adminLooking for itineraries for a road trip in Portugal? Portugal is a small country, but with a huge diversity in landscape and many scenic routes, which makes it excellent holiday destination if you´re eager to get behind the wheel. And there is no better way to get to know Portugal, including the most popular places as well as the ones more off the beaten track, than to do a road trip in Portugal. That’s what an increasing number of people is doing, both nationals and visitors. There are lots of possible itineraries for a road trip in Portugal, so we made a selection for you, suggestions of some across the country routes, as well as some regional itineraries, from which you can choose according to your taste and your available time.
If you have a car, prepare it now for that roadtrip in Portugal that you’ve been dreaming about. If you don’t have one, of course that you can always rent a car in Portugal.
Book your rental car in Portugal, at the best prices.
Travel insurance is more important than ever for a trip without worries, specially for a road trip. Like Portuguese people use to say “You don’t fool around with health!”.
Buy your travel insurance for your road trip in Portugal.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CROSS-COUNTRY ROAD TRIPS IN PORTUGAL
1. From North to South, a road trip along Portugal’s west coast
Start this road trip in Portugal in one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal, Caminha, right next to the border with Spain, by the mythical Minho river mouth. Then, get ready to discover Viana do Castelo, one of the most beautiful Portuguese district capitals. Then don’t miss the magnificent trail along the coast, which promises good moments of relaxation. Head to Porto, which is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a must-visit on any road trips in Portugal. Porto has a lot to see so dedicate a few days to it. We bet that you will truly be enchanted by this city on your road trip in Portugal.
Head then to Ovar, where you can follow the road that connects to São Jacinto and allows you to enjoy the magnificent Ria de Aveiro, from a completely different perspective to those you know. Then head to Aveiro, city of soft eggs and “moliceiro” boat trips along the city’s canals. It’s not Venice but it’s certainly a beautiful stop on your road trip in Portugal. The road south takes you to Coimbra, the city of students and professors, where you cannot miss the university and downtown. Sleep there because the night in Coimbra is memorable.
Then head towards Peniche, where you can’t miss the magnificent Baleal beach, as well as the Berlengas islands. This trip on one of the beautiful routes through Portugal promises to steal your heart. Take advantage of the highway and go to Lisbon, the capital of the country and where you can enjoy a cosmopolitan, lively city full of charisma. After breathing in city life, head to the Alentejo Coast on one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Portugal. Don’t forget to stop at Zambujeira do Mar, a place that promises to remain etched in your memory forever. This road trip in Portugal will come to an end at the tip of Sagres, the extreme southwest of Portugal, a magnificent village in the Algarve that still preserves a very interesting atmosphere.
2. From North to South, a road trip to discover the interior of Portugal
Start this road trip in Portugal in the Montesinho Natural Park, a place still little known in Portugal but which promises to melt your heart with the traditional ways of life of the population. Then head to Bragança, the district capital, full of history. The Douro Internacional Natural Park should be your next stop, as there are lots of viewpoints to visit throughout the park. End in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, a city that has some of the most important cave paintings in the world.
Then head to Serra da Estrela, the largest mountain range in mainland Portugal, where you can taste the magnificent mountain cheese, try skiing and snowboarding on the tower’s slope or simply take some beautiful walking routes. This road trip in Portugal allows you to explore the interior of Portugal that is so often forgotten. Head south towards Vila Velha de Rodão, where the Tagus enters Portugal in a quartzite gorge that seems to strangle the river. Then go to Campo Maior and Elvas, a beautiful border town that still lives today on the heritage of its proximity to Spain, and which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We bet that you will be dazzled. The road will take you then to Évora, one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and full of reasons for you to spend a day or two exploring the city and the surrounding area.
Don’t miss Beja, one of the least visited district capitals in Portugal and where you can rest peacefully in a café or restaurant and witness the rhythm of life in the interior of Portugal. Finish this road trip in Portugal in Faro, a city facing the sea where it won’t be difficult to find a beautiful beach to take a swim after spending several days away from the coast on this road trip through the interior of Portugal.
