Incredible 2 Weeks in Portugal: A Complete Itinerary

2-Week Portugal Itinerary

On our 2-week trip to Portugal, we focused primarily on seeing the central and northern regions of the country. The itinerary was relaxed as we focused on soaking in the vibes of each location and not rushing from place to place. Unfortunately, this meant we did not travel south to the Algarve or fly to the Azores or Madeira islands. 

Since we enjoy exploring cities, we spent a good chunk of time in Lisbon and Porto first, traveling by train between them. Then, we rented a car to visit smaller towns on a road trip back to Lisbon in the second part of our trip. 

If you have to fly in and out of Lisbon, this itinerary is an ideal way to explore the cities, then also get a taste for the countryside and charming small towns.

To Rent a Car or Not?  In my opinion, renting a car is best for seeing the countryside and stopping at small towns. Although you can get to some of towns by train or bus, you'll have to worry about schedules lining up, luggage storage, and in general, won't have as much flexibility. Driving in Portugal is quite easy as roads and signage are good. I would NOT recommend having a car in Lisbon or Porto as it's unnecessary and parking is expensive and often hard to find.

Days 1-2: LISBON

As many of your trips will, our Portugal adventure began in Lisbon where we spent a couple of days exploring the city and recovering from jet lag. 

Lisbon, or Lisboa in Portuguese, is not only the capital city, but is also the largest city in Portugal with a population of roughly 548,000. It's one of the oldest cities in the world and is the second-oldest capital city in Europe (after Athens). Although some may think of it as just a "big, busy city", that's one reason that I loved it and could have easily spent even more time there.

Day 1 - Arrival in Lisbon

On our first day in Portugal, we flew into the Lisbon International Airport at midday. It's a long trip coming from Hong Kong. So, for us, day 1 was kind of a throwaway day during which we checked into our hotel and got acquainted with the city a bit. And of course, began sampling the tasty cuisine.

If you arrive in Lisbon in the morning, fresh and ready to go, you may want to skip this day and head straight for day 2's activities.  

Exploring Santa Catarina and Cais do Sodré

After checking into our hotel, we spent the afternoon exploring a few nearby neighborhoods on foot. Walking is the best way to admire the beautiful architecture and azulejos (hand-painted tiles).

Our first stop in Lisbon was to sample a few petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and grab a coffee at the famous Timeout Market. This gourmet food hall in the Cais do Sodré neighborhood is home to 26 restaurants, 8 bars, as well as shops selling meats, produce, and flowers.

All about the Food & Drinks

In the early evening, we met up with our friends from the U.S. that were meeting us in Portugal to continue our food and drink journey. Lisbon has a great variety of bars and restaurants, so, eating and drinking is a prime activity. At least, it was for us.

Day 2 - Central Lisbon

On your first full day in Lisbon, whether that's day 1 or 2 of your itinerary, I recommend spending it exploring central Lisbon. Lisbon has an impressive array of places to see, such as historic churches and monuments, beautiful town squares (praças), plus an impressive castle with incredible city views.

As I mentioned before, walking is the best way to explore Lisbon's charming streets to really appreciate the architecture, azulejos (hand-painted tiles) and calçada (Portuguese pavement, like in the square below). 

Pro Tip:  Lisbon is very hilly (as it's built on seven hills). Some roads are quite steep and you'll encounter some pedestrian alleys that are stairways. Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore if you value your feet, or be sure to stock up on blister care. 

Lisbon Self-Guided Walking Tour

We spent our second day in Portugal on an epic self-guided walking tour of historic central Lisbon. Stopping for snacks, coffees, a leisurely lunch, and drinks along the way meant that we stretched out our explorations for the entire day. It was a perfect way to see Lisbon.

You can follow our self-guided "walking tour" in my 4 Days in Lisbon article. The tour includes stops at some of the city's famous sights, such as:

As you wander through Lisbon, you'll also come across beautiful street art and murals. Always a highlight for me! 

Getting around Lisbon

Although I love exploring on foot, it's not for everyone. If you're not up for a long walk or tackling those hills, a tuk tuk tour with a local guide is a great alternative. Public transportation, such as the metro, buses, trams, and funiculars are also available throughout the city. Check out my Lisbon Guide for more info.

