Portugal Travel Guide

Lisbon at blue hour with the Tagus and bridge

MY HORIZON DIARY · PORTUGAL

Atlantic light, river cities and expansive coastlines

Portugal at a glance

Portugal works beautifully as a rail journey between Lisbon and Porto with one deliberately chosen region. Spring and autumn are comfortable; July and August are hot and crowded in the Algarve.

The ideal 12–14 day route

Days 1–4 · Lisbon

Alfama, Baixa, Belém, miradouros and a day trip to Sintra. Start Sintra early.

Days 5–7 · Porto

Ribeira, Cedofeita, Gaia and markets. Reserve cellar visits.

Days 8–10 · Douro

Take the train to Pinhão for vineyards and river scenery.

Days 11–14 · Alentejo or Algarve

Choose Évora and quiet villages or Atlantic cliffs and beaches.

Douro Valley with vineyards river and train — Douro Valley

Regions with character

Lisbon & Sintra

Historic quarters, viewpoints and palaces.

Porto & the north

Granite city, Douro, Braga and Guimarães.

Alentejo

Open plains, cork oaks, Évora and slow travel.

Algarve

Cliffs, fishing towns and highly seasonal resorts.

Madeira & Azores

Islands for hiking, volcanic landscapes and nature.

Golden Atlantic cliffs of the Algarve — Algarve

Getting around Portugal

Intercidades and Alfa Pendular trains connect Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto and Faro. Metro, tram and bus cover Lisbon and Porto. A car helps in Alentejo and remote coastal areas but is a burden in historic centres.

Food, restaurants and supermarkets

Try bacalhau, grilled sardines, cataplana, Porto francesinha and pastéis de nata. Reliable tascas have short menus and local customers. Lidl and Aldi are economical; Continente, Pingo Doce, Auchan and Intermarché offer broad ranges. Lunch menus are often good value.

Portuguese market with fish bread and regional dishes

Accommodation and safety

Baixa, Chiado, Estrela and Arroios are practical in Lisbon; Cedofeita and Bonfim in Porto. Guard against pickpockets on trams, metros and viewpoints. Respect currents and warning flags on Atlantic beaches and follow wildfire guidance in heat. Emergency number: 112.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a car?

Not for Lisbon, Porto or Coimbra; often useful in Alentejo and remote coastal areas.