15-Day Portugal Itinerary: Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve (Lagos)

A handpicked 2-week-plus journey through Lisbon’s history, Porto’s wine country, and the Algarve’s golden coast—packed with culture, cuisine, and coastline adventure.
A picturesque lighthouse set against a dramatic cloudy sky in Portugal, evoking a sense of calm and tranquility.
Photo by Tiana on Pexels

Portugal marries Atlantic light with centuries of history. From Roman ruins and Moorish castles to Age of Discovery monuments, it’s a country where tiled facades (azulejos) tell stories and fado songs trace the contours of longing. In two weeks, you can trace the Tagus in Lisbon, sip world-class wines along the Douro in Porto, and unwind beside sculpted cliffs on the Algarve.

Expect generous hospitality and flavors that linger: grilled sardines, garlicky clams, and pastel de nata still warm from the oven. Portugal is compact, affordable by Western Europe standards, and easy to navigate by rail—perfect for a multi-city itinerary. English is widely understood in tourist areas, though a bom dia goes a long way.

Before you go, check your government’s travel advisories, book key sights in advance (Jerónimos Monastery, Livraria Lello, Pena Palace), and pack for microclimates—Lisbon’s hills and coastal breezes keep things mild, while the Algarve is sunnier and drier. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable; the calçada (cobbled pavement) is beautiful and slick.

Lisbon

Getting there (Arrival into Lisbon)

  • Flights: Compare fares to LIS via Omio (to/from Europe). If you’re flying in from outside Europe, also check Kiwi.com for multi-airline itineraries.
  • Airport to city: Metro red line (c. 25–30 minutes to Baixa/Chiado with one change), or taxi/ride-hail in 20–35 minutes depending on traffic.

Days 1–5: Old quarters, riverfront monuments, and flavors you’ll crave back home

Lisbon is a city of viewpoints and villages. Wander Alfama’s medieval lanes, ride a vintage tram through Baixa and Graça, then hop to Belém to meet the greats of Manueline architecture at Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. Contemporary Lisbon thrives too—LX Factory’s indie shops and galleries are a perfect late afternoon stop.

Start with Alfama at dawn for quiet alleys and the Sé Cathedral. Cross to Chiado for elegant cafes, then up to Bairro Alto’s miradouros at sunset (Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is a favorite). In Belém, pair monuments with custard tarts: Pastéis de Belém has baked them since 1837.

Unmissable experiences
  • Iconic tiles and light: São Bento Palace area, the blue-tiled cloisters of São Vicente de Fora, and the sunlit MAAT facade along the Tagus.
  • Fado evening: Book a table show at Clube de Fado (Alfama) or Tasca do Chico (Bairro Alto) for intimate, late-night sets.
  • Tram 28 tips: Ride early or late to avoid crowds, and consider taking it downhill to spare your knees.
Curated activities (Viator) Where to eat and drink
  • Coffee & breakfast: Fabrica Coffee Roasters (precision pours and house roasts), Hello, Kristof (Scandi vibe, granola and tartines), and Manteigaria for a still-warm pastel de nata sprinkled with cinnamon.
  • Lunch: Time Out Market for a curated sweep of the city’s chefs—seek out croquettes at Croqueteria, seafood rice at Marlene Vieira, and Santini gelato for dessert.
  • Seafood feast: Cervejaria Ramiro for garlic clams, scarlet prawns, and buttery prego steak as a finale; arrive early or late to avoid queues.
  • Tavern-style: Taberna da Rua das Flores (blackboard menu, seasonal small plates) and Zé da Mouraria for hearty daily specials like bacalhau.
  • Creative plates: A Cevicheria’s citrus-lifted sea bass and octopus, under a famous octopus chandelier; reserve or go off-peak.
Where to stay (Lisbon)

Travel to Porto (morning of Day 6)

  • Train: Lisbon Santa Apolónia/Oriente → Porto Campanhã on the Alfa Pendular or Intercidades, ~2h50–3h15, about €25–40. Book via Omio Trains.
  • Bus: ~3.5–4 hours, often slightly cheaper; compare on Omio Buses.

Porto

Days 6–10: Granite lanes, azulejos, port lodges, and a Douro day

Porto is equal parts medieval nooks and contemporary verve. Azulejo-studded São Bento Station, baroque Clérigos Tower, and the riverfront Ribeira are steps apart, with the Dom Luís I bridge tying Vila Nova de Gaia’s port cellars to the old city. Try a francesinha once; then pivot to petiscos and fresh fish.

Spend a day in the Douro Valley—terraced vineyards curling above the river are UNESCO-listed and among Europe’s most scenic wine landscapes. Back in town, pair a 6 Bridges river cruise with a visit to a century-old lodge for tawny vs. vintage port tastings.

