A Local's 10-Day Portugal Itinerary - Countrywide Road Trip
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The most enduring surprise of any first trip to Portugal is almost always how much there is to see in such a little country.
And the beauty of visiting is that, because distances are small and attractions often quite close together, you can see an awful lot even with limited time. For most countries, a 10-day trip only allows you to hop between a couple of cities and see the absolute highlights. But with Portugal, you can actually manage a reasonably-paced countrywide trip. And that's what this itinerary does!
Of course, trying to cover the entire country in 10 days means that you won’t have enough time to really settle in and deeply explore any of the places you’re visiting, but you won't be on a mad dash the whole time either.
So, consider this your first-timer’s introduction to Portugal. By following this route, you'll cover the entire country from north to south, visiting the major cities, a handful of charming towns and villages, some wonderful beaches, a vineyard or two, and lots more!
Let's get into it.
Table of Contents
Itinerary overview
First things first, know that this is a road trip. You will 100% need to rent a car to make this itinerary work. Aside from maximizing your time, having a car will let you make detours to some wonderful places and go for a number of lovely drives. As with any good road trip, the journeys between your destinations are sure to be part of the pleasure.
So, your journey begins in Lisbon before heading south to the Algarve by way of the beautiful Alentejo coastline. After a few days in the south, you’ll drive up to Évora, the biggest city in the Alentejo region.
From Évora, you head north to Coimbra, a lovely little city on the banks of the Mondego River. Departing Coimbra, you have a day to cruise through the winding roads and vineyards of the Douro Valley. Finally, you’ll finish up your trip with 2 days in Porto.
This is a busy plan and it will require a lot of moving around, changing hotels frequently, and packing and unpacking your bags. The pace may be too fast for some travelers, especially those who enjoy having a lot of down time, but if you want to see the entire country in only 10 days, you have to be ready to go go go.
Here's a quick overview:
Days 1 - Lisbon: the historic neighborhoods of Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama
Day 2 - Lisbon: Belem and its monuments, off the beaten bath in Campos de Ourique, and a sunset cruise
Day 3 - Lisbon to Portimão via the Costa Vicentina and its beaches
Day 4 - Algarve: Portimão, Lagos, and Ponta da Piedade
Day 5 - Algarve: Silves, 7 hanging valley trail, beaches, and Ferragudo
Day 6 - Algarve to Évora via Beja
Day 7 - Évora to Coimbra
Day 8 - Douro Valley
Day 9 - Porto: City center highlights
Day 10 - Porto: Serralves Foundation, a walk in Foz do Douro, wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia, and a boat ride
How to get around
For this itinerary (and for exploring Portugal in general), renting a car is far and away the best option.
While most of this plan is doable with public transport, you'd need far more than 10 days to do it.
So, to follow this itinerary, my suggestion is that you pick up your car on your 3rd day when leaving Lisbon and return it on the evening of your 8th day when arriving to Porto. Aside from letting you avoid the hassle of driving or parking in big cities, it also reduces the cost as you're only paying for 6 days.
To check prices and book, I recommend using DiscoverCars. It's a car rental website that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
Day 1: Lisbon - City center and main sights
Portugal's capital city is a stunner and an ideal amount of time to spend here would really be anywhere from 3-5 days, giving you time for some day trips and relaxed exploration. You don't have the time for that, though.
Today, you'll visit the city center's primary sights, focusing on the pretty and historic neighborhoods of Alfama, Chiado, and Baixa.
In the evening, you'll get to enjoy some terrific views and a more local atmosphere in the pleasant Graça neighborhood.
Morning - A walk through Chiado and Baixa
You should plan to spend the entire morning exploring the neighborhoods of Baixa and Chiado which, together with Alfama, form Lisbon's historic city center. Most of this part of town was rebuilt after the earthquake in 1755, so it's not ancient by any means, but it's very pretty and fairly historic.
Chiado is one Lisbon’s most elegant neighborhoods home to grand 18th and 19th century buildings, classic bookshops, pretty theaters, and swanky shops. It's very pleasant to walk around.
Baixa, which literally means "low”, is the area immediately in front of the river. It's long been a commercial area, although the once many local businesses that used to exist here have largely been replaced by European and international chains. It's pretty, but quite touristy.
To enjoy the area before it becomes packed with other tourists, I would encourage you to try and get there by 8:00 am.
If you'd like to explore with a guide, I always recommend a private walking tour with either Matilde Mendes or Inês Valencia. They're both Lisbon natives, super knowledgeable, and lots of fun.
Here are the main sights to be sure not to miss:
In Baixa
Praça do Comercio - Lined with pretty buildings and elegant arcades, this giant square was once the entrance point to the city. At its northern edge, the Arco da Rua Augusta gate leads to Rua Augusta and straight into the heart of Baixa and Chiado.
Rua Augusta - A lovely pedestrianized street that connects Praça do Rossio with Praça do Comercio
Santa Justa Elevator - This iconic elevator from the early 1900s connects the Baixa neighborhood to hilly Bairro Alto (meaning high neighborhood). It's fun to see it, but because I the lines I don't recommend going up it on a short trip.
Praça do Rossio - Lisbon's central square (officially called Praça Dom Pedro IV) directly in front of the palace-like Rossio train station.
In Chiado
Praça Luis de Camões - A gorgeous square in the heart of Chiado named after Lisbon's most famous poet.
Convento do Carmo - The ruins of a massive church and convent that was largely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.
São Roque Church - An ornate church from the 1500s whose simple facade disguises an ornate interior.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara - This fabulous viewpoint is technically in Bairro Alto and not Chiado, but it's right on the border so I include it. You get terrific views over Lisbon, looking out towards Alfama and São Jorge castle.
Praça do Comércio and the Augusta Arch
Santa Justa Elevator
Rua da Augusta
Praça Luis de Camões in the Chiado neighborhood
My recommended route:
I suggest starting the day in Praça do Comercio. Enjoy the enormous space, walk down to the riverfront, and then stroll under the pretty arcades that line the square.
From the square, walk through the Arco da Rua Augusta and make your way to Praça Luis de Camões, making sure to walk along Rua Garrett where you'll pass by two famous sites: Livraria Bertrand (one of the oldest bookstores in the world) and the famous A Brasileira cafe, which was a famous haunt of famous Portuguese writers like Fernando Pessoa. In my opinion, both have become tourist traps, but they're historic and pretty to see from the outside (and to take a peak inside). I wouldn't waste time going inside of either, however.
