12 Days in Portugal: North to South
Twelve days is enough to see almost all of mainland Portugal without rushing. This route runs from the vineyards of the north to the beaches of the south.
At a glance
- Length: 12 days
- Bases: Porto (3 nights), Douro (2 nights), Coimbra (1 night), Lisbon (3 nights), Algarve (2 nights)
- Best time: April to October
- Pace: Moderate
- Good for: First-time visitors with time, families with teens
Day by day
Day 1
Settle into your hotel and take an easy first stroll through the city center to get your bearings. Walk down toward the lively Ribeira riverfront or take a peek at the blue tiled exterior of the Carmo church. Keep your late afternoon completely open to sit at a sidewalk cafe, sip an espresso, and ease gently into the local rhythm.
Day 2
Spend the morning exploring the historic streets, checking out the grand tile murals inside Sao Bento train station and crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge on foot. On the Gaia side, wander among the famous port wine cellars along the riverbank and enjoy sweeping views of Porto across the water. Leave your late afternoon totally free to wander wherever curiosity takes you or simply relax by the Douro.
Day 3
Head north to Guimaraes to see its medieval center and the ancient castle walls where Portugal was founded. Continue on to nearby Braga to climb the monumental baroque staircase of Bom Jesus do Monte surrounded by green hills. Head back in time for an unscheduled late afternoon to enjoy a quiet rest or an early dinner back in Porto.
Day 4
Travel inland toward the Douro Valley, following the river as the roads wind past dramatic terraced vineyards. Stop in the town of Peso da Regua or Pinhao for lunch and enjoy the striking scenery reflected in the water. Arrive at your countryside base with the entire late afternoon open to unwind by the pool or soak in the calm valley views.
Day 5
Take the day at your own pace with a gentle scenic drive along the river toward one of the sweeping viewpoints like Casal de Loivos. You can drop into a local estate to sample regional wines and olive oils before finding an easy lunch in Pinhao. The late afternoon is all yours to read a book, sit in the shade, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 6
Make your way south toward the historic university town of Coimbra, stopping along the way as you leave the wine country behind. Walk up through the old town to the University of Coimbra courtyard and stroll across the Santa Clara bridge for lovely reflections over the Mondego River. Keep the late afternoon free to wander the sloping lanes or relax with a cool drink in Praca do Comercio.
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 7
Drive south toward Lisbon, stopping first to see the dramatic architecture of Batalha Monastery. Continue to the Atlantic coast at the fishing town of Nazare for sea breezes and seafood, followed by a walk inside the walled medieval village of Obidos. Settle into Lisbon with a free late afternoon to unpack, stretch your legs, and unwind.
Day 8
Spend the morning walking through the grand open spaces of Praca do Comercio and the charming streets of the Baixa and Chiado districts. Hop out toward Belem to stop by Jeronimos Monastery and admire Belem Tower from the pleasant riverside gardens. Your late afternoon is completely unscheduled, giving you time to pick up a warm pastel de nata and explore Lisbon at your leisure.
Day 9
Head into the cool, forested hills of Sintra to see the colorful exterior and mountain setting of Pena Palace. Afterwards, take the coastal road down through Cabo da Roca to the laid back seaside town of Cascais for a scenic walk along the bay. Return to Lisbon with a completely open late afternoon to relax or browse the shops.
Day 10
Journey south into the sun drenched Alentejo region, making a stop in Evora to see the ancient Roman Temple and the grand historic center. After an authentic regional lunch, continue your drive through the golden plains all the way down to the Algarve coast. Your late afternoon remains free to settle into your seaside base, walk along the sand, and listen to the waves.
Day 11
Head west to Lagos to stroll through its cobbled walled town and see the golden rock arches framing the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade. Later, take a coastal drive eastward toward Benagil to look out over the towering cliffs and turquoise coves from the cliffside paths. Keep the late afternoon open to lounge on the beach, swim in the calm sea, or enjoy a slow cold drink.
Day 12
Savor a slow morning breakfast with fresh orange juice and take a final walk along the coast before traveling to your departure airport in Faro or heading back up to Lisbon. Depending on your flight time, you can stop for an easy lunch in a quiet coastal village along the way. Keep the late afternoon free to pack, head to the airport at an easy pace, or relax before your flight home.
Local tip
Open jaw flights, into Porto and out of Faro or Lisbon, make this route work.
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.
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