The Ultimate Portugal Itinerary for 10 Days

Are you visiting Portugal for the first time and looking for the perfect Portugal Itinerary? 10 days in Portugal is not enough to discover the whole country.

But you can see the most visited places, and at least you’ll have a reason to return to this beautiful country.

We’ve put together a detailed Portugal Itinerary without a car for 10 days, covering all of Portugal’s main attractions, like Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, and Sintra.

Our Portugal Travel Guide includes the best places to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Portugal.

You’ll also find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your Portugal Trip Itinerary.

Table Of Contents

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Best Time to Visit Portugal

Wondering when to travel to Portugal? Portugal is the perfect all year round destination, with beautiful and sunny weather.

During the day, temperatures can be between 12-25°C.

Did you know that Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in Europe?

Therefore in high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation in advance!

Keep reading → Best Beaches in the Algarve

The cheapest time to visit Portugal is from late January to February when you can avoid the crowds and high prices.

The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March, May) or autumn (from September to mid-October) when temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing.

The summer months are the peak season in Portugal when hotel prices are much higher and attractions are busier.

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The weather was windy during our visit, so bring a light jacket and jeans!

How to Get Around Portugal

Most travelers to Portugal arrive at Lisbon International Airport, as you can get cheap flights to Lisbon.

Getting around within Portugal is easy, as public transport is well-built. You can get to major cities by bus or train.

Within cities, you can get around by metro, on foot, or by electric scooter.

The best way to get around Portugal is to rent a car or camper van.

Alternatively, if you spend a short time in Portugal, you can quickly reach your destinations by domestic flights.

Good to know
One of the cheapest ways to travel within Europe is by FlixBus or a low-cost airline.

Is it Safe to Travel to Portugal?

Yes, it is one of the safest cities in Europe.

But small thefts and pickpockets may happen in tourist areas. So always take care of your valuables!

More about Portugal → Sintra’s Castles and Palaces

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The Ultimate 10-Day Portugal Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal

Welcome to Portugal! We hope you had a great flight and are ready to explore charming Lisbon.

Lisbon is the perfect place to start your Portugal Itinerary.

How to Get to Lisbon

You can easily get to Lisbon by plane, train, bus, car, or ferry.

Lisbon has an International Airport, the Humberto Delgado Airport (airport code LIS).

There are many direct flights to Lisbon from Europe, the UK, the U.S., and other international countries.

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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Portugal.

Once you arrive at Lisbon International Airport, you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.

Good to know
We couldn’t rent a car in Lisbon because we didn’t have a credit card!

Lisbon Airport is just a 25-minute metro ride from the city center.

A ticket (bus, metro, tram) costs 1.50 EUR, and a 24-hour ticket costs 6.40 EUR.

Buy a Viva Viagem card for 0.50 EUR, recharge it, and use it to discover Lisbon.

The Viva Viagem card is valid for 1 year and is accepted on buses, metro, and trains.

Depending on when you arrive in Lisbon, you can choose to start sightseeing or relax on your first day in Portugal.

We suggest you don’t plan too much on this day!

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, eat Portuguese dishes, stroll around the charming neighborhoods, taste the famous Pastel de Nata, and end your day with a magical sunset.

Recommended post → Best Things to Do in Lisbon

Day 2: Lisbon Sightseeing

Good morning! It’s time to continue your Portugal Itinerary and explore Lisbon!

Are you looking for the top things to do in Lisbon? One of the best free programs is to visit famous Instagrammable places.

Walk through Pink Street, take a photo with the iconic yellow tram, visit Lisbon Cathedral, and see the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries).

You can easily spend a whole day exploring, and most attractions are free to visit.

We’ve put together a complete guide to the best Instagram spots in Lisbon, with tips and a map to help you plan your Lisbon Itinerary.

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If you have not yet tried the famous Portuguese dessert, you should buy some delicious Pastel de Nata.

Where to Stay in Lisbon, Portugal

The best neighborhoods in Lisbon are Alfama, Baixa, Belém, Barrio Alto, and Chaido.

Since public transport is well-connected and most attractions are accessible on foot, you can stay anywhere in the city.

Best hotels in Lisbon, Portugal

Luxury: Corinthia Lisbon
Mid-Range: Inspira Liberdade Boutique Hotel
Budget: Yes! Lisbon Hostel

Read our → Ultimate Lisbon Guide

Day 3: Day Trip from Lisbon to Sintra

Visiting Sintra is the best part of every Portugal Itinerary. Take a day trip from Lisbon to Sintra and discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can get from Lisbon to Sintra by train or car.

The best way to reach Sintra is by train, catch the first train from Rossio station and travel directly to Sintra.

The Sintra trains depart approximately every 30 minutes, and the journey takes 50 minutes.

Visit the fairytale Pena Palace, walk around the Moorish Castle, explore Monserrate Palace, and take a photo at the spiral staircase of Quinta da Regaleira.

Recommended post → How to Visit Sintra

The best way to explore Sintra attractions is by Hop-On Hop-Off bus. A 24-hour bus ticket costs 11,50 EUR per person and runs every 20 minutes.

There are two main buses, the 434 and the 435.

The Pena Palace Circuit (434): Sintra Station, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Sintra National Palace, Natural History Museum, and Sintra Station.
Monserrate Circuit (435): Sintra Station, Regaleira Palace, Monserrate Palace, Seteais Palace and Sintra Station.

You won’t be able to visit all of Sintra’s attractions in just one day, but you can comfortably see at least 3-4 of the main sights.

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As Sintra is a popular day trip from Lisbon, we recommend arriving as early as possible!

Day 4: Travel to the Algarve

Good morning! Are you ready for the highlight of your Portugal Itinerary?

Algarve is a popular beach destination with beautiful white sandy beaches, incredible rock formations, crystal clear turquoise waters, and exciting water activities.

How to Get to the Algarve, Portugal

You can easily get to the Algarve by plane, train, bus, or car.

The nearest airport to Algarve is Faro International Airport (airport code FAO), which is the largest city in the region.

From Lisbon, you can take a short 45-minute domestic flight to Faro.

Recommended post → Best Things to Do in the Algarve

From Lisbon to Lagos

You can get from Lisbon to the Algarve in around 2,5 to 4 hours, depending on whether you travel by public transport or car.

Lisbon International Airport has a lot of car rental companies where you can rent a car to visit the Algarve.

The bus ride from Lisbon to Lagos takes 4 hours and costs around 8-15 EUR per person.

Good to know
We couldn’t rent a car in Lisbon because we didn’t have a credit card, so we took the FlixBus to Lagos.

Lagos is a popular destination in Portugal, well known for its spectacular beaches and dramatic rock formations.

In our opinion, Lagos is the best base to explore the Algarve coastline as it will be close to gorgeous beaches such as Praia do Camilo, Praia de Dona Ana, and Praia dos Estudantes.

We recommend spending your first day discovering the attractions of Lagos, chilling out on the beaches, and shopping.

Day 5-7: Explore Algarve

Wondering what to do in the Algarve? Visit the Benagil Cave, explore the picturesque villages, take a boat trip, enjoy the magical sunsets, and chill out on the best beaches in the Algarve.

We recommend you spend at least 3-4 days in Algarve and catch the beautiful sunrises, swim in the crystal clear waters, snorkel, or relax on the stunning beaches.

All beaches in Algarve are free to visit, so another great reason to add Portugal to your bucket list.

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Rent a scooter for more days and visit the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve. It costs around 20-25 EUR per day to rent a motorbike.

Where to Stay in the Algarve, Portugal

You can stay almost anywhere in the region, with plenty of options, even if you have a camper van.

The best places to stay in the Algarve are Lagos, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Sagres, Portimão, and Faro.

Best hotels in Lagos, Algarve

Luxury: Cascade Wellness Resort
Mid-Range: Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort
Budget: Vilabranca Turistic Apartments

Read our → Ultimate Algarve Guide

Day 8: Travel to Porto

We know how you feel when you leave Algarve, as it is the highlight of every best Portugal Itinerary.

But your visit to Portugal still has some fantastic things to do and some hidden gems in Porto.

If you travel from Lagos to Porto by FlixBus, the journey time is at least 8-9 hours. There is no direct bus connection, you can change to the bus in Lisbon.

Another option is to fly directly from Faro to Porto, journey time is just 1-1,5 hours.

On your first day, we recommend you visit Porto Cathedral, explore the narrow cobbled streets, and watch the magnificent sunset at Passeio das Fontainhas.

Recommended post → Best Things to Do in Porto

How to Get to Porto, Portugal

You can easily get to Porto by plane, train, bus, car, or ferry.

Porto is the perfect place to end your Portugal Itinerary.

The journey between Lisbon and Porto by FlixBus takes 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.

Porto has an International Airport, the Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport (airport code OPO).

But you can get cheaper flights to Lisbon, as there are many direct flights to Lisbon from Europe, the UK, the U.S., and other international countries.

Porto is just a 1-hour flight from Lisbon.

Day 9: Porto Sightseeing

Good morning! Spend your last full day sightseeing in Porto.

Most people prefer Porto to Lisbon as it’s much quieter. But if you’re looking for a lively place, visit the Ribeira district.

Wondering what to do in Porto?

Catch the sunrise at Kitties Rock, try the famous Pastel de Nata, explore the Ribeira neighborhood, visit the Porto Cathedral, and take a sightseeing tour.

Keep reading → Best Lisbon Instagram Spots

Getting around Porto is easy, as public transport is well-connected, and most attractions are within walking distance.

We recommend exploring the city by public transport, joining a tuk-tuk or sightseeing bus tour, and walking the charming neighborhoods on foot.

Buy an Andante Azul card for 0.60 EUR, recharge it, and use it to discover the city. The Andante card is valid for 1 year and is accepted on buses, metros, and trains.

Read our → Ultimate Porto Guide

Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal

The area around Ribeira is a great place to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the riverside views.

But if you want to be close to the sights or have limited time, you should stay around Sao Bento station.

Best hotels in Porto, Portugal

Luxury: The Yeatman Hotel
Mid-Range: Hotel Cristal Porto
Budget: Selina Porto

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Add an extra day to your Porto Itinerary if you plan a day trip to the Duoro Valley.

Day 10: Fly Home

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Porto! But it’s time to leave Portugal.

Our Portugal Itinerary ends where it began. Go back to Lisbon International Airport, and fly home.

The journey between Lisbon and Porto by FlixBus takes 3-4 hours, depending on traffic.

From Porto, the quickest way to reach Lisbon is a 1-hour flight.

Good to know
You can easily modify our Portugal Itinerary to extend or reduce the number of days.

How Much Does it Cost for 10 Days in Portugal?

Portugal is one of the most affordable countries in Europe.

Budget travelers will spend around 50-60 USD per day.

The Portugal budget costs depend on the mode of transport, which accommodation you prefer, and how much you are willing to pay for restaurants or cafes.

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Prices are even higher during the peak season (from July to August), so avoid these months if you want to save money!

Portugal Travel Costs

Accommodation: 200 USD
Food: 150 USD
Transport: 150 USD
Activities: 50-100 USD (Most attractions are free to visit!)

Good to know
A 10 days trip to Portugal will cost between 500-600 USD per person.

We hope our 10-day Portugal Travel Itinerary will help you plan your next trip. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

The Ultimate Portugal Itinerary for 10 Days