10-DAY PORTUGAL ITINERARY: LISBON, ALGARVE, EVORA AND CASCAIS

When I thought about Portugal, 3 things came to my mind: Beautiful blue tiles, delicious egg tarts, and stunning beaches! These 3 things alone were enough to convince me to visit Portugal back in 2022. Having only 10 days to visit the country, we had to make choices and decided to focus on the South of Portugal, as the region boasts an amazing blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a dream destination for first-time visitors. This 10-day Portugal itinerary includes exploring beautiful Lisbon, beach hopping in the Algarve, visiting the pretty town of Evora, admiring the dreamy castles of Sintra, and chilling in the chic coastal town of Cascais. During our 10 days in Portugal, we stayed in lovely hotels, so you will find more details on this too!

Excited yet? So let’s start our 10-day journey through South Portugal.

10 DAYS IN PORTUGAL – THE COMPLETE ITINERARY

DAY1 & 2: EXPLORING LISBON, THE LIVELY CAPITAL OF PORTUGAL

Lisbon, the charming capital of Portugal, is a city full of history, culture, vibrant nightlife, and stunning views. Unlike some other European capitals, visiting Lisbon is not about trying to see as many extraordinary monuments as possible, but rather about wandering and soaking in the cool & relaxed atmosphere of the city. While two days might not be enough to fully discover the city, they are certainly enough to capture its essence and see some of its nicest sights. Here are a few things not to miss during 2 days in Lisbon.

Explore the Baixa District, the lively heart of Lisbon

Rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in the 18th century, Baixa district is a grid of elegant streets lined with shops and pastel-colored buildings. The grand Praça do Comércio, once a gateway to Portugal’s colonial empire, now offers some beautiful views of the Tagus River. From Praca do Comercio, admire the Arco da Rua Augusta, before taking the lift to its rooftop platform for a stunning view of Lisbon. Continue by strolling north on Rua Augusta, a pedestrian-only street buzzing with shops, restaurants, and performers. 

End at Rossio Square (Praça Dom Pedro IV), where the wave-patterned mosaic pavement and Baroque fountains steal the show. Don’t miss the neoclassical D. Maria II National Theatre before walking to the iconic Santa Justa Lift. Then take the lift up for yet another stunning view of the city. Not too far away is the impressive Igreja de São Domingos, a church that was partially destroyed by a fire in 1959. The interior has only been partially renovated, giving the church a very raw and unique beauty!

Get lost in the winding streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district

While Baixa is pretty anchored in modern days, Alfama district will surely take you back in time. A maze of narrow, cobbled streets winds its way up a steep hill to the São Jorge Castle. This historic Moorish quarter boasts all the charm I expected from Lisbon: colorful houses decorated with azulejos (painted tiles), hidden plazas, and intimate Fado restaurants. Start your Alfama exploration at the Sé Cathedral, Lisbon’s oldest church. Climb aboard Tram 28 (be prepared for crowds!) or wander on foot, getting lost in the labyrinth of streets. Stop by the Miradouro das Portas do Sol and the Santa Luzia Mirador for beautiful city and river panoramas. For a touch of history, explore the São Jorge Castle, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Lisbon’s medieval heart.

Discover the Belem district

Slightly out of the city center, Belém will transport you back to the era of Portugal’s grand maritime success. Visit the iconic Belem Tower and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, before heading to the stunning Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before indulging in a famous Pasteis de Nata at the Pasteis de Belem shop.

As you make your way back to central Lisbon, make a final stop at LX Factory. This trendy complex, housed in a revitalized 19th-century industrial area, boasts a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and co-working spaces. Explore independent boutiques showcasing Portuguese design, grab a bite, or visit the famous bookshop: Livraria Ler Devagar.

Discover more about the best things to do in Lisbon with my 3 days in Lisbon travel guide. And if you have more time, why not consider taking a beautiful day trips from Lisbon!

SAVE TIME BY BOOKING A GUIDED TOUR, GET THE LISBON CARD OR BUY ALL YOUR ENTRANCE TICKETS IN ADVANCE

DAY 3-6: THE ALGARVE: SEA, SUN & PRETTY VILLAGES

It is already day 3 out of your 10 days in Portugal and it is time to hit the road and head south to the beautiful Algarve region. The drive from Lisbon takes around 2h30 min and then an extra 15 to 20 min depending on where you decide to stay along the Algarve coast.

