Portugal is one of the coolest places for a road trip!
You get to really dig into its awesome mix of cultures, beautiful scenery, and cute little towns.
Hitting the road here lets you check out some hidden gems that most tourists overlook, like those little villages out in the countryside and those jaw-dropping coastal cliffs.
Whether you’re cruising along the gorgeous Algarve coast or taking the winding roads through the lovely Douro valleys, this two-week road trip is all about exploring the less-traveled spots that can be tricky to find.
Get ready to dive into the real vibe of Portugal!
Jump to:
Overview + Map
This map gives you a visual of the route for your 2-week road trip through Portugal, highlighting all the must-see stops along the way.
From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the tranquil villages of the Algarve, this itinerary takes you through a perfect mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.
You’ll explore charming small towns, stunning coastal cliffs, and picturesque vineyards while discovering hidden gems that most tourists miss.
Each stop offers a unique experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the diverse regions of Portugal.
Ready to hit the road? Let this map be your guide!
Starting Point: Porto, Lisbon or Faro
The starting point of your Portugal road trip largely depends on your arrival location, as Porto, Lisbon, and Faro offer easy access to major highways, allowing you to kick off your journey smoothly.
If you arrive in Porto:
Porto, located in the north, offers a fantastic starting point if you’re looking to begin your road trip with a mix of city exploration and natural beauty.
Known for its stunning riverside views, historic wine cellars, and picturesque streets,
Porto will give you a taste of Portugal’s rich heritage. From Porto, you can explore the Douro Valley’s vineyards, venture down to Lisbon, or head to the coast and the Algarve.
If you arrive in Lisbon:
Lisbon is an ideal starting point, as it’s the capital and one of the main international flight hubs in Portugal.
From here, you can explore the city’s vibrant culture, historic neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks before heading out to explore the rest of the country.
Lisbon’s location is also perfect for heading north to Porto, or south to the Algarve, giving you flexibility in your route.
If you arrive in Faro:
Faro, located in the Algarve region, offers a more laid-back start to your trip, especially if you’re eager to explore the southern coastline first.
Faro’s proximity to stunning beaches and charming towns like Lagos and Albufeira makes it a great choice if you want to start with coastal adventures.
From Faro, you can easily drive north to the heart of the country and beyond.
Portugal Roadtrip Itinerary Ideas
I’ve come up with three trip ideas for different kinds of travelers.
The first one takes you on a journey from the north to the south of Portugal (or the other way around), so you can check out all the cool landscapes.
The other two are more slow-paced—one’s all about enjoying the sunny Algarve, and the other showcases the lovely vibes of northern Portugal.
Pick the one that matches what you’re after and get ready for an awesome experience!
#1: Porto to Faro (14 Days)
Porto (2 Days)
- Check out Ribeira: Take a walk along the old waterfront with its bright buildings and cool cafes.
- Swing by São Bento Train Station: Check out the amazing blue-tiled murals that show off Portuguese history.
- Livraria Lello: Walk into one of the prettiest bookstores ever, known for its awesome staircase.
Douro Valley (1 Day)
- Book a wine-tasting tour: Check out some awesome vineyards and sip on Portugal’s best wines.
- Take a Douro River Cruise: Chill on a boat ride with stunning views of the terraced hills.
- Explore Pinhão Village: Wander around this cute village and snap pics at the cool azulejo-tiled train station.
Nazaré (1 Day)
- Chill at Praia da Nazaré: Hang out on this awesome beach that’s famous for its huge waves.
- Take the funicular up to Sítio: Enjoy some great views from this hilltop spot with a cute square and a church.
- Check out the surf scene: Swing by places where they ride those crazy record-breaking waves.
Óbidos (1 Day)
- Stroll through the cute cobblestone streets: Check out this charming medieval village packed with boutique shops.
- Climb up to the castle walls: You’ll get some amazing views of the countryside.
- Grab a ginjinha: Give this cherry liqueur a go, especially when it’s served in chocolate cups.
Lisbon (2 Days)
- Hop on Tram 28: Enjoy a chill ride through the city’s old-school neighborhoods.
- Roam around Alfama: Lose yourself in Lisbon’s oldest area, packed with tiny streets and Fado tunes.
- Check out Jerónimos Monastery: Be amazed by the stunning Manueline style at this UNESCO spot.
- Hit up Time Out Market: Taste a bunch of local and international dishes in this cool food hall.
