driving tours of portugal

Highlights Of The Portugal Driving Tour

Self drive tours of Portugal are tailored for visitors who prefer to explore the beautiful country on their own. We plan your desired itinerary and make all necessary reservations including hotels and rental car for a stress free Portugal vacation . Explore the secrets of Portugal tradition, the beauty of the countryside and the elegant manor houses.

The best places to visit in Portugal you will discover like Castelo De Vide and the Alentejo Region, see beautiful villages and towns in the Douro valley, and the cities of Porto, Coimbra and Lisbon. Travel to Portugal is a great experience!

The cork-producing plains of Alentejo (which literally means "beyond the Tagus") make up the largest province in Portugal - so large in fact, that the government has divided it into the northern Alto Alentejo (the capital of which is Evora) and southern Baixo Alentejo (whose capital is Beja). Locals in Alentejo insulate themselves in tiny-windowed, white-washed houses - warm in the cold winters and cool during the scorching summers. But Alentejo is also the least populated of Portuguese provinces; it's possessed of seemingly endless fields of wheat; and it's the world's largest producer of cork, whose trees can be stripped only once every 9 years.

Guimaraes , the first capital of Portugal, located at the foot of a range of serras has successfully retained a medieval ambience. Today Guimaraes is a busy little town with an eye toward commerce, especially in weaving, tanning, and manufacturing kitchenware and cutlery. It's also known for its craft industries, especially pottery, silver- and goldsmithing, and embroidery.

Barcelos is a sprawling river town that rests on a plateau ringed by green hills. Wrought-iron street Lanterns glimmer late in the evening, long after the market in the open square of Campo da Republica has closed down. The town doesn't feature any single major attraction but does have a famous symbol - the rooster of Barcelos . Although cooked and about to be

served as the main course in a magistrate's dinner, so the legend goes, the rooster crowed ecstatically to prove the innocence of a pilgrim wrongfully accused of theft.

The rich, tranquil beauty of Bucaco's forests was initially discovered by a humble order of barefoot Carmelites, following the dictates of seclusion prescribed by their founder. Built with materials from the encompassed hills, Bucaco monastery was founded in 1628. They raised a wall around the forest to insolate themselves further and to keep women out. These barefoot friars had a special lover for plants and trees, and each year they cultivated the natural foliage and planted specimens sent to them from distant orders. Bucaco had always been a riot of growth: ferns, pines, cork, eucalyptus, and pink and blue clusters of hydrangea. The friars introduced such exotic flora as the monkey puzzle, a tall Chilean pine with branches so convoluted that monkeys who climb in it become confused. 

Please see all tours as a base tour information which we can amend to your special needs without any problem. 

Best Of Portugal Road Trip - Highlights Of Portugal Driving Tour

Day 01  Lisbon - Evora - Estremoz - Castelo De Vide

Sample Hotel: Pousada De Marvao

Day 02   Castelo De Vide / Marvao, local sightseeing

Sample Hotel:  Pousada De Marvao

Day 03   Castelo De Vide - Castelo Branco - Belmonte

Sample Hotel:  Pousada De Belmonte

Day 04   Belmonte - Viseu - Vila Real

Sample Hotel:  Casa de Vilarinho S. Romão

Day 05   Vila Real, local sightseeing

Day 06   Vila Real - Guimaraes - Braga - Barcelos

Sample Hotel:  Casa dos Assentos

Day 07   Barcelos, local sightseeing

Day 08   Barcelos - Porto - Santa Maria Da Feira - Mealhada / Coimbra

Sample Hotel:  Vila Duparchy

Day 09   Mealhada / Coimbra, local sightseeing

Day 10   Mealhada - Leiria - Alcobaca - Obidos

Sample Hotel:  Casa d'Óbidos

Day 11   Obidos, local sightseeing

Day 12   Obidos - Mafra - Sintra - Cascais - Lisbon

Sample Hotel:  Hotel Miraparque

Day 13   Lisbon, local sightseeing

Day 14   Lisbon Airport - Flight Back Home

  ✅   13 Hotel nights (3* / 4*) as per itinerary including hotel service charges

  ✅   13 x full breakfast buffet

 ✅  Two Full Days Hop-On / Hop-Off City Sightseeing Tour Lisbon

  ✅   13 full car rental days with unlimited mileage

  ✅   CDW Insurance with no deductible

  ✅   Theft Protection with no deductible

  ✅   Third Party Insurance

  ✅   Airport Service or Premium Location Fee

  ✅   Vehicle Licensee Fee

  ✅   All applicable VAT tax

  ✅   PDF Tour information which you can download also on to your iPad or tablet, send by email along with all voucher and tickets

ESTIMATED TOUR RATE starts from Euro 950,- per person

This tour pleases me i and would like to request this tour for specific dates:.

Please send any other details about the trip you want into this comment field.

As much information you send us as better we can preparte the tour offer for you:

Please send us your credit card number; expiry date and cardholder name:

We have to charge the minimal fee of Euro 50,- for our special service because we receive so many requests. And many want only our useful information but don't want to book. So we want to serve those customers best who want to book a nice tour through Europe. The fee will be waived completely if you book a tour. We don't debit anything on to your card upfront, only after the file is closed.

Please note that this is a secure site and your information will be safe! We will NEVER sell your contact or other information or use them for unauthorized mailings.

Deals of the Week   Make a Splash!   Up to 50% OFF

Portugal Self Drive Tours & Road Trips

A self-drive tour throughout Portugal is the ultimate road trip. Travel off the beaten path, stop at photogenic hotspots and create a custom itinerary tailored to you. Whether you hire a car, a campervan or a motorcycle, these 24 tours are guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable experience.

