Portugal could also be a small nation, however it’s full of scenic magnificence, vibrant tradition, and historic marvels. From the rolling vineyards in Douro Valley to the dramatic cliffs of Algarve, every nook provides distinctive and awe-inspiring landscapes.
We’ve spent weeks driving round Portugal and have had the pleasure of highway tripping from the highest all the way down to the underside. Irrespective of the place we stopped, we discovered the folks pleasant, the desserts scrumptious and the port wine flowing freely.
Greatest Street Journeys in Portugal
From scenic coastal drives to inland journeys, we’ve seen lots firsthand, however know there’s at all times extra to discover. Whether or not touring as a pair, a household, with a bunch of mates or by yourself, we’ve seen there’s one thing in Portugal for everybody.
Lisbon to Porto: Coastal Bliss
Excited to see what highway journeys Portugal has to supply? Right here’s your information to the most effective highway journeys in Portugal for a journey you’ll always remember.
Fast Abstract
This classical Portugal highway journey route provides an ideal mix of metropolis, sea, and historical past. Ranging from the colourful capital Lisbon, you’ll cruise north alongside the coast, exploring gorgeous seashores, medieval cities, and bustling cities earlier than reaching Porto, well-known for its port wine and historic allure.
Route:
Lisbon – Cascais – Sintra – Nazaré – Coimbra – Aveiro – Porto
Distance/Time:
433km – Approx. 5.5hrs journey time – Google Maps
Street Journey Period:
5-7 Days
Highlights:
- Lisbon: Capital metropolis of Portugal with attractive structure just like the Jerónimos Monastery, cool road tiles, loads of uncommon issues to do in addition to the house of our favourite Portuguese dessert, the scrumptious Pasteis de Belem.
- Cascais: The Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliffside chasm is value stopping for.
- Sintra: Discover each the colourful Pena Palace in addition to the attractive Quinta da Regaleira palace (plus each their wonderful gardens).
- Nazaré: Stand in awe of Nazarés large waves, go to Our Woman of Nazaré Sanctuary plus try the Miradouro do Suberco, a viewpoint providing superior panoramic ocean views.
- Coimbra: House of the Joanina Library, one of the vital stunning libraries on the planet in addition to the favored College of Coimbra.
- Aveiro: Canals adorned with brightly coloured boats known as moliceiros line this Portuguese metropolis, usually known as the Venice of Portugal.
- Porto: Pattern totally different ports, go on a Douro river cruise and take a look at Livraria Lello, one of many world’s most stunning bookstores.
Tip:
Whereas Nazaré is common for day journeys, contemplate spending an evening right here. At night time, as soon as the day vacationers depart, you’ll get the prospect to expertise the quiet allure of this fishing village, which is each wealthy in custom and native taste.
Douro Valley: The Wine Circuit
Fast Abstract:
For port and wine lovers, this route is paradise. Starting in Porto, you’ll journey into the guts of Portugal’s wine nation, following the Douro River via scenic cities and valleys, and stopping for winery excursions and tastings alongside the best way.
Route:
Porto – Amarante – Peso da Régua – Pinhão – Vila Actual
Distance/Time:
188km – Approx. 3hrs journey time – Google Maps
Period:
3-5 Days
Highlights:
- Porto: The enduring Ribeira District alongside the Douro River and the Porto Cathedral, a 900 12 months previous constructing with wonderful tile artwork.
- Amarante: Ponte de São Gonçalo, an arched bridge with tons of historic significance.
- Peso da Régua: Douro Museum, exploring the historical past and tradition of the Douro area.
- Pinhão: The practice station adorned with blue-and-white Azulejo tiles.
- Vila Actual: The 18th-century Mateus Palace and its attractive gardens.
- Peso da Régua: Douro River Cruise and Museu do Douro.
- Pinhão: Wine estates and Azulejos-decorated practice station.
- Vila Actual: Mateus Palace.
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Tip:
The Douro Valley is the birthplace of port wine, and no go to could be full with out diving into this native specialty. Many vineyards supply tastings and excursions the place you possibly can be taught concerning the winemaking course of from grape to bottle. However it’s not nearly port; the area additionally produces distinctive pink and white wines. Ensure that to take a guided tour of at the very least one wine property to completely admire the area’s wealthy viticultural historical past.
