The Ultimate Portugal Road Trip: 2 Weeks in Portugal

by Drifter Planet | Nov 18, 2023 | Most Popular Blog Posts, Portugal

After five different visits to Portugal (one being a road trip), I have finally decided to pen down this post. Here’s all the information you need for the best 2 weeks in Portugal.

My first Portugal trip was in 2016 and it was love at first sight when I arrived in Lisbon. That time Portugal felt like a warm sip of a comforting caffeinated drink on a cold winter day. I did visit 4 more times after that and each time was special.

Starting Point for 2 Weeks in Portugal

Our road trip to Portugal actually started in Germany because we drove with our campervan from home. We crossed France, and Spain and then entered Portugal. We arrived in the North of Portugal near Coimbra.

I understand that not many will actually drive from their own country for a road trip in Portugal, but instead fly and rent a car.

For the sake of this itinerary, I suggest you fly to Faro, the south of Portugal. Faro is the gateway to the Algarve so you can start your trip with stunning beaches before you gradually make your way to the North. Another option would be to fly to Porto, the north of Portugal, and then make your way to the south.

Read why I think Lisbon is better than Porto.

At both Faro and Porto airports, you will find car rental booths but I always recommend you book a rental car in advance so that there are no last-minute surprises. For your 2-week Portugal itinerary, you could also fly to Lisbon, but then you have to do your road trip in a circle.

Keep in mind that Portugal is a small country, so a drive from Lisbon to Porto will just take 3 hours, or also Lisbon to Faro

Portugal Road Trip Itinerary + Map

If you see the map of Portugal, you will notice that the country’s shape is a bit like a long rectangle. So it makes it a perfect country for a road trip starting from the top end of the rectangle to the bottom (or vice versa).

That’s exactly how I have made this itinerary. You can start from the bottom or top, it depends on how you want to do it.

Faro, Algarve – 1 Day (Optional)

Our first stop on this road trip is Faro. If you have read my Algarve road trip post, then you know by now that Faro is the perfect place to start a road trip.

I’m in love with the Algarve. The beaches are sandy, the weather is pleasant, the rock formation is super stunning, and as a result, there are multiple viewpoints. Moreover, you can hike from one beach to another in many parts of the Algarve and that’s what makes the experience even more special.

You will land in Faro, pick up your rental car, and drive on the scenic route to explore the Algarve. It is up to you whether you want to stay in Faro for your first day, or just drive further to Carvoeiro (our next stop).

I have stayed the night in Faro on two occasions and I enjoyed this tiny city with a historical center. Everything in Faro is so close to each other. You can easily walk from anywhere in Faro to the marina and the old town.

I booked a place to stay near the train station the first time I was here but decided to stay right next to the marina on the second visit.

If you do decide to stay in Faro for a night, then the right place for you to spend your evening is the marina, and Cidade Velha (the old town). See the city walls in Vila Adentro.

Walk around in Cidade Velha and pick a restaurant with outdoor seating for dinner. I ate in Taberna Modesto in the old town and had a lovely meal. Sleep and rejuvenate after dinner to drive to the beautiful beaches of the Algarve the next day.

Carvoeiro, Algarve – 2-3 days

Wondering what’s the best place to visit in the Algarve? It is Carvoeiro.

The most famous spots of the Algarve are easy to access from Carvoeiro. I’m talking about the legendary Marinha Beach and Benagil Cave.

Carvoeiro is the reason why I went back to the Algarve within just 11 months instead of picking a new destination. There are beaches, caves, and stunning hikes.

Here’s what you can do in Carvoeiro for your 3 days here.

Vale de Centeanes Beach

Carvoeiro has a few beaches but the best one is Vale de Centeanes. Since you are in Carvoeiro for just three days, make the most of your time by relaxing on Vale de Centeanes.

Unlike Praia do Carvoeiro (the main beach close to Carvoeiro town center), Vale de Centeanes doesn’t get as crowded. We stayed very close to this beach at Rocha Brava Village Resort so we just walked and reached this beach.

There is a small bar/restaurant at Vale de Centeanes at the entry point. I suggest you walk a little further from there till the time you find the arch of a cave. Sit here because the water is cleaner next to it for a swim.

Algar Seco (Sunset)

This is unmissable. If you arrive late in Carvoeiro, then skip the beach and just go for a walk to Algar Seco Caves.

There is an entire Carvoeiro Boardwalk that one can do, but for that, you need more time. The best part is the Algar Seco caves. Halfway on the Carvoeiro Boardwalk, you will find a sign for “A Boneca”. That’s a beautiful cave and there’s also a restaurant with the same name.

The entry for “A Boneca” cave is through the restaurant. Go inside “A Boneca” and see a magical sunset. There are two holes, that look like the eyes.

This cave is tiny so I suggest you be mindful of other visitors and leave when you are done admiring this pretty spot so that the queues don’t build up behind you.

There are more caves all around and the rock formations reminded me a little of Cappadocia. Walk around here and admire the beauty. Find a nice spot to sit on one of the rocks and see the beauty of the golden hour.

Benagil Cave

Your second day in Portugal (if you didn’t stay overnight in Faro) will start with a visit to Benagil Cave. It is a hidden beach inside a cave with a hole on top that filters the natural light.

I have visited the Benagil Cave twice. It is a stunning cave that has become very popular on Instagram. The only way to enjoy it is by getting to it by 9 am. So wake up early and arrive at Benagil village by taxi from your hotel at 8:45 am.

The only way to reach Benagil Cave is by kayaking or paddleboarding. If you haven’t done kayaking or paddleboarding, the easiest way to start is by joining a group tour. They will instruct you and guide you. Otherwise, you can always opt for a boat trip.

There are boat tours that go to the Benagil Cave too but the boats aren’t allowed to stop inside to offload people.

If you want to walk on Benagil Cave beach, then the only way in is by kayaking or paddleboarding. Forget swimming because it isn’t safe because of the rocks. Believe it or not, I did both. I kayaked to the Benagil cave in 2022 and Stand Up Paddleboarded to it in 2023.

You can do a tour like I did, or just rent a kayak or a paddleboard on Benagil beach as soon as you arrive. I did a tour because I wanted to be safe and didn’t want to collide with the rocks. Please read my details post about Benagil Caves here.

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

The Seven Hanging Valleys trail actually starts from Vale de Centeanes in Carvoeiro to Praia da Marinha. This entire hiking trail is scenic but the best way to do it is to divide it into sections. The most scenic part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail is from Benagil to Marinha.

After you are done with visiting the Benagil Cave beach, go up on the cliffs to start this hike and go in the direction towards the Marinha beach.

You will also be able to see the Benagil Cave from the hole on the top. It is fenced off but some people jumped the fence. It is dangerous because if you slip, you could seriously injure yourself.

Even though Portugal gets hot in the summer months, this hike is totally doable during the day because there are trees around.

Carry a hat and water. This hiking trail doesn’t have a boardwalk but a path over the rocks that has many viewpoints and each one is special.

We did a section of this hike each day and saw something new. There is a heart in the rocks that’s at the end of this hike right above Praia da Marinha beach near the elephant rock.

We came here to watch the sunset too and it was an amazing experience. Although we couldn’t really see the sun setting because of the direction. This is more of a sunrise spot than a sunset since it is east-facing.

Marinha Beach

Praia da Marinha is the prettiest beach in the Algarve and has won many awards. I won’t go into the details but to deep dive into more info, see my Marinha Beach blog post.

Now that you have arrived at Praia da Marinha, enjoy a swim in the clear and cold waters of this beach. Swim around the arch on the Marinha beach and enjoy the beauty.

Yes, the water here is cold because you’re swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, but it is super refreshing and fun, especially on a hot summer day after the hike.

Marinha Beach has a nice restaurant and bar that’s family-run and has affordable prices. I loved this little restaurant so much that I ate there twice. They also have amazing Sangrias.

We enjoyed Marinha Beach so much that we stayed here for a full day and visited it again the next day. It didn’t feel crowded even though we visited during the summer months.

Where to Stay in Carvoeiro

Rocha Brava Village Resort – This is where we stayed. It is a stunning resort with amazing villas, and apartments and is close to the beach. The Seven Hanging Valleys trail starts from right here.

Campsites Ferragudo – If you rented a van instead of a car, then it makes more sense to stay in a campsite instead of a resort. It is also called “CCL – Parque de Campismo de Ferragudo”.

Lagos, Algarve – 3 days

Your next stop in the Algarve is Lagos. It is so much better than other destinations like Portimão or Albufeira. Somehow most travelers visit Albufeira and that’s it.

I have suggested 3 days in Lagos for you but I stayed here for a week myself because I fell in love with its easy vibes. If you decide to stay here for a longer duration then see my post with things to do in Lagos which has more activities than what I mention here.

Lagos is just 42 kilometers from Carvoeiro and hence a short drive away. Honestly, if you hate packing and unpacking to move rooms, then it might make more sense for you to stay put in just one of these places.

For me, it made more sense to stay in these places separately so that some things that are done super early (like Benagil Cave) or late (like special sunset hikes) are easier to do when you’re sleeping close by.

Ponta da Piedade (Sunset Hike)

Ponta da Piedade is the best hiking trail in the Algarve, if not the entire Portugal. Unlike the Seven Haning Valleys hike that I mentioned before, this one is a fenced boardwalk so feels safer.

There are multiple viewpoints on this hiking route and there’s usually a gazebo for every nice viewpoint. You don’t have to do this entire hike.

Just go near the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse near the sunset and find a spot to sit on top of the rocks. The sudden drop below you will take your breath away.

We found a nice spot here that overlooked a hidden beach and faced the west, so perfect for seeing the sunset. I was in Lagos for a week and went back to this spot every single evening.

If you want to do the entire Ponta da Piedade hike, you can read my post about it. I did the whole route and split it over a few days. You can hike from one beach to another and it is totally worth it if you have time.