24 Self drive tours in Portugal with 15 reviews

• Local Living
• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Portugal Discovery, Self-drive

Hotels were quite nice with breakfast included. Highways in Portugal may be the best in the world.

Portugal North and South, Self-drive

The hotels are way above my expectations. I totally recommend this tour to my friends.

Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive

Hidden Secrets of Algarve & Alentejo, Self-drive

The Pearls of the North of Portugal, Self-drive

The Healing waters of the North Portugal, Self-drive

Discover Madeira, Self-drive

The hotels were very good. The only improvement would be either to include GPS in the rental car or a proper detailed map.

Discovering Algarve and Alentejo, Self-drive

Portugal Meets Spain, Self-drive (Multi country)

The hotels picked for us were so great. The location of the hotels put us in the middle of the best areas.

Portugal Inland Paths, Self-drive

• Intl. Flights Included
• Sightseeing

Azores Road Trip: Lake Forest Living on São Miguel

• Flights included
• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Lisbon & Azores: City Adventure Meets São Miguel

• Mountain Hikes

Azores: Wild Volcanic Islands of the Atlantic

• Island Hopping

Azores: Island Hopping Between Green Volcanic Cliffs

South Portugal Road Trip: Hidden Backlands & Coast Adventure

Portugal road trip reviews.

The locations and hotels selected were excellent. At the last minute my husband ended up in a wheelchair for most of the trip. Once I mentioned it to the check-in staff they went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. Changing rooms so that he had a walk in shower, a room close to the elevator and assistance with luggage or whatever we needed. Thank you.

It was a wonderful experience. The hotels are way above my expectations. Just one little thing not too important is that there is drop off fee at Faro airport. I totally recommend this tour to my friends.

The hotels were very good. The car rental was a little inconvenient as it was offsite from the airport. The only improvement would be either to include GPS in the rental car or a proper detailed map. We arrived on a rainy, foggy night and it was almost impossible to find our guest house the first night.

Regions in Portugal

• Azores Archipelago (5)

Travel Styles

• Portugal Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day Portugal Itineraries 2024/2025 (With Reviews)
• Discover the Best Portugal Vacation Packages 2024/2025

Discover TourRadar

• See All Tour Operators in Europe
• See All Tour Operators in Portugal
• Indonesia Tours
• Colombia Tours
• 7 days Lemosho route
• 10 Best Budget Travel Companies
• 10 Best Surf Travel Companies
• Sherpa Test
• 10 Best Safaris in May

10 Exciting Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)

From the dramatic coastline of the Algarve to the stunning terraces of the Duoro Valley, and from the quaint charms of Obidos to the otherworldly palaces of Sintra, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit on a Portugal road trip.

Nestled in the southwest corner of mainland Europe, driving through Portugal offers a neverending supply of sublime views and hidden gems.

Long an overlooked corner of the continent (though that has changed dramatically in recent years!), road trips in Portugal are bound to leave you hoping for more.

When we moved to Lisbon as American expats, we knew we wanted to spend lots of time exploring by car–and we have!

Even still, there are many Portugal road trip itineraries still left on our long wish list, so we’ve teamed up with several other travel bloggers to show you a wide variety of the scenic drives that the country has to offer.

Here are the best road trips in Portugal–plus some essential tips to keep in mind as you plan your adventure!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Essential Tips for Your Road Trip in Portugal

Rent the smallest car you can..

Especially if you’re coming from the USA like us, you’ll likely find Portuguese roads–especially in small villages and in the countryside–are smaller than what you’re used to.

Save on gas, rental costs,  and  stress while driving in Portugal by renting the smallest car you can manage to fit yourselves and your belongings into.

We recommend searching for your (tiny) rental car through Discover Cars , which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.

Shop rental cars for your Portugal road trip today!

Plan on renting a manual, or prepare to pay.

Like the rest of Europe, manual cars are the norm in Portugal.

If you only drive automatic, you’ll absolutely be able to find a car to rent for your road trip… but be prepared to plan ahead (especially if you’re traveling during the busy season when the cars get reserved quickly), and to pay extra fees for the privilege.

Prepare to pay lots of tolls.

Portugal is notorious for its number of toll rolls, especially on popular routes like driving from Lisbon to the Algarve.

The easiest way to pay the tolls is to get a “Via Verde” pass from your rental car company (they will almost certainly offer you one), which will keep a tally of your tolls and charge you automatically.

We generally get charged by the rental car company for the tolls we racked up using our “Via Verde” pass within a week or so of turning the car in.

Plan your parking in advance.

This especially applies overnight parking–ie, look for hotels that include parking or have a plan for parking listed–but also during day trips. 

Whether you’re visiting a small village, beach, trailhead, or city, knowing where to park before you arrive will save lots of time, stress, and often money.

For overnight parking, we use  Booking.com  and ideally look for places using the “free parking on-site” filter.

Depending on where you are going during your road trip in Portugal, though, free parking may not be possible–in that case, carefully check and see what hotels have reasonably-priced parking nearby.

A hotel that is an extra 10 Euros/night may end up being an excellent deal if there’s inexpensive parking nearby!

Your life will be much easier if you have a Portuguese SIM Card.

This assumes your phone is unlocked, of course, but seriously: getting a local SIM card before taking off on your road trip in Portugal will make your life so much easier!

Having access to everything from a GPS to restaurant reviews is a huge benefit of traveling in the modern age, and bringing those tools along with you as you explore Portugal by car is a fantastic idea.

