9-Day Itinerary: Madeira, Porto, Lisbon, and Lagos, Portugal

  1. Day 1: Madeira
    Arrive at Funchal Cristiano Ronaldo Airport
    1 hour (12 miles) from Old Town Funchal

    Explore the colorful streets of the Old Town, starting at the Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmers’ Market) to try some local specialties.

  2. Day 2: Porto
    Flight from Madeira to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport
    1 hour (7.5 miles) from Ribeira, Porto

    Discover the historic district of Ribeira, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy a glass of port wine while taking in the view of the Douro River.

  3. Day 3: Porto
    10 minutes (1.1 miles) from Ribeira, Porto

    Visit the stunning Palácio da Bolsa, a neoclassical building where the stock exchange took place and the Porto cathedral, a 12th century roman catholic church.

  4. Day 4: Lisbon
    3 hours (187 miles) by train from Porto São Bento Station to Lisbon Santa Apolónia Station
    15 minutes (1.1 miles) from Praça do Comércio

    Start by visiting the iconic São Jorge Castle, one of Lisbon’s most popular attractions and then head to the trendy neighborhood of Chiado to grab a coffee.

  5. Day 5: Lisbon
    25 minutes (3.7 miles) from Torre de Belém

    Take a ride on Tram 28 and discover Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and home to Fado, Portugal’s traditional music, before heading to the Tower of Belém, Lisbon's best known landmark.

  6. Day 6: Lagos
    3 hours (184 miles) by bus from Lisbon's Sete Rios Bus Station to Lagos' Largo do Rossio Bus Station
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Praia do Camilo

    Explore the stunning caves and grottoes along the coast with a boat tour and soak up the sun at Praia do Camilo, one of the best beaches in Lagos.

  7. Day 7: Lagos
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from Church of St. Anthony

    Visit the Church of St. Anthony, the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, and the Museu Municipal Dr. José Formosinho before ending the day with a sunset view at the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse.

  8. Day 8: Lagos
    35 minutes (16 miles) from Cabo de São Vicente

    Explore the historic town of Sagres and visit the Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern-most point in Europe.

  9. Day 9: Lagos
    2 hours (134 miles) from Lagos

    Depart from Lagos’ Faro Airport and head back home with inspiring memories of your adventure to Portugal.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Mercado dos Lavradores (1 hour, free)
  • Ribeira, Porto (1 hour, free)
  • Palácio da Bolsa (1.5 hours, €10)
  • Porto Cathedral (30 minutes, free)
  • São Jorge Castle (2 hours, €10)
  • Tram 28 (1 hour, €3)
  • Tower of Belém (1 hour, €6)
  • Boat tour in Lagos (2 hours, €25)
  • Museu Municipal Dr. José Formosinho (1 hour, €3)
  • Cabo de São Vicente (1.5 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €57

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, spending more time exploring the colorful neighborhoods in Lisbon, or taking a day trip to the charming town of Cascais. If you have less time, skip Sagres and spend an extra day in Porto or Lagos.

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