Portugal

3 cities

Portugal captivates with its blend of tradition and modernity. Lisbon with its historic trams, Porto with its world-famous wine.

Cities in Portugal

Portugal travel guide

By the Odysseus team · Reviewed October 2026

Portugal is one of the best-value destinations in Western Europe: characterful cities, an Atlantic coastline, Douro wine and short distances that let you combine a lot in one week.

When to go

April to June and September to October bring mild weather and quiet Algarve beaches. July and August are perfect for the coast but Lisbon and Porto get crowded. Winter is wetter in the north, but prices drop a lot.

How much it costs

Backpacker: €50–70 a day.
Mid-range: €100–150 a day.
High-end: €250+ a day.

Lisbon and Porto charge a nightly tourist tax; a set lunch in a tasca is still among the cheapest meals in Western Europe.

Suggested 8-day route

Lisbon (3 days) → Sintra and Cascais (1 day) → Óbidos or Nazaré on the way north (1 day) → Porto (2 days) → Douro Valley (1 day). The Alfa Pendular train links Lisbon and Porto in about 3 hours. With more time, head south to the Algarve cliffs around Lagos.

Practical tips

In Lisbon the rechargeable Navegante card covers metro, trams and suburban trains.
Buy Sintra palace tickets online and arrive early.
Wear comfortable shoes: the cobbles and hills of Lisbon and Porto are real.

Indicative prices per person per day, excluding flights. Always check current entry requirements before travelling.