Portugal sits at the western edge of Europe, facing the Atlantic. In our documentary we visited 26 places, from Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods and Porto’s colorful houses to Sintra’s fairy-tale palaces and the golden cliffs of the Algarve. Rather than going south to north, we built this guide the way most travelers do it: based in Lisbon.
Lisbon: The city of seven hills
Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most authentic neighborhood: narrow lanes, balconies strung with laundry and, in the evenings, fado drifting out of tiny venues. For the best views of the city, climb up to the hilltop lookouts (miradouros).
Belém, on the city’s western side, is a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. The UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower are both here. While you’re in Belém, don’t leave without trying the neighborhood’s famous custard tarts (pastéis de nata). For Lisbon tours: things to do in Portugal.
Sintra and the Atlantic coast
A short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a storybook land of palaces scattered across forested hills. The candy-colored Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira with its mysterious initiation well, and the Sintra National Palace are the best-known stops. A classic day trip continues from Sintra to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost tip of the continent, then down to the seaside town of Cascais.
Porto and the Douro Valley
In Porto, the Ribeira district on the banks of the Douro River, with its colorful facades and stairways tumbling down to the water, is the heart of the city. Cross the double-decker iron Dom Luís I Bridge to the other bank and you’ll reach the port wine cellars. The city’s tile-covered churches and historic bookshops are also well worth your time.
East of Porto, the Douro Valley offers one of Portugal’s most striking landscapes, with vineyards stepping down to the river in terraces. You can explore the valley by train, boat or car.
Central Portugal: History and pilgrimage
Between Lisbon and Porto, the university city of Coimbra, the walled medieval town of Óbidos and the major pilgrimage site of Fátima are all easy additions to your route.
The Algarve: Cliffs and coves
The Algarve in the south is famous for its golden cliffs, sea caves and hidden coves. The rocky coastline around Lagos and the Benagil sea cave are among the most spectacular scenes in the documentary. The caves are usually reached by boat tour or, if you’re experienced, by kayak.
When to go
April–June and September–October are ideal for both city sightseeing and nature. July and August are high season in the Algarve. Winters are mild but rainy, though still pleasant for city breaks.
Getting around
Fast trains run frequently between Lisbon and Porto, and commuter trains go to Sintra and Cascais. A rental car is the most practical way to explore the Algarve’s coves. For flights: flights to Portugal.
Where to stay
In Lisbon, Baixa, Chiado and Alfama are ideal for exploring on foot; in Porto, stay in or around Ribeira. In the Algarve, Lagos makes a good base: hotels in Portugal.
What to eat
The star of Portuguese cooking is bacalhau (salt cod), prepared in hundreds of different ways. Put grilled sardines, seafood rice, Porto’s hearty francesinha sandwich and, of course, pastel de nata on your list.
Sample itinerary: 9 days
- Days 1–3: Lisbon and Belém.
- Day 4: Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais.
- Day 5: To Porto via Óbidos and Coimbra.
- Days 6–7: Porto and the Douro Valley.
- Days 8–9: Fly or take the train to the Algarve.
Unusual facts
- Cabo da Roca, near Sintra, is known as the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
- Portuguese is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and the vast majority of its speakers live in Brazil.
- The painted ceramic tiles that decorate Portuguese buildings are called azulejos; the tradition has roots in Andalusian and Islamic art.
- Lisbon was largely destroyed by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 1755 and was replanned from scratch.
- The Douro Valley is considered one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Things to watch out for & tourist traps
- Lisbon’s famous Tram 28 is a favorite hunting ground for pickpockets; wear your bag in front and avoid peak hours.
- The hills and slick stone sidewalks (calçada) of Lisbon and Porto can be treacherous in the rain; wear shoes with good grip.
- Bread, olives and cheese brought to your table without ordering (the couvert) usually cost extra; you can send them back if you don’t want them.
- Sintra’s palaces get very crowded in summer; buy tickets in advance and go first thing in the morning.
Visas & entry
Portugal is in the Schengen Area. Whether you need a Schengen visa depends on your passport: US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens can currently visit visa-free for short stays (with ETIAS travel authorization expected to apply), while many other nationalities, including Turkish citizens, need a Schengen visa. Check requirements and appointment wait times well in advance.
Visa and entry rules depend on your passport and change often. Before you travel, always check the latest requirements with the destination country’s official sources and your own government’s travel advisory (for US citizens: travel.state.gov).
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Portugal?
Plan 3–4 days for Lisbon and Sintra, 2–3 days for Porto and the Douro, and 2–3 days for the Algarve. Altogether, 7–10 days makes for a well-balanced trip.
Lisbon or Porto?
See both: Lisbon is bigger and more varied, while Porto is more compact and atmospheric. The fast train between them takes about three hours.
Can you swim in the Algarve?
Yes, but the Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean. The beaches are gorgeous in summer; on rough days, pay attention to the flag warnings.
