A 10 Day Portugal Itinerary For First Time Visitors

Last Updated on 13th August 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Portugal is a country of varied landscapes, from verdant mountainous terrain to sun-kissed limestone cliffs that are reflected by a dazzling turquoise sea. The cities are colourful and picturesque, characterised by the many artistic styles that have influenced them over the centuries, 

So, you’ve settled on the idea of visiting Portugal for the first time? Great news! Travelling around and exploring the Portuguese landscape can be extremely rewarding, a country rich with historical intrigue, beautiful architecture and a fascinating blend of cultures. Here’s your ultimate 10 day Portugal itinerary for first time visitors!

Please note: We have included several articles within this article that will give you further information to help with planning, travel tips, where to stay and step-by-step guides on how to spend each day.

Is 10 days enough time in Portugal?

Realistically 10 days is not enough to explore Portugal in its entirety, after all despite its appearance on a world map it’s a fairly large country and there’s so much to see.

However, if travelling here for the first time, it’s the perfect amount of time to get a taste for the country and some of the many landscapes that make up its beauty.

Travel tips for first time visitors to Portugal

As with any time you’re venturing into the unknown, it’s always helpful to have in mind the small things that will ease your travels. Read our guide: 10+ Handy Portugal Travel Tips For Your Next Visit here.

Suggested 10-day itinerary

Days 1-3 Porto

Thanks to Porto’s transportation links you’ll likely find you end up flying into this city. Therefore we suggest basing yourself here for the next two nights and taking a few day trips, as most of the city can be experienced within a day.

Day 1

As your introduction to Portugal, spend your first day getting the lay of the land and exploring what Porto has to offer. The city itself is fairly small which means it’s easy to explore by foot, however, there’s still plenty to see and do.

In our suggested one-day itinerary we’ll start by taking you to one of Porto’s most beloved sights, the Chapel of Souls, which has beautiful illustrated blue and white that decorate the interior. Then, a visit to Livraria Lello which is the oldest library of the country, filled with treasures.

You’ll also visit a famous viewpoint to see the city from its best angle, above! And, enjoy local delights along the way, like the iconic Pastel del Nata, a Portuguese custard tart treat. There’s so much history to soak up in Porto and luckily you can experience most of that within a day. Read our Perfect One Day in Porto Itinerary here.

Day 2 a Wine valley

You can’t come to Portugal without tasting some wine which is so intrinsic in the ‘Portuguese lifestyle’, after all, it is the very country from which Port originated. Although the Duoro Valley is considered to be the most famous of Portugal’s wine regions, we recommend visiting the Vinho Verde Wine Region for a hidden gem of a winery as well as beautiful gardens, Quinta da Aveleda.

This 17th-century estate makes for the perfect day trip from Porto and is best reached by car as public transport to the area is pretty limited. Immersed in a landscape surrounded by swathes of vineyards, it’s the perfect opportunity to learn, taste and experience the delicious liquid that is so vital to Portugal’s heritage. Read our guide: How to Visit Quinta da Aveleda as a day trip here.

Day 3 Amarante

Spend your third day exploring a unique Portuguese town that is famed for its rich blend of Renaissance, Medieval, and Romanesque architecture. It’s possible to drive or take public transport from Porto, both of which take around 1 hour.

Amarante is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and boasts beautiful vistas and several historical landmarks to see.

The settlement itself has been inhabited since at least the 4th century BCE, so wandering around this special town feels as though stepping back in time. Read our guide, Best Things To Do In Amarante, for more inspiration!

Days 4 -6 Lisbon

Lisbon is the largest and capital city of Portugal, a hilly haven of historical intrigue and pastel-coloured houses that paint the landscape. You’ll want to base yourself in Lisbon and spend two full days exploring here, then take one day trip to the charming resort town of Sintra, that’s tucked away in Portugal’s mountainous landscape.