Day 3: Day Trip to SINTRA

On our third day in Lisbon, we (and thousands of others) headed to nearby Sintra, well-known for its opulent palaces and beautiful gardens built on the hillsides of the Sintra Mountains (Serra de Sintra). Only a 40-minute train ride from Rossio Station in Lisbon, it's a great day trip adventure.

Many people combine Sintra and Cascais in one day. Personally, I think that seems like too much in one day as Sintra has a lot to see on its own. But several full-day tours from Lisbon to Sintra include both places.

Pro Tip: Sintra is a hugely popular day trip from Lisbon. Be sure to get an early start and book your palace tickets in advance, especially in peak season.

Sintra Palaces

Since Sintra is home to many beautiful palaces and museums, you won't be able to visit them all in one day. I'd recommend that you choose a couple that you really want to see and focus on them. Or, perhaps stay overnight and spend a couple days in Sintra.

On our day trip to Sintra, we visited Quinta da Regaleira and the National Palace of Pena. For our full itinerary as well as tips for how to get around Sintra, check out my article - How to Explore Sintra on a Day Trip from Lisbon.

Quinta da Regaleira

Built in the late 1800s, the Quinta da Regaleira is a beautiful estate and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Regaleira Palace was designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini to reflect the cultural, philosophical, and scientific interests of its owner António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro.

Although the palace is lovely, the gardens, tunnels, and initiation wells on the estate are really what drew my interest. Walking through the gardens and climbing various towers to see the views on this beautiful day was my favorite part.

Pro Tip: Although the line at Quinta da Regaleira wasn't too long, it's still worth it to book your tickets online in advance. Tickets for Quinta da Regaleira are valid for up to 120 days after purchase and you don't have to book a time slot or date in advance.

National Palace of Pena

The National Palace of Pena (sometimes referred to as Pena Palace) is a Romantic-style building with touches of Medieval and Islamic elements. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. 

Formerly a monastery stood on this site, but in the 18th century, it was heavily damaged first by lightning, then the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. After the earthquake, only the chapel remained. In 1838, King consort Ferdinand II acquired the old monastery and rebuilt it with the help of German amateur architect, Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege.

During your visit, don't miss taking a stroll through the gardens at the Pena Palace. Not only are they huge and filled with lush greenery, the duck houses in the ponds are impressive as well.

Pro Tip: Be sure to book tickets online in advance to the Pena Palace. It's the most popular sight in Sintra and tickets do sell out. Unfortunately, this palace is incredibly strict about the time slot and give no delay tolerance.

Evening in Lisbon

As we only took a day trip to Sintra, we spent our evening and overnight in Lisbon again. Once again, we enjoyed the food scene is Lisbon, grabbing a late dinner when we returned. 

Day 4: Train from LISBON to PORTO

Our fourth day in Portugal was a travel day during which we took the train from Lisbon to Porto. Since we booked a midday train, it ate up much of the day. However, it was a good way to relax after 2 full days of sightseeing and walking. If you're looking to squeeze more into your day, I'd recommend booking an earlier train. 

Lisbon to Porto Train

From Lisbon to Porto, the train journey only takes ~3 hours from Santa Apolónia Station in Lisbon to Campanhã Station in Porto. Plan for an extra hour in your overall journey for taxi rides to/from the stations.

Pro Tip: Check Google maps for traffic and allow plenty of time to get to the train station. Our friends almost missed the train due to a traffic jam that our Uber driver successfully avoided. Our Uber from central Lisbon to Santa Apolónia Station took ~25 minutes and cost €13.

Our train journey was pleasant with nice views of the countryside and comfortable seats. The only downside was the toilets stopped flushing about halfway through the trip. Hopefully, that's not a common occurrence.  

A highlight of the journey were the bifanas (Lisbon's famous sliced pork sandwiches) that our friend bought for us from As Bifanas do Afonso that morning. Messy, but oh so delicious!

Porto Arrival

By midday, we arrived in Porto and headed to our hotel in the historic center. Our ~30-minute taxi ride from Campanhã Station to our hotel (we were stuck in traffic for a bit) cost €12.

