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 seven 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 to 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 to 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 to 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) The Algarve Coast: A tour of the classic beaches and resort towns of the south.
• Best Season: September to 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.

5) The Eastern Algarve: Discover the traditional character of Portugal’s quieter coastline.
• Best Season: September to June
• Fly into: Faro (FAO)
• Ideal for: Visitors seeking a calmer, more relaxed holiday experience.

6) Lisbon & The Algarve: A perfect mix of city culture and stunning coastline.
• Best Season: April to October (excluding August)
• Fly into: Lisbon (LIS) and fly out of Faro (FAO)
• Ideal for: First-time visitors who want to experience both the capital and the coast.

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

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.

Itinerary 1: A Week in Lisbon and the Surrounding Region
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 (Lisbon)
The historic heart of Lisbon is a captivating contrast between two districts. The day is for exploring the grand plazas of Baixa before getting lost in the maze of narrow, cobbled alleys of Alfama, which climb towards the city’s castle.

Day 2: Belém & Alcântara
Belém is the historic waterfront of Lisbon, filled with iconic monuments from Portugal's Golden Age of Discovery, such as the grand Jerónimos Monastery and the charming Belém Tower. The afternoon can be spent exploring the repurposed industrial space and artisan shops of LX Factory.

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
The enchanting town of Sintra is set in the cool, forested hills of the Serra de Sintra. This fairytale setting is home to unique and colourful palaces, such as the famous Palácio da Pena and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.

Day 5: Day Trip to Cascais
Cascais is a charming former fishing village that has transformed into the Lisbon coastline’s most popular resort town. The day is for exploring its historic centre, elegant 19th-century villas, and the series of small, sandy beaches that line its shore.

Day 6: South to Setúbal or Sesimbra
South of Lisbon, the stunning coast of the Serra da Arrábida offers a choice 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
Deep in the heart of the Alentejo region lies 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 (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points)

Legend: 1) Alfama 2) Baixa 3) Belem 4) Alcântara 5) Príncipe Real 6) Cristo Rei 7) Sintra 8) Cascais 9) Praia de Carcavelos 10) Sesimbra 11) Setubal 12) Serra da Arrábida 13) Evora

The stunning Palácio da Pena is the highlight of Sintra

The pretty beach side town of Cascais

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
Porto's historic centre has two distinct halves. The upper city is home to grand landmarks like the ancient Sé Cathedral and the beautiful tile-adorned São Bento station, while below, the colourful Ribeira district is a maze of narrow streets leading to the Douro riverfront.

Day 2: Vila Nova de Gaia
Across the iconic Dom Luís I bridge lies Vila Nova de Gaia, the traditional home of Port wine. Its waterfront is dominated by the famous Port cellars (lodges), where you can spend the day learning the history of the fortified wine and, of course, tasting it.

Day 3: Day Trip to Guimarães
Guimarães is the exceptionally preserved city where Portugal was born. Its UNESCO-listed centre is a delightful collection of medieval squares, granite buildings, and historic monuments, including a formidable 10th-century castle and the grand Palace of the Dukes.

Day 4: Day Trip to Braga
Braga has been Portugal's spiritual centre for centuries, a city rich with churches, grand baroque houses, and a palpable sense of history. While the ancient city cathedral is a major landmark, the true spectacle is Bom Jesus do Monte, a hilltop sanctuary reached by a magnificent, zigzagging baroque staircase.

Day 5: The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley presents one of Europe’s most dramatic man-made landscapes, with endless terraces of vines carved into the steep hillsides along the river. This celebrated heart of Port wine country is a stunning mosaic of winding water and orderly vineyards, punctuated by the historic wine estates, or quintas, that craft the region's legendary wine.

Day 6: Day Trip to Aveiro and Costa Nova
The coastal city of Aveiro, often called the 'Venice of Portugal', is famed for its network of canals navigated by colourful Moliceiro boats. A visit can be combined with a trip to nearby Costa Nova, famous for its picturesque, candy-striped beach houses.

Day 7: Porto's Atlantic Coastline
Where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, you'll find the elegant Foz do Douro district. The coastline continues to the wide, sandy beaches of Matosinhos, an area renowned for its outstanding seafood restaurants.

Legend: 1) Ribeira 2) Ponte Luís I 3) Sé do Porto 4) Torre dos Clérigos 5) Vila Nova de Gaia 6) Foz do Douro 7) Guimarães 8) Braga 9) Bom Jesus do Monte 10) Matosinhos 11) Espinho (beach) 12) Miramar (beach) 13) Povoa de Varzim (beach) 14) Peso da Régua 15) Pinhão 16) Tua 17) Aveiro 18) Costa Nova 19) Lamego 20) Vila do Conde

Porto sits on the banks of the mighty Douro River

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.

Day 1: Lisbon's Historic Heart
Day 1: Lisbon's Historic Heart The tour begins in Lisbon's historic heart, a captivating contrast between the grand, orderly plazas of Baixa and the ancient, maze-like streets of Alfama.

Day 2: Lisbon's Maritime Heritag
Belém is the city's historic waterfront, dedicated to the Golden Age of Discovery. Here you'll find magnificent monuments like the Jerónimos Monastery, with an afternoon left to explore 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, Portugal's ancient university city. The afternoon is for exploring the grounds of its historic university, one of the oldest in Europe, and wandering the city's charming medieval centre.

