Looking for the perfect 2 week itinerary in Portugal but you don’t want to rent a car? Here is an action packed itinerary filled with Portugal’s highlights – using only public transportation!
Portugal is home to some of the world’s best beaches, jaw-dropping coastal views, lively cities, and a unique charm. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to decide where to fit it all in.
Contrary to what a lot of people think, Portugal is actually super easy to travel around in without a car! I had to search through several itineraries online to find ones that didn’t require a rental car. But the good news is, I have now successfully planned and completed a 2 week trip in Portugal using only public transportation and you can too!
Not only was I able to successfully backpack around Portugal for two weeks without a car, but I also managed to have a jam-packed itinerary and explore the best highlights the country has to offer.
With this 2 week itinerary in Portugal, you’ll be able to see all the main highlights and navigate the country at a pace that allows you to fully take it in. This guide is for those who want to see the most of Portugal’s highlights in 2 weeks without a car, using only public transportation.
If you love outdoor adventures, city exploring, sight-seeing and nightlife, then this 2 week itinerary in Portugal is for you! Here is an itinerary for all my fellow adventure travellers.
The Perfect 2 Week Itinerary in Portugal Without a Car
Trip Overview
Flying in and out of Lisbon:
Day 1 – 3: Lisbon
Day 4 – 5: Sintra and Cabo da Roca hiking
Day 6 – 8: Porto
Day 9: Back to Lisbon
Day 10 – 13: Lagos and the Algarve
Day 14: Travel day
Adjusted Itinerary for Porto arrivals/departures:
Day 1-3: Porto
Day 4 – 6: Lisbon
Day 7 – 8: Sintra
Day 9 – 12: Lagos
Day 13: Back to Lisbon
Day 14: Back to Porto, travel day
Day 1 – 3: Lisbon
Start your 2 week Portugal itinerary off right in Lisbon! Lisbon is a gorgeous city and the perfect introduction to Portugal. It is also the most common city to fly into when visiting Portugal. As the capital city, Lisbon is filled with some of the country’s best things to see, eat and do. A full 3 days is the perfect length to see the highlights and get a feel for Portugal travel. By starting your trip in Lisbon, you’ll get a great introduction to the country’s history, get a taste for the local delicacies, and experience the vibrancy and charm that fills the city.
Best Things To Do in Lisbon
1. Explore Alfama
Alfama is the oldest and most historical neighbourhood in Lisbon. As a result, it is also the coolest part of the city to explore. You’ll find narrow cobble stone streets, intricately tiled buildings, and a charming authentic vibe. The oldest oldest architecture in Lisbon can be found here as well.
2. Take in the Sights on Tram 28
Also known as the tourist tram, tram 28 is a great way to explore the best spots in the city. You’ll also be riding around on an old fashioned tram, how cool is that! Purchase a 24 hour metro card to hop on and off. Arrive at the tram stop early to avoid the crowds.
3. Visit the LX factory
The hip and artsy scene in Lisbon, the LX Factory is a co-op venue filled with cool bars, restaurants, art galleries, book stores, and other artsy shops.
4. See City Views at One of the City’s Several Miradouros
Lisbon has several “miradouros,” which are basically viewpoints overlooking the city. There are several spread throughout Lisbon, facing both the east and west. They are a great spot to overlook the entire city and watch the sunset.
5. Taste Local Pastel de Natas
Pastel de Natas are Portugal’s famous local delicacy. They look like mini tarts and taste like creme brûlée in a pastry. You can get one in pretty much every single bakery you come across. However, one of the best places to get one is from Manteigaria.
6. Learn More About Portugal’s History on a Free Walking Tour
One of the best ways to learn more about Portugal’s history and get a feel for what Lisbon has to offer is to take a free walking tour. The guides will take you around to all the best spots, which can give you great ideas on where you want to explore more afterwards.
7. Attend an Authentic Fado Show
Fado is a “melancholic” and soul-filled type of music that is authentic to Lisbon’s history and culture. There are various restaurants that offer dinner with a live show.
Read Related: The Perfect 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary: A Full Guide
Where to Stay:
Budget Travel | Yes! Lisbon Hostel
Yes! Lisbon Hostel is honestly one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed at. Their rooms and common space are fantastic and have a great vibe for meeting other travellers. The staff are super accommodating and offered great tips on local restaurants and activities. They also run free walking tours, day trips to Sintra, pub crawls, trivia nights, group dinners, and many other activities!