Evening in Porto

Our first evening in Porto, we wandered around the historic district and across the Luís I Bridge for sunset. On the Vila Nova de Gaia side, we sampled port wine and enjoyed the beautiful view.

Days 5-6: PORTO

Spending a couple of days in beautiful Porto is a must on a trip to Portugal. This charming, medieval city looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale and boasts stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and of course, lots of port wine.

Situated along the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto, or Oporto in Portuguese, is the second-largest city in the country. Its medieval historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. As many medieval cities are, Porto was built on a hill, so be prepared to climb as you explore.

Day 5 - Explore Historic Porto + Visit Livraria Lello

On your first day in Porto, I recommend exploring Porto's historic neighborhoods, such as Ribeira and Cedofeita. You can easily lose yourself in the charming alleyways admiring the architecture and beautiful blue and white azulejos, stopping in quaint shops, as well as visiting the many historic churches. 

To explore the historic districts, it's really best on foot. Many of the attractions are close to one another and the city is very walkable. However, Porto does have a public transportation network of trams, buses, and a metro. You could also consider a sightseeing tour an electric tuk tuk with a knowledgeable local guide.

For a full Porto itinerary and more suggestions on how to get around, check out my article 2 Days in Porto – A Complete Itinerary.

Recommended Porto Sights 

A few things not to miss during your wanderings include popping into São Bento Railway Station to see the azulejos, climbing the Clérigos Tower for beautiful views, and touring the Church of the Convent of Saint Francis (Igreja São Francisco) to see the gilded woodwork of the altarpieces. 

In the afternoon, head further north to check out the impressive Liberty Square (Praça da Liberdade) lined with beautiful 19th and 20th century buildings, including Porto City Hall at the northern end.

If you're interested in Harry Potter or beautiful bookstores, then Livraria Lello is probably on your list of must-visit places in Porto. Be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance to ensure you are able to visit. 

Just beside Livraria Lello, check out Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo) and its beautiful wall of blue-and-white azulejos. 

For sunset, head back down to the Douro River to appreciate the magnificent colors. One excellent place to watch the sunset is the Jardim do Morro on the Gaia side of the Luis I Bridge. Personally, we preferred to watch it from one of the bars instead.

Day 6 - Scenic Boat Ride + Gaia Port Wine Caves

On your second full day in Porto, start the day on the Douro River with a scenic boat ride. Then, finish exploring Porto and head over to Vila Nova de Gaia to enjoy some of the port wine caves.  

Private Boat Tour on the Douro River

One of the highlights of our trip to Porto was the scenic private boat tour we booked on Viator.  We departed from Marina do Freixo and sailed along the Douro past Porto to the mouth of the river where it connects with the Atlantic Ocean. Then, we returned the same way. 

Luckily, we had great weather to appreciate the gorgeous views of Porto from the river. Throughout the ride, our local boat driver provided drinks, including a couple wines from his family's estate. 

Exploring Porto

After our boat trip, we grabbed lunch then explored the Bolhão neighborhood, which has an interesting mix of architectural styles. Then, we made our way back to the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), which we hadn't had a chance to tour on our first day. 

Located in the Batalha District, the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady is the most important religious building in Porto and is a National Monument.

I'd recommend a visit to both the cathedral, including the cloister, and the Episcopal Palace (also known as Bishop's Palace) next to it. 

Port Wine Caves

For the rest of our afternoon, we headed over to Vila Nova de Gaia to the port wine caves. First, we toured Real Companhia Velha, which was founded in 1756 and is the oldest Portuguese company with uninterrupted service since it began.

Next, we stopped at Burmester Cellars for a port wine tasting only since we were too late in the day for a tour.

Pro Tip: It's necessary to book tours in advance for most of the port wine caves in Vila Nova de Gaia to avoid disappointment. 

Days 7-9: DOURO VALLEY

At the mid-way point of your two weeks in Portugal, it's time to began the road trip portion of the trip. Rent a car in Porto, then head east to the beautiful Douro Valley. With its beautiful vineyard-terraced hills cradling the winding Douro River, the landscapes you'll see along your drive are breathtaking.

