Head south to the golden beaches of the Algarve at one of these seaside retreats. Whether you stay in charming Tavira, along the cliffs of Carvoeiro, or at a wellness retreat just off the Ponta da Piedade, these hotels range from former convents to sprawling resorts and can provide a vacation for any taste.
The key to a stay in the city of Lagos is easy access to the sea. If you want to stay within the city, a spot along the marina will give you water views and easy walking access to shops and restaurants, or go just a bit farther along the cliffs to immerse yourself in a wellness retreat.
Spend five days exploring the stunning Algarve region, Portugal's southernmost area that sweeps westward to the Atlantic. You'll spend quality time in the region's two main cities—Faro and Lagos—and discover beautiful churches in Tavira, gorgeous beaches, phenomenal cliffside panoramas, and incredible food. Plus, you'll have plenty of time to lounge on the sand, cruise along the coast, and unwind amid urban charm and natural splendor.
Spend a week exploring world-class cuisine at five of the top Michelin Star restaurants in the Algarve. Visit a world-famous wine cellar, explore medieval town squares, and try go-karting on Europe's largest race track. Spend the day with a traditional clam picker and discover Portugal's diverse culinary traditions.
Spend four days enjoying nature and the Algarve coast on this relaxed itinerary. Enjoy sweeping views of the coastline from Lagos to Albufeira, taking in stunning rock formations and pristine beaches, stopping to snorkel, swim, and paddleboard as you like. End the trip in Faro after sailing through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, spotting endemic wildlife, exploring islands, and picnicking on Culatra Island.
Spend a week exploring the culture, nature, and history of the Algarve through a culinary lense. Eat and drink your way through Portugal's favorite dishes, visit olive farms, and try your hand at preparing a 3-course meal from scratch. Foodies and nature lovers will love sampling Mediterranean cuisine and relaxing at night in luxurious accommodations.
Escape the hustle and bustle and discover adventure in the Algarve on this packed 7-day itinerary. Try rock-climbing, line fishing for your lunch, and horseback riding on shallow beaches. Spend the night on a sailing boat, paddle in hidden coves, and relax in the warm Mediterranean sunshine.
Pamper yourself on this eight-day getaway to a resort in sun-soaked southern Portugal. Recharge your body, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, and explore the natural beauty of Ria Formosa National Park. You'll bask on Mediterranean beaches, stretch your muscles on a yoga retreat, dine on gourmet food and more on this blissful week in paradise.
Enjoy discovering the unspoiled nature of the eastern Algarve on this eight-day itinerary. Starting in Tavira, you'll work your way east along the coast to Castro Marim. You'll watch dolphins in the wild, hand pick oysters with local fishermen, horseback ride through lagoons, and soak in a mudbath on the expansive salt plains.
Explore the sensational Algarve on this comprehensive seven-day itinerary that takes you all around Portugal famed region. You'll have ample time in Faro, the Algarve's main hub, and will travel out to see incredible nature parks, tiny towns off-the-beaten-path, and a collection of the best beaches in all of Portugal. Enjoy breathtaking views from coastal cliffs, tackle world-famous surf breaks, wander cobblestone streets in centuries-old towns, or relax on the warm sands of this beautiful region.
Spend a week enjoying nature and the warm Mediterranean coast on this relaxed 7-day itinerary. Sail with wild dolphins, go horseback riding along the crystal waters of the Ria Formosa lagoons, and relax with a nourishing spa in a remote natural preserve. Round out your trip with a visit to the Castro Marim salt marshes, a tour of a beekeeping farm, and a sampling of freshly harvested oysters.
Once thought to be the edge of the world, this seven-day itinerary highlights the southwesterly corner of the Algarve. Packed with adventurous activities, you will sail, snorkel, horseback ride, fish, and rock climb your way from Lagos to Sagres.
Leave your worries behind and treat yourself to a relaxing getaway on Portugal's stunning southern coast. Recharge in the spa at your five-star hotel, dine on gourmet food, and go on a cycling tour of Ria Formosa National Park on this long weekend break. Nourish your mind and body in the turquoise waters and Iberian sunshine of Algarve.
This seven-day food-inspired itinerary is designed for travelers passionate about learning the history and culture of Portuguese gastronomy. Experience the real Algarve as you eat, cook, and drink your way around Olhão and its neighboring villages.
