OVERVIEW

Portugal, a country steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty, offers an incredible range of experiences within a compact area. With well-connected travel routes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a destination that’s both accessible and endlessly rewarding to explore.

A one-week itinerary through southern Portugal takes you from the cobbled streets and historic charm of Lisbon to the ancient Roman ruins of Évora and the sun-drenched beaches along the Algarve coast. Along the way, you’ll encounter medieval castles, savor fresh seafood, and take in sweeping views of the Atlantic from dramatic cliffside vistas—each region revealing its own unique character and traditions.

Blending culture, scenic landscapes, and moments of relaxation, this 7-day journey is perfectly suited for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. With a thoughtful mix of urban energy, rural serenity, and coastal beauty, it promises a rich and unforgettable travel experience.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Traveling through Portugal is simple and efficient, particularly when visiting Lisbon, Évora, and the Algarve. Begin in Lisbon, where the public transportation system is both reliable and budget-friendly—trams, buses, and the metro make it easy to get around. There’s no need to rent a car while you’re in the city. For a popular day trip, the picturesque town of Sintra is easily accessible by train or bus from central Lisbon.

If you’re just visiting Évora for the day, a direct train or bus from Lisbon is a convenient and comfortable option, with the journey taking around 90 minutes. The town itself is compact and easily explored on foot, so a car isn’t necessary for getting around Évora. However, for this itinerary, renting a car is recommended, as you’ll be continuing on from Évora to the southern coast.

The journey from Évora to the Algarve takes about 2.5 hours. Having a car offers flexibility to explore the countryside and coastal towns at your own pace. If you prefer public transit, you can catch a train or bus to cities like Lagos or Faro. Once in the Algarve, regional trains and buses connect the main towns, but a rental car is ideal for reaching beaches, scenic spots, and smaller villages tucked away along the coast.

WHERE TO STAY

Lisbon offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s style and budget. For those seeking charm and convenience, neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama place you close to major attractions, restaurants, and public transit. 

Baixa is ideal for first-time visitors with its central location and elegant architecture, while Chiado blends historic charm with a vibrant cultural scene. Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest quarters, offers a more traditional experience with winding streets and Fado music echoing from local taverns. 

For a quieter stay, consider Príncipe Real or Estrela, known for their leafy streets, boutique hotels, and relaxed atmosphere. Budget travelers will find plenty of stylish hostels and guesthouses, while luxury seekers can choose from elegant hotels with river views and rooftop terraces. 

The Algarve coast offers a variety of places to stay, depending on your travel style. For lively beach towns with plenty of restaurants and nightlife, Lagos and Albufeira are popular choices. 

Families often enjoy Carvoeiro, known for its scenic cliffs and relaxed vibe. If you’re looking for a quieter escape, consider Tavira, a charming town with traditional architecture and a slower pace. 

For luxury resorts and golf courses, Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago offer upscale accommodations and amenities. Nature lovers might prefer staying near Sagres or the Costa Vicentina for dramatic coastlines and outdoor activities. 

7-DAY ITINERARY 

Day 1 Lisbon – Alfama

Spend the day exploring Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, where narrow lanes wind past historic churches, colorful homes, and scenic viewpoints. To start, head to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, one of the city’s highest and most peaceful lookouts, offering breathtaking views over the hills, tiled rooftops, and the distant Tagus River.

Just a short walk away, climb the bell tower of the Church of Our Lady Grace for another stunning perspective, with fewer crowds and a closer look at the Alfama district below.

Next, explore the nearby Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, a beautiful example of Mannerist architecture filled with intricate azulejos and peaceful cloisters.

Not far away is the National Pantheon, an impressive domed building where many of Portugal’s most notable figures are buried. Climb to the rooftop terrace for more incredible views.

Hop aboard the famous Tram 28, a vintage yellow streetcar that rattles through narrow, winding streets, climbing steep hills and passing historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Graça. The wooden seats, clanging bell, and close-up views of colorful houses and bustling squares capture the old-world charm of the city perfectly.

Disembark near São Jorge Castle, a Moorish fortress perched high on a hilltop. Wander along its ancient stone walls, explore hidden courtyards, and take in sweeping views over Lisbon’s red-tiled rooftops. Peacocks roam the grounds, and the castle’s towers and archaeological site reveal layers of the city’s rich, complex history.

