A Perfect 14 Days in Portugal

Day 1: Porto

Arrive in Porto and begin your time here by strolling along the Douro River in the Ribeira district, with many opportunities to stop in a restaurant for a first taste of Portuguese cuisine. From here, walk across the iconic Dom Luís Bridge, a double-deck iron bridge that offers panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia from its upper level. Stop by Porto Cathedral, a Gothic-style cathedral with an impressive interior of intricate woodwork and tilework. Next, head to São Bento Station; renowned for impressive tilework (called Azulejos- which you’ll notice are incorporated in architecture over the country), depicting historical scenes and daily life in medieval Portugal. After, take a leisurely stroll down Rua de Santa Catarina to do some shopping. Be sure to stop in at the historic and ornate Majestic Cafe to enjoy a Pastel de Nata and cappuccino. Nearby, visit Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, a baroque church boasting over 11,000 of the classic Portuguese hand-painted blue and white Azueljos. End your first day by enjoying a glass of the region's famous Vinho Verde or “Green Wine”. Don’t be surprised that it’s not green in color, that’s just the name of the Wine Region in Northern Portugal).

Day 2: Porto

Start your day fueling up with brunch at Zenith. Then, head to one of my favorite spots in Porto, the Crystal Palace Gardens. Take your time wandering the grounds and taking in the landscapes overlooking the river. Make sure to not miss the Rose Garden! To keep on the trend of amazing sights, head to Miradouro da Vitória for an expansive view over the city. Porto (and Lisbon, too) is home to many popular viewpoints, or Miradouros, given the city's hilly landscapes. While you’re in the area, check out Torre dos Clérigos to experience the highest point of the city and Igreja do Carmo another beautiful church with the classic blue and white Azulejo covered exterior. To end your day, I recommend dinner at Gruta, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. The restaurant has a very approachable atmosphere and modern cuisine focusing on seafood from Portugal’s coast.

Day 3: Douro Valley

Spend your third day by doing a full day trip to the Douro Valley. Famous for its terraced vineyards, rolling hills and the production of world-class port wine. I highly recommend booking a guided tour through the region that covers transportation and the day’s activities. However, if you chose to explore the area in a self-guided fashion, the easiest way to travel from Porto is by car. The drive is straightforward and only about 70 miles on the A4 highway from Porto. Public transport is also available, including trains departing from the Porto Campanha Station stopping in Peso da Régua and Pocinho, and busses with departures to the town of Peso da Régua several times a day. Spend your day in the Douro. Visit port wine producers and take a boat cruise along the Douro River to bask in the views of the vineyard covered hills. If you are visiting in the summer or warmer months, make sure to drink plenty of water (in addition to the Port, of course!) as the climate in the Douro Valley can be extremely hot and dry.

Day 4: Porto

For your final day in Porto, spend time in Vila Nova de Gaia, the area right across the river from Porto city. Here, enjoy a slow-paced day starting by strolling the riverfront to take in the views of the city from the perspective across the Douro. For lunch, stop in at Mercado Beira-Rio. I recommend coming here before you get too hangry, as you’ll want plenty of time to walk around to all of the different food and drink vendors before deciding what looks most appetizing to you. Don’t miss grabbing a Porto Tonic with your meal which is essentially Portugal’s version of an Aperol Spritz, a super refreshing cocktail of Dry White Port and Tonic. To keep the local beverage consumption going, make a visit to one of the many Port Houses such as Calem, Sandeman, Cockburn, or Grahams. I recommend Grahams, which offers a quick tour of their lodge followed by a wide variety of different Port tastings. Regardless of where you choose to go, make sure to book a reservation beforehand. End your final day in Porto by catching an unbeatable sunset over the riverfront city at Jardim Do Morro. This park perched up high in Vila Nova de Gaia is a perfect, lively place to see the sunset, people watch, listen to musicians and reflect on your time in Porto!

