10-Day Portugal Itinerary: The Road Trip Route No One Else Takes
Last Updated: April 2026
How to Spend 10 Days in Portugal On A Road Trip
Have 10 days in Portugal? Then this post is for you! Portugal flew under my radar for a long time, until I saw photos of Lagos and the small towns in Alentejo, and I knew then I had to visit. Lisbon and Sintra may be what Portugal is known for, but trust me Portugal’s charm lies in its small towns and countryside.
You may notice Porto missing on this itinerary, but I wanted to have a good mix of everything that Portugal has to offer – from the bustling capital of Portugal to the charming towns of Alentejo, to the breathtaking cliffs of the Algarve. And with so much to see, I decided to leave it for another trip. But if you have extra days, definitely include Porto on your Portugal road trip.
Let’s begin this Portugal 10 day road trip adventure!
10 Days in Portugal Itinerary
Day 1-3 Lisbon
Day 4- Sintra
Day 5 Evora
Day 6 Elvas and Monsaraz
Day 7-10 Lagos
Bonus: Porto
How to get to Portugal
Depending on where you are coming from, most likely you will be flying into Lisbon Airport (LIS), which serves most of the international flights.
From Europe: There are two options; you can either fly to Lisbon (LIS) or Faro (FAO) airport, the latter is located in the Algarve region. You can adjust the itinerary and start in Lagos instead. You can pick up the car at FAO airport and drop it off in Lisbon.
From South of Spain: If you are in Seville, you can take the bus to Faro. It will drop you off at the airport (FAO) where you can pick up your rental car.
10-Day Portugal Itinerary
Day 1- 3 Lisbon
Lisbon is such an incredible city with plenty of things to do and see. Every little nook exudes charm, delicious restaurants abound, and getting lost in the maze-like neighborhood of Alfama is simply a must! It doesn’t matter how long you stay, you won’t get enough of the Portuguese capital.
More on Lisbon: To learn more about this fabulous city, check out my Lisbon Guide + food recommendations included!
Top Things To do in Lisbon
- Explore Lisbon’s neighborhood of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Chiado
- Go on a walking tour and learn about the rich history of Lisbon. Check out this walking Tour that will take you to the most popular neighborhoods and on a train ride!
- Go on a sailing tour on the Tagus River. You will get some amazing shot on this sailing tour.
- Tour of Lisbon's traditional eateries. This food tour will take you to many local places and feed you delicious food.
- Get a unique souvenir from Livraria Bertrand the oldest bookstore in the world.
- Visit the LX Factory
- Enjoy a coffee break at one of the many cafes in town
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Where to stay in Lisbon
Depending on which neighborhood you would like to stay in Lisbon, there are many great options. On my Lisbon guide, I discuss more in-depth about the pro and con of each neighborhood and the hotels recommendations. You can check out my Lisbon Guide here.
Day 4 Sintra
Sintra is probably on everybody’s Portugal itinerary and for good reasons! Here you will find the famous Palacio da Pena and other gorgeous palaces, including my favorite Palacio de Monserrate – which you cannot miss! It’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site and its picturesque old town is not to be missed either. With long lines even during low season, a day in Sintra may not be enough to see everything you hope to, so make sure to arrive early!
More on Sintra: Complete Guide To Visiting Sintra
Sintra Itinerary
9:15 am - Arrive at Palacio da Pena, so you have time to find parking and be at the gate by 9:30 am. Make sure to purchase the ticket online so you can skip the ticket line and go straight to the palace. Tour buses start arriving at 10 am so I highly recommend getting there before them, especially in the summer.
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch: After working an appetite at Palacio da Pena, head to town for lunch and explore the old city afterward. It’s small but very charming.
2:15 pm - Belly full, checked. Charming old town, checked. Now, Castelo dos Mouros! Allocate about an hour and a half to two hours to explore the wall of the Moorish castle.
4:00 pm – Quinta da Regaleira is probably the second most popular attraction in Sintra after Palacio da Pena. Allocate two hours to explore this mystical place.
6:00 pm – Palacio de Monserrate is by far my favorite attraction in Sintra. The architecture and gardens are breathtaking, and by far the less visited, so you are guaranteed a peaceful visit.
It’s hard to stick to a schedule when you are wandering and admiring beautiful locations. If you want to allocate more time to each of these places, pick only three to visit: Palacio da Pena, Quinta da Regaleira, and Palacio de Monserrate.