As you make your way down, pause at Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia—both offering postcard-worthy panoramas of Alfama. They’re perfect for a break and photo stop.

Continue downhill to visit the Lisbon Cathedral, the city’s oldest church with Romanesque and Gothic elements. As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at a local Fado restaurant, where soulful live music and traditional Portuguese dishes provide the perfect ending to your day in Alfama.

Day 2 Lisbon – Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Belém

Your second day in Portugal’s capital begins in Baixa, where grand squares and neoclassical buildings create a lively atmosphere. Start at Praça do Comércio, a grand riverside square framed by yellow buildings and open arcades. The statue of King José I is the centerpiece of the square while the bustling cafes make for great people-watching.

From there, pass through the impressive Rua Augusta Arch and stroll up Rua Augusta, a lively pedestrian street filled with shops, cafes, and street performers. Your walk leads to Rossio Square, a bustling plaza known for its patterned cobblestones, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere.

Before leaving Baixa, ride the Santa Justa Lift, a 19th-century iron elevator offering stunning views over Lisbon’s narrow streets and colorful buildings.

Head to the Bairro Alto district and visit the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a terraced garden with panoramic city views. Wander the quiet streets of Bairro Alto, known for its bohemian spirit and hidden plazas.

Descend via the charming Bica Funicular to reach Pink Street, once a red-light district but now a trendy destination worth a quick stroll. End your day at Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira), where you can sample a variety of Portuguese dishes from top chefs in a lively, welcoming space.

Afterward, make your way to the district of Belém, home to some of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks. Visit the stunning Jerónimos Monastery, then continue to the Monument to the Discoveries, honoring Portugal’s explorers. From there, walk along the river to the iconic Belém Tower, a striking fortress that once guarded the harbor.

Day 3 Lisbon – Day trip to Sintra

Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a fairytale town tucked into forested hills, known for its palaces, gardens, and misty mountain charm.

Start your day early with a visit to Pena Palace, one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks. Its vivid colors, eclectic architecture, and panoramic views from the hilltop make it feel like something from a storybook. Be sure to stroll through the surrounding park, which is filled with hidden paths, ponds, and exotic plants.

From there, make your way to the nearby Castle of the Moors, a medieval fortress with crumbling stone walls that snake along the ridge. Climbing the towers rewards you with spectacular views of Sintra, the Atlantic Ocean, and Pena Palace in the distance.

Afterward, head down into the town center for a break and lunch. Then visit the National Palace of Sintra, recognizable by its twin chimneys. The palace’s rooms are filled with decorative tiles and historical details that reflect centuries of royal life.

In the afternoon, explore Quinta da Regaleira, an enchanting estate filled with symbolism, underground tunnels, mysterious wells, and lush gardens. Don’t miss the Initiation Well—a spiraling stone staircase that leads deep underground and is one of Sintra’s most fascinating sights.

If time allows, end your day with a peaceful walk through Monserrate Palace and its botanical gardens. Less crowded than other sites, Monserrate offers stunning architectural details blending Gothic, Moorish, and Indian styles, surrounded by serene landscapes perfect for a relaxed finish.

Day 4 Évora

Today, you’ll journey from Lisbon to the Algarve coast, with a scenic detour through Évora. Just 90 minutes from Lisbon, Évora offers a deep dive into Portugal’s history, set within a charming, walkable town in the Alentejo region.

Begin your visit at the Templo Romano, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the country. Its towering columns are a striking symbol of the city’s ancient past. Just steps away, explore the Cathedral of Évora, a massive Gothic structure with an impressive interior and rooftop access for impressive views of the city.

Next, make your way to the haunting yet fascinating Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) inside the Church of St. Francis. Lined with thousands of human bones and skulls, the chapel offers a sobering reflection on life and death.

Stroll through Praça do Giraldo, the town’s central square, where you can enjoy a coffee at a café and watch the pace of daily life. From here, explore nearby shops selling cork goods, ceramics, and local products.

In the afternoon, visit the historic University of Évora, known for its serene cloisters and intricate blue-and-white tilework. If time permits, take a short drive to the Cromeleque dos Almendres, a fascinating prehistoric stone circle tucked into the countryside.

After exploring, make the scenic two-hour drive south to the Algarve coast, where you’ll settle in for the next three days of coastal adventure.

