7 Days in Portugal: Lisbon and the Quiet Alentejo
A week split between the capital and the wide, slow countryside to its east. Cork oaks, whitewashed towns, long lunches and very little traffic. Good for travellers who want Portugal without the crowds.
At a glance
- Length: 7 days
- Bases: Lisbon (3 nights), Evora (2 nights), Lisbon or coast (2 nights)
- Best time: April to June, September to November
- Pace: Relaxed
- Good for: Returning visitors, food and wine lovers, anyone wanting a calm pace
Day by day
Day 1
Arrive, check in, and spend a slow late afternoon resting to shake off any travel fatigue. When the evening arrives, take a gentle walk through Chiado, perhaps pausing at Praca Luis de Camoes to watch the historic streetcars roll by. You could drop into Livraria Bertrand for a quick browse or grab an espresso at a sidewalk table before enjoying a low-key dinner. Return early to get a restful night of sleep before your days of exploring begin.
Day 2
Spend your morning wandering through the quiet, winding alleys of Alfama, where laundry hangs between pastel houses and church bells echo overhead. Make your way downhill into the grand, geometric streets of Baixa to stroll along Rua Augusta toward the breezy waterfront at Praca do Comercio. You will have a couple of quiet hours to yourself in the late afternoon to rest your feet or sit at a shaded cafe. Wrap up your day by heading up to Miradouro de Santa Catarina to watch the golden sunset light sweep over the river.
Day 3
Head west along the Tagus in the morning to stop by the Jeronimos Monastery and admire its remarkable stonework from the leafy gardens outside. Stroll down toward the water to admire Belem Tower standing proudly against the river mouth, then pick up warm custard tarts from the famous bakery nearby. Your late afternoon is left wide open so you can return to central Lisbon, read a book in a park, or simply wander without an agenda. It is a wonderfully relaxed way to close out your time in the capital.
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 4
Drive east out of Lisbon into the rolling, sunlit plains of the Alentejo, passing sprawling groves of cork oaks and ancient olive trees. Make an easy detour down a dirt lane to discover the Almendres Cromlech, an enchanting circle of prehistoric standing stones tucked among the quiet woods. Arrive in Evora in time for lunch, leaving the late afternoon completely free to wander the whitewashed lanes or relax at your hotel. As dusk settles, find a quiet square to enjoy rustic Alentejano bread, local cheese, and a glass of regional wine.
Day 5
Start your morning in the historic center to see the striking columns of the Roman Temple and walk up the rooftop of the cathedral for sweeping views across the plains. Stop by the fascinating Chapel of Bones next to the Church of Saint Francis, taking in its unique and quiet atmosphere. Afterwards, head just outside town for an easy tasting at a local winery surrounded by rolling vineyards. Keep the late afternoon free to linger in the main square at Praca do Giraldo with a cool drink while the town settles into evening.
Day 6
Take an easy morning drive to the fortified village of Monsaraz, where pristine white cottages frame vast panoramas over the Alqueva reservoir below. Stroll along the ancient defensive walls and soak in the quiet countryside before beginning your journey back toward the coast. Check in to your base near the sandy pine forests of Comporta or back in Lisbon, reserving the late afternoon for total downtime. You can watch the tide roll in along the Atlantic shore or enjoy a quiet, unhurried dinner to celebrate your final evening.
Day 7
Enjoy a peaceful morning breakfast with fresh orange juice and a final pastel de nata as you pack your bags. If you have an evening departure, keep your late afternoon entirely free to relax, stroll through a nearby park, or simply sit with a coffee before heading to your flight. The calm schedule guarantees an easy, stress-free trip to the terminal without any rushing. Depart with warm memories of golden stone, rolling plains, and the gentle pace of Portugal.
Local tip
Summer afternoons in the Alentejo can pass 35C. Plan sightseeing for the morning and keep afternoons for the pool or a long lunch.
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.
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