Two weeks in Portugal: our complete itinerary and tips

Ahh, Portugal — one of the most delightful countries to visit in Europe. It has that charming European atmosphere, yet it feels incredibly welcoming. It’s easy to get to, easy to communicate in, easy to love — and resisting the temptation to stay and start a new life in Lusitania is no small feat.

Portugal is one of the countries I’ve visited most in Europe — by my rough calculations, only Italy and the United Kingdom outrank it. And with each visit, I find myself even more enchanted. The food is amazing, the weather is fantastic, and the people welcoming; it's a land rich in history, art and amazing landscapes.

On one of my trips to the country, we set off on a two-week road trip with the goal of experiencing the best Portugal has to offer. We traveled from north to south, east to west, making the most of the country’s compact size to immerse ourselves in its rich culture. After that, we continued into Spain, spending another ten days exploring Andalucía.

The itinerary was perfect , and it could easily be expanded to include lesser-visited but truly amazing regions of Portugal, such as the Azores.

---

---

.

Itinerary overview – Two weeks in Portugal

This Portugal itinerary was carefully crafted based on extensive research and insights from previous travels across the country. Tried and tested firsthand, it’s a plan you can rely on!

In just two weeks, we discovered the very best of Portugal — from the lively streets of Lisbon and Porto to picturesque villages, from stunning vineyards to breathtaking beaches, from unforgettable cuisine to remarkable archaeological sites. In short, this is a beautiful country worth visiting as many times as you can.

.

.

Our two-week Portugal itinerary:

1️⃣ to 5️⃣ Lisbon, with a day trip to Sintra and another to Évora

6️⃣ drive to Coimbra, with a stop in Óbidos

7️⃣ drive to Porto, with a stop in Aveiro

8️⃣ Porto

9️⃣ drive to Alentejo, with a stop in Castelo de Vide

🔟 Alentejo (wineries)

1️⃣1️⃣ drive to the Algarve – we stayed in Carrapateira

1️⃣2️⃣ Algarve

1️⃣3️⃣ Algarve

1️⃣4️⃣ Algarve and then onward to Spain

.

This itinerary follows a strategy I often use for longer trips — like in Southeast Asia or Guatemala & Belize: we started at a faster pace, exploring cities, art, and culture, and then slowed down at the end to enjoy some well-deserved wineries and beach days.

The best thing about planning yourself a trip? It’s yours to personalize however you like! If you prefer urban tourism over beach time, consider spending an extra night in Porto (if you enjoy larger cities) or in Évora (if you’d rather experience a smaller, historic town), reducing one beach day in the Algarve.

Not a wine lover? No problem! You can easily reallocate the two winery days. I’d suggest adding an extra day in Porto and another in Coimbra or Évora — or simply spending more time on the Algarve’s stunning beaches.

.

.

Where to stay in Portugal

Finding good, reasonably priced accommodation (by Western European standards) isn’t difficult in Portugal.

However, it’s important to choose your lodging carefully, especially in big cities. As in any destination, some areas are better than others, and cheaper accommodation can sometimes come with hidden drawbacks — those little surprises you only notice when you arrive, when it’s usually too late to change plans.

One key factor to watch out for is stairs. Many accommodations are in historic buildings — which adds to their charm — but these buildings rarely have elevators. Before booking, check the description carefully to see which floor the accommodation is on and whether there’s an elevator. Reading reviews and even contacting the property in advance can help you avoid unexpected issues — like the one we had in Porto.

Below, I’ve listed the places we stayed during our road trip , along with some other options I considered while planning.

This two-week itinerary in Portugal was done with kids, traveling as two families—eight people in total (four adults and four children, aged 8 to 4). We prioritized apartments and hotels with family rooms, always aiming for comfort at the best possible value.

.

.

Where to stay in Lisbon

We spent five nights in Lisbon in a very comfortable apartment in Alfama, housed in a historic building with a lovely view of Largo São Rafael. However, keep in mind that this street — like many others in the area—is not accessible by car. This can be tricky if you haven't followed my advice on traveling with only a carry-on. Jokes aside, while cars can’t reach the doorstep, they can drop you off nearby — but be prepared for an uphill walk. When booking, I recommend contacting the host to get the exact address to enter in Uber to avoid any confusion. Also, note that the apartment is on the second floor with no elevator.