After some people watching and a meander through the surrounding streets (and perhaps a tasty Pastel de nata at A Manteigaria), head from Praça Camões over to Convento do Carmo.
Most of this convent was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake that ravaged Lisbon, but its arches and pillars are still standing and now form an open-air museum that is worth exploring. The site is also home to a small archaeology museum. Figure you'll want about an hour here.
After visiting the convent, continue your walk up to nearby São Roque Church. It may look plain on the outside but, in my opinion, it’s the most dazzling church in Lisbon. Take some time to explore the interior filled with gold, marble, semi-precious stones, hand painted tiles, and sumptuous paintings.
A short (but steep) walk up from the church is the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, one of Lisbon’s most beautiful lookout points. It affords sweeping views over the city and out to São Jorge Castle. You can stroll the gardens with fountains and sculptures as you admire the views here or take a little coffee break at the open-air kiosk.
From the viewpoint, walk along Calçada da Gloria (which has a picturesque tram track running down the middle of the street - great for photos when a tram passes) in the direction of Praça do Rossio, Lisbon's main square.
Surely about lunch time now, I'd recommend walking up the elegant Avenida da Liberdade boulevard and into the leafy Principe Real neighborhood (around Praça da Alegria) for lunch. The selection of restaurants here is much better than in the more touristy area around Rossio Square.
The view from the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Afternoon - Get lost in Alfama
Alfama is Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods and really the only one that survived the earthquake. As such, it feels distinctly different from the rest of the city with Moorish architecture and truly old buildings.
Here, there are no grand boulevards, wide squares, or ornate palaces. Rather, the streets are tight and winding, alleyways and staircases criss-cross the neighborhood, and tiny squares pop up in unexpected places.
This area is home to some of Lisbon's most iconic sights and is generally regarded as the city's most romantic area. While this description is true, the fact is also that it's Lisbon's most touristy neighborhood and it is constantly packed with crowds. It's pretty and worth visiting, but you'll need to accept that you'll be surrounded by lots of other tourists.
Here are the main sights:
Panteão Nacional - The National Pantheon is an impressive 17th-century baroque church that has been converted into a sort of national mausoleum housing the remains of important figures from Portuguese history.
Se de Lisboa Cathedral - Built in 1150, the cathedral is Lisbon's oldest surviving church. The interior has an impressive vaulted ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows. It's worth a quick look inside.
Sao Jorge Castle - Atop Lisbon's highest hill, the Castelo de São Jorge looms over the city, a relic from the time of Muslim occupation. A walk along its impressive walls is always great.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol - One of the most iconic viewpoints in Lisbon.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia - Another fantastic viewpoint just a few steps away from Portas do Sol.
Museo de Fado - A museum dedicated to this uniquely Portuguese form of music.
The view from Miradouro de Santa Luzia
A narrow alley in Aflama
Streets lead to unexpected squares
My recommended route:
Since you did a lot of walking this morning (and have a lot more in store), grab a cab from Principe Real or wherever you had lunch and have it drop you off directly in front of Sé de Lisboa cathedral. Do take a quick look inside.
Now, from here you should turn off Google maps and put your phone away. The pleasure of visiting Alfama is to wander aimlessly and see where your senses take you.
Be sure to check out the views from the neighborhood's two iconic viewpoints - Miradouro de Santa Luzia with its beautiful blue azulejos that depict the Reconquest of the city and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. After enjoying the panoramas, head over to the Panteão Nacional.
Finish your exploration of Alfama with a visit to the São Jorge Castle and a walk along its wonderful ramparts looking down over the city. How long you spend here really depends on how fast you move, but anywhere from 1-2 hours is pretty standard.
Evening - Dinner and drinks in Graça
At this point, you may want to take a break from all the walking. So, I recommend you take a short ride on the legendary 28 tram from Alfama up into Graça, a very pleasant and very local neighborhood. Aside from being full of good restaurants and pleasant squares, you can also catch more sweeping views over the city from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.
While up here, you can grab a glass of wine from one of the nearby bars or vendors to enjoy the panorama as the sun gets ready to set or walk around and explore this charming and classic Lisboeta neighborhood.
After a full day, you deserve to end it with a great meal. One of my personal favorites in the area is Sant’Avó, about a five-minute walk from the viewpoint. They serve very good Portuguese regional specialties in a non-touristy setting. Unlike most Lisbon restaurants, this place doesn't close after lunch, so you can also have an earlier dinner (most restaurants in Lisbon don't open until 7:00 pm for dinner).
The view from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Graça
Overnight in Lisbon
For a full overview on where to stay, check out our guide on where to stay in Lisbon.
Day 2: Lisbon - Belem, Campos de Ourique, and Bairro Alto
Many of Lisbon's grand sites and best museums are in Belém and it is well worth spending the morning (and maybe early afternoon) exploring this area at the southwestern edge of the city.
In the afternoon, you'll head to lunch in the pleasant and un-touristy Campos de Ourique neighborhood, and then have a walk around Estrela or Bairro Alto.
End the day with a sunset cruise and a great dinner in Alfama.
The Torre de Belém
Morning - Belem's sights
Belem is a riverfront neighborhood on the western edge of Lisbon's city center. Its home to many of the city's main sights, monuments, and palaces, as well as most of its most important museums.
The two main sights are the Jeronimos Monastery and Torre de Belem, which can be visited in about 3 hours. If you're interested in entering a museum or two, you should add at least 1 or 2 more hours to your visit, and I'd recommend another hour for a walk along the riverfront and time to snack on some pasteis de nata.
Because you don't have much time in Lisbon, I've condensed a visit into just the morning.
To get out here, catch the 15 tram from Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop. Or… call an Uber or Bolt.
To avoid the intense crowds (and enormous lines), I'd recommend buying your entrance ticket to the monastery in advance and getting here at or before opening time (9:30 am). You can purchase tickets directly on the Monastery's official website.
Here are the main sights:
Jeronimos Monastery - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this monastery is a splendid example of Manueline architecture and is home to the tombs of some of Portugal's most notable personalities, like the navigator Vasco da Gama, the poet Luís de Camões, and the writer Fernando Pessoa.