3. A road trip through the best of Portugal
If you have more time available and want to do a road trip in Portugal that covers the best of the country, don’t waste time and embark on this adventure that goes directly to Portugal’s highlights. Start in Lisbon and head north to Coimbra, the university city. If you have time, make a stop in Fátima, which is just off the highway. In Coimbra, enjoy the city’s magnificent academic history, as well as its centuries-old traditions that continue to this day.
From there, head to Aveiro, the city known as the Portuguese Venice. Don’t miss a “moliceiro” boat trip on the city’s canals, but if you have time, take a trip to the Ria de Aveiro and the beaches to the south, such as Costa Nova or Vagueira. Then head to Porto, where you won’t regret spending a few days exploring the city.
Next on your road trip in Portugal, head to Guimarães, the place where Portugal was born, a city full of history, castles, palaces, churches and narrow streets that promise to make you fall in love with medieval Portugal. Stay overnight, as the city at night is truly enchanting and looks like something out of a fairy tale. If you have time, take a quick trip to Braga, the religious capital of northern Portugal.
Continue your road trip in Portugal towards the Douro region, namely Régua or Pinhão, discovering one of the most beautiful natural and humanized landscapes, and a World Heritage Site. Don’t hesitate; sleep in one of Douro’s farms and rural accommodations.
Passing through Serra da Estrela mountain range, the highest in mainland Portugal, head south towards Évora to enjoy one of the best preserved Roman cities in the Iberian Peninsula. From there head to the Algarve, especially to the Lagos area, where you will find some of the most beautiful Algarve beaches, and great for taking a rest in this road trip in Portugal. Returning to Lisbon, go to Porto Covo to see some of the most stunning beaches in Portugal’s west coast, deserted, wild and incredibly beautiful. You will end your road trip in Portugal when you get back to its capital, an opportunity to get to know the (still) traditional Lisbon’s neighbourhoods.
REGIONAL ROAD TRIPS IN PORTUGAL
These regional itineraries for road trips in Portugal allow you to discover not the whole country, but more restricted areas. These are itineraries to do on shorter road trips in Portugal, where you will see less diversity but get to know better a specific region of Portugal.
1. Road trip in Portugal’s South
Beginning this road trip in Portugal, leave Lisbon and head towards the south of Portugal, towards Serra da Arrábida, an ideal destination to get lost for a few days. Portinho da Arrábida is the ideal area to set up camp, before heading along the coast towards Setúbal. Then, to spice up this raod trip in Portugal, take the ferry to Tróia, take your car on the ferry and explore Tróia and Comporta, as well as the Sado rice fields and its estuary. After exploring the region, head to Porto Covo, where you can find some of the most beautiful beaches on the Alentejo coast. Make sure to stop at Zambujeira do Mar to enjoy a day or two. If you like to hike in your road trip in Portugal, try a leg of the Vicentina Route, namely the Fishermen’s Trail.
Then, head to Aljezur, with wilder beaches and a young, relaxed atmosphere. Then head north inland, towards Mértola, a beautiful stop in Alentejo and, after exploring the Arab tradition of the region, head to Évora, the UNESCO heritage city of Alentejo. On your journey north on this road trip in Portugal, stop in Estremoz and Borba to see the extraction of the best marble in Europe, responsible for the construction of the Vila Viçosa palace, which you also shouldn’t miss. Don’t miss out also the tiny border town of Elvas, with its magnificent wall and star layout, before heading to Santarém, where you can admire one of the most beautiful views over the Tagus River. Don’t forget to stop by Almourol Castle! Return to Lisbon and finish your road trip in Portugal’s South.
2. Road trip in Portugal’s Algarve
On this road trip in Portugal, start from Aljezur, the gateway to the Algarve on the Alentejo coast, and explore the magnificent beaches of Arrifana and Monte Clérigo. Then head to the south of Portugal, stopping at the small beaches of the Vicentina Coast, especially Carrapateira, Bordeira and Amado.
