Portugal Itinerary: A Complete Guide to 2 Weeks in Portugal

Explore Porto

Porto occupies the north bank of the Duoro River, the gateway to Portugal’s famous wine region. Porto may be synonymous with port wine, but it’s also known for its rebellious spirit, the steadfastness of its citizens, and its enduring charm. 

Porto is not a secret, but the impact of tourism feels nominal. Let’s hope it stays that way. If you’re craving even more authenticity, then simply head north to Matosinhos, a city in Porto District.

Watch the Sunset in Porto

Experience one sunset in Porto and you’ll swear it’s the most timeless city in Europe.

I don’t usually associate cities with sunsets, but, in Porto, it’s an unmissable event. Here are a few places to enjoy the setting sun in Porto. 

• Jardim do Morro – a small park in Gaia.
• Ponte Luis I – the bridge connecting Porto with Gaia.
• Porto Cathedral 

Gaia (or Vila Nova de Gaia) is part of the municipality of Porto, but not technically part of the city of Porto. Situated on the opposite bank of the Duoro River, Gaia is celebrated for its port wine cellars and its magical views of Porto.

To reach Gaia, simply walk over the Ponte Luis I bridge.

Eat Tapas on Travessa de Cedofeita

Travessa de Cedofeita is a street in the heart of a trendy, young neighborhood. We ate at two tapas bars on this narrow street and loved both of them.

Coupage 51

If you want a quiet, and more intimate evening, Coupage is a perfect place to go. Their tapas are infused with Asian and Mexican influence. Outstanding!

• Address: Tv. de Cedofeita 51, 4050-183 Porto, Portugal
• Exact Location: Google Maps
• Reviews: Tripadvisor

Rua Tapas and Music Bar

If you’re looking for live music and a lively atmosphere, Rua is the spot. We tried their unique take on the traditional francesinha meat sandwich and loved it (far more than the original). 

• Address: Tv. de Cedofeita 24, 4050-448 Porto, Portugal
• Exact Location: Google Maps
• Reviews: Tripadvisor

Stay in Porto

Budget | Zero Box Lodge is not your average budget hotel. With a sense of play and a fresh concept, Zero Box Lodge invites you to sleep in a windowless wooden box. Guests have access to a sauna, a watertank (rooftop pool), and the downstairs bar and restaurant.

Midrange | Casa dos Lóios by Shiadu is a B&B-style accommodation in central Porto. Rooms are decorated with care and are impeccably clean. The breakfast is a definite highlight.

Luxury | PortoBay Flores is an elegant hotel set in a perfect location in Porto. Guests have access to a lovely outdoor courtyard, a library, an indoor swimming pool, saunas, and a fitness center. Breakfast is included.

Look for accommodation in Porto.

Porto Walking Tour

We joined a historical center walking tour of Porto.

Eat a Francesinha for Lunch – Porto’s Famous Sandwich.

A francesinha is a multi-layered meat sandwich covered with melted cheese and a thick hot spiced tomato sauce. It’s usually served with fries on the side. The sauce is so delicious that they usually bring you extra, which makes for the perfect dip for your fries.

Tip: If you’ve never had a francescinha, definitely split one with a friend – unless you’re prepared to take a long afternoon nap.

Where to eat Porto’s iconic sandwich

We ate a traditional francescinha at Brasão Cervejaria. It’s definitely more popular with tourists than locals, but we enjoyed it nonetheless. Other recommened places: O Afonso, Bufete Fase, and Café Santiago.

Port Wine Tasting in Gaia

After lunch, walk over the Dom Luís I bridge to the port wine cellars in Gaia. This is where port wine ages for years before being shipped all over the world.

