14-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Portugal

1. Day 1: Porto
   From Porto Airport, take bus 601 to Sao Bento Station (30 min, $2). Walk to Ribeira (10 min) to see the Douro River and enjoy a local meal.

   Lively riverfront atmosphere

2. Day 2: Coimbra
   Take a train from Porto to Coimbra-B (1h, $10). Visit the University of Coimbra and the Biblioteca Joanina.

   Historical university town

3. Day 3: Belmonte
   Take a bus from Coimbra to Belmonte (2h, $12) to explore the medieval castle and Jewish Museum.

   Rich Jewish history

4. Day 4: Tomar
   Take a train from Belmonte to Tomar (2h, $10). Visit the Convent of Christ and Castle of Tomar.

   Medieval fortress

5. Day 5: Lisbon
   Take a train from Tomar to Lisbon (2h, $15). Walk around Alfama and visit St. George's Castle.

   Romantic ambiance

6. Day 6: Sintra
   Take a train from Lisbon to Sintra (45 min, $3). Explore the castle of Pena and the picturesque town.

   Fairytale-like town

7. Day 7: Cascais
   Take a train from Sintra to Cascais (30 min, $2). Walk along the beachfront promenade and explore the historic center.

   Lively seaside town

8. Day 8: Evora
   Take a bus from Lisbon to Evora (2h, $10). Check out the ancient Roman Temple of Evora and the Capela dos Ossos.

   Well-preserved old town

9. Day 9: Monsaraz
   Take a bus from Evora to Reguengos de Monsaraz (1h, $8) and then another to Monsaraz (20 min, $2). Enjoy the beautiful views and walk around the historic walled town.

   Idyllic medieval village

10. Day 10: Faro
    Take a bus from Monsaraz to Faro (4h, $20). Walk around the old town and explore the Roman Ruins of Milreu.

    Charming coastal town

11. Day 11: Lagos
    Take a train from Faro to Lagos (2h, $10). Walk around the historic center and explore the Ponta da Piedade cliffs.

    Stunning coastal scenery

12. Day 12: Sagres
    Take a bus from Lagos to Sagres (50 min, $3). Watch the sunset at Sagres Fortress and enjoy the coastal views.

    End of the world views

13. Day 13: Monchique
    Take a bus from Sagres to Monchique (45 min, $5). Visit the Caldas de Monchique spa and take a hike in the Serra de Monchique mountains.

    Quaint mountain village

14. Day 14: Albufeira
    Take a bus from Monchique to Albufeira (1h, $5). Relax on the beach and explore the old town.

    Watersport activities

Time and Costs Estimates

• University of Coimbra and Biblioteca Joanina (2h, $5)
• Convent of Christ and Castle of Tomar (3h, $6)
• St. George's Castle in Lisbon (2h, $10)
• Pena Castle in Sintra (3h, $12)
• Ancient Roman Temple of Evora and Capela dos Ossos (2h, $5)
• Roman Ruins of Milreu in Faro (1h, $4)
• Ponta da Piedade cliffs in Lagos (2h, $5)
• Sagres Fortress (1h, $3)
• Caldas de Monchique spa and Serra de Monchique mountains (4h, $10)
• Total Estimated Costs: $80

Useful tips

If you have more time, add a day in Porto to visit the famous port cellars. If you have less time, you can skip Sagres and Monchique and spend more time in Lisbon or Porto. Remember to check the opening and closing times of each attraction before planning your itinerary.