Looking for the perfect 2 week itinerary in Portugal without a car? Here is an action-packed itinerary filled with Portugal’s highlights – using only public transportation!
Contrary to what many think, getting around Portugal without a car is super easy. I spent two weeks in Portugal traveling from Lisbon to Sintra, North to Porto, and even South to the Algarve using only trains or buses.
In this 14 day Portugal itinerary, you’ll explore the best things to do in Portugal like the Pena Palace in Sintra, the famous pink street in Lisbon, and the yellow sea cliffs in Lagos. Plus some hidden gems like Sintra’s coastal trail and Praia da Ursa beach.
If you love outdoor adventures, sunsets at city miradors, fantastical bookstores, and city sightseeing, then this 2 week Portugal itinerary with no car is for you!
Read Related Posts About Portugal:
- The Ultimate Sintra Travel Guide (Portugal)
- The Perfect 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary: A Full Guide
- 9 Amazing Adventurous Things to Do in Portugal
- The Ultimate 2 Week Itinerary in Portugal Without A Car
- A Full Guide to Hiking the Sintra Coastal Trail in Portugal
How to Get Around Portugal?
The best way to get around Portugal with no car is by train and bus. Luckily public transportation is well established in Portugal, so there are plenty of departure times between its cities.
Here are some examples of transport timelines:
- Lisbon to Sintra: Train ride for 1 hour.
- Lisbon to Porto: Train ride for 3 hours
- Lisbon to Lagos: Bus ride for 3 hours 45 hours.
You can check for trains at Combois de Portugal.
You can check for bus routes using Flixbus.
The Perfect 2 Week Itinerary in Portugal Without a Car
14 Days in Portugal Itinerary
Most two week trips to Portugal start with flights into Lisbon. The below itinerary makes that assumption, but you can find an adjusted itinerary in case you are arriving/departing from Porto.
Portugal 2 Weeks Itinerary With No Car Overview:
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: Final day in Lisbon
Adjusted Itinerary for Porto arrivals/departures:
Day 1-3: Porto
Day 4-6: Lisbon
Day 7-8: Sintra
Day 9-12: Lagos
Day 13: Lisbon
Day 14: Final Day in Porto
Day 1 – 3: Lisbon
Start your 2 week Portugal itinerary in its vibrant capital city, Lisbon.
Lisbon is an enchanting city mixing 1000-year-old neighbourhoods, homes tiled with intricate designs, and laundry-draped balconies with timeless charm. There are yellow trams that run through Lisbon’s hills, raging nightlife, and a sun-soaked coastline.
3 full days in Lisbon is the perfect length of time to see the highlights and get a feel for Portugal. You’ll get a great introduction to the country’s history, a taste for the local delicacies, and experience the charm that permeates all of Portugal.
Spend 3 Days Exploring The Best Things To Do in Lisbon:
1. Explore Alfama
Alfama is the oldest and most historical neighbourhood in Lisbon dating back to 1200 BCE.
Alfama’s charm comes from its authenticity. You’ll find narrow cobbled streets, locals chatting from their balconies, vendors in hidden courtyards, and some of the city’s best restaurants.
Highlights include the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Luzia. They are scenic viewpoints overlooking the orange rooftops in the city. Explore the SΓ© Cathedral and grab dinner at a Fado show.
I booked a walking tour of Alfama and it was my favourite thing I did in Lisbon! You’ll get a better look into the city’s history and explore some hidden spots only known to locals.
Book the Best Alfama Walking Tour
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.
Tram 28 is one of Lisbonβs most iconic experiences, providing a scenic and nostalgic ride through its neighbourhoods. The emblematic yellow tram dates back to the 1930s.
Tram 28 connects Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique, passing through Alfama, GraΓ§a, Baixa, and Estrela. You’ll see landmarks like SΓ£o Jorge Castle, the SΓ© Cathedral, and the Basilica da Estrela. The tram has a vintage design with wooden interiors, and polished brass fixtures.
As one of the most popular things to do, it can get crowded. Make sure to jump on early and keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets.
π‘I recommend paying for the 24-hour metro card if you plan to explore all the stops. You can find a map of Tram 28’s stops here.
3. Visit the LX factory
The LX Factory is considered the hip and artsy hub of Libson. It is located in a repurposed industrial complex in the AlcΓ’ntara district. It is now filled with trendy bars/restaurants, art galleries and shops, bookstores, and more.
Wander through its graffiti-covered alleyways and stop at its quirky shops. My personal favourite was the Ler Devagar bookstore housed in an old printing press with floor-to-ceiling shelves and an old industrial vibe.
Check out Catina LX Factory, the first restaurant in this trendy district that serves impeccable food.
