Portugal, with its rich history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant cities, offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveller. Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets of Lisbon, the wine cellars of Porto, or the sun-soaked beaches of the Algarve, determining the ideal length of your stay is crucial to making the most of your visit.

The ideal length of your stay depends on what you want to experience, but careful planning can help you make the most of your visit, regardless of its duration.

This guide aims to help you plan the perfect Portuguese adventure, whether you have just a few days or several weeks to explore. We'll break down the time needed to experience different regions and cities, and suggest itineraries for various trip lengths.

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how long you should spend in Portugal. Your ideal trip length will depend on your interests, travel pace, and what you hope to experience. Use this guide as a starting point to craft a Portuguese journey that's perfect for you.

 

 

You could spend a long weekend or a lifetime in Portugal, as there's always something to see regardless of your time constraints. For new visitors to Portugal, consider these general guidelines:

A short trip of less than four days is ideal for a city break in Porto or Lisbon, or a beach getaway to an accessible resort town like Albufeira (lively) or Tavira (traditional) in the Algarve.

For 4-6 days, plan to stay within one region (such as Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve) and explore it with day trips. This approach avoids wasting time on long-distance travel.

A week-long trip allows for multi-location visits, such as Lisbon and Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve, or Porto and the Algarve. This gives you about three days in each area with two half-days for travel.
Insight: There are enough day trips around both Lisbon and Porto to spend an entire week here.

A week-long trip is suitable for a short touring holiday, such as exploring the route between Lisbon and Porto with stops in Tomar, Coimbra, and Aveiro. Alternatively, you could tour the Algarve, visiting Faro, Tavira, Albufeira, and Lagos.

With 10 days, you can combine Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. This timeframe also allows for a more comprehensive tour of central Portugal. A sample itinerary could include:
• Lisbon (2 days)
• Sintra (1 day)
• Central Portugal (4 days) - covering some combination of Coimbra, Évora, Tomar, Ericeira, Aveiro, and Peniche
• Porto (2 days)
• Guimarães or Braga (1 day)

A 2-week trip allows for a grand tour of Portugal, with time to visit lesser-known areas like the Alentejo coastline, the far north (Viana do Castelo), or the fortified towns of the Beira region.

Weather plays a crucial role in planning your trip. The intense summer heat or the rainy winters in the north can significantly impact your experience. For the most pleasant conditions, consider visiting in late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September to mid-October). For a full guide to when to visit Portugal please see this guide.

The map below highlights Portugal's main tourist destinations. Green pins indicate larger cities and towns suitable for overnight stays, while yellow pins mark places commonly visited as day trips from these larger towns or cities.

The purple line represents the north-south express railway route. This key transport link connects Braga in the north to Faro in the south, passing through the major cities of Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon along the way.

Legend: 1) Lisbon 2) Porto 3) Faro 4) Coimbra 5) Lagos 6) Tavira 7) Viana do Castelo 8) Évora 9) Sintra 10) Braga 11) Guimarães 12) Albufeira 13) Tomar 14) Aveiro 15) Ericeira 16) Peniche 17) Obidos 18) Douro Valley

Insight: Portugal boasts an excellent and affordable train network connecting Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve. The journey from Lisbon to Porto, or from Lisbon to the Algarve, takes only about 2.5 hours. You can plan your train travel through the national railway company, Comboios de Portugal www.cp.pt

While we've mentioned the Algarve previously, it's important to note that this region comprises over 155 km of coastline and 30 towns. For most trips, we recommend focusing on four key destinations, each catering to different tourist preferences:
Lagos offers an ideal blend of history, stunning beaches, and a lively atmosphere. It's a favourite among most visitors to the Algarve.

Tavira, a picturesque traditional town in the quieter eastern Algarve, appeals to those seeking a more authentic Portuguese experience.

Albufeira is the Algarve's party hub. It's always entertaining, but don't expect to find much traditional Portuguese culture here.

Faro the region's historic capital, boasts excellent transport connections, making it the best base for exploring the entire Algarve. However, unlike the other three towns, it lacks easily accessible beaches.

Each of these towns provides a distinct Algarve experience, allowing you to choose based on your interests and travel style.

Albufeira is an fantastic holiday destintion

If you're in the early stages of planning your trip to Portugal and want to know how long to allocate for each destination, here's a guide to the recommended minimum time for seeing the main sights in each location. Note that these timeframes don't include exploring the surrounding regions:
• Lisbon - 3 days
• Porto - 2 days
• Coimbra - 1.5 days
• Lagos - 1 day
• Faro - 1 day
• Sintra - 1 day (or 2 days to see all of the palaces)
• Tavira - 1 day
• Cascais - 1 day
• Braga - 1 day
• Guimares - 1 day
• Evora - 1 day
• Aveiro - half a day
• Nazare - half a day
• Óbidos - 3 hours

Remember, these are minimum suggestions. You might want to add extra time if you prefer a slower pace or want to delve deeper into local culture and attractions.

The Ponte Luís I in Porto

First-time visitors to Portugal often try to pack too much into their itineraries, rushing between destinations. This approach can lead to exhaustion and a less enjoyable experience.

When planning your trip, remember that travel time can significantly eat into your sightseeing hours. Avoid scheduling a full day of activities if a large portion will be spent in transit. Instead, use travel days as opportunities to relax or explore your immediate surroundings upon arrival.

If you're planning an intense tour, consider including a rest day or a more relaxing activity every fourth day to avoid burnout. This downtime allows you to recharge and fully appreciate each destination.

Lastly, allow for some spontaneity in your itinerary. Some of the best travel experiences in Portugal come from unexpected discoveries or recommendations from locals and fellow tourists.