There’s no need to book tours in advance. Just pick out a cellar, walk in, and join their next tour. Tours typically conclude with a tasting of 2-4 port wines. Here are some of the most popular port wine cellars:

• Caves Ferreira 
• Caves Cálem
• Caves Taylor’s
• Caves Churchill

Eat Dinner on Rua Heróis de França Street in Matosinhos

Matosinhos is a city in Northern Porto District, which is reachable by the metro (stop: Mercado). Here, you’ll find the best and freshest fish in Porto. Head directly to Rua Heróis de França, the famous fish street.

Rua Heróis de França is a street in Matosinhos (in Porto district) lined with fish restaurants. This is where the fine citizens of Porto come to eat seafood.

Each restaurant has its own open-air grill, where they barbeque fresh fish for their patrons. Most Rua Heróis de França restaurants have indoor and outdoor seating. Fish is priced by the kilogram. 

How to get to Rua Heróis de França

Matosinhos is 8 km from central Porto. You can either take bus line 500, or the metro. If you opt for the metro, head to Trindade (central Porto) station.

You’ll need a zone 3 ticket to travel from Trindade to Mercado in Matosinhos. It takes about 40 minutes (on the metro) plus 5-10 min walking to reach Rua Heróis de França. Otherwise, just take an Uber. 

Should you make a reservation?

If you intend to dine around 8 or 9 pm, I would. If you’re arriving earlier, you shouldn’t have a problem securing a table. Weekends will be busier naturally. 

Restaurant Meia Nau

We had a great dining experience at Meia Nau. We walked in without a reservation and were seated outside (covered outdoor terrace). The staff spoke excellent English and were extremely professional.

Like all the restaurants, fish is priced by the kilogram. After ordering a dourada (sea bream), our waiter brought out the raw fish and conveyed the weight (so we knew approximately how much the fish would be).

At this point, we could decide for, or against the fish. We said yes, and thank goodness we did. That was the best fish we had since Fisherman Hari in Montenegro. Also, they make a fantastic fish soup as well!

• Address: R. Heróis de França 375, 4450-159 Matosinhos, Portugal
• Exact Location: Google Maps
• Reviews: Tripadvisor

Restaurant Tito II

We returned to fish street and visited a new restaurant. When you order a fish at Tito II, you’ll get complimentary potatoes and vegetables.

We ordered the pork sausage and the vegetable rice (brothy vegetable rice – more soup-consistency)  – both were great. The fish was excellent too. We didn’t love their fish soup. 

• Address: R. Heróis de França 321, 4450-718 Matosinhos, Portugal
• Exact Location: Google Maps
• Reviews: Tripadvisor

Stay in Porto

Budget | Zero Box Lodge

Midrange | Casa dos Lóios by Shiadu

Luxury | PortoBay Flores

Look for accommodation in Porto.

How to Get from Porto to Lisbon

Option 1: Direct ICE train (2 h 45 min – 3 h 10 min): runs ~ hourly

• Train station Porto: Campanha Station
  • Exact Location: Google Maps
• Train station Lisbon: Lisboa Santa Apolonia (on the edge of Alfama district)
  • Exact Location: Google Maps

Option 2: Direct bus Rede Expressos (3 h 30 min – 4 h): runs at least once hourly

• Bus station in Porto: Campo 24 de Agosto Rede Expressos Bus Station
  • Exact Location: Google Maps
• Bus station in Lisbon: Lisboa Sete Rios Bus Station
  • Exact Location: Google Maps

Book your bus ticket from Porto to Lisbon.

Option 3: Rent a Car in Porto – Drop-off in Lisbon/Faro

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in Portugal. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your can rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Eat Dinner in Lisbon

There is no shortage of great places to eat in Lisbon. Here’s one of our favorite restaurants for dinner:

Fumeiro de Santa Catarina

This tapas restaurant is lovely and intimate. Space is limited, so make a reservation, or plan on returning an hour later. The highlight of our dinner here was the grilled octopus. We also loved their almond cake. 

