5 days in Portugal: Top 3 Recommendations
Spending just 5 days in Portugal may not seem like much, but it’s enough time to explore and enjoy most of the highlights. You could, for instance, visit the lovely vineyards of Douro Valley, swim with dolphins in the volcanic Azores islands, admire prehistoric rock art at Vale do Coa, and discover Lisbon landmarks like the 19th-century Ajuda National Palace and the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. Still wondering what to see in Portugal in 5 days? Check out our recommended 4 to 6-day itineraries below to plan your trip to Portugal.
- gary Holzman
- From Australia
1. South of Portugal: 4 days in Portugal
| Day 1 | Start your tour in Lisbon and drive to the whitewashed town of Evora, known for its monuments. |
| Day 2 | Visit the famous red sandstone castle in Silves, a town in the scenic Algarve region. |
| Day 3 | Admire the beautiful ocean views from Ponta da Piedade, and visit the fortress at Sagres. |
| Day 4 | While returning to Lisbon, enjoy the scenery of the mountainous Arrabida Natural Park. |
Lose yourself in the Moorish alleys of Evora and admire the striking architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes a Roman temple, medieval walls and an atmospheric town square. Then head for a trip to Lagos, famed for its old town with cobbled lanes, churches and 16th-century walls, and lovely golden beaches. A little to the south of Lagos is the Ponta da Piedade, a windswept headland jutting out to the ocean over sandstone cliffs. Another beautiful natural space you can see in Portugal in 4 days is the Arrabida Natural Park, with its chalk cliffs, wooded mountains and quaint remote chapels. See all our 4-day tours in Portugal.
2. Iberian Capitals: 5 days in Portugal
| Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon and transfer to your hotel from the airport. |
| Day 2 | See the birthplace of Portuguese navigators and monuments like Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. |
| Day 3 | Visit the Marian pilgrimage site of Fatima and cross over into Spain, ending the day at Madrid. |
| Day 4 | A day of sightseeing tour in Madrid; see Retiro Park, the Glass Palace and the Bullfighting Museum. |
| Day 5 | Tour ends in Madrid after breakfast. |
This itinerary is designed to show you the highlights of Lisbon, Portugal, and Madrid, Spain, in five days.
Begin your trip in Lisbon with a visit to Jeronimos Monastery, a 16th-century architectural masterpiece with an imposing facade. Next, see the iconic Belem Tower that was built to defend the city from hostile raids and listen to Fado, a music genre that originated in the 19th century. Before you cross over into Spain, visit the Sanctuary of Fatima, one of the top highlights of this 5-day itinerary for Portugal and Spain. End your tour in Madrid with a trip to the historic Paseo del Prado, a street lined by important sites like the Prado Museum and the stunning fountain of the goddess Cybele at Plaza de Cibeles. You can also learn about the fascinating history of bullfighting at the city’s Bullfighting Museum. See all our 5-day tours in Portugal.
3. Hiking the Azores : 6 days in Portugal
| Day 1 | Arrive in Sao Miguel, the gateway to the Azores and the largest island of the archipelago |
| Day 2 | Trek from Ribeira Funda to Maia along the coast of Sao Miguel. Visit hot springs in Furnas town |
| Day 3 | Hike to Lagoa do Fogo, the highest water body in the Azores and trek through a eucalyptus forest |
| Day 4 | Fly from Sao Miguel to Terceira Island and hike 9.5 kilometers in the middle of the island |
| Day 5 | Enjoy views of farms and lava flows in Angra do Heroísmo and walk on the Misterios Negros trail |
| Day 6 | Tour ends after breakfast. Depart from Angra do Heroísmo, a city on Terceira Island |
If you focus just on the Azores during your 6 days in Portugal, the itinerary can include trips to at least two islands — Sao Miguel and Terceira. Some of the best views in the Azores are over the Sete Cidades Lake from the many superb viewpoints on Sao Miguel. Other things to do in 6 days in Portugal on this island are hiking to the enchanting Fogo Lake and taking a dip in the natural hot springs of Caldeira Velha. Terceira attracts fewer tourists than Sao Miguel and offers superb views. From Miradouro do Facho, you can see the harbor and the gorgeous countryside. You can also walk inside an extinct volcano, Algar do Carvão, in the middle of Terceira, and explore the beautiful and colorful buildings in Angra do Heroísmo. Describe your ideal 6-day holiday for a customized trip to Portugal.
Still wondering how to spend 5 days in Portugal? Check out all our tour options and other itineraries for Portugal. You can also speak to our local travel experts, who can help you plan a trip spanning 5 days in Portugal on a budget and with your specific requirements. Check out our guide on how many days to spend in Portugal for more information.