Day 5: Nazaré

Pick up your rental car in Porto and hit the road for about 130 miles south towards Nazaré. Nazaré is a coastal town and fishing village famous for being home to the largest waves surfed in the entire world! While you will typically only be lucky enough to see these record-breaking waves if you are visiting between October and March, it is still an amazing place to visit year-round. Once you arrive, head up to Sitio da Nazaré to take in the sprawling ocean views. Walk out to the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo to overlook Praia do Norte, the beach famous for the iconic waves. The interior of the Fort has exhibits to showcase the history and the surfing culture of Nazaré. For your one night in Nazaré, you must go to Kabuki Sushi for dinner. Located in the downtown area right along the beach, this is one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. For a steal of a price, order the Omakase and be absolutely wowed at the quality and creativity of every bite. If you come to Nazaré for no other reason, let it be for this restaurant, you will not regret it (can you tell I still dream about this meal?).

Day 6: Évora

Grab breakfast in the town of Nazaré (I highly recommend Village Coffee Shop for a wide variety of food choices and a great atmosphere) before hitting the road southeast about 130 miles to Évora. Évora is a small, hidden gem in the Alentejo region, once home to Portuguese kings and known for its exceptionally enchanting atmosphere and well-preserved historic architecture. Spend your time exploring the historic town center, the peaceful public gardens, and of course, the preserved Roman temple. The history in Évora is abundant and so much can be discovered through simply strolling the quaint streets. As mentioned, the city is located in the heart of the Alentejo wine region, the largest wine region in Portugal. Be sure to try some of the local creations of both the white and red varieties while you are in town.

Day 7: Lagos

Today, it is time to head to the infamous Algarve region! From Évora, hop in the car and drive about 150 miles south to Lagos. There are many towns to stay in the Algarve, but I think Lagos is a great option for its proximity to other areas of the region, beautiful beaches and charming old-town district. Upon arrival in Lagos, decompress from your drive by strolling the marina and cobblestone streets of town while taking in the sea air. There is no shortage of places to eat, drink and shop in the town of Lagos. For dinner, stop by a famous local gem, Casinha do Petisco. It's a family-owned traditional Portuguese restaurant. I recommend arriving early to put your name in and be prepared to wait for your turn to sit, the wait is more than worth it. Order the Cataplana, a traditional Algarve dish of various seafood, vegetables, rice, and delicious flavors..

Day 8: Algarve Region

Prepare to hit the seas and take a boat tour of the Benagil Cave, an iconic dome-shaped cave on the coast with an opening that allows the sunlight in. I recommend booking a tour that takes you along the coastline into other caves. This is one of the most amazing ways to experience the beauty of the Algarve and the contrast of the limestone cliffs to the sea. After your boat trip, head into Lagos to grab some lunch before heading to the beach. In walking distance from town, you will find Praia dos Estudantes, one of the most famous beaches in the region. If you are looking to discover more beaches and limestone cliffs, continue walking away from the town towards Praia Dona Ana. You will discover a walking trail that brings you to a beautiful overlook over the beaches and cliffs of Lagos. End your day in the sun with a drink at Bon Vivant, a lively cocktail bar in old town Lagos with multiple levels and a rooftop.

Day 9: Algarve Region

Get ready to get your steps in! Head out early to beat the heat of the day and arrive at Praia da Marinha in Caramujeira to embark on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail hike along the coastline. This is an amazing trail with breathtaking views of cliffs and the sea. It is a seven mile hike out and back and has its fair share of incline and terrain, so be sure to have appropriate footwear. If you aren’t up for the full 7 miles, I recommend parking your car at Praia da Marinha, finishing the trail at Praia do Vale de Centeanes in Caroviero and catching an Uber back to your car. This hike is a can’t-miss and one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Algarve’s beauty. After you’ve finished your hike, enjoy a well-deserved meal and head back to Lagos to check out Ponta da Piedade, another stunning rock formation overlooking the sea with plenty of great photo opportunities.

