Portugal Itinerary

A port of call for historic maritime voyages, Portugal’s second city is the perfect place to begin your own adventure. Stroll along the quayside between the colorful ancient buildings of the Cais da Ribeira and traditional boats parked on the River Douro.

A free walking tour, starting at Lion’s Square (Praça de Gomes Teixeira), provides a great introduction to Porto’s history and culture. Linger at the Ribeira Square (Praça da Ribeira) afterwards and you’ll realize why UNESCO recognized the Historic Centre of Porto as a World Heritage site.

Save yourself a day to take the Douro Line (Linha do Douro) from Porto to Régua. Start at São Bento Train Station, which alone is worth visiting for its 100 year old, beautifully tiled walls. Return later in the day to Porto Campanhã Train Station.

Portugal’s most stunning train ride takes you through 20 tunnels and across 30 bridges along the Douro valley. Stop at the terraced vineyards of Pinhão on the way, to sample the region’s world-famous port wines – you’re in Porto of course!

Coimbra is home to Portugal’s oldest university and no fewer than 6 of Portugal’s kings were born here, including the first ruler Afonso I. No surprise then that the city is rich in history.

Visit the tomb of Alfonso I at the Santa Cruz Monastery and don’t miss the Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra’s extravagant 18^th-century library. Spend an evening at Fado au Centro for a thrilling live performance of Coimbra’s distinctive fado folk music.

As Europe’s second oldest capital city, Lisbon is bursting with historic charm. Take a classic yellow tram to the Moorish Castle of São Jorge for a hilltop view of the city. Then descend on foot through the narrow alleyways of the Alfama district for a taste of old-time Lisbon.

Start your evening late, and make sure dinner in the lively streets of the Bairro Alto district in on your Lisbon itinerary. Look in the menu for bacalhau, one of Portugal’s national dishes made from dried and salted cod. For delicious cocktails and fine Portuguese hospitality, head to Bar A Paródia in the west of the city. This hidden gem is one of the oldest bars in Lisbon and one of the most atmospheric too.

Be sure to add a day trip to Sintra to any stay in Lisbon. Natural and man-made beauty combine in this fairytale town. Climb the lush wooded hills to the spectacular Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena) with its vibrant turrets and arches in yellow and red. Nestled in the woodland you can also climb the ramparts of the brilliant 8^th century Castle of the Moors.

Back in the main town, pop into the little shops and cafés along the narrow, steep lanes. Try ginjinha, a sour cherry shot that comes in a tiny chocolate cup. Look out for locals selling them from their windows.

Faro is best known as being the provincial capital of the Algarve. Here you can chill by the sea, in one of the many waterfront cafés or beaches. A short bus ride will take you to the popular town beach, Praia de Faro, for soft sand, friendly vibes and a beautiful sunset.

Choose to stick within the harbor and Old Town (Centro Historico) and you’ll find plenty of historic delights, none more so than the Igreja do Carmo church. Its eerie bone chapel has walls constructed of femur bones and contains 1245 skulls originating from the Carmelite monks who lived there.

Lagos is a hotspot for backpackers who bring beach-party vibes and a lively nightlife. It’s also a place to relax to the max and find your personal beach paradise. The closest, Meia Praia, has a long stretch of golden sands, beach bars and water sports. For cliffs, caves and hidden alcoves, try the more secluded Praia do Camilo.

For the best surf, take a bus to Sagres at the southwestern tip on Portugal. Further on, you can head to Cape São Vicente, which ancient Europeans perceived as being at the “End of the World”. On the way back, take a boat out to Ponta da Piedade and discover the spectacular grottoes and rock formations.