A 7-Day Exploration of Portugal: From Cities to Coastlines

A week is certainly not enough to explore everything Portugal has to offer, as the country is vast and full of diverse experiences, making it difficult to choose where to start. On this trip, we decided to focus on Lisbon, the southern region up to Portimão, and the area north of Lisbon, all the way to Peniche.

In the following, I will outline the itinerary we followed over the course of 7 days. While it may not have been the most optimal route, we adapted it to fit our work commitments in Portugal. However, you can easily tailor it to suit your own schedule for a more efficient and enjoyable trip.

Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, was our base for both the first and last day of our trip, giving us nearly 24 hours to immerse ourselves in the city’s charm.

That’s why we’ve dedicated a special article just to Lisbon, sharing all the details of what we saw, the spots we visited and how we made the most of every moment in a city that simply inspires. If you’re interested in how we planned our Lisbon exploration and what not to miss, I invite you to read more in this article.

Porto Covo is a charming seaside town, located just two hours from Lisbon. We chose it as a peaceful stopover on our way to Portimão. Along this stretch of coastline, we were captivated by the endless beaches and towering cliffs that seemed to reach for the sky. Every step we took on our walks felt like a balm for the soul. The sounds of the crashing waves seemed to wrap around me, clearing my mind and leaving me with a sense of tranquility. It’s hard to put into words how free I felt—yet also so small and humbled by the sheer power of nature. Even though it was the end of October, I couldn’t resist slipping off my shoes and walking barefoot along the beach, fully embracing the moment.

In the evening, after we had soaked in enough of the waves’ rhythmic drumming and the wind that alternated between warm gusts and biting chill that seemed to seep into my bones, we decided to treat ourselves to a little relaxation. We chose Porto Covo primarily for the Porto Covo Praia Hotel & SPA, which offered a sauna and swimming pool included in the price. We enjoyed a refreshing dip, but our spa experience fell short. The indoor pool was small and low, and the Turkish and Finnish saunas seemed more suited for home use than a hotel spa. In short, it wasn’t anything extraordinary. That said, the room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the breakfast was delicious—so overall, I can’t complain.

From Porto Covo, we continued our journey south towards the Algarve, specifically to Portimão. Rather than taking the monotonous motorway, we opted for a scenic route through Marmelete, where we were surrounded by lush eucalyptus groves. If you’re planning to visit this region, I highly recommend taking this route—it offers breathtaking landscapes and a peaceful, immersive experience that’s far more enjoyable than the highway.

We spent two nights in Portimão, where the climate was much warmer, so we made the most of it by walking barefoot on the beaches of Praia do Vau, Praia da Torralta, and Praia de Alvor first thing in the morning. We savored every moment in the sun, knowing that the days would soon get shorter once we returned home. The list of beaches I wanted to visit in this part of Portugal was long, and though I regret not making it to the famous Benagil Cave, work had to come first on this trip.

For all the motorsport fans out there, we also shared an article on our blog about the thrilling 4-hour endurance race of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), which consists of six races throughout the season and serves as a qualifier for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Algarve is an incredibly popular destination, especially in the summer, thanks to its endless sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. We’re already looking forward to returning for a true, relaxing getaway.

For the last two days, we headed back north. Our destination was Peniche, but along the way, we made a stop in Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to visit the famous Palácio da Pena. This colorful castle is one you’ve probably seen in many photos. If you’re planning to drive there yourself, I recommend setting off with plenty of patience, as the narrow, winding road can feel quite long. It can also get a little chaotic at times, with many cars, tourists, and buses all heading in the same direction. Parking can be tricky, but there is some roadside parking available. For those wanting to be closer to the entrance, there are two larger parking lots located just below the top and at the beginning of the descent into the valley. I also suggest buying your tickets in advance to avoid the long queues at the entrance.

And of course, while we were in the area, we couldn’t miss a visit to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent. The 140-meter-high cliffs provide absolutely breathtaking views. As it has often been described, it’s “the place where the land ends and the sea begins.” Standing at the edge of Europe, you’ll undoubtedly have unforgettable moments, taking in the stunning landscape where the vast ocean stretches endlessly before you.

It’s impossible to visit Portugal without visiting a real surfing area. Peniche is famous for its beautiful beaches, spectacular cliffs and perfect waves that attract surfers from all over the world. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to try surfing, but we were able to watch the pros as well as the beginners who were just getting used to the waves. Peniche is a city with soul, a rich history and a relaxed adventurous spirit of the people who visit.

If you take a drive around the peninsula, you’ll encounter numerous cliffs, each with detailed explanations about how the Atlantic Ocean once separated the Iberian Peninsula from North America. Along the way, you can also catch a glimpse of the Berlengas Islands. We decided to leave the visit to these islands for next time, as they’re definitely something worth exploring on a future trip.

We had one last night in Lisbon before returning home. You can read more about our exploration of this beautiful city in a special blog dedicated exclusively to discovering all the hidden corners of Lisbon.