Portugal is by far one of many best-value locations in western Europe. And on high of its affordability, Portugal can also be simply an superior place to journey. It is a small nation, however packs an enormous punch with regards to historical past, structure, and unbelievable meals.
Most individuals will inform you to do a street journey in Portugal with a purpose to see all of it, however I spent 10 days in Portugal, and was in a position to get round simply tremendous utilizing trains, buses, and my very own two ft. In reality, if it is your first go to to Portugal, I’d suggest seeing it identical to I did.
For those who’re desirous about copying my 10-day Portugal itinerary, learn on for all the main points (or get a printable version here)! It covers Lisbon and Porto, plus a number of day journeys to locations like Sintra, Braga, and the Douro Valley, and does NOT require a rental automotive!
The perfect time to go to Portugal
To begin with, let’s speak about when to go to Portugal. The excellent news is that you could go to this a part of Europe just about year-round; the climate right here is far milder than on different elements of the continent within the winter, for instance.
However for first rate climate and fewer crowds, you may wish to go to in March-April or October-November. Could and September are good months, too, although you are more likely to run into increased temperatures and extra individuals.
Months to keep away from in Portugal are December and January (wet season) and late June via August (the peak of summer season when it is tremendous sizzling and customarily fairly crowded).
I have been to Portugal twice in March (in 2019 and 2023), and thought it was a good time to be there. It was already beginning to get heat and busy in Lisbon (Lisbon’s “off-season” will get shorter and shorter yearly), however was solely simply beginning to really feel like spring additional north in Porto. I had largely sunny days, and it was the right temperature to be out exploring.
What number of days in Portugal do you want?
You might simply spend weeks exploring this superb nation, however since my viewers (that is you!) usually would not have weeks to spend on one journey, I am providing you with solutions for a 10 day Portugal itinerary. In 10 days you may see loads of the highlights, together with Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Douro Valley, and extra.
If you wish to see much more in your Portugal journey (together with the Algarve or any of Portugal’s islands), you may want at the very least 2 weeks.
10 days in Portugal: My excellent itinerary
I opted to not lease a automotive in Portugal. I do not actually love driving alone in nations I’ve by no means been to earlier than, plus it appeared fairly straightforward to get all over the place I wished to go in Portugal and not using a automotive – and it was.
I additionally determined to only concentrate on two predominant cities on this journey (Lisbon and Porto), quite than attempt to cowl each nook of the nation in lower than two weeks. The excellent news is that there are some straightforward day journeys from each these cities, so you may nonetheless see many of the highlights in simply 10 days.
And you’ll even get a printable version of this itinerary to take with you!
With out additional ado, here is my model of the right Portugal 10 day itinerary that you should utilize to assist plan your individual journey! That is primarily based by myself two journeys to Portugal, and consists of all my professional suggestions that will help you out alongside the way in which.
10 days in Portugal fast information
Day 1: Introduction to Lisbon
This itinerary will begin and finish in Lisbon, because it’s the best metropolis to fly into from any worldwide vacation spot. There are direct flights to Lisbon from a number of US cities (I flew direct from New York), and nicely as fast (and low-cost) flights from most main European hubs.
You may almost definitely arrive in Lisbon within the morning, so I like to recommend you hit the bottom operating! After you drop your luggage at your resort (in case you’re too early to examine in, your resort will have the ability to maintain your baggage for you), make your approach over to the Alfama neighborhood.
Alfama is the oldest a part of Lisbon, the place tiled buildings are perched alongside steep cobbled streets that stretch from the Sao Jorge Fortress to the Tagus River.
Most individuals will inform you to journey the touristy Tram 28 right here, however I really would not counsel doing this; Tram 28 is normally extraordinarily crowded and is without doubt one of the locations you are almost definitely to get pickpocketed in Lisbon. As an alternative, both stroll the hills of the neighborhood, or use a journey share app like Uber if you could.
There are just a few main websites price seeing in Alfama:
- Castelo de Sao Jorge – You possibly can’t miss this medieval fort on the high of the neighborhood. I personally do not assume visiting is crucial (it feels a bit overpriced to me), however go for it if you have not visited a fort like this earlier than. The views from the partitions are fairly good.
- Miradouro da Graça – Formally generally known as Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, this miradouro or viewpoint was my favourite one in Lisbon.
- Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) – That is the oldest church within the metropolis, and is gorgeous inside.