The LX factory often hosts art exhibits, live music events, and pop-up markets, so keep an eye out for that.
4. Enjoy Views at One of the Lisbon’s Miradouros
Lisbon has several “miradouros,” which are viewpoints overlooking the city. Some of the best are:
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – The highest viewpoint in Lisbon with 360-degree views. Great for sunset! My favourite Mirador, I loved seeing the city lit up at night.
- Miradouro de Santa Catarina – Popular amongst locals, great views of the river and a musical atmosphere.
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia – A romantic setting in Alfama with tile panels and covered terraces. Looks over the rooftops and river.
- Miradouro da GraΓ§a – Has a beautiful church and great views of downtown Lisbon. Great for sunset.
- Miradouro de SΓ£o Pedro de AlcΓ’ntara – Located in the Bairro Alto district, next to the famous graffitied tram. This was my second favourite mirador for photographing Lisbon.
- Miradouro das Portas do Sol – An Alfama gem providing great photos of Lisbon’s whitewashed buildings against the Tagus River.
5. Taste Local Pastel de Natas
Pastel de Nata is Portugal’s famous local desert. They look like mini tarts and taste like creme brΓ»lΓ©e 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. They have several locations spread throughout the city.
6. Learn More About Portugal’s History on a Free Walking Tour
Lisbon’s walking tours are some of the best ones I’ve done anywhere in the world. Lisbon has such a fascinating history with city-wide fires, tsunamis, earthquakes, Napolean occupation, and a remarkable reconstruction led by the visionary Marquis of Pombal.
The tours are split up with the choice to visit the “old” half of Lisbon – Alfama, or the “new” side that was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. I recommend making time to do both tours.
This is the tour I loved of the “new” side of Lisbon.
This is the tour I loved of the “old” side of Lisbon.
π‘Tip: Do at least one of the walking tours at the beginning of your 3 days in Lisbon because the guides are eager to share local restaurant and hidden treasure recommendations.
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.
8. Take a Tandem Paragliding Tour Over Lisbon
If you are looking for a little bit of adventure in your Lisbon itinerary, try viewing the city from above on a paragliding adventure.
Paragliding is an absolute thrill and you’ll get the most unique angle of the city for your travel photos. You don’t need any previous experience and you’ll glide above the beautiful beaches of Lisbon.
Book the Tour: Tandem Paragliding Adventure Over Beautiful Lisbon
9. Kayaking and Snorkelling Excursion Along Lisbon’s Dramatic Coasts
If you want to partake in another off-the-beaten-path activity that adds outdoor adventure to your itinerary, try kayaking and snorkeling along the stunning coasts just outside of Lisbon.
Explore through the bays within ArrΓ‘bida Natural Park to discover mysterious caves and hidden beaches. The rock formations along Lisbon’s nearby coast are unique and surrounded by crystal clear waters with white sandy beaches.
Plus, the company offers an optional transportation service to the meeting point so you won’t need a car to get there.
Book the Tour: Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Excursion to Discover Hidden Beaches
Read Related: The Perfect 3 Day Lisbon Itinerary: A Full Guide
Best Places to Stay in Lisbon:
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
An architecturally stunning 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 much easier to get around in Lisbon using public transportation rather 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 the first time you purchase one and you can load them with money or opt for 24-hour transportation passes. The 24-hour pass starts the first time you 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 (the most popular tourist spot there). There are tons of other beautiful old castles, the downtown is adorable, and it has some insane hiking and rugged beaches nearby.
Sintra is often visited as a day trip from Lisbon. However, I HIGHLY recommend spending at least a night here. Unless you want to hustle through the sights and miss out on witnessing the West Coast.
If you 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 coast. You won’t get as much time there, but I had some friends join a tour that followed this itinerary and they had a total blast.
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 with panoramic views above the surrounding area. The castle itself is also one of the most unique that you’ll see anywhere in Europe, painted colourful yellows and reds with dramatically shaped parapets.
π‘ Tip: I don’t recommend paying to go inside the castle and instead explore the Pena Gardens. The Pena Gardens Pass is cheaper. It allows you to explore the outside grounds of the castle, including the palace walls and its surrounding gardens.
2. Enjoy Delicious Treats from Casa Piriquita.
A delicious local bakery that offers a great mid-day treat. Grab a pastel de nata or a caprese sandwich for lunch.
3. See the Views Atop the Moorish Castle
The Moorish Castle is a medieval fortress high on a hill above Sintra. It was built by the Moors in the 8th or 9th century as a defensive stronghold.
You can explore its ancient walls, climb its towers, and imagine the history of battles and conquests.