Day 5-6 Alentejo: Elvas, Monsaraz, Evora
There’s an abundance of picturesque villages in Portugal, especially in Alentejo. The region’s history and landscape lend itself to idyllic towns. And if you didn’t know, I absolutely love visiting charming small towns. I spent two days in Alentejo, exploring three of its beautiful villages. Although these places offer plenty of sightseen, I found it best to just wander around town soaking in all the countryside charm.
Elvas
Elvas is a small town that exudes Portuguese charm with its local residents, narrow streets, and whimsical facade – truly a hidden gem. Located east of Alentejo near the border with Spain, Elvas was once a strategic defense point. As evidenced by its famous star-shaped fort Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça and strong encompassing wall. But war days are in the past and what’s left is a quaint town. Elvas is also a UNESCO Heritage Site and features an impressive aqueduct.
If you are a military history fan, you may need a full day to explore the museum and the Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça located off-site. For those who just want to enjoy the small-town charm, half a day is good enough to walk around and grab lunch.
Parking: There’s street parking as well as a parking lot – just follow the signs.
Monsaraz Village
Perched on a hill overlooking Alentejo’s plains, Monsaraz is a small medieval village full of charm with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed cottages, and impressive views. Here visitors can experience the true essence of medieval Portugal in tranquility. The town can be tourist-oriented, but you will be captivated nonetheless. And while you stroll its narrow streets, don’t miss the many shops selling locally produced wine, sweets, and ceramics – they are hard to resist!
Parking: There’s a parking lot right outside the entrance of the village.
Evora
Evora is a UNESCO Heritage site and one of Portugal’s most beautiful medieval towns. In its winding cobblestone roads, you will find the remains of a Roman temple, a commanding cathedral, noble houses, hearty Alentejan cuisine and much more. Evora is ideal for wandering around and finding picture-worthy spots. And in my quest to find hidden gems, I found a few cute cafes and boutiques - like this one where I found my favorite locally made ceramic jar.
To learn more about Evora, check out my Travel Guide to Evora.
Lunch: Grab lunch at one of the many mom and pop’s restaurants in town. Check out Botequim da Mouraria.
Dinner: treat yourself to a nice dinner at 5 Amendoas Restaurant located in Vitoria Stone Hotel. Its menu offer a mix of traditional Portuguese cuisine, modern fare, and Mediterranean influences.
Michelin Star: If you are looking for a culinary experience, check out L’AND Restaurant. It’s located inside the stunning L’AND hotel 15 minutes away from the city center. The restaurant’s menu is a unique mix of Portuguese gastronomy with Mediterranean cuisine, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
Parking: Street parking available
Where to stay in Alentejo
São Lourenço do Barrocal is a 19th-century farm turned boutique hotel set amid vineyards and serene landscape. It’s the perfect hotel if you are looking for a tranquil stay, scenic views, and quintessential Portuguese countryside experience. The hotel also features a restaurant, spa, winery, and stables.
L'AND Vineyards is an architectural gem set amid Alentejo’s scenic countryside. The jaw-dropping wine resort features state-of-the-art suites with panoramic patios and an outdoor fireplace. If you need more privacy, the resort also offers private villas. L'AND Vineyards also boast an in-house Michelin star restaurant for those seeking a culinary experience. This resort is perfect for those looking for a luxurious and serene stay.
Vitória Stone Hotel is a hotel with a modern design located in the heart of Evora. It features a rooftop infinity pool and sauna for those looking for a more city-like stay. At the hotel, you will also find one of the best restaurants in town.
Hotel Convento de Sao Paulo it’s a beautifully restored convent turned boutique hotel that could also double as a museum. You could easily spend a few hours roaming around its surroundings and long hallways. The restaurant may be the only option in the area, but it won’t disappoint.
Day 7 – 10 Lagos
Lagos might be the most jaw-dropping place I've visited in Europe, and I don't say that lightly. The combination of golden cliffs, turquoise water, sea caves, and a genuinely charming old town is hard to beat anywhere on the continent. Yes, it gets crowded in summer (very crowded) but even in peak season the coastline is so spectacular it doesn't matter. Stay in or near the old town, wake up early, and you'll have the beaches almost to yourself before 9am.
More on Lagos: Complete Guide To Lagos
The Beaches: Which One to Visit and When
Not all Algarve beaches are the same, and in Lagos you have several distinct options within walking distance or a short drive of each other.
Praia Dona Ana is the postcard beach — sheltered, turquoise, surrounded by dramatic ochre rock formations. It gets busy by mid-morning in summer, so arrive early or come back in the late afternoon when the tour groups have left. The walk down is steep but short.