- Fado Museum – Study in regards to the evolution of this expressive, typically melancholy kind of music that Portugal is known for.
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol – These two miradouros are positioned just about proper subsequent to one another, and are finest visited within the late afternoon/early night, when the solar shall be shining on Lisbon’s orange-hued rooftops.
You may as well in fact simply wander the streets of this colourful and historic neighborhood. For those who’re on the lookout for Alfama strolling tour, this 3-hour one covers all of the highlights and has 7000+ good critiques.
The place to eat at present:
- Lunch at Le Petit Cafe
- Drinks at Portas do Sol
- Dinner at Farol de Santa Luzia OR contemplate going to a Fado dinner present at a spot like Parreirinha de Alfama or Tasca do Chico
The place to remain in Lisbon: I spent my time in Lisbon at Hotel Da Baixa, which is a wonderful resort on Rua da Prata within the Baixa neighborhood. Different good resort choices embrace Memmo Alfama Hotel in Alfama, the Corpo Santo Lisbon (top-rated in Lisbon), and BE Poet Baixa Hotel.
Day 2: Lisbon
Begin your morning at Parque Eduardo VII, to the north of the Avenida da Liberdade and Marques de Pombal Sq.. Stroll to the very high of the expansive park, the place you may discover unbelievable views again down the manicured lawns towards the Tagus River.
Subsequent, I like to recommend heading to a different of Lisbon’s hottest neighborhoods: Baixa-Chiado.
To get to the Baixa-Chiado neighborhood from the park, you’ve got two choices: hop on the metro to Rossio station, or stroll straight down the Avenida da Liberdade. Strolling to Rossio Sq. will take you about Half-hour.
From Rossio Sq., you may stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Rua Augusta, which is lined with retailers and eating places. In your stroll, you may cease to see the Santa Justa Raise (an out of doors elevator), and cease right into a bakery to attempt some pastéis de nata, the scrumptious Portuguese custard tarts.
You may find yourself within the Praça do Comércio, or Commerce Sq., which is very large and nice for people- and tram-watching.
Professional tip: There are LOTS of eating places lining Rua Augusta, and several other within the Praça do Comércio; many could have individuals outdoors with menus who will attempt to lure you inside for a meal. These are going to be your typical touristy spots: normally overpriced, and serving up mediocre meals. Give these a miss!
As soon as you’ve got had your fill, head again up previous Rossio Sq. (you may both stroll, or hop on the metro at Baixa-Chiado and journey the blue line one cease to Restauradores station). On the nook of the Avenida da Liberdade and Calçada da Glória, you may discover the decrease station of the Ascensor da Glória, one in all Lisbon’s well-known funiculars.
Locals and vacationers alike use Lisbon’s historic funiculars to navigate the town’s steep streets. I like to recommend using at the very least one whilst you’re on the town.
You can begin with the Ascensor da Glória (additionally generally referred to as Elevador do Gloria), which connects Restauradores Sq. with the Bairro Alto, one other of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods. This funicular permits you to off proper subsequent to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, which provides some good views.
Professional tip: The Ascensor da Glória runs from Restauradores Sq. to the highest station with out making any stops, so if you wish to get pictures OF the funicular, you may should stroll up/down the hill a bit.
From there, you may stroll downhill a bit via Bairro Alto. Contemplate stopping to see the Ascensor da Bica (Lisbon’s most-photographed funicular), which connects Rua de São Paulo and Largo do Calhariz, traversing one in all Lisbon’s steepest hills.
You possibly can both take the funicular down (it runs roughly each quarter-hour), or stroll down alongside it to snap some pictures. On the backside, you may be within the Cais do Sodré neighborhood, which places you within the excellent place to hit up the Time Out Market (an artisan meals court docket) for dinner.
The place to eat at present:
- Espresso at Linha d’Água
- Lunch at BEHER LISBOA
- Gelato at Amorino Baixa
- Dinner at Time Out Market
The place to remain in Lisbon: I spent my time in Lisbon at Hotel Da Baixa, which is a wonderful resort on Rua da Prata within the Baixa neighborhood. Different good resort choices embrace Memmo Alfama Hotel in Alfama, the Corpo Santo Lisbon (top-rated in Lisbon), and BE Poet Baixa Hotel.