On a previous trip to Lisbon (without kids in tow), I stayed at Hotel Santa Justa, in the Baixa/Chiado area — an excellent location with easy access to public transportation. Other great options in the same area include Eurostar Lisbon Downtown and Lisbon Prata Boutique Hotel, both offering good value for money.

For a budget-friendly option, check out Lisbon Central Hostel.

How about taking a moment to find the perfect place to stay in Lisbon?

.

.

Where to stay in Coimbra

In Coimbra, we once again opted for an apartment, staying at Casa da Carqueja, which is perfectly located between the University of Coimbra and Sé Velha Church, offering a stunning view of the Mondego River. The sunset on the day we stayed there was one of the most beautiful of the trip. However, keep in mind that there are a couple of flights of stairs to climb, meaning this is yet another building without an elevator.

For those who prefer hotel accommodations, I recommend Vila Gale Coimbra. I’ve stayed at a hotel from this chain before, in São Miguel (Azores), and had a great experience — this one in Coimbra looks just as excellent. Another option I considered was the Sapientia Boutique Hotel, located right next to the University, with modern, clean-chic decor.

For a more budget-friendly stay, Hotel Vitória is a highly rated option in a great location.

.

.

Where to stay in Porto

Porto, the Portuguese city that stole my heart! During this two-week road trip through Portugal, I visited Porto for the first time , but later, I had the chance to return to visit dear friends who moved there and are absolutely loving it.

On the trip with the kids, we stayed in an apartment in the city center, in a fantastic location between Palácio da Bolsa and São Bento Station, close to Rua das Flores. The apartment itself was great — a duplex on the top floor of a historic building, very comfortable and well-equipped. But there was one major issue: five flights of stairs. Now, imagine a hassle and multiply it by five! Even when traveling light, no one deserves to haul suitcases and backpacks up and down five floors — let alone carry both your child’s suitcase and, occasionally, the child themselves. The same company that manages this apartment apparently has others in the same building, so if you don’t need that much space, you can book one on a lower floor.

As an alternative, Rio da Vila, just down the street, looks beautiful and cozy — and it has an elevator!

For those who prefer hotels, some comfortable, well-located, and highly recommended options include Ribeira Douro Hotel and Se Cathedral Hotel Porto. Near Bolhão Market (which I definitely recommend visiting!), The B Guesthouse Downtown seems like a great value-for-money option.

When I returned to Porto — this time without kids — I stayed at Portus Cale Hotel. While it’s an excellent hotel at a great price, it’s not the best area for tourists, as you’ll need to take public transport, Uber, or walk quite a bit to reach the main attractions.

.

.

Where to stay in Alentejo

This was the ultimate luxury of the trip! You know that moment when you combine "I deserve this" with "you only live once"?

Well, that’s how we ended up spending two nights at the incredible, sensational, absolutely spectacular Torre de Palma Wine Hotel.. And let me tell you — it was worth every single cent. Honestly, I think it might be the most luxurious hotel I’ve ever stayed in (#frugallife).

Nestled in the heart of Alentejo, in Monforte, this historic property is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, making our two-night stay at Torre de Palma feel like a vacation within a vacation. The décor blends Portuguese charm with a timeless rustic-chic vibe, the food is divine, and the wines? Simply unforgettable. The stay includes a winery tour and bicycles to explore the region.

Since staying there, I’ve recommended this hotel to two close friends, and both loved it. If it fits your budget, go for it — you won’t regret it!

.

.

Where to stay in the Algarve

The Algarve, in the far south of Portugal, is famous for its Mediterranean beaches and golf resorts, often filled with English and German tourists. If resorts are your thing, you’ll find no shortage of options. But if you know us, you know we avoid resorts like the devil avoids the cross — so, nope, not for us! Let’s look at other options.

We stayed in Carrapateira, on the Atlantic coast of the Algarve, in Casa do Miradouro. The house was a bit old but perfectly fine. Looking back, though, the Carrapateira Guest House seems like it might have been a better choice.

Carrapateira Beach has a long stretch of sand, framed by dunes and rock formations. Right next door is Amado Beach, where we enjoyed a breathtaking sunset one evening. Both beaches are beautiful, but they’re not the Algarve you see in postcards.