Torre de Belem - A Manueline defensive fortification and tower in the Tagus River that survived the 1775 earthquake. It's neat to enter, but if you're tight on time, the most impressive aspect of it really is the structure and location.
Monument to the Discoveries - Built in 1960, this enormous stone monument honors the discoverers and sailors who set forth during the Age of Portuguese Discovery.
Pasteis de Belem - The bakery whose name has become synonymous with Lisbon's most famous dessert, the wonderful pastel de nata.
Museu da Marinha - The Navy Museum isn't somewhere I recommend for most people, but if you're interested in maritime history/exploration (or visiting with kids who are) it's a very neat stop.
Museu dos Coches - The Coach Museum contains an absolutely incredible collection of ornate horse-drawn carriages. That might not sound interesting on the surface, but it really is.
MAAT - The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology is interesting to go inside, but for me the main reason to visit is just to look at the super cool futuristic architecture and walk along the river. You can walk onto the building’s roof for a great panorama of the 25th of April bridge.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Torre de Belem
My recommended route:
On arrival to Belem, first stop off at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery, home to the original pastel de nata. While this has become a super touristy place, I still have to admit, they are the best ones I’ve tried.
There is plenty of seating inside but, if you’re pressed for time, you can grab them to go and have them in the park across from the Monastery.
Now, head straight for the Jeronimos Monastery a few steps away. This is easily one of the most visited sites in Lisbon, and for good reason. The lines can be intense, so it is absolutely imperative that you arrive with a ticket to avoid wasting time. Once inside, make sure you visit both the cloisters and the church where Vasco da Gama is buried. Give yourself anywhere from 1-3 hours for a visit, depending on your level of interest.
From the monastery, walk across the street and down to the river, heading for the Torre de Belem. If you were quick inside the monastery, I'd recommend going inside the tower as you get a good view and can check out the cool dungeons. If you're tight on time, just have a look from the outside. It's splendid.
From the tower, you can stroll along the riverfront, walking all the way to the awesome MAAT Museum whose design mimics a wave. Along the way you'll pass by a pretty marina and the enormous Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The MAAT museum. Photo: Herbert wie, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon - Lunch in Campos de Ourique and a walk in Estrela or Bairro Alto
For the afternoon, I recommend you visit a less touristy part of Lisbon and head to the nearby neighborhood of Campos de Ourique (by cab). The neighborhood is a bit of a gastro hub and although it's very recently started to become more known with visitors, it's still very much a local area.
You could head straight to the excellent Mercado de Campo de Ourique covered market which is full of vendors and restaurants, but there are so many great places to eat in the neighborhood that I'd recommend just looking at the market and eating elsewhere. With options for every cuisine, taste, and budget, it's useless that I recommend somewhere. Do a little research and pick somewhere you like.
While here, the Casa Fernando Pessoa is an excellent museum dedicated to the writer, but it's all in Portuguese and he's generally not very well-known outside of Portugal and Brazil. Even if you don't visit, the museum's restaurant is quite good.
From Campos de Ourique, you should walk over to the gorgeous Jardim da Estrela park which is always full of locals, expats, and visitors. It's one of my favorite green spaces in Lisbon.
I like being in this area because it's a pleasant and middle/upper middle class area, but aside from some expats, it's still mostly local residents. Because you'll have spent almost a day and a half in such heavily touristed areas, it's nice to get to see something different.
From here, the world is really your oyster. You could enjoy a wander through the Estrela neighborhood, walk into beautiful Principe Real and the Botanical Gardens, or do some shopping in Bairro Alto. All of these neighborhoods are a relatively short walk or a very short cab ride away.
Jardim da Estrela park
Evening - A sunset cruise and dinner in Alfama
End your trip to Lisbon with a boat ride down the Tagus River from which you'll get to see the city from a totally different perspective and catch a fabulous sunset. You'll find plenty of companies offering this, but I usually recommend opting for a 2-hour ride that will get you back in time for dinner. This tour on Viator is always a solid option.
Once back from your cruise, I'd suggest having a delicious dinner at Agulha no Palheiro in Alfama. Make sure to book though as it is tiny, and it fills up quickly. Although many restaurants in Alfama cater entirely to tourists and are not great, this spot really is excellent.
After dinner, you can take one final stroll through the streets of Alfama and grab a drink in of the terraces. I typically advise against going to one of the Fado bars because they're just so touristy. But you can always stand outside one to enjoy the music for a few minutes.
Overnight in Lisbon
See neighborhood recommendations and hotel options in the article linked above in day 1.
Day 3: Lisbon to Portimão via the Costa Vicentina
Today you'll head south from Lisbon for the Algarve via rental car.
You could do the route directly in just 3 hours, but that would be a shame. Instead, plan to take the entire day to get to Portimão, spending the day stopping off at the pretty towns and absolutely incredible beaches of the Costa Vicentina coastline.
I've included visits to Vila Nova Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar, but there are many great towns (and beaches between them) to visit.
Praia do Amado on the Costa Vicentina. Photo: Photo: Aires Almeida from Portimão, Portugal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning - Lisbon to Vila Nova de Milfontes
After you’ve picked up your rental car, it’s time to hit the road down to the Algarve. Most times the GPS will route you over the Vasco de Gama bridge to head south but opt for the route over the 25 de Abril bridge instead for the most scenic way out of Lisbon.
Your final destination for the day is Portimão (about 3 hours away), but I recommend you break up the trip and make a full day out of it by spending time visiting towns and beaches in the wonderful Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. This is a national park that lines the western coast of Portugal between Lisbon and Sagres, spanning the Alentejo and Algarve regions. The beaches here are big and wild, typically squished in between high cliffs.
Your first stop should be in the pretty seaside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes for a leisurely lunch and some great beaches. The drive here from Lisbon should take about two hours.
I recommend you drive a little over a mile to the north of town to Porto das Barcas for a nice lunch with stunning views over the dramatic coastline. You can either choose to eat in the restaurant (fish and seafood are the local specialties) or in the open-air bar behind the restaurant where they serve lighter fare like poke bowls and burgers. Either way great views and good food are guaranteed.
Also be sure to take a stroll in the town's whitewashed historic center to stretch your legs.
Just outside of town you have a number of great beaches: Praia da Franquia, Praia do Farol, and Praia das Furnas. They're all worth visiting, even if you just stop to take a look.