Day 3: Day journey to Sintra
Right this moment it is time to take a break from Lisbon and head to Sintra for the day. Sintra is a mountain city about an hour northwest of Lisbon. The area is hilly, forested, and dotted with fairytale-like palaces and villas – making it a must-see for many guests to Portugal.
You possibly can guide a day tour to Sintra like this one, or you are able to do the journey by yourself.
To go to Sintra by yourself, you may wish to catch a practice from Lisbon’s Rossio Station to Sintra (and depart as early as doable to beat the crowds – Sintra is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in Portugal!).
When you arrive in Sintra, you may wish to snag a ticket for the 434 bus that runs in a loop to most of Sintra’s high sights.
In Sintra, you may go to:
- The historic centre of Sintra (Sintra Vila)
- Sintra Nationwide Palace
- Castelo dos Mouros
- Palácio Nacional da Pena (requires a timed ticket if you wish to go contained in the palace)
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Monserrate Palace
You possibly can go to the primary 4 spots utilizing the 434 bus. You may must take one other bus to Monserrate Palace and Quinta da Regaleira – or you may stroll to Quinta da Regaleira from Sintra city.
Professional tip: You most likely will not match the whole lot in to sooner or later, so I’d choose the highest 3 belongings you wish to see in Sintra and prioritize these first.
My advice to your day in Sintra is to skip previous Sintra city heart and the Castelo dos Mouros and make straight for the Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace) from the practice station.
This brightly-painted palace is thought to be one of many easiest in all of Europe, and it is undoubtedly the most well-liked spot to go to in Sintra. You now must book a timed ticket in advance if you wish to enter the palace itself. (Book direct here.)
After visiting Pena Palace, spend a while strolling via Parque de Pena (the grounds surrounding the palace) earlier than heading again to Sintra city for lunch and to go to Sintra Nationwide Palace.
From the nationwide palace, it is solely a couple of 15-20 minute stroll to the Quinta da Regaleira, a elaborate villa with fairy tale-like gardens that’s my favourite place in Sintra. You possibly can simply spend a pair hours right here exploring the gardens.
Then it is only a 1-hour practice journey again to Lisbon.
For a extra full information to taking a day journey to Sintra, try this submit: How to Plan an Epic Day Trip to Sintra in Portugal. Or you may book a guided day tour here.
The place to eat at present:
- Lunch at Bacalhau na Vila or Romaria de Baco in Sintra
- Pastries at Piriquita in Sintra
- Dinner at Saudade, Incomum by Luis Santos, or Restaurante Metamorphosis in Sintra
The place to remain in Lisbon: I spent my time in Lisbon at Hotel Da Baixa, which is a wonderful resort on Rua da Prata within the Baixa neighborhood. Different good resort choices embrace Memmo Alfama Hotel in Alfama, the Corpo Santo Lisbon (top-rated in Lisbon), and BE Poet Baixa Hotel.
Day 4: Lisbon and Belem
Again in Lisbon at present, you may both have a calming out morning, or you may go try the Nationwide Azulejo Museum. This museum is devoted to the artwork of tilework in Portugal. The museum solely prices 5 Euro to enter, and is housed within the former Convent of Madre Deus, which dates again to 1509.
It is price visiting if you wish to study extra in regards to the lovely azulejo (tiles) you see throughout Portugal.
Within the afternoon, I like to recommend heading out to Belém. Belém is technically a part of Lisbon, however actually looks like a distinct city. It lies to the west of central Lisbon on the Tagus River; you may get there by Uber, tram, or by taking a practice from Cais do Sodré.
For those who keep in mind something about your early world historical past courses at school, you may do not forget that Portugal was identified for its explorers. To get to know this a part of Portugal’s fascinating historical past, you could spend a while in Belém.
Should-see sights in Belém embrace:
- Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jerónimos Monastery) – A UNESCO World Heritage Web site that dates again to the sixteenth century.
- Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) – A monument that celebrates the Portuguese Age of Exploration throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
- Torre de Belem (Belém Tower) – This tower used to protect the doorway to Lisbon’s harbor, and would have been the final a part of Portugal many sailors and navigators noticed as they set out on their voyages of discovery.
- Quake – Lisbon Earthquake Centre – An interactive museum the place you may study in regards to the well-known 1755 Lisbon earthquake that had devastating results on many elements of Europe and even North Africa.
