Portugal Travel Guide: Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

14 Days in Portugal

We took a two-week road trip from Porto to Lisbon, soaking in stunning landscapes, charming villages, and hidden gems along the way. You could easily explore this country for months, however, two weeks is the perfect amount of time to get a good impression and leave you wanting to return!

Start in Porto with riverside strolls, wine cellars, and its vibrant culture. Head south, stopping in Coimbra before reaching your base in Nazare. Take a day trip to medieval Obidos, then explore the hidden gem of Ericeira. Wrap up with Lisbon’s lively neighborhoods, amazing food, and family-friendly nightlife. Don’t miss day trips to Sintra’s castles and Cascais’s beach vibes. This 14-day itinerary can be easily reversed, starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto.

Travel Tip: The best way to explore Portugal is by driving yourself. We recommend Discover Cars for all our rental car in Europe. While public transportation is available driving gives more flexibility to explore outside of the big cities. We do no recommend driving in Porto or Lisbon.

Read more about Car Rentals in Europe.

Day 1-4: Porto

Start your journey in Porto. Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and no trip to Portugal is complete without a visit to this magical place! We absolutely fell in love with its perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Despite the increase in tourism, Porto has maintained it’s old world charm and remains authentic to its roots.

Stroll through Porto’s charming hillside streets, ride the funicular railway, and explore one of Europe’s most magical bookstores, Livraria Lello. The best way to navigate Porto is on foot and simply getting lost! A fun experience is a Duoro River cruis or a tuk-tuk tour to discover more of this charming city.

A day trip to the Douro Valley is a must. Spend the day visiting charming towns like Peso da Régua and Pinhão, and enjoy wine tastings at local vineyards. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the Miradouro de São Leonardo de Galafura for stunning views.

Where to Stay in Porto

Porto is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own unique atmosphere and charm, making it easy to find the perfect place to stay for you!

We stayed in the Ribeira district which is the heart of Porto’s charm. It is full of colorful buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant restaurants and cafes, often with live music filling the streets. It’s a great spot for first-time visitors as it is centrally located. We enjoyed having the city’s energy at our finger tips!

More here: How to spend 3 days in Porto

Day 5-8: Coimbra + Nazare + Obidos

After taking in the stunning charm of Porto, it’s time to say good bye. Pick up rental car at the Porto airport and head south towards Nazare with a stop in Coimbra. Drive time from Porto to Coimbra is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Coimbra

Coimbra is a historic city in central Portugal, known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra. While it is full of history, it is also a thriving modern city due the younger population of the University. We spent an afternoon wandering the center and visiting landmarks such as the University of Coimbra, Old Cathedral of Coimbra, Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and topped it off with a peaceful walk along the River Mondego.

Join a Guided Walking Tour of Coimbra

Nazare

Now it’s time to soak up the sun and beach in Nazare!

Nazare is a coastal town on he Atlantic coast of Portugal, where the waves can reach up to 100 feet—yes, you read that right, 100 feet! If you’re not into extreme surfing, Nazaré is just as awesome for a chill day by the sea, with its charming white-washed buildings, beautiful beaches, and lively small-town beach vibe.

If you’re in the mood for some jaw-dropping views, head to the Sítio district, perched high on a cliff. The views of the ocean and the town below are straight out of a postcard, and you can even take a funicular ride up. If heights aren’t your thing, stay below and explore the charming narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, traditional shops, and cozy cafés. Oh, and don’t forget to try the famous grilled fish!

Nazaré is a town where adventure and relaxation meet—whether you’re surfing the wild waves or just soaking in the sun.

Obidos

Next up is Obidos: an easy 30 minute drive from Nazare making it a great day trip.

Óbidos is like stepping into a magical storybook where cobblestone streets wind through a charming village wrapped in medieval walls. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb up the castle walls for an epic panoramic view and photo ops!

The town’s charm spills over into its food scene, offering everything from cozy cafés to charming restaurants that serve up classic Portuguese dishes. The town is famous for ginjinha – a sweet cherry liqueur, often served in a chocolate cup, which is both a drink and a dessert in one.

Join an Obidos Walking Tour

Day 9-10: Ericeira

Ericeira is just about an hour’s drive from Nazaré. Although it’s a bit off the beaten path, this charming fishing village is definitely worth the visit. It was one of our favorite surprises of our time in Portugal!

Ericeira Square, known as Praça da República, is the heart of the town and is so lively. It’s a charming, cobbled square with the central fountain making it a great place to gather. The square is the perfect place to people-watch, grab a coffee, or enjoy a meal.

The boho vibe is laid-back and welcoming. The fishing roots are still visible in the colorful boats lining the harbor and the seafood stalls along the streets. There is a creative, artsy side of Ericeira with street art, local galleries, and cool, modern cafes. Great shopping from surf shops, independent boutiques and vintage shops.

How to spend a day in Ericeira

Day 11-14: Lisbon + Sintra + Cascais

Next up is Lisbon! The capital of Portugal and oldest city in Europe. First order of business is ditching the rental car at the airport as it’s not necessary in the city center. Day trips to Cascais and Sintra are easy with a tour or public transport.

Lisbon is where old-world elegance meets hip and modern charm. Whether you’re catching a tram, winding through streets in Alfama, enjoying street art, hanging at a trendy cafes or shopping at its many cool boutiques, there is something for everyone!

