Portugal is an enchanting destination that offers a unique combination of history, culture, breathtaking scenery and delicious cuisine. If you're planning a trip to this beautiful country, you've come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, I'll take you through a 15-day itinerary to discover the best of Portugal, from its picturesque cities to its breathtaking natural landscapes.
Day 1-3: Lisbon - The City of Seven Hills
Start your adventure in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and one of the most fascinating cities in Europe.
Must-see attractions:
- The Alfama QuarterLose yourself in the narrow streets of this picturesque neighbourhood and enjoy the views from the Santa Luzia viewpoint.
- St George's CastleExplore this ancient fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top of its ramparts.
- Belém NeighbourhoodVisit the Jerónimos Monastery and taste the famous cream cakes at the Belém pastry shop.
Day 4-6: Porto - The City of Wine
From Lisbon, travel north to Porto, a city known for its wine and medieval charm.
Must-see attractions:
- The Ribeira QuarterStroll through the narrow cobbled streets and admire the colourful buildings by the Douro River.
- Port Wine CellarsVisit one of the historic wine cellars and taste some of the best wines of the region.
- The Bridge of Don Luis ICross this iconic iron bridge and enjoy views of the city from the other side of the river.
Day 7-9: Sintra and Cascais - Palaces and Beaches
Head west and explore the region of Sintra and Cascais, known for its impressive palaces and beautiful beaches.
Must-see attractions in Sintra:
- The National Palace of PenaVisit this colourful palace and enjoy the panoramic views from its gardens.
- The Moorish Castle and the National Palace of SintraExplore these ancient fortresses and marvel at their medieval architecture.
Must-see attractions in Cascais:
- Guincho BeachRelax on this beautiful beach and enjoy water sports such as surfing and windsurfing.
- Hellmouth and the Old TownExplore this impressive rock formation and stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town of Cascais.
Day 10-12: Coimbra and Aveiro - History and Tradition
Continue your journey to central Portugal and visit the charming cities of Coimbra and Aveiro.
Must-see attractions in Coimbra:
- The University of Coimbra and the Joanina LibraryVisit one of the oldest universities in the world and admire its impressive baroque library.
- The Sé Velha and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-VelhaExplore these beautiful churches and learn about the history of the region.
Must-see attractions in Aveiro:
- The Channels of Aveiro and the MoliceirosBoat trip along the city's canals and admire the colourful traditional boats.
- Fish Square and the Costa NovaEnjoy the lively atmosphere of this square and relax on the beautiful beaches of the nearby Costa Nova.
Day 13-15: Évora and Algarve - Tradition and beach
Finish your trip by exploring the Alentejo region and the southern coast of Portugal, known as the Algarve.
Must-see attractions in Évora:
- The Roman Temple of Évora and the Chapel of the BonesVisit these impressive monuments and immerse yourself in the history of the city.
- Évora Cathedral and the Palace of the Dukes of CadavalExplore these magnificent buildings and admire their medieval architecture.
Must-see attractions in the Algarve:
- Albufeira and Lagos BeachesRelax on the beautiful golden sandy beaches and enjoy the sun and sea.
- The Caves of Benagil and the Cape of San VicenteA thrilling boat trip through the sea caves and enjoy the breathtaking views from Europe's most south-westerly cape.
With this 15-day itinerary, you'll have the opportunity to explore the best that Portugal has to offer, from its historic cities to its breathtaking natural landscapes and delicious flavours. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure full of culture, history and fun!