If you're a wine lover, then you'll enjoy visiting vineyards for tours and wine & port tastings. Even if you don't drink a lot of wine, you'll still enjoy the charming small towns and beautiful scenery of this region. It's a great place to relax for a couple days.

Pro Tip: Most of the Douro Valley vineyards require advance bookings. Research the vineyards you'd like to visit and make your tour bookings online or via email several weeks in advance. Some wineries do allow for walk-in tastings, but not all of them, so it's best to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Day 7 - Amarante, Overnight in Pinhão

On the first day of our Portugal road trip, we rented our car in downtown Porto that morning. Then, we headed east, stopping in Amarante before continuing to our final destination for the day, Pinhão. 

Amarante

A beautiful village set along the River Tâmega, Amarante is the hometown of São Gonçalo - Portugal's very own St. Valentine. Many visitors make pilgrimages in the hopes of finding true love. Having already found our true loves, our group made the trip to enjoy the charming historic town and to pick up some Portuguese pastries at Confeitaria da Ponte.

Quinta de La Rosa

Continuing our drive, we made it just in time for our lunch reservation at Cozinha de Clara, the restaurant at Quinta de La Rosa. This Single Quinta winery is known for its premium wines and ports. 

Quinta do Bomfim (Dow's)

Our final stop of the day was at Quinta do Bomfim, where we had booked a tour in advance. Part of the Symington Family Estates, it is a massive family business that is one of the world's leading producers of premium port and a top Portuguese wine producer.

At Quinta do Bomfim, we took a tour to learn more about the estate and the production of Dow's Vintage Ports. Afterwards, we sampled some of those Dow's ports. You can also order flights from some of other Symington Family's port houses - Graham's, Warre's, and Cockburn's. 

After hanging out at our hotel for a bit, we returned to the Bomfim estate for dinner at Bomfim 1896. However, the meal was not a highlight for us. Though the dishes were tasty, the restaurant was overpriced and not unique or over-the-top delicious enough to merit the high price tag.

Day 8 - Winery Tours in Pinhão, Overnight in Covelinhas

Our second day in the Douro Valley was dedicated to visiting and touring local wineries. We booked two winery tours in advance, then stopped by our third vineyard for a tasting to end the day.

I'd recommend scheduling 2-3 wineries per day to allow plenty of time for the tours and tastings afterwards (~60-90 minutes). Plus, you'll have to factor in transportation between vineyards and don't forget to allow time for lunch.

For more Douro Valley tips, check out my article How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to the Douro Valley.

Alternative Itinerary Options: Pinhão is easily accessible via train and the town is quite compact and walkable. So, if you don't want the hassle of renting a car, you could easily take the train from Porto, stay in Pinhão, then book a private tour to explore the region. Plenty of Douro Valley day trips from Porto are also offered that would be perfect if your time is limited. 

Quinta da Roêda (Croft)

Our first tour began at 11:30 am at Quinta da Roêda, Croft's Douro Valley estate. The visitors' center is housed in the former stables of the Quinta da Roêda, which have been restored in the traditional Douro style. Vaulted ceilings give the room an impressive, spacious feel and make it a nice place to taste the property's vintage ports and olive oils.

We began with a tour of the property as we learned about the vineyard's history. One of the tour's highlights is seeing the lagares. Unlike at Bomfim, Quinta da Roêda uses traditional granite lagares and workers still stomp on the grapes to crush them. If you visit during the harvest, you can even reserve a spot to help. 

Afterwards, we sampled a range of CROFT Vintage Ports and a Croft Pink & Tonic cocktail that came with our tasting. Although the ports at this vineyard weren't my favorite, we still enjoyed the tour.

Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman)

Our next tour at Quinta do Seixo, the vineyards for the House of Sandeman, began at 2:00 pm. That allowed us a quick stop for lunch in Pinhão. 

Throughout the tour, our guide told us a bit about the history of Sandeman and the Quinta do Seixo vineyards. Plus, we got a look at the winery's facilities, including the modern treading tanks (lagares) and the wine cellars.  

Afterwards, we enjoyed the Vau Vintage flight in the beautiful tasting room overlooking the magnificent vineyard views. We thoroughly enjoyed the Sandeman Vintage Ports and bought one to take home with us.

