Travelers to Portugal typically plan a trip for 14 to 15 days when combining Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and the Algarve with the Alentejo region. For travelers wanting to visit Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and the Algarve exclusively, plan 10 to 14 days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible for travelers with limited time in eight or nine days. Keep reading below for the best itineraries that include Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and the Algarve.

How many days do you need in Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & the Algarve?

  • Most travelers spend 10-14 days in Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and Algarve combined
  • Visiting Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and Algarve in 8 or 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 15 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Alentejo, Évora, and Douro Valley

How Many Days to Spend in Portugal

Recommended Itineraries for Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & the Algarve

Recommended Itinerary for 13 Days

An iconic yellow tram on Lisbon's colorful streets
An iconic yellow tram on Lisbon's colorful streets
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon, Afternoon Culinary Experience Lisbon
Day 2 Guided City Tour, Sunset Sailing Cruise Lisbon
Day 3 Day Trip to Sintra, Heritage Hike Lisbon
Day 4 Day Trip to Nazaré & Batalha Lisbon
Day 5 Pick Up Rental Car, Drive to Lagos & the Algarve Lagos
Day 6 Catamaran Cruise to Benagil Caves Lagos
Day 7 Free Day in the Algarve, Cabo de São Vicente Sunset Lagos
Day 8 Drive to Coimbra, Private City Tour Coimbra
Day 9 Drive to Porto via Aveiro Porto
Day 10 Day Trip to the Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise Porto
Day 11 Explore Porto, Afternoon Cooking Class Porto
Day 12 Day Trip to Peneda-Gerês National Park Porto
Day 13 Depart Porto  


This 13-day itinerary showcases Portugal's many faces with a combination of guided experiences and a choose-your-own-adventure road trip. See the Lisbon skyline by sailboat and hike to the hilltop palaces of Sintra, then strike out toward the Algarve coast for golden beaches, hidden coves, and spectacular sunsets. Turn north to end your journey in Porto, where you'll trade the car for a driver as you sit back and enjoy day trips into the Douro Valley and Peneda-Gerês National Park. Read more

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Extended Itineraries

2-Week Itinerary Including the Alentejo

Sunset from the Cabo da Roca near Lisbon
Sunset from the Cabo da Roca near Lisbon
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon, Walking Foodie Tour Lisbon
Day 2 Half-Day Tour of Lisbon, Fado Dinner Lisbon
Day 3 Day Trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Lisbon
Day 4 Transfer to Coimbra via Óbidos & Alcobaça Coimbra
Day 5 Guided Tour of Coimbra Coimbra
Day 6 Transfer to Porto, City Tour Porto
Day 7 Day Trip to Guimarães Porto
Day 8 Day Trip to the Douro Valley Porto
Day 9 Transfer to Évora via Tomar Évora
Day 10 Explore Évora & the Alentejo Évora
Day 11 Train to Lagos Lagos
Day 12 Explore Lagos & the Algarve Lagos
Day 13 Return Train to Lisbon Lisbon
Day 14 Depart Lisbon  


This itinerary includes Portugal's two biggest cities, a slew of historic villages, and some spectacular beaches for an epic adventure to remember. Start in up-and-coming Lisbon to explore ancient ruins and trendy districts before going north to UNESCO-listed Porto (and its nearby wine region). You'll also get time in the university towns of Évora and Coimbra—each with its medieval attractions and dining scenes—before kicking back for a few days in the Algarve. Read more

15-Day Itinerary Including the Douro Valley & Alentejo

Camilo Beach in Lagos
Camilo Beach in Lagos
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon, Explore Lisbon
Day 2 Private Tour of Old Lisbon Lisbon
Day 3 Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais Lisbon
Day 4 Transfer to Coimbra via Óbidos Coimbra
Day 5 Explore Coimbra Coimbra
Day 6 Transfer to the Douro Valley Douro Valley
Day 7 Douro Valley Wine Tasting Tour & Boat Ride, Transfer to Porto Porto
Day 8 Private Guided Tour of Porto with Wine Tasting Porto
Day 9 Free day in Porto Porto
Day 10 Transfer to Évora Évora
Day 11 Private Guided Tour of Évora & Monsaraz Évora
Day 12 Transfer to the Algarve Algarve
Day 13 Guided Tour of Villages & Beaches in the Algarve Algarve
Day 14 Return to Lisbon via the Vicentina Coast Lisbon
Day 15 Depart Lisbon  


Get a complete Portuguese experience with this 15-day trip that hits the country's north, south, and west. Begin with tours of Lisbon and the fairy-tale castles of Sintra, then head north to sample the wines and flavors of Porto and the Douro Valley. Meet Portuguese history in medieval Coimbra, fortified Óbidos, and the ancient Roman city of Évora. Venture back south to the pristine coast of the Algarve to end your journey relaxing on its world-famous beaches. Read more

How to travel between Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & the Algarve

How to get from Lisbon to Porto
The journey between Lisbon and Porto is 195 miles (314 km) and averages between 2.5 to 3.5 hours. There are several ways to get between the two major cities, but the most convenient and comfortable way to make the trip is via train. Read more

How to get from Porto to Coimbra
Traveling from Porto to Coimbra, 79 miles (122 km), is easy with several transport options. Going by train is the quickest way, and the bus is a runner-up, both allowing you to unwind and enjoy the scenery. Read more

How to get to the Algarve
Accessing the Algarve region, in the south of Portugal, is easy via land transport from the rest of Portugal or from Spain. Its main hub is the city of Faro, the regional capital, which has its own international airport. There is another small airport in the Algarve, in Portimão, though it receives far fewer flights. Read more

Map

Map of Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & the Algarve: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & the Algarve: Best Itinerary Ideas