Praia da Franquia outside of Vila Nova Milfontes with the town in the distance
Afternoon - Zambujeira do Mar and more beaches
From Vila Nova de Milfontes, head to Zambujeira do Mar, another pretty town. The drive is just 40 minutes, but plan on it taking at least 1.5-2 hours as you'll pass a series of wonderful beaches, lookout points, and lighthouses along the way. Practically every point on the map is worth stopping at, but be sure to mark Praia do Almograve, Praia do Cavaleiro, and Praia do Tonel.
If you're interested in a hike, you can also do a section of the Trilha dos Pescadores.
Once you get to Zambujeira do Mar, stretch your legs and take a look at the town. It's pretty, but a sleepy little place and the main attraction is really just its wonderful location and the incredible beaches around it. Regardless, it's a good place to stop for a walk, to get a drink, or just take a break from driving.
From here, it's about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Portimão.
If you want to make some more stops, the town of Odeceixe and Aljezur are both pleasant and the beaches of Praia da Amoreira, Praia de Monte Clerigo, and Praia da Arrifana are all fabulous.
The beauty of all these beaches is that this coastline is far less visited than the Algarve's southern coast, so even in the summer high season you can often find beaches that are not overly crowded.
Praia do Cavaleiro. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Praia do Tonel. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Zambujeira do Mar and its beach. Photo: Otávio Nogueira from Fortaleza, BR, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evening - A walk in Portimão and sunset at Praia da Rocha
Portimão is a charming little beach city at the mouth of the Arade River and adjacent to some of the best beaches in the Algarve. The coast here is made up of high sandy cliffs that are broken in places to reveal stunning beaches. The town makes for a very pleasant place to spend a few nights and is in a convenient location for exploring the western Algarve.
On arrival, I'd recommend checking into your hotel, having a shower, and then heading down to Praia da Rocha to enjoy sunset and dinner overlooking the ocean. If you want to walk, do so along the town's waterfront esplanade (known as the “Ribeirinha") - the total walk will be about 35 minutes or you can grab a cab or bus.
Once on the beach, my favorite restaurant is Restaurant F. The food is great and the views unbeatable. After dinner, grab a drink at No Solo Água.
For more advice on wha to see & do while here, see our guide to Portimão.
Portimão's riverfront esplanada
Overnight in Portimão
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa – Relais & Châteaux - Gorgeous luxury property set in an early-20th-century estate. $300-500 USD per night.
Hotel da Rocha - Lovely beachfront hotel with stunning ocean views on Praia da Rocha. $100-250 USD per night.
NH Marina Portimão Resort - Nice budget to midrange hotel in Portimão's marina. $75-200 USD per night.
Day 4: Praia da Rocha to Alvor walk, Lagos, and beaches
Yesterday you spent a long day in the car, so today the goal is to do very little driving and to mostly explore by foot, with lots of beach time.
In the morning, walk the stunning coastal path the connects Praia da Rocha with the pretty town of Alvor, making stops at the incredible beaches along the way.
In the afternoon, head over to Lagos to see the city, enjoy the Ponta da Piedade cliffs, and visit a couple of other fabulous beaches.
Praia da Rocha. Photo: Steven Fruitsmaak, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning - Praia da Rocha to Alvor walk
Begin the day back down at Praia da Rocha for a great walk. If you didn't see it yesterday, you could also take a peak at the very cool Fortaleza de Santa Catarina fortress which is at the edge of the beach.
The 8 km trail that connects Praia da Rocha with the pleasant town of Alvor is a very easy walk, but one of the prettiest in the Algarve. Most of the path is on paved roads/sidewalks, but there are sections of sandy trail on the clifftops, so be sure to wear good shoes and not flip flops.
Along the route, you’ll pass a series of fabulous beaches: Praia dos Tres Castelos, Praia do Vau, Praia do Alemão, etc., as well as a stunning cliff formation called João D’Arens. After the cliff formation, the road gives way to trail that continues until Alvor's beaches.
Be sure to bring (or wear) your bathing suit as you will surely want to stop at some of the beaches to go swimming.
You can continue the walk all the way into Alvor town itself (though this part will be on normal road) or end directly at Torralta Beach where you can relax and go for a swim. If you stop at Torralta beach, the walk is closer to just 5 km. Whenever you're done, you can get back to Portimão by bus, walking, or hailing a cab.
Praia do Vau. Photo: Aires Almeida from Portimão, Portugal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The João d’Arens cliff formations. Photo: Aires Almeida from Portimão, Portugal, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon - Lagos, Ponta da Piedade, and beaches
In the afternoon, grab your car and shoot over to Lagos, about a 30-minute drive. Unlike many coastal Algarve towns, Lagos is more than just a beach resort. It's a real little city with a lot of history, and it played an important role in Portugal’s golden Age of Discoveries.
So, I'd first suggest that you grab lunch in town. My favorite restaurant is a place called “O Escondidinho", but you'll find many in the city center.
After lunch, dedicate at least an hour or two to wandering around the city center and learning about the town. For ideas on what to see and do, you can see our guide to Lagos.
Once you've seen the town, your next destination is the Ponta da Piedade cliffs and rock formations. You have surely seen photos of this iconic place, but you have to decide how you want to visit. You could drive or walk to the lookout point, but for me the best way to see the coast is from the water. I always recommend a kayak tour, but you also have boat rides. Boat rides are usually about one hour while kayak tours take around two hours.
You have loads of options for tours, but here are a couple of good ones:
Regardless of how you choose to visit Ponta da Piedade (but go kayaking!!), you should set aside a bit of time after for pure relaxation on one of the phenomenal beaches near to Lagos. Praia do Camilo or Praia da Dona Ana are two excellent choices.
Praça Luís de Camões in Lagos’ Old Town. Photo: Tibor Kovacs, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kayaking off of Ponta da Piedade
Ponta da Piedade
Praia do Camilo
Evening - Dinner and another sunset
It's been a long day, so I'd understand if you're ready to head back to Portimão, but I'd recommend you stay in this area for dinner. Catching the sunset from one of these beaches is always a magical experience, so it's worth being a little salty and sandy for.
Near to Praia da Dona Ana is Gastrobar & Garrafeira Repolho, one of my favorite spots along the coast. It's an unassuming tapas and wine bar in a residential complex. They serve great food and have an extensive wine selection.
