Lisbon, Portugal's capital city, is a must-see destination. Visit the iconic Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore one of Europe's oldest cities, winding narrow streets in the Alfama district and cultural landmarks such as the St. George Castle.
Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its stunning palaces, gardens, and castles. Take a tour of the Pena Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and the Quinta da Regaleira estate. Explore the historic center of Sintra and enjoy a local pastry, travesseiros, at Piriquita café.
Cascais is a coastal town known for its charming cobbled streets and beaches. Walk along the Cabo da Roca cliffs, a Westernmost point of Europe. Visit the Boca do Inferno, a rock formation that looks like a cave, and the medieval fortress of Castro Guimaraes.
Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a charming town famous for its Roman Temple and the Gothic Chapel of Bones. Stroll through the historic city center and visit the Cathedral of Evora, the public square of Praça do Giraldo, and the Diana Temple.
The Algarve's coastline is lined with stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. Visit the charming town of Lagos and its historic walls and churches. Take a boat tour to see the famous Benagil Sea Cave. Relax on the beaches of Praia do Vau and Praia da Rocha.
Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, is famous for its wine and historical buildings. Visit the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and sample some port wine. Walk through the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and cross the iconic Dom Luis Bridge. Take a boat tour of the Douro River.
The Douro Valley is one of the world's oldest wine regions, famous for its terraced vineyards and breathtaking views. Visit the charming town of Pinhao and take a boat tour of the Douro River to explore the wine estates, such as the Quinta do Bomfim. Relax and unwind while you take in the stunning views of the Douro Valley.
Traveling in Portugal is convenient and affordable via car, train, or bus. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the Algarve and Douro Valley. There are frequent buses connecting all major cities, and trains are convenient within Lisbon and for travel between Porto and Lisbon. The estimated cost for a rental car is €30-€40 per day. Travel time and distances between cities are listed in the itinerary.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the medieval walled town of Obidos or the beautiful sandy beaches of Comporta. For fewer days, you can skip one of the destinations or reduce the number of days spent in each city.
The main airports in Portugal are Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS) and Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto. Lisbon airport is 5.5 miles from the city center and provides convenient public transportation via the metro, bus, or taxi. Francisco Sá Carneiro airport is 10 miles from the city center and is also accessible via the metro, bus, or taxi.