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12 days trip itinerary in portugal.

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Last minute trip, so with all the information online im kinda lost on how to prepare the itinerary for this.
I'll be a solo traveler and this is my first time going solo so gonna be a bit of a new experience.

Firstly ill book the plane ticket soon, ill leave myself 2-3 days of reading then go for it. But i plan to go from the 14 sept to 26.
I can either start from the lisbon airport or porto.
And this is where my first question is, is it better to start from the south and head north or go from up north to the south for the time im going.
I see a lot of people also saying going to the algarve isnt that worth it so i don't know if thats true or not with me having just 12 days.
What would be then if not included the best itinerary to hold while visiting most places, from what i also read people say there is a lot to visit between porto and lisbon and should take the time there and enjoy that time instead of rushing around which i usually do when traveling.

Thank you for all your info and help in advance.

Posted by
1953 posts

The middle of September will likely be quite warm, but should be past the very hot temperatures. And, these days, it’s just as hot in the north as it is around Lisbon. I’d say go with whichever flights work best.

I will add my recommendation to skip the Algarve. You don’t have enough time and there are very nice beaches between Porto and Lisbon.

If you are interested in wine, add a day or two to Porto or even consider a night at a quinta in the Douro valley. It’s possible, if you start in Porto and go the Douro first, crush might still be happening. It’s a great experience to walk out of your room and smell the aroma of crushed grapes.

Coimbra is quite nice and makes a good midway stop between the two larger cities. Or, one of the beach towns (Nazare, Foz do Arelho, São Martinho do Porto) make a good base for driving to a number of nice sites - Batalha, Alcobaca, Obidos.
Your challenge will be what to leave out. And, no worries about being solo. Portugal is consistently listed in the top ten safest countries in the world.

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you and no i don't drink alcohol but might try grape juice if available hahaha.

I see your itinerary, and i'm almost set on landing in lisbon, spend a the landing day there and than 2 more. Sintra for a day. Than hit evora for a day. Than hit nazare for a day. Aviero for a day Than porto for 3 and braga for a couple.
I plan on not renting a car in lisbon and porto and renting one midway to do all the smaller cities next to it before arriving to porto. Is this a smart way to go about it?

I bought the plane ticket now for the 14th september and ill start booking stays,
What beachtown do you advise as a good base between all those you said.

Thanks!

Posted by
9 posts

Your plan already looks good! A few quick tips:

Starting in Lisbon or Porto doesn’t matter—choose the best flights.

With 12 days, I’d skip the Algarve this time and focus on Lisbon, a coastal stop (either Nazaré or Aveiro, not both), and then Porto with a day trip to Braga or Guimarães.

No car needed in Lisbon or Porto—rent one only for the middle stretch.

In Porto, Porto Rent a Bike is a great option if you enjoy exploring at your own pace, while a Tuk Tuk tour is perfect if you prefer comfort and a quick overview.

Portugal is very safe for solo travelers—enjoy your trip!

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