Day 5 Algarve – Ponta da Piedade, Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana, and Lagos

Begin your morning with a visit to Ponta da Piedade, a dramatic headland just outside of Lagos. This natural wonder is known for its golden sea cliffs, jagged rock formations, and sea arches sculpted by centuries of ocean erosion. Walk along the cliffside paths and enjoy the views of the Atlantic Ocean and Algarve coastline.

From there, make your way to Camilo Beach (Praia do Camilo), one of the most picturesque beaches in the Algarve. Tucked between enormous cliffs, the beach is reached by a long wooden staircase. 

Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with clear water, soft sand, and unique rock formations. You can also arrange a short boat trip or kayak tour from nearby to explore the Ponta da Piedade grottoes, where sunlight dances through narrow sea caves and tunnels.

Next, walk or drive over to Praia Dona Ana, another iconic beach known for its colorful cliffs and calm waters. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the views with a light picnic. For a quieter experience, you can opt to spend a few peaceful hours at the nearby Praia de São Roque instead.

Wrap up your day in Lagos, a historic town with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and a relaxed vibe. Stroll through the old town, visit the harbor, or grab a gelato as the sun sets. It’s the perfect ending to a scenic and relaxing day.

Day 6 Algarve – Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Praia da Marinha, Benagil, and Algar Seco

A day along the Algarve coast hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail offers a perfect mix of adventure, dramatic landscapes, and postcard-worthy beaches. Start your day early with the trail itself—this popular coastal hike stretches between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes. The route winds along limestone cliffs, offering constant views of the ocean, natural arches, and hidden coves below.

One of the highlights along the way is Praia da Marinha, widely considered one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. Stop here to rest and take in the iconic double arch and rock formations rising from the sea. The beach’s golden sand and clear, shallow waters make it ideal for a quick swim or relaxing break.

Continue eastward on the trail until you reach the Benagil area. From above, you’ll spot the famous Benagil Cave, with its circular skylight and secluded beach inside. While you can’t enter the cave directly from the cliffs, nearby kayak or boat rentals offer a way to explore it from the water if time allows.

End your day at Algar Seco, a stunning coastal area near Carvoeiro known for its sea-carved caves, blowholes, and natural rock formations. Wooden boardwalks and pathways make it easy to explore the dramatic cliffs. Another nearby option with equally stunning rock formations and picturesque coves is Praia dos Três Irmãos.

Day 7 Algarve – Praia da Falésia, Praia do João d’Arens, Cabo de São Vicente, and Albufeira

Begin your day in Portugal at Praia da Falésia, one of the Algarve’s most breathtaking beaches. Stretching for over six kilometers, this vast shoreline is backed by towering cliffs in hues of red, orange, and white. It’s ideal for a peaceful morning walk or swim, with soft sand underfoot and endless ocean views.

Next, travel west toward Praia do João d’Arens, near Portimão. Here, a scenic cliff-top trail winds past hidden coves, dramatic rock formations, and sea-carved inlets. The path is less frequented than other coastal hikes, making it a serene escape with incredible views around every turn.

Continue your journey to the southwestern tip of Portugal, where Cabo de São Vicente awaits. Known as “the end of the world” in ancient times, this headland boasts massive cliffs and a historic lighthouse perched above crashing waves. It’s an unforgettable spot to feel the raw power of the Atlantic.

Close by, the town of Sagres offers a look into Portugal’s maritime past. Visit the Fortaleza de Sagres, a coastal fort with panoramic views and historical significance tied to early explorers. The strong winds and cliffside setting make this area feel wild and untamed.

Wrap up your day in Albufeira, where you can unwind at Praia dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Beach). Located just steps from the town’s charming old quarter, this lively beach features golden sand, calm waters, and a bustling promenade. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a sunset, and reflect on a full day of Algarve adventure.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

A week exploring Portugal offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. In Lisbon, the charm of old neighborhoods, scenic viewpoints, and historic monuments create the perfect introduction to the country. 

From there, the journey inland to Évora reveals a slower pace and ancient wonders, from Roman temples to mysterious stone circles. Finally, the Algarve’s stunning coastline, dramatic cliffs, and golden beaches provide a relaxing and awe-inspiring finale. 

Whether wandering cobbled streets, tasting regional cuisine, or watching the sunset over the Atlantic, each stop offers its own unforgettable moments. Hopefully this seven-day itinerary captures the essence of Portugal—rich in heritage, full of heart, and endlessly scenic—leaving you inspired to return and explore even more.