• Address: Tv. do Alcaide 4C, 1200-013 Lisboa, Portugal 
• Exact Location: Google Maps
• Reviews: Tripadvisor

Stay in Lisbon

Budget | Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel is a lively and buoyant hostel in Lisbon. The atmosphere lends itself to meeting and connecting with other travelers. Repeat guests come back for the breakfast, happy hour, and good vibes.

Midrange | Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu is a stylish guesthouse featuring notably spacious rooms, delicious breakfast, and outstanding staff. Guests can join a free walking tour of the area, conducted by the staff. Bonus: coffee and tea are freely available in the restaurant at all times during the day.

Luxury | Casa Balthazar is a hidden gem in Lisbon. This delightful guesthouse was designed with thoughtfulness and care. Guests have access to a garden with a pool and an on-site bar. In-room breakfast is included.

Look for accommodation in Lisbon.

Breakfast at COMOBA

COMOBA is a café with great food, espresso, freshly squeezed juices, and smoothies. Bright and airy and filled with potted plants, you’ll feel intensely Millennial here.

We came here twice during our trip, because of their delicious juices, energizing playlist, and their Kimchi Piadina (served between 12 pm – 4 pm). 

• Address: Rua de S. Paulo 99, 1200-109 Lisboa, Portugal
• Exact Location: Google Maps
• Reviews: Tripadvisor

Walking Tour of Lisbon

We opted for a walking tour of Lisbon. Our guide was informative and absolutely a joy to listen to.

She (Rita) weaved stories together so impeccably that we decided to join another tour of hers later in the day: the Alfama Walking Tour.

Explore Alfama Neighborhood

Alfama is the birthplace of Fado music. It’s a neighborhood that represents the beating heart of Lisbon. However, its citizens are a dying breed.

AirBnBs are infecting the neighborhood like a disease (like so many European cities). And, it won’t be long until Alfama transforms completely.

We highly recommend joining this Alfama Walking Tour to understand this neighborhood and its unique history.

Eat Dinner at Salmoura in Alfama

Taberna Salmoura is a tapas restaurant in Alfama. The food is absolutely delicious and so well-priced. We ordered the Octopus Rice, Wild Boar, Goat/Sheep Cheese, Autumn Salad.

After dinner here, you can walk the streets of Alfama to the vibrating sound of Fado. 

• Address: R. dos Remédios 98, 1100-345 Lisboa, Portugal
• Exact Location: Google Maps
• Reviews: Tripadvisor

Stay in Lisbon

Budget | Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel

Midrange | Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu

Luxury | Casa Balthazar

Look for accommodation in Lisbon.

On day 5 of your Portugal itinerary, we recommend taking a day trip to the Sintra Coast to enjoy the coastal scenery and lesser-known coastal villages in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

How to Get from Lisbon to the Sintra Coast

You first need to get to Cascais. Head to the Cias do Sodré train station in Lisbon and take the train to Cascais (2.30 EUR one-way + 0.50 EUR for a reusable card).

Train Timetable: Cais do Sodre – Cascais

The train ride from Lisbon to Cascais (and back) is included in the Lisbon Card (24, 48, or 72-Hour Pass).

From the Cascais train station, walk a few minutes to the bus terminal and take Bus 403 to Cabo da Roca (3.40 EUR one-way).

Bus Timetable: Scotturb Bus 403

Sintra Coast Day Hike

Here’s an overview of the coastal hike we did from Cabo da Roca to Azenhas do Mar.

Highlights include the beaches of Praia da Ursa, Praia da Adraga, Praia Grande, and Praia das Maçãs.

• Trailhead: Cabo da Roca
• Destination: Azenhas do Mar
• Distance: 11.5 km point-to-point
• Time Needed: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 273 m
• Elevation Loss: 367 m

Learn more about this trail: Sintra Coast Day Hike

How to Get Back to Lisbon

From Azenhas do Mar, we recommend taking an Uber or Bolt to the Sintra train station (20-minute ride). From here, take a train back to Lisbon (1 hour).

