A budget friendly backpacking trip for first time Portugal visitors!
Three college friends head to Portugal for a spring break trip (early April). There were the usual travel hiccups and a couple more. But after 3 day fever, twisted ankle, lost phone, and a missed train later we all made it back safety and had wonderful lifelong memories. If you haven't heard already Portugal really is a must go for anyone who wishes to have a bit of everything but have limited time and a relatively budget mindset.
As broke college students, we chose to take the "budget value" route to try to cautiously balance the "no steady income" and "most likely not coming back anytime soon" factor.
Destinations Explored: Downtown Porto, Douro Valley, Downtown Lisbon, Sintra, Cabo de Roca, Faro, Lagos, Praia de Luz
Modes of Transportation: Intercity trains, Uber, own two feet
Questions Portugal Made Me Ask:
- Just because a place can be better monetized, does it mean it should?
- Why does getting lost in culture feel eerie and triggers feeling guilty about the crimes of humanity?
- What specifically makes European cities have a sense of warmth and longevity that Amican cities just don't have?
Music Discoveries: Tiago Bettencourt (Se Me Deixasses Ser), Carolina Deslandes (Viva Toda - although whole Casa album is a gem), Ivo Lucas (Inverno de 2003)
My Portugal Roadtrip Playlist: Filled with Portugal gems old and new
Learned Tips: Don't buy too many tickets for Sintra Palaces, check your tickets so you don't miss your trip, try to do all of this in 10 days and add a day in Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarves for a more relaxed schedule.
Day One: Lisbon to Porto
After arriving at Lisbon, we took the Train from Lisboa Oriente to Porto Sao Bento (3hr / 32eur). We dropped off our stuff at the hostel and went on a sunset Porto Bridge Walk. The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the bridge and suggested us the best place to try Portugease most known comfort food - the Francesinha. We got a surprise drone photos sent to us by email afterwards, a sweet touch and a definite great ending to our first day. The Francesinha to be honest was too filling and salty for my taste but the place we went was filled packed at dinner time so it might have just been my odd taste.
We stayed at Porto Wine Hostel for the next two days. The space was clean and simple, hospitality was superb, and location was walkable to any of the historic porto city center and nightlife region. It wasn't the most modern but it was small and I had a great time striking up a conversation with fellow travelers. Our room had a nice balcony that you can stick your head out from the colorful windows. Would recommend and stay again. Heads up towels and locks need to be rented, so if you can bring your own.
Day 2: Day trip from Porto to Douro Valley
This was definitely a splurge but the day trip out to the Douro Valley Wineries was definitely worth the value over tasting in a wine cellar within the city. We took a trip with Winerist on a 9 hour tour that included a visit to two local wineries, a local lunch, Douro traditional cruise (with wine served on boat), and honey and olive oil tastings (107eur+tip). We had perfect weather and our tour guide was spectacular!
She introduced us to local music on the way and with only two other people besides our party in the van, it definitely felt more like a private tour but with a public tour price. This was by far one of the highlights of the trip as we enjoyed the beautiful spring weather with blooming lavender, sounds of bees, fresh crisp air, and absolute silence away from crowds and taste of local wines. Not to mention the lunch was to die for. We spent the rest of the trip trying to find local steak made as well made as the Rufete Restaurant in Pinhao, and it was without luck. We also tried the cod, which while flavorful was a bit dry and definitely fishy in taste.
When we arrived back to Porto, we stopped at the famous Lello Bookstore that J.K. Rowling took inspiration from (It's a 5 eur) entry fee that can be returned if you purchase something form the store). Whats for dinner? Gelato and Port Wine.
Day 3: Exploring Downtown Porto and Train to Lisbon
We rose in the morning to go to the local Porto market to grab ourselves some breakfast. To be honest, the market was a bit underwhelming and touristy but it was most likely because the outdoor market was under renovation when we went. I'm sure I'll visit next time when it's at the traditional square.
We made a stop at the Porto Cathedral and looked out at the city. The tour inside was a great way to immerse yourself a couple hundred years back. I can't believe it took 1,000 years for the cathedral to be completed! This was the place where I felt overwhelmed by culture and history and I couldn't believe that I was standing in the same place that have seen so much wars, inequality, yet the structure is still standing today.
Making our way to the Riviera, we see how there are a lot more tourists and the prices start increasing. My tip is to meander through the smallest streets you can find before getting to the riverside and go into a local corner store to pick up some strawberries and drinks for less than 1 euros and enjoy your snacks next to the banks. The view from the city from the Porto bridge is also a must, although the hike up from the Riviera is not for those who are carrying everything on their backs (like us!)
At 5pm we took our train back to Lisbon had dinner and had an early nights rest for a big day tomorrow!
We stayed at the Travellers House Lisbon for the next two days. While the place has perfect location, window view out to the main streets, free breakfasts, and wonderful guests I wouldn't recommend it unless you get the newer modified rooms. The bathrooms were a bit old and everything had an old fashioned vibe. Although I did meet up with some tour guides from all over Europe and heared some amazing travel stories!