Quinta do Pôpa

Our last stop that day was at Quinta do Pôpa, a small, family-run winery about 10 minutes further east of Quinta do Seixo. Perched on the hillside overlooking the valley, the fantastic views, delicious wines, and friendly staff make it a great stop in the Douro Valley.

Although we hadn't booked this visit ahead, we called earlier in the day to make sure we could pop in for a tasting. This winery is smaller than estates we visited earlier that day. As a result, I felt the welcome we received was warmer and more personalized. One of the owners even poured our tasting and told us about the wines. For me, that made the experience that much better overall.

Unlike many of the other wineries we'd visited, Quinta do Pôpa focuses more on non-fortified wines. We quite enjoyed their bold red wines and bought home a 2018 Vinhas Velhas. The cheese and charcuterie board was also quite delicious. 

Overnight in Covelinhas

After bidding farewell to our friends in Pinhão (they had to return home), we made our way to nearby Covelinhas. In this sleepy village on the Douro River, we stayed at a bed & breakfast run by a local Portuguese family.

Although still in the Douro Valley, it was a completely different experience than the previous night. I enjoyed getting to try out both the luxury and the local hospitality accommodations.

Day 9 - Lamego, Régua, Overnight in Covelinhas

Our final day in the Douro Valley was intentionally more relaxed. We only scheduled one winery tour in advance so that we could spend some time exploring a couple of the towns in the area. 

Lamego

Inhabited since before the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Lamego has a rich history and its city center is worth a visit. A few key sights of note include the Castle of Lamego (Castelo de Lamego), the terraced stairway leading up to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, as well as the Lamego Cathedral (Sé de Lamego).

Peso da Régua

Making our way back north, we stopped for lunch in Peso da Régua (or, Régua, for short) before our vineyard tour and afterwards for a coffee. At the western edge of the Alto Douro, the demarcated port-wine region, Régua is the region's largest riverside town and had more of a "city feel" than the surrounding villages. 

During the 18th century, it became a major port city. Port-wine from the Douro region was transported from Régua to Vila Nova de Gaia via traditional boats (barcos rabelos). Upon reaching Gaia, the wine was left to age in the local port wine lodges.

Quinta do Vallado

Our only winery booking of the day was at Quinta do Vallado at 2:30 pm. Located on the banks Corgo River, Quinta do Vallado was built in 1716 and is one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley. Although Quinta do Vallado produces port wine, it's also well-known for its non-fortified wine.   

This tour took us all over the property. First, we climbed up the road next to the vineyards which was a bit toasty in the sun. Then, we entered the production facilities and got to see the treading tanks (lagares) and giant steel fermentation tanks.

Afterwards, we moved to the cellar, then to a wine tasting to finish up the tour. We thoroughly enjoyed both the wines and ports here and bought a bottle of Touriga Nacional and a 20-year Tawny Port to take home with us. 

Day 10: AVEIRO, COIMBRA

Road Trip Stop: AVEIRO

Situated on a coastal lagoon and dubbed the "Venice of Portugal", Aveiro is a lovely town known for its small network of canals. During a road trip stop in Aveiro, I recommend walking around the historic town and grabbing a bite to eat. 

Pro Tip: Parking in Aveiro was easy at Parque de estacionamento Saba Marquês de Pombal. It's right in town and only cost us €3.10 for a little under 3 hours. Plus, you can pay by credit card.

What to See in Aveiro

Admire the beautiful tilework on the buildings (azulejos), lovely sidewalks (calçada portuguesa), and water views as you stroll along the canals and the Aveiro Lagoon. In the heart of town, check out Aveiro's fish market (mercado do peixe) where local fishmongers sell their daily catches.  

Docked along the canals, you'll see colorful boats called moliceiros. Traditionally used for seaweed harvesting, now you can ride one on a canal cruise.

COIMBRA

About a 50-minute drive from Aveiro, Coimbra was our next destination and where we spent the next two nights. Once Portugal's capital city (1139 to 1255), Coimbra is a medieval city chock full of historical buildings and cultural charm. It's also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra), and has a vibrant city center.