That classic Algarve — the one with dramatic cliffs and Instagrammable rock formations—is on the Mediterranean coast , home to towns like Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira, and Tavira. But don’t be fooled: this area is heavily urbanized and always packed with tourists . I didn’t even bother researching accommodations there, so unfortunately, I have no recommendations.

.

.

What is it like to drive in Portugal?

Over two weeks and 1.700 km on the road , we had an incredibly smooth experience — excellent roads, safe driving conditions, civilized drivers, and barely any traffic. No police stops, no stress — just a perfect road trip.

We relied on Google Maps for all our routes. Even with an eSIM, I highly recommend downloading the maps offline, just in case your phone signal drops at the worst possible moment (because, let’s be honest, that always happens when you need it most!).

.

.

What to do in Portugal – Highlights of each stop

Here’s a quick overview of what we did during our trip (plus a few things we would have liked to do but didn’t manage to fit in). This should give you a solid idea of what to expect and help you plan an unforgettable trip to Portugal.

.

What to do in Lisbon

Lisbon is one of those cities you can visit over and over without ever getting bored. I’ve been four times, and if I get the chance to go again, I wouldn’t hesitate for a second!

For a first visit, this is our selection of the must-see spots. We covered them in three days, so feel free to use this as a base and customize your Lisbon itinerary to match your interests.

.

.

Day 1 – Alfama, Castelo and Viewpoints, Praça do Comércio, Baixa and Chiado:

• Stroll through the streets of Alfama
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia (Santa Luzia Viewpoint)
• Miradouro do Recolhimento (Recolhimento Viewpoint)
• Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle)
• Miradouro da Graça (Graça Viewpoint)
• Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral)
• ride Tram 28
• Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square)
• Cais do Sodré
• Mercado da Ribeira (Ribeira Market)
• Explore the streets of Baixa & Chiado
• Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift)

.

Most of these sights can be covered on a walking tour with a local guide. We didn’t do one in Lisbon, but on other trips, I joined these types of tours and they’re usually fantastic, not long ( 2 - 3 hours), packed with historical and cultural insights, and a great way to get your bearings before exploring on your own.

.

Day 2: Museu Nacional do Azulejo and Nações Park

• Museu Nacional do Azulejo (National Tile Museum)
• Lisbon Oceanarium (highly recommended if you have kids or if marine life is something you love!)
• Parque das Nações
• Head back to your accommodation and take some time to explore the surrounding neighborhoods, whether it’s Alfama, Baixa, or Chiado.
• Parque Eduardo VII (Eduardo VII Park)

.

Day 3: Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery

• Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
• Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
• Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery)
• MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology (We only saw it from the outside)
• Fábrica do Pastel de Nata de Belém (for the famous custard tarts!)

.

It’s also worth stopping by LX Factory, a laid-back space with shops, restaurants, and bars. Nearby, you’ll find Jardim da Estrela (Estrela Garden) and Basílica da Estrela (Estrela Church) — we visited in the late afternoon after returning from Sintra.

.

.

What to do in Sintra

We visited Sintra on a day trip from Lisbon, as t’s very close and easy to reach. However, be warned: the road leading to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira is narrow, winding, and always packed with cars. Patience is key — this was the most traffic we encountered on our entire trip.

Another thing to keep in mind: Sintra is colder than Lisbon, especially at Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira. When we visited in July, we didn’t even think about bringing a jacket — we all wore shorts, Tshirts and tank tops. Big mistake. We ended up heading back to Lisbon earlier than planned because we were freezing, the kids started sneezing, and the last thing you want while traveling is a sick child.

Main attractions in Sintra:

• Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace) – Always crowded, so buying tickets in advance is a must!
• Quinta da Regaleira – you can skip the line by purchasing tickets beforehand.
• Palácio Nacional de Sintra (Sintra National Palace)
• Park and Palace of Monserrate – We didn’t visit, but you can tickets here
• Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle) – We didn’t go, but you can buy skip-the-line tickets in advance

.

I think it’s pretty tough to see all of this in just one day. I’ve been to Sintra three times, and the most I’ve ever managed was two attractions in a single day. If you have plenty of energy and get lucky with the crowds (definitely buy tickets in advance!), you might be able to squeeze in three.

.

.

