How to get to Douro Valley: From Porto and Lisbon

Located in the south of Portugal, the Algarve region’s jaw-dropping scenery, sandy beaches, and Mediterranean climate keeps visitors flocking year-round. Although best accessed via direct flights to its main hub in the city of Faro, travelers can easily reach the Algarve and its many cities via land transportation from all over Portugal as well as Spain. A popular starting point to get to the Algarve is Lisbon. From Lisbon, Faro is approximately 280 kilometers by road. Below we have broken down the four major ways to get to Algarve from Lisbon and offer in-depth information for each. We hope it will come in handy on your trip to Portugal.

Nearly 1500 kilometers west of Portugal’s mainland lie nine volcanic isles known for their stunning landscapes: the Azores Islands. As a rather remote archipelago, this paradisiacal part of the world are only accessible by air, with few reliable boat services. A trip to the Azores takes a little planning, but the rewards pay dividends! In this article, we lay out the logistics of getting to the Azores from any of the four corners of the world map. Let us guide you from your screen to the verdant archipelago you want to be at!

The Portuguese island of Madeira is a subtropical destination located in the Atlantic Ocean, just about 900 kilometers off the coast of Morocco. The island is one of the best places to visit on a trip to Portugal, easily reachable from the country's main airports in less than two hours by plane. You can also fly directly to Madeira from major European cities like Paris, Cologne, Rome, and London. TAP and SATA Airlines offer direct flights from North America and connecting flights through Lisbon and the Azores. While the island is not reachable by ferry at the moment, several European cruise companies offer multi-day stops in Madeira as part of their packages.

An established destination for beautiful beaches, delicious food and wine, and vibrant cities, Portugal is also one of the best walking and hiking destinations on the planet. A pleasant climate paired with stunning landscapes that range from dramatic coastline and craggy mountains to enchanting forests and verdant islands, the country should be on the bucket-list for any walking and trekking enthusiast. A trip to Portugal opens possibilities of a diverse range of hiking experiences, including world-famous multi-day hikes and pilgrimages to short coastal and forest paths accessible to nearly anyone.

Hiking in the Azores is an experience like no other, with breathtaking views around every corner and a myriad of native wildlife to revel in along the way. The dramatic landscapes of the Azores are unique to the region, from mystical waterfalls to the colossal craters of the Caldeiras. These volcanic depressions are home to secluded oases of blue lagoons and exotic geosites sure to inspire awe. Trek atop the coastal cliffside, with fabulous viewpoints of the entire island and walk through the lush jungles, listening for rare bird songs. Discover the untouched natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the Azores islands on any one of our top 10 hiking trails in the Azores, listed below.

With 13 days in Portugal, you can embark on a whirlwind journey filled with history, stunning landscapes, and mouth-watering cuisine. Wander through Lisbon’s charming streets, sip port wine in Porto, and lose yourself in the beauty of the Algarve’s golden beaches. From the fairytale castles of Sintra to the rolling hills of the Douro Valley, every corner of Portugal offers something magical. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or a beach lover, a 13-day trip to Portugal will leave you with unforgettable memories and a serious case of wanderlust.

Portugal offers the perfect landscape for an enriching 21-day trip, featuring a blend of history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant culture. In this timeframe, you can delve deep into numerous captivating destinations across the country, from the lively streets of Lisbon and Porto to the tranquil beauty of the Douro Valley and Algarve beaches. Whether you choose to explore the historic cities extensively or hop from one picture-perfect village to another, a journey of 21 days in Portugal promises unforgettable experiences and countless adventure opportunities. Read on to discover what your 21-day trip to Portugal can look like.

Pristine beaches? Check. Stunning landscapes? Check. Adventure activities? Check. The Azores have everything going for it to qualify as an island paradise. So when is the best time to visit the Azores you ask? For our money, we recommend visiting the Azores in August, when the islands enjoy the warmest temperatures of the year and see the least amount of rain. From snorkeling and sunset cruises to dolphin watching excursions and island-hopping, enjoy everything the Hawaii of the Atlantic has to offer.

The volcanic-rich Azores is a paradise of natural splendor and homage to mother nature — and June is a prime time to travel its nine Atlantic islands! Kicking off the summer season, the sun is out (most days), the nights are balmy and the waters warm. June means serious exploring business; adventuring the archipelago’s calderas and crater lakes, fumaroles and natural springs, caves, cascades, fauna and flora, all in comfortable weather. Ocean activities are a top priority, from swimming with dolphins in Faial to learning to surf in Santa Maria.

The idea of exploring Portugal in 11 days may sound impossible, but with a well-planned itinerary, it is very much doable. Thanks to its relatively small size and good transport infrastructure, you can zip around several destinations, soaking up all those Portuguese vibes (and sunshine). You could spend a few days checking out Porto and Lisbon—Portugal’s two most popular cities before hitting the beach in the sun-drenched Algarve or even jetting off to the Azores or Madeira. Eleven days is also enough to set off on a hike or a cycling trip along a section of the country.

Twelve days in Portugal will allow you to see all the main areas of the country, while enjoying stunning hikes in the central region and relaxing days at the beach in the sunny Algarve. Shape your trip around your interests. You can focus on Portuguese art and architecture and tour the cities of Guimarães, Sintra, and all the way to Santiago de Compostela. You can hike the Central Region and Douro Valley, walking the Rota das Fontes and Caminho do Galego. Or explore the South, surfing and walking the Rota Vicentina in the Alentejo and the Algarve. On a 12-day Portugal trip, you can also cross borders to Spain and spend a couple of days there.

If you have eight days to spend in Portugal, there are plenty of options to tailor your trip to your passions and travel preferences. Whether you prefer to stay in one region or travel across the country, the choice is yours. On an 8-day Portugal trip, you could embark on a road trip through the Algarve and spend the week surfing and sunbathing on some of Europe's most beautiful beaches. Alternatively, you could explore the country's major cities, visiting the UNESCO heritage sites of Porto, Coimbra, and Lisbon, or venture to the Azores and explore one or more islands.