8 Days in Portugal: 3 Smart Itinerary Options for Lisbon, Porto, Algarve or Madeira
8 Days in Portugal: How to See More Without Feeling Rushed
It is very common for people to think that they can explore all of Portugal in a very short amount of time since it is a small country. The problem is there’s so much to see in this country that if you try to cover all of the mainland or add an island in just eight days, you are just barely scratching the surface and honestly, probably missing more than you see.
I am a firm believer that you need at least 10 days in Portugal, if you are going to try to hit the three main spots, including Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, and ideally I’d recommend 14. But it’s common for travelers — especially those coming from the United States — to only have eight travel days which tends to lead to about seven full days on the ground.
So with that in mind, because it is always my goal to help you see as much of a country as possible without feeling rushed or overwhelmed with the to-do list, I have shared three ways I would spend eight nights and seven days in Portugal.
The bonus to this plan? If you fall in love — which is likely, as it happens with most — this gives you another plan to return and see more of the country.
Another tip, I recommend when planning an 8-day Portugal itinerary is to fly into one airport and out of another. This helps save time and eliminates the need to backtrack. I recognize that’s not always possible, so if you do have to fly in and out of Lisbon, it will just reduce your time on land.
A view of the Lisbon skyline with the iconic colorful architecture.
Option A: 8 Days in Portugal — Porto, Douro Valley & Lisbon
Fly into Porto, Fly out of Lisbon
Suggested Timeline
Day 1: Fly into Porto, travel to the Douro Valley
Day 2: Full Day in Douro Valley
Day 3: Full Day in Douro Valley
Day 4: Travel to Porto, ½ day in Porto
Day 5: Full day in Porto
Day 6: Travel to Lisbon, ½ day in Lisbon
Day 7: Full day in Lisbon
Day 8: Fly home
What This Portugal Itinerary Offers
The combination of Porto, the Douro Valley and Lisbon really offers a great variety of exploration in Portugal.
I suggest that you head to your first destination outside of one of the main cities upon arrival. If you are coming from the United States, you are arriving early and you’ll be tired, so it’s a great time to get the distance out of the way.
This gives you a chance to recover from jet lag and start your trip in a relaxing environment. Two days in the Douro Valley gives you time to visit vineyards, explore villages and take a boat ride along the river — all while having downtime to sit on a terrace overlooking the river and sip your new favorite local wine.
Did you know I create FREE travel guides to help you discover all you see and do in a country? I have one for Lisbon and one for Porto. Grab them now!
Seeing Lisbon on a sidecar is an absolute MUST experience! It will save you from walking the steep hills, give you history, and you’ll ride away with a sense of adventure.
Option B: 8 Days in Portugal — Lisbon to Algarve via Alentejo or Comporta
Fly into Lisbon, Fly out of Faro
Suggested Timeline
Day 1: Fly into Lisbon, travel to Alentejo or Comporta
Day 2: Full day in Alentejo or Comporta
Day 3: Full day in Alentejo or Comporta
Day 4: Drive to the Algarve
Day 5: Full day in the Algarve
Day 6: Full day in the Algarve
Day 7: Full day in the Algarve
Day 8: Depart from Faro Airport
What This Portugal Route Offers
This route is the best of what Portugal has to offer and is ideal for beach lovers. It’s also perfect for those who have been to Lisbon before and feel satisfied heading straight out to explore Southern Portugal.
With a quick 1.5-hour drive, you can head to Comporta — the beautiful coastal area of central Portugal — or Alentejo to discover the heart of wine country.
After a few days in either location, head south to the Algarve to experience the most dramatic landscapes in the country. Flying out of Faro, which now offers seasonal direct flights via United Airlines, gives you more time to soak up the sun and catch a few more waves.
I love this route so much that I wrote a whole blog post about it. If you want more details about exploring the Alentejo and Comporta areas, read this linked blog post.
Option C: 8 Days in Portugal — Madeira & Lisbon
Add an island, go there first and return through Lisbon
Suggested Timeline
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, take a connecting flight to Madeira
Day 2: Full day in Madeira
Day 3: Full day in Madeira
Day 4: Full day in Madeira
Day 5: ½ day in Madeira, late afternoon flight to Lisbon
Day 6: Full day in Lisbon
Day 7: Full day in Lisbon
Day 8: Fly home
What This Portugal Itinerary Offers
Ideal for those who want the perfect mix of city life and adventure.
Similar to Option A, where you head straight to your first destination, here you would fly into Lisbon and connect to Madeira. Four nights in Madeira is the perfect amount to truly experience all this tropical island has to offer — from luxury hotels and incredible hikes to local tours and exquisite meals.
Madeira will capture your heart and fill your soul. Curious to read more about Madeira? Check out how I recently spent four days in Madeira!
From there, return to embrace the energy and rhythm of Lisbon. This colorful city is full of charm, and between the food scene, local boutiques and outdoor markets, there is so much to discover.
Make sure to leave time to unwind in Madeira. The perfect spot is at the roof top pool of The Savoy Palace.. If budget allows, I highly recommend splurging for a room in the Reserve!
FAQ: Planning 8 Days in Portugal
Is 8 days enough time in Portugal?
Eight days in Portugal allows you to see two regions comfortably. Trying to see Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve all in one week can feel rushed.
Should I fly into one airport and out of another in Portugal?
Yes, if possible. Flying into Porto and out of Lisbon — or into Lisbon and out of Faro — helps maximize your time and avoid backtracking.
Is Madeira worth adding to a Portugal itinerary?
Absolutely. Madeira offers hiking, luxury hotels, dramatic landscapes and incredible food. It pairs beautifully with a few days in Lisbon.
It’s not uncommon for me to share Portugal content on Instagram so if you want an inside look on how I explore and plan trips to this charming country, be sure to follow along for past, present and future Portuguese adventures!
Freshly baked Pastel de Natas…trust me when I say you can’t eat just one!
Final Thoughts on Spending 8 Days in Portugal
Portugal is truly a small country that packs a big punch.
The truth is, I could come up with many more Portugal itinerary options. I’ve been five times and never get tired of discovering new areas.
Eight days in Portugal won’t allow you to see everything — but with the right pacing, you can experience a meaningful blend of culture, wine country, beaches, history, architecture and adventure.
If one of these routes is speaking to you — or if you’re ready to incorporate lesser-known areas of the country — I’d love to help.
Portugal is truly my favorite country to help clients plan travel, and I’d love to help you plan the trip you’ve always dreamed of.
Celebrate and Explore in Portugal!