Evening in Coimbra

Since we did not arrive in Coimbra until evening, our first day's activities mostly consisted of checking into our accommodations and having dinner. Luckily, we had the whole next day to explore.

Day 11: COIMBRA

During a full day in Coimbra, wander this medieval town, exploring the winding alleyways, historic churches, modern street art, and bustling shopping district. Finally, be sure to tour the University of Coimbra to see the breathtaking Joanina Library (Biblioteca Joanina) - one of Coimbra's main attractions.

Pro Tip: Be sure to buy tickets in advance to tour the interior spaces of Coimbra University, such as the Joanina Library, St. Michael's Chapel, and the former Royal Palace. We bought our self-guided tickets on the university's website earlier on the same day as we toured and it cost €13.50 pp. For a bit more, you could purchase a guided tour to the Palace of Schools.

For more Coimbra tips, check out my article 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Coimbra, Portugal which also includes a full itinerary.

Coimbra Sights You Shouldn't Miss

Since Coimbra is fairly compact, you should easily be able to walk around its historic center in one day. As you wander, here are a few attractions that I think are worth a visit inside.

Santa Cruz Church and Monastery

The Santa Cruz Church and Monastery (known in Portuguese as Mosteiro e Igreja da Santa Cruz, or in full English, as Monastery and Church of the Holy Cross) is one of the oldest churches in Coimbra.

Built in the 12th century, it is an important National Monument as Portugal's first two kings are entombed inside it. Due to this, the church also has the status of a National Pantheon.

Old Cathedral of Coimbra

Built in the 12th century, Coimbra's Old Cathedral, or Sé Velha de Coimbra, is one of Portugal's best examples of Romanesque architecture. In 1185, the second king of Portugal, Sancho I, was crowded here.

Unlike many of Portugal's churches, the interior nave retains much of the original Romanesque features. In 1218, construction of the Gothic cloisters began. They were one of the first Gothic works in Portugal. 

University of Coimbra 

One of the world's oldest universities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra) was first established in Lisbon in 1290. Although it moved several times, it was permanently established in Coimbra in 1537. 

Located at the top of Coimbra's old city, the university occupies the former Royal Palace as well as many newer buildings around it. Walking around this section of the city, it definitely feels like a university campus.

Although you can walk around the university grounds for free, it's important to buy tickets in advance to tour the interior spaces. In particular, the Joanina Library, St. Michael's Chapel, and the former Royal Palace are quite beautiful. 

Day 12: BATALHA, NAZARÉ, ÓBIDOS

Day twelve of this 2-week Portugal itinerary is another road trip day, continuing the journey north. Final destination for the night is Óbidos, but add a couple stops along the way in Batalha and Nazaré to enhance the drive. 

Road Trip Stop: BATALHA

Our first stop that day was to Batalha in central Portugal to visit the impressive Monastery of Batalha, or Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória. 

Batalha Monastery

Built in the 15th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site commemorates the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The first pantheon built in Portugal, this monastery houses the tombs for King João I and his English wife, Philippa of Lancaster, as well as their four youngest sons.

Batalha Monastery is one of the best examples of late Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Portugal. Additions from the 15th and 16th century (the unfinished chapels) add in a bit of Manueline flair as well. 

Thoughts on Visiting Batalha Monastery

A spectacular monastery that will leave you in awe, Batalha Monastery is definitely worth a stop on your Portugal road trip. Unlike the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, it was relatively uncrowded and we were able to buy tickets at the door when we arrived. 

Allow 2-3 hours to tour the monastery and perhaps grab a bite to eat in Batalha before continuing onto the next stop.

Road Trip Stop: NAZARÉ

Our next destination was the beautiful seaside town of Nazaré, one of the most popular resort towns along Portugal's Silver Coast (Costa de Prata). Known for its high breaking waves, Nazaré is a popular surfing destination, in addition to being a picturesque beach town. 

Sítio Viewpoint (Miradouro do Sítio)

Since it was already October and quite chilly, we were not as interested in Nazaré's beach. Instead, we drove up to Sítio - the old village perched atop the cliffs. From the cliffs, you can admire the postcard-worthy view of the seaside and Nazaré's Praia neighborhood. 