There is so much to see in the Algarve, from stunning beaches to cute villages that it is hard to narrow it down to 3 days, but here is what I recommend:

Discover the West – Lagos and Sagres

Start your day driving to Farol de Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwestern tip of Portugal. The cute red lighthouse looks over spectacular cliffs diving into the Atlantic Ocean. It really feels like reaching the end of the world! We visited in the morning, but it is also a well-known sunset spot. Only a few hundred meters away is the Fortaleza do Beliche. Although the fortress itself is closed to the public, there is a walking path with more amazing views. Only 5 min away is Praia do Beliche, a stunning golden sand beach surrounded by rugged cliffs. The beach is quite vast and its relatively remote location means there are much fewer visitors than in other Algarve’s beaches. Finally head over to Sagres, a cute town steeped in maritime exploration history. Explore the village and visit the Ponta da Sagres fortress, a 15th-century monument overlooking the coastline. 

The next stop is Lagos (35 min drive), a charming village with some of the most stunning viewpoints & beaches in the Algarve. Start by visiting the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de Piedade. Several boardwalks in the areas offer stunning views of the cliffs and the ocean. Follow the boardwalk to Praia do Camilo, another cute beach surrounded by high cliffs. If you fancy lunch, stop by O’Camilo, a great seafood restaurant with stunning sea views. Another 2 famous beaches we didn’t get a chance to visit are Praia Done Ana and Praia dos Estudantes.

Lagos itself is a very pleasant village, quite developed towards tourism with lots of lively cafes, restaurants and shops. There are also a lot of boat tours to explore Ponta de Piedade cliffs & caves from the sea, like this tour on a beautiful traditional sailing boat.

Charming Ferragudo and Carvoeiro

Ferragudo is a sleepy fishing village with lots of authenticity. Wander narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, colorful doors, and blooming bougainvillea before indulging in a seafood lunch by the harbor. We had lunch at Restaurant Sueste, devoured an enormous sole with a bottle of local white wine, and had the best time! Ferragudo is also the starting point of many boat tours, including to the famous Benagil Cave.

Then head over to Carvoeiro, a vibrant resort town with a lively atmosphere. Climb to the top of the hill on either side of the village to have a panoramic view of the Praia do Carvoeiro, a picturesque cove with golden sands and calm waters. although a little bit too much in the city for my liking. Instead I would recommend the beautiful Praia da Marinha, only 10 min drive east of Carvoeiro.

From Carvoeiro too you can take a boat to the iconic Benagil Cave. If you feel like having a sporty half day, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a stunning 6 km (each way) hike along the coastline! This day tour conveniently combines both the cave and the hike.

From Faro’s charm to Tavira’s tranquility

Finally, head over to the eastern part of the Algarve to discover some very different landscapes. While the west is home to dramatic cliffs and small cove beaches, as you head East you will discover wetlands and very long sand beaches.

First, explore Tavira, a charming town with narrow streets, colorful houses, and remains of the Moorish influence in the region. Visit the Castelo de Tavira, a hilltop castle with panoramic views, and the Santa Maria do Castelo Church, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. Unlike other Algarves villages, there is no beach right in the town, but there are a few beautiful ones nearby, including Praia do Barril, a huge beach famous for its collection of over 100 boat anchors and the little train to access it.

Later, head to Faro, the Algarve’s capital city. Explore the historic city center, and visit the Faro Cathedral and the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones). In the evening, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Faro’s bars and restaurants.

DAY 7 -8: WINE & HISTORY IN EVORA

The next stop in your 10-day Portugal itinerary is the pretty town of Evora! Nestled amidst the rolling plains of Alentejo, Évora offers a great insight into Portugal’s rich history and cultural heritage. Explore the cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses with beautiful tilework and wrought-iron balconies. Visit the Sé Cathedral and its rooftop, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and don’t miss the weird & creepy Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) and the Roman temple of Evora. The Evora region is also well known for its prehistorical remains, so if that is your thing visit the nearby Cromlech of the Almendres, a megalithic stone circle dating back to 6000 BC.

The Alentejo region is also home to a lot of olive groves and vineyards, so booking a visit to one is a must-do. We visited Adega Cartuxa (Cartuxa Winery), only 2km from the historic center of Evora. We learned about the winery history, discovered the technical evolution of wine production, and of course, ended with a delicious wine tasting.

