10-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Portugal

  1. Day 1: Lisbon
    Time and Distance Estimate: 20 minutes (5 miles) from Lisbon Portela Airport

    Arrive at the airport and transfer to your hotel so you can freshen up before exploring the historic district of Lisbon. Enjoy a tram ride through Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon, and visit Castelo de S. Jorge for some fantastic views over the city.

  2. Day 2: Sintra
    Time and Distance Estimate: 30 minutes (16 miles) from Lisbon

    Explore the magical town of Sintra, starting with its famous palace, Palacio Nacional de Sintra. Try a Travesseiro de Sintra, the local pastry filled with almond cream, before heading to the Moorish Castelo dos Mouros and the stunning Pena Palace.

  3. Day 3: Nazare and Obidos
    Time and Distance Estimate: 1.5 hours (70 miles) from Lisbon

    Visit the picturesque fishing town of Nazare for some fresh seafood and then head to the charming medieval town of Obidos to experience the majestic Castle of Obidos and the colorful Rua Direita street filled with souvenir shops.

  4. Day 4: Coimbra
    Time and Distance Estimate: 1.5 hours (118 miles) from Obidos

    Explore the ancient university town of Coimbra and take a guided tour of the historic Biblioteca Joanina, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Visit the beautiful Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

  5. Day 5: Porto
    Time and Distance Estimate: 1.5 hours (70 miles) from Coimbra

    Take a boat tour of the beautiful Douro River and visit the famous Port wine cellars. Explore the charming Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then visit the iconic Clerigos Tower for an amazing view over the city.

  6. Day 6: Guimaraes
    Time and Distance Estimate: 50 minutes (32 miles) from Porto

    Visit the picturesque town of Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal, and take a tour of the stunning medieval Guimaraes Castle. Explore the narrow streets of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the beautiful Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

  7. Day 7: Aveiro and Costa Nova
    Time and Distance Estimate: 1 hour (49 miles) from Guimaraes

    Visit the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro and take a boat ride through the colorful canals. Stop at the famous fish market, Mercado do Peixe, and then head to the nearby beach town of Costa Nova to see the famous striped houses.

  8. Day 8: Evora
    Time and Distance Estimate: 2.5 hours (157 miles) from Costa Nova

    Explore the ancient Roman city of Evora and visit the famous Roman temple, the Temple of Diana. Take a stroll through the beautiful Praça do Giraldo, the main square, and then visit the magnificent Cathedral of Evora.

  9. Day 9: Faro and Lagos
    Time and Distance Estimate: 2 hours (100 miles) from Evora

    Visit Faro for a taste of traditional Portugal and explore the historic Old Town. Visit the famous Lagos beaches, Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo, and experience the stunning rock formations and crystal clear waters of the Algarve coast.

  10. Day 10: Lisbon
    Time and Distance Estimate: 3 hours (187 miles) from Faro

    Head back to Lisbon for your final day and explore the Belem district, home to the famous Pasteis de Belem and the stunning Jeronimos Monastery. Take a bike tour of the Lisbon waterfront and experience the vibrant street art and culture of the capital.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Palacio Nacional de Sintra (2 Hours, €10)
  • Castelo dos Mouros (2 Hours, €8)
  • Pena Palace (2 Hours, €14)
  • Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha (1 Hour, €6)
  • Port Wine Cellars (2 Hours, €15)
  • Guimaraes Castle (2 Hours, €5)
  • Boat ride in Aveiro (1 Hour, €10)
  • Temple of Diana (1 Hour, €4)
  • Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo (3 Hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €72

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding the Berlengas Islands or the city of Braga to your itinerary. For shorter trips, you can skip some of the smaller towns and focus on the major attractions in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Don't forget to plan transportation in advance, as some locations require a rental car or additional train tickets.

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