Getting there
Fly into the main regional gateway for Portugal. Reserve airport pick-up or the fastest train link into the centre.
Itinerary · Portugal · 5 days
5 days in Portugal · the essential route
Portugal in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
A 5-day plan to see the best of Portugal without wasting time on transfers. Each day pairs one hub with the sights worth queueing for, a beach or excursion for the afternoon, restaurants worth booking and 1–2 Viator tours that fit the rhythm of the day.
- Ideal for
- First-time visitors · slow travellers
- When
- May–June and September–early October
- Budget
- 1100–1900 € per person (accommodation + tours, excluding flights)
- Duration
- 5 days · 4 noches
Getting around
Rent a car for inter-hub transfers; use taxis inside town centres.
Where to sleep
Split your nights across the hubs listed below, one to two nights per base to avoid check-in fatigue.
Trip index
5 days, día por día
Day 01
Lisbon — Seven hills over the Tagus
Sleep in · Lisbon
Day 1 centred on Lisbon. Seven hills over the Tagus — azulejos, fado and pastéis de nata. Sleep locally to make the most of the evening light and beat the morning coach parties.
Morning
Morning in Lisbon: Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery and Alfama & São Jorge castle.
Afternoon
Afternoon at Costa da Caparica (or Praia do Guincho if the wind turns).
Evening
Evening drinks and dinner at Belcanto (2★) (back-up: Time Out Market).
Where to eat
- Belcanto (2★)
- Time Out Market
- Cervejaria Ramiro
Bookable for day 1 · Viator
2 recommended tours
Day 02
Porto — Baroque ribeira
Sleep in · Porto
Day 2 centred on Porto. Baroque ribeira, port cellars and the world's most beautiful bookshop. Sleep locally to make the most of the evening light and beat the morning coach parties.
Morning
Morning in Porto: Livraria Lello and Torre dos Clérigos.
Afternoon
Afternoon at Foz do Douro (or Matosinhos if the wind turns).
Evening
Evening drinks and dinner at The Yeatman (2★) (back-up: Antiqvvm).
Where to eat
- The Yeatman (2★)
- Antiqvvm
- Cantinho do Avillez
Bookable for day 2 · Viator
2 recommended tours
Day 03
Sintra — Fairy-tale palaces in a UNESCO cultural landscape
Sleep in · Sintra
Day 3 centred on Sintra. Fairy-tale palaces in a UNESCO cultural landscape. Sleep locally to make the most of the evening light and beat the morning coach parties.
Morning
Morning in Sintra: Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira & initiation well.
Afternoon
Afternoon at Praia da Adraga (or Praia das Maçãs if the wind turns).
Evening
Evening drinks and dinner at Tivoli Palácio de Seteais (back-up: Incomum).
Where to eat
- Tivoli Palácio de Seteais
- Incomum
- Piriquita (travesseiros)
Bookable for day 3 · Viator
2 recommended tours
Day 04
Douro Valley — The world's oldest demarcated wine region
Sleep in · Douro Valley
Day 4 centred on Douro Valley. The world's oldest demarcated wine region — terraced vineyards along the Douro river. Sleep locally to make the most of the evening light and beat the morning coach parties.
Morning
Morning in Douro Valley: Pinhão station (azulejos) and Alto Douro vineyards (UNESCO).
Afternoon
Afternoon excursion: River cruise Régua → Pinhão.
Evening
Evening drinks and dinner at DOC (Rui Paula) (back-up: Six Senses Douro Valley).
Where to eat
- DOC (Rui Paula)
- Six Senses Douro Valley
- Casa de Chá da Boa Nova (2★) at the coast
Bookable for day 4 · Viator
2 recommended tours
Day 05
Algarve — Lagos & Sagres — Ochre cliffs
Sleep in · Algarve — Lagos & Sagres
Day 5 centred on Algarve — Lagos & Sagres. Ochre cliffs, hidden coves and Europe's south-western edge. Sleep locally to make the most of the evening light and beat the morning coach parties.
Morning
Morning in Algarve — Lagos & Sagres: Ponta da Piedade cliffs and Sagres fortress & Cabo de São Vicente.
Afternoon
Afternoon at Praia do Camilo (or Praia Dona Ana if the wind turns).
Evening
Evening drinks and dinner at Bon Bon (1★) (back-up: Vila Joya (2★)).
