A well planned 7 day Portugal itinerary can cover the country’s biggest highlights without feeling rushed. This route takes you from the hills of Lisbon to the riverside charm of Porto and finishes on the beaches of the Algarve, giving you a genuine mix of city, culture and coastline in one trip.
Day 1 and 2: Lisbon
Start in Lisbon, where two full days are enough to cover the Alfama district, ride the famous Tram 28, and visit the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Set aside an evening for a Fado music show in one of the small restaurants in Alfama, and try pastel de nata from a bakery near Belem while you are there.
Day 3: Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon
Sintra is a short train ride from Lisbon and worth a full day on its own. The colourful Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle ruins and the Quinta da Regaleira estate all sit within this fairytale hill town, making it one of the most photographed stops on any Portugal itinerary.
Day 4 and 5: Porto
Take a train or a short domestic flight north to Porto. Spend your first day exploring the Ribeira riverside district and crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge for views over the Douro river. On day two, book a Port wine cellar tour in Vila Nova de Gaia and consider a short Douro Valley river cruise if time allows.
Day 6 and 7: Algarve (Albufeira)
Finish your trip with two days on the coast in Albufeira, known for its golden cliffs, boat tours to sea caves and lively marina. This is the ideal way to close out a 7 day Portugal itinerary, trading city sightseeing for beach time and slower evenings.
How to Get Around Portugal in 7 Days
Domestic flights connect Lisbon, Porto and Faro (the gateway to the Algarve) in under an hour, making this route practical even with limited time. Trains are a comfortable alternative between Lisbon and Porto, while a rental car is the easiest way to explore the Algarve coastline at your own pace.
Where to Stay on This Portugal Itinerary
Base yourself in central Lisbon near Baixa or Chiado for easy access to trams and sights, choose a riverside hotel in Porto’s Ribeira or Vila Nova de Gaia for the best views, and pick a beachfront or marina front property in Albufeira for the final leg of the trip.
Sample Budget for a 7 Day Portugal Trip
● Mid range: hotels, local dining and public transport across all three cities
● Luxury: boutique hotels, private transfers and guided tours in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
● Add ons: Sintra day tour, Douro Valley wine tour, Algarve boat excursion
Want this exact 7 day Portugal itinerary planned and booked for you? Dreamingo Holidays handles the flights, hotels and tours across Lisbon, Porto and Albufeira, so all you have to do is pack. Reach out for a custom quote.
