Explore the Coastlines & Beaches of Portugal & Spain: 10 Days

Day 2: Private Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril

UNESCO World Heritage-protected Sintra, with its romantic palaces, Moorish castle, and mystical forested hill, is Lisbon's best day trip. Explore Pena Palace, a 19th-century romanticist beauty that mixes Moorish and Portuguese late-Gothic architectural styles, with your guide. Next, enter Monserrate Palace to enjoy the beauty of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park before venturing toward the coast.

Wind your way through the mountainous landscape toward the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Cabo de Roca, continental Europe's westernmost point. Continue along the ocean to Guincho Beach, an expansive stretch of golden sand that's popular with surfers, before reaching upmarket Cascais. This former fishing village is now a premier beach destination and was once the coastal playground of Portuguese royalty. Admire the many lavish mansions and historic manor homes in Cascais and Estoril before returning to the city. 

Day 3: Drive to the Algarve, Explore Lagos

Pick up your rental car this morning and hit the road for the three-hour, 186-mile (300 km) drive south to the Algarve. Before reaching Lagos, pull up at a magnificent traditional quinta for a winery visit and seasonal lunch. The table is at the heart of many Algarvian families, a pinnacle of daily life that inspires joy, passion, and debate over what, how much, and who gets what. Sit under a 2,000-year-old olive tree that overlooks old vines and share a simple menu paired with a flight of four wines from the estate. 

After lunch, continue to Lagos, a charming coastal destination with a walled old town, pretty harbor, dramatic sandstone cliffs, beautiful beaches, authentic restaurants, and buzzing nightlife. While the Algarve is a popular destination for summer holidays, Lagos still retains its distinctive character and laid-back charm.

Day 4: Catamaran Trip to Benagil Caves

Explore the Algarve's iconic soaring cliffs and curious coastal formations today with a 3.5-hour catamaran cruise. Depart Portimão destined for the world-famous Benagil Cave. Along the way, you'll pass the beaches of Carvoeiro and Algar Seco, as well as the Alfanzina Lighthouse and Praia da Marinha's stunning views. Relax on the catamaran's twin sunbathing nets and enjoy the gentle breeze as you cruise along this unforgettable coastline, exploring secret spots only accessible by sea. Anchor in the coves of João de Arens to swim and snorkel before returning to shore.

The rest of the day is yours to explore. Choose to wander the charming whitewashed town, hike along the coast, or relax at the beach. This evening you could join a special excursion and witness a beautiful sunset from the most southwesterly point in continental Europe. As twilight approaches, you'll spectate from the St. Vincent Cape of Sagres, where you can watch the sun sink into the Atlantic Ocean as you enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine with bread and chorizo.

Day 5: Enjoy the Beaches of the Algarve

The Algarve is famous for its fresh seafood, crystal-clear waters, and golden sandy beaches framed by cliffs and dunes. The cool waters are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and water sports, and many beaches are backed by charming fishing villages with colorful homes and casual fish restaurants. Spend today discovering some of the Algarve's spectacular beaches at your own pace.

Praia Dona Ana is the Algarve's most photographed beach, a 534-foot (160 m) sandy stretch flanked by rugged rock formations, while Ponta da Piedade, or "Mercy Point," is hidden behind tall cliffs, brimming with crystal-clear water. The Huffington Post even named this idyllic spot the most beautiful beach in the world. Head to Praia do Pinhão for a tranquil, wilder beach hidden behind tall ochre cliffs, or opt for one of the most iconic Algarve beaches at Praia do Camilo, where a dramatic staircase winds down to a small patch of sand where you can explore grottoes and ochre rocks.

Day 6: Bike Tour of the Ria Formosa

Considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, the Ria Formosa is a rich, biodiverse lagoon system—and today, you'll explore this peaceful nature reserve by bicycle. Spanning over 37 miles (60 km), the Ria is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including many migratory birds. An expert guide will lead you from saltpans to sandy barrier islands on a fun, comfortable ride. Visit a restored tide mill where you can admire the barrier islands of Olhão, then visit a beautifully restored chalet from 1916.

After the ride, the rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Return to the sand islands for a lazy afternoon at the beach, or explore historic towns that line the Ria Formosa, like Tavira or Santa Luzia, a tiny village that is famous for its octopus dishes.

Day 7: Fly to Mallorca (Spain), Beach Time

After breakfast, drive to the airport, return your rental car and catch your flight to the idyllic island of Mallorca in the Balearic Sea. Once you arrive, pick up your rental car, check in to your hotel, and go explore! The rest of the day is yours to relax on the golden sands of one of Spain's most beautiful islands. This small island counts 262 beaches, and each one you visit might be more magnificent than the last. 

Day 8: Free Day in Mallorca

Today is yours to explore as you wish. Choose to beach-hop to more stunning bays and coves or seek out an adventure. You could hit the trails on Tramuntana Mountain, located in the northwest, where sharp limestone ridges and handsome bluffs are a hiker's dream. Consider joining a tour to visit the spectacular Caves of Drach or one that takes you sailing along the beautiful Mallorcan coast. You'll fast understand why the 344 miles (555 km) of gorgeous coastline make Mallorca the Balearic's most popular summer destination.

Day 9: Catamaran Trip with Snorkeling, Kayaking, or Paddleboarding

Voyage from Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Mallorca, on a catamaran trip taking in the wide, beguiling Bay of Palma. First, you'll sail south to a stunning cove, most likely the serene La Cueva Verde or the small resort of Illetas, depending on the way the wind is blowing. Once there, dive into the turquoise waters and enjoy a snack of Iberian cold cuts with a glass of wine or cava.

If the wind on your trip favored La Cueva Verde, you'll set sail after to Cala Vella, a bay of idyllic teal-hued water only reachable by vessel. If your catamaran reached Illetas, then you'll continue to Portals Vells, a small, quiet cove. Dive into the sea again while the crew grills up a delicious barbecue for lunch, then take the chance to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard in the peaceful bay waters before returning back to shore.

Day 10: Depart Mallorca

It's your final morning in Mallorca. At the appropriate time, make your way to the airport to drop off your rental car and catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Spain? Check out these other Spain itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Spain and Portugal, or discover the best time to visit Spain.