10-Day Portugal Itinerary: Girl’s Guide to Visit, Eat & Stay

Post by Saige

A stunning aerial view of a picturesque beach with golden sand, surrounded by dramatic reddish-brown cliffs. The clear turquoise waters gently lap against the shore, with large rock formations rising from the sea and beach. The beach is bustling with people sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing under umbrellas, while a few boats float in the distance. The sky above is mostly clear with scattered, wispy clouds, adding to the serene and vibrant atmosphere.

Explore Porto to Faro: A Perfect 10-Day Portugal Itinerary

Planning a 10-day Portugal itinerary for an unforgettable girls’ trip? From Porto’s vibrant streets to Faro’s sunny, turquoise beaches, this guide covers the best places to visit in Portugal, where to eat, sleep, and drink. Whether you’re sipping wine in the Douro Valley, exploring Sintra’s fairytale castles, or relaxing on the beach in Lagos, this itinerary has all the Portugal travel guide tips you need for a dreamy getaway!

Day 1-2: Porto – City Charm & Wine Vibes 🍷
Fly into Porto, where old-world charm meets vibrant energy. Check into your chic stay at The Yeatman Hotel in Vila Nova de Gaia, perfectly perched for river views and easy access to the city’s buzz.
Day 1: Explore Porto’s Magic
– Kick things off with a visit to Livraria Lello, the iconic bookstore that’s basically a Harry Potter fever dream (hello, photo ops!). Grab a pastel de nata and a coffee at a cute café nearby to fuel your stroll through Porto’s colourful streets. Think cobblestone, azulejo tiles, and all the aesthetic vibes. – For dinner, head to a cozy spot like Cervejaria Brasão for petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and a glass of crisp Vinho Verde. Dance the night away at a local bar with old-school tunes to set the mood! 💃🏼
Day 2: Douro Valley 🚗
– Rent a cute convertible (because why not?) and drive 1.5 hours to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO stunner with rolling vineyards and river views. Check into the luxe Six Senses Douro Valley for a night of pampering. Book a private sailboat ride down the Douro River with a wine tasting—pure magic as you sip rosé and watch the sunset glow over the vines. – Dinner at DOC by Rui Paula in Folgosa is a must—think gourmet dishes and chic vibes. Pro tip: pack a flowy dress for those vineyard pics! 🍇

Soak in serenity at Six Senses Douro Valley

Day 3-4: Areis do Seixo – Boho-Chic Heaven 🌿
Drive 2.5 hours south to Areis do Seixo, the highlight of this trip! (stay tuned for Saige’s hotel review post!) This eco-luxe hotel is a Pinterest board come to life—think boho vibes, dreamy decor, and a spa that’ll melt your stress away. It’s near the coast, so you’re getting beachy feels with a side of serenity.
Day 3: Settle In & Spa Day
– Check into your room (each one’s unique, with details like clawfoot tubs or private fire pits). Spend the day lounging by the pool, sipping rosé, and booking a massage at their spa. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant is farm-to-table perfection—pair it with a bottle of local wine. End the night stargazing by a bonfire with your besties. ✨
Day 4: Beach & Boho Vibes
– Hit the nearby Praia da Mexilhoeira Beach for a morning of sunbathing and splashing in the Atlantic (pack a cute bikini!). Rent bikes from the hotel to explore the coastline or join a yoga class for ultimate zen. – For lunch, try their greenhouse-inspired café for fresh, colourful bowls. Spend the afternoon wandering the hotel’s gardens. – Dinner? Another round of their delish farm-to-table fare, because why leave paradise? Or you can venture to Santa Cruz to explore the local town and eat at Noah’s Surf House.

Day 5: Sintra – Fairytale Fantasy 🏰
– Drive 45 minutes to Sintra, a UNESCO gem that’s like stepping into a princess storybook. Think colourful palaces and misty hills!
– Morning: Visit Pena Palace, a rainbow-hued castle with jaw-dropping views (book tickets early!). Wander the lush gardens and snap pics in your cutest sundress.
– Lunch: Grab a light bite at Casa Piriquita for their famous travesseiros (puffy pastries—yum!).
– Afternoon: Explore Quinta da Regaleira, a mystical estate with secret tunnels and a dreamy Initiation Well. Perfect for dramatic group pics!
– Evening: Drive 30 minutes to Lisboa, Portugal’s vibrant capital. Check into a chic spot like Blue Liberdade Hotel for a central location and fab patio vibes.

Day 6-7: Lisboa – City Glam & Seafood Dreams 🐠
Day 6: Brunch & City Vibes
– Start with a dreamy brunch at Dear Breakfast—think avocado toast and pink lattes. Wander through Alfama’s colorful streets, snapping pics of tiled buildings and bougainvillea. – For lunch, hit Fabrica for a cute café vibe. – In the evening, book a table at Ponto Final (take the water taxi for extra fun!) for seafood with a Tagus River view—lobster and sangria, yes please! – End the night dancing at k Urban Beach nightclub—perfect for a girls’ night out! 💃🏼
Day 7: Pastries & Seafood
– In the morning, grab iconic pastel de nata at Manteigaria (they’re life-changing). – Then enjoy lunch at Blue Liberdade Hotel’s patio for more sangria and lobster vibes. – Spend the afternoon exploring Belém—check out the Jerónimos Monastery and snap pics by the Belém Tower. – Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro is a seafood lover’s dream—crab, shrimp, and all the garlic butter. Pro tip: book ahead! Another restaurant gem is JNcQUOI!

Day 8-10: Lagos – Beachy Bliss & Party Vibes 🏖️
– Drive 3 hours to Lagos in the Algarve, where golden cliffs and turquoise waves await. – Check into Villa Zawaia, a boutique gem with massive rooms, a cute pool, and a delish breakfast spread.
Day 8: Beach Day & Wine
– Spend the rest of the day at Praia Dona Ana, the prettiest beach within walking distance. The water’s chilly, so pack a cute cover-up for lounging. – – – Dinner with tapas at MIMAR—small plates, big flavors. In the evening, sip orange wine at Travia Natural Wine Bar for chic city feels, then hit Bar Vivant for old-school tunes and dancing (Wednesday’s the night to go!).
Day 9: Caves & Tapas
– Book a morning kayak tour to Benagil Cave—it’s touristy but iconic (go early to beat the crowds). – Lunch at Earth Café before heading to Praia de Marinha—another gorg beach, but bring comfy shoes for the steps. – For dinner, head to Casinho de Petisco for massive portions of fresh fish (expect a wait, it’s worth it!).
Day 10: Chill & Party
– Book a catamaran trip along the cliffs and jump in the ocean off the coast. Grab lunch at the Italian spot in the square—their Aperol spritz and Vinho Verde are chef’s kiss. – For dinner, try Barbosa for young, fun vibes. End your trip with drinks at Vicent for a final night of giggles and memories.

Day 11: Faro – Farewell, Portugal! ✈️
– Drive 1 hour to Faro, drop off your rental car, and fly out of Faro Airport. Spend your last moments sipping coffee at a cute café in Faro’s old town, reflecting on your epic girly getaway. Portugal, you’ve stolen our hearts! 💕
Tips for Your Getaway:
Ideal months to visit: May to September but we found June to be ideal
Transport: Recommend renting a car for flexibility—Porto to Douro, Areis do Seixo, Sintra, Lisboa, Lagos, and Faro is a breeze by road.
Safe travels! Portugal’s waiting to slay your summer! 🌞💖

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