Camilo Beach

There are many beaches in Lagos, but the best one is Praia do Camilo. It is stunning but is tiny. The water is very clear and the sand is perfect. There are arches, rock formations, and also a cave.

Praia do Camilo tends to get crowded because it is so pretty, so the best time to visit it is at 9:30 am right after breakfast. I did that too and it was empty. The beach is divided into two sections and you have to go through a cave to reach the second part.

In order to reach Praia do Camilo, you have to go on the same path that goes to Ponta da Piedade, but just before it is a turn that points to Camilo restaurant. That’s the entryway for Praia do Camilo too.

You have to climb lots of steps to reach this beach, but trust me it is worth it. Unfortunately, it has no wheelchair or pram access. There are many spots to stop and admire the view as you climb down this wide staircase.

I also saw a tiny snack bar at Praia do Camilo, so you can buy your basics. There isn’t any WC here on this beach.

Dona Ana beach

Praia de Dona Ana is a massive beach that’s amazing for a swim. There are nice rock formations here and as a result, there are some shaded areas to sit on a hot summer day.

The first time I visited Dona Ana beach was from a hike from the nearby Pinhão beach, which is super tiny. The first view of Dona Ana beach from up on the rocks took my breath away.

There is a restaurant on Dona Ana beach with a bar. I didn’t go there but my friend did to use the WC. There is also a bus stop right at the entry point of Dona Ana so it is easy to reach with public transportation.

This beach was completely empty at 6 pm because the sun went behind the rocks and the entire beach was covered in shade. I loved the view of it from the top when the sun started going down.

Dona Ana is not far from the old town. Actually, the beaches that are closer to the main town are Praia da Batata and Praia dos Estudantes. You can read more about those beaches in my post about Lagos’ beaches.

Praia do Canavial

If you want to go off the beaten path in Lagos, I suggest you hike to Praia do Canavial. You have to go on the Ponta da Piedade hike and keep going on this trail for a long time to see this beach.

It wasn’t easy to find it but I got lucky and found someone on the hiking trail who just got out of this beach. It was kind of like an adventure to reach here.

This beach is very nice because it is empty. That’s why it is a nudist beach or FKK beach. The sand was a tad pebbly and the rock formations were pretty ok when compared to the other beaches. But the thrill of adventure made this visit memorable.

Lagos Old Town

Yes, Lagos is a beach destination but has an interesting city center. There are old buildings that are covered with Azulejos. The time I visited, there were Jacaranda trees, citrus trees, and bougainvillea all around the old town and everything was blooming and fruiting.

I like that Lagos is a stunning beach destination but also has a historical small-town vibe. This is why I feel that Lagos is an important spot in this Portugal road trip itinerary because it pretty much has everything.

Where to Stay in Lagos

B22 – Rising Sun 2 Bed Flat – Ideally suited for families and couples who are looking for an apartment with a view. I’d book this in a heartbeat if I was visiting with my husband and my little girl.

Lemon Tree Relaxing Guest House – Peaceful Place with a garden and a shared kitchen.

Safari Beach Guest House – Affordable private rooms and dorm beds in a quiet residential area. This is where I stayed and loved it.

Kampaoh Praia da Luz – This is a nice campground and it makes sense to stay here if you have a campervan.

Trindade Guest House and Camping – If you arrive in Lagos on a camper van, then you can consider this place since it has van parking and camping facilities too.

Lisbon and Sintra – 3 days

Ola Lisboa, you are just so beautiful!

I don’t like big cities but I make an exception for Lisbon because it is so pretty. It has loads of history thus one can find historical buildings, churches streets, and structures. Yes, a lot of big European cities have a rich history, but Lisbon has so much more.

Lisbon is built on seven hills and as a result, there are many viewpoints. These are called “Miradouro” and there are many. Some of the streets are slanted and you can see the Tagus River from a few of them.

Walking on Lisbon’s narrow streets with pastel houses all around and yellow trams, I felt I was a part of a Wes Anderson movie. Also, make sure to wear the most comfortable pair of shoes that you have because these walks aren’t always so easy. (Here’s what to wear in Lisbon)

If you are driving to Lisbon, then consider parking your rented car or van at Lisboa Bungalows & Camping, which is a little away from the busy city center. Driving in Portugal’s busy cities is no fun, so avoid it if you can.

There are many things to do here, I recommend you spend at least three days here. You can get yourself a Lisbon card which covers the transport and historical buildings. In case you are planning on spending just a day here, then read my itinerary for spending one day in Lisbon.

It is worth it only if you want to go inside historical buildings. I didn’t get the Lisbon card, but I still managed all right because I didn’t have plans to go inside more than 1-2 historical buildings.

Eat Pastel de Nata

Pastel de Nata is a famous Portuguese egg tart pastry, which was invented in Lisbon by monks to use up leftover eggs. It became popular and the recipe was then sold to Pastéis de Belém. You don’t have to go all the way there but find any random bakery where you eat this amazingly filling snack that makes a good breakfast.

Alfama & Graça

Lisbon is pretty but Alfama is the icing on top. It is Lisbon’s oldest district and is mostly residential. The famous historical Castelo de São Jorge is on one side of Alfama and on the other is the Tagus River.

Walk on Alfama’s narrow streets and get lost in the labyrinth. Watch how the Yellow Tram 28 moves on these slanted streets. A notable old street in Alfama is Rua dos Remédios, which is just for pedestrians. I discover something new each time I walk in Alfama.

There are a bunch of free walking tours in Alfama but you can easily explore this adorable old town on your own at your pace.

Right above Alfama is Graça, which is Lisbon’s highest district. Be prepared to climb to the top of the hill to enter Graça and sit for a drink next to Miradouro da Graça, there’s an open-air cafe/bar here).

Follow Tram 28 Route

Lisbon’s historical trams are cute but tram 28 is special because it goes through Alfama & Graça. It isn’t easy to get on the tram 28 because of crazy long lines but you can just follow its path and photograph it.

Personally, I think standing in a long line would be such a time waste because Lisbon has so many amazing things to do and you can’t just get stuck on to one.

I have been to Portugal five times and still not got on to the tram 28. By the way, Lisbon has red trams too and they move around in Alfama as well.

Castelo de São Jorge

Let’s talk about the most famous historical building of Lisbon, the São Jorge Castle (or St. George’s Castle) which is perched on top of a hill overlooking Alfama. This castle is so old that the first fortification here dates back to the 2nd century BC.

In order to visit the São Jorge Castle, you have to arrive here super early because the queues are longer than you can imagine. If you arrive a bit late, you can forget about entering it and move on to the next place.

If you do manage to get inside Castelo de São Jorge, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Lisbon.

If you don’t want to wait in line and can’t go inside Castelo de São Jorge, just walk a little further and you will arrive at the castle’s church tower – “Torre da Igreja do Castelo de São Jorge”. The line here was non-existent and I paid 5 euros to enter and went up to see the view. I also got a free glass of wine!

Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol

There are two viewpoints in Lisbon right next to each other and are totally worth the visit. Miradouro de Santa Luzia is on a lower level with a beautiful tiled sitting area and magenta bougainvillea growing on the arches on top.

Right above it is Miradouro das Portas do Sol, which is more open and also has an open-air bar, so you can grab a drink here and sit next to the railing to admire the view of Lisbon’s red-roofed buildings and Tagus river.

I suggest you see the sunset at Miradouro de Santa Luzia and then head to Miradouro das Portas do Sol for a few cocktails. Miradouro de Santa Luzia tends to feel more crowded because it is smaller and super pretty. If you can wake up early then come here for a sunrise experience.

Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Tower

Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Tower are historical buildings close to each other. They are a bit far from Alfama and Rossio, so you have to get on an Uber to visit them.

Visit Jerónimos Monastery early because the queues tend to get long. Lisboa Card will get you skip-the-line privileges but it isn’t always possible when things go out of control. This along with the nearby Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Belém Tower is a symbol of the Age of Discoveries and is a lovely landmark. Honestly, you don’t have to enter it to appreciate it but you can admire how it looks from the outside as well.

Rossio Square to Santa Just Lift

No matter where you stay in Lisbon, you will at some point cross the main Rossio Square. It is a big square with geometrical floor tiles, a fountain, and old buildings all around. There is also usually a long queue here for tram 28.

From Rossio, you can walk to Baixa and on to Rua de Santa Justa. This street is pretty and you will see a Neo-Gothic style tower which is a historic elevator building. During the high season in the summer months, the lines are very long and it doesn’t make sense to go up.

Arco da Rua Augusta

From Rossio, walk to Arco da Rua Augusta – the main shopping street of Lisbon which is very busy. It is lined with restaurants and shops. At the end of the street is the Augusta Arc.

You can stop on this street at Fábrica da Nata for Pastel de Nata. There are many touristy restaurants on this street that are overpriced. One place worth visiting is Imprensa Cocktail & Oyster Bar for amazing drinks.

Walk to the Augusta arc and admire it. Beyond it, you will see Praça do Comércio and the Tagus River.

Walk Along the Tagus river

From the Augusta arc, walk along the Tagus River. There are marble sitting structures along the river where you can sit and spend some time. As you walk along the Tagus River, you will see some carts with cocktails for sale.

Time Out Lisboa / Mercado da Ribeira

Walk a little further along the Tagus River and you will see a building with “Mercado da Ribeira” written on it. It is an amazing place for food that was also featured on the “Somebody Feed Phill” show on Netflix.

Mercado da Ribeira also called Time Out Lisboa, is more than just a normal food court. It is a collection of carefully curated eateries with some of the best chefs from all over Lisbon. You will find not only a lot of traditional Portuguese food but also international food.

The middle part of Time Out Lisboa has cocktail bars and we had Aperol Spritzes from here. The all-around these bars were dining tables with shared seating. The atmosphere overall was super casual.