Mid-Range | Hotel Borges Chiado
A great hotel located in a very central neighbourhood in Lisbon. This part of town is one of the best places to stay for seeing all of Lisbon’s best sights.
Transportation Tips:
It is actually much easier to get around in Lisbon using public transportation than driving. The city is super pedestrian friendly. You can buy a metro card from any of the metro subway stations (they typically have a red sign with an m and are located underground). The card costs 50 cents (euros) the first time you purchase one and you can load them with money or 24 hour transportation passes. The 24 hours start once you first use the card, not right when you purchase it. The card gives you access to all trams, trains, subways and some ferries.
Day 4 : Sintra
I almost missed adding Sintra to my 2 week itinerary in Portugal, but last minute decided to visit. I am SO GLAD I did. Sintra is a lot more than the Pena Palace, which is the most popular tourist spot there. There are actually tons of other beautiful old castles and the downtown is adorable.
Plus, it is a short bus ride away from the western coast of Portugal. This is where I experienced some of the best hiking and rugged natural views of my whole life. No exaggeration.
Sintra is often visited as a day trip from Lisbon. However, I HIGHLY recommend spending at least a night here. Unless you want to do a ton of hustling through the sights and miss out on witnessing the west coast, then you need to spend at least one night.
If you do decide to visit Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon, then here is a great day trip option that actually includes a visit to the stunning coast! I had some friends join a tour that followed this itinerary and they had a total blast. Including a visit to the coast is a must in my opinion, it’s just so magical. This tour is also small-group trip, which I think makes a big difference in how you enjoy the experience.
Book Your Day Trip to Sintra & The Coast: Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip
Best Things to Do in Sintra:
1. Visit Pena Palace and it’s Surrounding Gardens
The most popular sight in Sintra, the Pena Palace is worth the hype. The palace is perched high atop a hill offering panoramic views high above the surrounding area and the castle itself is super unique. It’s not worth paying extra to go inside the castle, just pay for the Pena gardens pass. This pass will allow you to explore the outside grounds of the castle, including the palace walls and the surrounding gardens.
2. Enjoy Delicious Treats from Casa Piriquita
A delicious local bakery that offers a great mid-day treat.
3. See the Views Atop the Moorish Castle
Explore the walls of the Moorish castle and enjoy the views. Again, it is not worth paying to visit inside. You’ll still have access to the outer walls which have the best views.
4. Explore the mystical grounds of La Quinta da Regaleira
This mansion’s grounds look like they are straight out of a fairytale.
Read Related: Sintra Travel Guide (Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting)
Where to Stay:
Budget | Moonhill Hostel
A fantastic hostel that is a short walk away from the downtown area. The hostel is hip, comfortable, and clean. The hostel staff are also super nice and had the best recommendations for me on all the things I wanted to do.
Mid-Range | Chalet Saudade
A gorgeously designed hotel located right next to the Sintra train station. It is also a short walk away from the downtown.
Transportation Tips:
You can catch a train to Sintra from Rossio station or Oriente station. The trains run frequently and the ride only takes about 40 – 50 minutes depending which station you leave from. There is no need to purchase your train tickets in advance, you can purchase a ticket for the next train right from the station.
Once you are in Sintra, I recommend purchasing the 24 hour hop on hop off bus ticket. Bus 434 takes you to all the palaces. You can purchase this pass right on the bus, but you will need cash. This 24 hour ticket works for other bus lines too, so you can use it the next day to visit Cabo da Roca on the west coast.
Day 5 : Cabo da Roca / Sintra Coastal Trail
If you only take away one thing from this 2 week itinerary in Portugal, it is that you absolutely need to visit the Sintra Coastal trail and Cabo da Roca. This was the highlight of my trip to Portugal by far and was honestly one of the best places I have visited in all of my world travels. The hike takes you high up along the coast, with views over the ocean, jagged cliffs and picture-perfect beaches. I even had an entire beach to myself!
I recommend budgeting a full day for this, arriving early in the morning to Cabo da Roca. Check with the bus driver when the last return bus is because this will change depending on the season.
After a full day of adventuring on the coast, bus back to Sintra. Enjoy a short break, before hopping back on a train to Lisbon in the evening. They have trains running to Lisbon until about midnight.
Transportation Tips:
You can catch bus 403 from the Sintra train station to reach Cabo da Roca. It is quite easy to find and the bus driver will call out for Cabo da Roca when you arrive. You’ll take the bus back from the same stop you were dropped off at.