Where to eat
- Bon Bon (1★)
- Vila Joya (2★)
- Cataplana specialists in Alvor
Bookable for day 5 · Viator
2 recommended tours
Before leaving home
Packing and logistics tips
- 01Layer for cool mornings and hot midday sun
- 02Book restaurants and top-tier tours 2–3 weeks ahead
- 03Comfortable walking shoes — most old towns are cobbled
- 04A small day-pack for water, sunscreen and a light shell
Keep exploring
Other tried-and-tested itineraries
Mallorca · 7 days
7 días de isla completa · Mallorca sin prisas
Palma, Tramuntana, Pollença y calas del este
Menorca · 5 days
5 días entre calas y Camí de Cavalls
Ciutadella, calas del sur y caldereta en Fornells
Ibiza · 5 days
5 días entre norte slow y Es Vedrà
Dalt Vila, mercadillos hippies, Formentera y atardeceres
Formentera · 3 days
3 días en Formentera · la isla-pausa
Bici, Ses Illetes, faros y S'Espalmador
Catalonia · 1 days
1 day in Barcelona · the essentials without rushing
Sagrada Família, Gothic Quarter and a rooftop sunset
Catalonia · 2 days
2 days in Barcelona · Gaudí, Gothic and the sea
Two days to cover both Gaudís and the beach
Catalonia · 3 days
3 days · Barcelona + Montserrat
The city plus one legendary day trip
Catalonia · 4 days
4 days · Barcelona + Costa Brava (Girona & Cadaqués)
City two days, Costa Brava two days
Catalonia · 5 days
5 days · Barcelona, Costa Brava and Sitges
City, north coast, south coast in a loop
Catalonia · 6 days
6 days · Barcelona, Costa Brava, Tarragona & Priorat
Roman ruins and top-tier wine on top of the classics
Catalonia · 7 days
7 days · Grand tour of Catalonia — city, coast, Pyrenees
The full loop: Barcelona, Costa Brava, Pyrenees, Tarragona
Mallorca · 1 days
1 day in Mallorca · the essential route
Mallorca in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Mallorca · 2 days
2 days in Mallorca · the essential route
Mallorca in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Mallorca · 3 days
3 days in Mallorca · the essential route
Mallorca in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Mallorca · 4 days
4 days in Mallorca · the essential route
Mallorca in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Mallorca · 5 days
5 days in Mallorca · the essential route
Mallorca in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Mallorca · 6 days
6 days in Mallorca · the essential route
Mallorca in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Mallorca · 7 days
7 days in Mallorca · the essential route
Mallorca in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Menorca · 1 days
1 day in Menorca · the essential route
Menorca in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Menorca · 2 days
2 days in Menorca · the essential route
Menorca in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Menorca · 3 days
3 days in Menorca · the essential route
Menorca in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Menorca · 4 days
4 days in Menorca · the essential route
Menorca in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Menorca · 5 days
5 days in Menorca · the essential route
Menorca in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Menorca · 6 days
6 days in Menorca · the essential route
Menorca in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Menorca · 7 days
7 days in Menorca · the essential route
Menorca in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Ibiza · 1 days
1 day in Ibiza · the essential route
Ibiza in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Ibiza · 2 days
2 days in Ibiza · the essential route
Ibiza in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Ibiza · 3 days
3 days in Ibiza · the essential route
Ibiza in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Ibiza · 4 days
4 days in Ibiza · the essential route
Ibiza in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Ibiza · 5 days
5 days in Ibiza · the essential route
Ibiza in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Ibiza · 6 days
6 days in Ibiza · the essential route
Ibiza in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Ibiza · 7 days
7 days in Ibiza · the essential route
Ibiza in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Formentera · 1 days
1 day in Formentera · the essential route
Formentera in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Formentera · 2 days
2 days in Formentera · the essential route
Formentera in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Formentera · 3 days
3 days in Formentera · the essential route
Formentera in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Formentera · 4 days
4 days in Formentera · the essential route
Formentera in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Formentera · 5 days
5 days in Formentera · the essential route
Formentera in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Formentera · 6 days
6 days in Formentera · the essential route
Formentera in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Formentera · 7 days
7 days in Formentera · the essential route
Formentera in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Basque Country · 1 days
1 day in Basque Country · the essential route
Basque Country in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Basque Country · 2 days
2 days in Basque Country · the essential route
Basque Country in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Basque Country · 3 days
3 days in Basque Country · the essential route
Basque Country in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Basque Country · 4 days
4 days in Basque Country · the essential route
Basque Country in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Basque Country · 5 days
5 days in Basque Country · the essential route
Basque Country in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Basque Country · 6 days
6 days in Basque Country · the essential route
Basque Country in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Basque Country · 7 days
7 days in Basque Country · the essential route
Basque Country in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Andalusia · 1 days
1 day in Andalusia · the essential route
Andalusia in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Andalusia · 2 days
2 days in Andalusia · the essential route
Andalusia in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Andalusia · 3 days
3 days in Andalusia · the essential route
Andalusia in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Andalusia · 4 days
4 days in Andalusia · the essential route