You can absolutely purchase a local SIM card once you arrive, but if you want to get everything set up before you go, you can also purchase an EU SIM card for your trip  in advance.

Know that you’ll need reflective jackets in the car.

This is a standard rule in Portugal, and the jackets must be worn during any breakdowns or accidents.

If you’re renting a car for your Portugal road trip itinerary, this will likely be included in your vehicle.

On the off-chance that you’re driving your own vehicle into the country, though, it’s important to keep in mind!

The Best Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

The best of the algarve road trip.

From Campbell of Stingy Nomads

The spectacular Algarve coast in the south is one of the most picturesque places to road trip through Portugal.

The region is famous for little fishing villages with white-washed houses and cobbled stone streets, beautiful sandy beaches backed by jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, and delicious seafood.

A road trip is a perfect way to explore the charming towns and unique turquoise coastline.

With good roads and facilities and relatively short distances between towns, driving is easy in the area.

The capital of the Algarve, Faro, is a popular entry point to the region with an international airport.

Carvoeiro, about an hour’s drive from Faro, is a small town packed with attractions.

Spend a day on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, Marinha Beach with golden sand and crystal clear water.

Visiting Benagil cave is a must-do activity from Carvoeiro and you can enter the famous cave by boat trip, paddleboard, or kayak.

If you enjoy hiking don’t miss the striking Seven Hanging Valleys Trail .

From Carvoeiro drive to Lagos, home to a beautiful marina, one of the nicest old towns to explore, and plenty of unreal beaches.

Don’t miss Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana and Porto de Mos Beach.

Keep on driving to Sagres, the south-western tip of Europe with dramatic scenery the Romans used to call the end of the world. The wild ocean here is known for excellent surfing.

Make your way back to Albufeira, this once fishing village has some beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Driving Distance

Recommended road trip length.

This road trip can comfortably be driven in 7 days.

Loop from Lisbon through Portugal’s Medieval Southern Interior

By Emily of Wander-Lush

Brimming with charming medieval towns, historic castles and majestic cathedrals, a road trip through Portugal’s southern interior is a dream for history and architecture buffs.

This loop route starts and ends in Lisbon, making it ideal for travelers who are flying in and out of the capital.

Ease into things with a short but scenic drive to Obidos .

Just over an hour from Lisbon, this picture-perfect town of whitewashed houses and red roofs is a popular day-trip destination; linger on after the tour buses have departed and wander the quiet streets, visiting the impressive aqueduct and Obidos Castle.

Allow two nights to see the various monuments, and make sure you budget enough time for getting lost down the cobblestoned streets.

When it’s time to leave, duck inland to Santarem, a gorgeous Portuguese city on the edge of the Tagus River.

Catch the view from Santarem Castle and take in the gorgeous vernacular architecture before leaving the city behind to discover forests, wetlands, and river ecosystems in nearby Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park and beyond.

From there, it’s a short drive to Tomar, a former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar and home to one of the finest examples of Portuguese Renaissance architecture in the Convent of Christ.

Set aside a full day to enjoy the longest leg of this drive as you take the scenic back-road into the Alentejo region, stopping at Arraiolos, Pavia, and any other picturesque village that catches your eye.

Finish up with a few days in medieval Évora , visiting the 12th-century Gothic cathedral and the mythical Chapel of Bones.

318 miles or 512 km.

The total driving time for this Portugal road trip is just over 6 hours, but you should take your time on this historic route and make the most of each town.

A full week to 10 days is ideal.

Lisbon to Porto Road Trip

From Or of My Path in the World

With so many  beautiful places to visit between Lisbon and Porto , it’s no wonder why driving from the Portuguese capital to the country’s second city is such a popular road trip in Portugal.

From colorful palaces and castles to charming coastal towns to medieval villages and landmarks, there’s a lot to see and experience.

First, you can visit Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point.

After taking in the views of the Atlantic coastline, head to the UNESCO-listed Sintra, one of the best Portuguese cities for those who love fairytale palaces.

These include the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace.

Next, visit Obidos, one of the most enchanting medieval villages in Portugal.

Stroll through the cobbled streets, walk along the walls, or even book a night at the Obidos Castle.

Continue to the city of Tomar, where you’ll find the infamous Covent of Christ, and visit Coimbra, the home of one of the oldest universities in the world, and enjoy the local version of Fado music.

If that’s not enough, you can also hike through the enchanted Bussaco Forest, and before arriving in Porto, stop at Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour at some of the best Port wine cellars in the area.

About 351 miles or 565 km.

We recommend dedicating at least 5-7 days to this road trip, though it could easily be extended to 2 weeks.

Vicentina Coast Road Trip Route

From Alya of The Algarve Family

A road trip along the wild and beautiful Vicentina Coast in southern Portugal is an incredible experience.

The coast stretches between Odeceixe in the north and Sagres in the south.

The Costa Vicentina is still to be discovered by international tourists. It’s very different from the popular southern Algarve.

The road trip can be done from Lisbon. The route follows the famous Fishermen’s Trail , one of the most beautiful coastal hiking routes in Europe.

You can combine a road trip with a beach holiday or a weekend filled with outdoor activities such as hiking or surfing.

The Vicentina Coast road trip starts in the small town of Porto Covo, 170 km south of Lisbon, and finishes at Cabo de S.Vicente, the southwesternmost point of continental Europe.

From Porto Covo, drive about 45 km south towards Zambujeira do Mar. 

It is a quiet town with a couple of beautiful beaches and stunning views of the rugged coast from the cliffs.

On the way make stops in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Praia do Almograve, and Cabo Sardão. 

