7 days in Portugal works for the classic Lisbon + Porto + day-trips trip. Here's the honest plan.
Best 7-day Portugal
- Day 1-3: Lisbon (3 nights). Baixa-Chiado for first-time, Príncipe Real for second-time.
- Day 4: Day-trip to Sintra (Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira) — back to Lisbon for dinner.
- Day 5: Train to Porto (3h Alfa Pendular). Stay in Baixa or Cedofeita.
- Day 6: Porto + Vila Nova de Gaia (port lodges).
- Day 7: Day-trip to Douro Valley (or fly home from Porto OPO).
Alternative — South coast focus
- Day 1-3: Lisbon + Sintra
- Day 4-7: Algarve (Lagos or Tavira base) — beaches, cliffs, Sagres
Alternative — Madeira escape
- Day 1-3: Funchal
- Day 4-5: Northern Madeira (Pico Areeiro, Levada walks)
- Day 6-7: Western Madeira (Porto Moniz)
What to skip on 7 days
- Algarve + Porto + Lisbon: Half is travel.
- Coimbra deep-dive: Worth half-day stop only.
- Évora + Madeira combined: Different trips.
Cost reality
€120-€200/day comfortable. Portugal is among Europe's best values still. Don't expect Spain prices though — recently risen.
For shorter trips see Lisbon guide, Porto guide.