Portugal is a country of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, making it a perfect destination for solo travelers. With its mix of coastal towns, historic cities, and picturesque countryside, Portugal offers an unforgettable experience for those who want to explore its unique attractions. In this 14-day Portugal itinerary, we’ll take you to some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in Portugal. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your time in this beautiful country, from where to go and what to see, to how to get around and where to stay.
Getting to Portugal is easy, with international airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro that offer direct flights from major cities around the world. Once you arrive, Portugal’s efficient and affordable public transportation system makes it easy to get around the country.
Getting to Portugal
How to Get to Portugal By Air:
Portugal has three major international airports: Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), and Faro Airport (FAO). These airports are served by major airlines from all over the world, making it easy to find flights to Portugal from most countries.
Lisbon Portela Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Portugal, and it’s located just 7km from the city center. It’s served by a wide range of airlines, including TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, EasyJet, and British Airways.
Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is located 11km from the city center, and it’s served by airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet.
Faro Airport is located in the south of Portugal, and it’s the main airport for the Algarve region. It’s served by airlines such as Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, and EasyJet.
How to Get to Portugal by Train:
If you’re already in Europe, traveling to Portugal by train is a great option. Portugal is connected to the rest of Europe by an extensive network of train routes, including high-speed trains that run between major cities.
Trains from Madrid to Lisbon take around 10 hours, and trains from Paris to Lisbon take around 20 hours. There are also trains from cities such as Porto, Vigo, and San Sebastian that connect to other parts of Portugal.
How to Get to Portugal by Bus:
If you’re on a budget, traveling to Portugal by bus is a great option. There are several bus companies that offer routes to Portugal from various cities in Europe, such as Eurolines, Flixbus, and Alsa.
The journey times can be long, but the fares are usually very affordable. For example, a bus from Madrid to Lisbon takes around 8 hours and costs around €25.
How to Get to Portugal by Car:
If you’re traveling from Spain or France, driving to Portugal is also an option. There are several highways that connect Portugal to its neighboring countries, and the journey times can be quite reasonable.
From Madrid, the journey to Lisbon takes around 6 hours, and from Paris, the journey takes around 18 hours. It’s important to remember that tolls are required on most highways in Portugal, so factor this into your budget.
The Ultimate 14 Day Portugal Itinerary
Day 1-3: Lisbon
Lisbon is Portugal’s capital city and a great place to start your trip. Spend a few days exploring its narrow streets, beautiful plazas, and historic neighborhoods. Be sure to visit the iconic Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Take a ride on Tram 28 to get a glimpse of the city’s colorful neighborhoods, and check out the Alfama district, known for its charming alleyways and fado music. Don’t forget to sample some of the city’s delicious pastries, like pastel de nata, at one of the many bakeries around town. For more details, check out this guide for 3 Days in Lisbon: Insider Tips and Must-See Sights for Solo Travelers.
Day 4-5: Sintra
Just a short train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is a picturesque town nestled in the hills of the Serra de Sintra. It’s known for its beautiful palaces, parks, and gardens, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site in its own right. Spend a day exploring the colorful Pena Palace, with its whimsical architecture and stunning views, and the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, with its hidden tunnels and grottoes. If you have time, also check out the Moorish Castle and Monserrate Palace. To learn more about Sintra and how to get there, take a look at Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon: How to Explore the Magic of Portugal’s Fairytale Town
Day 6-7: Porto
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and a great place to experience the country’s famous port wine. Take a walk along the Ribeira district, with its colorful houses and restaurants, and cross the iconic Dom Luis I bridge for panoramic views of the city. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace and the Porto Cathedral, and take a river cruise for a unique perspective of the city. Don’t forget to sample some port wine at one of the many cellars in the Vila Nova de Gaia district, across the river from Porto. For a more in depth view of Porto, be sure to read A Perfect 3 Day Porto Itinerary with a Day Trip to Douro Valley
Day 8-10: Douro Valley
Just a few hours from Porto, the Douro Valley is a stunning wine region with terraced vineyards and picturesque villages. Take a scenic train ride along the river and enjoy the views, or rent a car to explore the area at your own pace. Visit some of the region’s wineries for a taste of the famous port wine, and enjoy a picnic overlooking the vineyards. Don’t forget to visit the charming town of Pinhão, with its beautiful train station covered in azulejos, the famous Portuguese tiles.
Day 11-12: Algarve
The Algarve is Portugal’s southernmost region and a popular destination for beach lovers. Spend a couple of days relaxing on its beautiful beaches, like Praia da Rocha or Praia do Vau, or exploring its charming towns, like Lagos or Tavira. Take a boat tour of the stunning coastline and the famous Benagil Cave, or try some water sports like surfing or kayaking. For more info on Lagos, read my post, Solo Travel in Lagos: Exploring the Beaches and Nightlife as a Solo Traveler
Day 13-14: Coimbra
Coimbra is a historic university town in central Portugal, known for its beautiful architecture and lively student atmosphere. Visit the famous Coimbra University, one of the oldest universities in Europe, and its impressive Baroque library. Walk along the narrow streets of the old town and enjoya live performance of fado while savoring traditional Portuguese dishes and wine.
Final Thoughts
Portugal is a wonderful destination for solo travelers, with its welcoming people, stunning natural scenery, and rich history and culture. This Portugal itinerary will allow you to experience some of the best that Portugal has to offer, from its vibrant cities to its tranquil countryside. With a little planning and an adventurous spirit, you’re sure to have a trip of a lifetime in Portugal. Be sure to check out Tips for Solo Travelers: How to Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Adventure.