Stay in Lisbon

Budget | Goodmorning Solo Traveller Hostel

Midrange | Tesouro da Baixa by Shiadu

Luxury | Casa Balthazar

Look for accommodation in Lisbon.

Breakfast in Lisbon

Flora and Fauna

This café is more Australian-style than Portuguese, but that’s okay since the Portuguese don’t really eat breakfast. Come here for egg dishes, pancakes, acai bowls, smoothies, and more. The service is friendly and swift.

• Address: Rua da Esperança 33, 1200-655 Lisboa, Portugal 
• Exact Location: Google Maps
• Reviews: Tripadvisor

How to Get to Porto Covo from Lisbon

The next part of your Portugal itinerary takes you to the Vicentina Coast to walk the Fisherman’s Trail. The 4-day trek starts in the coastal village of Porto Covo.

Here’s our full guide on the Fisherman’s Trail.

From Lisbon, the easiest way to get to Porto Covo is with the Rede Expressos shuttle bus. We recommend booking your ticket online in advance (1-2 days before departure). The bus wasn’t completely full, but the ticket line at the terminal was extremely long.

The bus departs from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Terminal. To get to the bus terminal, use Uber/Bolt.

A one-way bus ticket to Porto Covo costs 16.50 EUR. Depending on which time you depart, the journey either takes 2 hr 10 min, 2hr 30 min, or 3 hr and 10 min.

Stay in Porto Covo

Budget | Ahoy Porto Covo Hostel is a centrally located hostel directly on the Fisherman’s Trail. Its close proximity to grocery stores and restaurants is a huge plus.

Midrange | Calmaria Guest House is a new, modern guesthouse in Porto Covo offering clean and comfortable rooms (with private bathrooms) and a friendly atmosphere.

Luxury | Porto Covo Praia Hotel & SPA

Look for accommodation in Porto Covo.

Fisherman’s Trail: 4 Day Coastal Walk

For the next four days, you’ll follow the Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail along the pristine Vicentina Coast.

The trail starts in Porto Covo in Alentejo and ends in Odeceixe in the Algarve. You’ll overnight in guesthouses or hostels along the route.

Clinging to the coast almost the whole time, this exhilarating trek gives you access to remote beaches and secret coves.

You’ll see a side of Portugal that you (and most people) didn’t know existed. 

We wrote an in-depth guide on hiking this trail. Read it here: Fisherman’s Trail Trekking Guide.

Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail Overview:

• Day 1: Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes (20 km, 6:30 hours)
• Day 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve (15 km, 5:30 hours)
• Day 3: Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar (22 km, 6 hours)
• Day 4: Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe (18 km, 5:30 hours)

Luggage Transfer Service

For those skeptical about integrating a trek into this itinerary, because you have luggage, don’t worry, there’s a solution.

We highly recommend using Vicentina Transfers. This excellent and trustworthy luggage transfer service is easy to book online and extremely professional.

The service costs 15 EUR for a single transfer for one bag. If you book 4 or more transfers, it’s 15 EUR for a single transfer for two bags. They’ll transport your luggage between your accommodations.

Where to Stay

You’ll overnight in guesthouses in 4 coastal villages along the route. Here are our top choices:

1. Vila Nova de Milfontes: Raminhos Guest House (budget), VILLA EIRA Boutique Houses (midrange), or Guarda Rios (luxury)
2. Almograve: Almograve Beach Hostel (budget), AL Casa das Andorinhas (budget), or Casa Azul (midrange) 
3. Zambujeira do Mar: Hostel Nature (budget), Azul (midrange), or Alojamento White Rose Boutique (luxury)
4. Odeceixe: Bohemian Antique Guesthouse (budget), Casa Luar (midrange), or Casas Do Moinho (luxury)

Look for accommodation along the Rota Vicentina.

How to get to Lagos from Odeceixe

Your Portugal itinerary continues to Lagos and the sunkissed southern coast of Portugal.