Pro Tip: Praia and Sítio are linked by the Nazaré Funicular (Travessa do Elevador or Ascensor da Nazaré). This funicular runs every 15 minutes and climbs 318 meters (1042 feet) up the cliffside. Tickets are only a few Euros and save you the hassle of finding parking in the narrow streets of the old town.

Nazaré Lighthouse (Farol da Nazaré)

From the viewpoint, you can walk down the road (cars not permitted) to the Nazaré Lighthouse (Farol da Nazaré) for more incredible sea views. Sitting atop the São Miguel Arcanjo fort, this lovely lighthouse is often photographed in epic surfing shots in which surfers try to ride the enormous waves. 

Overnight: ÓBIDOS

Our final stop for the day and where we spent the night was Óbidos, a medieval village encircled by fully-intact Moorish walls on which you can still walk today. The village is a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets and white-washed houses with an array of cute shops. Strolling around Óbidos will make you feel as though you've stepped back in time. 

Evening in Óbidos

By the time we arrived in Óbidos, it was already evening so we checked into our accommodations where our host gave us a ton of recommendations and helped us make a dinner reservation. Then, we set out to catch the last light of the day and stroll around town.

Since Óbidos is a popular stop on a day trip from Lisbon, it empties out a lot at night. The quiet, peaceful vibe is lovely and a great reason to stay overnight so you can experience it this way.

Day 13: ÓBIDOS, PENICHE, ERICEIRA, LISBON

For the final day of this Portugal road trip, spend the morning in Óbidos seeing any sights you missed from the night before. Then, make your way back to Lisbon, stopping in a couple of other towns along the way, such as Peniche and Ericeira. 

Quiet Morning in ÓBIDOS

Since we missed out on seeing much of Óbidos the night we arrived, we spent a couple of hours exploring it in the morning. Given how small the town is, it's easy to walk around it quickly. Add in some shopping and walking the city walls and you could probably spend 2-3 hours in Óbidos. 

Walking the Moorish Walls

The highlight of our visit to Óbidos was walking along the old Moorish walls encircling the medieval village. Stretching in a complete loop of 1560 m (~1-mile), you can walk around the entire city atop the walls. Views of the town as well as the surrounding countryside from the walls are incredible. 

Access the walls by one of the four staircases located around the town. Most people begin at either Porta da Vila (Óbidos' main gate) or at Castelo de Óbidos (town castle).

If you're afraid of heights or prone to vertigo, beware, there are no guard rails on the walls. Not afraid of heights myself, I found the wall to be plenty wide enough to walk by others easily. However, some folks were clutching the walls as we passed by them.

Pro Tip: Walk the walls before the day trip buses begin arriving at 10:00 am for a more pleasant, less crowded experience.  

Road Trip Stop: PENICHE

Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Peniche is a working port city known for its long town beach, seaside fort, and handmade lace known as Renda de Bilros (bobbin lace).

We stopped for about an hour to check out the town, admire the seaside cliffs, and walk around the exterior of the Peniche Fortress (Forte de Peniche). Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit so we couldn't go inside the fort.

Although we'd planned to also grab lunch in Peniche, the seafood restaurant that our host in Óbidos recommended - A Sardinha - was packed. Ultimately, we decided not to wait and to continue with our trip instead. 

Quick Stop: Praia de Santa Rita Sul

As we continued to drive along the western coast of Portugal, we stopped at one of the popular surf spots - Praia de Santa Rita Sul - to walk out and see the beach. It was incredibly windy but the sun was warm.

Road Trip Stop: ERICEIRA

Continuing north, we found ourselves in another beautiful coastal city - Ericeira. A picturesque whitewashed fishing village perched atop the seaside cliffs, Ericeira is known for its ocean views and seafood restaurants.

We took advantage of both the views and the seafood during our 2-3 hours there. The town itself is also very charming with beautiful buildings, murals, and cobblestone sidewalks.  

Overnight: LISBON

To end our Portugal road trip, we returned to Lisbon where we dropped off our rental car at the Lisbon Airport. Then, we caught a taxi to our accommodations in Central Lisbon (€25). We stayed in the same boutique hotel as our first few days in Lisbon - Casa do Pátio by Shiadu - since we enjoyed it so much the first time.