The next day continue driving along the coast from Zambujeira do Mar towards Sagres.

This part of the route has many stunning beaches and breathtaking lookout points.

Places to stop on the route are Odeceixe Beach, Amoreira Beach, Arrifana, Bordeira Beach and viewpoint point, Cabo de S.Vicente, and Sagres. 

Driving Distance 

This Portugal driving route is perfect for a 3-day weekend trip.

An Azores Road Trip on Sao Miguel

From Megan of meganstarr.com

One of the best road trips in Portugal (and the rest of Europe ) is on the beautiful island of Sao Miguel in the Azores.

The island may be small (744 sq km / 290 sq mi), but it is jam-packed with incredible viewpoints, diverse landscapes, some of the best hikes in the Azores , and so much more.

The best way to see Sao Miguel is to rent a car and do a road trip!

On your first day, start off visiting the western side of the island.

Western Sao Miguel is brimming with lush greenery and volcanic lakes … which is a stark contrast to the eastern side of the island.

During this day, be sure to visit Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, Kings View (as well as the abandoned hotel called ʻMonte Palaceʻ there), Sete Cidades, and the sea stacks of Mosteiros.

For the second day of the trip, you will be visiting the dramatic landscapes of central Sao Miguel.

Some of the best landmarks and places to visit are Pocos, the famous Pineapple Plantation, Lagoa, Estacao Emissora do Pico da Barrosa viewpoint, and Salto do Cabrito… one of the most  beautiful waterfalls on Sao Miguel .

Finally, for the third day, you will head east! The east is the ʻhotʻ spot with a lot of hot springs and volcanic activity.

You can start your day in Lagoa das Furnas (be sure to try a Cozido das Furnas!), Parque Terra Nostra, and Salto do Prego.

End your day at the mind-blowing Miradouro Ponta do Sossego before heading back to Ponta Delgada (where you will spend your last day on Sao Miguel).

Taking a road trip of Sao Miguel will allow you to deeply connect with the island and never feel like youʻre spending more time driving than enjoying the scenery.

There are plenty of stops and the diversity of each will make you yearn for a second trip even before heading home from the first!

You will need a minimum of three days to travel the island (to get a good sense of it) and an additional day to spend in the capital city of Ponta Delgada.

A Scenic Drive Up the Silver Coast

From Jenifer of The Evolista

A road trip from Lisbon to Nazare will give you an up-close look at why people love the stunning Silver Coast of Portugal. 

The first village is Ericeira, a cool surf town, 30 minutes north of Lisbon.

Surfers flock here for the best waves in Europe.

Wander through the white cobblestone streets for shopping, delicious restaurants, and charming Ericeira hotels with ocean views for an overnight stay.

Next, head to Peniche for a dose of history. You’ll find a well-preserved fort that dates back to the 17th century.

If you have time, take the 45-minute ferry to the Berlengas Islands. 

The road heads inland to the walled, medieval city of Obidos. This picturesque town, filled with narrow streets lined with shops and cafes, is perfect to explore for a few hours.

Then you’ll head back to the beaches of Foz do Arelho.

It’s a beachy town overlooking a gorgeous lagoon where people enjoy a variety of water sports including SUP, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Last but not least is the town famous for big wave surfing, Nazaré.

So whether you’re looking to catch some waves or relax and rejuvenate, you’ll find plenty of things to do on a road trip from Lisbon to Nazare along the Silver Coast in Portugal.

114 miles or 183 km.

The drive time is only 3 hours in total but you should definitely plan at least 2-4 days for the trip so you have time to explore and take advantage of the charming towns and fun activities available.

Offbeat Peneda-Gerês National Park Road Trip

From Coni of Experiencing the Globe

When a country has only one national park, and you love nature, you might consider a visit.

When it’s a perfect loop from one of the country’s top destinations, then you must add it to your itinerary.

Gerês is not on most people´s  travel bucket list , but it absolutely should be!

Located only 60 miles from Porto, in the northern corner of Portugal, if you’re into culture tourism, hiking, or sightseeing in nature, Gerês will make for the perfect road trip.

The park is huge, and everything you will want to see is spread out, so jump into your car early, maybe make a quick stop in Braga, and head to Rio Caldo, where you can find a few restaurants and hotels (and campsites), and where the day will fly by swimming or walking around the river.

The next day, start by visiting the village of Gerês.

You’ll see shepherds leading their cattle to graze, and grannies selling homemade goodies.

Stop in Miradouro Pedra Bela for incredible views, in Cascatas de Fecha de Barjas if you want a bit of a trek with an amazing waterfall for a swim at the end, or in Cascata de Pincães if you want an easier hike.

Finish the day by going down an old Roman road to Ponte da Misarela, known as the Devil’s bridge, a beautiful man-made medieval building cohabiting with the stunning landscape.

You can find accommodation looping back to Gerês.

On the third day go towards Mata da Albergaria, a magnificent oak forest, and then to the small village with a top-of-a-hill castle of Lindoso.

Finish the day in Soajo, where you’ll see  Espigueiros , a collection of granite granaries built above the ground, where corn is still being kept.

From Porto to the village of Gerês lay only 60 miles, and your north Portugal road trip itinerary will determine how much driving you’ll do.

If you stick to the three days detailed above, you’re looking at around 230 miles.

Portugal Driving Tip : if you’re running out of petrol, from Lindoso cross into Spain. In a short 15-minute detour you’ll find a gas station.

There are many other waterfalls, viewpoints, small villages, and sanctuaries that you can visit if you have more time.

A minimum to take in the most important sites is 3 days, but if you have a week or more, the park will keep you entertained.

