So you’re on a time crunch, but want to experience as much of Portugal as you can. Here’s how you can visit 4 major destinations in only 10 days!
*This itinerary will require car rental and air travel.
Day 1-2: Lisbon / Sintra
Day 1: Lisbon
- Arrive in Lisbon and pick up your rental car at the airport.
- Check into your hotel, freshen up and drive into the city.
- Grab a late lunch/snack. I was on a mission to hunt down some delicious Pastel de Natas, and ended up at the marvelous Confeitaria Nacional, where I practically floated on a cloud of sweet, creamy bliss.
- After lunch, stroll around the charming cobblestone streets. Try to find an iconic yellow tram! I went to the popular Elevador da Bica, pictured below.
- Catch the sunset at Miradouro de Santa Luzia. It’s a pretty cool spot. However, I stumbled upon Miradouro das Portas do Sol which is about 10 minutes away, and to be honest, I think it has even better views for the sunset. I ended up just staying there instead!
Day 2: Sintra
Note: Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit most of the palaces as there was a strike on the day I went 🙁 But I will share my research below and hope it benefits you!
I highly suggest you purchase the palace/castle tickets ahead to save you time at the ticket lines!
- Check out of your hotel and drive to Sintra.
- Parking at Pena Palace opens at 9am, which is just a little bit earlier than the official entrance at 9:30am. It would be a good idea to aim to arrive early and allow yourself around 1.5 hours to spend there.
- Head on up to the Cruz Alta viewpoint if you want to catch an incredible glimpse of the Pena Palace from a distance. It’s only about a 20-minute walk and you’ll be treated to the magical glow of the gentle morning sunlight.
- Next up, make your way to the gardens. They’re packed with some seriously breathtaking spots! You won’t want to miss out on all those scenic locations.
- The Moorish Castle is just north of Pena Palace where you can get a panoramic view of the Sintra. This medieval castle dates back to the 8th-9th century and is the only castle in the area.
- If you’re looking for a snack, Fabrica da Nata is right in the center of the city. Watch the chefs make them live before devouring your second (or 10th) pastel de nata of the trip!
- After lunch, check out the Quinta da Regaleira. It’s got this amazing palace ground and the Initiation Well, which is a super cool gothic-style well that’s 88 feet deep! You should start off by visiting the Initiation Well because it tends to get crowded. Have your cameras ready because you’ll be going down this spiral staircase that only goes one way. Once you’re done there, go ahead and explore the rest of the park.
- If time permits, visit the Monserrate Palace. This enchanting park showcases breathtaking lakes, mesmerizing gardens, and captivating fountains, creating an idyllic setting bathed in the warm hues of the afternoon sun.
- Finally, drive 30 minutes to Azenhas do Mar and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the sunset. Prepare to be captivated by the boundless expanse of the ocean, leaving you breathless in its magnificent embrace.
- Start driving in the evening down to Algarve, your next destination! (It’s a 3 hour drive, so plan accordingly.)
Day 3-4: Algarve
While exploring the awe-inspiring coastline of the Algarve, one thing you’ll want to make sure is that you have sun protection! You’ll be in exposed daylight for quite a while, so bring sunscreen, a hat, shades and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Day 3: Exploring the Coastline
- Hop into your car and set off towards your first destination: Ponte da Piedade. With its majestic golden rock formations, this site is truly a sight to behold. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the exposed cliffs majestically perched atop the vibrant turquoise waters of the Atlantic.
- Next, make your way to Algar Seco. As you step foot onto the long boardwalk, you’ll be guided towards a hidden gem, a captivating cave like no other. Peer through the majestic viewing holes and feast your eyes upon the breathtaking expanse of the ocean.
- The final coastline you’ll visit this morning is Praia de Albandeira, where you’ll find a bridge-like rock. Look at it from afar, but you can also make your way there with a short 5-minute walk. It’s a great place to get a photo with it, which in comparison, will show the scale of the rock!
- In the afternoon, head over to your boat tour of the Benagil Caves, which you’ll need to book in advance. The guide did an amazing job explaining the formation of the caves, and made it really fun for us as they compared rock formations to various animals. Hint: there’s one that looks like an elephant!
Day 4: Olhão + Praia da Bordeira
- In the morning, embark on a captivating journey to Olhão, where a mesmerizing blend of traditional Portuguese architecture and culture awaits you. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you venture to the renowned Mercados de Olhão, a bustling market, abundant with the freshest fish and tantalizingly fresh produce.
- After a satisfying lunch, get ready for an exciting journey to the opposite side of the coast, where you will discover the magnificent Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado. The waves on these beaches are absolutely incredible, unmatched in their size. It’s no surprise that Portugal is a top destination for surfers!
Stay tuned for Madeira and Azores on the itinerary!
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