Read the post below for more details on transportation and how to do the Sintra Coastal trail hike.
Read Related: A Full Guide to Hiking the Sintra Coastal Trail in Portugal
Day 6 – 8: Porto
The second largest city in Portugal, Porto is another must on your 2 week itinerary in Portugal. The city is truly beautiful and a hub for food and wine lovers. It is a strong competitor for Portugal’s most beautiful city. We’re talking narrow, winding streets, beautifully architecture, a gorgeous river that runs through the city, and a rich history that begins before the founding of Portugal. Porto is a romantically charming city that you will fall in love with instantly.
Spend roughly 2.5 days exploring Porto by foot. This is a great amount of time to see the highlights and enjoy the city before moving on.
Best Things To Do in Porto:
1. Enjoy the Sunset on the Dom Luis I Bridge
The best sunset spot in town!
2. See City Top Views from the Miradouro da Vitoria
A great part of town with super old buildings and a spot that opens up to a fantastic view of the city. This is another great spot to visit right before sunset.
3. Learn about Porto’s History on a Free Walking Tour
Porto’s history specifically relates to the founding of Portugal and is super interesting. There’s no better way to learn the history and see local gems than on a walking tour run by a local.
4. Explore the World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World at Livraria Lello
This was my highlight from my time in Porto. Often called the Harry Potter bookstore, the Livraria Lello is stunning. It was rated one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and is a must see if you like books and/or beautiful architecture. It costs 5 euros to enter, but that goes towards a voucher for any purchase in the store.
5. Enjoy a Lively Weekend Market at Mercado de Bolhao
Markets are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and see a more authentic side to the city. Get lunch from the market and find a cozy picnic spot nearby.
6. Take a Sightseeing Cruise along the Douro River
See the city from a new perspective by getting out on the water.
Pro Tip: You can book this boat tour in advance to secure a spot. Here is a great tour option that includes a taste test of authentic port wine: Daytime or Sunset Cruise
7. Wander the River Shore along Praca da Ribeira
The hottest spot in town, the Praca da Riberia has a beautiful shore line with classic Portuguese styled buildings lining the walkway. This is a great spot to get food and enjoy the views.
Where to Stay:
Budget | The Passenger Hostel
The Passenger Hostel is one of my favourite hostels I have ever stayed in. Located right inside the Sao Bento train station, the hostel’s location is stellar. It is also elegantly designed, the dorms are comfortable and spacious and the staff are really nice.
Mid-Range | Descobertas Boutique Hotel Porto
A beautiful hotel and fantastic location, what more could you ask for?
Transportation Tips:
The best way to get to Porto from Lisbon is by train. You can buy your tickets online or at the train station. I recommend buying them online and if you book 5 days in advance you can get a cheaper early rate. The train ride takes about 3.5 – 4 hours.
The best place to buy your tickets online is https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/buy-tickets . You’ll be buying your tickets directly from the state-owned transportation company rather than a third party website, so you’ll get the best rates.
As for getting around Porto, the city is super walkable and you won’t need to worry about public transportation.
Day 9: Lisbon
After a wonderful 3 days in Porto, catch a train back to Lisbon at some point in the afternoon/evening (depending on how much extra time you’d like in Porto). You don’t need to arrive at the train station super early, especially if you already have your return train ticket. You can still use this day to explore your favourite parts of Porto.
Take the evening to unwind or explore a bit more of the spots you loved in Lisbon.
Transportation Tips:
The train ride back to Lisbon will take about 3.5 – 4 hours.
Day 10 – 13: Lagos & The Algarve
If you saw any images from Portugal before deciding to make the trip, they were likely photos of pristine beaches surrounded by yellow and orange coloured cliffs. If so, you were looking at the Algarve in the south of Portugal. The Algarve consists of a large southern portion of the country and is filled with gorgeous beach towns. There are tons of amazing outdoor activities to do in and around the area.
If you are visiting the Algarve without a car, I recommend choosing one town to stay in and go on day trips from there. Lagos is a great option for first time visitors to the Algarve and is pretty central to a lot of the area’s best activities and viewpoints. Lagos is also a beautiful town itself and has a gorgeous old town that is filled with narrow streets that wind in and around old white buildings. Golden hour hits different when all the white buildings around you reflect the warm glow of the setting sun.
Take an early bus from Lisbon on day 10 to reach Lagos by mid-day. The bus ride takes about 4 hours.
You can take tours to see Benagil cave, go kayaking on the coast, surf epic waves, swim with dolphins, take a party boat tour, and so much more.
