Exploring the Natural Beauty of Portugal in 10 Days

• Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon and explore the Alfama neighborhood. The whitewashed buildings and narrow alleys of Alfama offer a glimpse into the city's Moorish past. Don't forget to visit the Lisbon Cathedral, one of the city's oldest and most important landmarks.
• Day 2: Belem - Visit the iconic Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Take a stroll along the Tagus River and enjoy the famous Pasteis de Belem at the famous pastry shop.
• Day 3: Sintra - Take a day trip to Sintra and discover the enchanting Pena Palace, a fairytale castle atop a mountain surrounded by lush greenery. After a visit to the palace, head to the nearby Quinta da Regaleira estate, which boasts beautiful gardens and intricate architecture.
• Day 4: Algarve - Head south to the Algarve region, known for its stunning coastline and beaches. Spend the day relaxing on one of the many sandy beaches, such as Praia da Rocha or Praia do Vau.
• Day 5: Ria Formosa Natural Park – Visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal, and take a boat tour to spot local wildlife such as flamingos and herons.
• Day 6: Serra de Estrela Natural Park – Explore the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal and one of the country's best-kept secrets. Go on a guided hike, visit the glacial valley of Zêzere, and don't forget to try the local cheese.
• Day 7: Douro Valley - Known for its picturesque vineyards, the Douro Valley is the oldest wine region in the world. Take a wine tour and sample some of the region's famous port wines.
• Day 8: Berlengas Islands – Take a day trip to the Berlengas Islands, a group of small islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the islands' caves and cliffs, and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
• Day 9: Peneda-Geres National Park - Visit the only national park in Portugal and explore its diverse landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Take a guided tour or go on a bike ride through the park.
• Day 10: Porto - End the trip in Porto, Portugal's second-largest city. Explore the historic center and visit landmarks such as the Clerigos Tower and the São Bento Station. Don't leave Porto without tasting the famous francesinha, a traditional sandwich served with a special sauce.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Lisbon Cathedral (1 hour, free)
• Jeronimos Monastery (2 hours, €10)
• Belem Tower (1 hour, €6)
• Pena Palace (2 hours, €14)
• Quinta da Regaleira (2 hours, €8)
• Ria Formosa Boat Tour (3 hours, €35)
• Serra de Estrela Guided Hike (5 hours, €50)
• Douro Valley Wine Tour (4 hours, €30)
• Berlengas Islands Boat Tour (6 hours, €50)
• Peneda-Geres National Park Guided Tour (4 hours, €40)
• Francesinha in Porto (1 hour, €8)
• Total Estimated Costs: €261

Transportation

Travelers can either rent a car or take public transportation between destinations. The cost of renting a car for 10 days is around €250, while public transportation costs range from €50-€100 depending on the mode of transport. Travel times can vary, and some destinations may require longer travel times due to distance.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Azores or Madeira islands for even more natural beauty. If you have less time, skip the Berlengas Islands and Peneda-Geres National Park. Instead, spend more time in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.