Day 10: Sagres and Lagos

For your final full day in the Algarve, spend your morning in Sagres. It's a destination 21 miles from Lagos in the west of the Algarve, once known to be the “end of the world”. Famous for its ties to Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, it was in Sagres that Prince Henry the Navigator built a fortified town and his school of navigation. Sitting on the most Southwestern point of Europe, you can visit the Sagres Fortress and the exhibits that showcase the rich history. You can also take a walk out to the point of Sagres to look over the sea. After you’ve enjoyed Sagres and learned a little more about the exploration history of Portugal, head back to Lagos to finish your final day doing some well-deserved lounging on the beach. I recommend checking out Praia do Camilo for its ease of access and rock formations, but you can take your pick as there is clearly no shortage of wonderful beaches in Lagos.

Day 11: Lisbon

Say goodbye to the beautiful Algarve and hop in the car to head about 180 miles north to your final destination, Lisbon! The capital city of Portugal, located on the Tagus River, is a wonderful blend of culture, history and architecture. Once you arrive, return your rental car, you won’t need it during your time in Lisbon. Head to Time Out Market, a bustling food hall in the heart of the city. There is an abundance of options for both food and drink, and an exciting atmosphere to enjoy them in. From here, stroll the iconic Pink Street to embrace the lively atmosphere. Maybe snap a few photos of the pedestrian street covered in pink paint. Your first day in Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without checking out the Elevador da Bica. This is the third funicular to ever be installed in Lisbon that runs up a steep hill every 15 minutes. You can either pay a small fee to ride on the funicular or stand along the street that it runs through for the quintessential Lisbon experience.

Day 12: Lisbon

Wake up and head up to Castelo de São Jorge, a historic fortress with its large medieval walls and panoramic views of the city. Spend your morning exploring the grounds and learning about the castle's history. From here, head to the Alfama neighborhood, one of Europe's oldest neighborhoods that is bursting with character. Walk the steep, but beautiful streets and stop in one of the many traditional restaurants in the neighborhood for lunch. While in the area, you cannot miss the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Not only does this viewpoint offer an incredible look over the city and the Tagus River, but it is also landscaped beautifully with a pergola and vibrant flowers. To finish your day, see the city in a whole new light and take a peaceful Sunset Boat Cruise on the river. There are many tour operators that offer both guided and non-guided trips.

Day 13: Sintra

Today, take a quick day trip out to Sintra. It's a fairytale-like town less than 20 miles west of Lisbon, filled with lush forests and rolling hills, renowned for its enchanting palaces. Getting to Sintra is very easy from Lisbon, with trains leaving roughly every 30 minutes from the Rossio Train Station, arriving in Sintra about 40 minutes later. Taking an Uber is also an easy, relatively cheap option. Start your day off at the iconic Pena Palace, a vividly colorful and romantic 19th-century palace perched high in the hills of Sintra. After you have spent time exploring the captivating interior and exterior, take a Tuk-tuk into town and grab a bite to eat after exploring the quaint streets. I recommend Romaria de Baco, a great spot for light Portuguese fare. Spend the afternoon at Quinta da Regaleira, a beautiful estate surrounding an eclectic-revivalist architecture Castle. On these grounds is where you can visit the infamous Initiation Well. This is a one-of-a-kind structure designed with a spiral staircase that descends underground, once serving as a symbol of spiritual initiation. After you’ve explored all the grounds and gardens, head back to Lisbon and end your day visiting one of the city's many vibrant cocktail bars. I recommend checking out the Bica neighborhood for a ton of options.

Day 14: Lisbon

For your last day in Portugal, enjoy a slow-paced day starting in Commerce Square and take in the iconic architecture on the riverfront. From here, make a visit to Carmo Convent, the remains of a beautiful Gothic church. Once left in ruins after the 1755 earthquake, it is now home to the Carmo Archaeological Museum. If you’re looking for a unique view from high above the city, check out Elevador de Santa Justa, an ornate wrought-iron elevator that you can ride up for a small fee. Wander around Rossio Square and the Santa Justa neighborhood, a great place for any final shopping for souvenirs or to grab your last taste of authentic Pastel de Natas. End your amazing trip with a drink at a rooftop bar (Rossio Gastrobar is a great choice) and take in the last looks of the enchanting country of Portugal.