8-Day Coastal and Cultural Escape: Exploring Portugal's Algarve and Lisbon

Day 1: Arrival and Faro exploration

Faro, Portugal on September 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Padaria Central

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese pastry like a pastel de nata with strong coffee in this local bakery which opens at 8am.
EUR5, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Faro Old Town

Explore the historic centre with its cobbled streets, pretty squares and the beautiful Faro Cathedral, appreciating the Algarve's cultural heritage.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Vila Adentro

Dine on fresh seafood dishes in this charming restaurant inside Faro’s old walls, open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Praia de Faro Beach

Relax on Faro’s stunning sandy beach with clear waters, perfect for soaking up sun and a swim; accessible via short local bus ride.
Free, 2h30m

5:00pm

Evening stroll and dinner at Faaron Steakhouse

Sample Algarve’s grilled meats and local wines in this welcoming spot, open till 10pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Lagos coast

Lagos, Portugal on September 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Goji Lounge Cafe

Fuel your day with smoothie bowls and coffee at this bright cafe opening at 8am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Ponta da Piedade Cliffs

Hike along the dramatic limestone cliffs with stunning sea views and sea caves; an ideal nature experience available all day.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurante dos Artistas

Enjoy creative Portuguese cuisine in an elegant setting, open from noon.
EUR25, 1h15m

2:00pm

Praia Dona Ana Beach

Swim and sunbathe at one of Algarve’s most picturesque beaches surrounded by golden cliffs.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Lagos Old Town

Wander the narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and historical sites including the 17th-century Forte da Ponta da Bandeira.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa do Prego

Savour tapas-style plates combining Portuguese flavours in a lively atmosphere, open evenings from 6pm.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 3: Nature and history in Sagres

Sagres, Portugal on September 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at A Sagres

Grab a hearty breakfast of eggs and coffee to start your day near the harbour, open from 7:30am.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Fortaleza de Sagres

Visit this iconic 15th-century fortress perched on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, providing panoramic sea views.
EUR3, 1h0m

10:30am

Cape St Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente)

Walk to Europe’s southwesternmost point, famed for its rugged coastline and dramatic lighthouse views, unrestricted access.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante A Tasca

Tuck into freshly caught fish and authentic Portuguese dishes in a simple, budget-friendly setting.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Martinhal Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden sands or swimming, with beach facilities available.
Free, 2h30m

5:00pm

Drive to Portimão and check-in

Settle in your accommodation in nearby Portimão, ready for next day's exploration.
Transport approx EUR15, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at F Restaurante

Dinner at this well-rated spot offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local ingredients, open from 7pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 4: Beach day Praia da Rocha

Portimão, Portugal on September 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Padaria Central, Portimão

Fuel up with fresh pastries and coffee at this local bakery from 7am.
EUR5, 0h45m

9:30am

Praia da Rocha Beach

Enjoy a full morning lounging on this expansive sandy beach known for its golden cliffs and vibrant atmosphere.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at O Maria Restaurante

Treat yourself to seafood rice and fresh fish just a short walk from the beach, open from noon.
EUR18, 1h15m

2:00pm

Boat tour of the cliffs and caves

Take a scenic boat tour departing from Portimão harbour to see stunning sea caves and rock formations, tours run until late afternoon.
EUR25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Explore Portimão town centre

Wander around this lively town with shops, cafes and waterfront promenades.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Casa da Tocha

Sample traditional Algarve dishes in a cosy atmosphere, open evenings.
EUR20, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Lisbon and City Culture

Lisbon, Portugal on September 25, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at local café in Portimão

Grab a quick café and pastel de nata before departure, many bakeries open from 7am.
EUR4, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Lisbon

Catch the direct train to Lisbon, approximately 3 hours journey with scenic views along the way.
EUR25, 3h0m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch in Lisbon

Check into your Lisbon accommodation then enjoy lunch at Time Out Market, offering diverse affordable food stalls open from 10am.
EUR15, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Baixa and Chiado districts

Wander these central neighbourhoods with historic architecture, shops, cafes and cultural sites.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Elevador de Santa Justa

Ride the iconic iron lift for panoramic city views, open daily 7am-11pm.
EUR5, 0h30m

4:15pm

Visit Lisbon Cathedral

Discover this ancient cathedral with Romanesque and Gothic influences, free entry.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

Enjoy a lively seafood dinner in this Lisbon institution, open until midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Lisbon cultural day

Lisbon, Portugal on September 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start the day with award-winning coffee and light bites, café opens at 7:30am.
EUR6, 0h45m

9:00am

Belém district exploration

Visit Jerónimos Monastery (open 10am-5:30pm, EUR12), Belém Tower (open 10am-5:30pm, EUR8), and taste a pastéis de nata at Pastéis de Belém bakery (opens 8am).
EUR20, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at O Navegador

A traditional Portuguese seafood restaurant in Belém open from 12pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

Experience contemporary exhibitions inside a stunning riverside building, open 11am-7pm, EUR9.
EUR9, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Tagus riverfront

Enjoy a gentle riverside stroll taking in views of the 25 April Bridge and the Christ the King statue.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Taberna da Rua das Flores

Indulge in authentic Lisbon flavours served in a small atmospheric tavern, booking advised, opens 6pm.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Day trip to Sintra

Sintra, Portugal on September 27, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at Lisbon hotel

Quick breakfast before a day trip, hotel cafes usually open by 7am.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Sintra

Catch the 40-minute train from Lisbon's Rossio station to Sintra, ticket EUR3.50 each way.
EUR7, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Pena Palace

One of Portugal's most emblematic Romanticist castles, colourful and perched on a hilltop; open 9:30am-6:30pm, EUR14.
EUR14, 2h0m

11:30am

Quinta da Regaleira

Explore mystical gardens and the enigmatic Initiation Well on this UNESCO site, open 10am-6:30pm, EUR12.
EUR12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy fresh regional tapas-style dishes close to the historic centre, open 12pm-5pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk Sintra historic town

Wander this charming town gazing at pastel-coloured buildings, boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Train back to Lisbon

Return by train to Lisbon for your final evening, trains run frequently until late evening.
EUR7, 0h45m

5:00pm

Evening free and dinner at Mercado de Campo de Ourique

Explore this local market with many food stalls, serving until 11pm for diverse flavours at reasonable prices.
EUR15, 1h30m
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Day 8: Departure

Lisbon, Portugal on September 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

A light breakfast before transfer to the airport, café opens early from 6:30am.
EUR5, 0h30m

8:00am

Transfer to Lisbon Airport

Arrange taxi or metro (airport line) for your flight back to London.
EUR10, 0h45m
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