1 Week in Portugal: Choose Your Own Adventure with Itineraries for Every Interest

Planning to spend 1 week in Portugal? This post has got you covered with blueprints for Portuguese itineraries for different interests. Let's plan!

Are you planning to spend 1 week in Portugal? Are you looking for itineraries ideas to make the most of your trip? In this post, I share some inspiration for what you might include on a 7 day trip to Portugal based on my personal travel experiences (I've lived in Lisbon for the last two years). 

There are so many amazing cities to visit in Portugal (not to mention smaller towns and aldeias) so you'll have to be efficient if you only have a short time available. The week will simply fly by!

Explore these ideas for what to include on your Portuguese itinerary and be inspired to plan the perfect trip based on your interests.

1-Week Portugal Itinerary for Wine Enthusiasts

This seven day Portugal itinerary is ideal for those who want to sample copious amounts of Portuguese wine: from the bracing reds of the Alentejo region to Moscatel and Porto fortified wines.

Day 1-3: Porto - Port Wine Culture

Fly into Porto, a city renowned for its namesake port wine.

Stay in Vila Nova de Gaia which offers convenient access to historic port houses. Consider splurging on a stay at the luxurious Yeatman Hotel, known for its port wine-themed rooms and panoramic Douro River views.

Treat yourself to a port tasting experience at renowned cellars like Offley, Kopke, or Vasques de Carvalho.

Explore WOW (World of Wine), featuring museums, tasting rooms, and restaurants. Prioritize the over-the-top Pink Palace for a fun experience centered around the best rose wines.

✨ Explore Vila Nova de Gaia

Day 4: Douro Valley - Port Wine Origins

Take a private guided tour of the Douro Valley, the birthplace of port wine.

Consider Tourvent which offers transportation, wine tastings, lunch, and a river cruise.

Visit wineries like Casa do Romezal and Quinta da Pacheca for tastings and insights into the winemaking process.

Enjoy a scenic Rabelo boat cruise on the Douro River.

✨ Plan your Douro day trip

Day 5-6: Lisbon - Explore Wine Regions Near the Capital

Travel from Porto to Lisbon, a journey of approximately 3 hours by car.

Consider a day trip to the Setúbal wine region, known for Moscatel, a sweet fortified wine.

Join a guided tour like Portugal by Wine Arrábida Wine Tour for tastings and regional insights.

Visit Casa-Museu José Maria Da Fonseca, the oldest winery in Setúbal, and Quinta de Alcube for unique local varietals.

✨ Plan a Setúbal wine tour

Day 7: Alentejo - Discover Ancient Winemaking Techniques

Embark on a day trip or overnight stay in the Alentejo region. Visit Jose de Sousa winery, which offers tours and tastings of Talha wines, produced using ancient Roman clay pot techniques.

✨ Take an Alentejo road trip

1 Week in Portugal: Relaxation Itinerary

This itinerary is for people who prefer to take things a bit more slowly.

Lisbon (Days 1-2)

Begin your trip in Lisbon. Explore the city at a leisurely pace, enjoying the festive atmosphere and indulging in local delicacies. Consider a relaxing walk along Carcavelos Beach or Cascais.

Setúbal (Day 3)

Embark on a scenic drive to Setúbal. Take a wine tasting tour, savoring local wines and enjoying the picturesque views of the Arrábida Natural Park.

Algarve (Days 4-7)

Continue your journey to the Algarve, renowned for its stunning coastline and relaxed vibe. Based in Carvoeiro, explore the Algar Seco cliffs and enjoy the tranquility of the beaches.

Fly out of Faro (a popular Ryanair destination) or return to Lisbon for a final night

1 Week in Portugal for Photographers

Never leave home without your camera? This Portugal itinerary is for all the photographers out there. Portugal is definitely one of the most photogenic and Instagrammable of the countries I've visited on my travels!

Lisbon (Days 1-2)

Start your visual adventure in Lisbon. Capture the city's colorful architecture, charming streets, and iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.

Sintra (Days 3-4)

Explore the whimsical architecture of Sintra, including Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira. The colorful tiles and Sintra's dramatic doors offer unique photographic opportunities. Don't miss the scenic views from Cabo da Roca, a lighthouse at the westernmost point on the European continent.

Óbidos (Day 5)

Capture the charm of Óbidos, a medieval walled town with picturesque streets and colorful doors.

Aveiro (Days 6-7)

Head north to Aveiro, known for its colorful striped houses in Costa Nova and charming canals with Moliceiro boats.

Porto (Day 8)

Conclude your trip in Porto, photographing its historic architecture and the vibrant Ribeira district.

1 Week in Portugal For the History and Architecture Buff

Are you a fan of history and architecture like I am? If so, this is the itinerary for you!