Best Things To Do Near Lagos:
1. Explore the Beaches of Lagos
Portugal and the Algarve are known for their beautiful beaches and many of them are located in and close by to Lagos. Some notable beaches include Praia do Camilo, Praia da Balanca and Praia de Dona Ana.
2. Take a Sea Kayaking Tour around the Lagos Cliffs
The cliffs along the coast in Lagos are breathtaking. Taking a kayaking tour offers a unique way to see them up close. Plus sea kayaking is super fun! You’ll have the chance to kayak through caves and archways inside and around the cliffs.
Pro Tip: This is the tour that I booked and loved every second of: Lagos Kayak Adventure
3. Learn to Surf
Surfing is pretty big in Portugal and Lagos is a great place to start. There are tons of companies that offer surf tours for all ranges of ability. They scope out the waves the day of and you’ll get to spend a day surfing at one of Portugal’s amazing beaches.
Book Surfing in Lagos: Group Surfing Lesson in Praia da Luz, Near Lagos – I highly recommend booking a lesson if you are not very experienced with surfing. This group tour takes you to a surfing PARADISE where you’ll be in a small group in order to receive the perfect balance of attention and independence. If you want a tour directly in Lagos, this is another great option.
4. Take a Tour to See Benagil Cave
The Benagil cave is one of the most popular places to visit in Portugal and for good reason. There are several tour experiences you can partake in to see the cave. You can enter the cave in a variety of different ways depending on the tour, including swimming, kayaking, motor boating, or even taking a party boat in.
Book This Tour: Boat Experience into Benagil Cave
5. Wander the Streets of Lagos’ Old Town
Lagos itself is gorgeous and the old town is even better. Filled with white buildings and narrow cobbled streets, the town is picture perfect. Wander the streets and take some photos an hour before sunset for that golden hour glow.
6. Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
This is a wonderful trail that takes you along the southern coast. You’ll see beaches and cliff views and there are restaurants you can stop at for lunch along the way.
7. Views from Ponta da Piedade
A great view point about a 40 minute walk from Lagos’ city centre, this is a great spot to take in the golden cliff views.
8. Take Kitesurfing Lessons
Learn how to kite surf and enjoy the mix of breathtaking scenery and the thrill of adventure. By taking a lesson, you’ll learn how to control the kite, move the board around with your feet, and control your speed and direction using the wind. You’ll get a taste of what this fantastic sport has to offer in the most beautiful natural environment.
Book a Kitesurfing Lesson Here: Kitesurfing Lessons in Lagos – This fantastic lesson tour provides you with a glimpse into the adrenaline-inducing sport and offers packages to include multi-day lessons to really up your skills. There are three stunning spots to choose where you take the lesson.
9. Tour Lagos’ Grottoes on a Stand Up Paddleboard
The grottoes and rock formations along Lagos’ coast are arguably what makes this place so stunning. Get right up close and personal to explore them from the water on a paddleboard excursion. You can rent paddleboards in town or join a tour to get a more in-depth and safe exploration of the coast.
Book a Paddleboarding Tour: Stand Up Paddle Guided Tour in Lagos Grottoes – This amazing tour takes you on a 2.5 hour experience of a lifetime to the best rock features in Lagos. The guide will brief you at the beginning on how to paddle and then you’ll be off! You’ll paddle along the coastline and stop at several beaches to swim, such as Praia Dona Ana, Praia de Batata, and Ponta de Piedade.
Where to Stay:
Budget | Olive Hostel Lagos
One of the highest reviewed hostels located right in the city centre of Lagos. You can’t go wrong with this hostel! Plus they offer smaller 4 person dorm rooms for those who like it a little quieter.
Mid-Range | Inn Seventies
Centrally located, well reviewed and they have a roof top swimming pool overlooking the city.
Transportation Tips:
The best way to travel to Lagos from Lisbon is by bus. You can buy your ticket directly from the bus company’s website to avoid overcharging from third party websites. I used Rede Expressos and had a great experience. They have a ton of departure times and have free wifi on board.
Transportation around the Algarve:
Public transportation around the Algarve is fairly limited, however not impossible. If you are willing to take bus rides with a couple stops, then you can get around to different sights this way. However, I found the best way to get around was by booking tours that handled that part for you. You can sign up for tours all over town or even right from your hostel or hotel a lot of times.
Day 14: Travel Day
Either late on the 13th day or early on the 14th day, make your way back to Lisbon or wherever you are flying out of. Today is your transportation day and the end of your 2 week itinerary in Portugal.
