Portugal: Lisbon to the Algarve in 9 Days
Portugal
Overview
Portugal packs a lot into a small country: Lisbon's tiled hillside neighbourhoods, a day trip to Sintra's absurdly colourful hilltop palaces, a train north to port-wine Porto, then south to the Algarve coast for a few beach days to close things out. Trains and a short domestic flight cover the distances comfortably.
- Duration
- 9 days
- Pace
- Relaxed
- Transport
- Public transport
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €950–€1,250
Route
1. Lisbon2. Porto3. Faro
Highlights
- Sintra's Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira
- Riding Lisbon's vintage Tram 28 through the Alfama
- Porto's Ribeira waterfront and a port wine cellar tour
- Algarve sea caves and beaches around Faro
Worth knowing
- Sintra's palaces get very crowded by mid-morning — go early
- Porto to Faro has no direct fast train — plan a flight or a long train day
- The Algarve is significantly busier and pricier in July-August
Day by day
Day 1
LisbonMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Alfama district and a Tram 28 ride
Optional additions
- Fado music evening
Overnight: Lisbon
Day 2
LisbonMain activities
- Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery
Optional additions
- LX Factory
Overnight: Lisbon
Day 3
Lisbon → SintraMain activities
- Train (~40min)
- Pena Palace
- Quinta da Regaleira
Optional additions
- Moorish Castle
~40 minutesOvernight: Lisbon
Go early — Sintra's palaces get very crowded by mid-morning.
Day 4
Lisbon → PortoMain activities
- Train (~3h)
- Ribeira waterfront
~3 hoursOvernight: Porto
Day 5
PortoMain activities
- Port wine cellar tour
- Livraria Lello bookshop
Optional additions
- Dom Luís I Bridge sunset walk
Overnight: Porto
Day 6
Porto → FaroMain activities
- Flight (~1h)
- Faro Old Town
~1 hour flight · No direct fast train south — fly or plan a long train day via LisbonOvernight: Faro
Day 7
FaroMain activities
- Benagil Cave boat trip
- Beach afternoon
Overnight: Faro
Day 8
FaroMain activities
- Ria Formosa lagoon
- Free beach day
Overnight: Faro
Day 9
FaroMain activities
- Departure
Overnight: Faro
Alternatives
Shorter version · 6 days
Drop the Algarve and end the trip in Porto instead.
Longer extension · 12 days
Add Madeira for 3 days of hiking and coastal cliffs.