Porto + Duoro Valley Road Trip Loop

From Moumita and Sankha of Chasing the Long Road

The road trip from Porto to Douro Valley is one of the most incredible road trips in Portugal and is one of the best  things to do from Porto .

This Portugal road trip is structured as a loop starting and ending in Porto.

Start your Portuguese road trip adventure by exploring the city of Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal.

The old Historic Centre of Porto, alongside the nearby Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From taking a short cruise over the Douro River to exploring the magnificent Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world), Porto offers a lot. 

Spend at least 2-3 days in Porto before exploring the Douro Valley.

The drive to Douro Valley is very scenic.

The entire valley is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its terraced vineyards.

You will be treated to stunning sceneries and some delicious wine and food. The road follows endless gorgeous vineyards over the lush green hills and the historic wine villages. 

There are numerous miradouros (viewpoints) on the way, where you can stop to take photos and admire the view.

Don’t miss the famous Double Viewpoint or Miradouro do Penedo Durao.

For wine lovers, many of the wineries here offer Port wine tasting and a tour of their cellar. 

Be sure to stop by the small village of Pinhao, with its famously charming train station, along the way.

About 127 miles each way.

It takes around 4 hours to drive between Porto and Vila Nova de Foz Coa.

We would suggest spending at least 4-5 days exploring Porto and the towns and villages of Douro Valley.

Island Road Trip on Madeira

From Marjut of The Smooth Escape

Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean, 700 miles off the coast of mainland Portugal.

Home to dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush vegetation, this sub-tropical island is known as the Hawaii of Europe.

The best way to witness the beauty of Madeira is by taking a road trip.

As the island is quite small, you can use the capital city Funchal as your base and take day trips via car to the different parts of the island.

Start your trip by spending a day in Funchal. With its tropical gardens, cobblestone streets, and endless ocean views, it’s a fantastic city to explore.

Next, drive to Madeira’s northwestern coast where you’ll find towering cliffs, natural pools, and picturesque villages.

Make sure to visit the black sand beach in Seixal which is considered one of the best beaches in Madeira . 

The next stop is Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak where you can enjoy striking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike the challenging trail to Pico Ruivo.

Visit also the traditional thatched houses in the village of Santana and do the scenic ‘levada’ walk to Caldeirão Verde waterfall.

Round off your trip by exploring the moon-like landscapes of the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. 

Although you could cover this whole distance in a couple of days, I recommend spending at least 5 days on this Portuguese road trip because there’s so much to see and do along the way.

Alternate Lisbon to Porto Driving Route

From De Wet of Museum of Wander

Yes, you can drive from Lisbon to Porto in about three hours, but do you really want to do that if you could slow down and see rural Portugal and a stunning surf town along the way?

This road trip takes you inland from Lisbon to the Alentejo region with whitewashed villages, cork forests and vineyards before heading back to the coast.

Stop in  Nazare  on the Costa da Prata for the freshest seafood,  long stretches of empty beach and enormous waves to surf before ending your trip in gorgeous Porto.

Leave Lisbon and head east towards Evora in Alentejo.

Evora is a stunning medieval town surrounded by a city wall.

In Evora, explore the cobblestoned old town, see the famous Bone Chapel and Roman Temple, dine on exquisite regional food, and do some wine tastings.

The countryside around Evora is peppered with vineyards, wineries, cork forests, and megalithic complexes to explore with your own wheels, too.

Then head back to the coast for some beach time and relaxation in Nazare.

In Nazare, head down to the lighthouse and Praia do Norte to see (or surf) the giant waves that Nazare is famous for.

After visiting Nazare, it’s about a two-hour drive to Porto, where your road trip ends.

357 miles or 576 km.

You enjoy this Portugal road trip in a weekend, but five days or more will be much more relaxing.

[convertkit form=3127238]

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

8 thoughts on “10 Exciting Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)”

Good morning!

My husband an I are planning a road trip in Portugal in mid-Sept. to mid-Oct. 2023. How difficult is it to find overnight accommodations on the fly? We’d like to take our time each day and then find a place to rest to maximize our time. We are thinking of leaving from Porto, continuing through Douro Valley, north through National Park and the coast on return.

Assuming you’re flexible with where you stay (and especially if you’re open to staying in more rural properties), it’s not a problem at all. Based on your route I think you guys will be just fine going on the fly.

If you want to stay at a winery in the Douro Valley, you might consider booking that in advance, but if you’re just hoping to stay in the general area, you should be able to find something.

Hello Lee, My husband and I and another couple are doing a road trip through Portugal after a cruise that ends in Barcelona. Same time frame as your trip except 1 year later…October 2024. We plan to get a car in Barcelona. Can you share what you learned and/or what you recommend? I’m just beginning to research Portugal so I don’t even know what questions to ask. We are thinking roughly a week exploring Portugal.

Hi Kate and Jeremy, Thank you for your invaluable blog!

We are planning a trip to northern Portugal the last two weeks of September. We would like to do a walking tour in the Penada- Geres National Park. Do you have any personal recommendations for companies who organize such tours? We are keen to spend approximately a week there, and want to visit smaller villages. Our home base will be Porto.

Many thanks in advance for any advice you may have,

Unfortunately I don’t, as we haven’t had a chance to visit yet! I do know that Get Your Guide, one of our favorite aggregates to book tours through, has a few options leaving through Porto that are listed.

Thanks, Kate. We have gone ahead and booked with MACs Adventure. Really looking forward to it!

All the best, Anne

Very nice compilation. It would be even nicer if you put a caption under pictures telling where they are.

