Weekend breaks in Portugal | 10 Perfect locations to visit in Portugal

We couldn’t miss organising a proper, unique guide to the best weekend breaks in Portugal. This list includes many well-known cities like Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve District. However, there is also space for a perfect Portugal weekend trip to Aveiro, Coimbra, Braga, Lagos and Evora, less known spots in Portugal.

Portugal is one of the most visited countries in Europe, with about 20 million visitors per year. The beautiful country is geographically positioned at the crossroads of three continents (Europe, Africa, and America). This created a perfect melting pot of civilisations in one rich culture.

It’s no surprise that it’s the ideal location for a relaxing vacation and also for a quick bite of freedom, good food and fabulous landscapes.

Which are the most interesting Portugal city break? Given its range and several locations with varying sceneries, making a decision might be challenging, but we sorted this for you, with a mix of cities, beaches and foodie destinations.

10 Places to spend the perfect weekend breaks in Portugal

10 Sights not to miss in Portugal

Quiet Places in Portugal

Far from the crowds of Lisbon and Porto, there are many places to enjoy the calm of your days off from work. The sun-drenched peninsula of Portugal – and its string of islands – are peppered with charm-packed, lost-in-time communities where life moves at a far slower pace.

If you are like us and love the dusty roads and off the beaten path itineraries, why don’t you plan to visit less known villages? Explore the real side of this charming nation famous for superb wine, fabulous beaches, and the traditional Fado? The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost District, has several gorgeous beaches, but if you want to sunbathe away from the crowd, enjoy the calm of Olhão.

This laid-back village is known for its Moorish architecture and evocative fish market. Porto Covo is a picture-perfect village about 170 Kilometres from Lisbon, ideal for a short break in Portugal. Evora, Aveiro and Pinhão are the other three villages to consider for a quiet retreat in Portugal.

A Weekend in Lisbon

Lisbon is one of our favourite destinations in Europe. The beautiful and colourful streets are the perfect location to unwind for a weekend break in Portugal. On our blog, you can find many guides about Lisbon, and it is worth seeing all the most hidden gems, the great tour on the Tram 28, walking through the instagrammable pink street of Lisbon and many more.

It’s not a secret that Lisbon ranks as one of Europe’s top cities to visit for a perfect weekend break.

Two days in Lisbon will give you a decent experience of the Portuguese metropolis. However, if you want to make the most of your trip, spend at least 3-4 days in Lisbon and one day in Sintra.

What to see and do in Lisbon in a weekend

The Perfect Weekend in Lisbon

1. Ride Tram 28.
2. Visit a Miradouro.
3. Stroll Down Pink Street.
4. Praca do Comercio.
5. Visit the Time Out Market
6. Visit St. George’s Castle (Castelo de São Jorge)
7. Elevador de Santa Justa.
8. Visit Santo Antonio Church

A Weekend in Porto

Visiting Porto on the weekend, you will feel the vibes of true Portuguese city life. The charming city in northern Portugal will take your breath, walking through the 

cobblestone lanes lined with azulejo tiles and mediaeval buildings. Check out our guide to the most romantic getaways in Europe, Porto is on top.

Porto is ideal for those looking for a relaxed weekend city trip in Europe, enjoying the sunset on the side of the Douro River, sipping a glass of local Porto wine, and the traditional Portuguese food.

There’s plenty to do in 48 hours in Porto, but not so much that you’ll feel like you missed out and should have stayed longer. Spending two days in Porto is the perfect time to see all the sights without feeling hurried (Check out our guide about Porto in winter and beat the crowds). Adding a third and why, not a fourth day, can give you a chance for a day trip on the Douro River or through the port wine Valley. Among the many city breaks, Porto is the one you should go for this year.

What to see and do on a weekend in Porto

• Cais da Ribeira
• Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge
• Mirador do Serra do Pilar
• Drink a glass of wine on the riverside
• Enjoy the view from Miradouro da Vitoria
• Visit the Livraria da Lello
• Admire Porto Landscape from Clerigos Tower
• Instagrammable spot in Palacio da Bolsa
• Admire Sao Bento Station
• Enjoy the Azulejos

How to get to Porto

Porto is the country’s second-largest city and is easy to reach from everywhere in the country and Europe. Cheap flights are also perfect for an unforgettable weekend in Europe for a few bucks. We arrived in Porto from Lisbon by car, and it was an incredible road trip through some of the most iconic places in Portugal.

• Sao Bento Train Station is located in central Porto; It is the terminal for regional trains that operate between Porto and places in the north (such as Braga, Viana do Castelo and the Douro Valley).
• Campanha Train Station is the train station for trains departing and arriving from Lisbon and the rest of the south. The train that connects Porto and Lisbon takes around three hours and is one of the most picturesque in the country. This station is also an international hub with a connection to Spain.