Sintra (1 Day)
- Check out Pena Palace: Swing by this super colorful, storybook palace that has amazing views all around.
- Explore Quinta da Regaleira: Get lost in its funky gardens, cool grottoes, and the famous Initiation Well.
- Stop by Cabo da Roca: Take a pic at the westernmost spot of mainland Europe and enjoy the stunning cliff views.
Cascais (1 Day)
- Chill out at Cascais Beach: Soak up the sun and check out the ocean views in this lovely coastal spot.
- Stroll through Cascais Marina: Take a walk by the marina filled with fancy yachts and tasty seafood places.
- Check out Boca do Inferno: See the waves smashing into this cool cliff formation.
- Swing by Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães: Take a look at the art and cool stuff in this 19th-century house.
Alentejo & Costa Vicentina (1 Day)
- Check out Vila Nova de Milfontes: Chill in this beachy town with its sandy shores and laid-back vibe.
- Swing by Aljezur: Check out the castle ruins and hit up nearby beaches like Arrifana.
- Dig into the local food: Savor fresh seafood and classic dishes at neighborhood spots.
Lagos (2 Days)
- Check out Ponta da Piedade: Take in those stunning cliffs and cool rock formations with the bright turquoise water.
- Chill at Camilo Beach: Head down the wooden stairs to this hidden gem of a beach.
- Soak up the sun at Dona Ana Beach: Hang out at one of the most loved beaches in Lagos.
- Wander around Lagos Old Town: Explore the charming cobblestone streets, historic walls, and buzzing squares.
Carvoeiro (1 Days)
- Check out Vale de Centeanes Beach: Chill out at this awesome beach with cliffs all around.
- Book a trip to Benagil Cave: Check out this famous sea cave with a cool natural skylight.
- Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Soak in the amazing views of the coast.
- Kick back at Marinha Beach: Have a good time at one of the prettiest beaches in the Algarve.
Faro
- Check out the Old Town: Stroll around the cute cobblestone streets and Arco da Vila.
- Chill before you fly: Grab a last bite at a local spot and kick back at the marina.
#2. Algarve Roadtrip: Lisbon to Faro (14 Days)
Lisbon (5 Days)
- Hop on Tram 28: Enjoy a chill ride through the city’s old-school neighborhoods.
- Roam around Alfama: Lose yourself in Lisbon’s oldest area, packed with tiny streets and Fado tunes.
- Check out Jerónimos Monastery: Be amazed by the stunning Manueline style at this UNESCO spot.
- Hit up Time Out Market: Taste a bunch of local and international dishes in this cool food hall.
Sintra (1 Day)
- Check out Pena Palace: Swing by this super colorful, storybook palace that has amazing views all around.
- Explore Quinta da Regaleira: Get lost in its funky gardens, cool grottoes, and the famous Initiation Well.
- Stop by Cabo da Roca: Take a pic at the westernmost spot of mainland Europe and enjoy the stunning cliff views.
Cascais (1 Day)
- Chill out at Cascais Beach: Soak up the sun and check out the ocean views in this lovely coastal spot.
- Stroll through Cascais Marina: Take a walk by the marina filled with fancy yachts and tasty seafood places.
- Check out Boca do Inferno: See the waves smashing into this cool cliff formation.
- Swing by Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães: Take a look at the art and cool stuff in this 19th-century house.
Alentejo & Costa Vicentina (1 Day)
- Check out Vila Nova de Milfontes: Chill in this beachy town with its sandy shores and laid-back vibe.
- Swing by Aljezur: Check out the castle ruins and hit up nearby beaches like Arrifana.
- Dig into the local food: Savor fresh seafood and classic dishes at neighborhood spots.
Lagos (4 Days)
- Check out Ponta da Piedade: Take in those stunning cliffs and cool rock formations with the bright turquoise water.
- Chill at Camilo Beach: Head down the wooden stairs to this hidden gem of a beach.
- Soak up the sun at Dona Ana Beach: Hang out at one of the most loved beaches in Lagos.
- Wander around Lagos Old Town: Explore the charming cobblestone streets, historic walls, and buzzing squares.
Carvoeiro (2 Days)
- Check out Vale de Centeanes Beach: Chill out at this awesome beach with cliffs all around.
- Book a trip to Benagil Cave: Check out this famous sea cave with a cool natural skylight.
- Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Soak in the amazing views of the coast. See more of the best hikes in the Algarve.
