9 Days in Portugal: Lisbon, Fatima and the Silver Coast
A route with faith and the sea at its heart. The Fatima Sanctuary, the monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaca, and the fishing towns of the Silver Coast.
At a glance
- Length: 9 days
- Bases: Lisbon (4 nights), Nazare area (2 nights), Porto (2 nights)
- Best time: April to October
- Pace: Easy
- Good for: Faith travellers, families, returning visitors
Day by day
Day 1
Settle into your hotel and take your first gentle stroll through the grand plazas of Baixa and Rossio Square. Grab a quiet coffee at an outdoor table and take in the yellow trams clattering past tiled facades. By the late afternoon, you will have plenty of free time to relax and find an easy dinner nearby.
Day 2
Spend the morning wandering the winding cobblestone lanes of Alfama, admiring the colorful laundry lines and traditional tiled walls. Head up to Miradouro de Santa Luzia for expansive views across the terracotta rooftops toward the sparkling Tagus River. Stroll down toward Praca do Comercio before taking the late afternoon completely free to rest or explore at your own pace.
Day 3
Make your way down to the waterfront to admire Jeronimos Monastery from the surrounding plaza and stop by Belem Tower along the riverbank. Walk through the tranquil paths of the nearby Jardim da Praca do Imperio and treat yourself to a warm custard tart from the famous local bakery. Your late afternoon is left open to wander the riverside promenade or simply head back to the hotel to unwind.
Day 4
Head into the cool, forested hills of Sintra to take in the vibrant colors and wild architecture of Pena Palace. Afterward, wander down into the historic town center to browse small craft shops and sample a sweet almond travesseiro pastry. Head back down to Lisbon with your late afternoon free to enjoy a slow glass of wine on a quiet terrace.
Getting around: Days like these are much easier with a private driver. Portugal Magik, the local partner we recommend, can handle luggage, timings and stops along the way, so you are not driving unfamiliar roads or chasing train connections.
Day 5
Travel north from Lisbon to spend a peaceful morning wandering the wide plaza of the Sanctuary of Fatima. Continue toward the Silver Coast and settle into Nazare, where you can watch the Atlantic waves roll onto the wide sandy beach. Ride the funicular up to the Sitio clifftop for huge ocean views, leaving the late afternoon free to relax by the sea.
Day 6
Start the day exploring the dramatic gothic halls of Alcobaca Monastery before making a short trip to see the soaring stonework at Batalha Monastery. In the early afternoon, head south to the fortified town of Obidos to walk along the whitewashed streets and taste a sip of local cherry liqueur. You will have plenty of free time in the late afternoon to stroll back through the village gates or return to Nazare for dinner.
Day 7
Head north up the coast and break up the journey in Aveiro, taking a pleasant stroll along the canals and tasting the sweet regional ovos moles pastries. Take a quick detour to admire the striped wooden beach houses in Costa Nova before driving the final stretch to Porto. Arrive in the city with the late afternoon completely free to settle into your room and take a quiet walk near your hotel.
Day 8
Wander through Porto old town to see the blue ceramic tiles inside Sao Bento station and stroll down the steep alleys to the Ribeira riverfront. Walk across the lower deck of the Dom Luis I Bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia to enjoy the classic views of the city skyline. Keep your late afternoon free to linger at a riverside cafe or sit on a sunny bench watching the traditional wooden rabelo boats drift by.
Day 9
Enjoy a relaxed morning with a fresh pastry and strong coffee at a neighborhood bakery near your hotel. Squeeze in one last easy walk along the Douro riverfront or through the leafy gardens of Palacio de Cristal before packing up. Keep your late afternoon free to head to the airport smoothly and catch your flight home.
Local tip
The big pilgrimages at Fatima are on 12 and 13 May and October. Expect crowds on those dates, or plan around them.
Making it your own
Treat this as a starting point. Every day can be swapped, shortened or stretched. Most travellers keep the bases and change the day trips. Keep driving legs under about two and a half hours and leave the late afternoon free, and the trip will feel easy.
Plan this trip with a trusted local partner
We recommend Portugal Magik, a Lisbon based private tour operator, for tailor-made versions of routes like this one. They provide private drivers and guides, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and day by day planning, and will adjust the route to your dates, pace and interests.
Tailor-made
Request a tailored itinerary
Share your dates and interests. Portugal Magik will shape this route around you, with a private driver and guide.
Bestseller
The 10 day Golden Portugal tour
Our recommended partner’s most loved private journey, from Lisbon to Porto and the Douro.