Sintra in a Weekend

Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Portugal famed for its spectacular palaces, remarkable gardens, and stunning natural settings. Many travellers know Sintra just for the instagrammable castle, the colourful Pena Castle. However, the old city is filled with beautiful palaces, gardens and traditional architecture. We must say that Sintra is the perfect location to understand the mix of cultures existing in Portugal.

While you may explore the main sights of Sintra in one day, we recommend spending at least two days here. The extra day might allow you to tour the most famous castles, such as Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle, and Quinta de Regaleira, explore the area more thoroughly and see some lesser-known jewels, such as Monserrate Palace.

This fairy-tale village is just about 45 minutes from Lisbon by Train. To visit this place for a weekend, you should arrive in Lisbon on Friday afternoon and travel early in the morning to Sintra.

What to see and do on a weekend in Sintra

• Visit Palacio da Pena
• Sintra old town
• Enjoy a coffee at Cafe Saudade
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Castle of the Moors
• Sunrise at Cabo da Roca
• Park and Palace of Monserrate
• Palace of Sintra
• Jardins de Queluz

Wine seeking in the Douro Valley

While many visitors to Porto choose for a river cruise and a wine tasting, we want to suggest you consider a trip to the Douro Valley in your weekend breaks in Portugal. The Douro Valley is a fascinating location rich in history, culture, natural beauty, and fantastic wine!

Wine is definitely among the most significant things to try in Portugal on vacation. The Douro Valley has gained popularity worldwide, becoming a popular destination while exploring Europe.

This wine area is known for its centuries-old vines that meander along the Douro River. With so many places to see, it might be challenging to arrange your trip; that’s why we suggest a few tours below to help you plan.

Spend a weekend in Faro

Faro’s tourism has grown in the last few years thanks to the international airport and cheap airfare tickets that attract visitors to book a flight to Portugal. Today the whole District is part of the many weekend breaks in Portugal a traveller can choose. Faro is the point of arrival for travellers to the Algarve region; visitors usually book a bus and immediately leave for nearby villages. However, with a significant cultural heritage, a beautifully-preserved old town, good-value accommodation, tantalising seafood dishes, and a busy nightlife, this seaside city is well worth a visit in its own right.

Even though it is busy in summer, it is still worth visiting between June and September. For a great day trip from Faro, we suggest writing down Tavira. Regularly described as the prettiest town in the Algarve, this picture-perfect town is ideal for unwinding. The white walls and red terracotta roofs, cobblestones and small fishing boats are just beautiful and proper traditional Portuguese.

How to get to Algarve and Faro

Faro Airport is the only flight hub in Portugal’s far south. Other choices for flying to the Algarve exist; however, they are slightly less convenient. From Faro Airport you can reach the city centre easily. Take the buses 16 or 14 from the terminal, which costs €2.30 for one trip.

Enjoy Coimbra at the weekend

For the perfect weekend breaks in Portugal; you should consider an off the beaten path destination. Despite its lesser-known status, Coimbra is a must-see destination in Portugal. The Centre of the traditional Fado Culture of Portugal is perfect for a few days in the local culture. 

Staying in Coimbra for two days, we suggest focusing on the best things to do in Coimbra, mainly the University and the old town. You can also consider spending one day in Porto and Coimbra. Doing that, you must fly into Portugal on Friday or leave on Monday. A visit to Coimbra means spending a long weekend break in Portugal, more than just a quick escape.

How to get to Coimbra

Coimbra’s nearest airport is Porto, located about 120 Km away from the city. Therefore, we suggest not considering Lisbon as your airport, especially if you intend to spend just a weekend in Portugal. The airport of Lisbon is 190 km distant from Coimbra.

TRAIN | Comboios De Portugal operates rail services from Coimbra to Porto, which depart from Coimbra-B station. The best method to travel from Coimbra to Porto is by train, which takes 1 hour and 5 minutes and costs between €8 and €12. 

BUS | The alternative to the train is to travel by bus. The journey from Porto to Coimbra takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes, slightly longer than the train. The route has several departures throughout the day and costs between €8 and €20.

Picture perfect Aveiro in a weekend

Aveiro is, for many, the Venice of Portugal; however, we cannot say it is true after visiting the two. We are sorry, Portuguese friends. With its picturesque canals, elaborate buildings, and brightly painted boats, the lovely city is ideal for a short weekend in Portugal.

Hop on a mouliceros, a ship similar to Venice’s gondolas, and feel the vibes of this town. Visiting Aveiro in summer, you should consider exploring the surrounding area and the coast. There are two main beaches near Aveiro: Costa Nova Beach and Barra Beach. Enjoy the shore washed by the Atlantic ocean and the infinite dunes.