You may additionally most likely wish to cease at Pastéis de Belém, a historic bakery that makes custard tarts by the identical title. This is without doubt one of the most well-known locations in Lisbon, so count on to have to attend in line – however I promise the road strikes reality, and the tarts are price it!
I took a guided tour of Belém that I actually beloved – this one – which coated all of the fascinating historical past of the realm.
The place to eat at present:
- Pastries at Pastéis de Belém
- Dinner at LX Manufacturing unit
The place to remain in Lisbon: I spent my time in Lisbon at Hotel Da Baixa, which is a wonderful resort on Rua da Prata within the Baixa neighborhood. Different good resort choices embrace Memmo Alfama Hotel in Alfama, the Corpo Santo Lisbon (top-rated in Lisbon), and BE Poet Baixa Hotel.
Day 5: Half-day journey to Óbidos
You’ve got been busy in Lisbon, so take it straightforward at present! If there are any further spots within the metropolis you wished to see (or perhaps some you wish to revisit), try this this morning. Then, within the late morning or early afternoon, I like to recommend heading to the city of Óbidos.
The simplest solution to get to Óbidos is by bus. The Rodotejo bus firm runs its Rapida Verde (Inexperienced Categorical) service to Óbidos from outdoors Lisbon’s Campo Grande Station at the very least as soon as per hour (examine timetables here).
The bus to Obidos leaves from Terminal 2, and has the city of Caldas da Rainha as the ultimate vacation spot. Tickets are 8 Euro one-way, and you purchase your ticket from the driving force if you get on the bus. The journey to Óbidos takes an hour.
Professional tip: Arrive on the bus cease early, because the bus can generally replenish!
Óbidos itself is an extremely cute and historic city well-known for being surrounded by a fortified wall. I spent just a few hours wandering the streets of Óbidos and strolling alongside sections of its previous wall.
You may as well do a little bit of procuring right here, and take a look at the sturdy cherry liqueur drink Ginja – many locations serve it in little edible chocolate cups!
You may as well see the previous medieval fort (which at present is a non-public resort), go to a church or two, and simply get pleasure from getting just a little misplaced within the slim streets and alleyways.
After exploring (I would say 2-4 hours is loads of time in Óbidos), you may catch the bus again to Lisbon.
(And in case you do not wish to go to Obidos by yourself? You may as well guide a full-day tour from Lisbon to Fatima, Obidos, Batalha and Nazaré.)
The place to remain in Lisbon: I spent my time in Lisbon at Hotel Da Baixa, which is a wonderful resort on Rua da Prata within the Baixa neighborhood. Different good resort choices embrace Memmo Alfama Hotel in Alfama, the Corpo Santo Lisbon (top-rated in Lisbon), and BE Poet Baixa Hotel.
Day 6: Prepare to Porto
It is time to bid Lisbon farewell at present and head north to Porto. Whereas Lisbon is a good metropolis, many individuals love Porto’s vibe much more; it is smaller than Lisbon, and customarily much less busy.
You possibly can journey to Porto through bus or practice, however practice journey is normally my most popular technique of journey. Prepare journey in Portugal is comfy, environment friendly, and fairly reasonably priced. (Search for train ticket options here.)
Touring from Lisbon to Porto by practice takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes on the Alfa Pendular specific, and tickets are normally round 20-30 Euro per particular person. (There is a barely cheaper intercity practice, too, however I like to recommend going with the Alfa Pendular as it is a very nice practice and will get you there quicker – if you search for train options, search for those marked “AF” as an alternative of “IC”.)
You possibly can catch the practice at Lisboa Oriente station, and it’ll arrive at Porto Campanhã. For attending to/from the stations along with your baggage, I like to recommend a taxi or journey share.
Professional tip: Catch a practice within the morning so you may have a while to discover Porto a bit at present.
When you arrive in Porto, make your solution to your resort and examine in, after which spend a while exploring a few of Porto’s predominant websites.
For a day in Porto, I like to recommend a stroll alongside the Cais da Ribeira, or the waterfront proper alongside the Douro River within the oldest a part of the town. That is the place a lot of Porto’s commerce used to occur, although at present the previous warehouses have been remodeled into cafes and retailers.
Take a stroll right here to admire the colourful buildings, and cease at one of many waterfront cafes for a espresso or glass of wine.
From the Ribeira, make your solution to the Dom Luís I Bridge, the grand iron bridge spanning the Douro River that was designed by a pupil of Gustave Eiffel. Cross the bridge over to Vila Nova de Gaia, which has among the finest views of Porto and is house to the town’s finest port lodges (cellars).
