30-Day Itinerary for a Trip to Portugal

Management coach

Management coach

— 5 min read

Overview

This itinerary will guide you through the highlights of Portugal over 30 days, including hotel stays, delicious dining options, shopping districts, cultural experiences, and notable churches. You'll explore renowned cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, while also taking in the stunning countryside and coastal towns.

Day 1-5: Lisbon

Accommodation

  • Hotel Options:
    • Bairro Alto Hotel: A chic boutique hotel in the historic Bairro Alto district.
    • Hotel Lisboa Plaza: A classic hotel with modern amenities, located close to the Avenida da Liberdade.

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

  • Evening Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner at Time Out Market, sampling dishes from various vendors.

Day 2: Exploring Lisbon

  • Morning:
    • Visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic views of the city.
  • Lunch: Stop by Cervejaria Ramiro for fresh seafood.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Alfama District and wander through its narrow streets.
  • Evening: Dinner at Fado na Baixa, experiencing traditional Fado music.

Day 3: Religious Heritage

  • Morning:
    • Visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Lunch: Grab a pastry at Pastéis de Belém, famous for its custard tarts.
  • Afternoon: Explore MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology).
  • Evening: Dinner at A Cevicheria for a fusion of Portuguese and Peruvian cuisine.

Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra

  • Transport: Take the train from Rossio Station to Sintra (40 mins).
  • Activities: Visit Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira.
  • Lunch: Enjoy local cuisine at Tascantiga.
  • Evening Return to Lisbon: Dinner at Ramiro.

Day 5: Markets and Shopping

  • Morning: Explore Campo de Ourique Market.
  • Lunch: Eat at one of the market stalls.
  • Afternoon Shopping: Head to Avenida da Liberdade for high-end shopping.
  • Evening: Casual dining at Taberna da Rua das Flores.

Day 6-10: Porto

Accommodation

  • Hotel Options:
    • The Yeatman: A luxury hotel with stunning views of Porto and river.
    • Rui’s Apartment: A cozy Airbnb near the city center.

Day 6: Travel to Porto

  • Transport: Take a train from Lisbon to Porto (3 hours).
  • Evening Visit: Explore Ribeira District along the Douro River, and have dinner at Taberna da Ribeira.

Day 7: Porto City Exploration

  • Morning: Visit São Bento Railway Station and its famous azulejos (ceramic tiles).
  • Lunch: Dine at Cantinho do Avillez.
  • Afternoon: Tour Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores.
  • Evening: Sample port wine at Graham's Port Lodge.

Day 8: Cultural Day

  • Morning: Explore Palácio da Bolsa.
  • Lunch: Traditional Francesinha at Café Santiago.
  • Afternoon: Visit Clérigos Church and climb the tower for views.
  • Evening: Dinner at Ode Porto Wine House.

Day 9: Day Trip to Douro Valley

  • Transport: Book a wine tour or take a scenic train ride.
  • Activities: Visit a vineyard, including wine tastings and lunch.
  • Evening Return to Porto: Dinner at R. das Flores, a restaurant known for local specialties.

Day 10: Markets and Departure

  • Morning: Visit Mercado do Bolhão for fresh produce and local delicacies.
  • Shopping: Search for Porto souvenirs nearby.
  • Evening: Catch a late dinner at Mercado Beira-Rio before departure to the next destination.

Day 11-15: Faro and the Algarve

Accommodation

  • Hotel Options:
    • Hotel Eva: A contemporary hotel overlooking the marina.
    • Pousada Palácio de Estoi: A romantic stay in a historic palace.

Day 11: Travel to Faro

  • Transport: Take a train from Porto to Faro (5 hours).
  • Evening Stroll: Explore the old town and have dinner at Faro Marina.

Day 12: Beach Day

  • Morning: Take a boat to Ilha Deserta for a relaxing beach day.
  • Lunch: Have a picnic lunch or dine at Restaurant Ilha Deserta.
  • Evening: Head back and dine at Café Aliança.

Day 13: Explore Lagos

  • Transport: Rent a car or take the bus to Lagos (1 hour).
  • Activities: Visit Ponta da Piedade cliffs.
  • Lunch: Stop at O Camilo for seafood.
  • Evening Dinner: Enjoy nightlife at Marina de Lagos.

Day 14: Tavira City

  • Morning: Visit Tavira, stopping at the Tavira Castle.
  • Lunch: Sample local dishes at Restaurante A Forja.
  • Evening: Return to Faro, having dinner at Porto do Olho.

