Most travelers to Portugal will find that 10 to 13 days is perfect for a well-paced trip with stops in Lisbon, Porto, and São Miguel. It's also possible to hit the highlights in nine days if you like a fast-paced journey. With more time, however, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Coimbra, Douro Valley, or Évora. Keep reading for more inspiring Lisbon, Porto, and São Miguel itineraries.

How many days do you need in Lisbon, Porto & São Miguel Island?

  • Most travelers spend 10-13 days in Lisbon, Porto, and São Miguel Island combined
  • Visiting Lisbon, Porto, and São Miguel Island in 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 14 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Coimbra, Douro Valley, and Évora

How Many Days to Spend in Portugal

Recommended Itineraries for Lisbon, Porto & São Miguel Island

Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days

Sunset over the lagoons of São Miguel Island in the Azores
Sunset over the lagoons of São Miguel in the Azores
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Lisbon Lisbon
Day 2 Explore Lisbon, Azulejo Tile Workshop & Fado Dinner Lisbon
Day 3 Day Trip to Sintra via Cascais & Estoril Lisbon
Day 4 Transfer to Porto via Óbidos, Batalha, Fátima & Coimbra Porto
Day 5 Discover Porto & Afternoon Food Tour Porto
Day 6 Port Wine Cellars & Tasting Experience Porto
Day 7 Fly to Ponta Delgada & Explore Western São Miguel  São Miguel Island
Day 8 Tour Central São Miguel: Lagoa Fogo, Caldeira Velha & Ribeira Grande São Miguel Island
Day 9 Furnas Valley Tour, Discover Eastern São Miguel São Miguel Island
Day 10 Fly Back to Lisbon Lisbon
Day 11 Free Day in Lisbon  Lisbon
Day 12 Depart Lisbon  


This 12-day adventure checks off Portugal's classic highlights before escaping to the Azores' untamed nature and remote beauty. Embark on a perfect itinerary of day trips, culinary tours, and cultural excursions as you discover Lisbon and Porto, then set out across the Atlantic to explore volcanic valleys, crater lakes, and towering waterfalls on the island of São Miguel. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 13 Days

A scenic path along the coast of São Miguel Island
A scenic path along the coast of São Miguel Island
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrival in Porto, Afternoon Foodie Experience Porto
Day 2 Private Guided Visit of Porto, Explore Porto in the Afternoon Porto
Day 3 Free Day in Porto Porto
Day 4 Day Excursion to Douro Valley, Wine Tasting & River Cruise Porto
Day 5 Transfer to Lisbon via Coimbra Lisbon
Day 6 Explore Lisbon, Evening of Fado Lisbon
Day 7 Free Day in Lisbon Lisbon
Day 8 Sintra Heritage Hike: Hidden Secrets Lisbon
Day 9 Fly to São Miguel Island, Azorean Culinary & Wine Experience São Miguel Island
Day 10 Beaches of São Miguel São Miguel Island
Day 11 Hiking Adventure to Lagoa do Fogo São Miguel Island
Day 12 Explore the Furnas Valley São Miguel Island
Day 13 Return to Lisbon, Depart  


Experience two vacations in one on this diverse 13-day journey through Portugal. Start on the mainland to tour the highlights of Lisbon and Porto (with a slew of fascinating day trips to the Douro Valley, Coimbra, and Sintra in between). Then it's time to jet off toward the remote Azores archipelago, where you'll spend four days exploring the volcanic landscapes, verdant scenery, and wild beaches of São Miguel Island. Read more

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Extended Itineraries

2-Week Itinerary Including Coimbra, Évora, Douro Valley & Braga

Portugal, Sao Miguel - The emerald landscape of Sao Miguel Island
The emerald landscape of São Miguel Island
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Ponta Delgada Ponta Delgada
Day 2 Culture & Food Tour Ponta Delgada
Day 3 Half-Day Whale Watch Excursion & Sete Cidades Hike Ponta Delgada
Day 4 Fly to Lisbon & Private Tour Lisbon
Day 5 Free Day in Lisbon Lisbon
Day 6 Day trip to Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Lisbon
Day 7 Transfer to Évora, Private Tour Évora
Day 8 Explore Évora & the Alentejo region Évora
Day 9 Drive to Coimbra, via Óbidos & Alcobaça Coimbra
Day 10 Guided Tour of Coimbra Coimbra
Day 11 Transfer to Porto, City Tour Porto
Day 12 Wine Tasting in the Douro Valley Douro Valley
Day 13 Full-Day Hiking in Peneda-Gerês National Park Braga
Day 14 Depart Porto  


Spend two weeks taking in the best of Portugal's scenery, history, food, and wine. This trip begins with three days in the Azores on the gorgeous green isle of São Miguel; discover the charming city of Ponta Delgada, sample local delicacies, go whale watching, and admire the island on a fantastic hike. You'll then head to Lisbon for two days of city life, followed by a string of beautiful towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites. End your stay with time in Porto and enjoy tasting flights of incredible Porto wine in the sweeping romance of the Douro Valley. Read more

How to travel between Lisbon, Porto & São Miguel Island

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

Map

Map of Lisbon, Porto & São Miguel Island: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Lisbon, Porto & São Miguel Island: Best Itinerary Ideas