To travel around, make sure to get a Lisbon Card. This card provides unlimited rides on all public transportation and entrance to a select number of the city’s most popular sights and museums.

Lisbon’s best neighborhoods to stay in are in Barrio Alto, Alfama, Baixa or Chiado. Each offering something different and unique. To learn more about each, read How to Spend 5 Days in Lisbon.

Day Trip to Sintra from Lisbon

Sintra is like something straight out of a fairy tale. Known for its stunning castles, lush landscape, and rich history, it’s a dream destination. Don’t miss the colorful Pena Palace, the historic Moorish Castle, and the magical Quinta da Regaleira. Surrounded by hills and forests, Sintra blends stunning natural beauty with breathtaking architecture, making it a must-see day trip from Lisbon.

Only 45 minutes from Lisbon, a day trip to Sintra is easily doable. Just make sure to start early to beat the crowds!

We took a tour that included transportation, authentic lunch, entrance to Pena Palace and a stop in Cabo de Roca. If tours aren’t your thing, a popular option is the train. Trains depart regularly from Lisbon’s Rossio Station and take around 40 minutes to reach Sintra. Once you arrive at Sintra’s train station, you can take a bus or taxi to visit the main attractions, or enjoy a short walk through the charming town.

Join a Tour to Sintra from Lisbon

Cabo de Roca

Cabo de Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, was once thought to be the “end of the world.” With its rugged cliffs and wild terrain, it’s the perfect spot to soak in dramatic coastal views and feel on the edge of the world!

Only 25 minute from Sintra, it is easy to include as part of a day trip to Sintra.

Day Trip to Cascais from Lisbon

Cascais is a charming seaside town, just a quick 40-minute train ride from Lisbon. The narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings and adorable little shops, perfect for a casual wander. You can enjoy some people-watching at one of the cozy outdoor cafes, take a stroll along the marina, or simply relax at Praia da Rainha or Praia de Carcavelos. It’s a laid-back, picture-perfect place to spend your day!

The Best Time to Visit Portugal

Portugal’s a beauty year-round, but spring and fall are especially awesome times to visit. These shoulder seasons mean fewer tourists, better prices, and still plenty of sunshine without the intense summer heat.

September and October mark the grape harvest season in Portugal’s Douro Valley, a good opportunity to take a Douro Valley Tour. Nazaré’s big wave season spans from October to March, with waves reaching up to 100 feet!

Cost of Trip to Portugal

Compared to many Western European countries, Portugal provides budget-friendly options for food, transportation, and accommodation making it quite affordable. It’s a great option for travelers looking for good value without sacrificing the experience!

While there are many variables that will affect the cost of a trip to Portugal, below provides a general sense of what to expect per person per day.

Accommodations – you can find budget hotels or hostels within $50-$100USD per night. For a mid-range 3-star hotel, expect $150-$250USD per night and for a more luxurious 5-star experience, expect upwards of $350USD per night. Explore accommodation options.
Transport – Train fares range from $30USD-$100USD from city to city. Costs depend on the distance and the speed of the train. For train pricing, click here . Another option is to rent a car, which is what I recommend. It offers flexibility to stop and explore as you wish! Average daily rental car in summer is about $150USD. You can read all about Renting a Car in Portugal here.
Food – Food is one area where you can save in Portugal without compromising your taste buds! Of course prices can vary based on location, with major cities like Lisbon and Porto being more expensive than smaller towns. You can expect to spend anywhere from $15-$30USD per day per person. Wine is also very affordable at about $5USD in a market or $15USD in a restaurant for a bottle. And it’s delicious! Tipping is also not common in Portugal unless you want to leave some change with the bill.
Tours/Activities – Tours can range anywhere from $40USD – $100USD per person depending on what type of activity you are interested in. Obviously the more private and tailored, the more expensive. Join us for tours in Portugal.
Airfare – highly dependent on departing city, seasonality and class fare. Our flights in peak summer were each $1300USD from California. For more detailed pricing, go here.

How to Get Around Portugal

Portugal’s beauty is best explored by car, especially since many of its most stunning spots are tucked away in more remote areas. Renting a car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace.

We recommend renting a car in Portugal through Discover Cars with free cancellation and insurance included.

What Do I Need to Know About Renting a Car in Portugal?

We recommend to renting a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation and insurance included.

Some Things to Note When Renting a Car in Portugal

It’s best to pick up and drop off at a major airport like Lisbon or Porto to avoid additional fees incurred in city center. You also save the hassle of driving in urban traffic.
Drivers must be at least 18 years old to rent a car in Portugal. However, drivers under 25 may incur additional fees
You need a valid driver’s license with a photo and credit card in the driver’s name.
Portugal has toll and toll-free roads. Some rental cars are equipped with a Via Verde transponder for automatic toll payments. We recommend this as it will making driving in Portugal easier.
Portugal roads are excellent and drivers courteous, making driving a pleasant experience.
Urban traffic, especially in Lisbon and Porto, can be tough especially during peak hours. For this reason, avoid driving in Lisbon and Porto!

That wraps up 14 days in Portugal! We hope this inspires you to visit. For more inspiration, check out:

Portugal Travel Guide: Ultimate Two Week Itinerary