What to do in Évora

We visited Évora on a day trip from Lisbon and honestly, it was a bit of a struggle, mainly because of the scorching heat that day. But despite that, it was absolutely worth it.

If you have time and want to experience the city at a more relaxed pace, spending the night in Évora is a great option — that’s what I did when I backpacked through Portugal in the '90s. I’d recommend Evora Olive Hotel or Pousada Convento de Evora, both of which are centrally located in the historic district.

Évora is surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls, and one of the best spots to explore them is near the  Agua de Prata Aqueduct  . Built in 1537, this aqueduct still supplies water to the city from springs 18 km away, in the region of Graça do Divor.

Évora is a city best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, wandering through its charming streets. Joining a walking tour can make the visit even more interesting, giving you insights into its history and culture. Some must-see highlights include:

• Temple of Diana (Roman Temple of Évora)
• Chapel of Bones and Church of Saint Francis
• Évora Aqueduct
• Giraldo Square
• Jardim Público e as Ruínas Fingidas (Public Gardens and the Fingidas Ruins)
• Cromeleque dos Almendres (a prehistoric megalithic site from the XNUMXth century BC)

.

What to do in Óbidos

Óbidos is a charming medieval town, the kind that feels straight out of a fairy tale. The best way to experience it is simply to wander through its narrow streets — perhaps even join a guided tour to learn about local history and legends. Stop for a coffee, an ice cream, a glass of wine, or a pastel de nata, and enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a place to slow down and escape the pressures of modern life — that is, if you’re lucky enough to visit when it’s not packed with tourists. Even when crowded, though, the town is stunning and well worth the visit.

I highly recommend walking up to the viewpoint near Óbidos Castle and exploring a section of the medieval walls for panoramic views.

It’s possible to visit Óbidos as part of a day-tour from Lisbon , often combined with a visit to Fátima and Nazaré, but I think, honestly, trying to fit three destinations into one day feels unnecessarily rushed.

.

.

What to do in Coimbra

Coimbra is a city deeply intertwined with its historic university, one of the oldest in the world. Founded on March 1 , 1290, by King D. Dinis I, the University of Coimbra has been in continuous operation ever since and today has over 25,000 students. One of its highlights is the stunning Biblioteca Joanina, an extraordinary Baroque library considered one of the most spectacular in Europe. Don’t skip the interior tour, even if the lines are long — it’s absolutely worth it.

Beyond the university, other must-visit spots in Coimbra include:

• Monastery of Santa Cruz
• A stroll along the banks of the Mondego River
• Exploring the alleys and stairways of the historic center
• Botanical Garden (we didn’t visit)
• Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park featuring miniature replicas of Portugal’s most famous monuments (we didn’t go)

.

.

What to do in Aveiro

On our way from Coimbra to Porto, we made a quick stop in Aveiro to stretch our legs and grab lunch. The city, crisscrossed by canals, has a charming and relaxed atmosphere, making for a lovely visit. Be sure to check out Praça Humberto Delgado, the Fish Market and Museu Arte Nova (formerly Casa Major Pessoa), as well as a boat trip through the canals.

.

.

What to do in Porto

Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, packed with attractions to keep even the most demanding travelers entertained for days. During our two-week itinerary through Portugal, we only spent one full day in Porto, which I found too little time to truly appreciate the city. If possible, I highly recommend spending at least two full days in Porto.

Here are some of the main activities to do in Porto (of course, the city offers much more, depending on your specific interests):

• The iconic tiles of São Bento Station
• Igreja da Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)
• Wandering through the narrow streets of Ribeira (behind the Cathedral)
• Rua das Flores
• Cais da Ribeira
• Palácio da Bolsa (former Stock Exchange Palace)
• Igreja de São Francisco do Porto (Church of Saint Francis)
• Walking across the D. Luís Bridge (sunset here is spectacular!)
• Vila Nova de Gaia – stroll along the Douro River for an incredible view of Porto
• Visit a wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia (check visiting hours and whether booking is required)
• Boat tour on the Douro River (we didn’t do it, but it’s a popular activity!)
• Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square)
• Torre e Igreja dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower and Church)
• Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore - book tickets in advance online!)
• Igreja do Carmo e Igreja das Carmelitas (Carmo and Carmelitas Churches)
• Bolhão Market
• Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) on Rua de Santa Catarina
• Palácio de Cristal Gardens
• Parque das Virtudes (also great for sunset)
• Matosinhos Beach (we didn't go)

.