How to get to Aveiro

Several trains cover the 37 miles between Porto and Aveiro. The journey takes around 42 minutes with a service operated by Comboios De Portugal. The train leaves from Vila Nova De Gaia-Devesas and arrives in Aveiro city centre. Check the timetables for travelling on the weekend or public holidays.

Braga in a weekend

Braga is located in northern Portugal, northeast of Porto. It is well-known for its religious history and events. 

This is one of Porto’s most popular day trips with Guimarães. 

There are many sightseeing worth visiting in Braga, but the most important is Braga Cathedral. The building in the city centre has a holy art museum and the Gothic-style Kings’ Chapel. Also, don’t miss to explore the nearby Archbishop’s Palace, which overlooks Santa Barbara Garden.

Getting to Braga

Porto is the closest airport to Braga (OPO). Buses are running twice a day; check on FlixBus. The trip takes 45 minutes and costs between €6 and €8.

How to reach Evora

Most people travelling in Portugal from outside will arrive in Lisbon before continuing to Evora.

Regardless of the mode of transportation used, the trip from Lisbon to Évora is relatively simple. By automobile, the best way to go to Évora is to take the A2 via either bridge, then the A6, and lastly the N114, which follows the Évora directions. The distance between Lisbon and Évora is around 140 kilometres, and another standard method of transportation is by bus, where a round-trip bus ticket costs 12 euros.

Go surfing in Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is perfect for surfers and, in general, for water sport activity enthusiasts looking for a retreat in Portugal.

Lagos, gives you access to various beaches, including Porto do Mos and Tonel. There are waves for all abilities, so check the weather and rent aboard.

Some of the best beaches in Lagos:

• Meia Praia
• Porto do Mos
• Praia Da Luz
• Tonel, Sagres
• Praia da Arrifana
• Praia do Amado

Lagos’s Old Town is stunning, with its colourful patterned tiles, buildings, cafés, and entrances. You might easily spend a whole day walking around the cobblestone streets, shopping the little surf shops, cafés, and squares.

How to get to Lagos, Portugal

The nearest airport in Lagos is Faro which is about 86 Kilometres away. The journey from the airport to the city will take about an hour drive, and several buses are connecting the hub to Lagos.

Alternatively, you can arrive in Lisbon, about 3 hours away.

Best time to visit Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May) when the land is flowering and reviving after a long winter. You may also want to consider visiting Portugal in the autumn (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is excellent, and the crowds have reduced. You should know that July is the hottest month in summer, especially for the southern regions and Algarve. In the District that faces Morocco, the average temperatures are generally high, up to 38°C in July and August. Instead, the minimum temperature is 12°C (54°F) in January.

The low season lasts from December to March when the rains begin, and certain parts start to freeze. It is not advisable to visit during these months because many resorts may close. However, north-eastern Portugal has several skiing opportunities, and the season runs from December to February.

Even though the weather in Portugal varies by area, you can typically expect pleasant summers and mild winters, as well as temperate autumns and springs. The average temperature falls to 1° C. Although temperatures in Portugal vary by region, you can have pleasant summers and warm winters, as well as mild autumns and springs. The average temperature from January to March is 17°C, with highs of 27°C in the summer.

Things to know about weather in Portugal:

• The coldest month is January, with an average high temperature of 15.0°C (59°F).
• July and August are the hottest months of the year.
• The Algarve’s refreshing sea breezes help mitigate the effects of the heat and high temperatures.
• Only Serra de Estrela experiences snowfalls

Is Portugal Safe?

Portugal is considered a safe destination. When we visited this beautiful country, we didn’t have any issues travelling around and having expensive equipment with us. With its welcoming locals, low crime rates, and efficient public transportation, Portugal is safe for solo travellers as well!

Whether wandering through historic neighbourhoods in Lisbon, meandering along the scenic coastlines of the Algarve, or discovering the charm of Porto, you feel at ease while immersing yourself in Portugal’s diverse culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Incredible tours in Portugal to book now

Final thoughts about your next weekend trip to Portugal

We guess that this post about the most interesting Portugal short breaks will clear your mind and secure your next flight.

Portugal is amazing and has a variety of landscapes and holiday offers. Among the many reasons why you should visit Portugal, there is also the motivation that you can carry work with you and go for a staycation in Portugal. The region, including Spain, is now the favourite destination for digital nomads and remote workers, looking for favourable weather and cheap accommodations. We suggest having a look at our guide to the best workation locations in Europe.

Although, the options regarding a Porto city break or a long weekend in Lisbon are perfect. However, looking for a trip to Portugal, don’t leave behind the chance to spend a weekend in Faro, a short break to Algarve or other less-popular locations on the coast.

Q&A Weekend breaks in Portugal