Day 4 & 5

Your two days in Lisbon will be spent enjoying what the city has to offer through exploring its historical landmarks, soaking up some (of the many) stunning viewpoints and indulging in local cuisine.

In our itinerary, we’ll recommend markets to visit, beautiful churches, a cooking class and suggestions of where to stay. Read our 2 Days in Lisbon Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal guide here.

Day 6 Sintra

A haven for those who love art, architecture, and history lies just 30 km to the west of Lisbon (and it’s easily reached by train!). A colourful town of fairytale-like façades that are nestled within the verdant green hills, it’s earned status as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its sheer beauty and romantic architecture alone.

Sintra is filled with mansions, palaces and castles and you’ll spend the day exploring these grand residences, not quite believing them to be real. Read our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Sintra (+ One Day Sample Itinerary) to learn more about the magical town.

Days 7-9 Algarve

For the next few days you’ll be enjoying the beautiful and sweeping landscape of the Algarve, exploring the traditional towns, natural landscape and enjoy time at the beach! Opt to base yourself in Lagos for your time in the Algarve as it’s perfectly located to easily reach other villages.

Day 7 Lagos

Spend your first day in the Algarve by exploring a quintessentially Portuguese seaside resort. Lagos is a cosy town with a smattering of eateries, a laid-back beach vibe and some beautiful historical sights.

In the heart of town, there’s a 17th-century fortress built to protect the region from marauding pirates which has since been transformed into a museum where visitors can learn about Portugal’s maritime history.

There are also several different museums to explore in Lagos, each focusing on entirely different topics, from local history to a sobering insight into the role the city played in the slave trade and a science centre.

One of the most iconic things to visit that lie on the fringes of Lagos is the Ponta da Piedad , sun-kissed limestone cliffs whose name translates into English as Point of Mercy. Read our Guide to the Best Things to do in Lagos, The Algarve for more inspiration!

Day 8 Sagres

Spend your second day in the charming town of Sagres, a town on the most westerly tip of the Algarve, and indeed, all of mainland Europe. However, one of the most important things to note about Sagres is that it is incredibly spread out – there’s no quaint old town to explore, and instead many of the top sights are spread far and wide.

The most iconic spot to visit is The Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente, which was constructed on the former ruins of a Franciscan monastery. There’s also the fascinating historic fort that dates back to the 15th century and is situated on the jagged cliff face. Read our guide on the Best Things to do in Sagres for more information!

Day 9 Tavira

For your final day in the Algarve head to Tavira, a tiny settlement nestled between the foothills of the Caldeirão Mountains and the Algarve coastline. A little more off the beaten path, Tavira is known for its incredible beauty (and is often considered one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve).

You don’t need long to see all of the town as it’s easily explored within an afternoon; however, we encourage you to take your time soaking up the rich cultural and religious heritage of the town.

One of the best things to do when visiting is to simply wander beside the gently flowing Gilão River that blesses the town with a postcard-perfect view. Read our guide on the Best Things to do in Tavira here.

Day 10 Porto or Lisbon

End your adventures back in either Porto or Lisbon, wherever your flight home is from. It entirely depends on your preference for the city, I would personally opt for Lisbon as there’s likely even more to be seen than could be covered in the two days. However, if you wish to end your travels on a quieter note, Porto might be better suited.

Read our Perfect One Day in Lisbon Itinerary for your final day exploring Portugal!

Getting around

Getting around Portugal is fairly easy and most parts are well served by public transport. Comboios De Portugal (CP) is the main railway company that operates passenger trains in Portugal and by train is ultimately the best (and most affordable) way to explore the country.

However, for this itinerary, when it comes to the Algarve and some of the day trips suggested, you might want to consider renting a car as it allows for more autonomy and you don’t have to rely on time limitations.

In Portugal, they drive on the right-hand side of the road, and it’s worth noting that it can be difficult to navigate around the more remote areas if your car is too big as the roads can get very narrow and winding.

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