12-Day Portugal Adventure: Lisbon, Madeira, and Algarve Coastal Exploration

Day 1: Historic Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pastéis de Belém

Enjoy traditional Portuguese custard tarts and coffee at this iconic bakery open from 8:00am, a perfect way to start your day.
EUR5, 0h30m

9:30am

Belém Tower

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Manueline architecture and rich maritime history. Open 10:00am-5:30pm.
EUR6, 1h

11:00am

Jerónimos Monastery

Explore this stunning monastery complex near Belém Tower, another UNESCO site showcasing Late Gothic Manueline style. Open 10:00am-5:30pm.
EUR10, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Time Out Market

Sample diverse Portuguese dishes from various vendors in this popular food hall open daily until 12:00am, ideal for tasting local flavors.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Alfama district

Take a walking tour of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood with narrow streets, local shops, and Fado music venues.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

São Jorge Castle

Visit the historic castle for panoramic views over Lisbon. Open from 9:00am to 9:00pm in May.
EUR10, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Enjoy fresh seafood at this popular Lisbon restaurant known for its giant prawns and clams.
EUR30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Lisbon Museums & Neighborhoods

Lisbon, Portugal on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start your day with excellent specialty coffee and light pastries in central Lisbon.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

National Tile Museum

Discover the art and history of Portuguese azulejos (tiles) in this fascinating museum. Open from 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

11:00am

LX Factory

Explore this trendy arts and design district with shops, galleries, and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Cantina LX

Have a delicious meal at this industrial-chic restaurant located in LX Factory.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Visit this renowned art museum showcasing European and Oriental pieces. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

6:00pm

Walk along Avenida da Liberdade

Enjoy a stroll along Lisbon’s main boulevard with boutiques and beautiful architecture.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Solar dos Presuntos

Savor traditional Portuguese seafood dishes at this popular Lisbon restaurant.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Madeira

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Lisbon to Funchal

Catch an early morning flight (about 1h45m) to Madeira’s capital, Funchal.
EUR50, 2h

10:00am

Check-in and Relax

Arrive at your accommodation in Funchal and rest before exploring.
Varies, 1h

11:30am

Visit Mercado dos Lavradores

Explore this vibrant market showcasing fresh local produce, flowers, and crafts.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante do Forte

Enjoy contemporary Madeiran cuisine in a historic fort setting. Open daily noon to 3pm.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Cable Car to Monte

Take a scenic cable car ride offering panoramic views of Funchal and the bay. Operating hours 9:00am-6:00pm.
EUR16, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Explore exotic plants and beautiful art in these famous gardens. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR12.50, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Armazém do Sal

Dine at one of Funchal’s best restaurants offering Portuguese dishes with a modern twist.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Madeira Nature

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Café

Start with a healthy local breakfast, featuring fresh fruits and traditional pastries.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:00am

Levada Walk – Levada dos 25 Fontes

Enjoy a moderate 4-hour hike along the famous irrigation channels with stunning waterfall views. Best to start early to avoid afternoon crowds.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at A Venda Restaurant

Refuel with traditional Madeiran home cooking near the levada trail exit.
EUR15, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Praia Formosa Beach

Rest and enjoy the pebble beach and Atlantic ocean views.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at O Calhau

Dinner at this charming seaside restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and local dishes.
EUR30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Explore West Madeira

Câmara de Lobos & Cabo Girão, Madeira, Portugal on May 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast in Funchal

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel or local café with panoramic views.
EUR7, 0h30m

9:30am

Visit Câmara de Lobos Village

Explore the charming fishing village that inspired Winston Churchill’s paintings.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Visit Cabo Girão Skywalk

Experience one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe with a glass skywalk open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR2.50, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Quinta do Furão

A scenic restaurant offering spectacular views and local wine tasting.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Santana Traditional Houses

See Madeira’s iconic thatched triangular houses, offering insight into island traditions.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Funchal and relax

Evening at leisure to explore local shops or rest.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Taberna Madeira

Try local dishes like espetada (grilled meat skewers) in a cozy weekday spot.
EUR25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Algarve

Lagos, Algarve, Portugal on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Flight from Funchal to Faro

Morning flight back to mainland Portugal, arriving in Faro, the Algarve region's gateway.
EUR60, 2h

