If Portugal is on your travel wish list, you’re on the right track. It’s one of those countries that delivers far more than most people expect—historic cities, dramatic coastlines, world-class wine regions, and quiet countryside all packed into a country about the size of Indiana. Even with just a week, you can experience a surprising variety of landscapes, flavors, and experiences without spending hours in transit.
Because Portugal is compact and easy to navigate, one week gives you plenty of time to experience its culture, cuisine, and coastline—if you plan wisely. Over the years, I’ve helped many clients craft their dream week in Portugal, and I’ve learned that it’s best to focus on two regions to balance variety and relaxation. Below are three one-week itineraries that I often recommend based on my experience exploring Portugal across multiple trip. One Portugal itinerary combines the cities and wine country of the north, another is designed for slowing down among Alentejo’s vineyards and villages, and a third for soaking up sun-drenched charm on the Algarve coast.
Each can be customized for couples or families, but all share a focus on boutique hotels, authentic experiences, and a sense of connection—to the place, the people, and the joy of travel itself.
Do you need help planning your trip? If you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t have the time or resources to wade through tons of information and question your decisions, I help clients plan a custom itinerary, tailored to your interests and travel style. Learn more about my Travel Advisor and trip planning services.
One-Week Portugal Itineraries
- Lisbon, Porto and the Duoro Valley: For culture, wine, and river views
- Lisbon and Alentejo: For wine, wellness, and rustic charm
- Lisbon and the Algarve Coast: For sunshine, scenery, and coastal adventure
Itinerary 1: Lisbon + Douro Valley + Porto
For culture, wine, and river views
Lisbon and Porto may be Portugal’s most visited cities, but there’s a reason they’re worth your time. Lisbon impresses with its sweeping viewpoints, lively neighborhoods, and world-class dining, while Porto feels more intimate—a city of ornate architecture, rich history, and riverside cafés where you can sip a glass of port while watching boats glide along the Douro. Add a days or two in the Douro Valley itself, surrounded by terraced vineyards and boutique wine estates, and you’ll have a well-rounded first look at what makes Portugal so captivating.
Days 1–2: Discover Lisbon’s Highlights
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I always suggest starting your week in Portugal with a guided tuk tuk tour of Lisbon. It’s the easiest and most enjoyable way to get oriented while covering a lot of ground in just a few hours. You’ll weave through the city’s oldest neighborhoods—Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama—stopping at scenic miradouros (viewpoints) like Santa Luzia and Senhora do Monte for sweeping views across the red rooftops to the river. Be sure to visit the National Tile Museum, where centuries of azulejo artistry tell the story of Portugal through color and pattern.
On your second day, head west to Belém, the neighborhood that launched Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Visit the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and the nearby Tower of Belém, then reward yourself with a still-warm pastel de nata from Pastéis de Belém—it’s practically a rite of passage.
If you love food as much as I do, spend your final afternoon on a Lisbon food tour, sampling petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and local wines with a guide who can share the stories behind each bite. Or end your stay in style with a private sunset boat cruise on the Tagus River, watching the city glow as the sun dips behind the 25 de Abril Bridge.
If you have an extra day, take a day trip to Sintra, a fairytale town filled with pastel-colored palaces and lush gardens. I recommend visiting early to beat the crowds and saving time for a late afternoon visit to the seaside town of Cascais before returning to the city.
When it comes to where to stay, Torel Palace offers elegant tranquility and sweeping city views, Bairro Alto Hotel blends sophistication with a central location, and Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel adds a refined touch for travelers who appreciate great design and a good glass of wine.
Days 3–4: Escape to the Douro Valley
Leaving the city behind, you’ll trade Lisbon’s lively pace for the serene landscapes of the Douro Valley, Portugal’s oldest wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive is part of the fun with rolling hills, small villages, and the first glimpses of the river’s twisting path through steep, terraced vineyards.
Settle in at the Six Senses Douro Valley, where every detail is designed for relaxation. The spa, infinity pool, and farm-to-table dining could easily fill a full day, but don’t miss exploring beyond the property. Take a private boat ride along the Douro River to admire the terraced slopes from the water, or visit one of the region’s centuries-old quintas (wine estates) for a tour and tasting. Of course, I always recommend having a driver who can arrange all the details for a perfect day in the Douro Valley.
If you enjoy active experiences, consider a short vineyard hike or e-bike ride through the valley’s backroads—many estates welcome visitors to wander among the vines before sitting down to a picnic lunch paired with local wines.
