12 day itinerary
Portugal
Personalized with:Travel fast paceBest free things to doNo citiesNatural things off the beaten trackSurf
Itinerary
Portugal is a stunning country with a diverse landscape, and there are plenty of natural wonders and surf spots to explore. Here’s a fast-paced 12-day itinerary that focuses on the great outdoors, surf, and some hidden gems away from the cities. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon & Travel to Sintra
- Morning: Arrive in Lisbon and grab a quick breakfast at a local café.
- Midday: Head to Sintra (about 30 minutes by train). Explore the lush gardens of the (free entry to the gardens).
- Afternoon: Hike up to for stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset walk in the before heading back to Lisbon for the night.
Day 2: Sintra to Cascais & Surfing
- Morning: Travel to Cascais (30 minutes by train). Stroll along the beautiful coastline.
- Midday: Hit the beach at , known for its surf. Rent a board and catch some waves!
- Afternoon: Explore the , the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Enjoy the dramatic cliffs and ocean views.
- Evening: Return to Cascais for dinner and a relaxing evening by the beach.
Day 3:
- Morning: Drive or take a bus to (about 1 hour from Cascais).
- Midday: Hike the trails and enjoy the stunning views of the coastline. Visit for a swim.
- Afternoon: Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the beach or at one of the scenic viewpoints.
- Evening: Head to Setúbal for a local seafood dinner (not free, but worth it!).
Day 4: Sines &
- Morning: Travel to Sines (about 1 hour). Visit the and enjoy the coastal views.
- Midday: Continue to (30 minutes). Relax at .
- Afternoon: Explore the charming village of and its beautiful beaches.
- Evening: Camp or find a cozy guesthouse in the area.
Day 5: Alentejo Coast & Surfing
- Morning: Head to for some surf time. This beach is less crowded and perfect for catching waves.
- Midday: Enjoy a packed lunch on the beach.
- Afternoon: Explore the with its stunning cliffs and hidden coves.
- Evening: Return to for a relaxing evening.
Day 6: &
- Morning: Travel to (about 2 hours).
- Midday: Visit for breathtaking rock formations and sea caves. You can hike or rent a kayak to explore.
- Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at or for some sun and surf.
- Evening: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in and have dinner at a local eatery.
Day 7: Sagres & Surfing
- Morning: Head to Sagres (30 minutes). Visit the for stunning views.
- Midday: Surf at , a popular surf spot with great waves.
- Afternoon: Explore the area, the southwesternmost point of Europe.
- Evening: Camp or stay in a surf hostel in Sagres.
Day 8:
- Morning: Travel to the (about 1 hour). Hike to , the highest point in the Algarve.
- Midday: Enjoy a picnic with panoramic views.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming village of Monchique and visit the local markets.
- Evening: Return to for the night.
Day 9:
- Morning: Travel to Fuseta (about 1.5 hours). Explore the .
- Midday: Enjoy birdwatching and the beautiful lagoons. Pack a lunch to enjoy by the water.
- Afternoon: Visit the nearby for some beach time.
- Evening: Stay in a local guesthouse in Fuseta.
Day 10:
- Morning: Travel to (about 3 hours).
- Midday: Hike the trails and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.
- Afternoon: Visit and enjoy the natural beauty.
- Evening: Camp or find a cozy mountain lodge.
Day 11:
- Morning: Travel to the (about 2 hours).
- Midday: Explore the vineyards and enjoy a picnic by the river.
- Afternoon: Take a scenic hike along the river or rent a bike to explore the area.
- Evening: Stay in a rural guesthouse and enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 12: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take in the last views of the .
- Midday: Travel back to Lisbon (about 2 hours) for your departure.
- Afternoon: If time allows, take a final stroll along the Tagus River before heading to the airport.
And there you have it! A whirlwind adventure through Portugal’s natural beauty, surf spots, and hidden gems. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to soak in all the stunning views and experiences along the way! 🌊🏄♂️🌄