Praia do Camilo is smaller, wilder, and in my opinion the more beautiful of the two. You reach it via a long wooden staircase cut into the cliff face — the descent alone is worth it for the views. It fills up fast, so this is strictly an early morning beach if you want space. Go before 9am and you may have it nearly to yourself.
Ponta da Piedade is not a beach at all — it's a clifftop viewpoint about 2km south of Lagos, and it's unmissable. The rock formations here are extraordinary: sea stacks, arches, grottos, and caves carved out by the Atlantic over millions of years. Walk the clifftop path for the views, then take a boat tour from below to see the caves up close. Sunset here is one of the best I've experienced anywhere.
The Kayaking and Cave Tour: Worth It?
Absolutely yes, this was one of the highlights of my entire Portugal trip. The guided kayak tours depart from the beach below Ponta da Piedade and take you through sea caves, arches, and grottos that you simply cannot access any other way. Paddling through a cave with sunlight filtering through the water is the kind of thing you don't forget. Tours run about 1.5 to 2 hours and most operators are clustered along the waterfront near the old town. Book in advance in summer — they sell out. If kayaking isn't your thing, small motorboat tours cover the same caves and are just as good.
Lagos Old Town: Don't Skip It
It's easy to spend all your time on the beaches and neglect the town itself, which would be a mistake. Lagos's old town is small but genuinely lovely — whitewashed buildings, mosaic pavements, a working fishing harbour, and a relaxed café culture that feels authentically Portuguese rather than put on for tourists. Wander the streets around Rua 25 de Abril in the evening, when the day-trippers have gone and the town belongs to its residents again. The Igreja de Santo António is worth a quick stop — the gilded interior is wildly ornate and completely at odds with the simple exterior.
Practical Tips for Lagos
Getting there: From Évora or Monsaraz, Lagos is roughly 2.5–3 hours by car via the A2 motorway. Budget around €15–20 in tolls each way. If you're coming from Lisbon directly, it's about 3 hours.
Parking: Street parking in the old town is limited and frustrating in high season. Use the large free car park near the train station and walk in — it's five minutes on foot and saves a lot of stress.
When to visit: July and August are peak season and the beaches are genuinely packed. Late June and September are the sweet spots — warm water, good weather, and manageable crowds. Outside of summer the sea can be chilly and windy, but the town itself is lovely year-round.
Lagos vs. Sagres: If you want more peace and a wilder, end-of-the-world feel, consider basing yourself in Sagres (30 minutes west of Lagos) instead. It's less polished, more surfer-focused, and significantly quieter. Lagos is the better base if you want restaurants, nightlife, and easy beach access all in one place.
Where to stay in Lagos
Stay in or near the old town. It's walkable, atmospheric, and puts you within easy reach of everything.
Casa Mãe is a chic hotel that offers “sunny relaxing vibes” with a promising restaurant and great atmosphere. It’s located in the heart of Lagos, so you are only a few steps away from the beach.
Aldeia Azul, located 10 minutes away from the town's center, is a beach resort type villa that comes with a full kitchen and laundry machine.
Onyria Palmares Beach House Hotel is the retreat you didn't know you deserved. The modern and minimalistic design amid the blue scenery of Meia Praia and Lagos Bay is the perfect oasis for those looking for a luxurious escape.
Book Your Tours in Advance
Driving in Portugal
Driving in Portugal is relatively easy if you don’t mind the countless roundabouts. The roads are well kept, and drivers are relatively calm, at least compared to Miami and LA. You may encounter a few that like to get up close and personal - even when you are already going above the speed limit. Oh, and overtaking is a national sport.
Finding parking isn’t too hard when you get into towns – but it may be a different story during high season so plan accordingly and arrive early. A lot of places provide parking spaces and some even multi-level parking lot. Most of the hotels outside the cities offer parking as well.
Driving distances in Portugal are actually short compared to other European countries. For example, from Lisbon to Lagos only takes about 3 hours.