Bairro Alto or Pink Street for Nightlife

Just a few steps from the Time Out Factory is Pink Street. Just like the name, the street is actually pink in color with umbrellas on top. It is where you can start your evening and enjoy a few cocktails.

The main area for nightlife in Lisbon is just a bit ahead of Pink Street – it is Bairro Alto. That’s where a lot of locals and travelers go for a night of party and it sort of reminded me of Bangkok’s Khao San Road.

Where to Stay in Lisbon

If you are driving to Lisbon, then I mentioned Lisboa Bungalows & Camping already. It is a bit away from the busy center.

If you don’t mind driving in Lisbon’s narrow lanes, here are a few places I think you can consider in the old town of Alfama and Graca.

• Olissippo Castelo – Click here to book,
• WHome – CSA18 Premium Design Apartment – Click here to book,
• Costa do Castelo Terrace – Click here to book, 
• Lisbon Gambori – Click Here to Book.

There is much more to do in Lisbon than what I have mentioned above. Even though most of these spots are just 100 – 200 meters away from each other, don’t underestimate the amount of energy you will need to walk in Lisbon. The city is built on hills, thus the streets are sloped and one needs to climb a lot.

There are more things to do here like LX Factory, Live Fado Shows, the Christo Rei statue, and many more viewpoints. See my Lisbon itinerary for more things to do here.

Pena Palace, Sintra

If you parked your car at Lisboa Camping, then Sintra is less than a 30-minute drive away. In that case, you can stay put in the same campground and see Sintra on a day trip from Lisbon.

Sintra has mountains, beaches, small fishing villages, and a technicolor fortress perched on top of a hill – Pena Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Sita is also one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

The first thing you should do when you arrive in Sintra is to see Pena Palace. The palace itself is stunning and multicolored. It is unlike any building you would ever see. The view from Pena Palace is spectacular because there are mountains all around.

Cascais

After visiting Pena Place, drive for 25 minutes towards the coast to reach Cascais, which is a beautiful seaside resort town with was earlier a simple fishing village. Take a break and relax on the massive sandy beach of Cascais. Go to Guincho Beach or Praia do Tamariz.

After Lisbon and Pena Palace, you might be bored of historical buildings so a breach break would be good for you. If not, Cascais also has historical buildings – Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort, the Citadel Palace, and Nossa Senhora da Assunção church.

If you are interested in nature, then see Boca do Inferno which means “Hell’s mouth” and is a rock formation. You have to walk along the water on the rocks and go a bit uphill to arrive here. Also, this is the spot from where you will get a nice waterfront view of Cascais.

Cabo da Roca

After seeing Cascais, drive for another 30 minutes to reach Cabo da Roca, which is the westernmost point of Europe. It is a viewpoint on a 140-meter-high cliff that looks out to sea where you can stand and wave at America.

There are many hiking trails that start here. There is also a small cafe with touristy prices. There is a lighthouse here too, Farol do Cabo da Roca.

It can get very windy up here so bring a jacket. If you are lucky, you will also see a musician or two here busking. Cabo da Roca is a part of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

By the way, the parking at Cabo da Roca is free and sometimes there are people who try to scam visitors by asking for a parking fee.

This brings us to the end of Lisbon and Sintra as part of the itinerary. If you want to skip North Portugal, then you can catch a flight to the Azores Islands from Lisbon. Else, get ready for a short drive to the next destination.

Óbidos  – Stop for Sightseeing

The beauty of a road trip in Portugal is that none of the destinations are a long drive away. Everything is so close, so the drive from Sintra to your next top – Nazaré is just 1.5 hours.

Just towards the end of this drive, you will cross a historical small village called Óbidos. This is where you can make a small stop for lunch, coffee, or possibly quick sightseeing. Portugal has many interesting places but there’s something special about visiting the smaller towns.

Óbidos is located on top of a hill with fortified city walls around it. The medieval architecture of this little town is well preserved and that’s why it has been receiving attention recently.

With a medieval castle, old city square, and historic streets, Óbidos has enough that will keep you occupied for a few hours.

Compared to most of the destinations mentioned in this itinerary, Óbidos is tiny. It is one of the beautifully preserved medieval villages of Portugal.

Nazaré – 2 days

On my third visit to Portugal, I asked some of the locals and other travelers about other interesting places to visit in the country and most suggested Nazaré, a surf town on the west coast. So I went back after three months to see Nazaré, and it was my fourth time in Portugal.

Nazaré is world famous, but not because of the beaches but the waves. They are massive here. The highest wave that was ever surfed was recorded in Nazaré and was 26.2 meters high. The record was made by Sebastian Steudtner, a German surfer.

You know one of those small towns with a fun vibe that you visit and get too comfortable to leave? Nazaré is one of them. Here’s what you can do in Nazaré during your visit here.

Praia da Nazaré

Praia da Nazaré is the main beach of Nazare and is massive. It is a nice sandy beach where I enjoyed a swim on a day when the waves were calm. Just like most of the beaches of Portugal, the water here was very cold too because it is the Atlantic Ocean, but was fun nonetheless.

The time I visited Praia da Nazaré, it was pretty full and had a lot of families because it was the school vacation time in Europe. There were tented sitting spots that we could rent for a day, but we just put up our mat instead.

Ride the Funicular Railway to Sítio

Nazare is divided into two parts – Lower Nazare (Praia da Nazaré) and Sítio (Upper Nazare). You can ride the funicular to reach the top, it is just EUR 1.50 per way. When you reach the top, it isn’t just a viewpoint but an entire separate town center with everything.

Walk around in Sítio and you will see an amazing view from many different spots. For me, the best views are at the start of Sítio overlooking Praia da Nazaré.

Sítio is actually the place from where you can see the waves and the surfers during the high wave season, which is October to February.

If you are in Sitio, one of the must-see sights here is the 21-foot Veado statue, which is the body of a human, the head of a deer, and holding a surfboard. Right behind it is Praia do Norte (the North Beach) where all the surfing action happens.

Explore Nazaré Town

I loved exploring the maze of narrow streets in Nazaré town. The streets looked whitewashed and with white laundry that was hanging from the windows to dry.

As you walk in the direction of the beach, the streets get busier with loud bars and restaurants. But if you walk in the other direction, you will only see simple residential buildings.

Where to Stay in Nazare

• Vila Fidalgo – Cute apartments and ours had a view from the balcony. This is where I stayed.
• Feel Nazaré – Boutique Apartments that are beachfront
• Hotel Mar Bravo – Beachfront with a view

Coimbra or Aveiro – Stop for a lunch

After spending two relaxing days in Nazare, it is time to hit the road again for your last stop – Porto. The drive from Nazaré to Porto is just 2 hours, which gives you enough time to stop somewhere so I will give you two options.

Both small towns Aveiro and Coimbra are small towns where you can stop for lunch and a few hours of sightseeing because they are just midway on your drive from Nazare to Porto.

I have been to Coimbra, it is an interesting old city and has the oldest universities or Portugal. In fact, it is the oldest university in the Portuguese-speaking world and has a stunning library.

Aveiro is smaller than Coimbra and is situated along a lagoon called Ria de Aveiro. It has canals and colorful boats that are called barcos moliceiros. I personally haven’t visited Aveiro because I went to Coimbra instead.

Porto – 2 – 3 Days

Your last stop in your itinerary for 2 weeks in Portugal is the historical city of Porto. Please check the traffic situation before because I remember standing in a jam for 2-3 hours near Porto. I have learned to be patient with traffic jams but they aren’t fun when you are traveling with children.

Porto is smaller than Lisbon, but it still has a lot of historical buildings and viewpoints. I also have a post on my blog with a detailed comparison of Porto vs Lisbon. Porto is called Oporto in Portuguese.

Spend three days in Porto if you want to experience this city in a relaxing way. If you are short on time then two days are also enough. See my list of recommended things to do here:

Ribeira (Riverfront)

Ribeira is Porto’s old town and is also the historic center. But at this point I’m not talking about the entire old town, but just the waterfront area.

Porto’s Ribeira is one of the most beautiful riverfront areas that I have seen, with old buildings, boats, and interesting sights. This area looks its best at night when it’s dark and all the yellow lamps glow. Their reflection in water looks amazing.

Porto’s Historic Center

Porto is a beautiful city with historic buildings, churches, and streets. Along with Ribeira, the historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has more than 2000 years of history.

Admire the old buildings covered with blue azulejos, dilapidated buildings that look very old, cute residential buildings with grandmas standing on the balconies – the beauty is in the details and you can actually lose yourself admiring all these little things because there are so many.

There are many buildings and landmarks that you can see here, I won’t mention them all but a few here and everything is a short walk away:

Igreja do Carmo

Igreja do Carmo is perhaps the most photographed church in Porto because it has a side facade that’s covered with azulejos. You will see azulejos all over in Portugal but this particular wall is one of the most famous ones.

Torre dos Clerigos & Church

When you explore Porto’s Historical center, you will see the 75-meter-high Clerigos tower in the background. Torre dos Clerigos and Clerigos Church are very old Baroque structures that are interesting to look at.

Rua Santa Catarina

This is a historical shopping street in Porto, walk here and enjoy the sights. You will find a lot of cork leather-based items and I bought a little backpack that receives a lot of compliments.

São Bento Train Station

More than any church or cathedral, my favorite building in Porto is the São Bento Train Station. The interiors are super splendid and there are high arched windows. There is intricate tilework on the walls – an amazing example of well-kept azulejos.

Livraria Lello

Yes, it is a bookstore but Livraria Lello is historical. It is one of the oldest bookstores in the world. It isn’t that big and sometimes gets crowded beyond imagination. Read my post if Livraria Lello is worth it or not.

I actually visited Porto during peak season so my experience wasn’t all that great. If you visit Livraria Lello first thing in the morning or during less busy months then you might just end up enjoying it.

Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)

If you decide to visit just one historical building, then it is Sé do Porto – also called Porto Cathedral. It is so beautiful that it looks more like a palace and less like a cathedral.

I happened to be here right before the sunset so the pictures came out really well. This is also close to Dom Luís I Bridge on which you can walk to reach the other side of Porto for an amazing sunset. We will talk about them right below.

Dom Luís I Bridge

Dom Luís I Bridge is iconic and is fun to walk on it to reach the other side of the Douro River because of the amazing views after every few steps. Even during peak summer months, it gets very windy and cold on this bridge so carry a jacket.

Be careful and watch out for the metro when you are walking on this bridge because it runs on this bridge without a protective barrier.

Jardim do Morro (Sunset)

When you cross the Dom Luis I Bridge, you will reach Vila Nova de Gaia – which is the other side of the Douro River. There are many spots here that offer great views, especially during the sunset time.

The closest spot to the bridge for sunset watching is a garden called Jardim do Morro. If you are here during peak season times, then forget about getting a good spot for sitting but just stand and enjoy the most beautiful show that the sky puts on every 12 hours – sunset and sunrise.

Eat Francesinha Sandwich

Just the way I told you to eat Pastel de Nata which was invented in Lisbon, I recommend you try Porto’s iconic sandwich – the Francesinha.

Francesinha sandwich has layers of meat, cheese, bread, egg, and more cheese. It is topped with Francesinha sauce and sometimes also french fries. It felt like more of a hangover meal and we couldn’t eat more than a handful of bites.

Douro Valley Wine Tasting

Going to one landmark to another and trying to see them all can be stressful. Take a break and get on a boat to see the beauty of Douro Valley, which is the Port wine region.

Sit back and relax as you experience the natural beauty of Northern Portugal on a guided tour that includes a traditional Portuguese lunch, the Pinhão viewpoint, a river cruise, and a wine-tasting session.

Where to Stay in Porto

Here are the places I suggest you consider booking in Porto. I stayed in an Airbnb and we didn’t like the location. After seeing Porto, I now know I’d want to stay closer to Ribeira so below are the places I have shortlisted for you.

• Guest House Douro
• PortoBay Flores
• Lindo apartamento em Gaia ao lado Bodegas
• The Passenger Hostel

If you don’t have time to do an entire Portugal road trip and you’re able to fly to Oporto airport for cheap, then consider doing just a Porto road trip with the nearby Douro Valley, Coimbra, and Aveiro. Personally, for me, any visit to Portugal is incomplete without the amazing Algarve coast.

Tips for driving in Portugal

If you aren’t able to get cheap flights to Faro, then consider flying to Seville in Spain which is close to the border. You can spend a day here to see this pretty city and then reach the Algarve by road. It is very easy to cross the Spanish border by car to enter Portugal. It never feels like a different country.

Portugal has toll roads and if you are renting a car, then you will pay the toll fee with the toll transponder which will be fixed in your rented vehicle. The toll transponder will be connected with your debit or credit card for the toll payments.

When you are trying to find the route using Google Maps, there is an option of avoiding toll roads. Use it if you must. But the toll fee isn’t expensive in Portugal the way it is in France.

Don’t try to cover it all and stress yourself by trying to see everything. Some of the best road trips are those where a part of the itinerary leaves room for spontaneity.

PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you.  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

4 Days in Portugal: Itinerary with Lisbon, Porto or Algarve

by Drifter Planet | Oct 20, 2023 | Most Popular Blog Posts, Portugal

Living in Europe since 2017, if there’s one country that I have visited year after year, it is Portugal. Over the last few years, I have done many kinds of trips in Portugal – solo travels, backpacking, road trips, a girl’s trip, and a music festival trip.

I live in Germany and for me, it is cheaper to fly to Portugal for a long weekend trip than to take a train within Germany and go somewhere. If you live in the UK, or the EU, then that will be true for you too.

So how to spend 4 days in Portugal? It depends on the season and the itinerary will be different for summer versus the rest of the year. So, just for that purpose, I will share two alternate itinerary endings, one for summer and one for winter.

Portugal 4 Days Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Lisbon, Famous Landmarks

Today is the first day of your 4-day Portugal trip and most likely you will land in Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport. Download Uber on your phone from before because it is way cheaper than getting on a normal taxi from Lisbon airport to the city.

Alternatively, you can rent a car at Lisbon airport and drop it off at Porto airport or at Faro airport before you leave. It is cheaper to rent a car in Portugal than many other nearby countries, and you can enjoy an amazing road trip.

Get to your hotel, check-in, and clean up before you get ready to see the beauty of Lisbon, the sunniest and happiest city in Western Europe. Below are the hotels that I recommend you consider booking in Lisbon:

• Olissippo Castelo
• Costa do Castelo Terrace
• WHome – CSA18 Premium Design Apartment
• Lisbon Gambori

No matter whichever season you visit Lisbon in and whatever is your clothing style, make sure you wear the most comfortable pair of shoes because walking on Lisbon’s steep hills isn’t a joke. Follow my guide with information about what to wear in Lisbon.

Because you have limited time in Portugal, we won’t go to each and every single attraction, but just do the basics and focus more on having a good time with views. So places like Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, which are a bit further away aren’t in this Lisbon itinerary.

Rossio Square & Santa Justa Lift

Rossio Square or Praça Dom Pedro IV is one of the most famous squares of Lisbon. This is where tourists start queuing up for tram 28 but I suggest you don’t waste your time in this because it is almost impossible to get in considering the long lines and super small tram size.

Walk around Rossio, and get a feel of the Portuguese capital city. Spot the historical structures, the fountain, and the interesting tile work on the floor.

You will also find a Ginjinha stand here where you can experience a shot of this traditional berry liqueur for just one euro.

Santa Justa Lift is a historical elevator that was built to help people reach Chaiado from Baixa and back. It is right next to Rossio Square.

Considering how long the queues can be, don’t try to get on the lift but just walk on the street where the neo-gothic-style elevator tower is situated in order to admire this architectural beauty.

Arco da Rua Augusta

Arco da Rua Augusta is a pedestrian street, is one of Lisbon’s most famous streets. If you walk on it, you will see a 30-meter-high historical arc where this street ends and the water of River Tagus beyond it. On each side of the road are restaurants and arched walking boulevards.

Fábrica da Nata, the famous pastry shop for Pastel de Nata is right on this street. And so is Impresena – one of the best cocktail bars in Lisbon.

Walk a bit further to cross the arch, and you will arrive at Praça do Comércio. From here you will see the Tagus River, and walk to the river.

Walk along the Tagus River

Rio Tejo, or River Tagus is iconic and when you’re in Lisbon, you should experience a walk along the riverbank. When you walk from Rua Augusta to the direction of the river, you will reach a spot that’s marked on Google Maps as “Miradouro do Rio Tejo”, which is right after Praça do Comércio.

(Suggested – Is Lisbon better than Porto?)

Walk around here, and sit on the marble blocks and seats that are next to the river water. There is a super tiny river beach but please don’t stand on it because the water washes over it frequently.

In 2023, I saw carts of people selling Mohito and Caipirinha cocktails here for Euro 5. I fell in love with Lisbon in 2016 when I walked along the Tagus River and you will too. I last visited Lisbon in 2023.

Pink Street

Pink Street is exactly like its name, it is pink and there are colorful umbrellas on top.

If you walk on the pink street in the evening, it won’t look so colorful so the best time to walk on it is right before the sunset. Pink Street is more of a party street, but I still want you to look at it when it isn’t yet dark.

When you see Pink Street, don’t stop here right now, because I want you to see another street that’s nearby and is super stunning. Then I will suggest a famous place for dinner near Pink Street then you can come back here and end your night here.

Plus it is close to the previous stop on today’s itinerary and you have to cross it anyway to reach the next one. See my itinerary for spending one day in Lisbon for more ideas.

Rua da Bica

Lisbon is extremely pretty, but Bica Street is the prettiest in not just Lisbon but was voted as the prettiest street in the world. That’s why it is a very popular photo spot in Lisbon.

This street is just for trams and pedestrians. Walk away from the tram line and climb till the end to reach the top. From there, you will see the view of Tagus River right behind this narrow street with pastel houses, and even better when there’s the yellow tram 28 in the view.

Mercado da Ribeira / Time Out Lisboa

Time Out Lisboa is a food court, but in reality, it is much more than that. It is a market that’s curated for culinary lovers in Lisbon with Michelin Star-rated chefs.

Time Out Lisboa is in a massive rectangular form with restaurants along the perimeter and a bar in the middle. Between the restaurants and the bars are many long tables where you can grab a seat and eat.

If you have ever seen the Netflix show – “Somebody Feed Phill”, then most likely you have already seen Time Out Factory in the Lisbon episode.

End Your Evening in Bairo Alto (Optional)

Bairro Alto is the most popular area for nightlife in Lisbon, and this is why this point is optional. This street kind of reminds me of Bangkok’s Khao San Street because it is lined up with pubs of all kinds that are filled with tourists and locals.

Keep your belongings safe in your bag and enjoy a wild party night if you are up for it.

Day 2: Explore Alfama in Lisbon

For your second day in Lisbon for your 4 days in Portugal itinerary, you will spend most of your time in the city’s oldest district. This is Alfama, my favorite part of Lisbon. Actually, you will also explore a bit of Graça, which is right next to Alfama. Graça is the highest district in Lisbon.

Because you are in Lisbon for a short duration, I wouldn’t suggest a day trip to Sintra to see Pena Palace because it only makes sense to do this if you have at least one more day here.

Eat Pastel de Nata for Breakfast

I mention Pastel de Nata in all of my posts about Lisbon because it is an iconic pastry that was invented by monks in Lisbon. Today it is the most popular breakfast coupled with coffee.

