A Week in Portugal: Exploring the Best of Porto, Ericeira, Sintra & Lisbon.
Portugal is a country overflowing with charm, history, and stunning scenery, offering everything from cobbled streets and colorful tiles to world-class surfing and delicious food. This guide takes you through a week exploring Porto, Ericeira, Sintra, and Lisbon, each with its own unique character and unforgettable experiences. We hope this inspires you to go and see what this beautiful country has to offer.
Porto: The Romantic North
Our trip started by flying into Porto, the romantic heart of northern Portugal. Known as Invicta (the unconquered city), Porto is celebrated for its resilience during the civil war of the 1800s, and today it captivates visitors with its historic architecture, colorful azulejos, and winding streets. Porto has so much to offer, stunning libraries, traditional churches, fascinating museums, and countless coffee shops. One personal favorite was So Coffee Roasters, perfect for a morning coffee and pastry.
Where to Stay
We chose to stay at Maison Cabral, just on the edge of the city, it offered a peaceful retreat from the hustle of Porto centre while keeping all the major attractions within walking distance. Be ready for the hills, have a good pair of walking shotes, that said, each climb rewards you with beautiful perspectives of this captivating city and of course the iconic Douro river.
Highlights of Porto:
Stroll along the Ribeira district to experience the iconic riverside charm and watch traditional boats come and go. You will likely find local musicians playing, on the rivers edge, take some time to listen, this was a highlight for us.
Explore Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, often linked to inspiration for Harry Potter
Taste local specialties like francesinha and sip Port wine in historic cellars. We went and did a tasting at Burmester, thoroughly recommend doing this.
Visit Clérigos Tower for sweeping city views and photography opportunities.
Porto is a city that deserves a spot on every Portugal itinerary. Its charm and vibrancy are simply irresistible.
Ericeira: Surf, Sea & Cobblestone Streets
Next, we headed to Ericeira, a picture-perfect fishing town famous for world-class surfing. Whether riding the waves or wandering through its cobblestone streets, Ericeira exudes a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Surf schools, yoga studios, artisanal shops, and cozy restaurants make it a haven for travellers and remote workers alike. We embraced all that Ericeira has to offer, from beautiful beaches and the very fresh Atlantic waters to delicious ice cream and scenic coastal walks. The town is also part of a World Surfing Reserve, so even casual beachgoers can appreciate the natural beauty and vibrant surf culture.
Tips for Ericeira:
Enjoy the beaches early in the morning for solitude and sunrise views
Sample local seafood at seaside eateries, including fresh sardines and octopus
Explore hidden streets for boutique shopping and artisanal treats
Check surf forecasts if you plan to try a lesson, it’s beginner-friendly and safe
Where to Stay in Ericeira
Accommodation options vary depending on your style and budget. Although we stayed with friends, Booking.com lists plenty of excellent choices.
Lisbon: The Vibrant Capital
Our final stop was Lisbon, Portugal’s bustling capital. This city is a vibrant mix of history, art, and culinary delights. From iconic landmarks to the Tagus River and the famous Pastel de Nata, Lisbon brims with experiences.
After checking into our hotel, we spent two full days exploring the city’s cobblestone streets, spotting colorful azulejos, enjoying stunning viewpoints, and riding the historic trams.
Must-see Lisbon Highlights:
Praça do Comércio: A grand riverside square, perfect for soaking in city life
Carmo Convent: Explore the remarkable ruins in Santa Maria Maior
LX Factory: A creative hub of art, food, and unique shops
Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery: Iconic landmarks showcasing Portugal’s maritime history
Lisbon is infectious, with every corner presenting a photographic scene, a new restaurant to try, or a historic landmark to explore. No matter what your interests are, the city has something to captivate you.
Sintra Daytrip: Fairy-Tale Palaces and Scenic Hills
During our time in Lisbon, it was recommended to us to do a day trip to Sintra, and we are so glad we did it. Nestled in the lush, coastal hills, Sintra has been a royal retreat since the Middle Ages and is renowned for its 19th‑century Romantic palaces and gardens as part of a UNESCO‑designated cultural landscape.
Highlights in Sintra:
• Pena Palace: A vibrant hilltop palace offering panoramic views of the surrounding region
• Moorish Castle: Walk along ancient stone walls for sweeping landscapes
• Historic town center: Wander through charming cafés and traditional pastry shops
Sintra’s blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit for travellers seeking both visual wonder and cultural depth and it’s easily reached from Lisbon by train or by car. We caught a local tuk-tuk from outside the station, which truthfully we were a little hesitant about initially (thinking it may be a bit of a tourist trap) but it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Our driver stopped along the way giving us some really interesting facts and telling us stories the whole way up to the palace.
Helpful Travel Tips
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather, fewer crowds, and comfortable sightseeing
Transport: Porto and Lisbon are walkable; Ericeira benefits from a car or local buses; trains connect Sintra efficiently
Cuisine: Don’t miss seafood dishes, francesinha, pastel de nata, and artisanal coffees
Activities: Surfing in Ericeira, historic tours in Porto, castle-hopping in Sintra, cultural walks in Lisbon
Local etiquette: A simple greeting (Bom dia, Boa tarde) is always appreciated
Conclusion
A week in Portugal doesn’t need to feel rushed or over planned. We found that we were able to experience each place as it’s meant to be, appreciated in an authentic way, without rushing. Each stop throughout the week offered its own distinct character and charm. If this has inspired you to experience it for yourself, we’d suggest focusing on a few meaningful moments, allowing time to wander, and letting Portugal reveal itself. This is where the country truly shines.
