Planning to spend 10 days in Portugal? This post has got you covered with blueprints for Portuguese itineraries for different interests. Let's plan!
Are you planning to spend 10 days 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 10 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. 10 days will simply fly by.
Explore these ideas for what to include in your Portuguese itinerary and be inspired to plan the perfect trip based on your interests.
10 Day Portugal Itinerary for Wine Enthusiasts
Are you a wine lover? If so, this 10 day Portugal itinerary is for you. On this trip, we focus on three different wine regions: Setúbal, Douro Valley, and Alentejo.
Day 1-3: Lisbon
Arrive in Lisbon and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy an evening walk through Mouraria, taking in the charming atmosphere. Indulge in a food and wine tasting at ViniPortugal, where you can sample wines from different regions of Portugal.
Take a day trip to the historic town of Azeitão in the Setúbal wine region, known for its sweet fortified moscatel. Visit Casa-Museu José Maria Da Fonseca, the oldest winery in Setúbal. Enjoy a tour and tasting, experiencing the unique character of their wines, including the renowned Periquita.
Explore other Lisbon hidden gems or take a day trip to Belém, where you can find excellent Pasteis de Nata.
Day 4-6: Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia
Travel to Porto and check into your hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia. Consider a luxurious stay at The Yeatman Hotel for stunning Douro River views and a world-class spa.
Spend the afternoon strolling along the Douro River and experience a port tasting at one of the historic port houses in Vila Nova de Gaia. Opt for Offley for a budget-friendly tour and tasting experience.
Dedicate a day to WOW (World of Wine Experience) in Vila Nova de Gaia. Explore various museums dedicated to wine, cork, chocolate, and more. Don't miss The Wine Experience and The Pink Palace for interactive exhibits and wine tastings. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Douro River, taking in the city's beauty.
✨ Explore Vila Nova de Gaia
Day 7: Douro Valley Day Trip
Embark on a private guided wine tour of the Douro Valley. Consider booking with Tourvent for a comprehensive experience with transportation, tastings, lunch, and a river cruise.
Visit Casa do Romezal for a taste of their wines, some of which have a 1,000-year history. Savor a gourmet three-course lunch with wine pairings at Quinta da Pacheca. Take a scenic Rabelo cruise on the Douro River in Pinhão.
✨ Plan your Douro day trip
Day 8: Alentejo Region
Drive to the Alentejo region, home to Alqueva Lake and unique wines.Visit Jose de Sousa winery, known for its production of Talha wines using Roman clay pot techniques. Opt for the "Prova Vinhos de Talha" tasting menu to experience a range of these ancient wines.
Day 9: Exploring Alentejo
Continue exploring the Alentejo region. Visit the charming town of Reguengos de Monsaraz. Discover local craft shops and admire the striking architecture, including ornate doors (perfect for fans of door photography like me!) Purchase bottles of local Alentejo wines to take home.
Day 10: Departure
Return to Lisbon Airport and catch a flight home or to your next destination.
10 Days in Portugal: Relaxation Itinerary
Perhaps your everyday life is hectic and thus you'd like to slow down and relax on your Portugal vacation. This 10 day Portugal interary moves at a slower pace.
Day 1-3: Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon Airport. If desired, relax in the airport after arrival with a coffee and pastel de nata at "Just Arrived" near baggage claim. Settle into your accommodation in Lisbon.
Public transportation is recommended for getting around Lisbon. Visit ViniPortugal, which showcases Portuguese wines with free tastings, for a relaxing way to spend an hour.
Take a day trip to Belém, enjoying the sights along the Tagus River at your own pace. Consider a ride on Tram 15 to Belém from Praça do Comércio.
Visit the Monument to the Discoveries for views of Belém. Take a relaxing stroll through the gardens of the Jerónimos Monastery. Stop at the National Coach Museum to be transported back in time.
Return to the city of Lisbon and relax in Parque Eduardo VII and enjoy the views of the park and bay from Linha de Agua. This area boasts spectacular sunsets.
Day 4-6: Algarve (Carvoeiro)
Travel to the Algarve (consider traveling by train for a more relaxing experience). Settle into your hotel for three nights; Tivoli Carvoeiro Hotel and Resort is a good option.
If staying at the Tivoli Carvoeiro, enjoy a drink on the terrace, weather permitting.
Relax and take in the natural beauty of the Algarve with a visit to Algar Seco; fabulous limestone cliffs.
Take a walk along one of the beaches in Portimão and enjoy the views of the rock formations. Visit Ilha Tavira and relax on the beach.
Day 7-8: Tavira
Arrive in Tavira and settle into your accommodations. Quinta do Caracol is a good, budget friendly option. Wander the streets of Tavira, taking in the traditional Algarve architecture and colorful tile work.