I normally don’t eat sweet breakfasts but considering how one has to climb Lisbon’s steep hills, a sweet and high-protein breakfast like this helps. Yes, it is high protein because it is an egg tart. Go to any bakery near your hotel or on the way to your first destination for today to eat Pastel de Nata.

Pastel de Nata costs just 1.20 Euros and adds an additional 1.5 euros for the coffee, so you have yourself a lovely breakfast that’s affordable.

Miradouro da Graça

Start your Lisbon sightseeing by climbing steps to reach a lovely viewpoint in Graça. This is when you will thank me for suggesting a solid breakfast of pastel de nata because these climbs aren’t breezy.

The good thing is that you will see street art on your way up and you can take breaks to photograph or admire the artwork.

When you reach the top, you will see a view of Alfama’s houses, the Tagus River, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, and also the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge that looks like it was plucked out of San Fransisco. There is also a cafe/drinks stand here so you can grab a seat and sip something.

São Jorge Castle Bell Tower

So what’s the most famous landmark of Lisbon? It is Castelo de São Jorge. I suggest you don’t even try visiting it and walk past it to “Torre da Igreja do Castelo de São Jorge”, its bell tower.

Since you are in Portugal for a super short trip, don’t make the mistake of standing in long queues to visit busy attractions. São Jorge is always busy and the queues are super long. So, skip Castello de São Jorge, but see its bell tower instead.

In order to enter the Bell Tower of São Jorge Castle, you will need to pay EUR 5, which includes the entry plus a drink of your choice (red wine, white wine, champagne, port wine, juice, and sodas). Climb up the winding stairs and admire the view.

LX Factory for Lunch

From Alfama, get on an Uber to see LX Factory, Lisbon’s arty hotspot. Don’t try to walk to the LX factory yourself, it isn’t so close. While here, admire the art installations, cool stores, and super amazing restaurants with bars. A famous bookstore Ler Devagar is also here.

I ate prawns in a restaurant called A Praça in LX Factory and drank a glass of Sangria. After lunch, we spent around half an hour in Ler Devagar which not only has books but also records.

Overall it was a fun experience and we felt like we could have stayed in LX Factory for at least half a day.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia & Portas do Sol

After LX Factory, get on a taxi to the most famous viewpoints of Lisbon for cocktails and sunset, they are in Alfama, the city’s oldest neighborhood where we started our morning. These two viewpoints are next to each other so you really won’t have to make an effort.

On the lower level is Miradouro de Santa Luzia, which is an excellent spot for seeing the sunset. On the higher level is Miradouro das Portas do Sol where you can enjoy a few drinks with a view because there’s an open-air bar right next to the viewpoint.

There is a belvedere next to Miradouro das Portas do Sol where you can walk and click some of the most stunning photos.

The cocktail stand there sells the cocktails for EUR 5 – 7 and they are pretty good. My friend and I had Caipirinhas and we saw the view change as the sky turned dark and all the buildings around were light up with warm lights.

Dinner with Fado Show

After sunset and cocktails, walk a little further into Alfama and find a nice traditional restaurant for dinner with the Fado show. I recommend Santo Andre (pictured above) which also has decent traditional food and drinks.

Fado is a Portuguese style of Blues music that is emotional and soulful. There are two fado styles – Fado from Lisbon and Fado from Coimbra. When in Lisbon, experiencing Fado is a must-do experience. It is played on the Portuguese guitar.

Eat a nice traditional Portuguese meal, enjoy the melodious Fado music, and sleep early so that you can wake up on time to head to your next destination – Porto.

Day 3: Arrival in Porto, Sunset Spot, and Riberia

Your third day in Portugal and today’s the day when you will arrive in Porto. Porto is smaller than Lisbon but is darker and has an academic vibe that reminded me of Harry Potter books. I even got a small Harry Potter tattoo done from Porto.

Considering you will reach at mid-day, today’s itinerary is light. In case you arrive the night before or super early, then you can just switch the day 3 with day 4.

Lisbon to Porto

The easiest way to reach Porto from Lisbon is by getting on a bus from “Santa Apolónia” in Lisbon to “Campanha” in Porto, a journey that will take just 3 hours by Comboios de Portugal. You can also get on an ALSA bus from “Sete Rios” in Lisbon to Oporto Campanha.

Alternatively, there’s also Flixbus and that’s the service I normally take because I’m so comfortable with it. All these journeys will take you 3 or 3.5 hours.

Read – Is Porto worth visiting?

Check-in at your Hotel

Reach your hotel by metro or taxi and then slow down for some time. After 3-4 hours on the road, I’m sure you need a bit of rest before you get ready to start your Porto itinerary.

Below are the hotels for different budgets that I recommend you consider booking in Porto:

• Guest House Douro
• PortoBay Flores
• Lindo apartamento em Gaia ao lado Bodegas
• The Passenger Hostel

São Bento Train Station

If you are wondering why a train station is in your itinerary for this quick Portugal trip, it is because São Bento train station is absolutely stunning. This historical station is a must-see spot in Lisbon because of the stunning interiors and it is free!

São Bento is also called Saint Benedict station and it is amazing tile work not just on the walls but also on the floor. There are arches inside and the ceiling is highly ornate.

Dom Luís I Bridge

From São Bento train station, walk to Dom Luís I Bridge that goes over the Douro River. The views are absolutely stunning from this bridge because you will see the buildings of the historical center along the curve of the Douro River.

Make sure you carry an extra jacket before you walk on Dom Luís I Bridge because it gets windy up there and as a result, super cold even in summer. Keep an eye out for the metro because there are two metro stops on this bridge and the metro line is unfenced and runs parallel to the walking path.

Sunset from Jardim do Morro

Whether you are in Porto for 2 days or just one day, you have to make sure you do this to see the most amazing sunset ever.

When you walk on Dom Luís I Bridge from Porto’s old town to the other side, you will arrive at a spot called Jardim do Morro, which is a garden with a viewing deck.

This place is actually always full but you don’t have to sit, you can just stand and enjoy the most stunning sunset view of Porto, which clarifies why Porto is called the Golden City.

To head back, if you don’t want to walk on the bridge again, you can just get on the metro from Jardim Do Morro metro station to reach the city.

Eat Francesinha Sandwich

Ready to eat the most famous sandwich of Porto? It is called Francesinha and it is legendary.

Francesinha sandwich has layers of cheese, meat, more cheese, and egg and is topped with Francesinha sauce. It is a bit too much but is an experience to be had in Porto. Of course, there are vegan versions of the Francesinha sandwich in many places in Porto.

My friend and I ate the Francesinha sandwich at Café Santiago, which is an award-winning place. It was a long walk from Jardim do Morro, so if you don’t want to walk as much as we did then you can get on bus 905 from Jardim do Morro to Duque Loulé, and from there walk for 260 meters to reach Cafe Santiago.

Day 4: Explore Porto’s Old Town

On your last day in Portugal, you will explore Porto’s Old Town which is a UNESCO world heritage site. You don’t have to go inside every single attraction, I didn’t and I still had an amazing experience.

Expect to see a lot of azulejos (painted Portuguese ceramic tiles), and narrow streets in old buildings in Porto’s historic neighborhood where the main attractions are within walking distance from each other.

If you were in Porto for a longer duration, then I would have suggested a wine-tasting tour in Douro Valley or in Vila Nova de Gaia, but you can do that if you have three days in Porto.

Igreja do Carmo

Start your day at Igreja do Carmo, one of the most photographed churches in Porto. It is famous for its blue-tiled wall that faces the street. As you approach this church, you will see people standing and posing next to the wall for a photo.

If you decide to go inside, the fee is EUR 2 or 3. The area around Igreja do Carmo is massive and next to it is a fountain – Fonte dos Leões. The University of Porto is also nearby, so you can walk around and look at all these structures.

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is a small bookstore with lush red interiors and stained glass windows. Visit it only if the queue is small because otherwise it isn’t worth the time. And no, unlike what social media says, this place wasn’t J. K. Rowling’s inspiration for Harry Potter’s Gryffindor common room.

Some influencers posted about this bookstore as being the world’s most beautiful one and the queues outside got insanely longer. Yes, I wasted my time but I don’t want you to make the same mistake.

Livraria Lello is definitely lovely and is worth a visit if you don’t end up wasting your time outside to get in. No, it isn’t the most beautiful bookstore in the world, I think Carturesti Carusel in Bucharest is definitely a thousand times better, and more spacious.

Move over to the next point in case you notice long queues.

Porto’s Historical Centre

Walk through Porto’s historical center which is near Livraria Lello. Below are the landmarks and important that you will notice.

Clerigos Church and Tower

Clerigos Church has a 75-meter-high bell tower which you will see from many places within Porto’s historical center. It is called Clerigos Tower.

The baroque church itself is interesting but the main attraction is the tower and to go up it will cost you EUR 6. In order to go up, the staircase is narrow and winding so if you you see a queue of people then you can just skip it.

Rua das Flores

Rua das Flores is a pretty street that’s just for pedestrians. We walked on many times while we were exploring Porto’s historical district. There are stunning house facades, cute balconies, and azulejos.

If you like this street then remember to come back here for nightlife because it is lively here. This street also has a few Fado restaurants.

Sé do Porto – Porto Cathedral

When we arrived at Sé do Porto, I didn’t think it was a cathedral because it looked like a castle. You can stand on the ramp right next to Sé do Porto and catch a stunning view.

If there’s one place where I suggest you go inside, then it is this. This Romanesque cathedral is perched on top of a hill and because of that the views are truly spectacular.

Porto Cathedral, or Sé do Porto also has a tower and you can go up on it for a fee of EUR 3. This fee also includes the entry for the Bishop’s palace that’s next door. Yes, there are queues here but they move fast.

The interiors of Sé do Porto are intricate and stunning. The altar, ceilings, and the entire chapel are covered with ornate carvings that will take your breath away.

