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Planning your first trip to Portugal? You’re in for something special.
This itinerary is based on what I’d recommend to friends visiting for the first time—people who want to see a little bit of everything: city life, coastlines, wine, history, and tiles, of course. It’s not rushed, but it’s full. You’ll get a taste of the north, the south, and a few stops in between.
And because I live here, I’ve woven in a few local tips that might save you time, money, or a little frustration.
Day 1–2: Lisbon
Start in the capital—it’s where most international flights land, and there’s no better intro to Portugal’s charm.
Things to do:
- Ride tram 28 through Alfama
- Visit the Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Tower
- Have pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém (yes, they’re worth the hype)
- Catch sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Local Tip: Lisbon is hilly. Seriously. Pack good shoes.
🔗 Need help choosing? Check my Portugal summer packing list
Optional extras: Take a tuk-tuk tour, or book a local food experience (especially if you’re short on time).
Day 3: Sintra (Day Trip)
One day here is enough to see the highlights—think fairytale palaces and misty forests.
Must-see spots:
- Pena Palace
- Quinta da Regaleira (don’t skip the Initiation Well)
- Grab lunch in the historic center
Local Tip: Trains from Lisbon are easy and cheap. Go early to beat the crowds.
Day 4–5: Porto
Take a train up to Portugal’s second city. It’s a few hours, but scenic—and a nice pause in your itinerary.
What to do:
- Walk across Dom Luís I Bridge
- Taste Port wine in Gaia (you can do a full tasting tour)
- Stroll the Ribeira at sunset
- Visit Livraria Lello (Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you)
Local Tip: Porto is cheaper and a bit cooler in summer than Lisbon. Still sunny, still gorgeous.
🔗 Want to avoid ATM fees while traveling? I use Wise to pay and pull cash here and across Europe.
Day 6–7: The Algarve
Yes, it’s touristy. But there’s a reason: it’s beautiful.
Fly or drive to Faro and base yourself in Lagos or Albufeira for a relaxed end to your trip.
Top experiences:
- Take a boat tour to Benagil Cave
- Visit Praia da Marinha
- Watch the sunset from Ponta da Piedade
Local Tip: Avoid big beach towels—bring a quick-dry travel towel. Also, sunscreen here is expensive—bring your own.
🔗 I recommend this lightweight travel towel and more in my accessories post.
💡 Bonus Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Travel Insurance? Yes. Portugal is safe, but things happen. I use SafetyWing—affordable, flexible, and easy to book even after your trip starts.
- VPN? If you’re on public Wi-Fi, I use this VPN just for peace of mind.
- Packing Help? I wrote a full Portugal summer packing list here that covers exactly what you need (and what you can leave at home).
Final Thoughts
Portugal is easy to love—and easy to explore, even in a week. You’ll leave wanting more (everyone does), but this itinerary hits the highlights, skips the stress, and gives you space to enjoy each city.
If you’re planning your trip and have questions, feel free to ask. I’m happy to share more local advice anytime.
And if you found this helpful, pin it or share it with your travel buddy—it might just help them avoid packing a second pair of flip-flops they’ll never wear.