Overnight in Portimão
See my hotel recommendations in day 3.
Day 5: Silves, 7 hanging valleys trail, and Ferragudo
On your final day in the Algarve, spend the morning visiting the fortified medieval town of Silves. In the afternoon and evening, split your time between hiking the 7 hanging valleys trail, visiting some great beaches, and enjoying the towns of Ferragudo and Carvoeiro.
Today would in theory be the right day for a visit to the Benagil cave, but I personally consider it to be overrated and too much of a hassle given the new restrictions on entering. I think your limited time is better spent elsewhere.
Silves castle above the town. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning - Medieval Silves
About 20 minutes by car from Portimão (away from the coast) is the wonderful little town of Silves. Once the capital of the Algarve, Silves was home to Romans and later the Moors and the entire town is dominated by an impressive castle whose walls offer great views.
The Castle is your obvious first stop here. There isn't much to see (it's just a fortress) but it's very pleasant to wander around and walk along the walls and ramparts. You should expect to spend about an hour inside.
Next, head down into the small city center to wander around. Almost entirely pedestrianized and filled with its original architecture, the town feels quite different from the more modern Algarve beach towns that surround it. Be sure to mark Al’Mutamid Square, the Roman bridge, the municipal library (go in side to see Roman ruins), the Portas de Silves city gate, and the Sé Cathedral (built on top of what was previously a Mosque).
Expect to spend 2-3 hours walking around town.
If you're feeling hungry, a good spot to grab lunch in town is “Marisqueira Rui” which does really good seafood.
The view from the castle walls. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Silves' original city gate. Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon - Winery visit, 7 hanging valleys hike, beaches, and Algar Seco cliffs
As you'll probably see when up on Silves’ castle, the hills around town are full of vineyards and farms. So, if you feel like trying some Algarvian wine, you could make a stop at a winery after you leave town. There are a few, but the Quinta do Frances is always a good option.
From the winery (or direct from Silves) it's quick shot down towards the coast. Looking to the east of Ferragudo, you have a series of fantastic beaches and clifftops. This is also the location of the Benagil cave.
As I mentioned before, I'd recommend forgetting about Benagil cave as visiting it takes a lot of time, the new restrictions mean you can't set foot on the sand, and it's always super crowded. You will have already seen Ponta da Piedade and its cliffs and sea caves yesterday, so I'd skip Benagil.
Instead, plan to spend the afternoon hopping between a series of fantastic beaches: Praia da Marinha, Praia do Carvalho, Praia do Vale de Centeanes, Praia dos Caneiros, and more. You should also absolutely plan to visit the wonderful Algar Seco cliffs and go for a walk along the clifftop path.
Connecting all of these beaches is the famous 7 hanging valleys trail. If you're interested in hiking it, it's certainly doable in the afternoon. The whole trail runs from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes and is a little over 11 km long if you do an out-and-back hike (i.e. a loop). The whole thing requires roughly 4-5 hours to complete.
If you don't want to invest that much time, you can easily do a truncated version of it, simply running from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes. You can then just get a taxi to take you back to your car. In this way, you'll only be walking around 6 km, so around 2 hours. You can also always just walk for a ways and then turn around and head back to the starting point - it's all lovely and you don't need to worry about doing the entire hike.
Regardless of whether you hike (and how much you choose to do), when you're done make sure to head over to the Algar Seco cliffs by car to see some really interesting rock formations.
After enjoying the views and the rocks, head a few more minutes by car to the pleasant town of Carvoeiro, which has a great beach and is a nice place to go for a quick walk.
Praia da Marinha
Praia do Carvalho and a section of the 7 hanging valleys trail. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Algar Seco cliffs and path. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped
Evening - Dinner and a walk in Ferragudo
Spend the evening in the lovely fishing village of Ferragudo which is just across the Arade River from Portimão.
Over 500 years old, Ferragudo retains a lot of its historic charm and is much quieter than the busier and more touristy towns that surround it. It has been affectionately (and rather exaggeratedly) nicknamed the “Algarve’s Venice” by locals because heavy rain can cause the village to flood and people used to sometimes move around by boat when it happened. It's cute, but don't expect Venice!
I like spending the evening here because it's relaxed, a bit more local, and has a great riverside location. So, go for a walk and then head down to the town's great beach, Praia dos Caneiros to have dinner by the sea at “Rei das Praias”. Be sure to try their seafood “cataplana".
From Ferragudo, it's just a 10-minute drive back to Portimão.
Overnight in Portimão
See my hotel recommendations in day 3.
Ferragudo
Day 6: Portimão to Évora via Beja
Leave the Algarve and the coast behind and depart for inland Portugal. Your final destination is Évora, the capital of the Alentejo region, but break up the long journey with a stop in the medieval city of Beja about halfway through your drive.
You'll spend the afternoon and evening enjoying Evora's sights and having some great food.
Évora’s Roman temple
Morning - Portimão to Évora with a stop in Beja
The drive from Portimão to Évora takes about 2.5 hours if done directly, but I recommend stopping about 1.5 hours into the drive at the pleasant city of Beja.
With about 35,000 people, Beja is one of the largest cities in the Alentejo and the unofficial capital of the southern part of the region. Because it's out of the way (unless you're traveling between the Algarve and Evora - lucky you!), very few people visit and it's almost an entirely local place.
Over 2500 years old, here you can admire ruins from the Roman, Moorish, and Medieval periods while exploring the compact and pretty city center. The town also has a great castle, a historic Jewish quarter, and an interesting city museum. On summer days, you can visit the Cinco Reis beach (a lake) which is quite cool too.
The land surrounding town is totally different from what you'll have seen thus far on your trip; all flat plains and agricultural lands that are baked and dry from the intense summer heat.
You could grab lunch in town or continue on to Évora (prices in Beja will be better and the restaurants less touristy).
From Beja, you're just one hour away from Évora.
A view over Beja. Photo: Descobrimentos novos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped
Afternoon & evening - Évora
Évora is the largest city in the Alentejo and preserves a medieval city center that is among the best in the country. The most famous sights are the Cathedral, the Chapel of Bones, and the Roman Temple, but the entire center is a pleasure to explore. It's compact enough to allow you to visit the major sites in just an afternoon without rushing.
