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Introducing Portugal

From the seemingly never-ending festivals to the diverse range of cultures that have made Portugal their home over the centuries, to the simple but delightful culinary experiences, the vibrant heritage and cultural diversity of this country captivate travelers.

When is the best time to visit?
Portugal is a year-round destination, but if possible, travelers should aim to visit in the springtime when the almond blossoms and wildflowers cover the countryside. Learn more

Where should you go in Portugal?
Experience the traditional Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon before it will be absorbed by the rest of the bustling city’s culture, tour the ancient ruins of Sintra and historic Evora, walk along the bluffs of Europe’s most southwestern point at Cabo de São Vicente, and relax on the beaches of Ilha de Tavira.

How many days do I need?
There are too many destinations that are must-sees in Portugal to see the country in less than a week. At least 10 days is best. Learn more

Getting Around Portugal
Although smaller than neighboring Spain and France, distances in Portugal are still significant—traveling from Porto to Faro, for example, takes five hours by car. Flying is a quick and comfortable way to get between the country’s major cities, with the largest airport being Lisbon Airport (LIS). Going by bus or train are also options here. Learn more 

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 21 days

Portugal Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Camilo Beach in Lagos
Map of Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days
Lisbon, Porto & the Algarve - 10 Days

Experience three of Portugal's most iconic destinations on this 10-day trip, starting in Lisbon, where you'll tour ancient ruins, cobbled streets, and a UNESCO-listed village in the forested hills. Next, head north to Porto—famous for wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. The hardest decisions fall at the end, where you can choose between spectacular beaches and whitewashed villages in the Algarve.

Madeira Island's northern coast
Map of Explore Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, & Madeira Island - 14 Days
Explore Portugal: Porto, Lisbon, & Madeira Island - 14 Days

This epic Portugal tour highlights two cosmopolitan cities and a stunning mid-Atlantic island—part of an autonomous region—known for its tropical foliage and eternal spring-like weather. You'll kick off in Porto, home of centuries-old wine production and colorful architecture along the Douro River. Then fly to Madeira Island for secluded beaches and untouristed villages waiting to be discovered. Last but not least is Lisbon's friendly, up-and-coming capital—a striking city built on seven hills.

Porto's setting along the Douro River
Map of Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days
Best of Lisbon & Porto - 7 Days

This adventure is the perfect introduction to Portugal for first-timers. Over the course of a week, you'll explore Lisbon's exciting food and culture scene, take scenic day trips to historic villages, and walk through Porto's UNESCO-listed city center. Finish in the oldest wine region in the world before returning to Lisbon by way of the country's medieval capital: Coimbre.

Marinha Beach in Portimão
Map of Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days
Best of Portugal, from Porto to Algarve - 8 Days

This tour mixes Portugal's vibrant cities with the incredible natural scenery of the Algarve region, starting with guided tours of Porto and Lisbon's hilly and historic neighborhoods. Enjoy a day trip to the Douro Valley for a tasting of the region's wine and port varietals, then head south to Algarve to explore its water sports, preserved coastal parks, and endless coastline filled with sandy beaches and rock formations. Spend hours relaxing on the beach, hiking along the coast, or meandering the historic fishing villages, all before watching dramatic sunsets and experiencing the area's exceptional nightlife.

Sunset from the Cabo da Roca near Lisbon
Map of Ultimate Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days
Ultimate Portugal Tour: Lisbon, Porto, The Algarve, Douro Valley & More - 14 Days

This itinerary includes Portugal's two biggest cities, a slew of historic villages, and some spectacular beaches for an epic adventure to remember. Start in up-and-coming Lisbon to explore ancient ruins and trendy districts before going north to UNESCO-listed Porto (and its nearby wine region). You'll also get time in the university towns of Évora and Coimbra—each with its own medieval attractions and dining scenes—before kicking back for a few days in the Algarve.

Beach paths along the Algarve's southern coast
Map of Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days
Lisbon & the Algarve - 7 Days

This weeklong itinerary covers Portugal's biggest metropolis and its southern coast for a city-beach combo that's hard to beat. Kick off in Europe's hottest capital—Lisbon—for a guided introduction to the 'City of Seven Hills', including nearby highlights like Sintra and Cascais. Then, take the train south for several days of glorious beach-hopping while based in a charming old city surrounded by stone walls: Lagos.

Make the Most of Your Time in Portugal

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Foz, Porto's Old Town
How Many Days to Spend in Portugal

Portugal's compact size means you can pack a lot into a short trip—a few days allows for exploration of Lisbon and Porto, along with a few excursions beyond city limits. With a...

Portugal Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Portugal Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of The Lumiares Hotel & Spa
The 7 Best Boutique Hotels in Lisbon

Follow the sounds of fado through Lisbon's streets to one of these hotels in neighborhoods across the city. Stay near the sophisticated Avenida Liberdade and Marquês de Pombal...

Photo courtesy of Mercure Porto Centro Aliados
The 5 Best Boutique Hotels in Porto

Porto's hotels echo the city's history, with locations dotted through the historic city center. Stay in a former manor house or comfortable guesthouse, with options at all...