Day 5: Arrival in Porto
The tour continues by train to Porto. The rest of the day is for exploring the city’s deeply atmospheric historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site of narrow, cobbled streets 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
The final day offers a difficult choice between two of Northern Portugal's most important cities. You can either visit Guimarães, the beautifully preserved medieval city known as the 'birthplace of the nation', or 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.

Legend: 1) Alfama (Lisboa) 2) Baixa (Lisboa) 3) Belem (Lisboa) 4) Sintra 5) Coimbra 6) Porto 7) Vila Nova de Gaia 8) Guimarães 9) Braga

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 this itinerary minimises travel time and eliminates the need for a car.

Planning & Accommodation: This itinerary is structured with 3 nights in Lagos and 4 nights in the lively hub of Albufeira. For quieter alternatives than Albufeira consider Olhos de Água, or Carvoeiro.

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. Your first afternoon is for exploring the charming historic centre of Lagos, 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
A day trip reveals the historic port of Sagres. Explore its unique, windswept fortress, then continue to Cape St. Vincent, the most south-westerly point of mainland Europe, for its dramatic cliffs.

Part 2: The Central Algarve (Base: Albufeira)
• Day 4: Travel to Albufeira
The itinerary moves from Lagos to the lively resort town of Albufeira. After settling in, spend the afternoon relaxing on the main beach (Praia dos Pescadores) and exploring the old town.

• Day 5: The Moorish Capital of Silves
An inland excursion leads to the historic town of Silves. Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, its skyline is dominated by a magnificent red sandstone castle.

• Day 6: Benagil Cave and Coastal Cruise
The coastline around Albufeira is famed for its stunning rock formations, which are best seen from the water. Boat trips from the marina often head to the world-famous Benagil Cave, an enormous sea cave where sunlight streams through an oculus onto a hidden beach below.

• Day 7: A Day Trip to Faro
For your final full day, discover Faro, the regional capital. Explore the walled old town (Cidade Velha), visit the cathedral, and enjoy the city’s peaceful atmosphere.

A Note on Your Albufeira Base: This itinerary uses Albufeira as its base for the central Algarve due to its excellent transport connections and wide range of amenities. As the region's largest resort, it has a bustling holiday atmosphere with countless bars and restaurants. If you prefer a more relaxed setting, consider the smaller towns of Olhos de Água or Carvoeiro, though a rental car is recommended for these locations.

 

Legend: 1) Lagos 2) Ponta da Piedade 3) Sagres 4) Cabo de São Vicente 5) Albufeira 6) Silves 7) Benagil Cave 8) Faro 9) Olhos de Água 10) Carvoeiro

Albufeira is a bustling and exciting holiday destination, which is a favourite with package tourists

Faro

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
The first 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 Ria Formosa.

• Day 2: The Ria Formosa Natural Park
The Ria Formosa Natural Park is a protected system of lagoons and barrier islands that shelters the eastern Algarve from the Atlantic. Boat excursions 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
The tour continues 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
The next stop is Tavira, arguably the most beautiful town in the Algarve. Spend the afternoon exploring its historic centre, which straddles the Gilão River and features 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
Explore the elegant, grid-plan town centre of Vila Real de Santo António, which sits on the banks of the Guadiana River. From here, a 15-minute ferry ride offers a fun afternoon trip into the Spanish town of Ayamonte.
• Day 7: The Castle of Castro Marim
The final day is spent in the historic village of Castro Marim. Visit its magnificent medieval castle, which offers commanding views over the surrounding salt pans and into Spain.

Tavira

This tour offers a perfect introduction to Portugal, combining the vibrant capital of Lisbon with the stunning beaches of the western Algarve. Using Portugal's express train network, this itinerary minimises travel hassle and can be completed without a car.

Planning & Accommodation: 3 nights in Lisbon and 4 nights in Lagos.

• Day 1: Lisbon's Historic Heart. Arrive in Lisbon and explore its historic centre, from the grand plazas of the Baixa district to the charming, maze-like streets of Alfama.

• Day 2: Lisbon's Age of Discovery. Discover the waterfront district of Belém, home to iconic monuments from Portugal's seafaring past like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.

• Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra. A day trip brings you to the fairytale town of Sintra to explore the whimsical Pena Palace and other historic estates set among its forested hills.

• Day 4: Travel to the Algarve. Take the morning express train from Lisbon down to the Algarve. From the station at Tunes, a short regional train connects you to Lagos, your base for the next four nights.

• Day 5: Lagos. Explore its historic walled town, browse the shops, and walk around the modern marina. In the afternoon, relax on one of the town's easily accessible beaches.

• Day 6: Day Trip to Sagres. A day trip reveals the dramatic, windswept landscapes of Sagres. Explore the town’s unique fortress and visit Cape St. Vincent, the most south-westerly tip of mainland Europe.

• Day 7: Lagos' Famous Coastline. The coastline south of Lagos is a spectacular landscape of golden cliffs, sea arches, and hidden grottoes. You can walk the coastal paths to Ponta da Piedade for incredible views or relax on the beautiful beaches of Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo.

Lagos

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)
The road trip begins on the rugged coast at Peniche before heading inland to Óbidos. It is a picture-perfect medieval town of whitewashed houses, colourful flower boxes, and narrow cobbled streets, all encircled by formidable medieval walls you can walk along.

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)
The tour heads north 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.

Day 6: Canals and the Douro Foothills (Overnight in Lamego)
From Coimbra, the route heads 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.

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