Thanks for the feedback, Jeff! We have started slowly adding location captions on some of our new posts, but it’s quite the job with 8+ years of archives to go through! 🙂

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Personalized Booking

• Talk with a travel advisor
• +1 800-598-5268
• Get Newsletter

Self-drive packages are tailored for visitors who prefer to explore Portugal on their own. We plan your desired itinerary and make all necessary reservations including hotels and rental car for a stress free trip.

Throughout the years Portugal Online has listened to the wishes, requests, and comments of its customers, and built cost-effective itineraries covering the main towns, villages and attractions in Portugal.

Self-drive packages include overnight stays at four star or better hotels and rental cars provided by reputable partners.

Self-Drive Portugal Tours: Drive Portugal and Leave The Planning To Us

Portugal Grand Driving Adventure: 12 Days Of Exploration and Discovery

12 Days/11 Nights: Drive all of Portugal's most amazing destinations and sites from bottom to top! A best seller and top value!

Driving the Heart of Portugal: 9 Days of Exploration and Discovery

9 Days/8 Nights: Drive Portugal's picturesque countryside, mountains and coastal villages. Rental car, hotel, airport transfer included

Sao Miguel Island Self-Drive Getaway: Discover Azores Green Island

7 Days/6 Nights. Stay in some of the best S. Miguel hotels while exploring the rich culture, fauna, and flora of the green island. Package includes hotel and car.

Faial Island Self-Drive Getaway: Discover Azores Blue Island

7 Days/6 Nights: Stay at Faial island hotels for 6 wonderful nights while exploring the rich culture of the blue island. Package includes hotel and car.

Terceira Island Self-Drive Getaway: Discover Azores Cultural Island

7 Days/6 Nights: Stay in some of the best Terceira island hotels while exploring the rich culture of this historic island. Package includes hotel and car

Portugal Classic Self-Drive Tour: 7 Nights of Portugal Delight

8 Days/7 Nights:  Spend the first night in Lisbon, the Portuguese Capital, and travel north passing through beautiful towns and regions

Azores 4 Island Self-Drive Getaway: Visit Terceira, Faial, Pico, Sao Miguel Islands

10 Days/9 Nights: Discover four wonderful Azores islands and leave the planning to us. Includes hotel, car, ferry, inter-island air.

Azores 3 Island Self-Drive Getaway: Visit Faial, Pico and Sao Miguel Islands

7 Days/6 Nights. See what the most popular Azores islands have to offer. Visit the 3 wonderful islands of Faial, Pico, and Sao Miguel. Price includes hotel and car

Azores 5 Island Self-Drive: Visit Flores, Faial, Pico, Terceira and Sao Miguel

15 Days/14 Nights: Explore the beautiful and culturally diverse islands of Flores, Faial, Pico, Terceira and São Miguel. 

• Meet the Team
• Hire a Travel Consultant
• Sponsor Portugal Online

Partners & Affiliates

• Affiliate Disclaimer

Travel Services

• Events and Meetings
• Group Travel
• Travel Agents - B2B

Portugal Hotels

• Recommended Hotels
• Package Hotels

Testimonials

• Customers Reviews

Our Partner Sites

• FindingSpain.com
• Pousadas of Portugal
• Paradores of Spain

Follow us on:

Share your story.

• #PortugalAdventure
• Share your story
• Write for us

Privacy Overview

Please enter your email to receive your booking final price, and check your mailbox for instructions on how to continue your reservation.

Travel date

Subscribe to deals and travel tips

Thank you. We will send you an email shortly. Let us know a bit more and we can provide you an accurate price quote.

Enter your first and last name

Comfort: May include 3 star tourist class, 3 star superior, and 4 star tourist class hotels Boutique: Independent, more intimate smaller 4 star hotels characteristic of the area being visited. May include 5 star. Superior: Includes First class 4 star Hotels. May include 5 star.

Number of people

Number of rooms. We provide special pricing for groups of 7 or more – please complete the request and we will contact you for more information

Additional comments / requests

Thanks, we will send you an email right away.

Click here to get the best deal.

For some packages you may be given a choice of different package types. They should be listed on the “Dates & Rates” tab:

• Superior/Premier – Includes first class 4-star lodging. May include 5-star lodging.
• Comfort/Standard – Includes 4-star tourist class lodging. May include first class 3-star lodging.

As you might expect, many of the tour and wine links on this site are part of our affiliate program, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission. That’s how we provide great content and amazing travel experiences for you.

Blog articles are provided as editorial content, though they may contain links to affiliates when appropriate. Please only click the affiliate links if you want the product. The main point is that you enjoy the site and the content.

We only provide links to products that we support and believe in. If you disagree with any of our links or recommendations, please let us know.

Top 7 road trips in Portugal

Dec 19, 2023 • 7 min read

Exploring Portugal’s natural beauty and enchanting cities is easy to do by car © FranciscoMarques / Shutterstock

Portugal is an ideal destination for a scenic road trip. The roads are generally in good shape, and the nation’s relatively small size allows you to see a diverse array of attractions, even if you have only a few days to spare. Throw together an Iberian soundtrack, and you're all set to hit the open road in Portugal .

Where you go will depend on your interests – you can plan a trip focussing on beach-hopping, seeing UNESCO World Heritage sites or drinking in the great views of the vineyard-covered Douro Valley. And backcountry lanes will take you to places you simply couldn’t reach without a car, including wild cliff-backed beaches, remote mountain villages and lone promontories perfect for watching the sunset over the sea.

Here are seven of the best road trips you can take in Portugal.

