Golden beaches and emerald valleys, harsh mediaeval fortresses and cosy fishing villages, Gothic monasteries and ancient forests – Portugal has something to charm even a seasoned traveller. In addition, the country is less crowded with tourists, unlike neighbouring Spain. This means you have all the ingredients for an exciting journey.
Yes, it would be a perfect idea to organise a 3-day getaway in Portugal and fully enjoy its highlights. However, where to go and what to do within its vast territory? Luckily, you may try multiple scenarios for a fun-filled weekend in this sunny country. We have selected the best destinations and activities in Portugal and are ready to share them with you!
Touch the metropolitan vibe in Lisbon
Your acquaintance with Portugal is impossible without visiting Lisbon. The capital’s airport receives international flights, while an extensive road network provides convenient communication with other cities in the country. In Lisbon, you will find many interesting things to do, so allow at least two days for your trip. The Portuguese capital smoothly combines luxurious shopping areas with cosy streets, and majestic temples with houses decorated with multi-coloured tiles. At the same time, pleasant surprises and hidden travel secrets await you at every turn.
Relax on the beaches of Cascais
It would be a crime not to include hitting the beaches in a 3-day trip to Portugal. In most tourist routes, Cascais serves as a transit point between Lisbon and Sintra. But the locals know better, and they go to Cascais every weekend to take a break from the busy metropolitan atmosphere and swim in the ocean. So, stay in this pretty town for at least half a day to watch the surfers, walk around the cosy squares and climb the Hell’s Mouth cliff. By the way, you will see a delightful sight of how huge ocean waves crash against the walls of the cliff and create a fantastic roar!
Explore Sintra’s royal past
Sintra and its environs are the pride of Portugal. The pearl of the city is the colourful Pena Palace – the summer residence of the Portuguese kings. Thus, explore the royal chambers of the castle and go down to the picturesque garden, where swans swim in the lakes, and flower petals adorn the walking paths.
After visiting Pena Palace, set off to the Moors Castle and find other palaces and museums in Sintra. Also, don’t miss the Convent of the Capuchos, one more local attraction often overlooked in guidebooks. Immersed in greenery and overgrown with moss, the stone monastery is an oasis of peace, especially in comparison with the noisy and pretentious Pena Palace.
The monastery is only 10 km away from Sintra, but can only be reached by car or taxi. Therefore, we recommend that you take advantage of Portugal car rentals during your trip. A set of wheels gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. Moreover, you can find the best car hire in Portugal almost anywhere in the country. During your trip to Sintra, plan your day to visit the picturesque Cape Roca, the westernmost point in Europe.
Wander the mediaeval streets of Óbidos
Looking for places of historical heritage? Rent your best car in Lisbon and keep your way to Obidos, located an hour and a half drive away. Nestled inside the mediaeval fortress walls, this small town is ideal for walking along the narrow streets among the snow-white houses with tiled roofs. In local cafes, you should definitely try Ginginha cherry liqueur in chocolate cups.
The pride of the town is the fabulous Obidos Castle. Once King Dinis presented it to his bride as a wedding gift, and since then the castle has become the dowry of the Portuguese queens.
Today, Óbidos hosts interesting festivals of mediaeval music and costume performances. Also, part of the castle operates as the Pousada de Obidos hotel with 9 historic-style rooms. For €180 per night, you can stay there and feel like royalty.
Taste Porto’s travel scene
Porto is among the best places to visit in Portugal. Once a rich city, today it’s inferior to Lisbon in many ways. However, it offers a cosier and less crowded setting and has a special flavour. In the pretty “northern capital”, you will be happy to just walk along the narrow streets. The houses are so close to each other that it seems that their balconies are about to touch.
While in Porto, go up to the observation deck of the Clerigos Tower, admire the wealth of the Monument Church Of St Francis and the Exchange Palace, and explore the tiled panel in Igreja dos Carmelitas. And in the evening, head to a local bar or wine cellar for a couple of glasses of port wine and chat with the cheerful Portuguese people.
Also, Porto is an excellent starting point for a tour of the Portuguese wineries. In the vicinity of the city, you can visit Quintas (wine estates), taste wines or even crush grapes with your feet. All these pleasures will cost you €15-25.
Admire the coastal landscapes of Albufeira
The former fishing village of Albufeira is today an elite resort with luxury hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. Fortunately, modern luxury spared the ancient white-stone Moorish houses and lush fruit groves.
Start your tour by catching the views of wide golden sand dunes and small picturesque coves surrounded by creamy cliffs. Some of them are not so easy to get to, for example, the path to Praia do Peneco lies through a rocky tunnel. If you are travelling around Portugal by car, Albufeira is a great place to lay on the beach and take a break from sightseeing.
So, you will find multiple things to do in Portugal within a weekend. If you are limited in time, use a hire car to quickly move from place to place. You can book it in advance at Rental24.co.uk and thus guarantee a comfortable transfer on your trip.