Portugal in 10 Days: The First-Timer’s Grand Loop

Ten days cover Portugal’s essential triangle — Lisbon, the interior, the north — with an optional southern finish. The route runs clockwise to end where flights are cheapest and the weather kindest.

Days 1–3 — Lisbon and Sintra

Two days for the capital (Alfama, Belém, the miradouros) and one for Sintra’s palaces. See the 3-day Lisbon itinerary for the details.

Days 4–6 — The interior and the centre

Rent a car here. Évora’s Roman temple and wine cellars, the Alentejo’s megalths and Monsaraz over the Alqueva, then north through the schist country to Coimbra: the Joanine library, student fado, a granite evening.

Days 7–10 — The north and the river of wine

• Porto two days: Ribeira, Gaia cellars, Foz (see the Porto itinerary)
• Douro day: Pinhão by train or car, quinta lunch above the river
• Optional Algarve finish: fly Porto–Faro or train south for two beach days before departure