1. Coastline of the Alentejo and the Algarve

Best road trip for beach lovers

Vila Nova de Milfontes–Vila Real de Santo António, 320km (199 miles), 2-3 days 

Portugal’s southern coastline offers an almost Mediterranean idyll with scents of pine, rosemary, wine and grilling fish drifting over some absolutely stunning beaches. However, since this is the Atlantic rather than that sheltered sea, you can also count on seriously surfable waves, important maritime history and some great wildlife-watching opportunities. This drive takes in some of the finest beaches in the region as well as intriguing towns with tightly-knit, North African-inspired street plans. 

Highlights include the sandy paradise of Praia da Amoreira in Aljezur , the hulking and forbidding fortress of Fortaleza de Sagres and the vibrant, nightlife-loving town of Lagos . You can also ditch the car for the day and take a ferry ride to Ilha Deserta, a long, undeveloped island with a picture-perfect beachfront. The drive ends at the Portuguese border town of Vila Real de Santo António. If you’re not ready to quit, however, take a look around on the Spanish side. Seville is only 150km (93 miles) up the road.

2. The Central Coast

Best road trip for surfers and seafood fans 

Praia do Guincho–Aveiro, 330km (205 miles), 2-3 days

If endless crashing surf sounds like your idea of heaven, you’ve come to the right country. Get ready to ride the big ones on Portugal’s wild, wave-lashed west coast. This Atlantic strip is an alluring mix of first-rate (and inexpensive) surf camps, gleaming white towns and villages with authentic seafood restaurants, golden beaches fringed by dunes and pines, and memorable sunsets.

Surfers and kitesurfers of all levels will be in their element in the sparkling Atlantic surf, while the small towns along the coast make great stops for seafood feasts and après-beach cocktails. Highlights include the popular beach town and surfer hotspot of Peniche , the gorgeous swoop of sandy beach in Foz do Arelho and the big-wave town of Nazaré .

You can also take a boat ride through the sparkling canals of Aveiro – Portugal’s answer to Venice – and look for wildlife in the dune-backed coastal wilderness of the Reserva Natural das Dunas de São Jacinto .

3. The Douro Valley

Best road trip for wine lovers

Porto–Miranda do Douro, 358km (222 miles), 3 days

The Douro is a little drop of heaven. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed region offers some of Portugal’s most evocative landscapes with mile after swoon-worthy mile of vineyards spooling along the contours of its namesake river and marching up its terraced hillsides. Along seemingly every road, fabulous food, sumptuous wines, medieval stone villages, palatial quintas (countryside villas) and postcard views beckon.

Stop by the picturesque terraced vineyards at Quinta do Crasto or sample the world’s best port wine amidst the rolling hills of Pinhão . Just 4.5km (2.8 miles) from Pinhão is the stunning Casal de Loivos and its fine miradouro (viewpoint). From here, the uplifting view presents the Douro in postcard format, taking in a full sweep of stone-walled terraced vineyards, stitched into the hillsides and fringing the sweeping contours of the valley, with the river scything through it all.

4. North of Lisbon

Best road trip for UNESCO World Heritage sites

Lisbon–Tomar, 230km (143 miles), 1-2 days 

This drive takes you from Lisbon , Portugal’s romantic capital, through landscapes softened by cork oaks and pines. Before leaving the capital, stop at Belém , where you can see two architectural icons (and UNESCO listed sites) in one stop – the 16th-century Jéronimos Monastery and the equally majestic Tower of Belém , offering memorable views over the Tejo River. Be sure to pick up what could be the world’s best custard tart before leaving Belém.

Next up is Sintra , a village with palaces, whimsical mansions and enchanting woodlands, plus some enticing places to stay for the night.    

From here, you’ll head to a trio of stunning architectural monuments – all UNESCO World Heritage sites. At Alcobaça , you can wander the corridors of one of the finest monasteries in Iberia. About 30 minutes northeast, you can gape at the Gothic grandeur of Santa Maria da Vitória , yet another monastic masterpiece. The most mysterious site of all is in Tomar , home to the magnificent Convento de Cristo , built by the Knights Templar. 

5. The Minho

Best road trip for history lovers

Guimarães–Peneda, 217 km (135 miles), 1-2 days 

Portugal’s northwestern corner was made for road-tripping with splendid medieval cities, spirit-lifting pilgrimage sites and dune-flanked Atlantic beaches. Begin this road trip in Guimarães , where Afonso I, Portugal’s first king, was born in 1110. This UNESCO World Heritage site hides one of the most exquisitely preserved medieval centers in the country. Just north of Guimarães, you can explore the ruins of Citânia de Briteiros , a Celtic settlement founded more than 2,500 years ago.  

The Minho’s biggest town is Braga , an important center of Portuguese spirituality – home to the country’s oldest cathedral as well as Roman ruins and flower-trimmed plazas dotted with outdoor cafes. The Costa Verde’s biggest stunner, Viana do Castelo , offers a double shot for visitors in the form of medieval architecture and gorgeous beaches, while Ponte de Lima features the finest medieval bridge in all of Portugal – the 31-arched Ponte Romana . End the journey by taking walks amid the rocky hills and ancient stone villages of the Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês , Portugal’s most impressive wilderness reserve. 

6. The Alentejo

Best road trip for soulful, off-the-beaten-path adventures

Évora–Monsaraz, 360km (224 miles), allow 3 days

If you’re looking for the heart and soul of Portugal, head to the Alentejo , a region of clifftop castle towns, traditional villages and rolling plains covered in vineyards and olive groves. Start off in the beautifully preserved town of Évora . Here you can feel the centuries wind back while visiting medieval monuments , a chilling bone chapel and Portugal’s finest Roman temple . A short drive beyond the city gates, you can search for ancient symbols on the Cromeleque dos Almendres , Portugal’s most important megalithic site. 

