Are you planning a trip and not sure how to spend a week in Portugal? You can use this guide as a roadmap that will tell you everything that you need to know about your destinations in Portugal and where to stay for each destination.
So, let’s find out how to spend a week in Portugal during your journey through this enchanting country.
How to Spend a Week in Portugal?
When you reach Portugal, there is a flood of ideas, desires, and plans flowing out of your mind. In this situation, you must be confused about what to do first and how to spend a week in Portugal.
You don’t need to worry about this anymore because the complete schedule of your activities is here on how to spend a week in Portugal.
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
As your plane touches down in Lisbon, the vibrant capital city of Portugal, you will immediately feel the energy and excitement in the air. These signals will give you the vibe that the wonderland of your dreams is here; Lisbon is there.
So, once you have reached it, your foremost task to do is to decide how to spend a week in Portugal. Start your week by going through the historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Baixa, where charming cobblestone streets and colorful buildings beckon you to wander and discover.
In the city of Lisbon, you can see the natural and beautiful blend of past and present. When you are thinking or discussing with your family how to spend a week in Portugal, keep a visit to Lisbon at the top of the list of your activities.
Whenever you go to spend holidays in Portugal, don’t forget to hear the whispers of the secret tales about its peak time from the historic neighborhoods of Lisbon.
Another suggestion about how to spend a week in Portugal is to explore the past of this historic city through the windows of its magnificent yellow trams. Jerónimos Monastery and Belem Tower are known as testaments to Lisbon’s Age of Discovery heritage.
If you want to know more about the city and watch it more closely and in more explanation, you can use the facility of Tram 28, which provides a fascinating ride through the glamorous sceneries of Lisbon.
These scenic vistas will enchant you and it will make your holidays in Portugal very special.
Accommodation
When you have spent the bulk of the day taking in the romance and beauty of the city, lodging becomes an issue. You can’t neglect this matter in the discussion about how to spend a week in Portugal.
You have a lot of options for your stay in Lisbon, so you don’t need to worry about having a comfortable holiday in Portugal. You can choose from the lavish Hotel Avenida Palace to the charming and budget-friendly Lisbon Destination Hostel.
Each and every one of these accommodations is responsible for meeting the needs of each visitor. You can choose vacation rentals in Lisbon if you are traveling with family and would want more seclusion.
Day 2: Discovering Porto
On the second day, catch a train or drive up north to Porto, which is the second largest city in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your morning time strolling along the Douro River and admiring the picturesque Ribeira district.
After that, there is a time to venture across the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can indulge in a tasting tour of the popular port wine cellars of the city. After discovering the day spot, take a sunset boat along the Douro, where you can enjoy the fantastic views of Porto’s cityscape as the day fades into the night.
Dinner at Restaurant DOP
Aren’t you aspiring to taste the delicious food cooked by the well-known Portuguese chef Rui Paula? If you are, then you must be overjoyed to imagine how to spend a week in Portugal because dining in DOP is added to the checklist of your activities.
DOP is a popular restaurant in Portugal, and the reason for its popularity is the expertise of Chef Rui Paula. It is the best place to dine with your family and loved ones and treat them to a tasty meal out in Porto. Paula introduces the recipes with special Portuguese ingredients that don’t need very long processing times.
Party at Hard Club
Hard Club is one of the trendiest locations in Porto; it is a combination club and music hall. Arrive no earlier than midnight and plan to stay through the early hours of the morning.
Hop on the Tram
Alight at Praca do Infante Square on tram route number 1. The vintage tram, which rattles along the banks of the Douro River and drops you down in Foz do Douro, is the ideal way to explore a distinct side of the city.
Accommodation
For accommodation at Porto, you have two places to stay. One extravagant choice is The Yeatman, where in addition to luxurious accommodation, you can enjoy gorgeous views of the city. The second option is the Gallery Hotel, which has a reasonable price.
Day 3: Algarve
If you have a desire to bring a feeling of adventure to your vacation in Portugal, the Algarve is an ideal match for your concern about how to spend a week in Portugal. The Algarve is a seaside wonderland of Portugal that has some famous spots like golden beaches, stunning cliffs, and a sunny disposition.
There are many special and historical areas in the Algarve that enlighten the natural beauty of this deserted land. These unique highlights are Benagil Cave and Praia da Marinha, which represent a new side of beauty in such a way that will make you praise the creativity of nature.
So, rather than wasting your time thinking about how to spend a week in Portugal, just move to Algarve if its attractions fascinate you. At Algarve, you will be able to gather some bright memories by visiting the historic town of Lagos. In this historical area, you will find a view into the past history of the Algarve that shows the rich culture of Portugal.
Accommodation
Even if the Algarve is a deserted land, your stay there is not something to worry about, and neither is how to spend a week in Portugal. Whether you are going to opt for the iconic Pine Cliffs Resort or the laid-back Algarve Surf Hostel, the Algarve has something for everyone.
Day 4: Immersing Yourself in Sintra
Your answer to the question, how to spend a week in Portugal?… It cannot be completed unless you add Sintra to that. No trip to Portugal is perfect without a visit to the fairytale town of Sintra.
At the start of your day, visit the colorful Pena Palace, which is located at the top of a hill and overlooks the town. Then, walk through the green gardens of Quinta da Regaleira and discover the mysterious tunnels and grottoes of the Initiation Well.
Finish your venture at the end of the day with a wander through the streets of the historic center of Sintra, where artisan shops and quaint cafes await.
Day 5: Go to visit Madeira
Madeira is also recognized as the island of eternal spring, which is the center of attraction for visitors with its lush views and unmatchable Levada walks. You will get the glamorous alleys of the ancient town of Funchal to explore on this island.
You can find out more about visiting spots in Madeira, if you stroll through the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, or go to Pico do Arieiro for the scenes that will double your amazement. The tour to Madeira will be the most thrilling and awesome experience of your vacation in Portugal.
Accommodation
Madeira provides both ease and comfort in accommodation when and solves your problem about how to spend a week in Portugal up to a large extent. There, you are able to find accommodations such as the classic Belmond Reid’s Palace and the Santa Maria Hostel that are affordable and budget-friendly for you.
Day 6: Azores
The Azores is a group of nine volcanic islands, and it is known as a haven for those who love and admire nature and seek ways for adventure. It is also a great choice for those planning about how to spend a week in Portugal.
So, it will make your vacations full of thrill and adventure as you will get the views of unique faces of nature that you can’t view on normal trips.
The Azores offer a plethora of natural attractions on Earth, whether these are the geothermal wonders of Terra Nostra Park or the serene beauty of Sete Cidades. An exciting venture in this amazing journey of the Azores is whale watching off São Miguel.
Accommodation
The Lince Azores Great Hotel delivers contemporary conveniences, while the Terra Nostra Garden Hotel offers accommodations within nature.
Every one of these locations presents a distinct aspect of Portugal’s rich fabric, guaranteeing that your vacation time in Portugal will be ideal. Your voyage will be full of adventure, discovery, and leisure from the visits to these locations.
Day 7: Farewell to Portugal
As your week in Portugal comes to a close, take one last round through the streets of Lisbon or Porto, soaking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant country. Reflect on the memories you have made, from savoring delicious pastéis de nata to marveling at ancient castles and palaces. And as you board your plane home, know that Portugal will always hold a special place in your heart, beckoning you to return again soon.
Now that you have come to know how to spend a week in portugal, you are no more supposed to be seen confused about that. Rather than this, the thought of how to spend a week in Portugal must trigger a wave of thrill in your heart.
So, make your schedule to visit all these places one by one.