Portugal blends maritime history with a laid-back rhythm that makes unwinding effortless. Centuries of explorers departed Lisbon’s Tagus River, and their legacy lingers in tiled facades, soulful fado music, and a cuisine of grilled fish and fragrant wines. Down south in the Algarve, ochre cliffs shelter calm coves where you can swim, kayak, and watch golden hour melt into the Atlantic.

For a six-day, relaxing Europe itinerary, pairing Lisbon with Lagos keeps travel time short and enjoyment high. You’ll graze through bakeries and seafood tascas, slip into hammams and wellness pools, and spend long afternoons at the beach. A sunset sail in each place frames the trip with unforgettable light.

Practical notes: pickpockets target packed trams and viewpoints—keep essentials zipped. Sunscreen is a must, even on breezy days. Foodies can feast affordably: a coffee and pastel de nata rarely tops €3, hearty seafood mains run €12–€22, and intercity trains are comfortable and good value.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a city of viewpoints and small pleasures: a perfect espresso, a warm custard tart, a tram clattering uphill. Alfama survived the 1755 earthquake and still curls around the castle, while the riverside district of Belém celebrates Portugal’s Age of Discovery with ornate monasteries and modern museums.

Top sights include the São Jorge Castle, Tram 28, Jerónimos Monastery, MAAT, and the creative complex LX Factory. Food runs from classic seafood at century-old cervejarias to natural-wine bistros rewriting the menu with local produce. Evenings often end with fado—melancholy songs in intimate rooms.

Where to stay (mid-range and apartment options): Browse hotels in central Baixa/Chiado, Avenida, or riverside Cais do Sodré via Hotels.com Lisbon or apartments with kitchens on VRBO Lisbon.

Getting in: Fly into Lisbon Portela Airport. Within Europe, compare fares on Omio (flights). If you’re arriving from outside Europe, check global options via Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com (flights). The metro from the airport to the center takes ~25 minutes.

Day 1 — Arrival and a Taste of Lisbon

Afternoon: Check in and shake off the flight with a riverfront stroll from Praça do Comércio to Cais do Sodré. Espresso and a still-warm pastel de nata at Manteigaria are a perfect welcome. Peek into Rua Nova do Carvalho’s colorful lanes before sunset at Miradouro de Santa Catarina.

Evening: Dinner at Time Out Market lets you sample several chefs in one spot—try Marlene Vieira’s seafood rice, O Prego da Peixaria’s prego steak sandwich, and Santini gelato for dessert. If you prefer a sit-down classic, Cervejaria Ramiro plates legendary garlic clams and tiger prawns; order a simple prego on bolo do caco to finish. Cap the night with fado at Tasca do Chico (cozy, no-frills) or the vaulted Mesa de Frades in Alfama—arrive early for a table.

Day 2 — Alfama, Tiles, and Spa Time

Morning: Beat the crowds on iconic Tram 28 from Baixa to Graça, then descend through Alfama’s lanes. Visit Castelo de S. Jorge for sweeping river views and pop into the Lisbon Cathedral. Coffee stop at Fábrica Coffee Roasters (Rua das Portas de Santo Antão) for a flat white and pastel de feijão.

Afternoon: Lunch at Zé da Mouraria (reservations advised) for grilled bacalhau and potatoes drizzled with olive oil. Then unwind at Float in Spa (Rato or Picoas): book a 60–90 minute float session or a couples massage—quiet, candle-lit rooms and herbal tea after. Expect €55–€110 depending on treatment.

Evening: Board a relaxed Tagus River sunset sail from Alcântara or Belém (2 hours, ~€35–€45). Watch the 25 de Abril Bridge glow red and the Cristo Rei statue light up. Dinner at Prado showcases Portuguese terroir—think aged beef with nasturtium and fermented pumpkin, paired with low-intervention wines. Nightcap at Red Frog Speakeasy if you want one beautifully made cocktail before bed.

Day 3 — Belém Monuments, Design Museums, and Creative Lisbon

Morning: Tram or rideshare to Belém. Visit Jerónimos Monastery’s cloisters, the nearby Belém Tower, and the Monument to the Discoveries. Refuel at Pastéis de Belém (this is the original bakery; expect a queue that moves fast).

Afternoon: Walk the riverside to MAAT for contemporary art and architecture, then head to LX Factory for shopping small brands and books at Ler Devagar. Lunch at Cantina LX (industrial-chic, hearty daily specials) or Wish Slow Coffee House for bowls and specialty coffee.

Evening: Golden-hour views at Topo Chiado above the Carmo Convent. Dinner at Sea Me – Peixaria Moderna for pristine sashimi-grade fish, charcoal-grilled octopus, and a Portuguese wine list with plenty under €30. If you still have room, end with a warm travesseiro at Alcoa.

Lagos (Algarve)

Lagos sits on the Algarve’s gentler curve, a whitewashed old town ringed by dramatic coves and long, sandy strands. The cliffs at Ponta da Piedade are the Algarve’s calling card—honeycomb grottos, turquoise water, and sea stacks carved by wind and tide.

