Once you are prepared and ready, head out and enjoy everything that Portugal has to offer and maybe find a couple of new routes that you can add to your own list of best road trips in Portugal. Many of the road trips on our list take you well off the beaten path, meaning that it is easy to get lost. The drive is an opportunity to see the land after the mountains where some of the oldest Portuguese traditions are still practiced. They aren't quite as big in the summer, but you can still visit the sheltered beach and grab lunch at a seafood shack nearby. There’s no need to restrict your driving to the Portuguese mainland. After arriving in the Faro Airport … If you're not ready to turn back just yet, take the route further another four miles to drive up to the panoramic viewpoint in the tiny village of Casal de Loivos. His work has appeared in the New York Times and Chicago Tribune. However, if you want to really get to know the island, its people, and its amazing sights, you need to spend a couple of days there. If you're feeling ambitious, you can hike there and back from Monchique, but the N266-3 will also get you there. Learn how your comment data is processed. If you are under 25, you may need to pay a young driver surcharge, so take this into account when budgeting for your car hire. On day 1, either wander on your own in the old town areas of Alfama, Principe Real and Chiado or join a walking tour. It's a short distance, but there's a lot to see along the way, so you should plan to be out for the whole day. In the winter, the record-breaking waves attract surfers from around the world. To help you decide which of these road trips you should take, or at least which should be on the top of your list, we have compiled a list of the seven best road trips in Portugal. You can add even more stunning scenery to your trip by taking the coastal road back to Lisbon and stopping at Cascais and Estoril on the way back. If you want to undertake any of the road trips on our list or create one of your own, you are going to need a vehicle. Portugal has long been overshadowed by its Southern European neighbors. But, if you do not add Portugal to your list of must visit places, then you are really missing something special. Places like Spain, France, and Italy are often the first choice for people looking for sun-drenched vacations. The most important thing to remember is that in Portugal as in the US, you drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. But if you have a craving for adventure, there's a lot more to see in the western part of the Algarve. To drive safely in Portugal, you need to be aware of the key road rules and regulations. Kitchenistic helps you find the latest and gratest Depending on which part of Portugal you visit, you have a lot of choices when it comes to planning a road trip. Finish your day in Foía, the highest point of the Algarve. Portugal may seem like a small country, but it is brimming beautiful roads that wind along rocky coasts, hidden beaches, through small whitewashed villages, and up hills and mountains. And if it's your first time driving in Portugal, make sure you read up on the rules of the road before booking that rental car. Get back on the coast to visit the beach of Salema, where you can grab a bite to eat at a local seafood restaurant. The trip to Tras-os-Montes can be on its own or linked onto the end of your Douro Valley trip. Must see places on the island include Furnas village, Sete Cidades, and the farmland of Nordeste. The best way to explore Portugal‘s secret spots is arguably by car, and while driving, each detour and wrong turn can take you to another beautiful town or village. Tras-os-Montes is one of the least visited and wildest regions in Portugal. I confirm I wish to sign up to the mailing list, Please use only a-z,A-Z,0-9,dash and underscores, best driving roads and destinations in Europe, The Coolest and Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in Portugal. Additionally, take plenty of water and some snacks with you, just in case you get caught between villages. São Miguel is another stunning island drive, and, like Madeira Island, it can be driven around in just one day. The highlight is the round church in the center, which is covered floor to ceiling in sculptures and paintings. However, if you are organized and book early, you can find some great deals. products you will love. Then, get back on the N125 towards Lagos and follow the signs for N124 and N266 to Monchique, a small mountain town, in the Serra de Monchique mountain range, known for their quality handicrafts and spicy sausages. One of the best Portugal road trip ideas is the drive from Porto to the Douro Valley, one of the top wine regions in Portugal. The whole trip will take about three hours to cover 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Lisbon to Obidos. A good map is a must-have for any Road Trip Portugal Itinerary. While this is a popular option, it is not necessarily the most practical or the safest. A Portugal Road Trip is on my buckelist: Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, the Algarve and more! This is another great destination for those who like to hike as there is plenty to explore on foot in this region. Click to Tweet We arrived in Porto about rush hour. Get Lost in the Historical Centre. Located east of Porto in the Duoro Valley, the road from Peso de Régua to Pinhão has the near-perfect ratio of tight corners to straight stretches. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. A good rule to abide by is if you need to get back behind the wheel that day, do not drink. Thankfully, we already did all the hard-work for you! Using a mobile phone while driving is strictly forbidden; the only exception is if you are using a hands-free kit. As well as the key rules and regulations, there are some local restrictions and rules that you may need to make yourself aware of if you intend to travel around the country. Following the contours of the Douro River, it overlooks the stunning vineyards and river valley below. Leave with both your GPS and a paper map; just in case you lose the GPS signal, or your cell phone runs out of battery. If you happen to be visiting in July or early August, you'll get to experience the annual medieval market, complete with wandering minstrels and jousting knights. Without it you will miss all the hotspots, fun things to see and do, and of course not to mention the endless hours on Google trying to gather all information yourself. In 2015, the car rental company Avis named this 17-mile stretch of Portugal's N222 highway the world's best driving road. While this allows you to discover great new places on your own and to sample local culture and cuisine, it is important that you are safe and able to find your way to your destination and back to your accommodation again. This was probably not the best time to arrive in a new city with narrow streets, a lot of construction, and bad traffic due to a bus crash in the center of the city! Here, you'll want to park the car and explore on foot, since the town's narrow roads can be difficult to drive through. Your Trip to Portugal: The Complete Guide, These Are the Top Things to Do in Sagres, Portugal, How to Travel from Lisbon to Faro by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, Your Trip to Hokkaido: The Complete Guide, The Top 12 Things to Do in the Douro Valley, Portugal, Go to Portugal in July and Bask in the Sunshine, Los Angeles to San Francisco on the Pacific Coast Highway, These are the Top 12 Things to Do on Terceira Island, the Azores, Top 12 Things to Do on Sao Miguel Island, the Azores, Tripsavvy uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. From Lisbon, you can take the A8 north to Obidos, a walled medieval town with colorful streets. Portugal may seem like a small country, but it is brimming beautiful roads that wind along rocky coasts, hidden beaches, through small whitewashed villages, and up hills and mountains. If you're looking for a good day trip from Lisbon, or some sights to see on your way to Porto, consider driving through some of the medieval towns between and taking a detour to see one of the world's largest waves. This city is one of the funkiest cities I’ve been, with amazing food, impressive architecture, and excellent museums. One of the highest mountain ranges on mainland Portugal, Serra da Estrela is the perfect location for an adventure. The best part is that the distances between cities and landmarks are short and good local food is always nearby. This is important to note as some alcohol served in Portugal is much stronger than you might expect. The road trip is a great way to spend an entire day and can include enjoying traditional foods at a family-run restaurant and sampling amazing wines in Pinhão. There really is something for everyone. If you are looking for a longer road trip with an overnight stay, or even two, then Serra da Estrela should be on your shortlist. Built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, this convent another UNESCO site. Key towns to visit along this route include Aveiro, Ericeira, Figueira da Foz, Lagos, Nazaré, and Peniche. Out in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azorean island of Sao Miguel has plenty to offer those with their own wheels, from steaming hot pools to stunning volcanic lakes, picturesque coastal villages, and secluded beaches. You can start your route at the very tip of the Algarve, Cabo de São Vicente (Cape Saint Vincent), which is also the most southwestern point of mainland Europe. Also, be aware that many of the main roads, particularly motorways, in Portugal are toll roads. Depending on which part of Portugal you visit, you have a lot of choices when it comes to planning a road trip. Begin your journey in Porto and enjoy the breath-taking scenery as you wind your way through the changing countryside. If you base yourself in Ponta Delgada, the largest city on the island, you can visit the western, central, and eastern sections of São Miguel separately or in one day. The town is more than just a fairytale castle, it boasts some of the most stunning architecture in the country, making it look like a fairytale town. You should also make time to stop for a drink in the small villages throughout the island or hike some of the dozens of trails. The capital city is a highlight of any Portugal road trip, so it definitely deserves 2 nights of your time in Portugal! Don’t forget to spend some time talking with the very friendly locals and trying some local cuisine. Once you reach your destination, the mountains offer many hiking opportunities for those who want to stretch their legs. Renting a car in Portugal is a little more expensive than it is in many other Southern European countries. Driving around the whole island can take anywhere between four and eight hours, depending on how many side trips and detours you make. From west facing beaches that