Final Thoughts on The Perfect 2 Week Itinerary in Portugal (Without a Car)
2 weeks in Portugal is a great amount of time to see the highlights and enjoy a variety of activities. Lisbon and Porto are amazing cities with their own charm. Sintra and Lagos offer the outdoor adventures and are super unique in themselves.
By following this 2 week itinerary in Portugal, you will have a jam-packed trip filled with tons of sights and outdoor adventures. You will also see firsthand how easy Portugal is to travel around in without a car, only using public transportation. Finally, you will understand why Portugal is one of the most beautiful and unique countries out there and a true adventure travellers paradise!
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Happy adventuring!
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I LOVE how you have such a detailed itinerary!
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Hailey! Wow, Portugal is beautiful. You made me wish I was there right now with the well-planned itinerary and the beautiful images. Thanks for sharing! Cheri
Portugal blew me away, it is definitely a beautiful place. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
I must see that historic book store in Sintra. It looks spectacular. I love Portugal.
You definitely should! It was my favourite activity in Porto.
Oh my gosh, Portugal has been on our list for so long! We had a trip planned that we had to cancel due to the pandemic. I am saving your fabulous itinerary in hopes that I can visit soon!!
Aw thats too bad you had to cancel. Hopefully you can make it there soon!
Portugal is so so beautiful. Loved reading your post.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
I really want to visit Portugal, this is a great guide – and I love all the transport tips. I hate to resort to renting a car as I prefer to take trains or other transport and enjoy the journey a bit more so this is perfect. Definitely lots of beautiful places to see here
Right! Renting cars can be so expensive and driving through Portugal’s cities is not the easiest. I’m glad you enjoyed the tips!
Brilliant post! You’ve broken down really great things to see and do here in Portugal in really concise clear points, I’ll be saving this to refer back to when I go travelling thank you for this!
Thank you! Portugal is amazing. I’m glad I could help.
Fantastic itinerary! We really want to go to Portugal this year finally. Saving this for when we go.
I hope you make it there soon! You’ll love Portugal, it is an amazing country in so many ways.
Thanks for this guide! We don’t drive and this Portugal itinerary is perfect for us. Lots of lovely places to explore!
I’m happy this itinerary helps!
Portugal is so beautiful. Hopefully this year will be better for travel so I will be able to explore the country more. There are so many places I want to go including Lagos. Thanks for sharing.
I really hope so too! Portugal is an amazing country, I hope you make it there soon!
This sounds like a great trip to Portugal & it would be easy to follow your plan. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I’ll save this for later!
Thanks for commenting! 🙂
This is such a great itinerary! I love spending 2-3 weeks exploring an area and really getting the feel for the culture and community. It is so great that Portugal is easy to navigate without a car, that will save a ton of money and stress when we are there! Thanks for sharing your expertise with us!
I agree, it is so nice to spend at least a couple weeks exploring a new place. Travelling around Portugal without a car saves so much stress, because driving in certain cities is not the easiest. I’m glad I could help 🙂
I visited Portugal a few years back and this post and the beautiful pics brought back so many amazing memories!! Now I want to go back soon!
The transportation tips are great here. Logistics are always the hardest part to plan for me when I’m not renting a car.
It’s really great to see a guide that doesn’t involve needing a car! Amazing to know it can be done in Portugal! Thank you for sharing
I also prefer to use public transportation rather than rent a car so I absolutely love this itinerary. I pinned it and hope I have to refer to it soon when I plan my own Portuguese adventure!
Amazing! I’m happy to help 🙂
Hi!! I loved your itinerary! I´m planning a trip to Portugal this november, do you think it´s still a good time to visit Lagos? Or should i skip it?
Hey Bianca! I actually did this itinerary in November as well! 🙂 Lagos will be quieter in November, but still worth visiting in my opinion. Some tour activities stop running once the weather starts getting colder, but there are still lots of other things to do! Like visit the beautiful beaches, explore the adorable streets, and even some hiking along the coast as well.
Muriel
Excellent itinerary.
How do we get the free tours in the towns you mentioned? Is there a central place to go to get them?
Hi Muriel, A lot of the hostels and hotels in Lisbon and Porto will offer fantastic free walking tours or have partnerships with local guides who do! Otherwise, if you want an option to be able to book ahead, you can also book free walking tours through https://www.guruwalk.com/lisbon 🙂 Have a great trip!