Spend eight days lounging in the Monchique Hills with this wellness-focused itinerary. Located in the Algarve region of Portugal, a trip to this spa town features fitness activities, revitalizing spa treatments, and a thorough exploration of the surrounding natural landscape.
Most people visiting the Algarve spend about 9 to 11 days in Portugal, which usually includes some time in Lisbon and Porto as well. For travelers wanting to visit the Algarve exclusively, plan five days to a week for a well-paced trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as four days. For the best itineraries, including Algarve, keep reading below.
This tour mixes Portugal's vibrant cities with the incredible natural scenery of the Algarve region, starting with guided tours of Porto and Lisbon's hilly and historic neighborhoods. Enjoy a day trip to the Douro Valley for a tasting of the region's wine and port varietals, then head south to Algarve to explore its water sports, preserved coastal parks, and endless coastline filled with sandy beaches and rock formations. Spend hours relaxing on the beach, hiking along the coast, or meandering the historic fishing villages, all before watching dramatic sunsets and experiencing the area's exceptional nightlife.
Discover Portugal's dynamic capital and explore the country's sunny south on this trip plan, which takes you from Lisbon to Lagos in the Western Algarve. Soak up the sun, take delicious and authentic cuisine, and lose yourself either wandering through historic streets or eating through the waves. If you're passionate about beautiful beaches and capturing stunning landscapes, this itinerary is for you!
If you want to combine Portugal's cultural highlights with plenty of laid-back beach time, this two-week family-friendly tour is ideal. Start in Lisbon and Porto, and get a feel for their cuisine, history, and arts on a range of family-focused tours by tuk-tuk and vintage car. Make day trips to the palaces of Sintra, the caves at Mira De Aire, and Portugal's only national park, Peneda-Gerês. Then, spend the rest of the trip on the Algarve coast, where you can swim, cruise, go dolphin watching, and much more.
This two-week family vacation combines Portugal's beaches, palaces, and flavors with Spain's flamenco, royalty, and parks. Start your trip in Portugal with highlights kids and adults love, including playing on the beach, sailing in the ocean, and spotting dolphins. Then, make your way to Spain, where unique cultural experiences await, including sites like Granada's Alhambra, Madrid's Plaza Mayor, and Seville's Royal Alcázar.
Check off some of Portugal's most famous sights on this seven-day family adventure. Start in Lisbon with a guided tour via electric tuk-tuk and a ride on an amphibious land-to-water bus. Take a relaxing sunset cruise, see the historic castles of Sintra, then head to the golden beaches of the Algarve region. Sail to the wondrous Benagil Cave, learn to surf in the gentle waves, see friendly dolphins at play on a dolphin-watching tour, and pick clams straight from the waters of Ria Formosa Lagoon.
Embark on a 14-day journey through vibrant and culturally-rich Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. Explore Lisbon's charming neighborhoods, the stunning Algarve beaches, and the historic Spanish cities of Málaga, Granada, and Cádiz. Cross the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco and discover exotic cities such as Tangier, Rabat, Safi, Essaouira, and finally, Marrakesh. Private transfers will take care of the logistics while you enjoy a carefully-curated itinerary of immersive tours, excursions, and plenty of beach time.
This unforgettable three-week adventure will take you around the sun-kissed coast of the Iberian Peninsula and to the bazaars of Morocco. Travel from the seven hills of Lisbon down to Portugal's golden Algarve coast and into Spain to see medieval history in Cádiz, Seville, and Granada. Then hop over to Morocco, where you'll tour highlights like Marrakesh, Tangier, and the famous "Blue City" of Chefchaouen.
Explore Portugal from north to south on this 9-day adventure filled with wine, seafood, and astonishing scenery. Start in Porto, Portugal's second city, known for its sunsets, colorful houses, and sweet port wine. Then, spend a couple of days visiting wineries and vineyards in the beautiful Douro Valley before catching a plane to the Algarve, the southernmost region in the country. Here, a rental car will provide you the freedom to tour picturesque seaside towns at your own pace.
This weeklong itinerary covers Portugal's biggest metropolis and its southern coast for a city-beach combo that's hard to beat. Kick off in Europe's hottest capital—Lisbon—for a guided introduction to the 'City of Seven Hills', including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, take the train south for several days of glorious beach-hopping while based in a charming old city surrounded by stone walls: Lagos.
