Portugal is a fantastic destination for a beautiful road trip. You can reach it in just 3 hours by flight and immediately indulge in vibrant cities, rugged coastlines, and of course, the delightful Mediterranean atmosphere. We embarked on a road trip and are sharing our itinerary here, taking you to the most enchanting places in Portugal. For each destination on this itinerary, we’ve also written separate articles packed with tips on unique spots, delightful restaurants, and charming accommodations. That way, you can experience the best of Portugal!
Transportation for this Portugal itinerary
Renting a car is incredibly convenient for exploring the southern part of Portugal. Public transportation can be time-consuming, especially in the Algarve, where the most beautiful spots are scattered. With a rental car, you’ll have the freedom to go wherever you please, and you’ll enjoy it immensely. For the first part of the journey between Porto and Lisbon, a rental car isn’t necessary, as it’s inconvenient in these cities, and parking is expensive. Therefore, we recommend renting a car after Lisbon and taking the train from Porto to Lisbon. Beforehand, be sure to read our tips for renting and driving in Portugal.
How many weeks do you need for this itinerary?
We recommend allocating 14 days for this itinerary. This will give you ample time to explore all the beauty Portugal has to offer without feeling rushed. Of course, you can complete the itinerary in fewer days, but you may have to skip some enjoyable experiences here and there. If you want to take your time, a few extra days won’t hurt either.
Porto
Porto is the perfect place to kickstart your road trip through Portugal. All the attractions are within walking distance of each other, and since there’s not an overwhelming amount to do, you can comfortably ease into the country. The city itself is the main attraction with its colorful houses, laundry lines hanging out of windows, and river views. Of course, there are a few must-visit spots that you shouldn’t miss. Find out more in our article with tips for Porto.
Lisbon
From Porto, you can easily travel to Lisbon by train. In just under 3 hours, you’ll arrive in the bustling capital of Portugal, where there’s an abundance of things to do. Enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar, visit ancient monasteries, explore historic neighborhoods on iconic trams, or savor live music at one of the many terraces. There’s never a dull moment in Lisbon! Also, check out our tips for Lisbon to discover the best hotspots and attractions.
Cascais, Sintra & surroundings
After a few days of enjoying Lisbon, it’s time to embark on an exciting road trip. Pick up your rental car in Lisbon and set your GPS for Cascais. This charming coastal town serves as a great base for exploring the beautiful surroundings. After a delicious lunch and perhaps dropping off your luggage, you can head straight to Ursa Beach, one of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. You can reach it by taking a short 45-minute hike, and it’s the perfect spot for a romantic sunset. The next day, you can visit the remarkable castles and palaces of Sintra. Plan to arrive early because there’s so much beauty to explore that you’ll need the entire day. If you want to learn more about Ursa Beach, Cascais, and other places in the area, check out our tips for the Cascais area and for preparing for a day in Sintra, you’ll find our tips for Sintra here.
Lagos & the Algarve
The road trip continues to the Algarve, the southernmost province of Portugal, known for its immensely popular beautiful beaches, impressive cliffs, idyllic coves, and delightful climate. Lagos is conveniently located in the heart of all the Algarve attractions, and with your rental car, you can easily reach everywhere. In Lagos, you’ll also find some stunning beaches with crystal-clear blue waters and a charming old town. Over the next few days, you can enjoy activities like kayaking along the coast, taking scenic hikes, or exploring the most beautiful coves. Check out our tips for Lagos and the Algarve for the best activities and most beautiful spots.
Faro
We found Faro to be beautiful but not particularly unique or vibrant. However, since you’ll be flying back from here, it can be convenient to spend a night. What’s truly beautiful in the vicinity of Faro is the Ria Formosa wetland area. Here, you’ll discover blue-green lagoons, white sandbanks, and sometimes even flamingos. You can take a boat tour, spend a day on the beach, or go for a hike. It’s a wonderful way to conclude a remarkable journey through Portugal! If you do visit Faro, you’ll find our tips for Faro here, ensuring you can make the most of your day.
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary for the Portugal Road Trip
Below, you’ll find an example of the itinerary for this road trip route as we would recommend it. You can check out our destination articles to see all the things you can do. Then, you can decide for yourself whether you need more or less time and create your own schedule.
Please note: We haven’t included the outbound and return journeys in this itinerary, as some may arrive early in the morning and others late in the evening.
- Day 1: Porto
- Day 2: Porto
- Day 3: Train to Lisbon
- Day 4: Lisbon
- Day 5: Lisbon
- Day 6: Lisbon
- Day 7: Cascais: Cabo da Roca & Ursa Beach
- Day 8: Cascais: Day Trip to Sintra
- Day 9: Drive to Lagos
- Day 10: Lagos & the Algarve
- Day 11: Lagos & the Algarve
- Day 12: Lagos & the Algarve
- Day 13: Lagos & the Algarve
- Day 14: Faro
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Portugal
During our journey through Portugal, we scoured for delightful places to stay, and we’ve found some truly beautiful accommodations. We’ve also gathered fantastic recommendations from friends and followers, which we’ve compiled into a convenient list. From a stylish boutique hotel to a serene retreat nestled in nature, our favorite spots in Portugal will enhance your travel experience.