4. Explore the mystical grounds of La Quinta da Regaleir
La Quinta da Regaleira is a stunning estate known for its mystical atmosphere. It was built. in the early 20th century, featuring a romantic palace, lush gardens, hidden grottoes, and the iconic Initiation Well.
The Initiation Well has a spiraling underground staircase that symbolizes the journey into the depths of the earth. It blends symbols of Freemasonry, Templar mysticism, and alchemical lore.
Read Related: Sintra Travel Guide (Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting)
Where to Stay in Sintra:
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
One of the most gorgeously designed hotels I’ve ever laid eyes on. It is located right next to the Sintra train station and is a short walk away from 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 on 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 at 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.
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.
Porto is a strong contender for Portugal’s most beautiful city and a hub for food and wine lovers. It has a beautiful waterfront promenade along the Douro River where you can find outdoor patios and local vendors.
Porto is known for its colourful Ribeira district and the iconic Dom LuΓs I Bridge. It has a centuries-long history of maritime trade and is famous for its port wine cellars.
Spend roughly 2.5 days exploring Porto by foot. This is a great amount of time to see the highlights.
Best Things To Do in Porto:
1. Enjoy the Sunset on the Dom Luis I Bridge
It feels like the entire city gathers on the bridge to watch the sunset. Trains run by you through the middle of the bridge making for a unique experience.
2. See City Top Views from the Miradouro da Vitoria
This lookout point is located in the Vitoria neighbourhood, one of Porto’s oldest and most charming areas.
Miradouro da Vitoria is a favourite amongst photographers and those seeking a quiet place to soak in Porto’s charm. You’ll receive great views over Porto’s terracotta rooftops, the Dom Luis I Bridge, and the opposite river bank.
This is another great spot to enjoy the 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.
You can find Porto’s free walking tours by asking your hotel or hostel accommodation. They will direct you to the meeting spot or provide you with the best free tour.
4. Explore the World’s Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World at Livraria Lello
This was my highlight from Porto. Often called the Harry Potter bookstore, the Livraria Lello is rated one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
It costs 5 euros to enter, but that goes towards a voucher for any purchase in the store.
π‘ Tip: Try to get there at least 30 minutes before they open to get in line. It is crowded but completely worth it.
5. Enjoy a Lively Weekend Market at Mercado de Bolhao
Mercado do BolhΓ£o is one of Portoβs most historic markets. It is located in a beautifully restored 19th-century building with local vendors selling fresh produce, cheese, meats, and more.
The market runs every day except Sunday from about 8 am-noon. I recommend shopping around for some lunch items and having a picnic nearby. The Mercado do Bolhao is a great place to get a glimpse into authentic local life.
6. Take a Sightseeing Cruise along the Douro River
One of the best ways to explore Porto is by boat tour on the Douro River. They are a relaxing and scenic way to tour past the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Ribeira district, Vila Nova de Gaiaβs wine cellars, and the stunning Dom LuΓs I Bridge.
My favourite part is that you’ll branch out of the downtown section of Porto to see the colourful hillside houses. There are numerous varieties of tours on the Douro River, ranging from sunset cruises to food and wine tours.
I highly recommend the tour below to get a combination of the best tour options, including an authentic port wine tasting.
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
Praca da Riberia is the main street along the Douro River. It is a vibrant part of the city lined with colourful centuries-old buildings and bustling local vendors and restaurants.
The Ribeira district’s history dates back to medieval times with winding narrow streets that reflect it. Spend some time enjoying the vibe, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants, and explore through the shaded passageways.
8. Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Porto’s Stunning Orange Rooftops
Experience Porto from a unique angle with spectacular views over the Dom Luis Bridge, the Douro River, and the stunning architecture of the city.
This panoramic helicopter flight is an adventure like no other in the city and offers the best views you can possibly get of the famous Porto. The windows of the helicopter are perfect for getting photos on all sides.
Book the Tour: Panoramic Helicopter Flight Over Porto
Where to Stay in Porto:
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 3 days in Porto, catch a train back to Lisbon 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 love 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 researched the best places to visit in Portugal, you probably came across many images of pristine beaches surrounded by yellow and orange cliffs. If so, you were looking at the Algarve in southern Portugal.
The Algarve makes up a large part of southern Portugal. It is filled with stunning beaches and jaw-dropping outdoor adventures.
When visiting the Algarve without a car, choose one town to stay in and go on day trips from there. I chose to stay in Lagos and highly recommend it.
Lagos is a beautiful town filled with white stone buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and several yellow-cliff beaches.
You can take tours to see Benagil cave, kayak along the coastal cliffs, surf epic waves, swim with dolphins, take a party boat tour, and so much more.
Transportation from Lisbon to Lagos:
Take an early bus from Lisbon on day 10 to reach Lagos by mid-day. The bus ride takes about 4 hours.
