The Ultimate Portugal 8 Day Itinerary

Are you planning a dreamy European holiday and need an Portugal 8 day itinerary? Then you’ve come to the right place! Portugal is one of the most popular European countries, and this itinerary includes all the best bits so you can make the most of your holiday and really feel like you’ve seen the best of Portugal.

From the colourful striped houses in Costa Nova to marveling at Porto’s history to beach hopping in Lagos, this 8 day Portugal itinerary has everything you need for the perfect holiday.

Trams in Lisbon. Photo by Nextvoyage: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-train-in-railroad-3763903/

Portugal is known for its mild climate which makes it a great destination to visit at different times of the year. Whether you want to bathe in the summer sunshine or travel in the shoulder season to miss the crowds, you don’t have to worry about the weather being too cold.

So without further ado, let’s jump into your ideal Portugal 8 day itinerary!

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Portugal 8 Day Itinerary

Day 1 – 2: Lisbon

When travelling to Portugal, it’s pretty likely that you’ll fly into Lisbon so it makes sense to start your holiday in this vibrant, colourful city. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and is a very walkable city due to everything being quite close together. You can tick off a ton of must-see attractions within a day or two.

It’s possible to see the best of Lisbon in one day but it’ll be a pretty long day. It’s best to spread things out over two days to just so that you don’t tire yourself out right at the beginning of your unforgettable Portuguese trip.

Portugal 8 Day Itinerary: Day 1 In Lisbon

Start your day by taking a stroll through Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods. The narrow streets are lined with colourful houses, small shops, and cozy cafes. Make sure you walk up Miradouro de Santa Luzia for a stunning view of the Tagus River and Lisbon’s famous red rooftops.

While you’re in the area stop by the historic São Jorge Castle. It’s one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks so it’s not to be missed!

Next head to Miradouro das Portas do Sol, a lookout point that offers stunning views of the city. There are also some great restaurants nearby such as Osteria Bellosguardo. You can grab lunch  there or pick another if you’d like.

Lisbon Image by kontostudenta from Pixabay

In the afternoon make your way to the Lisbon Cathedral to admire the architecture. It’s an iconic landmark in Lisbon and quite popular. There’s a good chance you’ve seen photos of it before. Enjoy a leisurely stroll
back to the Baixa district and take the rest of the day to soak up its lively atmosphere.

If you’re still unsure as to the must-see places in the city you can sign up for a walking tour. These private tours are great for seeing the top sights and the guides are very knowledgeable about the history of the city.

Baixa is a great place to book a few nights accommodation because of its central location. Hotel da Baixa, Blue Liberdade Hotel, and Ferraria XVI FLH Hotels Lisboa are some good options. If you’re travelling through Portugal by yourself then you probably want to opt for a hostel or a guesthouse to save some money. Solo travel is amazing in Portugal and hostels offer an awesome way to meet fellow travelers! Another reason for exploring Portugal on your own is that you’re able to stick to your budget as we all know that accommodations and meals are usually the biggest strains on your wallets when travelling.

Day 2 In Lisbon

Begin day two by heading to Martim Moniz and catching the iconic Tram 28. You’re very likely to get a seat if you get the tram from Martim Moniz. Tram 28 is another very popular tourist attraction so it’s best to catch your ride first thing in the morning. It’ll be a very busy ride due to its popularity so sit back and enjoy the sights.

Tram 28 Photo by Paulo Evangelista on Unsplash

Once you return to Martim Moniz, take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the bustling square. This area is known for its diverse food options. Grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area to fuel up for an afternoon of exploring. One must try dish is a bifana, a local dish of marinated pork served in a soft
roll.

After lunch make your way to Bairro Alto, a neighbourhood known for its bohemian vibes. Spend time getting lost amongst the cobblestone streets and enjoy the street art.

Traditional fado music is popular in Bairro Alto, and many of the bars and restaurants have live performances. Grab a drink and enjoy the music! Don’t be too hasty to leave though, Bairro Alto has a
vibrant nightlife scene so hang around while sipping on cocktails.

Day 3: Head To Sintra

A trip to Portugal wouldn’t be complete without a day trip to Sintra. Located only 25km from Lisbon, it makes for an easy day trip.

Hot Tip: If you plan on visiting Sintra on a day trip it’d be best to book an extra night in Lisbon so you don’t have to travel with your luggage.

The Pena Palace of Sintra Photo by Julia Solonina on Unsplash

Getting to Sintra is quite easy. You can either catch a train from Rossio Train Station and explore on your own, or take an organized tour. There are quite a few companies that organize roundtrip day trips to Sintra, but make sure you check out all the reviews so you make the best choice. In Sintra you can expect stunning palaces and colourful gardens. There’s a reason why this UNESCO World Heritage site should definitely be on your list!

Day 4 – 5: Porto

Day 4 – Enjoy Your First Sights Of Porto

Porto is located in northern Portugal and offers beautiful scenery, a rich history and of course, their famous wines. It’s easy to travel from Lisbon to Porto and the journey takes about 3 hours. It’s actually possible to visit Porto as a day trip from Lisbon but it’d make for a very long day. If you’ve got the time then spending a couple of nights in Porto is highly recommended as there are lots to see in this city.

The train ride from Lisbon to Porto is incredibly scenic and a very comfortable way to travel. It’s also the fastest way to get to Porto with the express train taking around two hours and forty minutes.

Another option is to take the bus, which is slightly cheaper than the train, but the journey can be a little longer depending on how many stops the bus makes. The one way trip usually takes about three and a half to four hours.

