The Perfect 7-Day Portugal Itinerary for Food and Wine Lovers

7 February 2025

A Portugal vacation is best described as a culinary and cultural experience like no other. If you are a food and wine connoisseur, planning a perfectly Portugal travel itinerary is a must to ensure you do not miss out on anything Portugal vacations. Explore the country with this 7-day Portugal itinerary tailored specifically for those who enjoy savoring exquisite meals paired with fine wines, taking you through welcoming towns, vibrant cities, and serene vineyards.

Every day will add a cherry on top for you starting from the bustling streets of Lisbon all the way to the enchanting views of Douro Valley through local delicacies and famed wine regions. Whether you are shopping in traditional markets or dining in high-end restaurants, gourmet or otherwise, this itinerary guarantees a fundamental understanding of Portuguese gastronomy. Portugal vacation packages are numerous pre-made offers, which means customizing your trip is easier than ever. Other than that, brace yourself for a best Portugal itinerary through European culinary hot spots!

Day 1: Arrival: Custom petiscos @ Time Out Market, Lisbon

Expand your Portugal itinerary by including Lisbon as your first stop. The city is a rich historical and cultural hub, but Lisbon is known for its gastronomical offerings. Petiscos is a great Andean dish that’s reminiscent of the Spanish style of tapas.

Spend your evening in Time Out market, one of the largest food markets which features local cuisine stalls – from Petiscos to Bacalhau à Brás (codfish with greens) and Caldo Verde, not forgetting the iconic Pastéis de Nata, this gastronomic experience is sure to transport your taste buds. Each stall has traditional and modern takes on Portugal’s culinary history, ensuring each bite better than the last.

Day 2: Cooking classes with local chefs in Lisbon markets: Mercado da Ribeira and Mercado de Campo de Ourique.

If you’ve always wished for a local to show you around, this is your chance! On day two, visit Mercado da Ribeira and Mercado de Campo de Ourique. These are some of the most prominent local food markets in Lisbon. You can find freshly baked bread, local cheeses, various cured meats, thaos frozen… make sure not to eat it all, you’ll want to bring some back home. To truly gain a better grasp on the local cuisine and its techniques, consider including a local chef in your food tour or cooking lessons.

Day 3: A Combination of History and Local Flavors in Sintra

On the third day of your Portugal travel itinerary, take a short trip to the city of Sintra. The picturesque town of Sintra is famed for having some of the most beautiful palaces in the world along with architectural masterpieces from the 19th century. Start off with the bright Pena Palace which is renowned for its spectacular design. After taking in the breathtaking views at the castle, make sure to walk through the lovely gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, which is filled with complex meaning and secret hidden passages. Also, do not forget to sample Sintra’s famous local delicacies like Travesseiros which is sweet cream almond pastries and is offered at numerous traditional bakeries.

Day 4: Porto – The City of Port Wine

Transitioning into Day 4, your Portugal itinerary takes you north to Porto, famed for its rich history and world-renowned port wine. As part of your best Portugal itinerary, start by exploring the historic Ribeira District along the Douro River. The picturesque waterfront is lined with colourful buildings and offers a perfect backdrop for photos.

No visit to Porto would be complete without touring one of its many wine cellars located across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, you can learn about the port wine production process and enjoy tastings that highlight various styles—from rich tawny ports to sweet ruby varieties.

Both days combine cultural immersion with culinary delights, making them an essential part of any comprehensive Portugal itinerary.

Day 5: Douro Valley – A Taste of the Vineyards

When exploring Portugal on day 5, be sure to check out the Douro Valley.It is famous for breathtaking views of the river and terraced vineyards. As a World Heritage site, you can see centre of Porto wine production. Ports finest wines can be enjoyed by taking a boat tour on the Douro River which offers a splendid view of the local quintas. Tours and wine tasting gives you the opportunity to have a firsthand experience at the traditional winemaking process that Portugal boasts. Enjoy the exquisite wines with local treats like cheese and cured meats providing a delightful culinary experience in the valley.

Day 6: Coimbra – A Hidden Culinary Gem of Portugal

On Day 6, visit Coimbra, a city which most tourists skip but has much to offer in history and food. As one of the oldest universities in Europe, Coimbra also have history and culinary delights of Portuguese cuisine. Don’t forget to taste the regional favorite, “chanfana”, which is a goat meat delicacy. Visit local markets and sample artisanal cheeses and pastries such as Pastéis de Santa Clara. These charming streets filled with centuries-old buildings are perfect for a relaxing stroll. This hidden pearl caters to food lovers wanting to experience Portugal’s rich culinary history while enjoying a calm vibe away from the tourist hustle. This will be your best Portugal itinerary experience for food delights and breathtaking views.

Day 7: Return to Lisbon – Final Tastes and Farewells

As you move to end of Portugal itinerary, enjoy your day in Lisbon on Day 7. This city known for its history and food certainly does justice to nomadic travelers. Feeling hungry? Start your day with breakfast at a pastelaria where you can taste a popular pastel de nata and wash it down with a bica (espresso). Finally, head to the picturesque Alfama district, where you can try the local food and buy some craft items for souvenirs. Check out Cais do Sodré; it has the Time Out Market and probably your new favorite lunch spot. This amazing food court has numerous chefs from all over the country, so it is wonderful if you want to eat good food. As the day draws to a close, remember to visit Miradouro da Senhora do Monte since it captures some of the most amazing views Lisbon has to offer. For dinner, immerse yourself in the Portuguese culture by going to a fado restaurant, enjoy listening to music as you eat, and get ready to head home.

Embrace the Flavors of Portugal with Your Perfect Culinary Adventure!

Going on a food trip to Portugal presents a unique chance to relish the nations rich flavors and intricate gastronomic culture. A meticulously designed Portugal itinerary can take you through exotic markets, small, charming taverns, and even high-end Michelin star establishments which will make sure that you enjoy every single bite. Each meal served in Portugal has been woven with its own unique history and traditions ranging from the pastéis de nata in Lisbon to the bacalhau that is famous all throughout the country. So, get your bags ready and prepare yourself to appreciate everything Portugal has to offer as a mouth-watering culinary escapade is waiting for you to explore it.