Next destination in your road trip in Portugal is Sagres, where you can stay in a magnificent design hotel, stopping along the way in Vila do Bispo. Enjoy the following days of your road trip in Portugal to visit Cabo de São Vicente and the Sagres Fortress, as well as Martinhal, Tonel or Mareta beaches. Then head along the Algarve coast towards Lagos, stopping along the way and discovering the beaches of the Algarve Windward, such as Luz or Figueira beaches. Don’t miss Ponta da Piedade and rest for a few days in Lagos with time to enjoy the beaches hidden in the limestone cliffs nearby. Dona Ana, Meia Praia and Vale da Lama are some beaches that you shouldn’t miss. Then head to Alvor and Três Irmãos beach and, passing through Portimão, be sure to discover Rocha beach, probably the most touristic beach on the Algarve coast. You can stay in Ferragudo, calmer and more characteristic, with a beautiful beach by the São João de Arade Fort.
Next on your road trip in Portugal, head to Lagoa, where you should not miss Benagil beach and cave. Then head to Albufeira, but stop in Guia to taste the magnificent Guia´s barbecue chicken in garlic sauce. Stay in the area for a few days, to have time to explore Albufeira. On the eastern side of Albufeira, don’t miss Olhos de Água, the magnificent beaches of Falésia, Santa Eulália, Oura and Vilamoura. On the western side of Albufeira, don’t miss the beaches of Arrifes, São Rafael, Vigia, Ponta Grande, Ponta Pequena and Castelo. The best place to stay is outside of Albufeira and if you are looking for a resort, check out the Falesia Hotel.
Then head towards Faro to explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park, namely the Olhão and Fuzeta areas. Eat good fish and seafood here and you won’t regret it. One of the highlights of this road trip in Portugal will be Tavira and its islands offshore. Take a boat and discover the island’s beaches. Then head to Castro Marim and visit the salt marsh, on the bank of the Guadiana River. Then take the A22 and end your road trip in Portugal staying in a rural accommodation in the interior of the Algarve, namely in São Brás de Alportel.
3. Road trip in Portugal’s Minho
Start this road trip in Portugal at the city of Porto and use our tips to explore the best of the city. Then take the highway A4 towards Amarante, stopping in the Penafiel area to explore the Sousa valley, namely the Romanesque Route. Although Amarante is no longer Minho, it is worth stopping in this city, on the bank of Tâmega river and enjoy its historical centre. Then head to the Basto region, where you can visit Celorico de Basto, Mondim de Basto and Cabeceiras de Basto. Stay in one of the magnificent hotels at Mondim de Basto or Celorico de Basto, as it’s time for relax in your road trip in Portugal.
Then head to Guimarães, one of the most beautiful Portuguese cities and the cradle of nationality and a must-see on this road trip in Portugal. Guimarães deserves that you spend at least one or two nights there, as you will love the city’s medieval atmosphere, especially at night. You can stay at a fabulous hotel overlooking Guimarães.
Then head to Braga, the religious capital of northern Portugal and don’t miss Falperra and Bom Jesus. Then head towards the only national park in Portugal, the Peneda Gerês National Park, which you should definitely include in your road trip in Portugal. Along the way, stop in Ponte de Lima, a beautiful city. Stay in the national park for a few days to do some of the magnificent hiking trails there. Here is a good accommodation option.
Then head towards Castro Laboreiro and Melgaço on this road trip in Portugal, and then take the opportunity to visit the riverside area of the River Minho, such as the cities of Monção and Valença. Take the coastal road, passing through Vila Nova de Cerveira, Caminha and ending in Viana do Castelo, where you can explore the Litoral Geopark. Then head to Esposende where you can stay in Apúlia and discover its magnificent windmills. Then enjoy some of the beaches of northern Portugal and end your road trip in Portugal returning to the city of Porto.
4. Road trip in Portugal’s Trás-os-Montes
On this road trip in Portugal, start in Amarante, the gateway to Serra do Marão. Get to know the city and explore the Marão and Alvão mountains from Amarante. Then get on your way to Vila Real, the district capital. Then head south towards Régua to start exploring the Douro region. Follow the N222 road on the banks of the Douro towards Pinhão. The Douro Wine Region is magnificent and deserves that you spend a few days there, and you can stay at a wonderful hotel by the Douro river.