Clearly, it’s impossible to visit all of these in just one day. I managed to see and revisit these places over three different trips to Porto. If you’re short on time, a hop-on-hop-off bus can be a great way to explore the city efficiently.

On another trip to Porto (on my way back from the Azores), I joined a walking tour with Rita, from O Porto Encanta, a Brazilian who has lived in Porto for years and has incredible knowledge about the city, its art, and history. The tour was fantastic, and I highly recommend it!

.

.

What to do in the Algarve

For me, the Algarve is synonymous with stunning beaches and breathtaking rock formations. But before you start dreaming of those postcard-perfect clifftop views, let me warn you — there’s a price to pay. And I’m not just talking about the inflated euro prices (which, depending on where you go, can rival those in London!).

To get those clifftop views that fill the imagination of 11 out of 10 people when they think of the Algarve, be prepared for crowds — especially in summer, when every inch of sand is taken by northern Europeans eager for sunshine.

We stayed in Praia da Carrapateira, on the Atlantic coast, which was much quieter in terms of crowds. Our beach of choice was Praia da Bordeira (also called Praia da Carrapateira). It has a long stretch of sand forming dunes, which the kids loved, and freezing cold water, which helps keep the crowds away.

We also visited Praia do Amado, which was a bit busier but still pleasant. Another good option on the Atlantic coast is Praia da Arrifana.

.

.

The iconic Algarve cliffs are located on the Mediterranean coast, and that’s where things get crowded. We spent one day in this region, near Portimão.

We were recommended to do the Sete Vales Suspensos Trail, a 6 km coastal hike passing by several beaches, with breathtaking views and plenty of spots to stop along the way. The trail is mostly on wooden walkways, and although it’s long and completely exposed to the sun, there are exit points, so you can walk as much as you like. One of the highlights is Benagil Beach, home to the famous Benagil Cave, which you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.

Other beaches recommended to us included Praia da Galé, a large beach with good facilities and easy access; Falesia Beach , also quite extensive and well-equipped, accessed via stairs and wooden walkways; Praia do Camilo; Praia dos Tomates; Praia do Carvoeiro; and Ponta da Piedade.

Despite the temptation to visit all these incredible places, we decided to spend our last day in Portugal relaxing. We enjoyed the peaceful beaches near our accommodation in Carrapateira, knowing that the next day our journey would continue toward southern Spain.

.

.

And the journey continued through Spain

We returned the rental car in Faro, where we took a bus to Seville. There, we rented another car for the Spanish portion of our Iberian road trip.

At the time, I looked for a rental company that would allow me to pick up the car in Lisbon (where our inbound flight arrived) and return it in Seville (where our return flight departed), but I couldn't find any options. The solution was to rent one car in Portugal — picked up in Lisbon and returned in Faro — and another in Spain, rented and returned in Seville.

To learn more about our ten-day trip through Spain, which included stops in Ronda, Granada, Córdoba, and Seville, check out our complete itinerary for southern Spain, or click on each city for specific posts about them.

.

Detailed map of our Portugal road trip itinerary

Our two-week 1.700 km journey through Portugal is detailed on the map below — just click and save it to your Google account. That way, when you plan your next trip to Portugal, you’ll already have a great starting point!😉

In this post, I explain how I use Google MyMaps to plan my trips. It’s a fantastic tool for saving places, calculating routes and distances, and organizing your trip overall. I highly recommend it!

.

.

How to use this map: Click the tab in the upper left corner of the map to access various layers, including points of interest and routes. You can choose which layers to view by selecting the corresponding checkboxes. For additional details about specific points of interest, click the icons on the map.

To save this map to your Google Maps account, just click the star icon next to the map title. To access it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, tap the menu button, go to “My Places”, select “Maps” and you will find this map listed among your saved maps.

.

.

.

Stay Connected!

Got comments or questions? Feel free to leave a comment here or connect with me on social media—I love chatting about travel 😉.

Before you go, don’t forget to SAVE THIS PIN to your PINTEREST account for easy access to this post on the complete two-week itinerary in Portugal — you’ll have it handy whenever you need it!

.