You probably have time, pop in for a port tasting or two. Cálem and Sandeman are two of probably the most well-known cellars within the space, however you can too attempt Taylor’s or Graham’s for a tour or tasting.
Lastly, head over to the Jardim do Morro or fortress-like Monastery of Serra do Pilar for the very best sundown views over the river. From this vantage level, you may watch the solar set and the twinkling lights of Porto come on at nightfall.
The place to eat at present:
- Bacalhau for seafood (go for lunch for a greater likelihood of getting a desk)
- Lado B or Cafe Santiago to attempt a Francesinha sandwich
The place to remain in Porto: I stayed at Pestana Porto – A Brasileira, a luxurious resort in a historic constructing within the coronary heart of Porto. I beloved the whole lot about this resort, and it was actually reasonably priced throughout the low season regardless of being a 5-star property. Different good choices in Porto embrace Hotel Infante Sagres (mid-range), or The Yeatman throughout the Douro River in Gaia (luxurious).
Day 7: Porto
Prepare, as a result of at present’s going to be a really full day of exploration in Porto! Porto is a reasonably small and compact metropolis, that means you may pack rather a lot into simply sooner or later.
For those who’re into both Harry Potter or distinctive structure, I like to recommend beginning your day at Livraria Lello. This bookstore from the 1800s is alleged to have *perhaps* impressed creator JK Rowling whereas she was dwelling in Porto within the early Nineties. The bookstore actually seems like one thing that belongs in Hogwarts or Diagon Alley, and the crowds every day mirror this tenuous tie to the Boy Who Lived.
Entry to Livraria Lello is now ticketed, and it’s best to guide a timed ticket (€8) online. I’d guide the primary time slot of the day and arrive at the very least 15-Half-hour earlier than the store opens with a purpose to be one of many first ones inside to admire the store’s putting purple staircase and Artwork Nouveau/Artwork Deco design.
From Livraria Lello, I like to recommend making your approach right down to the Palacio da Bolsa to proceed your architectural tour of Porto. The Neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa was constructed within the nineteenth century to be the seat of Porto’s Business Affiliation. It is title interprets to “Inventory Alternate Palace” – however do not be fooled into considering that is only a boring monetary constructing.
Inside, it actually does appear to be a royal palace. Highlights contained in the Palacio da Bolsa embrace the glass-domed Pátio das Nações (Corridor of Nations), and the Arab Room, which is embellished in a lavish Arabic Revival model.
With a view to go to, you could guide a spot on a tour (€10). They provide excursions in a number of languages, however the language a tour is obtainable in is predicated on the primary one that books. (Book in advance here.)
From the Palacio da Bolsa, you may wish to go to one (or each) of Porto’s grand cathedrals. The Igreja Monumento de São Francisco is correct subsequent to the Palacio da Bolsa, and the Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral) is a brief stroll away. Each are historic, and the São Francisco Church is particularly gorgeous inside.
If the climate is sweet, head again right down to the Ribeira and hop on an hour-long cruise on the Douro River to see the Six Bridges of Porto. Seeing the town from the water offers you yet one more set of wonderful views. (Book a cruise here; they run hourly.)
This night, I like to recommend taking a meals tour in Porto. I went on a “Classic Meals Tour” with Taste Porto Food Tours, which is a 3.5-hour journey via Porto’s evolving meals scene. The tour consists of tastings of the whole lot from espresso to canned fish to a bifana (pork) sandwich, and ends with a radical Port wine tasting.
I like doing meals excursions on my travels, and this one is a good introduction to Porto’s meals scene. (Plus, you get greater than sufficient tastings to cowl dinner!)
The place to remain in Porto: I stayed at Pestana Porto – A Brasileira, a luxurious resort in a historic constructing within the coronary heart of Porto. Different good choices in Porto embrace Hotel Infante Sagres (mid-range), or The Yeatman throughout the Douro River in Gaia (luxurious).
Day 8: Day journey to Braga
You actually solely want two days to see all of the highlights in Porto. So at present I like to recommend taking a day journey. My choose is the town of Braga, positioned to the northeast of Porto. This metropolis is thought for the Bom Jesus do Monte spiritual advanced, which I’ve wished to go to ever since seeing pictures of it just a few years in the past.