Once you get here, drop off your car and bags and then head straight into the lovely city center. To make sure that you get into the sights before they close, I'd recommend going directly to the Cathedral (it closes at 5:00 pm). Visiting the Cathedral, its rooftop, and the cloisters will take you around an hour.
From there, walk over to the Chapel of Bones for a quick visit. It's very small, so you won't need much more than 10 minutes here.
Having now seen the two sites that are "time-dependent”, you can dedicate the rest of the day to leisurely exploring the town. Be sure to do some people watching in Praça do Giraldo, go for a walk in the Jardim Público gardens, and then just get lost in the little streerts. As night falls, check out the Roman Temple when it's all lit up.
For a great meal, I suggest you try Híbrido. They have a creative menu that merges ancient local recipes with contemporary touches. Enoteca Cartuxa is another good option, especially if you're interested in wine.
Read our guide to Evora for more info.
Overnight in Évora
Convento do Espinheiro - $200-250 USD per night.
Pousada Convento de Évora - $175 USD per night.
M’AR de Ar Aqueduto - $120-200 USD per night.
Albergaria do Calvario - $120 USD per night.
Evora seen from the cathedral rooftop
The cloister of Evora's cathedral
A pretty street in Evora
Praça do Giraldo. Photo: Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Day 7: Évora to Coimbra
Coimbra is a wonderful little city that lies on the banks of the Mondego River. In the 12th and 13th centuries it was Portugal's capital city and it has a historic center that is split between the upper and lower parts of town. It is also home to one of Europe’s oldest universities (the Universidade de Coimbra) whose campus is made up of beautiful buildings constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Because it's a long drive from Evora to Coimbra (3 hours) and because Coimbra really deserves at least a full day, I recommend leaving Évora as early as you can manage and making no stops along the way.
If you leave by 9:00 am, you'll have the entire afternoon and evening to explore Coimbra, visit the University, and walk along the waterfront. Coimbra is wonderful, so getting an early start today is worth it!
Coimbra’s lovely waterfront
Morning - Drive to Coimbra
There's not much to say about this morning - you're going to spend it all in the car. The drive from Evora to Coimbra takes 3 hours and because you only have a day to see the city, you don't have time to make any stops.
If you had more time in your itinerary, you could easily spend a full day exploring places like Tomar, Fatima, Batalha, and Nazarè. You don't, so forget about them and just go direct. The drive is all done on a highway, but the route is actually quite scenic, especially once you get north of Lisbon.
Afternoon - University of Coimbra
Upon arrival, drop your car and bags off at your hotel (or at a nearby parking garage - very few hotels in the city center have parking) and head straight up to the Cidade Alta to visit the University of Coimbra, Portugal's most prestigious academic institution.
The University's grounds are incredible and for anyone not from Europe it is special to see such a historic university. The highlight of most visits is the simply astonishing Joanina Library whose rooms and bookshelves really do look like something out of a Harry Potter movie.
Expect to spend roughly 3 hours inside the university grounds.
Buy your entrance tickets on the University's official website and make sure to do so in advance, selecting an entrance time in the early afternoon. Tickets and different entrance times will sell out, so it is imperative that you get yours ahead of time.
There are 3 different types of tickets, but I 100% recommend that you purchase the complete one that grants you access to all the major buildings. It's only 16.50 euros and entirely worth it.
The University's entrance hours are as follows:
October 1 to April 4 - 9.30 am - 12.30 pm and 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
April 5 to September 30 - 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
The main courtyard of the University of Coimbra
A gate to the courtyard
The view over the Mondego River from the University
Evening - Explore Coimbra's city center
Once you've finished at the university, give yourself the rest of the day to explore Coimbra. To do so, know that the city is split between the Cidade Alta (the upper city - where the University is) and the Cidade Baixa (the lower city next to the river). Both areas are wonderful.
As the university is in the Cidade Alta, this is the obvious place to being. The area is a maze of pretty buildings and labyrinthine streets that were once a Moorish stronghold before becoming home to Portuguese kings.
Outside of the university, the only must-see site here is the Sé Velha (the old cathedral). The Sé Nova (new cathedral) is nice to see from the outside, but not particularly impressive inside. I'd also take a walk over to Praça da Republica, a pleasant square. I'd expect to spend at least an hour walking around, especially if you want to visit some of the good viewpoints.
In the Cidade Baixa, make sure to visit Praça do Comercio, Largo da Portagem square, and walk the pedestrianized street that runs from Santa Clara bridge all the way up to Coimbra's city hall. You'll often see students walking around while playing music and singing (a local tradition), which is always a treat. Igreja da Santa Cruz is a beautiful church with a great collection of Portuguese tiles. Coimbra is a delightful city, so once you've hit the "must visits”, just enjoy wandering around.
If time permits, cross the river and check out the Convento de São Francisco and the ruins of the old Monastery de Santa Clara. The Quinta das Lagrimas gardens are also over here, but it's almost impossible that you'll have time to visit.
End the day with a stroll along the riverfront and then a terrific dinner. Two restaurants I always recommend are Taberna Almedina and Tapas nas Costas. If you want some nightlife after, just follow the students and the noise!
Get more advice on visiting in our guide to Coimbra.
Largo da Portagem in the Cidade Baixa
A pedestrianized street in the center
A riverfront park
Students playing music in the Cidade Baixa
Overnight in Coimbra
The 3 neighborhoods you want to consider for your accommodation are Coimbra Alta (upper Coimbra, near the University), Coimbra Baixa (lower Coimbra on the North side of the river), and Santa Clara on the opposite side of the river and near to the Monastery of Santa Clara.
Quinta das Lagrimas - $200 USD per night.
Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra - $100-200 USD per night.
Sapentia Boutique Hotel - $100 USD per night.
Hotel Mondego - $85 USD per night.
Hotel Astoria - $60 USD per night.
Day 8: Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is one of Portugal's absolute highlights and the plan for today is to spend the day driving through this famous wine region. Departing from Coimbra, it's about 1.5 hours to the town of Lamego at the very beginning of the region.
You'll need the entire day to do a self-drive tour of the southern and northern sides of the Douro River.
Your final destination is Porto, but if that sounds like too much driving, you could also spend the night in one of the Douro towns.