The Algarve, Portugal
The Best Hotels in the Algarve

Head south to the golden beaches of the Algarve at one of these seaside retreats. Whether you stay in charming Tavira, along the cliffs of Carvoeiro, or at a wellness retreat...

Our Latest Portugal Content

Visit the medieval castle of Almourol in the middle of Portugal's Tagus River
2 Weeks in Spain, Portugal & Morocco - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, you can hit the must-see sights of bustling capital cities on a highlights tour or let your tastebuds lead the way and opt for a culinary and cultural discovery itinerary. Those who dream of traveling back in time will delight in a two-week history tour packed full of relics dating to the Roman Empire, while beach lovers should opt for an epic coast tour complete with time on the Algarve, in Málaga, and along Morocco's west coast.

Views of the Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto
Map of Cultural Highlights of Portugal, Spain & Morocco - 21 Days
Cultural Highlights of Portugal, Spain & Morocco - 21 Days

Get ready for an epic odyssey through the culture, flavors, history, and music of three neighboring countries. This three-week itinerary begins in Portugal with food/wine tours of Lisbon and Porto, plus riverboat rides and coastal hikes. Then you're off to Spain to discover the highlights of Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville before hopping the Strait of Gibraltar and finishing in style at the souks and medinas of Morocco.

 Head to Coimbra and explore its historic and impressive university
Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto & Évora: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that 11 to 14 days is perfect for a well-paced Portugal trip with stops in Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and Évora. It's also possible to hit the highlights in 9 or 10 days, if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Algarve, Douro Valley, or Lagos. Keep reading for more inspiring Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and Évora itineraries.

Portugal Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Portugal map: 7 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Portugal map: 5 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
5 Days in Portugal - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Portugal map: 14 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
14 Days in Portugal - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Portugal
Travel specialist Marina Courtaut
active 19 hours ago

Marina Courtaut

Can you think of a better way to live adventures than traveling? When we travel we open our minds to new experiences and learn new cultures by making the destination we visited our home for a...

read more...
Travel specialist Beatriz De Pablo Rocha
active 17 hours ago

Beatriz De Pablo Rocha

The combination of the two places where I grew up (Madrid and a small village in Badajoz, Extremadura) has made me a passionate traveler almost from birth. Unknown destinations visited by travelers...

read more...
Travel specialist Tiago Filipe
active 1 day ago

Tiago Filipe

I've always traveled extensively with my family and from a very early age developed a strong taste for it. Portuguese were once sailors and discoverers and I like to think of myself as one too: a...

read more...
Travel specialist Patricia Marques
active 18 hours ago

Patricia Marques

I was born and raised in Barcelona (Spain). I started travelling at a young age, and I acquired the passion for traveling from my parents. My passion for traveling made me make the decision to...

read more...

Related Destinations

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Trip Reviews for Portugal

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Excellent Trip Plan for Mainland Portugal and the Azores
Portugal | May 6 - May 19, 2023

Karen
Karen F.
Manhattan, NY | Reviewed on May 30, 2023

Our group could not have been happier with our two week trip to Portugal and Sao Miguel Island! The hotels, transfers, and guides were all excellent. In Lisbon, our guide was Filipa for two days and she was very good. I would definitely recommend Palacio Ludovice Hotel as well - great location, rooms, and customer service. We loved the day trip to Sintra, Estoril and Cascais as well - another great guide and Nortada restaurant for lunch was a great recommendation. Evora was lovely but I... read more

Our group could not have been happier with our two week trip to Portugal and Sao Miguel Island! The hotels, transfers, and guides were all excellent. In Lisbon, our guide was Filipa for two days and she was very good. I would definitely recommend Palacio Ludovice Hotel as well - great location, rooms, and customer service. We loved the day trip to Sintra, Estoril and Cascais as well - another great guide and Nortada restaurant for lunch was a great recommendation. Evora was lovely but I would not necessarily recommend the Pousada de Evora, Convento dos Loios hotel. The rooms were generally sparse and they had very limited staff. However, Telma (our guide for two days) was outstanding and we loved the Olive Oil Estate tour and lunch - definitely a high point. Quinta Nova Winery House was in a spectacular location - but the trip up and down the mountain was nerve racking for those with fear of heights! Our dinner at their restaurant was delicious and the boat trip down the Douro River was wonderful. Would not recommended the picnic lunch at Quinda da Roeda Winery and it was a LONG, uphill walk from the dock (not 10 minutes - more like 30 minutes). Torel Palace in Porto was another high point - beautiful rooms and excellent service in a great location. The trip to Sao Miguel went as planned. However, we did not need the two rental cars. The hotel was only 10 minutes from the airport, so a taxi would have worked fine and we didn't use them the rest of the trip (I think we would have needed them if we stayed in the original hotel at the botanical gardens and probably should have rethought them after we moved to the waterfront). The Hotel Marina Atlantico was nothing fancy but nice with a great view and central location. We loved the Sunset Boat ride, the whale watching trip, and the Food and Wine Walk was wonderful. Natacha for Sete Ciudades and Furnas could not have been better - please recommend her for all of your clients; they will not be disappointed! All in all, we had a fantastic trip and were so happy with Marta and the Kimkim team as always. Thank you again! Karen Friedrich and Team!