I did this present day journey independently, which started with shopping for a practice ticket on the São Bento practice station in Porto.
Professional tip: Get to São Bento just a little early so you may admire the painted tile partitions earlier than it’s important to catch your practice.
To get to Braga, you may take a suburban practice from Porto. You should buy tickets from a machine if you’re prepared to depart (no must pre-book). They price 3.75 Euro one-way, and the machines do supply an English language possibility (simply search for the steel button with a British flag over it).
Earlier than getting on the practice, you may must validate your ticket utilizing a machine on the platform.
The practice to Braga takes just a little over an hour, and the station you are listening for is simply referred to as Braga. If you arrive, it is a 5-10 minute stroll from the station to the historic heart.
Professional tip: You may doubtless have the ability to observe others out of the station and into city, nevertheless it’s not a foul concept to drag up a map of Braga earlier than you permit. Google Maps does permit you to save maps to your cellphone for offline use, or make sure to have your Airalo eSIM able to go so you should utilize your cellphone like regular.
There are a number of fairly buildings and squares to see in Braga, which you may wish to cease and do in your approach via city. Some highlights embrace Paços do Concelho de Braga (Braga Metropolis Corridor), Sé de Braga (Braga Cathedral), São Marcos Church, Antigo Paço Arquiepiscopal (Archbishops’s Courtroom), Palácio do Raio, and Praça da República.
However the aim for most individuals visiting Braga is to get to Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site as of 2019, which is positioned simply outdoors of city.
To get to Bom Jesus do Monte, you may both name an Uber/taxi, or you may take a bus.
You catch the native #2 bus on Avenue da Liberdade in Braga. The bus cease is on Avenida da Liberdade (the primary road that begins on the Praça da República) simply after it intersects with the Rua do Raio, diagonal from the submit workplace. Buses depart roughly each Half-hour at :10 and :40 previous the hour, and you purchase the 1.65 Euro ticket from the driving force if you get on.
Professional tip: For those who’re uncertain about the place/the way to catch the bus, the Vacationer Workplace of Braga is on the nook of Praça da Republica, proper on Avenida da Liberdade. I ended in there to double examine!
The bus journey to Bom Jesus do Monte takes 15-20 minutes, and Bom Jesus is the ultimate cease. The bus drops you off close to the Vintage Funicular and the underside of the well-known “Sacred Means” staircase and its 577 steps.
I like to recommend taking the funicular on the way in which up. The funicular dates again to 1880 and is the oldest funicular on the planet moved by water counterbalancing. The funicular runs kind of along with the buses, so head straight there to purchase your ticket (which prices 2 Euro one-way) if you get off the bus.
Professional tip: The funicular runs commonly each Half-hour, at :25 and :55 previous the hour (these occasions normally coincide with the arrival of buses). So make sure to purchase your ticket and hop on immediately, in any other case you might need to attend round for the following automotive (or courageous these 577 steps).
As soon as on the high, you may discover the grounds of the sanctuary advanced, which incorporates gardens, a small grotto, the double-towered Bom Jesus church, and even a restaurant.
The perfect half about visiting Bom Jesus do Monte is that it is fully free, so take your time soaking within the tranquil environment.
The spotlight of this sanctuary, although, is undoubtedly the staircase, which I purposefully saved for final. There are 577 steps main up in the direction of the church, with the final couple hundred inbuilt an unbelievable Baroque sample that zig-zags upward.
The staircase design consists of statues, dioramas depicting the Stations of the Cross, in addition to fountains that characterize every of the 5 senses (contact, scent, style, sight, sound).
Bom Jesus do Monte has been a web site of pilgrimage because it was constructed, and the thought is that as pilgrims climbed the steps (ideally on their knees), they might encounter a theological program that touched on all of the senses.
I like to recommend strolling all the way in which down the steps to totally respect them.
When you get again right down to the underside of the staircase, you may catch the bus both again to central Braga if you wish to discover extra, or head straight to the practice station to take the practice again to Porto (the #2 bus goes to the practice station, too).
Do not wish to navigate Braga by yourself? You may as well guide a day journey from Porto that features each Braga and close by Guimarães. Book here.