It’s best to head to Porto in the morning so you can make the most of your day in Porto.

Your first stop in Porto should be the Ribeira neighbourhood, the heart of Porto. It’s located on the banks of the Douro River and offers stunning views and a lively atmosphere. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat as there are some great cafes and restaurants in the area.

Next head to the Porto Cathedral which is located in the upper part of Porto. This historic landmark has been declared a National Monument so it’s a must-visit.

If you got to Porto by any way other than by train you need to head to the São Bento Train Station. It’s very unique with its stunning tile panels that cover the walls.

After a long day of travelling and sight seeing you’ll be ready for dinner. Try Cumplice Steakhouse & Bar or Farinha for a delicious meal.

Day 5: Explore More Of Porto

Book lovers won’t want to miss visiting Lello Bookstore! The best time to visit is first thing in the morning as you’d avoid the lines that grow longer as the day goes on. This incredible bookstore opened back in 1906 and features intricate woodwork, amazing Art Nouveau architecture and a striking red staircase. Even if you aren’t a book lover it’s still worth visiting and marveling at its beauty.

To capture some breathtaking photos, make your way to Clérigos Tower. Here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Unfortunately you’ll have to climb 200 steps to see these  beautiful views but it’s totally worth it!

For lunch, head to Mercado do Bolhão. A bustling market where you’ll find small local restaurants on the ground floor. Enjoy some delicious homemade food including the amazing fresh bread, cured meats and locally made cheeses.

In the afternoon take a walk to Taylor’s Port and enjoy a fine glass of Port wine. Taylor’s is dedicated to the production of Port wine and is one of the most famous producers of port in the world.

Taylor’s Port offers tours to their famous cellars but make sure to book your ticket in advance especially during peak season to avoid any disappointment. When the tour is over make sure you grab a table outside and relax with a glass, or two, of port.

Day 6: Aveiro/Costa Nova

On day 6, travel from Porto to Aveiro. The journey takes about an hour by bus or 40 minutes by train. Aveiro is a great place to stay when visiting Costa Nova so it’s recommended to book at least one night’s stay here.

Once you’ve checked into your hotel and dropped off your bags, grab a taxi or jump on the bus to Costa Nova. If you’re visiting in summer be sure to bring your swim suits and don’t forget your camera because you’ll definitely want to remember this picturesque coastal town!

Striped houses of Costa Nova Image by schiri from Pixabay

Costa Nova made the list for this Portugal 8 day itinerary because of how unique it is. It’s famous for the colourful striped houses that line the streets. You’ve probably seen a few photos of the city on Instagram and yes, they really are as colourful in real life – no photoshop needed here.

Once you’ve wandered the town, make your way down to the beach and relax for the afternoon. There are some bars and beach clubs along the beach so it’s very easy to spend a few hours (or more!) chilling out here.

When you’ve had enough sunshine make your way back to Averio to grab some dinner. Espeto do Sul is a popular spot, along with Salpoente and O Bairro.

Day 7: Lagos

It’s almost time to end this Portugal 8 day itinerary and we’re going to suggest some beach time! While it may be a bit of a journey from Averio to Lagos it’s so worth it once you get there.

The quickest way to get down to Lagos would be to rent a car and drive. However it’s possible to get the bus or train, it just takes a little longer so I’d suggest adding an extra day to your trip to allow for the travel time.

By car the journey will take 4 hours and 40 minutes, by train it’ll take about 6 and a half hours and by bus it could take up to 7 and a half hours.

Meia Praia Beach.
Image by Wallace Damião from Pixabay

Once you’ve arrived in Lagos don’t waste any time hitting the beach as some of Portugal’s most famous beaches can be found here.

Praia da Batata is a good beach to head to after arriving in Lagos. It’s the closest beach to town so you don’t have to worry about venturing far. As it’s so close it can get a bit crowded at times. If you get there and it’s crowded then head to Meia Praia. It’s the largest beach in Lagos so there’s normally plenty of space for everyone. The coastal cities and towns around Portugal are known for  having some amazing food and Lagos is no exception. There are a number of restaurants and snack bars around Meia Praia so it’s the perfect spot to spend the afternoon and watch the sun go down.

For dinner make your way into central Lagos. The small town has a lively atmosphere making it a great place to stroll around in the evenings.

Day 8: Lagos/Faro

Sadly your trip is coming to an end but you need to make the most of your last day. Wake up early and make your way to Praia do Camilo. It’s a great spot to visit before the crowds gather as the beach is pretty small but incredibly beautiful.

To get down to the beach you have to climb down 200 wooden steps which brings you to a sheltered sandy cove with unique rock formations.

If you have time to squeeze in one more beach then don’t miss Praia Dona Ana. It’s not called the best beach in the Algarve for no reason!

When you’re ready, make your way to Faro Airport, the closest international airport to Lagos and this should take about an hour by car or two hours by bus.

Conclusion: Portugal 8 Day Itinerary

Well, that wraps up this Portugal 8 Day Itinerary! Hopefully you’ll enjoy exploring the best of what Portugal has to offer as it’s really is an incredible place.

If this Portugal itinerary feels a little too jam-packed then don’t be afraid to tack on an extra day or two.

Huge thanks to Sammy Green of My Blonde Bucket List for this guest post. Sammy is a travel blogger from New Zealand who has travelled to 20 countries (and counting). In the past she spent 6 weeks living in Portugal while volunteering at a hostel.