Curated activities (Viator) Top sights and local gems
  • São Bento Station: Tile panels narrate Portugal’s past—train or no train, step inside.
  • Livraria Lello: Neo-Gothic bookshop said to have inspired literary legends; reserve an early slot to avoid the queue.
  • Ribeira and Gaia: Stroll the quay, then cross the lower deck of Dom Luís I for cellar tours (Graham’s, Sandeman) and rooftop views.
  • Sunset: Jardim do Morro or the Monastery of Serra do Pilar terrace—with buskers and a golden hour glow on rooftops.
Where to eat and drink
  • Coffee & breakfast: Combi Coffee Roasters (single-origin focus) and the belle époque Majestic Café for a splurge-y morning.
  • Quick bites: Conga’s spicy bifanas (pork sandwiches) and Casa Guedes’ roasted pork with Serra da Estrela cheese—local legends.
  • Traditional: Adega São Nicolau for octopus rice and cod with chickpeas; book ahead—it’s intimate.
  • One-and-done francesinha: Brasão Cervejaria’s version balances rich sauce and crisp edges; pair with a fino (draught beer).
  • Chef-driven: DOP (Rui Paula) elevates northern classics; save space for the rice pudding brûlée.
Where to stay (Porto)

Travel to the Algarve – Lagos (morning of Day 11)

  • By train: Porto Campanhã → Lagos (change at Tunes), ~5h45–6h30, €35–50. Book on Omio Trains.
  • By flight + rail: Porto (OPO) → Faro (FAO) ~1h10 (often €30–120), then regional train/bus to Lagos ~1h30. Compare flights on Omio.
  • By bus: ~7 hours, sometimes direct and affordable; check Omio Buses.

Algarve – Lagos

Days 11–15: Sea caves, saffron sunsets, and slow coastal days

Lagos is an easygoing base for the western Algarve, wrapped by honey-colored cliffs and aquamarine coves. Ponta da Piedade’s limestone arches rival any Mediterranean postcard, and the old town still hums with small taverns, tile-fronted streets, and a daily fish market.

Spend your mornings on the trails and water, then linger over grilled dourada and vinho verde as the sky turns tangerine. If you crave wind and drama, detour to Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente—the “end of the world” in Age of Discovery lore.

Outdoors and local gems
  • Boat or kayak the grottoes: Ponta da Piedade reveals hidden caves, stone windows, and still pools perfect for photos on calm mornings.
  • Praias to beach-hop: Camilo (wooden stair descent, emerald water), Dona Ana (sheltered and photogenic), and Meia Praia (long, breezy, great for walks).
  • Benagil Cave: Drive 35–45 minutes toward Carvoeiro for boat trips; go early for smoother seas and softer light.
  • Cliff walks: Lagos boardwalks above Ponta da Piedade are accessible; for longer scenery, try the Fishermen’s Trail segments near Vila do Bispo.
Where to eat and drink
  • Coffee & breakfast: Coffee & Waves (third-wave espresso and smoothie bowls), Goji Lounge Café (almond pancakes, fresh juices), and Black & White for quick cappuccinos before the beach.
  • Lunch with a view: O Camilo (above Praia do Camilo—book a terrace table; order the cataplana for two) and Restaurante dos Artistas in town for a refined midday menu.
  • Casual petiscos: Casa do Prego (rooftop, piri-piri prawns, black pork secreto) and Barbosa Bar for tapas and local craft beers.
  • Grill masters: A Forja (“The Forge”) is beloved for charcoal-grilled sardines and sea bream—simple, fresh, perfectly salted.
  • Sunset sips: Head to Praia da Luz’s beachfront bars or the clifftop near Ponta da Piedade for a bring-your-own toast to golden hour.
Where to stay (Lagos)

Departure (Day 15 morning)

  • Lagos → Lisbon: ~3h50 by train (change at Tunes) on Omio Trains; buses can be ~3h30–4h on Omio Buses.
  • Fly out of Faro: Lagos → Faro by train/bus ~1h30, then FAO departures; compare fares on Omio.
  • Intercontinental flights: If you’re returning outside Europe, you can also compare long-haul options on Kiwi.com.

Optional extras if you have a spare day

  • Lisbon: Tile-painting workshop in a local atelier; LX Factory + sunset at MAAT’s sloped rooftop.
  • Porto: 6 Bridges cruise plus a cable-car ride in Gaia for aerial photos over the Douro.
  • Algarve: Drive to Monchique for mountain views and black pork dishes, or east to Tavira for salt pans and quiet beaches.

Across fifteen days, you’ll taste Lisbon’s neighborhood soul, sip wines carved into the Douro hills, and swim beneath the Algarve’s ochre cliffs. This Portugal itinerary blends headline sights with local haunts, ensuring a pace that feels both rich and relaxed.

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