Portugal, with its stunning coastline, historic cities, and picturesque countryside, is a dream destination for road trip enthusiasts. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve to the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley, the country offers a diverse array of landscapes and cultural experiences. With that in mind, here are some of Portugal’s top road trips.
Lisbon to Sintra: Ideal For A Short Road Trip
Distance: 30 km (19 miles)
Duration: 1-2 days
Lisbon to Sinatra is only a 35 minute drive, and, if you wished, you could do this road trip in one day. Take a little longer, though, and this one’s a dream for those who appreciate history, stunning architecture, and lush natural landscapes.
Start your road trip by exploring Lisbon. Visit Belém Tower, an iconic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site offering stunning views of the Tagus River. Then, it’s on to Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, a magnificent church containing the burial tomb of Vasco de Gama, Portugal’s famous explorer.
After, drive through lush landscapes to reach Sintra, a fairy-tale town known for its romantic 19th-century architecture. Visit the Pena Palace, which, with its vibrant colours and eclectic design, can even be seen from Lisbon on on a clear day! The architecture here is a striking example of Romanticism, mixing Gothic, Manueline, Islamic, and Renaissance styles, and is well worth seeing up close and personal.
Another must visit here is Quinta da Regaleira, an enigmatic estate featuring a palace, chapel, and a luxurious park with grottoes, fountains, and a mysterious initiation well. The estate’s gardens are filled with hidden tunnels, secret passages, and symbolic structures, making it a fascinating place to explore.
Porto to the Douro Valley: Ideal For Wine Aficionados & Scenic Drive Lovers
Distance: 100 km (62 miles)
Duration: 2-3 days
Begin in Porto and journey through the scenic Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its terraced vineyards and Port wine production. This route takes you through one of the world’s oldest wine regions, where terraced vineyards and charming villages await.
The Douro Valley Vineyards are renowned for their terraced vineyards and wine production, particularly port. The scenic drive along the Douro River is dotted with quintas (wine estates) where you can sample local wines. The terraced vineyards, carved into the hillsides, create a stunning landscape that changes with the seasons.
Pinhão, a charming village in the heart of the Douro Valley, is an excellent base for exploring the region. Don’t miss the beautiful azulejo-tiled train station depicting scenes of the Douro Valley. The village is also home to several wine estates where you can learn about the wine-making process and enjoy tastings.
One of the most popular vineyards to visit in Pinhão is Quinta do Bomfim. This estate is owned by the Symington family, who have been producing port for generations. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the vineyard and winery, learn about the wine-making process, and indulge in tastings of their exceptional Ports and Douro wines. The estate also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and the Douro River, making it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.
Though this one can of course be tackled with a rented car in Portugal you might want to hire a driver too, allowing you to actually enjoy the wine along the way!
The Algarve Coast: Ideal For Beach Lovers & Sun-Seekers
Distance: 155 km (96 miles) from Faro to Sagres
Duration: 3-5 days
The Algarve Coast road trip is ideal for those who crave sun, sea and adventure. With its golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant towns, this route offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.
Start in Faro and drive along the Algarve Coast. The most well known beaches to stop at are Praia da Marinha and Praia da Rocha. The former is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with its golden sands and turquoise waters, while the latter is known for its lively atmosphere and excellent facilities.
Along the way, explore the historic town of Lagos, which offers a mix of beautiful beaches, a charming old town, and vibrant nightlife. The Ponta da Piedade cliffs are a highlight, with their striking rock formations and grottoes. The town’s cobbled streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, making it a great place to explore both day and night.
End in Sagres, fittingly known as the “end of the world” in ancient times. Sagres is a rugged and windswept town with a rich maritime history. The Sagres Fortress and Cape St. Vincent are key attractions. The fortress offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic cliffs, while Cape St. Vincent is the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe, known for its lighthouse and breathtaking sunsets.
Read: 5 ideal stops on your Algarve road trip
Lisbon to Porto: Ideal For Culture Vultures & Foodies
Distance: 313 km (194 miles)
Duration: 4-6 days
A road trip from Lisbon to Porto is perfect for those who love culture, history, and gastronomy. The route takes you through charming towns and cities, each with its own unique heritage and culinary delights.
