7- to 10-day Portugal itinerary ideas
7–10 day itineraries in Portugal are usually an excellent choice for a first visit to the country. Portugal isn’t especially large, so you can comfortably
Central Portugal is the region between the two rivers that cross the country from east to west.
The Tagus in the south flows out at Lisbon, while the Douro in the north reaches the Atlantic at the foot of the city of Porto.
Central Portugal is divided into two parts; the first stretches along the coast, where you'll find the famous surf towns of Ericeira, Peniche, Nazaré, and the lagoon city of Aveiro.
The second extends farther inland. Here you'll find Coimbra, the main city in Central Portugal, as well as the industrial city of Leiria, with several important religious sites between them. From there to the eastern border with Spain, the landscape is mountainous, forested, and sparsely populated, with plenty of nature.
Most travelers don't come to Central Portugal as a destination in itself, but usually as part of a trip between Porto and Lisbon. That said, some visitors come just for the coastal towns, whether for a summer vacation or for surfing year-round.
7–10 day itineraries in Portugal are usually an excellent choice for a first visit to the country. Portugal isn’t especially large, so you can comfortably
Porto is a fascinating, beautiful destination with a character all its own that has become especially popular in recent years. Great food, picturesque streets lined
A journey between Lisbon and Porto is perhaps Portugal’s most iconic route, offering a perfect blend of urban energy and coastal charm. This classic itinerary connects the vibrant capital to
Nazaré is an ideal stopover for those traveling between Lisbon and Porto, offering more than just giant waves. In summer, it’s a sun-drenched resort perfect for families, while winter attracts
Belmonte is a small town—almost a large village—in the mountainous northeastern part of central Portugal. It is best known for three things: the great castle that overlooks it, its status
Óbidos is a walled medieval town that has been preserved much as it was centuries ago. Located about an hour north of Lisbon in central Portugal, it’s a must-see for
Aveiro, the colorful city between the lagoon and the beach, is a must-visit for anyone traveling through central Portugal. Its location, already close to northern Portugal, also makes it especially
Coimbra is the capital of the district of the same name in central Portugal, the largest city in the region, and best known for its university. It lies in the
As noted, a trip through Central Portugal is usually part of the journey between Portugal’s two largest metropolitan areas. Most travelers therefore set aside no more than two or three days for the region and decide in advance which towns and sights they want to stop at along the way.
Along the coast: Nazaré, the town famous for its enormous waves; Ericeira, Portugal’s best-known surf town; Óbidos, the walled medieval town; and Aveiro, often called the Venice of Portugal.
Inland: Coimbra, the university city; the vast Batalha Monastery near Leiria; Bussaco Palace and forest near Coimbra; and Tomar, known for its city center and impressive Templar fortress.
The coastal areas are best visited year-round except in winter, when the region is battered by wind and rain. If swimming in the sea is part of your plan, summer is the right season. The rest of the region can be visited throughout the year, though spring and summer are generally preferable.
A Central Portugal itinerary will usually begin in Lisbon and end in Porto, or the other way around. It’s worth deciding ahead of time which towns and landmarks you want to include as part of the journey between the country’s two main cities. In any case, the main highways pass fairly close to most of the major sights, so getting to them rarely requires much of a detour.
Some of these places also work well as day trips from Porto or Lisbon. Aveiro, for example, is relatively close to Porto, while Óbidos and Ericeira are relatively close to Lisbon.
מזמינים חופשה בפורטוגל?
קבלו סיוע של סוכן אישי!
• דילים למלונות מעולים כולל טיסות ורכב
• מבצעים מיוחדים למשפחות
• מסוכנות נסיעות ישראלית ותיקה