Days 5–7: Discover Porto’s Historic Charm
Porto may be smaller than Lisbon, but it’s every bit as captivating. With its mix of baroque churches, azulejo-covered facades, and elegant bridges spanning the Douro River, the city feels steeped in history yet full of life.
Start your visit with a walking tour through the historic Ribeira district, where colorful houses line the riverfront and narrow lanes wind uphill toward the Sé Cathedral. Stop to admire the intricate blue-and-white tiles inside São Bento Station, then make your way to Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores and said to have inspired J.K. Rowling during her time in Porto. Book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
No trip to Porto is complete without a visit to the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Book a private tasting to learn about the region’s fortified wines and enjoy a flight of aged tawnies or vintages with a view across the water. For a deeper dive into the area’s food and culture, I love the WOW cultural complex, where you’ll find museums, restaurants, and tasting rooms celebrating everything from cork to chocolate.
Back in the city center, browse boutiques along Rua das Flores or relax with a glass of vinho verde at a riverside café as boats glide by.
Stay at the Hospes Infante Sagres Porto, a landmark hotel that combines classic elegance with modern comfort. Its central location makes it easy to explore on foot and still retreat to a quiet, refined atmosphere at the end of the day. If you prefer a quieter location, Vila Foz Hotel and Spa offers elegance and relaxation, just a short tram ride away.
Need Help?
If this itinerary sounds like your style but you’d rather leave the details to someone else, I can help design a seamless version through my Trip Planning Services. From private tastings and river cruises to hotel upgrades and curated local experiences, I’ll make sure your week in Portugal feels effortless—and unforgettable.
Itinerary 2: Lisbon + Alentejo Countryside
For wine, wellness, and rustic charm
When travelers tell me they want to slow down, I often point them toward the Alentejo. This vast region of rolling vineyards, cork forests, and whitewashed villages captures a quieter, more grounded side of Portugal. I often call it the Tuscany of Portugal. Here you can enjoy relaxing picnics, wine experiences, exploration by bike or horseback, and jaw-dropping star gazing. Paired with a few days in Lisbon, it makes for a week that balances discovery and relaxation.
Days 1–3: Savor the Best of Lisbon
Start your trip with a few days in Lisbon to soak in the city’s culture and color before heading to the countryside. Begin with a guided tuk tuk tour through Baixa, Chiado, and Alfama to see the top sights without wasting time navigating steep hills. Stop at the miradouros for panoramic views over the red rooftops, visit the National Tile Museum for a glimpse into Portugal’s artistry, and sample pastries and espresso at a neighborhood café.
On your second day, explore Belém—home to Portugal’s maritime past. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, then grab a pastel de nata from Pastéis de Belém, still warm from the oven. Wrap up your afternoon with a Lisbon food tour, sampling petiscos and local wines as you wander through markets and taverns, or end the day with a private sunset cruise on the Tagus River to see the city glow from the water.
On your third day, plan a day trip to Sintra, a short and scenic train or private transfer ride from Lisbon. Set in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage town looks straight out of a storybook. Visit Pena Palace, the colorful 19th-century hilltop castle surrounded by lush gardens, and wander through the whimsical architecture of Quinta da Regaleira, where secret tunnels and moss-covered towers make it feel like stepping into another world. If time allows, stop in the historic town center for lunch or continue to the coast for a leisurely seafood meal in nearby Cascais before heading back to Lisbon in the evening.
Stay at Torel Palace for regal calm above the city, Bairro Alto Hotel for a polished, central location, or Ludovice Wine Hotel for a stylish retreat that blends wine, design, and hospitality.
Days 4–7: Slow Down in the Alentejo
Leaving Lisbon behind also leaves behind the crowds. As the landscape opens into golden plains dotted with cork oaks and olive trees the pace slows and you can relax.
Base yourself at one of the Alentejo’s distinctive wine estates. Herdade de Sobroso, set along the Guadiana River, combines the warmth of a family-run winery with the sophistication of a small resort—think sunset tastings, quiet walks among the vines, and dinners featuring ingredients grown steps from the kitchen.
For something more luxurious, São Lourenço do Barrocal near Monsaraz offers a serene, design-forward take on rural luxury, with stone farm buildings transformed into minimalist suites surrounded by fields of lavender and olive trees. It is no wonder that this hotel often appears on lists of the best hotels in Europe.