Explore southwestern Portugal's stunning scenery on this six-day road trip from Lisbon to Lagos at your own pace. Set out from the capital to wind your way south through a land of sweeping beaches, whitewashed towns, and unspoiled countryside. Along the way, you'll stand at the edge of mainland Europe at Cabo da Roca, cross the Sado Estuary by ferry, and explore the wild beauty of Costa Vicentina National Park.
This complete nine-day itinerary combines urban exploration in historic cities with stunning rural and coastal excursions for an exciting overview of Portugal. You'll begin in the north in charming Porto and, with a private driver, work your way south to Lisbon, ending your stay in the Algarve in Albufeira. Along the way, you'll explore the golden triangle of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril outside of Lisbon and spend some time at the end of the world in Lagos, Sagres, and Cabo de São Vicente.
This 9-day itinerary combines the culture and cuisine of Portugal's two largest cities with the rural countryside and golden beaches of the Algarve. Immerse yourself in Porto's thriving gastronomy scene with a food tour and cooking class, then head into the vineyards of the Douro Valley for a day of wine tasting and river cruising. Transfer south to Lisbon to tour the capital's streets by tuk-tuk, then continue to the Algarve to hike coastal trails and explore hidden beaches by catamaran.
This 10-day trip splits time between Portugal's exciting capital and its southern coast while moving at a relaxed pace. Kick off the adventure in up-and-coming Lisbon for a guided introduction to the 'City of Seven Hills', including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, choose your own day-trip before taking the train to Lagos for several days of golden beaches and picturesque villages in the Algarve.
Hit all the Portuguese essentials on this 13-day road trip. You'll start by driving to colorful Porto and the Douro Valley. Here, your adventures will be centered on wine and history. Make your way south to Lisbon for private walking tours of the capital and day trips to the country's most famous castles. Finally, spend some days in the untamed Algarve region, known for its unmatched beaches and seaside rock formations.
Explore Portugal from north to south on this 10-day family adventure. Start in Porto, where you'll tour the historic city, learn how to paint authentic Portuguese tiles, and visit the famous "Harry Potter Library." Head to Lisbon for tuk-tuk tours and the hilltop palaces of nearby Sintra, then take a road trip south to swim and snorkel on the pristine beaches of the Algarve, stroll the city streets of Lagos, and cruise via catamaran to the stunning Benagil Caves.
Most travelers find 9 to 11 days perfect for a well-paced Portugal trip with stops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. It's also possible to hit the highlights in five to eight days if you like a quicker-paced adventure. Travelers with more time can enjoy additional sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favorite itinerary extensions include the Alentejo or the Douro Valley. See more ideas for Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve itineraries below.
Explore Portugal's epic coast and spend time discovering city centers, tiny towns, and picturesque beaches on this 14-day trip plan. You'll enjoy guided tours of Porto and Lisbon and will hike through the stunning landscapes in Peneda-Gerês National Park. With the Atlantic at your side, you'll discover beautiful towns like Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Aveiro (whose Venice-like canals are sure to charm you). Make the most of the coast with stops in gorgeous Lagos and surfing hotspots like Vila Nova de Milfontes and Sagres.
Get to know the real Portugal on this immersive 11-day itinerary that blends culture, cuisine, and coastline. Savor world-class food and wine in Porto, then head south to discover Lisbon's authentic neighborhoods and traditional music. After a busy week of day trips and excursions, you'll trade the city for the coast and settle into a slower pace of life on the golden beaches of the Algarve.
Portugal's gastronomy and history intertwine on this lively 11-day itinerary. A series of guided excursions and private transfers will start you off—from wine tasting in the Douro Valley to cruising the canals of Aveiro and exploring Porto by vintage car. Then it's time to switch to a rental car and head south toward the Algarve, where you'll explore spectacular beaches and charming villages at your own pace.
This is the ultimate weeklong introduction to Portugal's southern half. The trip starts in the up-and-coming capital of Lisbon where you'll tour the city—and nearby villages—with a local. From here, drive into the Alentejo region for a night in Évora's inner-walled town known for its university and dining scene. Finish the adventure with a train ride to Lagos for fabulous beaches and stunning views in and around the Algarve.