capture every sunset to fairytale castles, fine food and wine, and a history that will keep you entranced for hours, Portugal really does have it all. If you are a keen surfer or just love the beach, then no visit to Portugal is complete without a road trip that takes in the major beaches along the Atlantic coast. products! Help us to show you Seat belt usage is mandatory for the driver and all their passengers. Information fully updated for 2021. From Obidos, 30 minutes up the road lies Alcobaça, home to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monastery. Now you could, of course, hire a motorbike or a scooter, particularly for the shorter trips. Being informed is the best way to avoid making a mistake that could cut short your vacation. From the viewpoint, you'll be able to see all the way to the Atlantic Ocean on a clear day. Your last stop will be the city of Tomar, home to the spectacular Convento de Cristo. As much fun as it is to drive around this road's nearly 100 bends, you'll probably spend just as much time pulling over to the side to take in the views. There is plenty to see on the drive from the vineyards down to the Douro River. We curate, you discover! Being prepared is the best way to avoid your scenic road trip without incident. The Douro Valley is the home of the most popular wine region in Portugal. There are palaces, manor estates, and of course, castles. David Dean specializes in tech and travel writing and has covered technology and Portugal (his home base) for TripSavvy since 2014. Here you can experience coastal roads that are set in cliffsides, winding country roads that travel through vineyards, and mountain roads that take in peaks and tunnels cut through the rock itself. If you are looking for a drive that will quite literally keep you on the edge of your set, then this is it. With a lighthouse, some dramatic cliffs, and Europe's westernmost sausage stand that is appropriately-named "Last Sausage Before America," it's a nice place to start the day. Just make sure you don't miss the main highlights, which includes the lookout over the multicolored Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lake of Seven Cities), soaking in the hot springs at Ponta da Ferraria, and eating the Cozido na Caldeira (a meaty stew slow-cooked over a hot spring) at Tony’s Restaurant in Furnas. Faro, Ferragudo Fishing Village. There is plenty to photograph along the way as well as at your destination. While this allows you to discover great new places on your own and to sample local culture and cuisine, it is important that you are safe and able to find your way to your destination and back to your accommodation again. After the fortress, follow the N125 to the whitewashed church on the hill in the small town of Vila do Bispo, where you'll be able to find more azulejo tiles and several short hiking trails nearby. It’s funny how all the conversations I have about my home country with foreigners follow a trend. When it comes to alcohol, the legal limit is 0.5mg/ml, which is low compared to some other European countries, including the UK. For this reason, we recommend that you always plot your route carefully before you leave and let someone know where you are going. If you really want to enjoy your road trip and reach your destination safely, in comfort and style, then hire a car. Besides, you won’t want to drive too fast on the island’s winding mountain roads. Related Post: Best GPS Apps and Best Car GPS. To hire a vehicle in Portugal, you must be aged 18 or over and have held your full driving license for at least one year. This will allow you to drive along one of the wildest areas and most idyllic landscapes of Portugal. Children under the age of 12 are not allowed to travel in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Wander along the ramparts, and be sure to try a shot of ginjinha liqueur, which is traditionally served in a chocolate shell. One route that you should consider taking is from Seia to Guarda; taking time to stop at the major landmarks along the way, including castles, stunning viewpoints, and the bread and cheese museums. In addition to all the wonderful sights, sounds, smells, and things to do, Portugal also has some of the best driving roads and destinations in Europe. Taking a Road Trip in Portugal. Regardless, Culture Trip suggests detailing a route first and using both GPS and a map to find your final destination (the map is a backup in case you lose your GPS signal). Its changing landscape is great to see in spring, summer, and fall; however, the area can be precarious in winter as it is one of the few regions that actually experiences snowfall. Overall this trip will require about two hours of driving from start to finish and you'll only cover about 50 miles (80 kilometers). This is a non-pretentious guide for a Portugal road trip along the coastline. If you are based close to Lisbon and fancy a drive out to a real fairytale castle, then you need to go to Sintra. The island consists of many changing landscapes from rolling farmland to glorious hills and mountains, and cozy little inlets and beaches. The drive around Madeira Island will take you on highways that curl around the sides of mountains and through tunnels that are cut into the rock itself. Chit-chat about Cristiano Ronaldo. Sprawled over both sides of the Douro River, the city has one of the most beautiful (and colorful) skylines in the world.
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