Portugal, a land of sun-kissed beaches, historic landmarks, and delectable cuisine, is a must-visit destination for travelers. With a rich blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, this 10-day itinerary will guide you through the highlights of Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley, Algarve, and Coimbra or Évora. This blog provides all the details you need to plan your perfect Portuguese adventure, including must-see attractions, tickets, dining tips, and more.
Day 1-3: Lisbon – The Capital’s Charms
Must-See Attractions
Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
- Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Lisbon’s iconic riverside fortress guarding the Tagus River.
- History: Built between 1514–1519 during Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. It served as a ceremonial gateway and defense post.
- Google Maps: Belém Tower
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Oct–Apr), until 6:30 PM (May–Sept)
- Closed Mondays & some public holidays
- ️ Tickets:
- Adults: €6
- Free with Lisboa Card
- Book here: e-cultura.pt
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Arrive early to avoid long queues.
- Great photo spot at sunset with the 25 de Abril Bridge in view.
- Combine with a visit to Jerónimos Monastery nearby.
⛪ Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
- Description: A magnificent Manueline-style monastery and resting place of Vasco da Gama.
- History: Commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501 to commemorate the great voyages and the explorer’s safe return from India.
- Google Maps: Jerónimos Monastery
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Oct–Apr), until 6:30 PM (May–Sept)
- Closed Mondays & major holidays
- ️ Tickets:
- Adults: €10
- Combo with Belém Tower: €12
- Free with Lisboa Card
- Book here: patrimoniocultural.gov.pt
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Don’t miss the stunning cloisters and church nave.
- Lines can get long — book online or visit in the morning.
- Pasteis de Belém bakery is just around the corner!
️ Alfama District
- Description: Lisbon’s oldest district — a maze of narrow alleys, pastel-colored houses, Fado music bars, and dramatic viewpoints.
- History: Predating the 12th-century Portuguese Reconquista, it was originally settled by the Moors and survived the 1755 earthquake largely intact.
- Google Maps: Alfama
- ️ Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (outdoor district)
- ️ Tickets: Free to explore; some attractions like São Jorge Castle charge entry
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Hop on Tram 28 for a scenic ride through Alfama.
- Visit viewpoints (miradouros) like Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol.
- Experience authentic Fado music in a local tavern.
Day Trip to Sintra
Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)
- Description: A colorful, eclectic palace perched on a hilltop, blending Gothic, Moorish, and Manueline styles — the crown jewel of Sintra.
- History: Commissioned in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II on the ruins of a former monastery. It’s a Romanticist masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Google Maps: Pena Palace
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Palace: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry: 5:45 PM)
- Park: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- ️ Tickets:
- Palace + Park: €14 (adult) / €12.50 (youth/senior)
- Park only: €7.50
- Book here: parquesdesintra.pt
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Arrive early or late to avoid huge crowds.
- Free shuttle available from main entrance to palace gate (steep uphill).
- Wear comfortable shoes — there’s a lot of walking!
Quinta da Regaleira
- Description: A mystical estate filled with lush gardens, secret tunnels, Gothic architecture, and the famous spiral Initiation Well.
- History: Built in the early 20th century for millionaire António Carvalho Monteiro, designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini with heavy symbolism tied to alchemy and Freemasonry.
- Google Maps: Quinta da Regaleira
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry 5:30 PM)
- ️ Tickets:
- Adults: €11
- Students/Seniors: €6
- Children (6–17): €5
- Book here: regaleira.pt
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Don’t miss the Initiation Well and underground passages.
- The estate is large — allow at least 2 hours.
- Great spot for photography and exploration.
Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)
- Description: A medieval hilltop fortress with panoramic views of Sintra, the Atlantic coast, and Pena Palace.
- History: Built by the Moors in the 8th–9th centuries, captured by Christian forces in the 12th century, and restored in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II.
- Google Maps: Moorish Castle
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Daily: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
- ️ Tickets:
- Adults: €8
- Youth/Senior: €6.50
- Book here: parquesdesintra.pt
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Involves a lot of stairs and steep walking — wear good shoes.
- Best visited early in the day or combined with Pena Palace.
- Incredible photo ops from the battlements.
️ National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
- Description: A well-preserved royal residence in the town center, recognizable by its twin conical chimneys and richly tiled interiors.
- History: Used by Portuguese royalty from the Middle Ages until the 19th century; combines Gothic, Manueline, and Moorish influences.
- Google Maps: National Palace of Sintra
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Daily: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
- ️ Tickets:
- Adults: €10
- Youth/Senior: €8.50
- Book here: parquesdesintra.pt
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Great introduction to Sintra’s royal past.
