the outside. On the way back into the city centre you could also stop off at LX Factory. This art centre housed in a former industrial complex is filled with street art, boutique shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Speaking of restaurants, one of the best things to do in Lisbon is fill your belly with delicious local cuisine! I’ve written about my favourite places to eat in Lisbon, but an absolute must is O’Velho (Booking essential as it’s a tiny restaurant). A great place to find excellent restaurants is the Barrio Alto district, which is also one of the city’s best nightlife hubs, with bars and clubs to be found on every corner. Lastly, while you’re in Lisbon, make sure you get your fill of Pastel de Nata, Portuguese egg custard tarts. I had at least two per day!

For more ideas on what to do in Lisbon, click here

Although there is plenty to do in Lisbon, you should spend a day in Sintra. Located less than an hour from Lisbon by train, Sintra is a town filled with interesting historical palaces, villas, and castles. You can catch the train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station or Oriente Station. As it’s an urban route, train tickets and seats can’t be pre-booked, so make sure to get to the station early. It costs €4.60 return (concessions available for children).

The most famous attraction in Sintra is the bold, bright, and colourful National Palace of Pena (Palace and park admission €15). While undoubtedly visually impressive, on the day we were there, it was full of Instagram models and people armed with selfie sticks. My advice is to arrive as early as possible to take photos of the palace without hordes of people in your way.

My partner and I preferred exploring the ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros (Admission €8). Built in the 10th century, this imposing fortress defended the entire region during the Moorish era. Today, you can walk all around the site to experience great views out over the surrounding countryside. Be careful, though, as it can get very windy, and I’d hate for you to get blown over the edge!

For something a bit different, head to Quinta da Regaleira (Admission €10). This quirky estate is full of whimsical sculptures, buildings, towers, waterfalls, wells, and hidden passages. It will take you a good few hours to explore the whole area without rushing, so keep that in mind if it’s the last place you visit in Sintra.

Once back in Lisbon, enjoy a final dinner in the capital. All too quickly, it’s time to travel to Lisbon airport for your onward flight. You’ll be taking a lot of unforgettable memories with you, and I am sure it won’t be too long until you’re plotting your next Portugal getaway.

Getting to Lisbon

From Coimbra, take the IC train from Coimbra B station to Lisboa – Santa Apolonia. The journey costs around €20 one-way and takes 2 hours. Santa Apolonia is also a metro station, although it may be better to get an Uber to your accommodation.

Where to stay in Lisbon

Lisbon has many distinct neighbourhoods with different characters, atmosphere and attractions. For a relatively short, four-night stay, I would recommend staying in Baixa or Chiado. Here you can find the majority of Lisbon’s major tourist sights within walking distance. We stayed in this well-located apartment in the Príncipe Real neighbourhood, just next to Baixa.

Getting around Lisbon

For the most part you will likely be exploring Lisbon on foot. However, there are a lot of steep hills which can be incredibly tiring, especially in the heat. Luckily there is plenty of public transportation to use, including buses, a good metro system, taxis and Ubers, as well as the iconic, super cute yellow trams. 

What to Know Before Visiting Portugal

Best Time to Visit Portugal

March, April, and May are a great time to visit Portugal. The springtime weather is warm but usually not scorching hot, making it perfect for sightseeing. These periods will also be less crowded than the summer months. October and September are also good times to visit, especially if you are into wine as this is the harvesting season in the Douro Valley. The period with the highest rainfall typically runs from November to March. 

Arriving in Portugal

Portugal has three main airports – Humberto Delgado Airport, aka Lisbon Airport (LIS), Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, aka Porto Airport (OPO), and Gago Coutinho International Airport, aka Faro Airport (FAO) in the south. 

E-SIM cards

If you need reliable internet during your holiday and don’t want to rely on temperamental public Wi-FI, check out Airalo. This company offers E-SIM cards which can be used in 200 countries. My partner and I have personally used Airalo several times and find the E-SIMs to be very easy to set up and use. Airalo offers E-SIM cards for 7, 15 or 30 days, with a variety of data packages, making them perfect for long and short trips!

Currency, Language, and Tipping

The currency in Portugal is the Euro. While cards are accepted in a lot of places, many smaller establishments are still cash only. Therefore, make sure you get some money out at a cash machine or bank so you don’t get caught out.  

English is widely spoken across the generations, although it is of course good travel etiquette to at least learn a few useful phrases in Portuguese. You may be able to use Spanish there, though English seemed far more common.

Tipping in restaurants is of course appreciated, but not expected. Some restaurants will have a cover charge (a euro or two per person) which includes bread and other small nibbles. 

Average Cost for 10 days in Portugal

Portugal, while not exactly cheap, is still a very affordable country to visit, especially compared to other European countries. We did a mix of hotels and Airbnbs during our time in Portugal, averaging at around €76 per night (per room/apartment). Overall we spent €1,500 as a couple on restaurants, grocery shopping, sightseeing, accommodation and transportation over a ten-day period. Food is very affordable throughout the country, though noticeably more expensive in Lisbon. 

I hope this itinerary has made you excited to visit Portugal. It is one of the most beautiful countries I have visited and I am excited to return and explore even more. Remember that this itinerary is simply a suggestion; feel free to adjust it based on your interests, budget and the time available. If you have any questions or other recommendations, please leave them in the comments below.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow