For a nation of its size, Portugal presents a surprising variety and is ideal to be explored in a 1-week holiday. This diversity extends from the rich history of the north, the vibrant energy of Lisbon, to the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve.

The key to a successful one-week Portuguese trip is to focus on a specific region. This approach allows for a deeper and more rewarding experience, avoiding the long travel days that can consume a short holiday. This guide presents a series of expertly crafted itineraries, each designed to be logical and immersive by concentrating on a distinct part of the country.

Whether you wish to discover the historic heartland around Lisbon, explore the vineyards of the Douro Valley, or relax on the beaches of the south, these routes provide manageable ideas for your holiday.

 

 

This guide provides six distinct one-week itineraries, each designed to highlight a specific region or travel style. To help you choose the route that best suits your plans, each summary includes the ideal travel season and the most convenient airports.

1) The Lisbon Region: A one-week discovery of the capital and its charming surroundings.
• Best Season: March–October
• Fly into: Lisbon (LIS)
• Ideal for: A first trip to Portugal, as this itinerary is based in Lisbon for the entire week.

2) The Porto Region: Explore Porto and the historic heartland of Northern Portugal.
• Best Season: May–October
• Fly into: Porto (OPO)
• Ideal for: A first trip to Portugal, with this route being based in Porto for the full seven days.

3) Lisbon and Porto: A tour combining Portugal’s two greatest cities.
• Best Season: May–October
• Fly into: Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO)
• Ideal for: An energetic first-time visitor wanting to see the highlights of both major cities.

4) Central Portugal: A journey through the nation's historic and fascinating interior.
• Best Season: April–October
• Fly into: Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO)
• Ideal for: A second trip to Portugal. A car is highly recommended for this route.

5) The Algarve Coast: A tour of the classic beaches and resort towns of the south.
• Best Season: September–June
• Fly into: Faro (FAO)
• Ideal for: A first trip to Portugal, but it is strongly advised to avoid this route during the peak summer season.

Planning Insight: For a touring holiday, it is advisable to avoid the Algarve during the peak months of July and August. The region becomes extremely busy with package holidays, which can significantly impact accommodation availability and the overall experience.

Discover Lisbon and its beautiful surroundings with this relaxed, week-long itinerary. Ideal for a first visit, you'll stay in one hotel all week and use the city’s excellent public transport to explore both its vibrant districts and the fascinating towns nearby.

Day 1: Baixa & Alfama
An exploration of the capital’s oldest and most characterful districts. The day covers the grand plazas of Baixa, the maze-like streets of Alfama and Graça, and the vibrant waterfront of Cais do Sodré.

Day 2: Belém & Alcântara
A journey to the waterfront district of Belém to discover monuments from Portugal's Golden Age of Discovery. The afternoon can be spent exploring the repurposed industrial space of LX Factory in the neighbouring Alcântara district.

Day 3: Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto & the Cristo Rei View
Discover the elegant shopping and gardens of the Príncipe Real district before exploring the traditional, bohemian atmosphere of Bairro Alto. In the afternoon, cross the Tagus River to the Cristo Rei statue for one of the finest panoramic views of the city.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra
A classic day trip to the enchanting town of Sintra, set in the cool hills of the Serra de Sintra. The day is for visiting its unique and colourful palaces, such as the famous Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.

Day 5: Day Trip to Cascais
A day trip to the coast, with a choice between exploring the elegant resort town of Cascais or relaxing on the wide, sandy shores of Carcavelos Beach, one of the region's best.

Day 6: South to Setúbal or Sesimbra
A trip south to the coast of the Serra da Arrábida. Choose between the bustling port city of Setúbal or the charming beach town of Sesimbra, which serves as a hub for sea kayaking and coastal exploration.

Day 7: Day Trip to Évora
A final day trip into the heart of the Alentejo region to visit the ancient city of Évora. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is renowned for its well-preserved Roman Temple, medieval walls, and unique Chapel of Bones.
Related articles: Our Lisbon guide - Sintra

A map of this suggested tour can be seen below – each numbered marker refers to a day of the tour.

Discover Northern Portugal, the nation's birthplace, with this week-long itinerary based entirely in the vibrant city of Porto. From this single base, you'll explore the city's diverse neighbourhoods and use the region's excellent public transport for day trips to historic towns and landscapes.

Day 1: Porto’s Historic Centre
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage heart of Porto, focusing on the atmospheric Ribeira district with its narrow cobbled streets, historic buildings, and bustling riverfront.

Day 2: Vila Nova de Gaia
Cross the iconic Dom Luís I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. This district is famous for being the home of the Port wine cellars, and the day can be spent touring the historic lodges and tasting their world-renowned fortified wine.

Day 3: Day Trip to Guimarães
Take a day trip to the exceptionally preserved medieval city of Guimarães. As the first capital of Portugal, it offers a journey back in time with its historic castle, ducal palace, and charming old town squares.

Day 4: Day Trip to Braga
Discover Portugal's ancient ecclesiastical centre, Braga. The city is home to the country's oldest cathedral and is famed for the magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, with its iconic baroque staircase.

Day 5: The Douro Valley
Dedicate a full day to the stunning, vine-covered landscapes of the Douro Valley. Experience this world-famous wine region with a relaxing river cruise, a scenic train journey, or a dedicated wine-tasting tour.

Day 6: Day Trip to Aveiro and Costa Nova
Take a trip to the coastal city of Aveiro, often called the 'Venice of Portugal' for its network of canals. Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Costa Nova, famous for its picturesque, candy-striped beach houses.

Day 7: Porto's Atlantic Coastline
Explore where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Start in the elegant Foz do Douro district before continuing to the wide, sandy beaches of Matosinhos. This area is renowned for its outstanding seafood restaurants and is perfect for a beach day in summer.
Related Articles:Our Porto guide

This classic one-week tour is perfect for a first visit to Portugal, connecting the nation's two grand cities - Lisbon and Porto - with its ancient university seat, Coimbra. Designed to be undertaken entirely by public transport, this itinerary follows the main north-south express train line, making it both efficient and straightforward to navigate. Unlike the single-base tours, this route involves changing accommodation, offering a true journey through the heart of the country.

Day 1: Lisbon's Historic Heart
Begin in Lisbon with an exploration of the capital’s oldest districts, from the grand, orderly plazas of Baixa to the historic, maze-like streets of Alfama.

Day 2: Lisbon's Maritime Heritag
e A journey to the waterfront district of Belém to see the magnificent monuments of Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery, followed by an afternoon in the creative hub of Alcântara.

Day 3: The Palaces of Sintra
Take a day trip from Lisbon to the enchanting town of Sintra to discover the colourful Pena Palace and the other unique historical estates nestled in the hills of the region.

Day 4: The University City of Coimbra
Travel north by express train to Coimbra. The afternoon is for exploring the grounds of its historic university, one of the oldest in Europe, and wandering through the city's charming medieval centre.

Day 5: Arrival in Porto
Continue by train to Porto. After checking in, the rest of the day is dedicated to exploring the city’s ancient and atmospheric historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the banks of the Douro River.

Day 6: Port Wine and the Atlantic Coast
The morning is for visiting Vila Nova de Gaia, the district famous for its Port wine cellars. In the afternoon, take a short trip to the elegant Foz do Douro district to see where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 7: A Historic Day Trip from Porto
For the final day, choose between two of Northern Portugal's most important historic cities. Travel to Guimarães, the exceptionally preserved medieval city known as the birthplace of the nation, or visit Braga, Portugal's ancient religious capital, famed for its grand cathedral and the impressive Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary.

Planning & Accommodation: This itinerary is structured with 3 nights in Lisbon, 1 night in Coimbra, and 3 nights in Porto. The journey between cities is made on the Alfa Pendular express train service; tickets should be booked in advance for the best prices.

Related Articles: The Alfama district – The Belem district – Coimbra to Porto

This itinerary is designed for the returning visitor looking to explore the historic heartland of Portugal that lies between its two main cities. It is a comprehensive road trip that delves into the country's rich past, from medieval walled towns and grand monasteries to the ancient university of Coimbra. This route can also be combined with Itinerary 3 to form a superb two-week journey covering the full length of the country.

A rental car is essential for this tour. Many of the key sights are in rural locations, and a car provides the necessary freedom and flexibility to explore them fully.

Day 1: Atlantic Cliffs and a Medieval Town (Overnight in Óbidos)
Depart from Lisbon and drive to the rugged coast at Peniche to see its imposing sea fortress. In the afternoon, travel inland to the enchanting medieval town of Óbidos, where you will spend the evening and night within its beautifully preserved walls.

Day 2: The Silver Coast (Overnight in Nazaré)
From Óbidos, follow the coast to the unique, shell-shaped bay of São Martinho do Porto. The short journey then continues to Nazaré, the famous fishing town and big-wave surfing mecca, which will be your base for the night.

Day 3: The Monastery Triangle (Overnight in Tomar)
A day dedicated to Portugal’s religious heartland. Visit the magnificent monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha before seeing the major pilgrimage site of Fátima. The day's journey concludes with a drive to the historic city of Tomar.

Day 4: The Knights Templar (Overnight in Tomar)
With a second night in Tomar, today offers a more relaxed pace. The morning is dedicated to the main highlight, the remarkable Convento de Cristo. The afternoon is free to explore the charming town centre and embrace the atmosphere of authentic, traditional Portugal.

Day 5: The University City of Coimbra (Overnight in Coimbra)
A morning drive brings you to Coimbra, Portugal’s most prestigious university city. The day is spent exploring the historic university grounds, its stunning library, and the steep, narrow streets of the old town, where you will stay for the night.

Day 6: Canals and the Douro Foothills (Overnight in Lamego)
Travel from Coimbra to the coast to visit Aveiro and its colourful Moliceiro boats, with a short detour to the striped houses of Costa Nova. In the afternoon, the route heads inland, climbing into the hills of the Douro region to the historic city of Lamego for the night.

Day 7: The Heart of the Douro (Arrive in Porto)
Spend the morning exploring Lamego, including its impressive sanctuary overlooking the town. Afterwards, drive down to the riverside town of Peso da Régua before making the final scenic journey into Porto, where the tour concludes.
Related articles: Obidos guide - Coimbra guide

This tour is designed to give you a fantastic introduction to the Algarve, combining the dramatic coastline of the west with the vibrant atmosphere of the central region. By using two strategic bases (Lagos and Albufeira), this itinerary minimises travel time and eliminates the need for a rental car, allowing for a more relaxing holiday.

Planning & Accommodation: This itinerary is structured with 3 nights in Lagos and 4 nights in the lively hub of Albufeira (for quieter alternatives like Olhos de Água or Carvoeiro, a rental car is strongly advised)

Part 1: The Western Algarve (Base: Lagos)
• Day 1: Arrival and Lagos Old Town
Arrive at Faro Airport (FAO) and take the direct bus or train to Lagos. After checking into your accommodation for four nights, spend the afternoon exploring the charming historic centre, with its fortified walls, cobbled streets, and lively marina.

• Day 2: Lagos' Golden Coastline
Discover the spectacular coastline just south of Lagos. Walk the cliff-top paths to Ponta da Piedade to see the famous sea arches and grottoes, and visit the stunning beaches of Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo, nestled between golden cliffs.

• Day 3: The 'End of the World' at Sagres
Take a day trip by bus to the historic port of Sagres. Explore its unique, windswept fortress and then continue to Cape St. Vincent, the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe, to experience its dramatic cliffs and famous lighthouse.

Part 2: The Central Algarve (Base: Albufeira)
• Day 4: Travel to Albufeira
A morning train or bus journey takes you from Lagos to Albufeira. After checking into your accommodation for the final four nights, spend the afternoon relaxing on the main beach (Praia dos Pescadores) and exploring the lively old town.

• Day 5: The Moorish Capital of Silves
A bus or train journey inland leads to the historic town of Silves. Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, its skyline is dominated by a magnificent red sandstone castle. The day is for exploring the fortress and the town's quiet, traditional streets.

• Day 6: Benagil Cave and Coastal Cruise
Explore the coastline from the water with a boat trip from Albufeira's marina. The main destination is the world-famous Benagil Cave, an enormous sea cave with a hole in its roof. These tours often include time for swimming and seeing other parts of the beautiful coastline.

• Day 7: A Day Trip to Faro
For your final full day, a short train ride from Albufeira brings you to Faro. Discover the walled old town (Cidade Velha), visit the cathedral, and enjoy the city’s peaceful atmosphere before a simple journey back to Albufeira for the evening.

A Note on Your Albufeira Base: This itinerary uses Albufeira as its base for the central Algarve due to its excellent public transport connections and wide range of amenities. As the region's largest resort town, it has a lively, energetic atmosphere. If you prefer a quieter base, consider the smaller resort towns of Olhos de Água or Carvoeiro. Be aware that choosing these locations will likely require a rental car, as their public transport links for day trips are significantly more limited.
Related articles: Where to go in the Algarve? - Albufeira guide – Lagos guide

For travellers seeking to experience a more traditional and tranquil side of the Algarve, this itinerary focuses on the authentic character of the eastern coast. This region, stretching from Faro to the Spanish border, is defined by the calm waterways of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, long sandy islands, and charming fishing towns that retain their historic character. The entire route is easily navigated using the Algarve’s regional railway line, making a rental car unnecessary.

Planning & Accommodation: This itinerary is structured with 3 nights in Faro, 2 nights in Tavira, and 2 nights in Vila Real de Santo António.

Part 1: The Regional Capital (Base: Faro)
• Day 1: Historic Faro
After arriving at Faro Airport (FAO), the day is dedicated to discovering the regional capital. Explore the cobbled streets of the walled old town (Cidade Velha), visit the Gothic cathedral, and walk the circuit of the ancient defensive walls for views over the city and the Ria Formosa.

• Day 2: The Ria Formosa Natural Park
This day is an exploration of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected system of lagoons and barrier islands. Boat excursions departing from Faro navigate these calm waterways, offering opportunities to observe diverse birdlife and visit pristine, sandy islands like the Ilha Deserta (Deserted Island).

• Day 3: The Fishing Port of Olhão
A brief train journey along the coast leads to Olhão, the Algarve's largest fishing port. The focus of the visit is the bustling waterfront market, a highlight of the region, and an exploration of the old quarter with its distinctive, Moorish-influenced cubic houses.

Part 2: Traditional Algarve (Base: Tavira)
• Day 4: The Charming Town of Tavira
Travel by train along the coast to Tavira, arguably the most beautiful town in the Algarve, and check in for two nights. Spend the afternoon exploring its historic centre, which straddles the Gilão River, complete with a Roman bridge, cobbled streets, and numerous churches.

• Day 5: Santa Luzia and Barril Beach
Discover the traditional fishing village of Santa Luzia, known as Portugal's "capital of the octopus." From there, you can walk or take a miniature train to the unique Praia do Barril, a stunning beach famous for its "Cemitério das Âncoras" (Anchor Cemetery).

Part 3: The Spanish Border (Base: Vila Real de Santo António)
• Day 6: A Taste of Spain
Take the train to the end of the line at Vila Real de Santo António. After exploring its elegant, grid-plan town centre, take the 15-minute ferry across the Guadiana River for an afternoon in the lively Spanish town of Ayamonte.
• Day 7: The Castle of Castro Marim
On your final day, take a short bus ride to the historic village of Castro Marim. Visit its magnificent medieval castle, which offers commanding views over the surrounding salt pans and into Spain, before returning to Faro for your departure.
Related articles: Faro guide – Tavira guide - Vila Real de Santo Antonio

This tour offers a perfect introduction to Portugal, combining the vibrant, historic capital of Lisbon with the stunning beaches and dramatic coastline of the western Algarve. By using two strategic bases and Portugal's express train network, this itinerary minimizes travel hassle while offering a comprehensive experience, and it can be completed without a rental car.

Planning & Accommodation: This itinerary is structured with 3 nights in Lisbon and 4 nights in Lagos.
• Day 1: Lisbon (Alfama & Baixa districts)
• Day 2: Lisbon (Belém district & waterfront)
• Day 3: Day trip to Sintra
• Day 4: Express train from Lisbon to the Algarve; travel to Lagos
• Day 5: Explore Lagos town and marina
• Day 6: Day trip to Sagres
• Day 7: Discover the beaches and coastline around Lagos