- Located right in town — no hiking required.
- Combine with a walk through the historic center.
Dining Recommendations
Time Out Market: A culinary hotspot for Portuguese dishes.
Cervejaria Ramiro: Famous for fresh seafood.
Day 4-5: Porto – Wine and Wonder
Must-See Attractions
Ribeira District (Cais da Ribeira)
- Description: A lively UNESCO-listed neighborhood along the Douro River, known for its colorful buildings, riverside cafés, and street performers.
- History: Once a bustling medieval merchant area, Ribeira has preserved its historic layout and traditional atmosphere.
- Google Maps: Ribeira
- ️ Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (public district)
- ️ Tickets: Free to explore
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Walk across Dom Luís I Bridge for sunset views.
- Try local dishes like francesinha or grilled sardines.
- Take a river cruise from the dockside (more on that below).
Livraria Lello
- Description: Often listed among the world’s most beautiful bookstores, with neo-Gothic architecture, stained glass ceilings, and a dreamy spiral staircase.
- History: Opened in 1906, this bookstore inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision of Hogwarts while she lived in Porto.
- Google Maps: Livraria Lello
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Daily: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- ️ Tickets:
- Entry Voucher: €5 (deductible with book purchase)
- Priority entry available for €15
- Book here: livrarialello.pt
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Buy timed tickets online — lines can be long.
- Photography is allowed (no flash).
- Arrive at opening for the best experience.
Port Wine Cellars (Vila Nova de Gaia)
- Description: Historic wine lodges offering tours and tastings of Porto’s signature fortified wine — located across the river from Ribeira in Vila Nova de Gaia.
- History: Since the 18th century, port wine has been aged and exported from these cellars. Many famous brands — Taylor’s, Sandeman, Graham’s — still operate here.
- Google Maps: Port Wine Cellars
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Daily: ~10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by cellar)
- ️ Tickets:
- Tasting tours: €12–€25 per person
- Many include cellar tour, port tasting, and chocolate pairing
- Book via: VisitPorto or each brand’s website
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Book guided tours in advance — English options available.
- Some lodges have rooftop bars with river views.
- Take the Gaia cable car for scenic access.
Dining Recommendations
The Yeatman: Michelin-starred dining with panoramic views.
Taberna dos Mercadores: Cozy spot for traditional Portuguese dishes.
Day 6: Douro Valley – A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Must-See Attractions
Vineyard Tours (Quintas of the Douro Valley)
- Description: Explore the Douro Valley’s rolling vineyards, historic wine estates (quintas), and taste award-winning wines and ports right where they’re made.
- History: One of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions (since 1756). UNESCO-listed for its unique wine culture and terraced landscapes.
- Popular Locations:
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Most estates: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (seasonal variations)
- ️ Tickets:
- Tours + Tastings: €10–€30 (depending on estate and package)
- Some include food pairings, vineyard walks, or overnight stays
- Book via: VisitDouroValley.pt or estate websites
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Stay overnight in Peso da Régua, Pinhão, or Lamego for a relaxed experience.
- Guided day tours from Porto available with hotel pickup.
- September is harvest season — join grape-stomping events!
River Cruise on the Douro
- Description: A relaxing way to admire the valley’s stunning terraced hills, wine estates, and calm waters — from a traditional rabelo boat or modern cruise ship.
- History: Historically, rabelos transported wine barrels downriver from the vineyards to Porto’s wine cellars.
- Departure Points:
- ️ Cruise Hours:
- Half-Day: ~10:00 AM or 2:00 PM
- Full-Day (Porto → Régua → Porto): ~8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- ️ Tickets:
- Short cruise (1–2 hours): €10–€25
- Full-day tour with lunch: €70–€100
- Book via: cruzeiros-douro.pt or GetYourGuide
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Best experienced from spring to autumn.
- Choose a sunset cruise for golden hour views.
- Combine with wine tastings or vineyard lunch stops.
Dining Recommendations
DOC by Chef Rui Paula: Modern takes on Portuguese cuisine.
Quinta do Bomfim: Wine tastings paired with local dishes.
Day 7-8: Algarve – Sun, Sea, and Serenity
Must-See Attractions
Praia da Marinha
- Description: A postcard-perfect beach famous for its turquoise waters, golden cliffs, and natural rock arches — considered one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches.
- History: A natural wonder shaped by centuries of erosion, Praia da Marinha is a highlight of the Algarve coast and featured in many tourism campaigns.
