10 Day Itinerary to Exploring Portugal: Travel Plan for Discovering Portugal on a budget

Thinking of spending 10 days exploring the beautiful sights, sounds and tastes of Portugal? This is not a simple task, as the country has so much to offer! This suggested itinerary to explore Portugal is not for the faint of heart, as it's quite face paced. It is packed with more amazing things to see and do in 10 days than you probably though possible! However, being the passionate travelers that we are, we couldn't hold back from catching a glimpse of Portugal's better known cities and some off the beaten path towns along the way. Here is our recommended 10 days itinerary to exploring Portugal!

10 DAY ITINERARY TO EXPLORING PORTUGAL: TRAVEL PLAN FOR EXPLORING PORTUGAL ON A BUDGET

Peniche

Starting the vacation by landing in Lisbon, get your rental vehicle and head out of the busy city for the relaxing charm of Peniche. Located 1h20 north of Lisbon, this first stop can be a departure point for a ferry to the Berlinga Island (which we attempted to visit but were unable to due to weather) or a great place to drive around and stop at the various points to take in the roaring waves of the ocean, watch surfers chance their luck at a nearby beach, or walk along the many breathtaking rock formations along the sea line with crashing waves.

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 hours

If you have the time (and the weather permits), don't miss out on the Berlinga Island! We heard wonderful feedback from all who went, but sadly Mother Nature wasn't keen on allowing us to go while we were there. This activity requires a ferry ride over to the island from Peniche and would likely take approx 5-6 hours (including the ferry) to complete.

Obidos, Portugal

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Obidos

The next stop is located 25 minutes east from Peniche, and boast a great gem that's adored by those its lucky visitors! This beautiful village has city walls on top of which you can venture to see the city from a different viewpoint. Keep in mind that walking along the city walls takes at least 30 minutes by itself, but you'll certainly want to explore on the ground after seeing the city from above. Enjoy a stroll down the city's cobblestone roads with picturesque houses and shops, or sit down for a meal; either way we recommend taking in this great destination. There are also many shops that sell Ginjinha (sour cherry liquor, a local specialty), and if you're not driving consider trying it in a chocolate cup!
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Recommended length of stay: 2-4 hours

Night 1: This is a good time to call it a day! Find accommodations in the nearby areas and you'll be rewarded with a wonderful selection of budget friendly private rooms! We recommend you consider staying just outside of Obidos, as accommodations located inside the old city walls cost more than those on the outside.

Nazare, Portugal

Nazare

This bustling beach destination is perfect for those seeking a wide beach with a variety of available activities. From soccer ("football" for Europe) fields with nets, to sunbathing chairs and huts. There are endless little shops and restaurants located along the street which lounges the beach, making it a perfect opportunity for window shopping or enjoying a delicious meal. There's also a funicular to go up the hill for gorgeous views of the city overlooking the beach. If you're on a tight budget or simply could use the exercise, you can opt to take the trail up the hill and walk it by foot. Don't miss out on the win

Recommended length of stay: Ideally we would recommend a day here (or more, depending what type of vacation you prefer and how long you have), but we would say that you should spend a minimum of 3-4 hours in order to catch a glimpse of what this beach has to offer and enjoy a little walk in the sand.

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Grounds around Quinta da Regaleira, in Sintra (Portugal)

Coimbra

Renowned for its university, this city makes for a great stop on your way north to Porto. Walk along the river, crossing the water via the pedestrian bridge to circle back taking the bigger bridge (Ponte de Santa Clara). From there, go straight at the set of lights and enjoy a stroll through the small winding roads, taking in the cololurful houses, appetite inducing bakery and restaurant smells and adorable little shops. 

Recommended length of stay: 2-4 hours

Night 2- 4: Once you make it to Porto, it's time to unpack your bags for a few nights! Ideally, accommodations within walking distance to the downtown core are great and easily accessible by foot. However, if you want to save some money on accommodations you can opt for staying nearby and simply utilize the public transit to make it into the city. (Either way, make sure to find accommodations where you that have available parking nearby at an affordable cost, as Porto has much more traffic, making driving and parking much more complicated in this city.)

Porto, Portugal

Porto

You've finally made it to one of Portugal's most renowned cities! Call Porto "home for 3 nights while you enjoy tastings of Port Wine, walk around this city taking in its various sights and perhaps take a short trip to the coast to exfoliate your feet in the sand while catching some sun-rays on the nearby beaches. Make sure to look at our upcoming guide to visiting Porto in 2 days in order to get specific recommendations of things to do and see!

If you have more time to dedicate to Portugal's north or are a true wine enthusiast, consider exploring the Doule River and it's picturesque scenery for a few days extra!

Wine cellar in Porto, Portugal

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Evora

After spending a few amazing days in Port wine country, it's time to pack your bags and head down south! Hop into your car and pay attention to the changing scenery taking place throughout the day as you go from Portugal's north to the Algarve region. As this is a long drive, take a break in Evora! Go visit the Chapel of Bone, check out the ancient Roman Temple or Evora, and wander the streets of this off-the-beaten-path Portuguese city until you locate an adorable restaurant for a sit down meal or drink.

Recommended length of stay: 1-4 hours

Beaches and Cliffs near Lagos, Portugal

Lagos

You've made it to the beaches of the Algarve region! It's time to put on your bathing suit, grab a towel and go exploring the nearby breathtaking destinations. ​At night, make your way to the downtown core where you can adventure down the winding cobblestone roads and indulge your senses in the saliva inducing smells from the delicious restaurant meals, the sounds of live music, and the sights of the many little shops lining the streets. 

Recommended length of stay: As long as you have (or at least 3 days).

Night 5-7:  If possible, try to get accommodations within walking distance to the downtown area. That way, you'll be able to walk there in the evenings, will be within short driving distance to many stunning beaches and can walk to a couple beaches should you decide to avoid driving at some point.

Lisbon

Once you've charged your Vitamin D and exfoliated your feet in the pristine sand of the Algarve's beaches, take a day to drive up to Lisbon. Portugal's capital is a great destination to explore and certainly deserves longer than what we allotted for it. Make sure to take in the nearby town of Sintra , the magical land of fairy tale castles that's a must-see! 

Recommended length of stay: 2-3 days (possibly more, especially if you love bigger European cities)​

Night 8-10: Lisbon is a big city with great public transportation, so get whatever accommodations you can find within your price range that are near public transit and you should be good! When we went, we opted to stay in the Belem area, as it was a quieter spot yet a short transit ride away from everything we wanted to visit.

They say "laughter is the best medicine"
Have a few laughs at our expense by reading our Travel Fails! 

Once you've completed this 10 day itinerary to exploring Portugal on a budget, you're sure to be ready to head home and relax! However, if that's not the case have a look at these 10 reasons why you should go visit the Azores, Portugal's mystical islands! 

​J&C