Basing yourself in one of Portugal's major towns and taking day trips from there is often more convenient than constantly changing locations. This approach eliminates the need for frequent packing, searching for new accommodations, and traveling with heavy luggage.

Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, Faro, Tavira, and Coimbra all serve as excellent bases for exploring different regions of Portugal.

A weeklong holiday could be spent in Lisbon or Porto with the number of outstanding day trips that are easily accessible by public transport. You'll find suggested 1-week itineraries for both Lisbon and Porto later in this guide.

For those interested in the Algarve region, Lagos offers a great starting point to explore the western Algarve and enjoy a beach holiday. Faro, while lacking immediate beach access, is ideally situated for exploring the entire Algarve. Tavira, often considered the most charming town in the Algarve, provides the best access to the quieter eastern Algarve and its beaches.

Coimbra, the largest city in central Portugal, allows easy exploration of the schist villages but is often viewed as a stopover between Lisbon and Porto. For a more relaxed base in the central region, consider Tomar. With a car, you can easily visit Nazaré, Fátima, Óbidos, and Batalha from Tomar.

For a less touristy Portuguese experience, consider basing yourself in Trancoso, a small town in the northeastern Beira region. If you're after unspoiled coastlines, head to Vila Nova de Milfontes on the Alentejo coast, which offers access to pristine beaches and rugged coastlines.

The Praia do Almograve on the Alentejo coastline

Lisbon and Porto are both excellent tourist destinations, each offering a wealth of historic sights, dining options, and vibrant nightlife. Whichever you choose you will have a memorable time.

Lisbon and Porto offer distinct experiences, largely due to their size difference. As the capital, Lisbon is significantly larger, boasting a wider array of attractions, restaurants, and nightlife options.

This bustling atmosphere can be exciting for those who thrive in busy urban environments, but it may feel overwhelming to others. Porto, on the other hand, presents a more compact and manageable city experience.

The month of your visit should be a key factor in choosing between Lisbon and Porto. Porto experiences very wet winters (November to April) but offers more comfortable conditions during hot summers. Lisbon, on the other hand, can be extremely hot and crowded during peak season.

If you're planning a trip during the peak season (mid-July to August), Porto is the better choice. For winter travel, Lisbon generally offers more favourable weather.
Advice: If your holiday is in the winter, always have flexible plans

Rossio plaza in Lisbon

Many first-time visitors to Portugal feel compelled to visit the Algarve for its renowned beaches. However, you can find equally beautiful beaches near Lisbon and Porto, as well as along the western Atlantic coastline.

During the summer, the Algarve often becomes overcrowded, leading to inflated accommodation prices and sometimes lower standards of service.

Excellent beaches are easily accessible from both Lisbon and Porto via short train rides. Near Lisbon, you can visit Carcavelos, Costa da Caparica, and Santo Amaro. Porto offers easy access to Matosinhos, Miramar, and Granja beaches. These options allow you to add a beach component to your holiday without the need to travel to the Algarve.

Lagos is a popular destination in the Algarve, but consider alternatives on the Atlantic coastline like Ericeira, Cascais, Sesimbra, and Nazaré. These coastal towns offer similar atmospheres and stunning shorelines, often with fewer crowds and a more authentic Portuguese feel.

The glorious beach at Nazare

Three days are typically enough to explore Lisbon's main attractions, with the remaining four days ideal for day trips to fascinating nearby towns. From May to September, you might also want to spend a day at one of the region's beautiful beaches.

Here's a suggested one-week itinerary for your Lisbon holiday:
• Day 1 – Explore the historic Alfama, bustling Baixa, and lively Bairro Alto districts
• Day 2 – Discover Belém's monuments, Alcântara's trendy LX Factory, and Estrela's leafy parks
• Day 3 – Visit modern Parque das Nações, and in the afternoon visit Avenida da Liberdade, and Príncipe Real
• Day 4 – Day trip to Sintra's fairy-tale palaces
• Day 5 – Excursion to the charming coastal town of Cascais
• Day 6 – Visit medieval Óbidos or enjoy a beach day at Praia da Carcavelos
• Day 7 – Explore Setúbal's fish market and beaches or Sesimbra's picturesque coastline

To experience Lisbon's vibrant nightlife, plan a Friday or Saturday evening out in the Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré districts.

A week in Porto allows you to explore both the city and its surrounding region. This itinerary is based in Porto, with day trips to nearby attractions, all accessible by public transport.

• Day 1 – Discover Porto's historic centre, including Ribeira and Sé districts
• Day 2 – Explore Vila Nova de Gaia's port wine cellars and Porto's seaside Foz district
• Day 3 – Day trip to medieval Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal
• Day 4 – Visit Braga and the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary
• Day 5 – Beach day at Matosinhos or Miramar
• Day 6 – Excursion to the scenic Douro Valley for wine tasting and river cruises
• Day 7 – Explore Aveiro with its colourful canal boats and the pretty beach houses of Costa Nova

To make the most of a short visit to Portugal, focus on efficient planning and strategic choices:
• Stick to one region rather than trying to cover the entire country. Lisbon or Porto, with their surrounding areas, offer plenty to see in a few days.
• Use a major city as your base and take day trips. This eliminates time wasted on checking in and out of multiple accommodations.
• Prioritize your must-see sights and plan your days around them. Be realistic about how much you can see in a day.
• Take advantage of Portugal's efficient train network for inter-city travel. The journey from Lisbon to Porto takes just 2.5 hours.
• Consider skip-the-line tickets for popular attractions to avoid wasting time in queues, especially during the peak season.
• Plan your route in advance to minimize backtracking. Group sights that are close to each other on the same day.
• Don't overlook evening activities. Many of Portugal's cities come alive at night, offering a different perspective.
• Remember, it's better to see a few places well than to rush through many. Quality over quantity will make for a more enjoyable and memorable trip.