Visit Castelo de Tavira and enjoy the views of the town from the castle ruins. Relax at a local cafe where perhaps you'll enjoy watching a football match with the locals like we did.
✨ Explore things to do in the Algarve to add to your itinerary.
Day 9-10: Lisbon
Return to Lisbon from Tavira.
Take a trip by ferry from Lisbon to Almada where you can hike along the Tagus River or indulge in a fresh seafood lunch. Enjoy a final pastel de nata before departing from Lisbon.
10 Days in Portugal for Photographers
If you love photography, this Portugal itinerary covers destinations that will have you snapping happily for hours.
Day 1-3: Porto
Arrive at Porto Airport and take the Metro do Porto to your accommodation in Vila Nova de Gaia. I like Vila Nova de Gaia for its views of Porto's Old Town and access to transportation.
Spend the afternoon on a photography walk along the Douro River, capturing the architecture and the play of light on the buildings. Consider taking the Douro River Taxi for a different perspective of the river and bridges.
In the evening, head to one of Porto's port houses, such as Offley or Kopke, for a tour and tasting while capturing the ambiance of the cellars and the Douro River views.
✨ Deep dive into your 3 day Porto itinerary
Day 4: Douro Valley Day Trip
Embark on a private guided tour of the Douro Valley, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and wineries. A private tour offers the flexibility to stop for photographs at scenic viewpoints along the Douro River. Capture the unique landscape of vineyards clinging to steep hillsides.
Day 5: Braga
Journey to Braga, Portugal's oldest city, and spend the day photographing its historic streets and significant landmarks. Visit the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, capturing its impressive staircase.
✨ Learn more about why Braga is worth visiting
Day 6: Aveiro
Take a day trip to Aveiro, known for its colorful moliceiro boats and Art Nouveau architecture. Photograph the vibrant moliceiros on the canals and the intricate details of the Art Nouveau buildings.
Head to the coast and Costa Nova where you'll find colorful striped houses and maybe some flamingos!
✨ Discover things to do in Aveiro
Day 7-8: Lisbon
Take a train or drive to Lisbon and settle in. Begin with a photography walk through the charming, hilly streets of the Mouraria neighborhood, documenting the tile work, textures, and graffiti.
Spend the evening capturing the ambiance of Lisbon's traditional neighborhoods, such as Baixa and Chiado. Praça da Figueira is a lovely spot for photography.
Day 9: Sintra
Enjoy a day trip to Sintra, a town known for its fairytale castles and gardens. Capture the whimsical architecture of Pena Palace and the Moorish influences of the Castelo dos Mouros. Explore the forested trails and capture the natural beauty of Sintra's surroundings.
✨ See the best of Sintra
Day 10: Departure
Depart from Lisbon Airport.
10 Days in Portugal for History and Architecture Buffs
Perhaps history and architecture is more of your style. This Portugal itinerary is ideal if you want to dive deep in these areas.
Day 1: Arrive in Porto and Settle In
Day 2: Porto - History, Architecture, and Port Wine
Start your day with a visit to Torre dos Clérigos, a historic bell tower offering panoramic city views. Then, explore the historic center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the architecture of landmarks like Clérigos Church, the Church of St. Ildefonso, and Câmara Municipal do Porto (Porto's town hall).
Don't miss the opulent 19th-century architecture of Palácio da Bolsa, the Stock Exchange Palace. In the afternoon, take a Douro River Taxi across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto's famed port houses, and enjoy a tour and tasting.
Day 3: Porto - Atmospheric Strolls and Scenic Tram Rides
Spend the morning soaking in the atmosphere of Porto's historic center. Consider a visit to Igreja da Trindade and Livraria Lello, Porto's famous bookstore. Take a coffee break and admire the Igreja do Carmo.
In the afternoon, take a ride on the historic Linha 1 tram along the Douro River to Foz, where the river meets the sea. Enjoy the scenic views and take a walk along the break walls.
Day 4: Douro Valley Day Trip
Embark on a guided tour of the Douro Valley, the birthplace of port wine. Visit vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and savor a gourmet lunch amidst the stunning scenery. Consider a river cruise on the Douro for a different perspective of the region.
Day 5: Guimarães Day Trip
Take a day trip to Guimarães, home to a spectacular castle and considered the birthplace of Portugal. Explore the well-preserved medieval center, also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✨ Plan your Porto day trip to Guimarães
Day 6: Travel to Lisbon
Travel from Porto to Lisbon, a journey of around 3 hours by car. Consider a stopover in Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal," to admire its Art Nouveau architecture and colorful canals.
Day 7: Lisbon - History and Hidden Gems
Explore Lisbon's historical neighborhoods and uncover hidden gems. Visit the Santo Amaro Chapel in Alcântara for picturesque details and views. Stroll through Jardim das Amoreiras, shaded by a historic aqueduct. Explore Campo Pequeno, Lisbon's original bullfighting ring which is a marvelous example of neo-Moorish architecture.