DAY 9 – RELAXING BY THE SEA IN CASCAIS

Finally, this is the last stop of this 10-day itinerary, and one of my favorite towns in Portugal: Cascais

Once a small fishing village, Cascais became a sophisticated resort town when the Portuguese Royal Family started vacationing there. Today Cascais is a charming city with a vibrant evening scene! Spend your day exploring the historic center. Wander through the narrow streets lined with colorful houses and traditional shops. Visit the Citadel of Cascais, a 16th-century fortress offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the cute Santa Maria lighthouse.

From there, head west along the coastline to the Boca Do Inferno, a scenic oceanfront cliff featuring a natural archway & open cave. If you have the time, continue on that same route all the way to Praia do Guincho, a stunning wild beach (which sadly we didn’t have time to visit). From the center of town, you can also take the promenade heading west to the nearby town of Estoril. It is a very pleasant 2.5 km (each way) walk / bike ride alongside the beach.

At night, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Rua Amarela with all its little restaurants and terraces invading the whole street! We had dinner at Cantina Clandestina and had a great time!

DAY 10 – DAY TRIP TO MAGICAL SINTRA

Finally don’t miss a day trip to Sintra. Nestled 30 min away from Lisbon, the town of Sintra has a magical feel and amazing history. Once a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty and nobility, they have built the most extravagant palaces for today’s visitor’s delight!

The “crown jewel” of Sintra is the Pena National Palace, a crazy masterpiece imagined by former Portuguese King Ferdinand II. This 19th-century marvel is a kaleidoscope of architectural styles, blending Romanticism, Gothic, and Moorish influences, with bright red and yellow walls! Pena Palace is special, but it is also incredibly crowded, so head over there first thing in the morning if you can.

For a taste of exotic elegance, visit the Monserrate Palace. This Moorish-inspired wonder has intricate Arabic details, lush gardens with exotic plants, and a vibrant pink facade. The least busy of the 3 palaces we visited, it was also my favorite.

Finally, delve into the mysterious world of the Quinta da Regaleira. This 19th-century estate is a labyrinth of hidden grottos, cascading waterfalls, and secret passageways. Explore the iconic Initiation Well, a spiral staircase descending into the earth, and uncover the enigmatic symbolism carved into the estate’s walls.

Sintra is a must-do during your 10 days in Portugal. While we visited toward the end of our trip, it could also be added as a day trip from Lisbon.

TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAY I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOOKING A DAY TOUR TO SINTRA

IS 10 DAYS IN PORTUGAL ENOUGH?

In short, 10 days is not enough to discover all of Portugal. Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. To truly discover everything it has to offer, you would need a much longer trip.

However, 10 days is a good amount of time to see many highlights of Portugal. In this itinerary I focused on Lisbon and the South of Portugal, exploring at a “slow pace”, as we didn’t want to move daily. If I had more time I would have loved to add Porto, the Douro Region, and Obidos, and to spend at least 3 days in Lisbon.

Ultimately, the decision of whether 10 days is enough to visit Portugal depends on your travel style and priorities. If you’re happy with a whirlwind tour of the highlights, 10 days can be a great way to experience Portugal. But if you want to delve deeper into the culture and history, you’ll need more time.

10 DAYS IN PORTUGAL: BEST TIME TO VISIT PORTUGAL

Thanks to a temperate climate, Portugal should be charming throughout the year, but I believe the best time to visit is in the Spring (March to May). The weather is usually warm and sunny, with much fewer crowds than in the summer. June to August are the hottest months, ideal for going to the beach, but also the most touristy ones. We visited Portugal in mid-June and it was already extremely crowded. If you are not looking for a beach holiday then autumn and winter can also be very pleasant as the temperature rarely dive below 10 Degrees Celcius.

HOW TO GO AROUND PORTUGAL

If you are limited to 10 days to visit Portugal, renting a car will help you maximize your itinerary. While public transport is well developed in Lisbon and between major towns, it can be limited in rural areas and between the pretty Algarve villages. The roads in Portugal are in very good condition and our rental car even came with an integrated toll payment system, so it was truly hassle-free.

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USEFUL RESSOURCES TO PLAN YOUR 10 DAY PORTUGAL ITINERARY

From booking a flight to finding some beautiful cultural tours, or getting an e-sim ahead of your trip to stay connected, I have gathered here all the super useful websites I always use to organize my travels.

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Here you go! I hope you liked this 10-day Portugal itinerary and that you found all the necessary information to organize your next holidays! As always if you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below, send me an email, or message me on Instagram!

Love, Emma