How Long to Stay in Portugal

With kilometers of golden coastline, world-acclaimed wines, and a fascinating historical heritage, Portugal is one of the most visited countries in Europe. To fully enjoy its natural diversity, from Algarve beaches to wild Douro Valley, we suggest planning a Portugal itinerary lasting between one week and 10 days. Visit the sunny towns of Lagos and Sagres for some of the best surfing spots in Europe, or discover Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in the world, and the narrow streets of Alfama on your Portugal trip. The central region of Portugal is the most untouched—lush nature and rural landscapes make it the perfect destination for keen hikers. Up north, you’ll find some of the best Porto wines and vinho verde from local producers. Regardless of how many days you spend in Portugal, try to embrace the relaxed Portuguese lifestyle and slow traveling through this top-notch destination.

Traveling to a country as compact and diverse as Portugal, where the landscape changes several times within just a few hours of driving, has its advantages. For one, visitors can see much of the country with even very short stays. If you want to explore Portugal but don’t have more than 4 days, don’t fret! As long as you know which destinations and activities you want to hit, and plan well, you can make a great trip out of 4 days in Portugal—without rushing. On a 4-day Portugal trip, you can split time between Lisbon and Porto, two great cities connected by high-speed rail; in Coimbra explore the central mountains and Serra da Estrela, or discover the Portuguese islands to escape the winter cold (or the summer heat!). 

Spending just 5 days in Portugal may not seem like much, considering there are so many wonderful destinations in the country to check off. However, if you only have an extended weekend to spare, it’s enough time to explore and enjoy most of Portugal's highlights. 5 days allows you to visit the two popular cities: Lisbon and Porto. Discover Lisbon's iconic landmarks like the 19th-century Ajuda National Palace and the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. While at Porto, you cannot miss a boat tour of Douro Valley followed by a wine tour. If planned smartly, you should be able to squeeze in Coimbra, Lagos as well as Fátima in the itinerary. For those who would like to explore a single destination in depth, we recommend exploring the volcanic Azores Islands or taking a road trip in the Algarve.

If you do not have a full week or more, a 6-day tour of Portugal will still do the job. Whether you are a nature lover, a keen hiker, or a wine enthusiast, with our selection of 6 days in Portugal itineraries, you can do a little bit of everything or fully discover one of the Portuguese regions. Explore the coast by driving north from Lisbon, surfing and hiking coastal trails along the way, and making your way up to Douro Valley for a wine-tasting tour. Sunbath and hop between the Algarve’s beaches in the south, or spend 6 days in the Azores to explore the most remote and wild side of Portugal.

If you are wondering whether 7 days in Portugal is enough time to see its highlights, we assure you that visitors on a tight schedule can still enjoy the best of what it has to offer. Soak up Porto’s stunning blend of medieval and modern architecture during your short stay and see the treasures of Evora. Then feast your eyes on the gems of Douro Valley and unwind on the golden-hued beaches of the Algarve. 

If you have eight days to spend in Portugal, there are plenty of options to tailor your trip to your passions and travel preferences. Whether you prefer to stay in one region or travel across the country, the choice is yours. On an 8-day Portugal trip, you could embark on a road trip through the Algarve and spend the week surfing and sunbathing on some of Europe's most beautiful beaches. Alternatively, you could explore the country's major cities, visiting the UNESCO heritage sites of Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon, or venture to the Azores and explore one or more islands. 

There is never enough time to see all of Portugal. But you can do a decent job of exploring the best parts on a 9-day Portugal tour. One can take a road trip from the white-sand beaches of the south to the vineyards of Vinho Verde in the north. Along the way, you can stop in Nazare and Peniche to surf in some of the best surf spots in Europe, or hike the hilly trails of Douro Valley. You can also choose to spend 9 days in Portugal focused on a single destination or region. For instance, you start the journey spending a day or two in Lisbon and then continue on to Madeira for the rest of it, creating a perfect holiday with a mix of cultural activities and unspoiled natural wonders.

The idea of exploring Portugal in 11 days may sound impossible, but with a well-planned itinerary, it is very much doable. Thanks to its relatively small size and good transport infrastructure, you can zip around several destinations, soaking up all those Portuguese vibes (and sunshine). You could spend a few days checking out Porto and Lisbon—Portugal’s two most popular cities before hitting the beach in the sun-drenched Algarve or even jetting off to the Azores or Madeira. Eleven days is also enough to set off on a hike or a cycling trip along a section of the country.

While ideally explored over weeks, 10 days offer a vibrant snapshot of Portugal. From Lisbon's cobblestone streets to Porto's historic charm, the sun-kissed Algarve to the terraced vineyards of Douro Valley, and then some more, travelers can experience it all on their holiday to Portugal even if it is just 10 days long. Whether surfing Atlantic waves, savoring local markets, or sunset over the Douro, you can unfold the country at your pace. You could conquer the pilgrimage to Santiago De Compostela, cycle through the country's major destinations or even hop over to Spain for a day or two. 

Twelve days in Portugal will allow you to see all the main areas of the country, while enjoying stunning hikes in the central region and relaxing days at the beach in the sunny Algarve. Shape your trip around your interests. You can focus on Portuguese art and architecture and tour the cities of Guimarães, Sintra, and all the way to Santiago de Compostela. You can hike the Central Region and Douro Valley, walking the Rota das Fontes and Caminho do Galego. Or explore the South, surfing and walking the Rota Vicentina in the Alentejo and the Algarve. On a 12-day Portugal trip, you can also cross borders to Spain and spend a couple of days there.

With 2 weeks in Portugal, you'll have enough time to spend a couple of days in each destination on your itinerary and not just skim through it. You can really delve into the soul-stirring melancholy of Fado music, explore the vineyard-covered hills of the Douro Valley, and absorb the maritime history of Porto. Spend your days strolling through cobblestone alleys, savoring delectable cuisine, and exploring centuries-old castles. 14 days in Portugal also allows you the luxury to stick to a region such as Madeira or the Azores to immerse yourself in its culture and landscape. Or why not combine your 14-day trip to Spain with Italy, like some of the itineraries below, for an even more elevated experience.

Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean over 1500 km from Lisbon, the Portuguese Azores archipelago is a subtropical and unspoiled corner of the world. You need about a week to 8 days to fully enjoy the islands, from the natural hot springs of São Miguel to the majestic hike to Pico Island’s volcanic peak and the unique volcanic rock formations of São Jorge. Hiking, surfing, and mountain biking are the most popular activities in the Azores, but the islands have much more to offer. Join a whale watching or quad tour in São Miguel, enjoy the unique sea views of Faial, the Blue Island, or explore the ocean depths around Santa Maria. Hop on the ferries and tiny airplanes that connect the archipelago to see breathtaking sceneries and make the most of your time on your trip to the Azores.

Portugal offers the perfect landscape for an enriching 21-day trip, featuring a blend of history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant culture. In this timeframe, you can delve deep into numerous captivating destinations across the country, from the lively streets of Lisbon and Porto to the tranquil beauty of the Douro Valley and Algarve beaches. Whether you choose to explore the historic cities extensively or hop from one picture-perfect village to another, a journey of 21 days in Portugal promises unforgettable experiences and countless adventure opportunities. Read on to discover what your 21-day trip to Portugal can look like.