12 days in Azores, Porto & Lisbon Itinerary
12 days in Azores, Porto & Lisbon Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Portugal attractions planner
Start: San Francisco
Fly
1
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
— 4 nights
Fly
2
Porto
— 3 nights
Fly
3
Lisbon
— 3 nights
Fly
End: San Francisco
Sat, May 11 - Wed, May 22
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See full calendar
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
— 4 nights
©
As the busy capital of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada represents the most visited place on the island. Known for its historical buildings, the city offers 17th- and 18th-century convents and churches, as well as cobbled pedestrian streets and hidden squares.You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Praia de Santa Barbara and Mosteiros Beach. Get in touch with nature at Caldeira das Sete Cidades and Dolphin & Whale Watching. Go for a jaunt from Ponta Delgada to Mosteiros to see Piscinas Naturais about 38 minutes away. There's lots more to do: explore the activities along Lagoa do Fogo, pause for some serene contemplation at Igreja do Santo Cristo, tour the pleasant surroundings at Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Nossa Senhora da Paz.
For reviews, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, use the Ponta Delgada route planner.
San Francisco, USA to Ponta Delgada is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You'll lose 7 hours traveling from San Francisco to Ponta Delgada due to the time zone difference. In May, plan for daily highs up to 66°F, and evening lows to 58°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Porto.
Things to do in Ponta Delgada
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 11 — 15:
Highlights from your trip
Porto
— 3 nights
Unvanquished City
Called "Oporto" by many, the city of Porto along the Duoro River lent the country and Port wine their names. Portugal's second-largest metropolis dates back to the 4th century, representing both a rich cultural past and industrial present through its architecture and style.Take a break from the city and head to Douro River and Praia da Luz. Do some cultural sightseeing at Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral) and Palacio da Bolsa. Next up on the itinerary: take in the views from Ponte de Dom Luis I, do a tasting at Taylor's Port, take in panoramic vistas at Torre dos Clerigos, and take a stroll through Rua Santa Catarina.
For maps, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read Porto online route planner.
You can fly from Ponta Delgada to Porto in 3 hours. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Ponta Delgada to Porto. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Ponta Delgada in May since evenings lows in Porto dip to 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can fly to Lisbon.
Things to do in Porto
Side Trip
Find places to stay May 15 — 18:
Highlights from your trip
Lisbon
— 3 nights
©
City of Seven Hills
Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Castelo de S. Jorge and Museu Calouste Gulbenkian. Escape the urban bustle at Portugal Bike and Praia da Nazare. There's much more to do: wander the streets of Alfama, choose your vessel at Lisbon by Boat, make a trip to Belém Tower, and pause for some photo ops at Arco do Triunfo.
To find more things to do, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Lisbon online sightseeing planner.
Fly from Porto to Lisbon in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Porto in May, you will find days in Lisbon are somewhat warmer (75°F), and nights are about the same (55°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) early enough to fly back home.
Things to do in Lisbon
Side Trips
Find places to stay May 18 — 21:
Highlights from your trip
Azores travel guide
Mountain Island
Composed of nine volcanic islands scattered in the Atlantic some 1,300 km (850 mi) west of continental Portugal, the Azores represent one of Europe's remotest vacation destinations. Settled sporadically over a span of several centuries, the islands in this archipelago retain much of their isolated feel, each one boasting its own distinct culture, dialect, and cuisine. Long overlooked by even the most adventurous travelers, the islands now surprise a growing number of visitors with their lavish natural beauty, good roads, and hospitable towns providing comfortable accommodations and modern amenities. Place the island of Pico at the top of your itinerary to discover Portugal's highest mountain, a picture-perfect volcanic cone rising above a landscape of World Heritage-listed vineyards.