10:00am

Transfer to Lagos

Travel by car or bus to Lagos, a beautiful coastal town about 1 hour from Faro.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Check-in and Lunch

Check in at your hotel and have lunch at Restaurante dos Artistas, known for fresh Algarve cuisine.
EUR25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Lagos Old Town

Wander through cobblestone streets, historic churches, and charming squares.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Ponta da Piedade Cliffs

Visit dramatic limestone cliffs and sea caves with stunning views; ideal late afternoon activity.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Nah Nah Bah

Enjoy casual but flavorful burgers and craft beers near Lagos marina.
EUR20, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Beach Day, Algarve

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a day of sun and sand with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 0h30m

9:30am

Beach day at Praia da Marinha

Spend your day relaxing on one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, famous for its cliffs and clear water.
Free, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at O Castelo

Have lunch with a view near Praia da Marinha, specializing in fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
EUR25, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Benagil Sea Cave (boat tour)

Take a 1-hour boat trip from nearby Benagil beach to famous sea caves. Tours operate in afternoon hours, around 10:00am-5:00pm.
EUR30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at A Forja

Dine on traditional Algarve dishes in a local favorite restaurant in Lagos.
EUR30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Historic Towns & Culture

Silves and Monchique, Algarve, Portugal on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a relaxed breakfast before a day of exploring inland Algarve.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Day trip to Silves Castle

Visit the impressive Moorish castle and the Gothic cathedral in Silves. Castle open 9:30am-6:30pm.
EUR5, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Ingles, Silves

Enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes in a quaint setting in Silves.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Monchique

Head to the mountain town of Monchique for scenic views and fresh air.
Free, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Monchique & Foia Peak

Visit local shops and hike or drive to Foia, the highest point in Algarve, for panoramic views.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Lagos

Relax at your hotel or stroll through Lagos in the evening.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Casarão

Dine on refined Algarve cuisine with a cozy atmosphere in Lagos.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Sagres & Coastal Views

Sagres, Algarve, Portugal on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quiet morning breakfast before a day trip.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive to Sagres

Travel to the southwestern tip of Portugal, known for its dramatic coastline.
EUR10, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Fortaleza de Sagres

Explore this historic fortress with ocean views and lighthouse. Open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR3, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at A Sagres

Enjoy local seafood and regional specialties in a relaxed Sagres restaurant.
EUR25, 1h

2:00pm

Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente)

Visit Europe’s southwesternmost point with breathtaking cliffs and the iconic lighthouse.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Lagos

Drive back to Lagos for your last Algarve evening.
EUR10, 1h30m

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Restaurante dos Artistas

Celebrate your last night in Algarve with fine dining featuring creative Portuguese cuisine.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return to Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Lagos

Have breakfast at your hotel before the journey.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Travel Lagos to Faro Airport

Drive or bus to Faro Airport to catch your return flight to Lisbon.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Flight Faro to Lisbon

Short flight back to Lisbon, taking about 1 hour.
EUR50, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Cervejaria Ramiro

Enjoy a final seafood feast in Lisbon, famous for its fresh shellfish.
EUR35, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon at Park Bar

Relax at this rooftop bar with views over Lisbon’s skyline, perfect for a chill afternoon.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

Explore contemporary art and exhibitions along the Tagus riverfront. Open 11:00am-7:00pm.
EUR9, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bairro do Avillez

Savor innovative Portuguese dishes in a trendy Lisbon restaurant.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Sintra Day Trip

Sintra, Portugal on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before day trip to Sintra.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Sintra

Catch the train from Lisbon’s Rossio station to Sintra, about 40 minutes.
EUR5, 1h

9:30am

Visit Pena Palace

Explore the colorful hilltop palace with panoramic views. Open 9:30am-7:00pm.
EUR14, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy typical Portuguese tapas in Sintra’s town center.
EUR20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Discover mystical gardens, tunnels, and an ornate palace. Open 9:30am-6:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Lisbon

Take the train back to Lisbon.
EUR5, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores

Experience authentic and cozy Portuguese cuisine in a small historic neighborhood spot.
EUR30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure Day

Lisbon, Portugal on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Lisbon at the hotel.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Last minute shopping or stroll

Walk around Baixa or Chiado districts for souvenirs or coffee until departure time.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Transfer to Lisbon Airport

Head to the airport for your flight home, typically 2-3 hours before departure.
EUR10, 1h
View Hotel Availability