Portugal is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches, with over 800 kilometers of coastline. Here you’ll find every corner holds a piece of history, and every meal is to be cherished. Here’s your guide to creating the perfect 10-day itinerary in Portugal, whether you want to explore the colorful streets of Lisbon, wander through the palaces of Sintra, or soak up the sun on the sandy shores of the Algarve.
This 10 days itinerary in Portugal will take you through two of Portugal's captivating autonomous regions: Madeira, renowned as the island of eternal spring, and São Miguel, fondly referred to as the green island.
Your journey kicks off on day one with your arrival in Madeira, giving you the chance to explore the vibrant city center of Funchal.
Days two and three are an exploration of Madeira's west and east sides. Highlights include visits to São Vicente, the natural swimming pools of Porto Moniz, and the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de São Lourenço.
On day four, you have the chance to soak in the oceanic pools. Day five promises an exhilarating adventure with a wicker toboggan descent from Monte, followed by visits to Funchal's Botanical Garden and the local market.
As you ease into the sixth day, you'll have plenty of opportunities for further exploration or relaxation in Funchal.
On day seven, it's time to bid farewell to Madeira as you catch a flight to São Miguel. The eighth day unfolds with a guided tour of the stunning Sete Cidades Lagoon area.
Day nine brings you to the enchanting Furnas Valley, where you can soak in hot springs and embark on sailing excursions.
Finally, on day ten, your journey comes to a close with your departure from Ponta Delgada. Book this trip.
Festival in Madeira, Portugal © Shutterstock
Check out this 10 day itinerary in Portugal:
Crater Sao Miguel, Portugal © OneOfTheseDays83/Shutterstock
Hiking in Madeira © Shutterstock
This 10 day itinerary in Portugal is an expedition through the country’s esteemed wine regions, with the stunning Duoro Valley taking the centre stage. You journey begins in Lisbon on day one, where you’ll try some local bites during a tour of the city.
Day two and three is all about soaking up Lisbon's charm. You’ll explore iconic spots like Liberty Avenue and the historic St. George's Castle. Then, you’ll journey to Belem district's historical treasures before attending a traditional Fado show.
As day four rolls around, it's time to venture to the magical town of Sintra for a dose of fairytale beauty and a culinary experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Transitioning into the heart of Portugal's wine country on day five, you'll find yourself in the Alentejo region. Take it easy on day six with some well-deserved relaxation activities before taking a jaunt to Coimbra for some top-notch wine tasting on day seven.
And then comes the crown jewel of your wine adventure – the eighth day brings you to the breathtaking Douro Valley for a scenic river cruise and, of course, more wine tasting.
Day nine sees you exploring the vibrant city of Porto, soaking in its highlights before bidding farewell. Book this trip.
Lighthouse in Foz do Douro © AdobeStock
Check out this 10 day itinerary in Portugal:
Vineyards, Douro Valley, Portugal © Shutterstock
Porto, Portugal, Riberia old town cityscape and the Douro River © Michal Ludwiczak/Shutterstock
This 10-day itinerary will take you through Portugal’s picturesque landscapes and cultural gems. Day one kicks off your adventure in Lisbon, where you'll have some downtime to unwind.
In the heart of Lisbon, on day two you’ll explore iconic spots like Liberty Avenue, Restauradores Square, Rossio Square, Alfama Quarter, and Lisbon Cathedral.
Day three is all about digging even deeper into Lisbon's past. You’ll take a trip to St. George's Castle, roam the ancient ruins of the Roman Theatre, and discover the charming Belem District. The day wraps with an evening of traditional Fado music and a taste of local cuisine.
On day four, you’ll venture beyond Lisbon to the enchanting town of Sintra. Here you’ll get the chance to explore its fairy-tale landscapes, including a visit to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, before heading back to Lisbon.
Days five and six are a journey through the serene Serra do Bussaco and the legendary Douro Valley. Drink in the lush landscapes and savor the region's renowned wines.
Your adventure continues on days seven and eight with a scenic drive to the Douro Valley, where you'll have some free time to explore or simply relax at your hotel. You’ll also take a guided tour, including a leisurely river cruise and wine tasting at the historic Mateus Palace – the perfect way to experience the region's culture and hospitality.
Wrapping up your journey in Porto on day nine, you'll have the chance to explore this vibrant city, from the lively Mercado do Bolhão to the iconic Torre dos Clerigos. And on your final day, bid farewell to Portugal with a scenic Douro River cruise, Book this trip.
Traditional historic facade in Porto decorated with azulejos © leonori/Shutterstock
Check out this 10-day itinerary in Portugal:
Lisbon tram © Shutterstock
Cooking class in Algarve, Portugal © Dre Roelandt
Yes, ten days is generally enough time for a satisfying trip to Portugal. While you won't conquer every nook and cranny, you'll certainly get a hefty dose of Portuguese culture, history, and natural wonders.
Rather than attempting to cover every inch of the map, hone in on specific regions that pique your interest.
While it's wise to have a rough plan in place, leave room for spontaneity. You never know what hidden gem you might stumble upon or what local festival might be happening during your visit.
With our tailor-made trip service, you can go on your dream trip without dealing with the details of planning and booking. Plus, you’ll receive 24/7 support from local experts, so you can rest easy knowing that help is just a call away if you need it.
In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 06.05.2024