The place to eat at present:
- Espresso and/or lunch at Cafe A Brasileira in Braga (probably the most well-known espresso store in Braga with lovely structure)
- Dinner at Tapabento in Porto (close to São Bento practice station; making a reservation forward of time is extremely beneficial)
The place to remain in Porto: I stayed at Pestana Porto – A Brasileira, a luxurious resort in a historic constructing within the coronary heart of Porto. Different good choices in Porto embrace Hotel Infante Sagres (mid-range), or The Yeatman throughout the Douro River in Gaia (luxurious).
Day 9: Douro Valley tour
You possibly can’t go to northern Portugal and never go to the well-known Douro Valley. (You simply cannot!)
The Douro Valley is a particular wine grape-producing area in Portugal. It’s the place the well-known Port wine comes from – and the ONLY place port wine comes from. It’s just like the Champagne area in France; beneath Protected Designation of Origin legal guidelines within the EU, solely fortified wine made with grapes from the Douro wine area might be referred to as port.
Folks will inform you that one of the simplest ways to discover the Douro Valley is by automotive, however in case you’re like me and do not wish to lease a automotive solo in Portugal, you may simply go to the hilly wine area on a day trip from Porto.
I booked a day journey that included a tour and port tasting at one winery, lunch and one other port tasting at one other winery, and an hourlong cruise on the Douro River. (It was this tour, and it was nice, as the ten,000+ critiques can attest!)
The Douro is know for its steep vineyards – so steep that the grape-picking can’t be automated by machines; on this a part of the world, almost the whole lot continues to be completed by hand. Getting up near the vineyards and studying in regards to the port-making course of from locals was undoubtedly a spotlight.
Plus, the surroundings is simply gorgeous!
A day tour to the Douro Valley will final 8-9 hours, nevertheless it’s completely price it to get a really feel for this distinctive area.
Try the tour I did: Douro Valley Day Tour Review
The tour consists of choose up/drop off at your resort in Porto, so you may return in time to seize one final dinner within the metropolis.
The place to remain in Porto: I stayed at Pestana Porto – A Brasileira, a luxurious resort in a historic constructing within the coronary heart of Porto. Different good choices in Porto embrace Hotel Infante Sagres (mid-range), or The Yeatman throughout the Douro River in Gaia (luxurious).
Day 10: Prepare again to Lisbon
Right this moment is unfortunately the final day of this itinerary. For those who’re flying house from Lisbon, then you definitely’ll wish to catch a practice again to the Portuguese capital this morning or afternoon. (Or you may look into whether or not you may fly house from Porto, as there’s an airport right here, too.)
For those who’re not flying out at present, get pleasure from one other night in Porto or Lisbon! That is your likelihood to check out any eating places you missed, or to perhaps see one other Fado present.
For those who’re heading again to Lisbon with a flight house the next morning, I can suggest Melia Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel as resort possibility close to the Lisbon airport. This resort is clear, reasonably priced, and inside strolling distance to each the airport and the airport metro station (although additionally they supply a free shuttle). I’ve stayed right here in Lisbon twice!
And do not forget you may get a printable version of this itinerary to take with you!
You probably have extra time…
If you wish to add much more day journeys to your Portugal itinerary, there are just a few extra I’d suggest. These embrace:
- A visit to Cascais (seashore resort-type city) from Lisbon – do that individually from Sintra, as each actually deserve a full day themselves!
- A day journey (or in a single day journey) to Evora from Lisbon (like this one)
- A day journey to Aveiro/Costa Nova from Porto (you may even take a tour)
- A cease within the college metropolis of Coimbra between Lisbon and Porto
What in regards to the Algarve?
One notable omission from my 10-day Portugal itinerary is the Algarve, the southern coastal area well-known for its craggy cliffs and sandy seashores.
Whereas I actually wished to squeeze the Algarve in, the truth is that you could’t probably see the whole lot in only a 10 day Portugal journey. You probably have one other few days to spend within the nation, then I’d certainly look into heading right down to Faro, Albufeira, or Lagos (Lagos would be my pick) for just a few days of seashore time.
(Learn my itinerary for 3 days in Lagos for more information!)
You may get to Lagos or every other metropolis within the Algarve by practice or bus from Lisbon; it normally takes about 4 hours. As soon as there, among the hottest issues to do (aside from go to seashores) are to hike alongside the Ponta da Piedade sea cliffs and go on a boat tour or kayaking tour via the ocean caves.
Have you ever been to Portugal but? If not, what would you most wish to see?
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Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey via the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions primarily based on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!