- Google Maps: Praia da Marinha
- ️ Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (best during daylight hours)
- ️ Tickets: Free beach access
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- There’s a steep staircase down — wear good shoes.
- No major facilities — bring water, snacks, and shade.
- Ideal for snorkeling and photography; best at low tide.
Benagil Cave (Algar de Benagil)
- Description: A magical sea cave with a circular hole (“eye”) in the ceiling that lets sunlight pour onto the beach inside — accessible only by water.
- History: Formed naturally over thousands of years through wave erosion. It’s become one of the Algarve’s most iconic and photographed spots.
- Google Maps: Benagil Cave
- ️ Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (access by boat, kayak, or SUP during daylight hours)
- ️ Tickets:
- Boat tours: €25–€40
- Kayak/SUP rentals: ~€20/hour
- Book via: getyourguide.com, benagiltours.com
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Swimming from the beach is not recommended due to strong currents.
- Kayaking gives you more flexibility than boat tours.
- Early morning tours are best for light and fewer crowds.
Dining Recommendations
A Sardinha: Renowned for its grilled fish.
O Camilo: Offers stunning ocean views and fresh seafood.
Day 9-10: Coimbra or Évora – History and Heritage
Option 1: Coimbra
️ Coimbra, Portugal
Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and a city steeped in medieval charm and academic prestige.
University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra)
- Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunning Baroque architecture, the Joanina Library, and sweeping views over the city.
- History: Established in 1290, it is one of the world’s oldest universities and a major center of Portuguese academic and cultural life.
- Google Maps: University of Coimbra
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Daily: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (varies seasonally)
- ️ Tickets:
- Full ticket (University, Library, Royal Palace, Tower): ~€12
- Book here: uc.pt
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Don’t miss the Joanina Library — one of the most beautiful in the world.
- Climb the tower for a panoramic city view.
- Consider joining a guided tour to understand its rich traditions.
⛪ Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha)
- Description: A Romanesque fortress-like cathedral dating back to the 12th century.
- History: Built after the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, declared Coimbra the capital in 1139.
- Google Maps: Sé Velha de Coimbra
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- ️ Tickets:
- Entry: €2.50
- Cloisters: €1.50
- Buy onsite
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Great example of Portuguese Romanesque architecture.
- Look for detailed stone carvings in the cloisters.
- Combine with a walk through the old university hill area.
Dining Recommendations:
– A Taberna: Local specialties with a modern twist.
Option 2: Évora
Évora, Portugal
A museum-city filled with Roman ruins, medieval churches, and charming whitewashed houses — all within ancient city walls.
️ Roman Temple of Évora (Templo de Diana)
- Description: One of the best-preserved Roman temples on the Iberian Peninsula, located in the city’s historical center.
- History: Built in the 1st century AD, likely dedicated to Emperor Augustus rather than the goddess Diana.
- Google Maps: Temple of Diana
- ️ Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (outdoor monument)
- ️ Tickets: Free
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Beautifully lit at night.
- Located next to Évora Cathedral and museum.
- Surrounded by cafés — ideal spot for a relaxed view.
Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)
- Description: A small chapel lined with thousands of human skulls and bones, intended to be a memento mori (“remember you must die”).
- History: Built by Franciscan monks in the 16th century using bones from overcrowded cemeteries.
- Google Maps: Chapel of Bones
- ️ Opening Hours:
- Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- ️ Tickets:
- Adults: €5
- Students/Seniors: €4
- Includes access to the Church of St. Francis Museum
- Book onsite or via evoraturismo.pt
- ℹ️ Tips for Visitors:
- Not recommended for young children or sensitive visitors.
- The adjacent church is stunning and included in the ticket.
- Arrive early to avoid bus tour crowds.
Dining Recommendations:
– Fialho: Famous for Alentejo cuisine.
Travel Tips for Portugal
Transportation: Use Comboios de Portugal for train travel between cities. Rent a car for exploring Douro Valley and Algarve.
Passes: Purchase a Lisbon Card for free entry to major attractions and public transport.
Currency: Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted.
Language: Portuguese; English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Estimated Budget
Accommodation: €50-€200 per night.
Meals: €20-€50 per day.
Transportation: €100-€200 for trains or car rentals.
Attractions: €10-€20 per site; combo passes can save money.
Conclusion
Portugal’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture make it a destination that caters to every traveler. This 10-day itinerary captures the essence of Portugal, from Lisbon’s historic charm to the sunny beaches of Algarve and the wine-rich Douro Valley. Start planning your journey today and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
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