Vineyards in the Douro Valley
Morning - Coimbra to Lamego and into the Douro Valley
The Valley begins around the town of Resende, about 1 hour east of Porto. It then stretches all the the way to the Spanish border. Most visitors, especially those only spending a day or coming on day trips from Porto, never make it any further east than the town of São João da Pesqueira, and that's a reasonable stopping point. The Douro River also [obviously] splits the valley in two, and the southern and northern sides of the river are rather different from each other - you absolutely want to visit both side (plus it makes sense as it lets you do a loop).
I'm not going to go any more in depth than this, so if you want more detailed info, have a look at our guide to the Douro Valley.
Now, if I'm being honest, a day in the Douro isn't really enough time, but it works and will let you take a scenic drive along an absolutely spectacular road that weaves its way around hills carpeted with vineyards and overlooking the majestic Douro River.
As with yesterday, I suggest an early to make the most of your time. Once you're in the car, start by driving north to Lamego, one of the first towns in the eastern part of the valley. The drive takes about 1 hour.
Lamego is a pretty little town that is home to the impressive Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary and its baroque stairway. It's also well known for its raposeira sparkling wine and its cured meats and sausages. It's nice for a walk and to stretch your legs before what is going to be even more driving.
Nossa Senhora dos Remedios. Photo: PMRMaeyaert, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon - Driving the N222 road
It's after Lamego that your visit to the Douro Valley begins in earnest. This area of the valley is known as Alto Corgo and is generally regarded as the most scenic part.
The N222 road is a scenic route that is one of the most beautiful drives in southern Europe. Running along the southern side of the Douro River, you'll weave through hills covered in vineyards that break to offer absolutely incredible views over the Douro River and the greater valley.
Plan to stop constantly and mark out some of the best viewpoints in advance (you'll find them all on Google Maps - and you should stop at them all too!).
My recommended route is to head east along the N222 until the town of São João da Pesqueira. Here, you should cross over to the northern side of the river and take the N212 road that meanders through a much wilder part of the valley where cultivated vineyards are, at least briefly, replaced by densely forested land and lakes/reservoirs. Here, be sure not to miss the Miradouro de São Lourenço and the Miradouro Olhos do Tua.
If you've made it this far without stopping for lunch, I very much recommend a stop in the tiny "town” of Tua for an excellent meal at Restaurant Calça Curta. It's elegant but reasonably priced and the dining room overlooks the river. Despite being in a very touristy area, it's also almost always mostly locals.
Plan for this section of the drive to take you around 3 hours and more if you opt to stop at any of the wineries you'll be passing.
From Tua, head to Pinhão, a pretty little town on the riverfront. This is a good place to stop if you want to do a boat ride on the river. Although I just mentioned a boat ride, I don't actually really recommend doing one. Most of the boats are huge, packed with people, and not really a very nice experience. Because you have a car and will have already driven through much more stunning scenery than the boat ride passes, it's kind of a waste of time.
The boat rides are really only worth it if you don't have a car (i.e. arrived by train or bus from Porto) or are willing to pay for a private ride.
From Pinhão, carry on along this beautiful road to Peso da Regua, another great town. Take another stop and go for a walk. If you're tired of driving, you could also call it quits and spend the night here. If you do that, you could go wine tasting at the very good Quinta do Vallado winery. If you do that, make sure to book your visit in advance.
If you're not tired, then get back in the car for the last bit of driving, a 1 hour and 15 minute ride to Porto, your destination for the final 3 nights of your trip.
A curving stretch of the N222 road
The view from Miradouro da Abelheira
The Tua Reservoir seen from Miradouro Olhos do Tua
Evening - Arrival to Porto
You'll inevitably be arriving to Porto late in the evening and very tired after a very long day. So, I'd recommend you return your rental car, go to your hotel, and get some room service!
Overnight in Porto
For advice on neighborhoods and hotels, see our article on where to stay in Porto.
Day 9: Porto - City center and main sights
On your first day in Porto, you should cover the city center and the iconic sights. This means you'll be spending the day in the neighborhoods of Sé, Clérigos, Aliados and Bolhão, and the Ribeira. These areas are often collectively referred to as "Baixa", but they're distinct neighborhoods.
Porto
Morning - Porto's city center: Clérigos, Aliados and Bolhão, Bairro da Sé
Portugal’s second largest city, Porto is opulent and gritty at the same time and most people quickly fall for its charms. As with most cities here, walking is your best option to see the sights. The city center is quite compact and the distances from one point to another are fairly short, so you can cover the entire historic center in a morning and afternoon.
Here are the main sights you'll be covering:
Torre dos Clérigos
Livraria Lello
Igreja do Carmo
The area of Aliados and Bolhão (including Mercado Bolhão, Porto's city hall, Capela das Almas church, and Rua Santa Caterina)
São Bento train station
Sé do Porto cathedral
Dom Luis I iron bridge
Everything I've recommended is totally visitable on your own (and I've provided a route for how to do it), but if you want to see the center with the insight of a local guide, check out some of tours that the wonderful Leonor Tito offers.
My recommended route:
Start your morning at Torre dos Clérigos to catch sweeping views over the city from the 250-foot-tall tower.
Just a block up the street is Livraria Lello, considered one of the world’s ten most beautiful bookshops. They limit the number of people who can enter the shop at one time, so if you decide to enter (I don't recommend it) purchase your tickets online in advance via the official website.
From here, swing by the nearby Igreja do Carmo church, famous for its tiled side wall façade and beautiful baroque interior.
Continue down Rua da Fábrica towards majestic Avenida dos Aliados where you can walk around and spend some time admiring the grand beaux-arts buildings. This part of the center feels different from the other neighborhoods as the buildings are much grander, the streets flatter, and tourists and residents are replaced by business people, government employees, etc.
While here, be sure to check out Praça General Humberto Delgado, the square in front of Porto's very pretty city hall. There are often events happening in the square, so there's always something going on. Right nearby, you should also wander over to Mercado do Bolhão, Lisbon's largest food market.
Tiles on the side of Igreja do Carmo
Torre dos Clerigos
Porto's city hall
Within eyesight of the market is the iconic blue-tiled Capela das Almas church. From the church you can walk down Rua Santa Catarina, Porto's most famous shopping street, to the São Bento train station. Do go inside to admire the fabulous hand-painted azulejos in the main hall that depict scenes from various points in Portuguese history.