Andalusia in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Andalusia · 5 days
5 days in Andalusia · the essential route
Andalusia in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Andalusia · 6 days
6 days in Andalusia · the essential route
Andalusia in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Andalusia · 7 days
7 days in Andalusia · the essential route
Andalusia in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Canary Islands · 1 days
1 day in Canary Islands · the essential route
Canary Islands in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Canary Islands · 2 days
2 days in Canary Islands · the essential route
Canary Islands in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Canary Islands · 3 days
3 days in Canary Islands · the essential route
Canary Islands in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Canary Islands · 4 days
4 days in Canary Islands · the essential route
Canary Islands in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Canary Islands · 5 days
5 days in Canary Islands · the essential route
Canary Islands in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Canary Islands · 6 days
6 days in Canary Islands · the essential route
Canary Islands in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Canary Islands · 7 days
7 days in Canary Islands · the essential route
Canary Islands in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Valencian Community · 1 days
1 day in Valencian Community · the essential route
Valencian Community in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Valencian Community · 2 days
2 days in Valencian Community · the essential route
Valencian Community in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Valencian Community · 3 days
3 days in Valencian Community · the essential route
Valencian Community in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Valencian Community · 4 days
4 days in Valencian Community · the essential route
Valencian Community in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Valencian Community · 5 days
5 days in Valencian Community · the essential route
Valencian Community in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Valencian Community · 6 days
6 days in Valencian Community · the essential route
Valencian Community in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Valencian Community · 7 days
7 days in Valencian Community · the essential route
Valencian Community in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Madrid · 1 days
1 day in Madrid · the essential route
Madrid in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Madrid · 2 days
2 days in Madrid · the essential route
Madrid in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Madrid · 3 days
3 days in Madrid · the essential route
Madrid in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Madrid · 4 days
4 days in Madrid · the essential route
Madrid in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Madrid · 5 days
5 days in Madrid · the essential route
Madrid in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Madrid · 6 days
6 days in Madrid · the essential route
Madrid in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Madrid · 7 days
7 days in Madrid · the essential route
Madrid in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Italy · 1 days
1 day in Italy · the essential route
Italy in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Italy · 2 days
2 days in Italy · the essential route
Italy in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Italy · 3 days
3 days in Italy · the essential route
Italy in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Italy · 4 days
4 days in Italy · the essential route
Italy in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Italy · 5 days
5 days in Italy · the essential route
Italy in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Italy · 6 days
6 days in Italy · the essential route
Italy in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Italy · 7 days
7 days in Italy · the essential route
Italy in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Portugal · 1 days
1 day in Portugal · the essential route
Portugal in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Portugal · 2 days
2 days in Portugal · the essential route
Portugal in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Portugal · 3 days
3 days in Portugal · the essential route
Portugal in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Portugal · 4 days
4 days in Portugal · the essential route
Portugal in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Portugal · 6 days
6 days in Portugal · the essential route
Portugal in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Portugal · 7 days
7 days in Portugal · the essential route
Portugal in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Greece · 1 days
1 day in Greece · the essential route
Greece in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Greece · 2 days
2 days in Greece · the essential route
Greece in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Greece · 3 days
3 days in Greece · the essential route
Greece in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Greece · 4 days
4 days in Greece · the essential route
Greece in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Greece · 5 days
5 days in Greece · the essential route
Greece in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Greece · 6 days
6 days in Greece · the essential route
Greece in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
Greece · 7 days
7 days in Greece · the essential route
Greece in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
France · 1 days
1 day in France · the essential route
France in 1 day — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
France · 2 days
2 days in France · the essential route
France in 2 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
France · 3 days
3 days in France · the essential route
France in 3 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
France · 4 days
4 days in France · the essential route
France in 4 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
France · 5 days
5 days in France · the essential route
France in 5 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
France · 6 days
6 days in France · the essential route
France in 6 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours
France · 7 days
7 days in France · the essential route
France in 7 days — hubs, beaches and bookable tours