- Kick back at Marinha Beach: Have a good time at one of the prettiest beaches in the Algarve.
Faro (Optional: 1 Day)
- Check out the Old Town: Stroll around the cute cobblestone streets and Arco da Vila.
- Chill before you fly: Grab a last bite at a local spot and kick back at the marina.
#3. Lisbon to Porto (14 Days)
Lisbon (4 Days)
- Hop on Tram 28: Enjoy a chill ride through the city’s old-school neighborhoods.
- Roam around Alfama: Lose yourself in Lisbon’s oldest area, packed with tiny streets and Fado tunes.
- Check out Jerónimos Monastery: Be amazed by the stunning Manueline style at this UNESCO spot.
- Hit up Time Out Market: Taste a bunch of local and international dishes in this cool food hall.
Sintra (2 Days)
- Check out Pena Palace: Swing by this super colorful, storybook palace that has amazing views all around.
- Explore Quinta da Regaleira: Get lost in its funky gardens, cool grottoes, and the famous Initiation Well.
- Stop by Cabo da Roca: Take a pic at the westernmost spot of mainland Europe and enjoy the stunning cliff views.
Óbidos (1 Day)
- Stroll through the cute cobblestone streets: Check out this charming medieval village packed with boutique shops.
- Climb up to the castle walls: You’ll get some amazing views of the countryside.
- Grab a ginjinha: Give this cherry liqueur a go, especially when it’s served in chocolate cups.
Nazaré (1 Day)
- Chill at Praia da Nazaré: Hang out on this awesome beach that’s famous for its huge waves.
- Take the funicular up to Sítio: Enjoy some great views from this hilltop spot with a cute square and a church.
- Check out the surf scene: Swing by places where they ride those crazy record-breaking waves.
Coimbra or Aveiro (1 Day)
- Lunch and sightseeing in Portugal’s cultural heart or “Venice of Portugal.”
- Here are the best restaurants in Aveiro.
Porto (4 Days)
- Check out Ribeira: Take a walk along the old waterfront with its bright buildings and cool cafes. See the best beaches in Porto.
- Swing by São Bento Train Station: Check out the amazing blue-tiled murals that show off Portuguese history.
- Livraria Lello: Walk into one of the prettiest bookstores ever, known for its awesome staircase.
Douro Valley (1 Day)
- Book a wine-tasting tour: Check out some awesome vineyards and sip on Portugal’s best wines.
- Take a Douro River Cruise: Chill on a boat ride with stunning views of the terraced hills.
- Explore Pinhão Village: Wander around this cute village and snap pics at the cool azulejo-tiled train station.
Tips for Planning Your Portugal Road Trip
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May): Ideal for pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds. This is a great time for hiking and exploring coastal areas.
Fall (September to October): Warm weather and fewer tourists make it perfect for beach visits and wine-tasting experiences.
Summer (June to August): Great for beach lovers but expect larger crowds, higher prices, and hot temperatures, especially inland.
Winter (November to February): A quieter time with milder weather, though northern regions and mountains can get chilly and rainy.
Driving Tips
Toll Roads: Many highways are tolled, and some use electronic systems without cash payment options. Consider renting a car with a toll transponder to avoid fines.
Fuel Stations: Fill up at larger towns or highways, as rural areas may have fewer stations. Diesel is more common and slightly cheaper than gasoline.
Parking: In cities, opt for paid parking lots or garages to avoid fines. In smaller towns, street parking is usually easier to find but check local signage.
Packing Essentials
Clothing: Pack layers for varying weather, including lightweight clothes for warmer regions and a jacket for cooler evenings or coastal breezes.
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets and sturdy shoes for hiking trails.
Sustainable Travel Gear: A reusable water bottle, foldable shopping bag, and travel utensils can help minimize waste.
Road Trip Must-Haves: A phone holder for navigation, a car charger, and a good playlist or audiobooks for longer drives.
A road trip through Portugal is going to be an awesome adventure!
You’ll get to enjoy stunning views, dive into history, and experience some cool local vibes.
If you steer clear of the usual tourist traps, you’ll really get a feel for what makes this country so special.
From lively cities to chill countryside, every stop has something new to offer.
So, grab your friends, buckle up, and plan out your ultimate 2-week road trip in Portugal—you’ll be blown away by all the hidden gems waiting for you. Have fun and travel safe!
Leave a Reply