10 Days in Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve Itinerary
The perfect 10-day Portugal itinerary covering Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Douro Valley, and the stunning Algarve coast.
Overview
Portugal packs an incredible amount of variety into a small country. This 10-day itinerary covers the highlights: Lisbon's tile-covered streets, Sintra's fairy-tale palaces, Porto's port wine cellars, the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards, and the Algarve's dramatic coastline. Total budget: approximately $1,800 per person (mid-range, excluding flights).
Days 1-3: Lisbon
Day 1: Arrive and settle in. Walk the Alfama neighborhood, stopping at Miradouro da Graça for sunset views. Dinner at a tasca in Mouraria.
Day 2: Belém in the morning (Jerónimos Monastery, pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém). Afternoon in Bairro Alto — browse vintage shops, visit the Bertrand bookstore (world's oldest). Evening in LX Factory.
Day 3: Day trip to Sintra. Visit Pena Palace and walk to the Moorish Castle. Return via Cascais for a seaside dinner.
Where to stay: Alfama or Graça neighborhood, €60-100/night for a quality guesthouse.
Days 4-6: Porto
Day 4: Take the morning train to Porto (3 hours, €25). Walk the Ribeira waterfront, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, and visit a port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia (Taylor's or Graham's).
Day 5: Livraria Lello, Clérigos Tower, and the São Bento train station tiles. Lunch at a francesinha spot (Porto's iconic sandwich). Afternoon in the Bolhão Market.
Day 6: Day trip to the Douro Valley. Book a river cruise with wine tasting ($50-80) or rent a car and visit quintas independently.
Where to stay: Ribeira or Cedofeita, €50-90/night.
Days 7-10: The Algarve
Day 7: Fly or take the train to Faro (1.5 hours by air, 5 hours by train). Explore Lagos — the most charming Algarve town.
Day 8: Boat trip to Benagil Cave and the grottoes. Book the early morning tour to beat crowds. Afternoon at Praia de Dona Ana.
Day 9: Drive or bus to Sagres — the southwestern tip of Europe. Visit Cape St. Vincent lighthouse, surf lesson if you're feeling brave.
Day 10: Last beach morning, then depart from Faro airport.
Where to stay: Lagos, €60-120/night for a boutique guesthouse.
Budget Summary
- Accommodation (9 nights): $600-900
- Food: $350-500
- Transport (trains, Douro cruise): $200-300
- Activities and entrance fees: $150-250
- Total: $1,300-1,950