Portugal · Series
8 places in Portugal worth the trip
Portugal is small, and its best-known places fit together well. Five of these eight line up as one drive from Lisbon to Porto: Lisbon, Sintra, Óbidos, Nazaré and Porto. The Douro Valley is a day trip from Porto. The Algarve is the south coast, about three hours from Lisbon. Madeira is an island in the Atlantic, a short flight away.
The places in this film
- 1
Lisbon
The capital, built on hills above the river Tagus. Allow two or three days, and end one at a viewpoint.
- 2
Sintra
Palaces in wooded hills near Lisbon. Pena Palace is entered by timed ticket, so book ahead.
- 3
Óbidos
A small whitewashed town inside a full ring of medieval walls. A stop of two to three hours.
- 4
Nazaré
A fishing town known for giant winter waves, which break off the headland between October and March.
- 5
Porto
Tall houses above the Douro river. The port wine cellars are across the iron bridge.
- 6
Douro Valley
Terraced vineyards along a winding river. Go from Porto by train, by boat or by car, for a day or overnight.
- 7
Algarve
Golden cliffs, sea arches and caves on the south coast. Boat and kayak trips leave from Lagos.
- 8
Madeira
A green volcanic island of sea cliffs and mountain trails. Flights from Lisbon take under two hours.
Tour links are partner links. They cost you nothing and help keep the guides free. How this works.
Plan it
- Best time
- May, June and September on the mainland. The Algarve is warm into October. Madeira is mild all year.
- How long
- A week for Lisbon to Porto. Add three to four days each for the Algarve or Madeira.
- Getting around
- Trains link Lisbon and Porto. A car helps for Sintra, Óbidos, Nazaré and the Algarve coast. Madeira needs a flight and a car on the island.
Good to know
- Motorway tolls are electronic. Rental cars carry a device and the charges are added to the bill.
- Old town pavements are polished stone. Wear shoes with grip.
- Madeira weather varies by side of the island. Check webcams before a mountain walk.
Frequently asked
What are the best places to visit in Portugal? +
For a first trip, Lisbon, Sintra and Porto are the core. Add the Douro Valley for wine country, the Algarve for coast and beaches, and Madeira for walking and scenery. Óbidos and Nazaré are good stops on the drive between Lisbon and Porto.
How many days do you need in Portugal? +
A week covers Lisbon, Sintra and Porto with stops between them. Ten days adds the Douro Valley and a few days in the Algarve. Madeira is best treated as its own trip of four to seven days.
Is the Algarve or Madeira better? +
They suit different trips. The Algarve is about beaches, cliffs and warm sea in summer. Madeira is a mountainous island with few sandy beaches, known for walking trails and views, and pleasant all year.
