On our first ever visit to Portugal we headed straight for the southern beach town of Lagos, and knew immediately that we wanted to see more. Returning now years later, we decided to jump into a new adventure with a Portugal road trip! This time we would head up from Lisbon to see the northern cities and towns of the country. First off, you should know one week is not nearly enough time to truly take in all of Northern Portugal. After 7 days of driving from Lisbon to Porto and stopping at endless small towns and castles, we left with a deeper appreciation for the country. This Portugal 7 day itinerary will highlight our favorite towns, day trips, foods, and the best hotels to explore from!

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7 Day Portugal Itinerary

Lisbon ⸰ 2 Nights

Day Stop: Pena Palace

Nazare ⸰ 1 Night

Day Stop: Aveiro

Porto ⸰ 2 Nights

Day Stop: Coimbra

Tomar ⸰ 1 Night

Cascais ⸰ 1 Night

Lisbon • 2 Nights

Unless you’re crossing the border and driving in from Spain, Lisbon will most likely be the starting point for your Portugal road trip. There’s no better place to jump into the country and get a taste for Portugal than it’s capital city. We recommend two nights as just one simply isn’t enough to see all of magical Lisbon.

Hike up to one of the many viewpoints above the city for the best view in town.

Spend the morning exploring St. George’s Castle.

Visit the small “A Ginjinha” shop and sample the local cherry liquor.

Head to Time Out Market to taste some Portuguese specialties.

Spend the afternoon exploring the oldest part of the city in the Alfama district.

Grab dinner at Bonjardin and try the famous Peri Peri chicken.

Go out in the Barrio Alto district for drinks and take in some local Fado music!

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Where To Sleep

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Pousada de Lisboa – This elegant accommodation is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and is located in the very center of the city. Classic style rooms with a wellness center, sauna, and fitness area on property.

(High End) – Pousada de Lisboa – This elegant accommodation is part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, and is located in the very center of the city. Classic style rooms with a wellness center, sauna, and fitness area on property. Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – My Story Hotel Charming Augusta – My Story sits on one of the most famous streets in Lisbon, and some rooms even have views of the Rua Augusta Arch! There’s no better place to stay if you want to be close to the water and in the middle of all the action.

(Mid Range) – My Story Hotel Charming Augusta – My Story sits on one of the most famous streets in Lisbon, and some rooms even have views of the Rua Augusta Arch! There’s no better place to stay if you want to be close to the water and in the middle of all the action. Hostel Life (Budget) – Yes Lisbon Hostel – Amazing location right in the heart of Lisbon. Beautiful common room with large windows and an excellent kitchen for cooking. This is the perfect budget option to start your Portugal 7 day itinerary.

For more places to stay in Lisbon you can explore the latest prices here!

Portugal Road Trip Stop: Park and National Palace of Pena

When leaving Lisbon try to get an early start and drive to the Pena Palace before the crowds arrive. This beautiful palace and surrounding national park will be one of the most incredible stops on your Portugal 7 day itinerary! Be sure to leave at least 2 hours to see the castle.

Nazare • 1 Night

Nazare is the type of small beach town that you can’t help but fall in love with. During the warm summer months locals and tourists alike flock to the golden sands and fill the main beach. However, in the colder winter months people come for a different reason!

Nazare is home to Portugal’s big wave competition, and where in 2017 the largest wave ever was surfed. Aside from 80 foot waves, Nazare also has some amazing seafood! So no matter what you’re coming for there’s something for everyone in this little beach town.

Grab a slice of sand and sprawl out at one of the most beautiful beaches in northern Portugal.

Eat your way through the town at the many seafood restaurants that fill the small streets.

Jump on the Nazare Funicular and ride it high above to get a fantastic view of the town.

Tour Praia do Norte Lighthouse, Fort of São Miguel, and surfing museum to have your mind blown with big waves.

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Where To Sleep

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Hotel Magic – This newly renovated upscale hotel is the perfect mix of luxury and fun beach charm. Right in the center of all the action, you’ll be steps away from the beaches with a large breakfast to enjoy each morning.

(Mid Range) – Hotel Magic – This newly renovated upscale hotel is the perfect mix of luxury and fun beach charm. Right in the center of all the action, you’ll be steps away from the beaches with a large breakfast to enjoy each morning. Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – Casa do Mar – Nazaré – Set up on the hillside in Nazare’s old town, this amazing hotel is one of the best deals you’ll find in Northern Portugal. Each room has a cute patio and you’ll be welcomed with a warm embrace from the owner.

(Longterm Travel) – Casa do Mar – Nazaré – Set up on the hillside in Nazare’s old town, this amazing hotel is one of the best deals you’ll find in Northern Portugal. Each room has a cute patio and you’ll be welcomed with a warm embrace from the owner. Hostel Life (Budget) – Lab Hostel Nazare – Bed & Waves – Located in the heart of lower town, you’ll have everything you need just steps away! It’s complete with dorm beds, private rooms, and a common area to meet other travelers. Continental breakfast also served daily.

For more places to stay in Nazare you can explore the latest prices here!

Portugal Road Trip Stop: Aveiro

On your way from Nazare to Porto stop in the small but charming town of Aveiro for lunch. Take an hour to stroll through the canal filled streets and bright buildings before sampling a menu of the day. Almost every restaurant will advertise this deal, and they won’t set you back more than 10 Euros for an appetizer, entree, and dessert! While Aveiro may not live up to the title as the “Venice of Portugal,” it’s still worth a stop on your Portugal itinerary.

Porto • 2 Nights

This lively city in the North quickly became one of our favorite stops on our Portugal 7 day itinerary. Set beautifully on the Douro River, your days will be filled with exploring, eating, and cruising on the water under the six bridges. As Portugals second largest city after Lisbon, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with it!