The train station is at the very beginning of Porto's Bairro da Sé, also known as the Cathedral district. This is the oldest part of the city and the only area where you'll see medieval architecture. The main sight is, of course, Sé do Porto cathedral which you should go inside. There is no website for buying tickets in advance and lines are typically quite long, so you have to decide if it's worth waiting. The line moves fairly quickly, though.
Whether you enter the church or not, enjoy a wander through the tight streets and alleyways and up and down the narrow staircases. The whole area is sort of oddly not very well maintained (odd given all the tourism), but it only makes it more atmospheric.
While here, be sure to find Miradouro da Rua das Aldas for a great view over the city.
The azulejos in the main hall of the São Bento station
Sé do Porto cathedral
A section of Bairro da Sé
Afternoon - Lunch, Palacio da Bolsa, Igreja de São Francisco
By the time you finish exploring the cathedral area it'll likely be lunch time, so I'd recommend finding a restaurant and eating here. There are lots of pleasant littles places with outdoors terraces that are great for people watching. Tourist traps do abound though, so do a little research beforehand.
After lunch, continue your walk down towards the gorgeous neo-classical Palácio da Bolsa (the former stock exchange). I strongly suggest you take a guided tour of the building - the official ones last 30 minutes and will provide you with a sense of Porto’s grand past as a merchant city.
Right next to the Palácio da Bolsa, is São Francisco Church which is also well worth a visit. The not-so-impressive exterior hides an incredibly opulent baroque interior full of gold.
Jardim do Infante Dom Henrique park and the Palacio da Bolsa
The exterior of Igreja de São Francisco
The opulent interior
Evening - Dom Luis I bridge, sunset over Porto, and dinner in the Ribeira
Today, we've truly saved the best for last, so now it's time to head over to the Dom Luis I bridge (built by a student of Gustave Eiffel) and walk across it to the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia.
There's a viewpoint on the opposite side of the bridge that offers a splendid view of Porto and the river. If you time it right, you should be here for sunset.
Once you've had your fill of the view, walk back across the bridge and then down to Porto's riverfront Ribeira district which is the perfect place for dinner and a stroll along the river.
Overnight in Porto
See day 8 for recommendations on hotels.
Porto seen at sunset from the viewpoint at the edge of the Dom Luis I bridge
The Ribeira riverfront
Day 10: Porto - Serralves Foundation, Foz do Douro, and wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
Because you covered the major highlights yesterday, today you can take things slower and visit some lesser-explored parts of the city. In the morning, head west from the city center towards the ocean to visit the incredible Fundação Serralves cultural foundation.
You can then spend the afternoon in Foz do Douro, a coastal neighborhood of Porto with a fabulous esplanade, great beaches, buzzing beach kiosks/bars, and good seafood restaurants.
In the evening, close out your trip in style by doing some wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia and taking a cruise down the Douro River.
A beach in Foz do Douro
Morning - Fundação Serralves art foundation and park
Take things easy and treat yourself to a leisurely morning. When you're up and ready to go, call an Uber/Bolt and head over to the Fundação Serralves, one of Portugal’s finest cultural institutions, which is about 4 miles away from the city center. The complex combines beautiful gardens, a contemporary art museum, and a fantastic pink art deco house.
Even if you don’t appreciate contemporary art, the gardens and the building’s minimalist white architecture designed by Pritzker-prize winning Portuguese master Álvaro Siza are worth the visit.
Fundação Serralves. Photo: Bex Walton from London, England, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon - Enjoy the seaside in Foz do Douro
There is a nice restaurant at the Serralves Foundation where you can have lunch, or try Lareira across the street.
After, catch another Uber/Bolt to Jardim do Passeio Alegre, a park on the waterfront in Foz do Douro. It'll only be a few minutes’ drive. This gorgeous park is the beginning point of a wonderful seafront esplanade that runs all along the coast here, passing by a series of good beaches like Praia dos Ingleses and arriving at Matosinhos, a busy port town that is basically still Porto, but technically a separate city.
The whole walk is about 3-4 kms so take a leisurely post lunch stroll here, go for a swim, grab an afternoon coffee or beer at a seaside café, or do all of the above!
To get back to Porto you can call another cab or take a public bus. The 500 bus is a scenic ride in a double decker that goes all along the coast. It's a really nice ride, so I'd recommending grabbing a seat on the upper deck and enjoying the views.
You can get off the bus at the Entre-Quintas stop and wind your way up through a series of gardens and lookout points that leads to the beautiful (and free) Jardins do Palácio de Cristal gardens.
A section of the riverside esplanade in Foz do Douro
A beach in Foz do Douro
A busy beach bar
Evening - Port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia and a boat ride on the Douro
In the evening, do some port wine tasting over in Vila Nova de Gaia. There are many cellars and you can very easily visit them on your own, but you can also do guided tours that visit various. If you'd like to go with a guide, here are two tours that I think offer a nice experience:
Port wine tour - You visit 3 different cellars and do a host of tastings over the course of about three hours. It's a small group tour.
Food & wine walking tour - A combined tour that does some wine tasting, includes a walk around Vila Nova de Gaia, and stops to try some local treats.
If you have time after wine tasting (or if you're not interested), I'd end the day with a cruise down the Douro River. Most boat rides last 1-2 hours and you have the choice of big boats, small groups, and private experiences. Here are a couple of reputable options:
Small group boat ride - A 2-hour boat tour on the river with group sizes capped at 10 people.
Private boat ride - Same idea as the tour above, but private.
For dinner, I'd head back to Porto and go out with a bang somewhere nice.
More and more specialized Portuguese wineries are producing top quality natural wines. You can have dinner at a wine bar that offers a great selection of these wines along with some great bites.
Two personal recommendations include A Cave du Bon Vivant run by a passionate French couple as well as the unassuming Original Eco-Mercado, a few blocks away from the Bolhão market.
If you feel like you’d like to splurge on a creative dinner experience at the end of your trip, consider Apego.
Overnight in Porto
See day 8 for recommendations on hotels.
One of the cellars at Caves Sandeman in Vila Nova de Gaia. Photo: Hans Birger Nilsen, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rabelo boats moored by Vila Nova de Gaia's waterfront. Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
More Portugal travel info
For more advice on planning your trip to Portugal, have a look at some of our other guides and itineraries!
Lisbon
Porto
Algarve
Portugal
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Leonor Tito
Portugal Expert based in Porto
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Hi, I'm Leonor, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Portugal for the last 20 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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