Portugal travel guide: itinerary for a 2-week trip

Portugal is an ideal country for a vacation at any time of the year. In winter - few tourists, comfortable temperature of +13-18°C. In spring - even more favorable climate, the opportunity to go hiking on the road El Camino de Santiago. In summer - it is, of course, a beach vacation in the south of the country. And in the fall - the best time to surf and conquer the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

This country has everything you need for different kinds of vacation: historical sights, beaches, ski resort, paradise islands, incomparable cuisine and wine, kind temperamental people, high safety, environmental friendliness.

The once majestic world colony is now looking back with nostalgia. But the Portuguese cherish their glorious past and grandiose heritage, doing their best to keep everything in pristine condition.

Beach vacation in Portugal is very different from, for example, neighboring Spain. It's all about the fact that almost the entire coastline is washed by a cold and turbulent ocean and few places are suitable for a regular beach vacation. And here they are - beautiful and completely fill this gap.

Prices for accommodation in 3* hotels start from €50, and in 5* hotels - from €110. Movement around the country is possible by buses, trains and airplanes. The main air carriers are Ryanair, TAP.

Porto (3 days)

The main "rival" of Lisbon, the glorious Porto is one of the most beautiful "undiscovered" cities in Europe, according to many guidebooks. It is Portugal's second largest city and the birthplace of the famous Port wine. The Ribeira neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the most beautiful and lively area at night, where in warm weather, chairs are brought out of the restaurants into the street, providing an opportunity to enjoy street music and a romantic atmosphere. There are also a number of amazing and beautiful places in the city, including the Don Luis Bridge, the Central Station, the Cathedral, the Bolyan Market, and the Bolsa Palace.

The main features of the city are, of course, port wine and Porto's regional signature dish, the francesinha. It is easy to visit the Port wine production facilities, taste and buy a few bottles. To do this, you will need to visit the Vila Nova di Gaia neighborhood.

Coimbra (1 day)

The small town of Coimbra is the center of Portuguese "wisdom" and university life. It is home to the oldest university in Portugal, as well as many cathedrals.

The whole life of the town is centered around the university. It was founded by King Dinis in 1290 in Lisbon, then changed its residence from Lisbon to Coimbra several times until it finally settled in Coimbra in 1537.

Of some interest is the Portugal dos Pequenitos theme park, a miniature park of buildings and landmarks.

Among the city's cathedrals and churches, the most mesmerizing are the Sé Vella Cathedral, the Sé Nova Cathedral, and the Santa Cruz Church. If you have time left, check out the Mashado de Castro National Museum, as well as one of the most interesting university buildings, the 17th-century library.

Peniche (2 days)

Surfing and kitesurfing have been elevated to the rank of second religion in Portugal. Fans of these sports will be attracted to the town of Peniche. Surfing is everywhere! There are several schools along the coast where you can learn to stand on a board and conquer the churning waters of the Atlantic Ocean all year round. Or simply stroll along the huge long beach, sit in the fish restaurants, explore the ruins of the local fortress and relax.

Alternatives to Peniche are Baleal, which is a few dozen kilometers away, or Sagres, in the extreme southwest of the country.

Lisbon (3 days)

Lisbon dazzles with its grandeur. Houses white as snow with red tiled roofs are the city's calling card. Although there are such houses in many cities, it is in Lisbon that their number exceeds all possible limits.

Lisbon is world famous for a unique phenomenon - Fado. These are traditional Portuguese romances that express the Portuguese longing for the sea, love and home. In Lisbon you should definitely visit Geronimos, Torri di Belém, St. George's Castle, Baixa district, Galust Gulbenkian Museum, Elevador di Santa Justa, Monument to the Discoverers, Ajuda Palace, April 25th Bridge and dozens of other wonderful sights.

And, of course, don't miss the opportunity to ride the colorful yellow streetcar (#28), which will take you to many of the city's sights better than any guide.

Sintra (1 day)

Not far from the capital is the equally beautiful town of Sintra. Most tourists coming to Lisbon are sure to visit it as well.

There are several palaces and castles in Sintra, among which the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, the Moors' Castle, the National Palace of Sintra, and the Palace of Monserrat are worth seeing. 18 kilometers from Sintra is Cape Roca, the westernmost point of the Eurasian continent. There is a memorial sign, a lighthouse, and, as Portuguese poets said, here the land ends and the sea begins.

Lagos (4 days)

The last point of our trip is Lagos. Here you can swim, sunbathe and have fun. There are many cool beaches in and around Lagos: Meia Praia, Praia da Batata, Praia don Ana, Praia do Pinhão and others.

You can book a hotel in Lagos with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

It should be said that Lagos is not the only place for a beach vacation. Rather, from here it is best to start traveling eastward along the coast, straight to the city of Faro. On your way you should pay attention to such resorts: Lagoa, Albufeira, Carteira, Manta Rota and others. The main advantage of this part of the country are the caves that stretch along the entire coast, creating cozy coves and cave beaches. For a small amount of money you can rent a motorboat and go exploring the caves.