Lisbon is known as one of the top foodie destinations in the world, and in the boisterous Portuguese capital food lovers will find a haven of culinary delights like the iconic Pastéis de Nata, Portuguese custard tarts that are best enjoyed at Pastéis de Belém, where the recipe has been a closely guarded secret since 1837. Or, grilled sardines, known as Sardinhas Assadas, which are a staple, especially during the Santos Populares festival in June.
For a simple yet delicious snack, try a bifana, a pork sandwich, best enjoyed with a cold beer – although you might want to give that beer a miss if you’re driving. If you’re in the passenger seat, then don’t miss out on ginjinha either, a cherry liqueur served in small shot glasses, often with a piece of fruit at the bottom. Now, let’s hit the road…
Highlights along the route to Porto include the medieval walled town of Óbidos, which offers a picturesque setting with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and a stunning, mystical castle. The town’s narrow streets are lined with colourful flowers and traditional shops, creating a charming atmosphere.
Next Coimbra, which is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, boasting a rich history and vibrant student culture. The Joanina Library and the University of Coimbra are must-see landmarks. The library, with its ornate Baroque design and vast collection of books, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Then Aveiro, often called the ‘Venice of Portugal’, is known for its canals, colourful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau architecture. The town’s canals are lined with charming buildings, and a boat ride offers a unique way to explore the area. Aveiro is also famous for its sweet delicacy, ovos moles, which you can sample at local pastry shops.
Finally, we arrive hungry in Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, and one which is renowned for its rich culinary scene. Indeed, it’s quickly becoming one of the most important places in Europe for gastronomy.
Must-try dishes include Francesinha, a hearty sandwich filled with various meats, covered in melted cheese, and drenched in a rich beer-based sauce, often served with fries and a fried egg on top.
Another traditional dish is Tripas à Moda do Porto, a tripe stew with white beans, sausage, and other meats, reflecting the city’s historical connection to the Age of Discoveries. Of course, no visit to Porto is complete without sampling its famous Port wine. Visit one of the many wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for a tasting session.
Along the route, there are additional culinary stops worth exploring. In Leiria, you can enjoy delicious morcela (blood sausage) and the local speciality, Brisas do Lis, a sweet made from egg yolks and sugar. Fátima, while primarily a pilgrimage site, offers traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau com natas (cod with cream) and local pastries. Tomar is famous for its convent sweets, particularly the Fatias de Tomar, a unique dessert made from egg yolks and sugar, cooked in a special mould.
Read: The IDEAL city guide to Porto
The Silver Coast: Ideal For Surfers & Seafood Lovers
Distance: 200 km (124 miles) from Lisbon to Figueira da Foz
Duration: 3-4 days
The Silver Coast road trip is perfect for surfers, seafood lovers and beach enthusiasts. This route offers a mix of thrilling waves, delicious seafood, and beautiful coastal scenery.
Highlights along the route include the coastal town of Nazaré which is famous for its giant waves, making it a hotspot for surfers and beach lovers. Praia do Norte beach is particularly well known for its record-breaking waves, attracting surfers from around the world. The town also offers a glimpse into traditional Portuguese fishing culture.
Read: 5 IDEAL places to surf in Portugal
When in Nazaré, you must try Caldeirada de Peixe, a traditional fish stew made with a variety of fresh fish, potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, seasoned with herbs and spices.
Another must-try dish is Arroz de Marisco, a rich and flavorful seafood rice dish, often featuring a mix of clams, shrimp, mussels, and sometimes lobster. Polvo à Lagareiro, octopus baked with olive oil, garlic, and potatoes, is a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the fresh flavours of the sea.
Along the route, if you’re a fan of beautiful architecture, Batalha is worth adding to your roadtrip itinerary. The Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is a UNESCO World Heritage site commemorating the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota. The monastery’s intricate design and historical significance make it a must-visit.
We end in Figueira da Foz, a town is known for its extensive sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, making it a popular seaside resort. The town’s long promenade is lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars, offering plenty of options for dining and entertainment. The nearby Serra da Boa Viagem provides hiking opportunities with stunning views of the coast.
The Bottom Line
Portugal’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for road trips. Whether you’re exploring historic towns, sampling world-class wines, or relaxing on pristine beaches, each journey offers a unique and memorable experience.
Assuming you’ve fallen in love with Portugal as much as we have, why not join us as we check out Ponta Do Sol next?