Day 15: Relaxation Day

  • Morning: Leisurely breakfast at Café da Praça.
  • Visit: Explore nearby Ria Formosa Natural Park.
  • Evening Departure: Dinner at A Venda before leaving the Algarve.

Day 16-20: Évora and Alentejo

Accommodation

  • Hotel Options:
    • M'AR de AR Aqueduto: A luxurious hotel in the heart of Évora.
    • Hotel Dom Fernando: A comfortable option just outside the city center.

Day 16: Travel to Évora

  • Transport: Take a bus from Faro to Évora (2.5 hours).
  • Evening: Dinner at Botequim da Sé, known for traditional Portuguese dishes.

Day 17: Historical Évora

  • Morning: Visit the Roman Temple of Évora and Évora Cathedral.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Taberna Típica Quim dos Ossos.
  • Afternoon: Tour Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones).
  • Dinner: Savor local flavors at Restaurante Fialho.

Day 18: Wine Tasting in Alentejo

  • Transport: Book a regional wine tour.
  • Activities: Tasting at local wineries with traditional Alentejo lunch.
  • Evening Return: Dinner at Restaurante Canastra.

Day 19: Explore Monsaraz

  • Transport: Drive or taxi to Monsaraz (one hour).
  • Activities: Visit the castle and the stunning lake views.
  • Lunch: Enjoy local cuisine at Taverna Os Templários.
  • Evening: Return to Évora for dinner at Pub Óbidos.

Day 20: Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Take a guided tour of a local artisanal craft shop.
  • Shopping: Purchase handmade products and local wine.
  • Evening Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner at D. Joaquim.

Day 21-25: Coimbra and Surroundings

Accommodation

  • Hotel Options:
    • Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas: A historic hotel with beautiful gardens.
    • Sapientia Boutique Hotel: A trendy hotel near the university.

Day 21: Travel to Coimbra

  • Transport: Take a train from Évora to Coimbra (3 hours).
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner at Restaurante Loggia.

Day 22: University City

  • Morning: Tour the University of Coimbra and the Joanina Library.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at Estudantina.
  • Afternoon: Visit Sé Velha de Coimbra (Old Cathedral).
  • Evening: Dinner at A Praça.

Day 23: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Explore Portugal dos Pequenitos (miniature park).
  • Lunch: Find a café in the area.
  • Evening: Experience Fado at Fábrica do Pastel de Feijão.

Day 24: Day Trip to Aveiro

  • Transport: Take a train to Aveiro (1 hour).
  • Activities: Explore the canals and colorful boats.
  • Lunch: Try the local specialty, Ovos Moles.
  • Evening Return: Dinner in Coimbra at Zé Manel dos Ossos.

Day 25: Nature and Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit Busal Viseu Park for a hike.
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic or dine at a nearby tavern.
  • Evening: End with a quiet dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Day 26-30: Lisbon and Surroundings

Accommodation

  • Return to Lisbon: Choose same hotels as before.

Day 26: Return to Lisbon

  • Transport: Take a train from Coimbra back to Lisbon.
  • Evening: Casual dinner at Pizzaria Lisboa.

Day 27: Cascais

  • Transport: Take the train to Cascais (40 mins).
  • Activities: Relax on the beach and visit Boca do Inferno.
  • Lunch: Eat at Restaurant Monte Mar.
  • Evening Return: Dinner at Mar do Inferno in Cascais.

Day 28: Mafra Palace

  • Transport: Rent a car or join a tour to Mafra (30 mins).
  • Activities: Visit Palácio de Mafra and its library.
  • Lunch: Enjoy local food at Tasca do Chico.
  • Evening Return to Lisbon: Dinner at A Casa do Alentejo.

Day 29: Cultural Farewell

  • Morning: Visit Museu Calouste Gulbenkian.
  • Lunch: At Estoril near the museum.
  • Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at local boutiques.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Bistrô 100 Maneiras.

Day 30: Departure

  • Final Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at Fábrica Coffee Roasters.
  • Transport: Use public transport or a taxi to Lisbon Airport for departure.

Public Transportation Options:

  • Trains: CP trains connect Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Coimbra.
  • Buses: Rede Expressos and ALSA offer comfortable bus services.
  • Metro: Lisbon's metro system is efficient and affordable for city travel.
  • Trams and Buses: Use tram 28 for a scenic ride around Lisbon's historic districts.

Conclusion

This comprehensive 30-day itinerary for Portugal offers a perfect blend of cultural experiences, gastronomic delights, shopping, and the country’s rich history. You'll enjoy beautiful landscapes, welcoming locals, and unforgettable memories. Do adjust the itinerary according to your interests and pace!

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