Day 8: Lisbon - Day Trip to Sintra
Take a day trip to Sintra, a picturesque town known for its whimsical palaces and castles. Visit Pena National Palace, a highlight of any trip to Sintra. Explore Castelo dos Mouros, a Moorish castle ruin offering stunning views. If you are feeling ambitious, head to Mafra to check out the jaw-droppingly beautiful Palácio Nacional de Mafra.
Day 9: Lisbon - Belém or Tomar
Choose between two equally historic day trips. Visit Belém, home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Or, journey to Tomar, a historically significant town with well-preserved medieval architecture, including one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.
✨ Discover things to do in Tomar
Day 10: Depart from Lisbon
10 Days in Portugal for Foodies
For me, food memories always linger the longest on my travels. If that's the case for you as well, this blueprint is a good choice for your 10 day Portugal itinerary.
Days 1-3: Lisbon and a Day Trip to Setúbal
Begin in Lisbon, where you can spend a few days exploring neighborhoods and sampling traditional Portuguese and high-end international food.
Consider visiting one of the many specialty coffee shops in Lisbon. In the evenings, Lisbon has many rooftop bars and restaurants to explore.
From Lisbon, take a day trip to the Setúbal wine region, located on the Setúbal Peninsula. Setúbal is known for moscatel, a sweet, fortified wine.
✨ Plan a Setúbal wine tour
Days 4-6: Alentejo
The Alentejo region is the largest wine-producing region in Portugal and is known for its hearty cuisine and talha wines - made using a Roman-era technique.
Drive to Mourão, near Alqueva Lake, and sample Portuguese favorites like pork belly, bacalhau, and cozido. Portions in Alentejo are known to be large so don't be shy about sharing one portion among multiple people.
Days 7-9: Algarve
Drive to the Algarve, exploring historic towns such as Tavira, Vila Real de Santo Antonio, and Portimão. Tavira is known for its traditional Algarve architecture and aguardente, a type of Portuguese brandy.
You can also enjoy fresh seafood at one of many restaurants. In VRSA, walk to the lighthouse. Alternatively, visit the beaches in Portimão. Take a road trip along the coast sampling excellent seafood and fresh squeezed orange juice made from the fruit of Algarve citrus trees along the way.
Day 10: Return to Lisbon
Return to Lisbon for a final meal before departing.
10 Days in Portugal Off-the-Beaten Track
Perhaps you've been to Portugal before and now you're looking for an experience that is off the main tourist track. This itinerary covers some of Portugal's hidden gems and out of the way places.
Days 1-2: Lisbon
Lisbon is full of hidden gems. Visit Queluz Palace, the sumptuous 18th-century home of Portuguese royalty. Explore the Mouraria neighborhood, full of winding staircases, hidden alleys, and unique tilework.
Experience Campo Pequeno, originally a bullfighting ring and today a shopping mall with a ring of bars and restaurants. Consider taking the ferry across the river for a day of exploration in Almada.
Day 3: Tomar
Take a day trip to Tomar, a charming town about an hour from Lisbon. Tomar was a hub of Portuguese overseas expansion during the 15th century.
Explore Convento do Cristo with it's amazing architecture and sweeping views. Enjoy lunch and drinks at the Canoa Wine Bar on R. da Silva Magalhães.
Day 4-5: Coimbra
Drive to Coimbra, Portugal's university city. Stop at Conímbriga on the way. Conímbriga is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Portugal, with spectacular mosaics. Enjoy dinner at Arcadas in the Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas in Coimbra.
Day 6-7: Castelo Branco
Drive to Castelo Branco, stopping at the National Railway Museum in Entroncamento if you are interested in railroads.
Castelo Branco is located near the Serra da Estrela Mountains and is a great base for exploring the interior of central Portugal.
The Festa da Cereja (cherry festival) in nearby Alcongosta is a great option if you are visiting in June.
✨ Spend a weekend in Castelo Branco
Day 8-9: Alentejo
Drive to the Alentejo region, home to man-made Alqueva Lake. Visit the village of Mourão for beautiful views of the lake.
Drive to Monsaraz, a small village with whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets that sits high on a hill overlooking Alqueva Lake.
Monsaraz is known for its olive oil, wine, and views of the stars at night. Have lunch in nearby Reguengos de Monsaraz, exploring the town's striking church tower, local craft shops, and Art Nouveau doors.
✨ Take an Alentejo road trip to Alqueva Lake
Day 10: Return to Lisbon Airport
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Not sure if you have 10 days to spare for your trip to Portugal? Check out my 4 day or 1 week Portugal itineraries instead. If you have even more time, why not consider a road trip covering both Spain and Portugal?
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