9 day itinerary for Portugal

Itinerary

Portugal is a beautiful country with so much to see and do. Here's an ideal itinerary for 9 days in Portugal:

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon

Upon arrival in Lisbon, check into your hotel and take some time to rest and freshen up. In the afternoon, head out to explore the city. Start with a visit to the historic Alfama district, where you can wander through narrow streets and alleys lined with colorful houses. Stop by the Castelo de São Jorge for stunning views of the city and the Tagus River. End the day with dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant.

Day 2: Lisbon

Spend the day exploring more of Lisbon. Visit the Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the nearby Jeronimos Monastery. Take a stroll through the charming neighborhood of Chiado and enjoy some shopping and people-watching. In the evening, head to Bairro Alto for a night out on the town.

Day 3: Sintra

Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Sintra, located just outside of Lisbon. Visit the colorful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and the Quinta da Regaleira estate. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Lisbon in the late afternoon.

Day 4: Porto

Take a morning flight or train to Porto, a charming city known for its port wine and historic center. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the Ribeira district, which is filled with colorful houses and lively cafes. Take a stroll across the Dom Luis I Bridge for stunning views of the Douro River.

Day 5: Porto

Spend the day exploring more of Porto. Visit the Palacio da Bolsa, a stunning neoclassical building that was once the city's stock exchange. Take a tour of one of the many port wine cellars located along the riverfront. End the day with dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant.

Day 6: Douro Valley

Take a day trip to the Douro Valley, one of Portugal's most scenic regions. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the river and visit some of the local wineries for tastings and tours. Stop by the charming town of Pinhão for lunch before returning to Porto in the late afternoon.

Day 7: Coimbra

Take a morning train to Coimbra, a historic university town located in central Portugal. Visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, and the nearby Biblioteca Joanina, a stunning baroque library. Take a stroll through the charming old town and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Algarve

Take a morning flight or train to the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region known for its beautiful beaches and rugged coastline. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or exploring the nearby towns of Lagos or Faro.

Day 9: Algarve

Spend the day exploring more of the Algarve. Take a boat tour of the famous Benagil Cave, a stunning sea cave with a natural skylight. Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant before returning to your hotel for a final evening in Portugal.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Portugal!