11 Days in Portugal: Highlights and the Atlantic Coast
Eleven days let you add the quiet Atlantic coast south of Lisbon, rice fields, dunes and long empty beaches, to the classic city pairing.
At a glance
- Length: 11 days
- Bases: Lisbon (3 nights), Comporta (2 nights), Algarve (2 nights), Porto (3 nights)
- Best time: May to October
- Pace: Moderate
- Good for: Couples, beach lovers, second-time visitors
Day by day
Day 1
Land in Lisbon and settle into your neighborhood at a relaxed pace. Stroll through the gentle streets of Baixa or Chiado to stretch your legs and get your bearings. Grab a pastel de nata at a local pastelaria and sip a cold drink in Praça do Comércio. Keep the late afternoon completely free to rest and shake off any travel fatigue.
Day 2
Begin your morning walking the hilly streets of Alfama, following the winding alleys draped in bougainvillea. Walk up to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol or Miradouro de Santa Luzia for sweeping views over terracotta rooftops and the Tagus River. Stop by the historic Lisbon Cathedral along the way down toward the riverfront. Leave your late afternoon open to wander at leisure, shop, or relax at an outdoor cafe.
Day 3
Head out in the morning toward Sintra to explore the colorful terraces and parklands of Pena Palace up in the pine-covered hills. Afterwards, take the coastal road past Cabo da Roca to the seaside town of Cascais for a relaxed lunch near the water. Wander along the quiet marina or stroll the palm-lined promenade connecting the local town beaches. Your late afternoon remains free to sit by the ocean with an ice cream before heading back.
Day 4
Drive south across the river and pause in the coastal town of Setúbal or take the scenic drive along the green hills of Arrábida Natural Park. Catch a glimpse of the calm turquoise waters before boarding the car ferry across to the Tróia Peninsula. Continue down the sandy spit until you reach the quiet pine groves and rice paddies of Comporta. Keep the late afternoon free to settle into your stay and enjoy the quiet rural atmosphere.
Day 5
Spend a slow morning heading out to Praia da Comporta or nearby Praia do Carvalhal to take in the endless stretches of white sand and rolling Atlantic waves. Enjoy a casual seafood lunch at one of the rustic wooden beach shacks right along the boardwalk. Afterwards, wander through the small village center to browse the simple local shops and whitewashed lanes. You will have the late afternoon entirely free to unwind by the pool or read a book in the shade.
Getting around: Days like these are much easier with a private driver. Portugal Magik, the local partner we recommend, can handle luggage, timings and stops along the way, so you are not driving unfamiliar roads or chasing train connections.
Day 6
Journey south along the Alentejo coastline, perhaps making an easy stop in the quiet seaside village of Porto Covo or near the cliffs of Zambujeira do Mar. The route offers wide horizons, empty beaches, and sleepy fishing villages that make for scenic, unhurried driving. Continue down into the sunny western Algarve and check in to your base. The late afternoon is left free for you to unpack, relax, and soak up the southern warmth.
Day 7
Start the day with an easy walk along the boardwalks of Ponta da Piedade to admire the dramatic golden limestone sea stacks and ocean arches. Make your way into central Lagos to walk through the cobbled old town and see the historic city walls. Grab a casual lunch in one of the lively squares shaded by jacaranda trees. Save the late afternoon for free time to lounge at Praia da Batata or simply watch the boats in the marina.
Day 8
Depart the Algarve in the morning and head north back to Lisbon to catch the direct train onward to Porto. The rail ride takes you smoothly through the center of Portugal, offering a comfortable chance to watch the changing scenery roll by. Upon arrival at Campanhã or São Bento station, head directly to your accommodation to get settled. Keep the late afternoon free to ease into northern Portugal with an unhurried walk around your new neighborhood.
Day 9
Wander the steep, characterful streets of the Ribeira district this morning, soaking in the views across the Douro River. Walk across the lower deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia to admire the historic port wine cellars clustered along the riverbank. Enjoy a simple lunch overlooking the colorful houses of Porto stacked along the opposite hillside. Keep the late afternoon completely free to sit by the riverfront with a glass of wine or explore local boutiques.
Day 10
Take a scenic journey inland following the curves of the Douro River into the terraced valley, either by train or car. Stop in a quiet riverside town like Pinhão or Peso da Régua to take in the views of centuries-old vineyards etched into steep hillsides. Enjoy a hearty northern Portuguese lunch at a traditional valley restaurant. The late afternoon is left open for free time back in Porto to rest or wrap up your packing.
Day 11
Savor your final morning with a leisurely coffee and a warm pastry at a neighborhood cafe near your lodging. Take a short morning stroll through the tranquil gardens of the Crystal Palace or along Avenida dos Aliados if time permits before your travels. Head toward Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport with ease when it is time for your flight. Enjoy any remaining free time in the late afternoon to travel home or transition into your next adventure.
Local tip
Comporta is small and fills quickly in July and August. Book that stretch first.
Making it your own
Treat this as a starting point. Every day can be swapped, shortened or stretched. Most travellers keep the bases and change the day trips. Keep driving legs under about two and a half hours and leave the late afternoon free, and the trip will feel easy.
Plan this trip with a trusted local partner
We recommend Portugal Magik, a Lisbon based private tour operator, for tailor-made versions of routes like this one. They provide private drivers and guides, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and day by day planning, and will adjust the route to your dates, pace and interests.
Tailor-made
Request a tailored itinerary
Share your dates and interests. Portugal Magik will shape this route around you, with a private driver and guide.
Bestseller
The 10 day Golden Portugal tour
Our recommended partner’s most loved private journey, from Lisbon to Porto and the Douro.