7-day Portugal itinerary: Lisbon → Sintra → Évora → Algarve → Algarve to Porto via Douro Valley

A compact and realistic 7-day itinerary that connects Lisbon, Sintra, Évora, the Algarve and the Douro Valley — perfect for first-time visitors who want a mix of city culture, coastal time and wine-country landscapes.

This 7-day loop is fast-paced but carefully planned so you spend mornings exploring and afternoons relaxing. The route focuses on efficient transit (train or short car rides), a taste of Portugal’s historic heart, a beach stop in the Algarve, and a scenic finish in the Douro Valley before heading to Porto. You can follow it clockwise or counter-clockwise depending on flight options and season.

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon — historic center and Chiado

Land in Lisbon and use the first day to settle in and stroll the city center. Start in Baixa and walk up toward Chiado for classic cafés and shopping. Key stops:

• Praça do Comércio — the waterfront square
• Rua Augusta arch for panoramic views
• Chiado district and A Brasileira café

End the day in Bairro Alto for dinner and rooftop views. Try small plates and a glass of vinho verde to recover from travel.

Day 2: Sintra day trip — palaces and coastal viewpoint

Take an early train to Sintra (40–50 minutes). Sintra is UNESCO-listed and packed with palaces and gardens. Recommended route:

• Pena Palace — arrive early to avoid queues
• Moorish Castle for panoramic viewpoints
• Quinta da Regaleira — mysterious wells and gardens

If time allows, stop briefly at the coastal viewpoint Cabo da Roca (the westernmost point of continental Europe) on your way back. Return to Lisbon in the evening.

Day 3: Évora and the Alentejo — history and whitewashed towns

Rent a car or take a morning train/bus to Évora (about 1.5 hours from Lisbon). Évora is the cultural heart of the Alentejo and offers Roman ruins, whitewashed streets, and relaxed pace:

• Roman Temple and the Cathedral (Sé)
• Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) — macabre but fascinating
• Stroll the medieval streets and try local Alentejo cuisine

Stay overnight in Évora or continue south toward the Algarve if you prefer more beach time.

Day 4: Algarve — coast, beaches and simple relaxation

Drive to the Algarve (2–3 hours depending on route). Focus on one base town to avoid constant packing — Lagos or Faro are excellent choices. Afternoon suggestions:

• Praia Dona Ana (Lagos) or Praia da Marinha (Carvoeiro) — iconic cliffs and clear water
• Short boat trip to sea caves if available
• Fresh seafood dinner by the waterfront

Choose a late-afternoon walk on the sand and an early dinner — Algarve sunsets are spectacular and quieter out of high-season evenings.

Day 5: Algarve morning + travel toward Douro — scenic drive or flight

Enjoy a calm morning in the Algarve — a sunrise on the beach or a short coastal hike. After lunch, start the transfer to the Douro region. Options:

• Drive north (long day, 6–7 hours) with stops in inland Alentejo towns
• Fly from Faro to Porto and then drive to Peso da Régua in the Douro (fastest)

If you choose to fly to Porto, rent a car there for a scenic 1.5-hour drive into the Douro Valley, arriving in the late afternoon for a relaxed evening at a quinta (wine estate).

Day 6: Douro Valley — vineyards, river and wine tastings

Spend the full day in the Douro Valley. This is the highlight for food and wine lovers. Plan:

• Morning drive along scenic terraced vineyards to a quinta for a cellar tour
• Lunch at a locally minded restaurant with river views
• Optional short boat cruise on the Douro to enjoy the slopes from the water

Book tastings in advance (Graham’s, Sandeman and smaller family quintas are all excellent). Stay the night in Peso da Régua or Pinhão to watch the valley light change at sunset.

Day 7: Pinhão to Porto — riverside charm and city arrival

After a slow morning, drive or take the train from Pinhão to Porto (1.5–2 hours by car, slightly longer by scenic train). In Porto, focus on a short walking loop if your flight or trip home is the same day:

• Ribeira waterfront and Dom Luís I Bridge
• Port wine caves in Vila Nova de Gaia for an afternoon tasting
• Optional short cruise on the Douro if time allows

Porto’s compact center is ideal for a final evening of good food and wine. If you fly out the next day, an overnight in Porto reduces stress.

Travel tips and practical advice

• Book transport in advance: trains and regional flights sell out in summer.
• Consider a one-way rental car: pick up in Lisbon and drop off in Porto (drop fees possible).
• Reserve key attractions: Pena Palace, Porto wine cellars and popular quintas need booking in season.
• Pack for variety: layers for cooler Douro mornings and a bathing suit for Algarve beaches.
• Local SIM and NIF: you don’t need NIF for short visits, but a local SIM helps with maps and booking confirmations.

When to travel

Best months: April–June and September–October. These months balance mild weather, fewer crowds, and open services. July–August is high season in the Algarve and can be very busy; winter is mild but some quintas and small guesthouses reduce services.

Suggested packing list (essentials)

• Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets
• Light rain jacket (spring/autumn) and a warm layer for Douro nights
• Swimwear and sun protection for the Algarve
• Universal adapter and power bank
• Reusable water bottle and small daypack

Final notes

This 7-day loop is designed to give you a balanced taste of Portugal — historic cities, royal palaces, Alentejo calm, Atlantic beaches and the romantic Douro. If you prefer a slower pace, drop one stop (Évora or Algarve) and spend extra time in Lisbon and the Douro. Want a printable version with maps and train schedules? I can generate a downloadable PDF itinerary tailored to your travel dates.