There is a local Vamur bus #79 from Odeceixe to Lagos.

Beach Hopping in Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant town in the Algarve, with easy access to gorgeous golden beaches. Dining and cuisine options are unlimited.

You can eat Mexican, Hawaiian, Indian, and the list goes on. So, if you’ve been craving a burrito (we always are), this is the place to eat one. Burrito lovers head to The Green Room.

When temperatures allow, you can walk to some of Southern Portugal’s most beautiful beaches directly from town.

We recommend Praia do Pinhao, Praia do Camilo and Praia Dona Ana. You can also continue your walk all the way to Ponta da Piedade.

Explore the Coast by Boat

Here are some guided excursions that start in Lagos:

• 75-Minute Boat Cruise to Ponta da Piedade
• 2-Hour Kayak Cave Explorer Tour
• Benagil Sea Cave Tour
• Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologists
• Ponta da Piedade Kayak Tour

Stay in Lagos

Budget | Hotel Mar Azul is a no-frills hotel, which is nonetheless clean and comfortable. The location can’t be better.

Midrange | 3 Marias Guest House is a top-rated bed and breakfast in Lagos with a wonderful rooftop terrace. Rooms are simple but extremely clean and comfortable. The breakfast is extraordinary.

Luxury | Casa Mãe is a superb hotel in Lagos with an on-site restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and garden. Rooms are airy and designed thoughtfully. This the perfect place to stay for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary.

Look for accommodation in Lagos.

How to Get to Carvoeiro from Lagos

Take the Vamur bus #57 to Lagoa (45 min). Change in Lagoa to the Vamus bus #110 to Carvoeiro (10-15 min). 

Relax in Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is a scenic coastal town in the Algarve. It’s one of those few places where the development actually enhances the coast’s natural beauty.

Flanked by limestone cliffs topped with houses, the Praia do Carvoeiro is picture-perfect from every possible angle. It’s easy to spend hours here listening to the waves and collecting seashells.

Coastal Walking in Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is also a perfect starting point for coastal walking.

You can walk the Trail of Headlands to Ferragudo and back. Learn more here: Best Hikes in Portugal.

You can also easily reach Praia de Vale Centianes beach, the starting point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

Stay 2 Nights in Carvoeiro

Budget | O Quintal Guesthouse is a darling, light-filled B&B in the center of Carvoeiro. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, lounge, and terrace.

Midrange | Castelo Guest House

Luxury | Tivoli Carvoeiro is a newly-renovated hotel in Carvoeiro. There is no better option for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. As a guest, you can enjoy two swimming pools and a spa center. You’ll also be treated to cliff and ocean views from your room (opt for a sea view room) and the hotel’s various bars (there are three). And, if you’re seeking a no-hassle vacation, you can book half board (breakfast and dinner included). Tivoli Carvoeiro has 3 on-site restaurants.

Look for accommodation in Carvoeiro.

Your 2 week Portugal itinerary comes to an end today. You can either continue to Faro (to fly out of the Faro Airport), or travel back to Lisbon, or Porto.

How to get from Carvoeiro to Faro

Take the Vamus bus #110 to Lagoa (10-15 min). Change in Lagoa to the Vamus bus #57 to Faro. (1 h 35 min). 

How to get from Carvoeiro to Lisbon

Take the Vamus bus #110 to Lagoa (10-15 min). Change in Lagoa to a direct Rede Expressos bus to Lisbon (3 hrs). 

Book your bus ticket from Lagoa to Lisbon.

How to get from Carvoeiro to Porto

Take the Vamus bus #110 to Lagoa (10-15 min). Change in Lagoa to a Rede Expressos bus to Porto (approx. 7 hrs – direct). 

Book your bus ticket from Lagoa to Porto.

More Time in Algarve?

If you want to spend a few more days in the Algarve, also read these guides:

• Algarve Travel Guide
• Algarve Road Trip
• Where to Stay in the Algarve
• Algarve in November