Portuguese Dinner

I love seafood and for that, I love visiting Portugal because I always eat a good meal here. Just for that purpose, I found a local restaurant called Adega Bebe-Se Mal where we had the most memorable seafood dinner of our trip.

We actually spent a long time researching to find a restaurant that was famous for seafood, also traditional, and not expensive. This place was just perfect.

Ribeira

From Sé do Porto or your restaurant, walk to Ribeira do Porto, a beautiful waterfront area with bars and restaurants. Sit on a bench next to the water and see the beauty of sparkling lights as they get reflected on the Douro River’s water.

Here we also saw the world’s most beautiful MacDonald’s restaurant but we obviously didn’t go in after all that seafood. I have lately seen this particular McDonald’s restaurant a lot on Instagram reels.

Carry a few drinks and sit by the river to enjoy your evening. It sure is a romantic place so make the most of it.

Nightlife in Porto

Some of the spots for lively nightlife in Lisbon are situated on these streets – Rua da Galeria de Paris and Rua das Flores. Rua da Galeria de Paris is near Lello Bookstore and you probably saw it already. Rua das Flores is the one that you walked on in Porto’s historical district.

Out of these two, Rua da Galeria de Paris is a more popular choice for nightlife because it is lined up with clubs and bars so it is perfect for pub crawl. So you can get a drink from one pub and then move on to the next one for the next round.

Alternate ending for Itinerary for 4 Days in Portugal in Spring and Summer

Day 3: Arrival in Lagos, Algarve: Beaches and Sunsets

If you are visiting Portugal for 4 days in late spring (April, May) and the entire summer (June, July, August, and September), then you don’t need to visit Porto, instead visit the Algarve, which is my favorite place in Portugal.

Portugal is famous for its beaches and Algarve is like the icing on the cake with beaches that have a backdrop of the most amazing rock formations. For a longer trip here, check out my Algarve road trip itinerary too.

For the purpose of a short trip to the Algarve, we will pick Lagos, which has the best of everything – beaches, sunset hikes, traditional food, and an easygoing vibe. I really like Carvoeiro in Algarve with the Benagil Cave nearby but that has no direct buses or trains and Lagos is easier to reach for a short trip and it really has it all.

Lisbon to Lagos

The journey from Lisbon to Lagos will take almost the same amount of time as Lisbon to Porto – 3.5 to 4 hours by FlixBus bus. FlixBus runs daily at 7:30 am and 11 am from Lisbon (Oriente) to Lagos, make sure you book a ticket in advance so avail cheaper seats.

Another option would be ReDe Express 92 and 67. These buses leave throughout the day but in high season I’d suggest you plan in advance.

Arrive in Lagos, Check in to your hotel

Lagos has loads of nice places to stay but I recommend you don’t stay in the city center but a bit away. Below are the places that I suggest:

• B22 – Rising Sun 2 Bed Flat – Ideally suited for families and couples who are looking for an apartment with a view. I’d book this in a heartbeat if I was visiting with my husband and my little girl.
• Lemon Tree Relaxing Guest House – Peaceful Place with a garden and a shared kitchen.
• Safari Beach Guest House – Affordable private rooms and dorm beds in a quiet residential area.

Dona Ana Beach

For your first day in Lagos, head to the lovely Dona Ana beach. It is massive and has amazing rock formations and as a result plenty of shaded areas. Due to its size, it never feels too full.

We jokingly called Dona Ana Beach “the main beach of Lagos” because it is super easy to reach, is big, has rock formations, and pretty much everything. There is a beach bar and a restaurant here, toilets and the bus stop is right outside.

Ponta da Piedade

Ponta da Piedade is a spot in Lagos to which you can hike or go on a taxi to catch the most amazing sunset. I loved it so much that I went back here every day.

Walk around the Ponta da Piedade lighthouse and see the views. There isn’t just one viewpoint but many of them and they all offer interesting views because you are on top of a rock with a sudden drop and hidden beaches under you.

The Ponta da Piedade hike is on a boardwalk and it is easy to do but still, I would suggest you wear decent shoes. It somehow gets super cold up here in the evenings so wear a jacket.

Dinner at Aqui Há Gato

I recommend this family-run Portuguese restaurant in all of my posts about Lagos because it is really good. If you enjoy seafood, then don’t miss the garlic prawns here. The portion was big and it was super delicious.

Not just the food but this place actually has an amazing vibe with mostly locals and hardly any tourists. The prawns were not on the menu but you can ask for them since they are a part of “the specials”.

Day 4: More Beaches & Depart from Faro

Today’s your last day in Lagos. Wake up early to see the most beautiful beach in Lagos and the only time to enjoy it is early morning before the crowds arrive. This is actually exactly how I had spent my last day in Lagos.

Camilo Beach

Praia do Camilo is small but is super beautiful and I think it is the most beautiful beach in Lagos. The sand and water quality here is unbelievable. I arrived on this beach at around 9:30 am or 10 am and it was empty.

You have to climb down around 500 steps to arrive here but trust me it is worth it. This beach is divided into two sections and there is a cave that connects them both – how fun.

There are arches and you can walk around them or stand under them for a lovely photo. When I arrived here in the morning, the water was very cold but I ended up swimming for around 30 minutes and it was a very good experience.

If you were in Lagos for 3 days or more, I would have recommended you hike from Praia do Camilo to Ponta da Piedade and then to Praia do Canavial.

Train to Faro

After spending an hour or two on Camilo Beach, get on a train from Lagos station to Faro, and from there take a taxi to the airport to fly out of Portugal. You can do this journey by bus too but the train is around 45 minutes faster than the bus.

There’s a train at 11:10 AM that reached Faro at 12:57 PM and another one at 1:23 PM that reached Faro at 3:08 PM. You don’t need to stand in the queue to purchase the train tickets, you can get them on the train directly. Hopefully, you booked an evening flight to make the most of your 4 days in Portugal trip.

Depart from Faro Airport

Faro airport is tiny and my check-in and security were done in no time. There is also a small food court here where you can eat seafood, and pastel de nata and drink your last Sagres beer before you leave Portugal to go back to your country.

What to Pack for 4 Days in Portugal

Portugal is warm but it can shockingly get cold as the sun sets. I still remember how my friend and I were freezing in peak summer in Nazare after the sunset and I ended up buying a sweatshirt there.

Yes, it is always a good idea to carry comfortable hiking shoes but is even more so in Portugal’s cities because even if you think you’re going for a short walk, the steep streets will make it hard work.

Below are the things I recommend you carry apart from your basics:

• Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes
• 4 or 5 pairs of socks
• Sandals for warm afternoons (for summer)
• 2 pairs of pants or leggings
• 3 basic tee shirts or tops
• Sweatshirt or light jacket (winter and summer)
• Thick Sweatshirt or Sweater (winter)
• Shorts (for summer)
• One or two dresses (for summer)
• Sunglasses

Tip: Shopping in Portugal is so affordable and you can just buy what you need instead of stressing over packing every single thing right.

Closing Thoughts on 4 days in Portugal

4 days in a new country isn’t a long duration especially if it is your first time there. Please don’t fall for other itineraries on the internet and do day trips within your short trip.

Take things slow and explore two of the main cities of Portugal, or one city and one beach town at a relaxed pace so that it feels like vacation and not hard work.

Portugal has a lot of historical monuments but you don’t have to go inside each one of them. Some are better admired from the outside.

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3 Days in Lagos Portugal: Itinerary for the Algarve’s Fun Destination

by Drifter Planet | Jun 6, 2023 | Most Popular Blog Posts, Portugal

Here’s my itinerary for spending 3 days in Lagos Portugal.

I have been living in Europe since 2017, and I have to say that Lagos on Portugal’s Algarve coast is the best beach destination for me.

If you are on this page, then most likely you have just booked a ticket for Faro, and are planning on visiting the Algarve, the stunning coast of Portugal. Super, now let me show you how to have an amazing time in Lagos, the most fun and prettiest part of the Algarve.

I spent a week in Lagos, Portugal but I’m writing an itinerary for 3 days because I repeated a few places multiple times.

I’d like to mention that out of my 7 days in Lagos Portugal, I spent at least 6 evenings going to the same sunset spot at Ponta da Piedade since it is stunning. But I will give you more options.

Beach itineraries are different than city breaks because they are a little relaxed and include a mid-day break to freshen up.

How to get to Lagos from Faro?

When you land in Faro, you can decide whether you want to spend a night here or not.

If you are traveling solo, then the best way for you to get to Lagos from Faro would be on the train. The train takes 1 hour 38 minutes from Faro train station and leaves at 7:11 am, 9:02 am, 10:23 am, 12:25 pm, 4:17 pm, 5:41 pm, and 6:25 pm.

You can buy your tickets on the train, no need to stand in line at the station.

Buses take a bit longer time 2 hours and run many times a day from Terminal Rodoviário in Faro.

The easiest way to get to Lagos from Faro is on a rental car. I recommend you do this if you are traveling with a partner or family. This way you can drive to Lagos directly from the airport in Faro, without having to spend a night in Faro.

Day 1 of Lagos Portugal Itinerary

Today is going to be about taking a quick look at Lagos city center, doing a small hike for 15-20 minutes, and relaxing on the beach. There will be a small break and then you will see the sunset from my favorite spot in Lagos.

Carry a small backpack and pack the below items:

1. A beach mat,
2. Swimsuit (wear it already under your clothes),
3. A towel or a sarong,
4. Sunscreen,
5. A water bottle,
6. A book to read on the beach,
7. Your phone, wallet, & room keys.

See Lagos Town & Eat Pastel de Nata

Since it is your first day in Lagos, it makes sense to get a feeling of this cute town by walking around in the city center. Most of your time in Lagos will be spent on the beaches so enjoy the historical buildings adorned with Azulejos, cute streets, and purple-bloomed Jacaranda trees.

The streets have slopes and as a result, there are some amazing views but on the flip side, they are slippery so wear comfortable shoes.