Day 4: Day trip from Lisbon to Sintra
We left the hostel bright and early in order to reach the popular Palacio Nacional da Pena before the tour busses came in. Which was absolutely the best call! We had a peaceful walk there but by the time we left the palace it was already packed.
We arrived by taking the local train to Sintra from Rossio Station and bought the All Day pass for the Sintra bus for Site Seeing. The two bus routes take you all to the palaces worth seeing. If you have only one day like us, I would stick to at most 3 sites in order to avoid being too rushed. Tickets can be prebooked but if you book more than 3, know that you might not be able to get to all of them and waste a ticket (We wasted our Moorish Castle ticket but don't regret not going). The Pena palace, although touristy is a must as it takes you back to your young childhood self surrounded by large colorful castles that have views to the ocean. Quinta de Regaleia boasts a large mystical garden and a collection of wells that take you to a fairytale land. Lastly, the Park and Palace of Monserrate was my absolute favorite and the least visted out of the three. The gardens felt vast and royal and the interior hallways felt personal and royal.
We then hopped onto #403 Bus to catch the sunset at Cabo do Roca. While extremely windy and cold without the sun it was definitely worth it. We spent almost three hours there just staring at the sea and enjoying our time. Make sure to catch the last train to Cascais Terminal (or Uber) and from there take a train back to Lisbon.
Day 5: Lisbon to Algarves (Pria De Luz)
So...this is the mess up day. Waking up at 8:30 thinking your train is at 9:45 only to find out your train was at 8:45 and then almost missing your 10:30 train is NOT a good way to go. Lesson is, check, double check, triple check our tickets ooops.
This was supposed to be a day when we go skydiving in the Algarves but to save money and realizing it's a travel day, we didn't book. It was a good call (although always something you can add in).
We picked up our rental car from Avis and went on our merry way to our ocean view Airbnb at Pria De Luz's. We chose this place to get away from the crowds at Lagos and a more quiet place to stay. It was definitely worth it and it was a short drive to sunset at Sagres.
Day 5: Exploring Algarve Region
A SUP Paddleboard tour in the Algarve Region is a must. If the weather is calm, Sagres is said to be an amazing spot but we weren't cleared for the days we were there. However, since it was spring and not high season, Lagos was open for SUP tours. In the summer time, only boats are allowed in the area because it's too crowded. SUP or kayaking tours are an awesome way to explore the region and it's numerous sea caves.
Tip: when using the SUP strap, don't strap onto an ankle that has previously been injured because you might sprain it if you fall in the ocean (learned by experience).
That afternoon we head to a three hour hike from Algar Seco to the Alfanzina Lighthouse. I am sure it can take a lot quicker but we really took our time exploring the numerous grottos and beaches along the way. We parked at the Algar Seco lot and took an Uber back. Local buses also run through the line.
Then on our attempt to get to Sagres we got lost in the mountains and came back home. More time really could have been spent exploring the region. The mountainous regions was magical in its own way. I would highly suggested wondering around, but just make sure to come down before sunset!
Day 6: Faro to Lisbon
We really wanted to surf today but time didn't allow us to. So we explored the regions various walks instead. First stop was Lagos viewpoint then the rain chased us to Trilho dos Olhos d'Agua route. These short walks really gave a great sense of what this coastal region is like and I would love to take more time.
We took the train back to Lisbon at 6pm and arrived at 9pm. Since it was our last night in Lisbon, we went out and checked out some local bars. The Park Bar was disguized as a parking lot - make sure to climb up to the fourth floor if you check it out. But our favorite by far was the Tejo Bar. Live Fado and folk music until 3am and ridiculously packed at 1am. You might have to be patient - when we arrived it was so packed we couldn't get in. But wait your turn and you'll be surprised with a small room packed with local musicians and an extremely friendly local atmosphere.
Day 7: Exploring Lisbon
The last two days was spent staying at the Yes! Hostel At Lisbon which is a super clean, modern, friendly hostel that offered activities and tours as well. This hostel was by far the most comfortable and clean of the hostels we stayed at this trip. Starting the day with the hostel walking tour, we wandered into the Alfama region with it's quaint streets and toured the Saturday market. Our local tour guide suggested us to eat at Taberna Sal Grosso and it was a spectacular local eats place. Although there might be a bit of a wait around lunchtime the food is well worth it.
After lunch, we decided to skip the rest of the historical sights and explored LX Factory to see some modern art to balance the old history and nature we have been surrounded with. When you go, try to find the library with the dangling bicycle!
Conclusion: Small and budget friendly, Portugal is definitely worth the trip. You wouldn't hurt with spending more time at each location. A 10 day trip would be perfect although you can definitely make do with 7.
Have I missed anything? Please leave a comment below, I'd love to check out new places next time!
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