Days here move slowly: swim in the morning, long lunch, a nap or spa, then sunset on the cliffs. Food is proudly local—cataplana seafood stews, charcoal-grilled sardines, and sweet figs. Nightlife is friendly and low-key: terrace wines and a stroll under the tiled church facades.

Where to stay: Look near Old Town, Dona Ana/Camilo, or the Marina for easy beach access. Compare options via Hotels.com Lagos or apartment stays on VRBO Lagos.

Getting from Lisbon to Lagos: Morning trains take ~3h40m with an easy change at Tunes; advance fares ~€18–€30. Search schedules on Omio (trains in Europe). Buses are similar in time and often slightly cheaper—compare on Omio (buses).

Day 4 — Lisbon to Lagos, Clifftop Lunch, and a Gentle Swim

Morning: Depart Lisbon after breakfast. Aim for a 8:30–9:30 train from Lisboa-Oriente; arrive Lagos just after noon. Taxi or walk to your stay and drop bags.

Afternoon: Head straight to O Camilo for a seafood lunch with a cliffside view—razor clams, grilled dourada, and a chilled Vinho Verde. Then take the steps down to Praia do Camilo for a first dip. Alternative easy-access option: Meia Praia’s long, sandy sweep with calm water.

Evening: Sunset at Ponta da Piedade—follow the path along the lighthouse for the best angles. Dinner at Adega da Marina (local favorite, generous portions and great value; expect a short queue) or Casinha do Petisco for cataplana in copper pots. Gelato stroll by the marina at Crema di Gelato before turning in.

Day 5 — Sea Caves by Kayak or Boat, Then Spa

Morning: Choose your water adventure. Kayak along Ponta da Piedade with a guide (2–2.5 hours, ~€35; caves, arches, beach landings) or book a speedboat to the Benagil cave (2 hours, ~€40–€50). Both depart from Lagos marina—bring a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen.

Afternoon: Spa time. Cascade Wellness & Spa offers day access and treatments; try a back-and-leg sports massage after paddling or a relaxing aromatherapy session (€70–€120). Boavista Spa is another nearby option with sauna and pool access. Light lunch at Goji Lounge Café—smoothie bowls, toasts, and fresh juices.

Evening: Dinner at Casa do Prego for petiscos (don’t miss the limpets and octopus) on the rooftop. For a special night, Restaurante dos Artistas serves a refined tasting menu with local seafood and Algarve produce. Cocktails at Bon Vivant—fun, friendly, and central.

Day 6 — Market Morning, Beach Time, and Departure

Morning: Browse Mercado Municipal de Lagos for figs, cheeses, and artisan bread to pack for the journey. Brunch at Twin Fin’s or Café Odeon (great value full breakfasts). One last swim at Praia Dona Ana or a long walk on Meia Praia.

Afternoon (Departure): If flying out of the Algarve, take the regional train to Faro (~1h20), then a short taxi/bus to Faro Airport. Within Europe, check Omio (flights). If your flight departs Lisbon, plan ~4 hours back by train or bus via Omio trains or Omio buses, and aim for an afternoon or evening departure.

Extra Food & Coffee Shortlist (Save This)

• Lisbon Coffee: The Mill (Aussie-Portuguese brunch), Copenhagen Coffee Lab (sourdough pastries), Fábrica Coffee Roasters.
• Lisbon Eats: Taberna da Rua das Flores (blackboard menu), Sea Me (modern fish), Ramiro (shellfish institution), Prado (local, seasonal).
• Lagos Coffee & Bites: Goji Lounge Café (bowls/toasts), Pastelaria Gomba (traditional sweets), Twin Fin’s (brunch).
• Lagos Eats: O Camilo (sea views), Adega da Marina (value, grills), Casa do Prego (petiscos), Restaurante dos Artistas (date night).

Budget notes: With a mid-range budget (50/100), plan €35–€60 per day on food if mixing tascas and a few nicer meals; activities like boat tours and spa sessions will be your big-ticket add-ons. Public transit is excellent value; trains are comfortable and scenic.

Intercity and Local Transport Links

• Flights in Europe: Omio (flights)
• Trains in Europe (Lisbon–Lagos, Faro–Lisbon): Omio (trains)
• Buses in Europe (backup or late returns): Omio (buses)
• Ferries (if adding coastal hops elsewhere in Europe): Omio (ferries)
• Long-haul flights from outside Europe: Trip.com or Kiwi.com
• Hotels and apartments: Hotels.com Lisbon, VRBO Lisbon, Hotels.com Lagos, VRBO Lagos

This 6-day Portugal plan keeps everything blissfully simple: great coffee, easy trains, two coasts, and time to breathe. By mixing Lisbon’s culture with Lagos’s coastline, you get the best of a relaxing Europe vacation—food, spas, beaches, and boat days—without rushing.