You’ll leave the crowds behind as you head to Estremoz and Vila Viçosa, two photogenic towns where everything seems to be made of marble (visit the quarry nearby to see why). Further north, you can explore Marvão, a clifftop village with sweeping views over the sun-baked countryside. You can go on some surprising adventures nearby, including taking a spin along an abandoned railway line with Rail Bike Marvão . Looping south, you’ll ascend to Monsaraz , yet another mesmerizing hilltop village with a medieval castle and more astonishing views.

7. The Portuguese Highlands 

Best road trip for mountain adventures

Coimbra–Viseu, 390km (242 miles), 2-3 days 

This wide-ranging trip takes in many of Portugal's highlights, from a buzzing historic university town to stern borderland fortresses, intermingled with picturesque villages and the natural majesty of the Serra da Estrela mountains. The journey starts in Coimbra , a hilly city that’s home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Grand views await in Monsanto, a stunning village that towers high above the surrounding plains. A stroll through its steep streets, lined with stone houses that seem to merge with the boulder-strewn landscape, is reason enough to make the drive.

Dramatic views come with every turn on the uphill drive into the Serra da Estrela, where you’ll find Portugal’s highest summit – 1,993m (6,539ft) Torre. Enjoying a spectacular natural setting cradled at the foot of the beautiful Vale do Zêzere, the lofty village of Manteigas is a great base for mountain walks. Here, craggy ridges and forest-draped slopes dominate the horizon in all directions. 

End the road trip in the well-preserved center of Viseu . This historic city is a delight to explore with its cobbled streets, meandering alleys, leafy public gardens, and its central square graced with flowers and fountains.

This article was first published Aug 27, 2020 and updated Dec 19, 2023.

Explore related stories

May 13, 2024 • 13 min read

Be inspired to explore Europe by car this summer on one, or more, of these themed driving routes.

Mar 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Jan 27, 2024 • 5 min read

Dec 5, 2023 • 9 min read

Jul 5, 2022 • 6 min read

Jun 22, 2022 • 6 min read

Apr 13, 2022 • 7 min read

Aug 11, 2020 • 2 min read

Nov 16, 2019 • 6 min read

Sep 23, 2019 • 8 min read

• Places to Stay
• Events & Incentives
• Other Ideas
• Reservations

Private Half day or Full day tours

Overnight guided tours, self-drive independent tours, vip experiences.

Bringing you the Charm of Portugal...

Portugal is a wonderful country with many different types of scenery and with a great cultural diversity. Come discover with us...

Discover Portugal on multi-day tours

For those willing to deeply explore our beautiful country, the best option is to choose an overnight tour escorted by our professionals.

Self-Drive Itineraries

Tours For You designed some Self-Drive Itineraries for those travelers who prefer to visit Portugal in an independent way.

Looking for insider's access?

Because every moment while traveling should be special, truly unique and unforgettable...

Charming Hotels in Portugal

Pousadas de portugal, manor houses - solares de portugal, villas & apartments.

The most charming hotels collection

An independent selection regarding the service, decoration, comfort and (very relevant) including our famous Portuguese Hospitality.

You'll feel the history alive here

The Pousadas de Portugal are a chain of over 40 exclusive and historic hotels, located throughout Portugal

Holidays with a "personal touch"

Solares de Portugal are family homes as opposed to hotels.

Exquisite selection

We believe that there should be an accommodation for everyone and that every client has its specific interests.

About TFY Events

Events, Incentives and Meetings

TFY Events, a brand from Tours For You. When quality and creativity meet...

Tours For You Spain

Sailing in lisbon, playing golf in portugal, lisbon photo tour, surf in portugal, bike tours itineraries in portugal.

Discover Spain. Your Spain.

Experience a country like no other. Starting by being a lot of “countries”.

Step aboard a sailboat

Come and see the sight from another perspective!

Discover the best golf courses of Europe

Only for players sensitive to a beautiful landscape...

A different perspective of the city

Fall in love with Lisbon through the lens of your camera

Discover our sea...

Come to surf in the Portuguese waves!

Portugal with a Bike!

Cycling itineraries blending adventure, authenticity and our beautiful gastronomy...with us Tours for You!

About Tours For You

For travel agents.

Who is Tours For You?

Get to know us. We're an open book...

We are 100% at your disposal to receive a contact from you!

Looking for a new partner in Portugal?

We'll be pleased to assist you planning your client's need to Portugal and welcome them in our country.

Our Self-Drive programs are packages including carefully selected charming accommodation (essential for a memorable holiday) together with a rented car and a suggested itinerary, that we'll deliver you as a beautiful personalized brochure. These self-drive tours were designed based on our deep knowledge of Portugal and they have the purpose of being easy to explore for a first-time visitor to Portugal. Although we believe that a map will be enough for our guests to discover our country, if you wish we can also add a GPS to your rented car.   Of course that any itinerary can be customizable for your specific needs (including a hotel change), as usual with Tours For You travel advising. We can design a new itinerary or, we can also adapt each proposed itinerary below. Another important advantage of these independent self-drive tours is that you can change the day itinerary in real time, when you'll be already in Portugal. That's your tour! However, you must have on your mind that you'll always have your accommodation booked for each night and this is where you must end your day.   Enjoy our suggestions below!

Choose your tour

• Choose type
• More for you

• A proud member of

• © Tours For You
• Legal Terms
• Privacy Policy