10-Day Adventure Itinerary in Portugal

• Day 1 - Lisbon: Start your adventure in Lisbon, Portugal's bustling capital city. Explore the narrow streets of Alfama, the city's oldest district, and admire the views from the historic Castelo de Sao Jorge. Take a stroll along the scenic Ribeira das Naus and enjoy some of the best seafood in the city at Cervejaria Ramiro.
• Day 2-3 - Sintra: Head to the picturesque town of Sintra, just a short train ride from Lisbon. Spend two days exploring the whimsical castles and gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira.
• Day 4-5 - Porto: Catch a train to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city and a hub for adventure seekers. Take a kayaking tour through the Douro River and admire the city's colorful buildings and historic bridges. Take a hike to the top of Serra do Pilar for panoramic views of the city and visit the famous port wine cellars.
• Day 6-7 - Azores: Fly to the Azores, a volcanic archipelago located off the coast of Portugal. Spend two days exploring the rugged landscapes, from hot springs and geysers to craters and lakes. Go whale watching or take a dip in the natural thermal pools of Furnas.
• Day 8-9 - Algarve: Head south to Portugal's sunny Algarve region, known for its stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs. Try your hand at surfing or kiteboarding in the clear blue waters, or hike the coastal trails of Rota Vicentina for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Day 10 - Lisbon: End your adventure back in Lisbon for one final day of exploration. Visit the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, sample the famous Pastel de nata, and catch a sunset from the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Castelo de Sao Jorge (2-3 hours, 10 euros)
• Cervejaria Ramiro (1-2 hours, 25 euros)
• Pena Palace (2-3 hours, 14 euros)
• Quinta da Regaleira (2-3 hours, 10 euros)
• Kayaking in Porto (3 hours, 40 euros)
• Serra do Pilar (1-2 hours, free)
• Port wine cellars (1-2 hours, 10-20 euros)
• Whale watching in the Azores (3 hours, 60 euros)
• Thermal pools of Furnas (2-3 hours, 20 euros)
• Surfing or kiteboarding in Algarve (3-4 hours, 50 euros)
• Rota Vicentina hike (2-3 hours, free)
• Pastel de nata (20 mins, 1 euro)
• Total Estimated Costs (not including flights and accommodations): 300-400 euros

Transportation

Traveling between cities in Portugal is easy and affordable, with trains and buses connecting most destinations. A Portugal Rail Pass is a great budget option for travelers who plan on taking multiple train journeys. It's also worth checking out flights between cities with budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet, as they can often be cheaper than taking the train or bus. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also easily available in the cities.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a few days in Coimbra to explore its historic university and medieval streets. If you have less time, consider skipping Sintra or the Azores to allow for more time in Lisbon and Algarve. Remember to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and water activities, as well as a waterproof jacket for any unexpected rain.