Get to know three of Portugal's most iconic locales on this far-reaching but relaxed eight-day itinerary. Start in historic Porto, where you'll explore atmospheric riverside neighborhoods and go wine tasting in the nearby Douro Valley. Head to Lisbon to see the hilly capital by tram and stroll along the seafront in Cascais, then continue south to reach the Algarve—where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic along a coastline of golden beaches and towering cliffs.
Road trip through some of the most beautiful places in Portugal on this exciting 15-day tour. When you land in Lisbon, drive north to Porto and the Douro Valley. Spend multiple days enjoying wine and taking in riverside views. Then, return to the capital for guided tours and side trips to castles and beaches. Finish in the wild Algarve, whose coastline is flanked by tall sea cliffs and impressive caves.
Discover all four corners of Portugal in this epic 15-day road trip. Start in Lisbon, where the sounds of live fado music will lead you on a drive north to Porto and the wine country of the Douro Valley. Turn south and stop in historic towns like the Knights Templar-built Tomar and ancient Roman Évora on your way to coastal Lagos, where you'll beach-hop under the spectacular cliffs of the Algarve.
Enjoy Portugal's cultural highlights with the generous help of gastronomy on this delicious 12-day adventure. Start in Porto for wine tasting and river cruising, then head to Lisbon to see the city by tuk-tuk and sample its best street food and snacks. After a week of guided tours and transfers, switch to a rental car for a road trip through the Alentejo to the spectacular Algarve coast—visiting hilltop villages, historic vineyards, and world-class beaches along the way.
Experience three of Portugal's most iconic destinations on this 10-day trip, starting in Lisbon, where you'll tour ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and a UNESCO-listed village in the forested hills. Next, head north to Porto—famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. The hardest decisions fall at the end, where you can choose between spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve.
See the highlights of Portugal's cities, beaches, and gorgeous towns on this fantastic itinerary that takes you through the country's must-see gems. Explore the urban centers of Lisbon and Porto with the help of experts, in-the-know-locals, and unique opportunities to see—and taste!—the incredible vibrancy of Portugal. You'll also visit tiny villages, imposing palaces, and dramatic beach towns off the beaten path. This trip plan is a wonderful option if it's your first time in the country!
Forget timetables and logistics—on this nine-day itinerary, you can sit back and focus on the beauty of Portugal's cities, countryside, and coast. With a private driver to whisk you between locations, you'll get lost in Lisbon's authentic alleys, spend a night among the romantic palaces of Sintra, tour Porto's riverside wine cellars, escape to the cork forests of Peneda-Gerês, and finish up on the golden beaches of the Algarve.
See Portugal from north to south and east to west on this incredible 13-day tour. Start in hilly Lisbon, made bright and airy by its colorful houses. Visit castles in Sintra, and indulge in wine-centric activities in the Douro Valley and Porto. Head down to Alentejo for Roman ruins and picturesque medieval towns. The last stop is the wild and beautiful Algarve, known for beaches marked by impressive cliffs and sea rocks.
Eleven to two weeks is the most popular trip length for travelers interested in visiting Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, and Algarve, especially when including the Alentejo region. If you're only headed to Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, and Algarve, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in 10 to 13 days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible for travelers with a limited time of a week to nine days. For the best itineraries, including Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, and the Algarve, keep reading below.
This 13-day itinerary showcases Portugal's many faces with a perfect 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.
For most travelers, 10 to 13 days is the perfect time for a Portugal trip with stops in Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve. It's possible to hit the highlights in eight or nine days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Cascais, Coimbra, or the Douro Valley. See below for more itinerary ideas for Lisbon, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve.
For most, 9 to 10 days is ideal for a Portugal trip, with stops in Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, and Sintra. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each location or a few days in another region, like Évora in the Alentejo. Read below for more inspiring Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, and Sintra itineraries.
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.
This two-week Portuguese odyssey combines cities, countryside, and coast for a road trip to remember. Savor traditional cuisine in Lisbon, lose yourself in the riverside neighborhoods of Porto, explore vineyards and cork forests around Évora, and soak up some sun on the golden beaches of Lagos. Along the way, a series of guided tours introduce you to the culture and customs of each city, while plenty of downtown means you can cut loose and choose your own adventure on day trips.
With two weeks in Portugal, you and your family can enjoy the ultimate child-friendly trip that combines cities, countryside, and plenty of beach time. Explore Lisbon and Porto's historic, vibrant cities, go hiking in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, and check out the fairy-tale towns of Sintra and Coimbra. Then it's time to grab a rental car and head south across the Alentejo plains to end your adventure dolphin watching and beach-hopping on the sun-soaked Algarve coast.