Porto (Days 1-3)

Spend three days in Porto, basing yourself in Vila Nova de Gaia for easy access to both the city and the surrounding areas. Start by exploring the historic port cellars and enjoying the views of Porto's Old Town. 

Take a ride on the historic Linha 1 tram to Foz, where the Douro River meets the sea. For a unique cultural experience, visit WOW, Porto's World of Wine Experience, and explore its various museums dedicated to wine, cork, chocolate, and more.

✨ Deep dive into your 3 day Porto itinerary

Day Trip to Guimarães (Day 4)

Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança and Guimarães Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

✨ Plan your Porto day trip

Braga (Day 5)

Visit Braga, Portugal's oldest city, and explore its rich history and impressive architecture. Don't miss the opportunity to see the Sé Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Portugal.

✨ Learn more about why Braga is worth visiting

Coimbra (Day 6)

Head south to Coimbra, home to Portugal's oldest university. Wander the streets leading up the uni at the top of the hill. Bring your walking shoes!

✨ Plan your day in Coimbra

Óbidos (Day 7) 

Conclude your trip with a visit to Óbidos, a charming medieval town enclosed by well-preserved walls. Explore the historic castle, wander through the cobbled streets, and admire the traditional white-washed houses.

✨ Find things to do in Óbidos

Fly out of Lisbon which is about an hour from Óbidos.

1 Week in Portugal for Foodies

Perhaps you'd like to plan a trip focused on great food? From north to south, you'll eat well no matter where you are in Portugal. Here are some suggestions for your 7 day trip.

Eat Lisbon (Day 1-3)

Immerse yourself in Lisbon's culinary scene. Explore historic shops, known as "Lojas Das Historias," and sample local specialties like ginginha and Eduardino liquor. 

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Lisbon's markets, such as TimeOut Market one of my favorite food halls in Europe, and indulge in dishes prepared with fresh produce, local cheeses, and traditional pastries.

✨ Seek out Lisbon hidden gems

Setúbal Wine Tour (Day 4)

Take a day trip from Lisbon to Setúbal and embark on a wine tour, savoring the region's unique wines and enjoying a traditional lunch of fresh seafood.

Wear your extra loose trousers to Évora (Day 5)

Journey to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its Roman Temple, the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones), and the historic center. Indulge in Alentejo's rich culinary heritage, known for its hearty dishes, humungous portions, and locally produced wines.

Bring your sweet tooth to Óbidos (Day 6)

Time your visit to coincide with the Óbidos Chocolate Festival, held annually in March. Indulge in a chocolate lover's paradise, exploring the various chocolate sculptures, attending cooking demonstrations, and sampling delicious treats.

Sample seafood and sweets in Aveiro (Day 7)

Conclude your trip in Aveiro, known for its Art Nouveau architecture, delicious seafood, and sweet ovos moles. Take a scenic boat trip on a traditional moliceiro, explore the city's canals, and enjoy a final taste of Portuguese cuisine.

Fly out of Porto Airport which is about an hour from Aveiro.

✨ Discover things to do in Aveiro

1 Week in Portugal by the Beach

Perhaps you are looking for more of a chill vacation. This itinerary focuses on the beaches of the Algarve and a road trip exploring the charming towns of Portugal's south.

Arrive in Faro (Day 1)

Arrive at Faro Airport. Rent a car and drive to Tavira. Consider staying at Quinta do Caracol. In the evening, dine at Restaurante Al-Far-Roba, known for its sea bass and arroz com polvo (octopus rice).

Explore Tavira (Day 2) 

Visit the tiled streets and admire the architecture. Optionally, take a walk at Parque Natural da Ria Formosa near Olhão for birdwatching and historical sites.

Algarve Road Trip (Day 3) 

Take a road trip along the Algarve coast. Stop at Alvor for a hike along the boardwalk and explore the town's surprisingly cool architecture. Continue to Portimão and visit Mercado Municipal de Portimão. Have pastries at A Casa da Isabel.

Algarve Road Trip Continued (Day 4)

Continue exploring the Algarve coast. Visit Lagos and enjoy the beaches and grottoes. Drive to Carvoeiro and consider staying at the Tivoli Carvoeiro Hotel and Resort like we did. Explore Algar Seco's limestone caves and grottoes. Have dinner in Carvoeiro.

Enjoy Carvoeiro (Day 5)

Relax on the beach or by the pool at the Tivoli Carvoeiro Hotel and Resort. Consider dining at The One Restaurant for a high-end Portuguese meal.

Ilha Tavira (Day 6)

Drive from Carvoeiro to Ilha Tavira. Experience the floating pedestrian bridge and take the tourist tram to the beach. Enjoy the beach and views. 

Depart from Faro Airport (Day 7)

Time to head for home after a relaxing week in Portugal!

✨ Explore things to do in the Algarve to add to your itinerary.

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