WHERE TO STAY FOR A WEEKEND IN PORTUGAL?
COME SPEND A WEEKEND IN PORTUGAL
If you are looking for the ideal place to spend a weekend in Portugal, stay at Dream Guincho. Strategically located between Cascais, Sintra and Lisbon, three of the country’s most iconic destinations, allowing you to explore the beach, mountains and city, all less than 30 minutes away. This is the ideal itinerary for you to discover the best of Portugal in just three days.
– Sleep at Dream Guincho surrounded by nature and wake up just a few minutes from the beach;
– Enjoy the sunset at Guincho Beach on Friday;
– Have lunch in Cascais overlooking the sea and visit the stunning palaces and gardens of Sintra on Saturday;
– And finish with brunch and a stroll through the historic neighbourhoods of Lisbon or simply relax by the pool on Sunday.
The climate is pleasant all year round, but spring and autumn are ideal seasons to avoid the crowds. Bring comfortable shoes, light clothing and a swimsuit, even outside of summer.
This is the ideal itinerary if you’re want to discover the best of Portugal in just three days.
Read on to discover our suggestions for accommodation, itinerary and what to pack to make the most of a weekend in Portugal.
1. If you’re a beach lover, you should try Cascais
Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Cascais is a charming coastal town that combines natural beauty with sophistication. Once a royal summer retreat, today it offers beautiful beaches, marina life, boutique shopping, and a selection of world-class restaurants.
2. For nature and history you should go to Sintra
Sintra is like stepping into a fairy tale. With its lush forests, pastel-colored palaces, and green mountain, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site you won’t want to miss. Spend your weekend in Portugal discovering the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and hidden hiking trails. Don’t forget to try the amazing queijadas de Sintra or the travesseiros.
If you’d like to know more places to check out in Cascais and Sintra during a weekend in Portugal you should visit our dedicated page here.
3. For a city getaway you need to visit Lisbon
Portugal’s capital is a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity. With its iconic yellow trams, the tiled façades, the Fado music, and amazing culinary scene, Lisbon makes for an exciting urban escape. Stroll through the neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, or Príncipe Real, and catch the sunset from one of the city’s famous miradouros.
But all three of these destinations have something in common… they’re all within easy reach of Dream Guincho, your serene and luxurious hub in Portugal. Perfectly located between Cascais and the hills of Sintra, Dream Guincho offers the best of both worlds: sea breeze, elegant comfort, and access to both nature and vibrant town life. In addition, Lisbon is only 30 minutes away by car, making it the ideal base for a well-rounded weekend in Portugal.
Our Itinerary Suggestion for a weekend in Portugal
If you’d like to follow our recommendations we put together a 3 day itinerary for a perfect weekend in Portugal.
Friday
– Arrive at Dream Guincho and unwind with a welcome drink in the garden.
– Enjoy a relaxing walk along Praia do Guincho and watch the sun dip into the Atlantic.
– Dine at a local Cascais restaurant and enjoy the ocean views.
Saturday
– Start your day with a homemade breakfast at Dream Guincho.
– Head to Sintra and explore the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and the charming old town.
– Enjoy a pastry stop to try Sintra’s famous travesseiros or queijadas.
– Return to Cascais in the evening for a relaxed dinner and maybe a stroll through the marina.
Sunday
– Take a day trip to Lisbon where you can start with brunch in Príncipe Real and discovering Lisbon’s downtown classical neighborhoods like Alfama.
– In the afternoon you can choose: either exploring the Castelo de São Jorge or relaxing in one of the numerous sightseeing points of the city and enjoying the view.
– If you still have time at night, look for a Fado house and enjoy the experience of listening and feeling one of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
If you’re wondering what to pack for the perfect weekend in Portugal? We also got your back!
Portugal is diverse in both terrain and weather, so packing smart helps you enjoy every moment. Here’s what to consider essential for any season in Portugal:
– Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestone streets are everywhere!)
– A light jacket or wrap for cooler evenings
– Sunscreen and sunglasses
– A reusable water bottle
– A small daypack for excursions
– Swimwear (yes, even in spring/fall, some days invite a beach stop)
Have you decided when to visit Portugal?
Portugal is a great destination year-round, but each season brings a unique flavor to your weekend in Portugal escape:
– Spring is ideal for hikes, outdoor terraces, and pleasant temperatures. It’s also less crowded, perfect for exploring Sintra’s palaces or Lisbon’s neighborhoods in peace;
– Summer is the beach season. Cascais is buzzing, and you can count on long, sunny days. It’s perfect for seaside stays and alfresco dining, though expect more tourists;
– Fall brings golden light, milder heat, and fewer crowds. Sintra’s forests are especially magical with autumn colors;
– Winter is the quietest season but still enjoyable, especially in Cascais where temperatures are moderate. While ocean swims are unlikely, you’ll appreciate peaceful walks and cozy indoor dining;
Across all seasons, Portugal’s charm, cuisine, and hospitality remain constant and a stay at Dream Guincho offers comfort and access to the best of it all.
