7 days in Portugal- indecisions

Posted by prinssbttrcp on 02/18/26 11:19 PM

My husband and I are planning to go to Portugal for our 15th anniversary in May, but as everyone has mentioned, there is so much to do and such a range of geography that we are having a really hard time deciding. We would like to have 2 bases for the week, so three days in one and three in another. Does anyone have a recommended area to stay or favorite two area itinerary? We really love beaches and wine, but I know those regions may not be as close in proximity. Rick Steve's 8 day itinerary suggests Lisbon, Sintra
Algarve (Salema, Lagos, Cape Sagres),Coimbra, but is that reasonable or would it be constant movement?

Thank you all so much for any advice!

Posted by aulopone

02/18/26 11:42 PM

461 posts

Two bases, Lisbon and Porto both have good public transit and can be used as bases for day trips, if you want to go the Algarve choose just one place - Lagos is good.

Possible day trips from Lisbon:
Sintra
Cascais
Sesimbra
Évora
Tomar
Coimbra

Possible day trips from Porto:
Braga
Guimaraes
Douro Valley
Viana do Castelo
Aveiro

You won't have time for everything, you'll to choose your itinerary carefully, hope the suggestions are helpful.

Posted by funpig

Vancouver, BC, Canada

02/18/26 11:43 PM

1614 posts

7 nights? If it were me, I would fly into Porto for 3 nights and train to Lisbon for 4 nights and fly home from Lisbon. While in Lisbon, I would do a day trip to Sintra. There is lots to see and do in both major cities. Check out the Top 15 Things to Do for each city in TripAdvisor and chances are 90% of that list will show up in most people's list of top things to do. There's never enough time to do everything, so don't bother to try.

Posted by kathrynj

Cascais, Portugal

02/19/26 08:34 AM

2029 posts

When RS recommends an itinerary, it’s based on rushing from place to place - as if you’re on a tour where you have your transfers done for you. That’s not Portugal. Portugal is all about slowing down and savoring long lunches, wandering on cobblestone streets, etc.

If you are truly only spending 6 nights here, decide on two bases (tops!). Lisbon and Porto are the obvious choices, but if you love beaches and wine, you might consider Lisbon and one of the beach towns closer to Lisbon for a couple of those nights. Ericeira or Sesimbra are both close and have lovely beaches. There are a number of beach towns in the Silver Coast area that you might enjoy. Small towns and villages have their own special charm that you miss in the bigger cities.

FYI - the wine is everywhere!