I can’t believe that my family’s trip to Portugal is just a few weeks away! I was just babysitting all of our reservations for this trip (making sure our flights are still on, we have the seats we want, hotel reservations are still good, etc.). I also reviewed all the sites and came up with a tentative itinerary. I say tentative because I want this trip to be stress-free and loosey goosey. This trip is mostly about visiting our friends who moved to Portugal last year. As long as we see them while enjoying Portugal, mission accomplished.
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon
My daughter and I arrive in Lisbon in the late morning, which gives us half a day to explore Lisbon. I never count on having the energy to accomplish too much the first day of an International trip. However, our hotel is a 4-minute walk from the famous Elevador de Santa Justa, which is an elevator that connects two hilly neighborhoods in Lisbon. I’d call it a win if we can experience that and just explore the area right around our hotel.
Day 2: Lisbon
My daughter and I have the whole day in Lisbon while we wait for the other half of the family to arrive in the evening. I’m tempted to book a Tuk Tuk tour of Lisbon to see the highlights in an efficient manner. I’m excited to explore the Alfama neighborhood, with its narrow streets and hills.
Of course, we will have to see Lisbon from one of the many viewpoints.
I’m also curious to explore Belem Tower.
I have no doubt that we will easily fill our entire day with exploring Lisbon.
Day 3: Lisbon/Nazaré
My husband and son arrive in Lisbon the night before, and we won’t be picking up our rental car until 2:00 p.m. So, we will have the morning in Lisbon. We will probably take the guys to whatever viewpoint/neighborhood we enjoyed the best the day before.
Then, we will head to the airport to pick up our rental car and drive to Nazaré on the coast. I’ll be happy just to settle into our airbnb rental and enjoy dinner with our friends.
Day 4: Nazaré
Nazaré is a coastal town known for its huge waves in the winter.
A funicular connects the lower part of the town with the neighborhoods on top of the cliff. Our airbnb is on the cliff side of town. I’m excited to explore the two beaches, markets and more in our home base.
Day 5: Day trip to Leiria
Our friends actually live in Leiria, which is about 30 minutes away. We’d love for them to show us around their town.
Day 6: Day trip to Óbidos
A day trip to the medieval town of Óbidos would be fun. It’s a 35-minute car ride from Nazaré.
Day 7: Sintra/Lisbon
The unique castles in the town of Sintra appeal to me. Sintra is about 90 minutes from our rental, but it’s on our way back to Lisbon. We would have time to explore at least one of the castles before we head to our airport hotel for the night.
Have you been to any of these towns in Portugal? Which is your favorite?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Nancy,
I love it Portugal ( I am bias because is my dad home country). In Lisbon I highly recommend the Time Out Market. It is very touristy but the food is outstanding. Also I loved to visit the Mercado do Campo de Ourique. It is more local food market with some food stalls as well. You can Uber to the Mercado and catch the E28 tram back to the center of Lisbon. It is a fun ride and a very scenic route. Also the best pasteis de Nata are from Manteigaria. The most famous ones are from Pasteis de Belem, but Manteigaria is better in my opinion. Also in Nazare is nice to drive to the Forte de Sao Miguel Arcanjo to see the museum of the big wave surfers. Also I loved the food in Nazare but the restaurants by the beach are not as good as the one’s in town. We loved the Restaurante Rosa dos Ventos and A Tasquinha with super fresh seafood. Enjoy Portugal
@Tania Thank you for sharing these tips. I’m so excited to explore Lisbon!
Portugal is very amazing and fantastic place for vacation spot. all place gorgeous place with thanks for share this is post.
We just did Portugal this summer with our kids and loved it! As a librarian I also love to find books for our kids to read before travel – here are a few I’ve pulled together and would recommend to get them excited: http://storybooklists.com/country/storybooks-with-portugal/
Portugal is my favorite vacation spot..
In Lisbon, don’t miss the Jerónimos Monastery, just a few blocks from the Belém Tower. The monastery building and grounds are beautiful, but many don’t realize that the monks there invented the Pastel de Belém in the 1820’s. Walk about 2 blocks east and visit Pastéis de Belém, where they’ve been making the iconic treat using the SAME secret recipe since 1837!
If you’re going to be down in the Baixa neighborhood, try to book ahead for the free Rua dos Correeiros Archaeological Tour. It’s located below a bank building a few blocks from the water front near the triumphal arch. You would never accidently find it but we really enjoyed the tour!
In Sintra, the Pena Palace is stunning on the outside, but the inside tour was really disappointing. If your time there is short, skip it and check out the Quinta de Regaleira and the Monserrate Palace. Both places are beautiful, inside and out!
Just a few thoughts off the top of my head. Hope you have a great time!
@Andy Thanks for your advice!
You prepped well. I did not like Lisbon as much as I expected, but it has some nice features. Would recommend Naval History museum near the center – very visual and enjoyable place, along with the inside cafe. And the river cruise is a good way to see the city from the different perspective.
On our trip we spent almost a week discovering various beaches on the Algarve coast from Faro to Portimao, then drove toward Sintra and explored Pena and Monserrat mansions & gardens (both beautiful), and ended with 1.5 day in Lisbon. I was glad we did not plan more time for the capital as it ended to be the least favorite town. For shear unobstructed Atlantic ocean views and cliffs I’d recommend stopping at Cabo da Roca for 30-60 minutes.
Happy travels!
@Aleks Thanks for your recommendations!