Indulge in all the Northern Portugal food specialties such as Cod, Octopus, and the Francesinha sandwich. Read all about the best food we ate in Portugal!

Explore the historic Ribeira district which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sample the local Port wine which is made nearby in the Douro valley. You can even add a wine tour from Porto to your Northern Portugal itinerary if you’d like!

Tour the Old Stock Exchange Palace to learn the vast commercial history of Porto.

Walk across the Luis I Bridge for a spectacular view of the city.

Jump on a six bridges river cruise to see Porto from the water.

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Where To Sleep

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel

– Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Downtown Porto Mouzinho Studio Apts – Beautiful apartments in the heart of the city. Complete with an easy check-in and a balcony with views over the Porto streets. The apartments even have kitchens if you’re not feeling up to going out for food in Northern Portugal one night!

– Downtown Porto Mouzinho Studio Apts – Beautiful apartments in the heart of the city. Complete with an easy check-in and a balcony with views over the Porto streets. The apartments even have kitchens if you’re not feeling up to going out for food in Northern Portugal one night! Hostel Life (Budget) – Bluesock Hostels Porto – Beautiful modern hostel set in a historic building in the Ribeira district. Perfect for groups and solo travelers on a Portugal road trip.

For more places to stay in Porto you can explore the latest prices here!

Portugal Road Trip Stop: Coimbra

On the way to Tomar make a stop in the beautiful city of Coimbra. As the home of the famous University of Coimbra and a gorgeous medieval old town, it won’t be hard to spend the afternoon exploring. The only downside is that parking can be very limited. If you see a spot make sure to jump on it!

Tomar • 1 Night

By the time we arrived in Tomar we were exhausted from a packed few days of adventures. Honestly, it felt this small town was just what we needed to slow down. Only having 7 days in Portugal is tough so we wanted to spend a night soaking in a different side of the country. Still, you shouldn’t let it’s small size fool you. Tomar is packed with history and tradition! Undoubtedly, the jewel of this Northern Portugal town is the impressive Knights of Templar Castle sitting high above.

Grab an espresso or orange juice and sample some of the special almond and egg yoke pastries from Tomar.

Walk along the river and down the main street towards the castle taking in the views of the beautiful town.

Hike or drive up to the Tomar Castle and take a self-guided tour of the famous monument.

Take a couple hours to explore more of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and end at the Convent of Christ church.

Have a traditional Portuguese dinner at Restaurante Sabores Ao Rubro, and make sure to try the steak smothered in creamy peppercorn sauce!

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Where to Sleep

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Thomar Boutique Hotel – While there isn’t many luxury hotels to stay at in Tomar Portugal, this is definitely the best in town! The boutique hotel has a modern design and amenities while also within walking distance to all the great Tomar sites and restaurants.

(High End) – Thomar Boutique Hotel – While there isn’t many luxury hotels to stay at in Tomar Portugal, this is definitely the best in town! The boutique hotel has a modern design and amenities while also within walking distance to all the great Tomar sites and restaurants. Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Central Family Palace – A large traditional house that really feels like you’re staying in a palace! Huge rooms with beautiful Portuguese architecture, antique furniture, and wonderful gardens.

(Mid Range) – Central Family Palace – A large traditional house that really feels like you’re staying in a palace! Huge rooms with beautiful Portuguese architecture, antique furniture, and wonderful gardens. Hostel Life (Budget) – Hostel 2300 Thomar – Set in the historical center of the city and just a few minute walk to the main square. Dorms and private rooms are available with a large common area and 24 hour front desk.

For more places to stay in Tomar Portugal you can explore the latest prices here!

Cascais • 1 Night

Instead of heading back into Lisbon before your flight we recommend staying in the small seaside town of Cascais. Specifically if you’re visiting during the summer months, this is the perfect opportunity to get some beach in as you end your 7 days in Portugal! Being just a 20 minute drive from Lisbon International Airport, you can spend your last day swimming in the water and enjoying some relaxation. Get ready for some fun and sun in what’s known as the best beach town near Lisbon!

Rent a bicycle and cruise down the coastline. Be sure to make plenty of stops to jump in the ocean!

If you haven’t gotten enough history on your Portugal 7 day itinerary, make sure to tour the 15th century Cascais Castle.

Stop and try a Bola de Berlim donut. If you see a guy with a cooler on the back of his bike he’s got the best ones!

Grab a beer or sangria at the main beach and catch some rays.

Swim at one of the many unique ocean swimming pools!

Where To Sleep

Ultra Luxury (High End) – The Albatroz Hotel – Set on the cliffs overlooking Cascais, this 5 star hotel has beautiful views of the ocean and uniquely decorated rooms.

(High End) – The Albatroz Hotel – Set on the cliffs overlooking Cascais, this 5 star hotel has beautiful views of the ocean and uniquely decorated rooms. Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Pergola Guest House B&B – Mediterranean style mansion surrounded by gorgeous flower gardens. A quick walk to the main beach and many great restaurants.

(Mid Range) – Pergola Guest House B&B – Mediterranean style mansion surrounded by gorgeous flower gardens. A quick walk to the main beach and many great restaurants. Hostel Life (Budget) – Change the World Hostels – Located conveniently in nearby Monte Estoril, this is a great budget option if you’re stopping in Cascais during your 7 days in Portugal. Large common room with a nice kitchen and washing machine as well.

For more places to stay in Cascais Portugal you can explore the latest prices here!

Have any recommendations for places to go on a Portugal road trip? How about any questions for us? Let us know about your own Northern Portugal itinerary in the comments below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte and Jake

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For more places to stay in Portugal you can check the latest prices here!

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