Hotel Reviews
Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel
Lisboa

Lovely hotel with good service. Many rooms have windows that overlook the atrium and dining area instead of outside, so you may want to request an "outside" room if that is important to you. Great location in central Lisbon.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pousada Convento de Evora
Évora

It is a converted Convent, so rooms are small and sparse but clean. Minimal staff in the evening/morning so it was difficult to find someone if you wanted a drink at the bar or coffee in the morning. Location next to the ruins is very nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quinta Nova Winery House - Relais & Châteaux
Sabrosa

Lovely hotel with beautiful rooms and amazing views. The cost of those views comes from the trip up the mountain on a narrow, switch back road with no rails - scary up and down trip every day for anyone afraid of heights. There are also no other services so you will need to eat and drink onsite. Breakfast was not served until 8:30AM, and there were no staff onsite earlier if you wanted a coffee or tea. I found that lacking for a Relais and Chateau property. Dinner was outstanding.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Torel Palace Porto
Porto

Unbelievable rooms and amazing service. Central to everything.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Marina Atlântico
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel

A very nice waterfront hotel - nothing fancy but clean and good service with a great balcony facing the waterfront. Very nice bar with good food. Great location.

Authenticity & Character
Feels like a convention hotel, so not really charming.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Marta Trzeciakowska

The most inclusive, an incredible trip I’ve ever had
Portugal | May 16 - May 25, 2023

Terri
Terri G.
San Antonio, TX | Reviewed on May 26, 2023

Rita Chaves was so knowledgeable and professional. I learned so much. I felt she was a great friend after our wonderful time with her. All the drivers were great. Special shout to Leonardo. We had an eight layover and a lot of luggage -heavy also. At one am he helped is take the bags up the street and give flights of narrow streets.
The Fada was so special and memorable.
Sofia was so flexible and accommodating. Loved her fun personality.
Mario was a great driver and fabulous... read more

Rita Chaves was so knowledgeable and professional. I learned so much. I felt she was a great friend after our wonderful time with her. All the drivers were great. Special shout to Leonardo. We had an eight layover and a lot of luggage -heavy also. At one am he helped is take the bags up the street and give flights of narrow streets.
The Fada was so special and memorable.
Sofia was so flexible and accommodating. Loved her fun personality.
Mario was a great driver and fabulous guide.
Catarina was so helpful so and thorough. And very very patient!!
There’s no way our fabulous time in Portugal could’ve been done without all of the wonderful people. Please forgive me for the names I can’t remember,
I am looking forward to my next trip!

Hotel Reviews
Lutecia Smart Design Hotel
Lisboa

The quality of the food and accommodations were for Star.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Vila Galé Porto Ribeira
Porto

Everybody there could not have been more accommodating and kind. It was a great location to get anywhere.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Catarina Cotrim
Catarina
Catarina Cotrim
Local specialist in Torres Novas | Replied on May 29, 2023

Dear Terri (and Teresa & Kathy) it is with my heart full that I thank you for this amazing review! :)
I´m really happy that you have the most amazing time here in Portugal, I can´t wait for your return
You´re amazing clients, really easy going and very helpfull and open to my suggestions, it was a great pleasure to work with you and, of couse, to meet you all :)

I wish you all the best and i´m looking foward to hear from you again
Thank you so much
With a lots of love for you
Catarina

Pedro made our first trip to Portugal beyond ...
Portugal | May 13 - May 23, 2023

C
Claire P.
San Rafael, CA | Reviewed on May 26, 2023

Pedro made our first trip to Portugal beyond memorable. Working with him was very easy. He was responsive and his excellent communication continued through the entire trip. His choice of experiences were perfect for our group. Tours were well rounded in variety and all guides were fantastic. Our fado dinner at Mesa do Frades felt intimate, unique, and local. It was a stand out! As was a beautifully scenic tour to the Duoro Valley. Lunch and tasting at Quinta do Pacheco was another highlight.... read more

Pedro made our first trip to Portugal beyond memorable. Working with him was very easy. He was responsive and his excellent communication continued through the entire trip. His choice of experiences were perfect for our group. Tours were well rounded in variety and all guides were fantastic. Our fado dinner at Mesa do Frades felt intimate, unique, and local. It was a stand out! As was a beautifully scenic tour to the Duoro Valley. Lunch and tasting at Quinta do Pacheco was another highlight. This was a well curated wonderful vacation! Thank you Pedro!

Local specialist: Pedro Luis
Pedro
Pedro Luis
Local specialist in Lisbon | Replied on May 27, 2023

Hey Claire :)
You are awesome! Thank you so much for spending some time writing this message.
Your positive experience and feedback really means a lot to me.
Looking forward to welcome your friends and family in the future.
Your friend in Portugal - Pedro