Days here are at your leisure. Enjoy a guided wine tasting, a picnic among the cork trees, or a spa treatment using local olive oil and herbs. In the nearby hilltop village of Monsaraz, wander cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed homes and artisan shops, then linger over lunch with a view across Alqueva Lake.
If you’re feeling active, explore the surrounding region on horseback or by e-bike. Many estates can arrange private rides or guided walks through vineyards and farmland, followed by a tasting of the estate’s wines. As the sun sets, the Alentejo’s Dark Sky Reserve reveals one of the clearest night skies in Europe—a stargazer’s dream.
This itinerary is ideal for couples looking to reconnect, or families who crave space to unwind together in a beautiful setting. It’s Portugal at its most authentic: simple pleasures, soulful food, and genuine hospitality.
Need help?
If you’d love to experience the Alentejo without worrying about logistics, I can help design your stay through my Trip Planning Services. From private wine tastings to stays at my favorite countryside retreats, I’ll handle the details so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
Itinerary 3: Lisbon + Algarve Coast
For sunshine, scenery, and coastal adventure
If your idea of a perfect vacation involves ocean views, golden cliffs, and long afternoons by the water, the Algarve delivers. Portugal’s southern coast is famous for its sunshine, dramatic scenery, and a string of beaches that look like they belong on postcards. Here you’ll find a blend of lively seaside towns, elegant resorts, and rugged landscapes best explored on foot or by boat. It’s the Portugal of salt air, sun-kissed skin, and endless coastal views—a place that invites you to embrace the good life from dawn to sunset.
Days 1–2: Lisbon City Highlights
Before heading south, spend two days in Lisbon to get a taste of the country’s vibrant capital. Follow the recommendations from the Lisbon sections above. Once you’ve had your fill of tiled streets and city buzz, it’s time to trade viewpoints for ocean views. You can either take the train down to the coast, fly, or rent a car and enjoy the drive.
Days 3–7: Sun, Sea, and Coastal Trails in the Algarve
The Algarve stretches for more than 100 miles along Portugal’s southern edge, where towering cliffs meet turquoise water and each bend in the coast reveals another breathtaking beach, sea cave, or hidden cove. While it’s best known for its resorts and beach culture, the Algarve rewards travelers who combine relaxation with a bit of exploration.
For couples, I recommend the Conrad Algarve for its polished service, world-class spa, and multiple restaurants, or the Tivoli Carvoeiro, dramatically perched above the cliffs with sweeping ocean views. Families will love Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, which offers a balance of style and comfort with villas, pools, and plenty of space to play. Hotels here tend to be larger and more resort-like than elsewhere in Portugal—perfect for travelers who want a mix of amenities and coastal scenery.
Spend your mornings exploring the coast on foot. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is one of the Algarve’s most spectacular walks, tracing the cliffs between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes. You’ll pass hidden coves, limestone arches, and overlooks that seem made for sunrise photos. You will also enjoy the Lagos to Ponta da Piedade trail.
Afternoons are perfect for time on the water. Charter a private boat to explore sea caves, including the famous Benagil Cave, and swim in secluded bays or relax poolside with a chilled glass of vinho verde. Visit Lagos for its charming old town and lively marina, Loulé for its colorful market, or Tavira, one of the Algarve’s prettiest towns with cobbled streets and a relaxed riverside café culture.
For an unforgettable evening, head to Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern tip of Europe, where the cliffs glow gold in the setting sun. The sunsets here feel cinematic—best enjoyed with a light jacket, a glass of wine, and nowhere else to be.
A word of advice: the Algarve is no secret. In July and August, the beaches and towns can be packed—especially with British holidaymakers—so if you can, plan your trip for the shoulder seasons (April–June or September–October). The weather is still warm, the water inviting, and the region’s beauty shines without the crowds.
Need help?
If a week of sunshine, sea breezes, and spectacular views sounds like your perfect escape, I can help design a personalized version of this trip through my Trip Planning Services. From private boat charters and scenic hikes to the best coastal stays, I’ll handle every detail so you can simply soak up Portugal’s southern charm.
Tamara Gruber is an award-winning travel writer and the founder of Your Time to Fly. With more than a decade of professional writing experience across two travel publications and hundreds of destination guides, she specializes in crafting practical, detailed itineraries that help travelers explore the world with confidence. Her work reflects years of on-the-ground research across the globe. Tamara is a member of SATW and serves on the Board of Directors of the Family Travel Association.