Lagos city center is a nice spot for shopping. There are affordable shops all around for beach clothing, travel gear, and surprisingly also home decor.

If you like to buy souvenirs, then Lagos town has a lot of options. A lot of them are wooden and handmade. I bought a wooden hanging honey bee for my daughter and sunglasses for myself since I lost mine on the way.

Lagos city center is a very good spot for eating because there are a lot of restaurants and bakeries.

What’s the first thing that I always eat when I arrive in Portugal? Pastel de Nata. It is a famous Portuguese pastry that makes a perfect breakfast.

I ate pastel de nata at a very local bakery and wasn’t fancy. These are usually the best ones in Portugal. Even though I am more of a salty breakfast person, I make an exception for Pastel de Nata.

I often packed Pasti de Nata and carried them onto the beach instead of eating them at the bakery. You can do that too if you want.

Another thing that you can perhaps do in Lagos town center is to rent a bicycle from Coast Supply Co. I did that too and it made things easy for me to understand where everything was in Lagos.

Keep in mind that cycling in Lagos isn’t so easy because the streets have slopes.

See Pinhão Beach

From Lagos city center, walk for 10 minutes or cycle for 5 minutes and you will reach Pinhão restaurant. From there, walk a bit till the end of the road till you reach a hiking path.

Hike for just 3-5 minutes and you will be on the cliff that’s on top of Pinhão beach. There are a few steps that go down to the beach.

Pinhão Beach is tiny and was full of dead seaweed when I visited. But it has a cave and two arches and I ended up clicking some really nice photos here.

I didn’t spend more than 15 minutes here but you can spend more time if there’s no seaweed.

Hike from Pinhão to Dona Ana (10-15 mins)

The hike from Pinhão Beach to Dona Ana is a small one and it won’t take you more than 15 minutes. What I liked about this hike is the view of Pinhão in the beginning and the view of the entire Dona Ana beach up ahead.

You can see a part of the hiking trail in the above picture, it goes on the cliffs that surround Pinhão beach and one part of Dona Ana beach. As a result, the views are amazing.

The hike from Pinhão to Dona Ana is easy and I did it in my flip-flops. Although I would have had a steadier footing with my sneakers, I decided not to wear them in warm weather.

Relax on Dona Ana beach

Now let’s do what is an absolute necessity for a beach vacation – relax on the beach. Lay your beach mat at a nice spot and lie down. I normally used my sarong as a beach mat.

Go for a swim and then lie down in the sun again to dry yourself and get a nice tan. If you carried a book to read then you can lie down and read it. I packed my pastel de nata and ate one while I was here to recharge.

Dona Ana Beach also has a restaurant and well-kept toilets. Look for the WC sign to find the toilet.

Rent a Paddleboat at Dona Ana Beach for 2 Hours

One of the best ways to explore the caves around Dona Ana beach is on a paddle boat. You can rent one and sit on it with your friend, or stand on it to try SUP.

I’m not so sporty but I found paddle boats to be easy to maneuver. I did try my hand at SUP in Ireland (and not in Lagos) and realized it was easy and fun.

The rental price is EUR 30 for two hours per boat, so take your time and explore the rocks around.

Lunch

If you didn’t carry a snack to the beach, then now would be a good time to eat lunch. The restaurant directly on the beach is Marisol but I will give you a few more options.

The nearby restaurants are Alma Lusa (homely Mediterranean food), Don Gull (newly opened fusion Portuguese food), Gato Pardo (pizza restaurant), and Palacio Da China (Chinese restaurant).

More Beach time at Dona Ana

After lunch, it is up to you if you want to stay on Dona Ana beach or go back to your room to freshen up for the evening.

Considering sunset time is 8:30 pm in summer here, I’d spend a few more hours on the beach before heading back to the room.

By the time it was 6 pm, Dona Ana Beach got suddenly empty because it looked like everyone had the same idea – go to the room, freshen up, and eat dinner.

Go Back to Your Room to Freshen Up

Got too much sun? Go back to your room, shower, and wash the sand away. If your room has a balcony or a garden area, then sit and enjoy a drink or two.

Portugal isn’t like Italy, the locals don’t dress extra fancy in the evenings (thank god), so you can wear your casuals and get ready to watch an amazing sunset.

Ponta da Piedade Sunset

Depending on how early or late you eat dinner, you can swap this point with the next one. Sunset time in summer in Lagos is after 8:30 pm, so just once I ate dinner after but on the rest of the days, I ate dinner before I went for this hike.

You can miss whatever part of the itinerary that you want, but just don’t miss this because watching the sunset at Ponta da Piedade is a seriously stunning experience.

If you have a car, then drive to Ponta da Piedade lighthouse, and from there walk for 3-5 minutes to reach this spot. I often walked the entire way from my guest house and it took me around 20 minutes one way.

Be sure to carry a hoodie because it gets surprisingly cold here even in summer. You can read more about the Ponta da Piedade hike here.

If you like this hike, then I have to tell you about a similar hike in the Algarve – it is the Seven Hanging Valleys hike that starts from Carvoeiro and ends at Marinha Beach with loads of viewpoints on the way. The famous Benagil Cave is a part of this hike.

Dinner at Aqui Há Gato

When you come back from Ponta da Piedade, there’s an excellent restaurant on the way from there before you reach the busy city center. I loved this place so much that I went back every single evening to eat the same meal.

Aqui Há Gato is a family-run restaurant and the best thing to order is what you see on “today’s special” board, which is of course in Portuguese, so use the Google Translate app.

They wrote somewhere that they have the best prawns in Lagos, so being a seafood lover I had to try. I loved the meal so much that I ate it every day.

Day 2 of Lagos Itinerary

To make the most of your second day in Lagos, you will spend most of your time today on the prettiest beaches of Lagos and hiking. If you are renting a car, you can drive to make it a bit easier for yourself.

Grab your breakfast and coffee at your guest house or in a nearby bakery and make your way to the beach.

Tip: If you are a morning person, then you can do the same hike super early and move the lunchtime.

Depending on how early or late you start the day, you can jumble up the points and turn the lunch restaurant into your dinner spot.

Prepare to spend almost the entire day outside without a break, so pack your backpack accordingly.

1. A beach mat,
2. Swimsuit (wear it already under your clothes),
3. A towel or a sarong,
4. Sunscreen,
5. A water bottle,
6. A book to read on the beach,
7. Your phone, wallet, & room keys,
8. A hoodie or a jacket to wear in the evening because it will get cold after sunset,
9. An optional change of clothing.

Are you ready? Let’s start.

Start your Day at Camilo Beach

The best morning that I had in Lagos was the one when I arrived at Camilo Beach before most of the people did.

Praia do Camilo is the prettiest beach in Lagos and it tends to get crowded. Moreover, it is tiny, so visiting it in the morning is the only sensible way.

You can walk to (or drive to) O Camilo restaurant and from there climb down. Be prepared, you have to climb down 500 steps to reach this beach but trust me it is worth the effort.

The reason I loved Praia do Camilo the most out of all the beaches in Lagos is because it has the clearest water, the softest sand, and amazing rock formations. There is even a cave that goes from one part of Praia do Camilo to another part.

Lunch at O Camilo

Praia do Camilo has a super tiny snack bar but if you want a nice lunch experience with the view, then make your way to O Camilo restaurant. Be prepared a spend because it is a high-end restaurant.

Hike from Camilo to Ponta da Piedade to Carnial (60 minutes)

Want to do something fun? Let’s hike to a hidden beach and make a few stops on the way to admire the view.

You have two options – if you want a shorter hike then go directly from Camilo to Praia do Canavial (see the hiking map above). If you have a bit more time and energy, then do to the other viewpoints too. Most likely you already visited Ponta da Piedade yesterday for sunset so you can skip it now and head straight to Praia do Canavial.

Praia do Canavial isn’t that hidden but is one of the beaches that’s hardly visited because one has to get off the hiking trail to reach here.

After your lunch at O Camilo, get ready to hike on the Ponta da Piedade hiking trail to Canavial Beach. This hike will take you over some amazing viewpoints when you start from Camilo Beach.

There are many viewpoints from Camilo to Canavial but there are a few that really stand out.

Praia da Balança viewpoint (15 minutes)

This is a nice viewpoint that’s right before Ponta da Piedade. You will see the lovely Balança beach below as you stand on the rocks

Ponta da Piedade Caves (10 – 20 minutes)

Climb down 200 steps near Ponta da Piedade lighthouse to go near the water. This way you can see some interesting rock formations. I personally felt that the view from the top was better.

Praia do Barranco do Martinho Viewpoint (10 minutes)

This is the stop where I went most often because it looked so pretty. From this spot one can see a tiny almost circular beach that’s literally impossible to reach – Praia do Barranco do Martinho.

Canavial Beach viewpoint (15 minutes)

There is a spot from where you can see two beaches one after another – Porto Mós and Canavial. We will go to both of these beaches soon!

Canavial Beach (15 minutes)

In order to reach Praia do Canavial, you have to walk towards Miradouro da Praia do Canavial and keep going on the wooden hiking path.

At some point, you will reach a white house kind of building, after that you have to get off the hiking path and find your way to the beach. Either you find it or you don’t.

If you do end up finding Canavial Beach then enjoy your time on this almost empty beach that’s massive in size. It is a nidust beach so please don’t click photos when people are around.

If you don’t find Canavial Beach, then don’t feel sad because it isn’t essentially a prettier beach than the ones you saw already in Lagos, but it is more about experiencing a nearly empty and partially hidden beach.

Porto Mós Beach & Sunset

Porto Mós is a kilometer away from Canavial Beach and is definitely worth visiting if you are so close to it. Moreover, it is a good spot for watching the sunset so it is a good idea to end your hike and your day here.