From historic cities to rural countryside and rugged coastlines, you'll delve deep into Portugal on this 15-day grand tour. Hop between Lisbon and Porto for cosmopolitan cuisine and countless cultural highlights, then head south through Coimbra, Évora, and the Alentejo plains to reach the wild Algarve coast—where a relaxing itinerary of boat trips and beach time awaits.
Escape to the coast on this gorgeous 10-day exploration, that includes ample time is Porto and Lisbon, and stops through charming seafaring towns with fantastic beaches, delicious fresh seafood, and dramatic coastlines. Go hiking in the unparalleled beauty of Peneda-Gerês National Park, hit the waves in the surfing hot-spot of Sagres, and laze in the sand on the Instagram-worthy beaches of the Algarve.
Mix vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and a dash of gastronomy for the ultimate 11-day Portuguese adventure. From the cobblestone alleys of Porto to the golden beaches of the Algarve, you'll wind your way south with an itinerary full of curated excursions. Sip world-class wines in the Douro Valley, browse the Baroque library of Coimbra, experience live fado music in Lisbon, and admire 2,000-year-old Roman ruins in Évora.
Adventurous and independent travelers will love this 11-day itinerary that takes you on the road through Portugal's fascinating history and epic landscape. You'll spend some time exploring Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in the world, before driving north to Évora, where you will find prehistoric sites and towns fit for queens. You'll then head back down south to the Algarve, where you'll be blown away by the wild ruggedness and incredible beaches of southern Portugal's famous coastline.
From the north's winding rivers and wine country to the stunning southern coast, this epic 15-day itinerary gives you an in-depth look at Portugal's many wonders. Sample local wines and gastronomy in Porto, see the cobbled streets of Lisbon by foot and tram and head into the Alentejo countryside for ancient history and medieval grandeur in Évora. After a busy schedule of tours, day trips, and excursions, settle into a slower pace of life amid the golden cliffs and sweeping beaches of the Algarve.
Travelers to Portugal typically plan a trip for about 15 days when combining Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve with Douro Valley. If you're not interested in Douro Valley, 13 to 15 days is enough for your Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and Algarve trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as 11 or 12 days. For the best itineraries, including Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Évora, and the Algarve, read below.
In just 12 days, this action-packed Portugal itinerary introduces you to charming cities, unspoiled countryside, and world-class beaches. Get to know Lisbon in-depth with a series of walking, biking, and culinary tours, then set off on a road trip—winding your way south from medieval Alcobaça through the cork groves and vineyards of the Alentejo. Your journey comes to an end in Lagos, with boat trips and beach time on the stunning Algarve coast.
With 12 days to spare, you can see Portugal from north to south at a pleasantly relaxed pace. Explore Porto's riverside neighborhoods by vintage car, sip robust reds in the Douro Valley, and discover the north's lesser-visited gems like Guimarães and Aveiro. Take your time in colorful Lisbon to experience the capital through a local's eyes, then catch a train south to Lagos for sunbathing and sailing on the Algarve coast.
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 own medieval attractions and dining scenes—before kicking back for a few days in the Algarve.
Experience Portugal's beauty and romanticism in this two-week road trip that showcases the variety of the Portuguese landscape, from the city to villages and beaches. You'll experience the art and culture of Lisbon, see the fairy-tale town of Sintra, sip wine in Porto, and explore the wonders of Évora.
Get a full Portuguese experience with this 15-day tour 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.
See the very best of Portugal and western Andalucía with a perfect mix of highlights and the off-the-beaten-track treasures. Start in Porto, then continue down the coast through historic Lisbon to the beautiful beaches of the Algarve. Continue to Seville to soak in Andalucia's culture and gastronomy, then end your trip in metropolitan Madrid for stunning art museums and bustling city avenues.
This exciting two-week itinerary combines cosmopolitan cities, medieval architecture, and spectacular beaches for a Portuguese trip of a lifetime. After exploring Lisbon with a local guide, you'll stay in the fairy tale village of Sintra and the surf town of Nazaré. Then work your way north to UNESCO-listed Porto and its nearby wine region before heading to the university town of Évora. End the trip in pure bliss with some beach time in the western Algarve.