That night, we enjoyed a delicious meal and drinks at a couple of places which I highly recommend.

Days 14-15: LISBON

For your final couple of days in Portugal, take the time to explore more of Lisbon. In general, I loved this city with its charming neighborhoods and great restaurants. So, I enjoyed having a couple of extra days here. 

Scheduling Note: If you don't want to have additional days in Lisbon at the end of your trip, perhaps add an extra day at the start to see the monuments in Belém. Then, end your 2 weeks in Portugal and your road trip at the same time when you return your car at the airport by heading straight to your flight.

Day 14 - Belém + Lisbon Shopping

On our last full day in Portugal, we headed to Belém, a district in western Lisbon which is home to many notable monuments. 

Pro Tip: The monuments in Belém are very popular so, I highly recommend booking tickets in advance if you wish to go inside them. Since we did not purchase tickets in advance, we only admired the exteriors as tickets were sold out by the time we arrived at the monuments.

For more tips and information about getting to Belém, check out my Lisbon Guide.

Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)

Officially the Tower of St. Vincent, or Torre de São Vicente, this 16th-century fortification served as a ceremonial gateway for Portuguese explorers during the Age of Discovery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a very popular attraction.

If you'd like to climb the Belém Tower, I recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time. However, you'll still have to wait in a long queue, probably in the sun, before you can go in. Since we did not pre-purchase tickets, we admired it from outside and took photos with the hordes of other tourists.

Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)

The Jerónimos Monastery, or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, is a 16th-century architectural masterpiece in which the Hieronymus monks resided until the 19th century. The complex retains its 16th-century cloister, the former monks' Refectory and the former Library.

The monastery is a National Monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Again, you should pre-purchase your ticket if you'd like to visit the interior. Expect a long queue even if you do purchase a ticket ahead of time.

Afternoon Shopping in Lisbon

If you love the hand-painted tiles (azulejos) in Portugal as much as I do, you may want to take some home with you. They make great souvenirs and various shops in Lisbon sell them. We visited some great stores in the Bairro Alto neighborhood - Fábrica Sant'Anna d'Or and d'Orey Azulejos.

Evening in Lisbon

Our last evening in Lisbon, we caught the sunset, then enjoyed the night to the fullest. Which you'll probably be able to tell from the long list of highlights below! 

Day 15 - Final Day in Portugal, Depart from LISBON

Although it was our final day in Portugal, our flight back to Hong Kong was later that night so it wasn't quite a full day. We spent most of the day enjoying the city parks and viewpoints, doing some last-minute shopping, and eating at a final meal at a hard-to-get-into restaurant. Luckily, they had a lunch reservation available for the last day of our trip! 

Lisbon Botanical Garden

Because we had perfect weather while in Lisbon, visiting the Lisbon Botanical Garden was a fantastic way to spend the morning. This lush oasis in the Príncipe Real neighborhood had an amazing variety of trees and flowers from around the world. The entrance ticket to the garden was 5€.

Shopping at EmbaiXada

After lunch, we visited EmbaiXada - another gem in the  Príncipe Real neighborhood. Located in the Ribeiro da Cunha Palace, a 19th-century Neo-Arab palace , this unique shopping gallery is home to a mix of fashionable shops and cafes.

Even if you don't plan to shop, it's worth stopping to admire the building's architecture, intricate moldings, and frescoes. 

Lisbon Viewpoints

For the rest of the afternoon, we wandered around Lisbon as we gradually headed back to our hotel to collect our bags and head to the airport.

One of the city's viewpoints at which we stopped was Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. Not only was it a beautiful spot, but I loved how lively the park was on the weekend as locals enjoyed their lazy afternoon.

Returning to our hotel that afternoon, we changed our clothes and headed to our evening flight back at the Lisbon Airport. Those two weeks in Portugal flew by so quickly!

Plan Your Visit to Portugal

Portugal is, not surprisingly, a very popular destination for travelers at the moment. Given its popularity, it's a good idea to plan and book your trip early, especially if you're going in peak season (summer).

To help you plan your trip, I highly recommend you check out my article How to Plan an Amazing Trip to Portugal. In it, I answer key questions you might have about booking your trip, such as:

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