Portugal for First-Timers: A Simple 8 to 12 Day Route

Most first-time travellers ask the same question: how do I see the best of Portugal without rushing? The good news is that the country is compact, and with 8 to 12 days you can enjoy its main regions at a comfortable pace.

## The core route 1. **Lisbon, 3 nights.** Start with the city's viewpoints, the old neighbourhoods of Alfama and Baixa, and the riverside in Belém, where you can admire the Belém Tower and learn about the Age of Discoveries. 2. **Sintra and Cascais, 1 day from Lisbon.** Pena Palace, the green hills of Sintra, the wild coast at Cabo da Roca and the old fisherman village of Cascais. 3. **Óbidos, Nazaré and Fátima on the way north.** A full travel day with three very different stops: a walled medieval town, a famous surf beach and one of Europe's best known sanctuaries. 4. **Porto, 2 to 3 nights.** The Ribeira riverfront, the port wine cellars in Gaia and the city's tiled churches. 5. **Douro Valley, 1 or 2 days.** Terraced vineyards, river views and a winery tasting.

That is a natural 8-day trip.

## Adding days - **10 days:** add two nights in the Algarve for coves, cliffs and slow seaside villages, or a day in Évora and the Alentejo. - **12 days:** include both the Algarve and the Alentejo, or add Coimbra and Aveiro between Lisbon and Porto.

## Tips for a first visit - Two or three hotel bases are plenty. Fewer check-ins means more time to enjoy each place. - Keep travel days interesting by adding stops along the way rather than driving straight through. - Spring and autumn are especially pleasant, with mild weather and fewer crowds.

Most of our guests spend 8 to 12 days in Portugal, and this route is the starting point for many of their trips. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your interests and pace.