Porto Mós is massive and has super soft sand without pebbles. The water is clean and is perfect for a swim and this is why a lot of families visit this beach.

Porto Mós was in my experience the most crowded beach in Lagos. Don’t be fooled by my picture above, I clicked it in an empty corner.

There is a bus stop right outside Porto Mós beach and from here you can get on a bus that will take you to the city center.

Alternatively, you can also take a taxi. I don’t like getting on cabs because they are expensive in Europe but they were surprisingly cheap in Portugal.

Dinner & Drinks

I didn’t find a lot of restaurant options near Porto Mós, so you can come a bit closer to the city.

Day 3 of Lagos Portugal itinerary

Today we will visit two pretty beaches that are side by side and do a kayak or a boat tour depending on your preference to see the stunning caves of Lagos.

We will visit 2-3 beaches that are near the city center today and get on to a boat or a kayak for a fun tour of the caves.

If you have a wet bag already then it will come in handy today. But in my experience, most of the tour operators in the Algarve included a wetback with the tour – I still recommend you double-check with them when you book.

So, here’s what you should already pack in your bag for today:

1. A beach mat,
2. Swimsuit (wear it already under your clothes),
3. A towel or a sarong,
4. Sunscreen,
5. A water bottle,
6. A book to read on the beach,
7. Your phone, wallet, & room keys,
8. A hoodie or a jacket to wear in the evening because it will get cold after sunset,
9. An optional change of clothing.

Praia dos Estudantes

Praia dos Estudantes is a small beach that’s near Lagos city center. What sets it apart from the others is an old stone bridge that goes between two cliffs. It is sometimes also called the Roman Bridge, and is marked on Google Maps as “Pinhao Fort Bridge”.

Spend some time at the beach of Estudantes and click some cool photos. I traveled solo so I couldn’t as anyone to click my picture under the bridge but it makes an amazing photo spot. My tripod refused to stand stable here.

Batata Beach

Estudantes Beach is attached to a bigger beach that’s called Batata Beach. Go spend some time on Batata Beach or relax with a cocktail at Batata Beach Bar.

Kayak Tour or Boat Cruise (1.5 to 2.5 hours)

A lot of people end up visiting the Benagil Cave when they are in Lagos, and I did that too. It was totally worth the experience.

However, Lagos also has many stunning caves which aren’t yet as popular as Benagil Cave. Moreover, Benagil is not near Lagos so if you have just 3 days in Lagos then it makes more to do a cave tour in Lagos.

I have handpicked a kayaking tour for you that starts right from Batata beach and is highly rated.

This kayaking tour in Lagos lasts 2.5 hours and the cost is EUR 35. Even if you haven’t done kayaking before in your life, you can still do this tour because it is guided.

You will not only see caves but also see beaches that aren’t easy to reach. There is an absolutely stunning beach called Praia da Balança that isn’t easy to reach, but I see a few kayaks on it when I was at the viewpoint.

Another cool way to experience the beautiful cliffs and caves of Lagos is by getting on to a small boat for a tour.

I have personally handpicked a tour for you based on the boats I saw when I was hiking in the area.

This particular boat tour costs EUR 20 and lasts for 1.5 hours. The meeting point is near Lagos train station.

Lunch at Marisqueira “O Perceve” for Seafood Lovers

Marisqueira O Perceve restaurant was recommended to me by a local for fresh seafood, so I had to visit it. Honestly, I missed my train out of Lagos to Faro because I ate here, but it was worth it.

If you’re not into seafood, then read on for another option.

Lunch at Momo Express

Alternatively, you can also eat in one of the many restaurants in Lagos city center. I ended up going to a Nepalese restaurant for a quick snack of chicken momos (dumplings).

Afternoon & Evening at Meia Praia

Meia Praia Beach is a massive one, almost as big as a village. With a length of 4.5 KMs, this massive spacious beach is just off Lagos train station.

For a quick walk, you can put “Bahia Beach Bar” in Google Maps and walk there. Don’t put “Meia Praia” as your destination because the beach is massive and it will take you to the middle of it instead of the closest entry.

Explore the Bar Scene at Lagos

Lagos has an amazing nightlife and bar scene that you should try to experience if you are into that kind of thing.

As recommended to me by a local, here are the bars that you should check out – Zanzibar Lagos, Beer & Co, Peppers, and Aficionado.

I will be honest. I visited just one bar and drank Caipirinhas with a few girls on one of the nights but I was pretty tired after hiking every single day so I slept early.

Where to Stay in Lagos Portugal?

I stayed in a place called Safari beach guest house which wasn’t in the city center and was closer to Camilo Beach, Ponta da Piedade, and Dona Ana compared to places to stay that are in Lagos city center.

I’m sharing a few recommendations below for places to stay in Lagos:

• B22 – Rising Sun 2 Bed Flat – Ideally suited for families and couples who are looking for an apartment with a view. I’d book this in a heartbeat if I was visiting with my husband and my little girl.
• Lemon Tree Relaxing Guest House – Peaceful Place with a garden and a shared kitchen.
• Safari Beach Guest House – Affordable private rooms and dorm beds in a quiet residential area.

How to move around in Lagos, Portugal?

The best way to move around in Lagos would be on a rental car and it makes so much sense if you are with your partner or family.

I traveled solo to Lagos, so I rented a bicycle for a day and returned it the next day. After that, I often walked or got on buses.

I realized the buses in Lagos were pretty convenient and easy. Just use Google Maps to find the nearest bus stop and the bus number that you need to get on to.

Taxies aren’t expensive in Lagos at all but the one time I called for one, it came 20 minutes late and I could have done the whole way by walking in lesser duration.

PS: Drifter Planet contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commission at no extra cost to you.   We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Is Faro Worth Visiting? My Thoughts about Algarve’s Entry City (Portugal)

by Drifter Planet | May 22, 2023 | Most Popular Blog Posts, Portugal

Faro is the starting point for most of the Algarve itineraries and road trips, but is this city worth visiting?

I have said it before and I will say it over and over – I love historical cities in Portugal, and Faro is one of them. After falling in love with Lisbon, I decided to revisit Portugal every year and I fell in love with literally every place that I saw in this warm country.

My third visit to Portugal was a solo trip and I decided to start my adventures in Faro. I actually didn’t expect a lot from this city and thought it was just my quick stop before heading off to Lagos, but I was in for a surprise.

The time I visited Faro, the entire city was blooming with violet Jacaranda flowers and it made everything look even more special.

So, is Faro worth visiting? Read on to know my thoughts.

Faro’s Old Town is Pretty

Just like most of the Portuguese cities, even Faro has an old town and is super pretty. The old town is called Cidade Velha and is the historical center.

The main path is a romantic cobbled street with charming old buildings on each side. There are several open-air restaurants here that are perfect for a romantic meal on a summer evening, but I will talk more about that in the restaurant’s section.

I love that there are two arches – one at the entry of the Centro Historico and one at the end of it. The grander one is Arco da Vila and make sure you click a photo under it. Arco da Vila is actually a national monument.

The arch at the exit of Cidade Velha is Arco de Repouso, but it isn’t as special as Arco da Vila.

Faro Marina is Perfect for Sunset Walks

Faro may be too warm during the day but as the sun begins to set, the city glows. At the time of sunset, Faro Marina is the perfect place for a stroll because it is lively.

One can sometimes hear live music, and if you are lucky, you will get to experience Fado here. Most of the time the live music comes from musicians who are busking. 

Walk around here and find a spot that you like. Most of the streets that end in Faro Marina area have restaurants and bars, so I highly recommend you enjoy a drink in one of those places.

Faro has Good Restaurants that are Affordable 

I love eating in Portugal because everything is flavorful without being overwhelming. In that sense, I enjoyed every single meal in Faro.

Faro has an amazing food scene and I discovered some excellent restaurants that were affordable. I highly recommend Taberna Modesto in Faro’s old town which was suggested to me by a local and I loved it.

If you like international breakfast with good coffee, then I recommend Chelsea coffeeshop. You will of course get the typical Portuguese breakfast snack Pastel de Nata too, but this place has amazing eggs, avocado toast, and the like.

Faro has Historical Churches and Buildings

Like visiting churches and historical buildings? Faro has some interesting ones. 

If you have time to visit just one church, let that be Igreja do Carmo. It is one of a kind because it is built with the skeleton remains of 1200 monks. Insane right?

Another interesting church that one can visit is Igreja de Santa Maria, which offers good views of the marina. Actually one of the locals recommended I go on top during sunrise for the view, but I refuse to wake up so early.

Experience the Culture

Faro is not touristy like Lisbon or Porto, so it feels like the real deal for experiencing Portuguese culture that isn’t so deeply affected by tourism or Instagram.

If you would like to experience Faro like a local, then visit Mercado Municipal, the municipal market in Faro. You will find fresh produce, flowers, fish, sweets, cheese, wine, and also some ready-to-eat pastries. 

Another good way to experience the culture in Faro is by going to Fado recital. Fado is Portuguese Blues music and the sounds will transport you to another level of emotions. You can enjoy Fado recital near the tourism office in Faro for just EUR 5. 

Faro is an excellent base for traveling in Algarve

Let’s address it – the only reason you will visit Faro is to travel further in the Algarve. No one travels to Faro to only see Faro. In that sense, Faro fulfills this purpose perfectly because it is an excellent base for traveling in the Algarve.

You can easily find direct trains to Lagos, Portimao, Albufeira, and many other destinations in the Algarve.

If not trains, there are multiple buses that run many times a day and can take you to stunning spots in the Algarve such as Carvoeiro near Benagil, or all over Portugal and some will also take you to Spain.

So, is Faro worth visiting?

If you are flying to Portugal and would like to explore the Algarve, I highly recommend you spend at least one night in Faro before you head further. The city is small, stress-free and has so much to offer for those who seek historical cities that aren’t yet touristy.

So yes, Faro in Portugal is definitely worth visiting.