10-Day Portugal Budget
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Splurge |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation
Per night, solo occupancy
|
€40–65 | €80–130 | €180–350+ |
|
Car rental
Per day, economy class, full coverage insurance
|
€25–35 | €40–55 | €70–120 |
|
Tolls
Estimated for full Lisbon → Alentejo → Lagos route
|
€30–45 total (via Via Verde transponder — ask at the rental desk) | ||
|
Food & drink
Per day — Portugal is generous with portions
|
€20–30 | €40–60 | €80–120+ |
|
Entrance fees
Sintra (Pena + Quinta da Regaleira + Monserrate), Évora sites
|
€50–70 total for the full itinerary | ||
|
Activities
Kayaking tours in Lagos, boat trips, walking tours
|
€0–20 | €30–60 | €80–150 |
| Estimated total (10 days) | €750–1,100 | €1,400–1,900 | €2,800–4,500+ |
Note: Prices reflect 2026 estimates. High season (July–August) will push accommodation costs 30–50% higher, particularly in Lagos and Lisbon. Visiting in May, June, or September gives you the best value while still enjoying warm weather.
Renting a car in Portugal
To rent a car in Portugal, you are going to need your driver’s license and passport – some websites mention an international driver’s license. But from my experience, my U.S. driver’s license was enough. I rented my car at Sixt, which is my go-to in Europe.
Renting a car in Portugal tips:
Make sure to rent the Via Verde transponder. Portugal has many toll roads without booths, especially in Algarve.
Be aware of extra fees like additional driver fee and GPS that you didn’t request.
You won’t need to rent a car while staying in Lisbon. Most of the attractions are at a walking distance, and you can get Uber everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions: 10 Days in Portugal
Is 10 days enough time to see Portugal?
Ten days is a great amount of time for a first visit, enough to cover Lisbon, a day trip to Sintra, one or two Alentejo villages, and several days in the Algarve without feeling rushed. What you won't have time for is Porto, which deserves at least two nights on its own. My honest advice: do this southern itinerary properly on your first trip, and save Porto and the Douro Valley for a return visit. You won't regret it.
Do you need a car for a 10-day Portugal road trip?
For this specific itinerary, yes a car is essential. Alentejo villages like Elvas and Monsaraz have no practical public transport connections, and the Algarve coast is nearly impossible to explore properly without one. You don't need the car in Lisbon itself (park it or skip renting until Day 4), but from Sintra onward it makes everything easier. Driving in Portugal is straightforward, roads are well-maintained and distances are shorter than you'd expect. Lisbon to Lagos, for example, is only about three hours.
What is the best route for a 10-day Portugal road trip?
The classic mistake is spending all your time in Lisbon and Porto and rushing through everything else. A better approach is to go deep on one region rather than skimming several. My route: Lisbon → Sintra → Alentejo (Évora, Elvas, Monsaraz) → Lagos. It gives you city culture, medieval history, and dramatic coastline without backtracking. If you're flying in and out of Lisbon, you can easily do it as a loop. If you're open to flying out of Faro, you can reverse the route and end in the Algarve.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
May, June, and September are the sweet spot, warm enough to enjoy the Algarve beaches, cool enough to walk around Lisbon and Évora without melting, and far less crowded than July and August. Spring also means the countryside is green and wildflowers are everywhere, which makes the drive through Alentejo genuinely beautiful. Avoid peak summer if you can: Lagos in August is wall-to-wall people, and Sintra queues start before 9am. If beaches aren't your priority, October is also lovely and significantly quieter.
Should I include Porto in a 10-day Portugal itinerary?
Technically you could squeeze Porto in by cutting Lagos down to two days and skipping Elvas, but I'd push back on that. Porto is one of Portugal's highlights and deserves time to breathe. Rushing it to tick a box doesn't do it justice. My recommendation: do this southern itinerary as written on your first trip, and plan a separate long weekend or second trip focused on Porto and the Douro Valley. It gives you something to look forward to, and trust me, once you've been to Portugal once, you will go back.
Only have 7 days in Portugal?
If you only have a week in Portugal and would still like to follow my Portugal itinerary, you could visit Evora, Elvas, and Monsaraz on the same day. It will be a tight schedule, but doable. The towns are very close to each other, and you could visit the three of them in a day. Also, you could cut short your stay in Lagos to one to two days instead of three.
What to eat in Portugal?
Wandering what kind of food to expect in Portugal? Check out my Portugal Food guide for 15 delicious dishes you have to try.
About the author
I'm Diana, a travel writer and the voice behind In Between Pictures. I've been exploring the world and writing about it since 2006, back when travel blogging meant something very different. I've lived across multiple continents and have called Spain home for the past five years, which means Portugal is practically my backyard. I've road-tripped through the country multiple times, from the cobblestone streets of Lisbon to the cliffs of the Algarve and the quiet, sun-baked villages of Alentejo that most visitors never reach. My goal with every itinerary is the same: skip the tourist conveyor belt and show you what's actually worth your time.
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