Best Things To Do In and Around 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 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 of Lagos are breathtaking.
A kayak tour offers a unique way to see them up close. The kayak tour below will bring you on a party boat out to the cliff’s edge where you’ll get into the water on kayaks. From there, you’ll paddle along the coastline, weaving in and out of sea caves and discovering swimming spots.
Once returning to the main boat, the guides blast the music, grab out some beers, and you can choose to jump off the top of the boat into the waves. I had such a fun time!
Pro Tip: This is the tour that I booked and loved every second of – Lagos Kayak Adventure
3. Learn to Surf in the Algarve
Surfing is really big in Portugal and Lagos is a great place to start.
Walking around town, you’ll find numerous surf shops offering lessons and tours for all levels of experience. They scope the waves out each day to determine which beaches to surf at.
Book Surfing in Lagos: Group Surfing Lesson in Praia da Luz, Near Lagos. This group tour takes you to a surfing PARADISE where you’ll be in a small group 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. 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.
Located along the Algarve coastline, Benagil Cave is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Portugal.
The sea cave is only accessible by boat, kayak, or paddleboard. It has a massive domed ceiling with a hole at the top causing sunlight to illuminate the golden sands and turquoise waters inside.
You have to join a tour to visit Benagil Cave. I highly recommend the one below!
Book This Tour: Boat Experience into Benagil Cave
5. Wander the Streets of Lagos’ Old Town
Lagos has a beautiful old town with whitewashed buildings, vibrant squares, and a laid-back vibe. Wander by the Church of St. Anthony and stroll its picturesque streets.
Wander to the top of the town’s hilltop for golden hour to get some stunning photos of the white buildings illuminated by the oranges of the setting sun.
6. Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
One of the best things to do in the Algarve, the Seven Hanging Valleys trail takes you along the coast passing towns and beaches.
Distance: 5.7 km one way or 11.4 km there and back.
Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours round trip, but plan to add lots of time for stopping.
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is well-marked.
Start Point: Praia da Marinha (one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches).
End Point: Praia de Vale Centeanes.
Make sure to spend time at Praia da Marinha before starting. It’s famous for its limestone arches. You’ll pass the Benagil Cave from above, secluded coves, sinkholes, and natural arches. Praia de Vale Centeanes is the perfect beach to cool off in the sea after the hike.
π‘ Transportation Tip: Many choose to split a taxi for the 40 minute drive to Praia da Marinha. You can also take a Vamus bus from Lagos to Lagoa and then bus 77 from Lago to Praia da Marinha.
Check the timetables for the Vamus buses here.
7. Views from Ponta da Piedade
Ponta de Piedade is one of the best lookout points in the Algarve to view the iconic coastal cliffs. There are walking trails along the top and a large set of stairs to get down close to the water.
Ponta da Piedade is about 40 minutes walk from Lagos’ city centre. It is a great spot to view the sunset.
8. Take Kitesurfing Lessons
Kite surfing is a popular sport in the south of Portugal and a thrilling adventure for beginners to try. Taking a kitesurfing lesson, you’ll learn how to control the kite, move the board with your feet, and control your speed and direction with the wind.
It’s an epic adventure in a beautiful natural setting.
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 in Lagos:
Budget | Olive Hostel Lagos
One of the highest reviewed hostels 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 of 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. Today is your transportation day and the end of your 2-week itinerary in Portugal.
Plan Your Trip to Portugal – Logistical Tips:
π± Stay Connected Without Expensive Roaming Fees
I never travel without an E-Sim now. Stay connected at a fraction of the price of roaming fees, and my favourite part, you can simply download the E-Sim to your phone and don’t have to switch SIM cards around. The service I always use is Airola. You can also get plans that cover multiple countries in Europe if you are travelling beyond Portugal.
π Book Your Accommodation
I always use Booking.com to find and book the best hotels at the cheapest rate. If you are interested in staying in a hostel to meet people and take advantage of their activities, you can book private rooms and dorms through Hostelworld.
πββοΈ Book Your Tours and Excursions
The best search tool I use to book tours in Portugal and the rest of Europe is Viator. It has the largest selection of tours with local operators and offers flexible cancellation. I’m also a big fan of Manawa, a small tour company that offers adventure travel tours and great personalized customer service. You can find a curated list of Portugal tours by Manawa here.
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!
* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!
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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 π
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! π
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 π
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 π
Hi!! I loved your itinerary! IΒ΄m planning a trip to Portugal this november, do you think itΒ΄s still a good time to visit Lagos? Or should i skip it?
Hey Bianca! I actually did this itinerary in November as well! π 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 π Have a great trip!