Then head towards Vila Nova de Foz Côa, taking a route along the most beautiful viewpoints of the Douro Superior. Once in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, discover the cave paintings of the Côa Valley. Then head to Barca de Alva, where, if you like trails, you should take the Tunnels Route. Then explore the Douro Internacional Natural Park, a magnificent park where you can explore the best views of the Douro River, and finish this park in Miranda do Douro, tasting the city’s magnificent sausages, and staying in a beautiful agritourism property.
Then go to Bragança, district administrative capital and visit its castle and Domus Municipal. From there, head towards the beautiful Montesinho mountain range, one of the least visited in Portugal. Stay in a beautiful local accommodation. Then head to Chaves, passing through Vinhais. After visiting Chaves, explore the thermal spas of Vidago and Pedras Salgadas and also the region of Montalegre and Pitões das Júnias. Then take the road to Vila Real and return home from Porto, finishing this road trip in Portugal.
5. The best of Central Portugal
On this road trip in Portugal, you will explore the central region and you can start in Porto or Lisbon. Let’s start the route in Lisbon, but you can also do the route in reverse. If you still don’t know the Portuguese capital, leave a few days available to make the most of this beautiful European city. Then, head towards Sintra, passing through Queluz to visit the palace. In Sintra, don’t miss the Palácio da Pena, Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira. The best thing is to spend at least one night there, and you can stay at a true palace! Sintra is a must-see on this road trip in Portugal. Then head north, towards Peniche. Stay there for a few days to enjoy the beaches, Baleal, and the Berlengas islands.
Then head to the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park and, along the way, visit Óbidos. Stay there for a day or two and discover wonderful caves and incredible hiking trails. Finish this region by visiting Fátima, the Portuguese religious capital.
Head to Batalha and Leiria, where you can visit the Batalha Monastery and Leiria city castle. Then head to Coimbra, the city of students and a must-see on this road trip in Portugal. It’s worth staying in the city (in a place with panoramic views) to experience the student and lively nightlife. Don’t miss the university and downtown, as well as the banks of the Mondego river.
Then head towards Serra da Lousã, where you can explore many of the schist villages, but especially don’t miss the village of Piódão. Book your accommodation well in advance as it sells out quickly as it is a popular place and the options are limited. Then head to Serra da Estrela, the largest mountain range in mainland Portugal, where you can take fantastic nature trails, bathe in natural pools, eat Serra cheese and even walk through a glacial valley.
From there head to Viseu, a city that has grown in recent years and its historic center is now well looked after and full of fantastic places to visit. Then head to the Arouca area, where you should stay for a few days to explore Serra da Freita. You can walk the Paiva Walkways, see the magical village of Drave, and take several hiking trails. There will be no shortage of fantastic places to visit nearby. If you still have time, take a trip to Aveiro. Then head to Santa Maria da Feira, where you should visit the magnificent medieval castle. Your road trip in Portugal will end in Porto, where you can stay with the best city views.
6. A getaway from Lisbon
On this road trip in Portugal, leave Lisbon and head to Queluz to visit the magnificent Queluz Palace and its gardens. Then, head to Sintra and explore the magnificent Sintra mountains and cultural landscape. Spend a couple of days getting to know this UNESCO world heritage site, as well as the surroundings of Sintra, such as Guincho, Ursa beach, Azenhas do Mar, and Cabo da Roca. Then head to Ericeira, a beautiful beach destination in the summer, but also excellent for relaxing at other times of the year, and nothing better than staying in a design hotel for that.
Head then to Lourinhã, the ideal place to find out the traces of dinosaurs in Portugal. Then head to the coast, namely Peniche and Baleal, and don’t miss the opportunity in this road trip in Portugal to visit the Berlengas Islands, a small paradise in Portugal. Take a quick detour to Foz do Arelho and then head to Óbidos to enjoy this small but stunning village in Portugal. Then go to Mafra to see the magnificent Mafra Convent, before heading back to Lisbon. This is a short but fantastic road trip in Portugal as a getaway from Lisbon.
