Portugal in 9 Days: 4 Recommended 9-day Itineraries to Portugal

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Portugal 9-day itinerary options
Check out some of our 9-day Portugal itinerary ideas below.
Itinerary #1: Beach towns and big cities


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon and spend the day discovering the city | City exploration |
Day 2 | Head to Porto, stopover in Fatima and Coimbra and return to Porto | City sightseeing |
Day 3 | Explore Porto and its attractions | City sightseeing |
Day 4 | Travel south to Aveiro, reach the medieval town of Obidos before arriving at Peniche | Exploration |
Day 5 | Unravel the sites of Peniche | Sightseeing |
Day 6 | Continue south to Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage City | Sightseeing |
Day 7 | Enter the Algarve region and enjoy its beaches | Beach day |
Day 8 | Travel back to Lisbon and then spend the rest of the day in Sintra | Leisure |
Day 9 | Return to Lisbon for flight home |
As this itinerary shows, 9 days in Portugal is enough time to travel from the north to the south of this country, making your way through the historical towns and their best beaches. Wander among the winding streets of Coimbra and go surfing in the stunning Praia do Baleal in Peniche. There is enough time to explore interesting cities and their treasures too. At Porto, check the incredible view over the city from Clérigos Tower, visit the bookstore ‘Livraria Lello’ that inspired J.K. Rowling’s books, and take a tasting tour in the famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Don’t miss the Roman Temple in Évora, the macabre Chapel of Bones, and the prehistoric remains of Almendres Cromlech. With 9 days at your disposal, you’ll have the time to fully explore each one of the destinations proposed, still having plenty of time spare to relax at the beach or rent a board for the day. Check Praia do Amado and Praia do Zavial for some top-notch surfing spots in the Algarve. See all 9-day tours in Portugal.
Itinerary #2: Lisbon and Madeira Island

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon and spend the day discovering the historic city center | City sightseeing |
Day 2 | Tour the seven hills of Lisbon and visit major landmarks | City sightseeing |
Day 3 | Choose a tour of Sintra. Try Portuguese seafood in the port area of Lisbon | City exploration |
Day 4 | Take a flight to Madeira from Lisbon airport and start discovering the island | Island exploration |
Day 5 | Discover all that Funchal has to offer | Exploration |
Day 6 | Explore the west coast today | Exploration |
Day 7 | Uncover Camacha, ‘the village of basket makers’, enjoy Pico do Areeiro, and head to Santana | Exploration |
Day 8 | Travel back to Lisbon | Transfer |
Day 9 | Get ready for your return flight |
You can easily spend 9 days exploring the island of Madeira and also have a few days discovering the Portuguese capital. With two manageable flights to Madeira and back, you can visit the fado houses in Alfama and discover the seven hills of Lisbon, before finally arriving in Madeira. Hike the Cabo Girão, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, go trail running in the inland paths network of levadas and take a dip in Porto Moniz, a natural swimming pools. Nine days is the optimal time to fully experience Madeira, while at the same time getting a little taste of Lisbon, mixing cultural sightseeing with outdoor activities. See all Portugal tours.
Itinerary #3: Douro hiking tour


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Start your trip in Sabrosa from where your walk across the Douro Valley begins | Walking tour |
Day 2 | Walk to Fermentões, crossing the lush vineyards of Douro Valley | Hiking |
Day 3 | Hike along the stone-paved roads connecting the numerous winemaking quintas to Provesende | Hiking |
Day 4 | Take a hike down along the riverside to Pinhão and end in Ucanha | Hiking |
Day 5 | Trek to the village of Ucanha and end with wine tasting | Hiking |
Day 6 | Arrive in the city of Lamego and go on a sightseeing spree | Hiking |
Day 7 | Follow the trail to the pilgrims’ ways in the interior of Portugal merging the Santiago’s way and arrive in Cambres | Hiking |
Day 8 | Head for Porto and relax | Hiking |
Day 9 | Get ready for your flight back home |
Hiking is one of the best ways to fully see the natural beauty of the Douro Valley. By walking across the region, you’ll have the chance to visit small quintas, taste the best Green and Port wines in the country and relax along the Douro River’s banks. A trek across the Douro Valley for nine days allows you enough time not only to enjoy the trails but also some time to cool down and sightsee in the historical town of Lamego, learn about winemaking in Fermentões and relax in the stunning nature around Cambres. Conclude your trip with a visit to Porto, the perfect place to discover Portuguese cuisine and its renowned seafood. See all hiking trips in Portugal.
Itinerary #4: Explore the best of Portugal

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Lisbon and enjoy dinner in one of the traditional tavernas ‘Tascas’ in Baixa or Chiado | |
Day 2 | Go explore Lisbon and its landmarks | City sightseeing |
Day 3 | Drive south and enter the Algarve region. Explore Lagos, Ponta da Piedade and reach Sagres | Road trip |
Day 4 | Head north to the Alentejo region, exploring the town of Mértola and continue to Évora | Exploration |
Day 5 | Head to Fátima through Marvão and Aljustrel | Road trip |
Day 6 | Make your way to Porto and start exploring the UNESCO heritage city center | City sightseeing |
Day 7 | Continue your trip north and arrive in Braga. Head to Guimarães and end in Coimbra | Road trip |
Day 8 | Explore Coimbra in the morning and head south towards Lisbon | City exploration |
Day 9 | Bid Portugal goodbye |
Travel across the entire country to have a taste of all that makes Portugal unique. Start in Lisbon and work your way down to the sunny Algarve. Swim at the golden beach of Praia do Beliche and see and kayak among the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade. Pass by the Roman ruins of Évora in Alentejo, and make your way to the lush north for a Vinho Verde degustation in the heart of Douro Valley, in Sabrosa and Pinhão. To fully see and experience Portugal, you will need to spend at least 9 days in the country. This will give you enough time to sightsee some of the oldest towns in Europe, while also enjoying the diverse nature and scenery of the country.
Get a bespoke tour to Portugal similar to the one above or completely different.
Planning an itinerary to Portugal for 9 days?
If you want to fully explore Portugal, you can choose from several itineraries based on your preferences and passions. A 9-day Portugal itinerary plan is good enough to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture and fully explore one region or travel across the entire country. While there are frequent buses connecting major cities, the rail system is not very developed. The best way to move around the country is by driving, allowing you to easily reach smaller, more authentic destinations. Book one of our 9-day tours in Portugal or reach out to our travel specialist to plan a customized trip to Portugal.
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