The Algarve & Lisbon
A perfect blend of rugged coastal beauty and vibrant urban culture, transitioning from the golden cliffs of the south to the historic hills of the capital.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Arrival and Golden Algarve Cliffs
Morning — Arrive at Faro Airport, pick up your rental car, and drive 1 hour west to the Portimao/Alvor area. Grab a coffee and a Pastel de Nata in Faro city center first.
Afternoon — Check into your resort and spend the afternoon at Praia da Rocha, famous for its wide sandy beach and dramatic ochre cliffs. Enjoy a cold Sagres beer at a beachfront kiosk.
Evening — Walk the wooden boardwalk of the Alvor Shoreline at sunset and dine on grilled sardines and octopus at a traditional seafood tavern in the old town.
💡 Parking near beaches can be tight; arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM to find spots easily.
Day 2 · Grottos, Caves, and Coastal Hikes
Morning — Drive to Lagos. Visit the stunning Ponta da Piedade to see the rock formations and turquoise grottos from the cliffside paths.
Afternoon — Drive to Benagil. Take a guided boat or kayak tour to the iconic Benagil Sea Cave, accessible only by water. Afterward, hike a portion of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Evening — Head to the luxury enclave of Vilamoura for a walk around the marina. Enjoy a high-end dinner overlooking the yachts.
💡 Book your Benagil boat tour at least 48 hours in advance as they sell out daily.
Day 3 · Surfers Paradise and Lands End
Morning — Relax at Praia do Camilo, a small beach reached by descending 200 wooden steps. The crystal clear water is perfect for snorkeling.
Afternoon — Drive to the southwesternmost tip of Europe, Sagres. Visit the Sagres Fortress and watch the professional surfers at Tonel Beach.
Evening — Experience the sunset at Cabo de Sao Vicente, known as the 'End of the World'. Drive back to Lagos for a lively dinner in the historic walled town.
💡 The wind at Sagres is very strong; bring a light jacket even in summer.
Day 4 · Northward Bound to Historic Lisbon
Morning — Early breakfast by the coast before starting the drive north toward Lisbon. Stop in the Alentejo town of Evora for a quick look at the Roman Temple.
Afternoon — Arrive in Lisbon and check into your hotel in the Chiado or Baixa district. Take a ride on the historic Santa Justa Lift for a panoramic view of the city roofs.
Evening — Explore the Pink Street in Cais do Sodre for tapas and cocktails, then enjoy a late-night fado performance in the Alfama district.
💡 If driving, ensure your rental has a 'Via Verde' transponder for easy toll payments on the A2 highway.
Day 5 · Lisbon Icons and Custard Tarts
Morning — Get lost in the steep, narrow alleys of Alfama, the oldest district. Visit the Sao Jorge Castle for views of the Tagus River.
Afternoon — Take the tram to Belem. Visit the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower. You must wait in line for the original Pasteis de Belem custard tarts.
Evening — Head to the LX Factory, a creative hub under the bridge, for dinner at a trendy industrial-style restaurant and browsing independent bookstores.
💡 Buy a 24-hour Viva Viagem card for unlimited access to trams, buses, and the metro.
Day 6 · Fairytale Palaces of Sintra
Morning — Take the 40-minute train ride from Rossio Station to Sintra. Head straight to the colorful Pena Palace to beat the midday crowds.
Afternoon — Explore the Quinta da Regaleira, a gothic estate with mysterious initiation wells and secret tunnels. Wander the colorful town center for souvenir shopping.
Evening — Return to Lisbon and head to the Bairro Alto district. Enjoy 'petiscos' (Portuguese tapas) and drinks in the lively street atmosphere.
💡 Sintra is significantly cooler and mistier than Lisbon; dress in layers.
Day 7 · Leisurely City Vibes and Departure
Morning — Sleep in and enjoy a slow brunch in the Principe Real neighborhood, known for its beautiful gardens and concept stores.
Afternoon — Walk along the Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon's luxury shopping boulevard. Visit a local 'Conserveira' to buy artisanal canned fish as gifts.
Evening — Final dinner at the Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira) where you can sample dishes from Portugal's top chefs in one hall.
💡 Most museums are closed on Mondays; plan your shopping or walking tours accordingly.
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