The Algarve: Solar-Kissed Splendor
Fast Abstract:
This southern loop provides the quintessential Algarve expertise: golden seashores to lounge away the recent summer season days, rocky coves to discover and bustling cities full of nightlife. The route takes you from the historic metropolis of Faro to the westernmost level of the Algarve, offering a well-rounded tour of this sun-soaked area.
Route:
Tavira – Faro – Albufeira – Lagos – Sagres
Distance/Time:
168km – Approx. 3hrs journey time – Google Maps
Period:
5-7 Days
Highlights:
- Tavira: The Roman Bridge, a picturesque seven-arched bridge.
- Faro: Arco da Vila, an arched gateway courting again to Moorish instances.
- Albufeira: Nightlife hub of the Algarve. Additionally try Outdated City, a vibrant space full of outlets, eating places, and bars.
- Lagos: Ponta da Piedade, identified for its gorgeous rock formations and Praia Dona Ana.
- Sagres: Fortaleza de Sagres, a cliff-top fortress with panoramic sea views and Cape St. Vincent. Additionally extremely popular with kite surfers.
Tip:
Tavira provides a much less crowded, extra genuine Algarve expertise. It’s comparatively untouched by large-scale tourism, making it an excellent spot for a quieter seaside escape and to discover conventional Portuguese tradition. If you wish to be the place the motion is, Albufeira is the place you wish to be.
Madeira: The Backyard Isle
Fast Abstract:
Portugal’s southern island of Madeira supplies a definite highway journey expertise filled with pure magnificence and old-world allure. Beginning in Funchal, this island route provides lush gardens, volcanic swimming pools, and coastal views which can be second to none.
Route:
Funchal – Câmara de Lobos – Ribeira Brava – Porto Moniz – Santana
Distance/Time:
117km – Approx. 2.5hrs journey time – Google Maps
Period:
4-6 Days
Highlights:
- Funchal: Monte Palace Tropical Backyard providing views over Funchal Bay, take a loopy Toboggan journey in a standard wicker basket down town roads and go to the beautiful Mercado dos Lavradores.
- Câmara de Lobos: Picturesque fishing village immortalized by Winston Churchill’s work.
- Ribeira Brava: Forte de São Bento, a historic fort with scenic sea views.
- Porto Moniz: Pure lava swimming pools good for a novel swimming expertise and the Madeira Aquarium.
- Santana: Thatched-roof A-frame homes showcasing conventional Madeiran structure Queimadas Forest Park.
Tip:
The Laurisilva Forest is a must-see in Madeira. This UNESCO World Heritage website covers about 20% of the island. A stroll right here reveals a uncommon glimpse of Europe’s prehistoric landscapes. The wildlife are distinctive, and the sense of tranquility is unparalleled.
Azores: Volcanic Journey
Fast Abstract:
Portugal’s Azores islands are an off-the-beaten-path treasure in the midst of the Atlantic. Beginning in Ponta Delgada, this route provides a journey via volcanic landscapes, cliffside viewpoints, and plush greenery that encapsulates the untamed magnificence of those islands.
Route:
Ponta Delgada – Sete Cidades – Furnas – Nordeste
Distance/Time:
126km – Approx. 2.5hrs journey time – Google Maps
Period:
4-6 Days
Highlights:
- Ponta Delgada: Forte de São Brás, a Sixteenth-century fortress plus try Twin lakes and Vista do Rei.
- Sete Cidades: Go to Lagoa do Fogo, a shocking crater lake.
- Furnas: Terra Nostra Backyard, a ravishing botanical backyard with thermal swimming pools.
- Nordeste: Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, providing panoramic views of cliffs and ocean.
Tip:
The Azores are one of many world’s finest spots for whale watching. Whereas most guests come between April and October, every season provides a unique array of species. Ebook a tour with a good operator to reinforce your possibilities of sightings and to make sure moral practices.
Journey Ideas for Any Route:
- Toll Roads: Portugal has many toll roads. A By way of Verde (Inexperienced Lane) digital system may be rented to robotically pay some tolls whereas others require a toll cross, each will prevent time and fuss.
- Fuel Stations: Gas up in bigger cities as rural areas might have restricted providers. Fuel stations additionally usually shut early in distant areas.
- Native Legal guidelines: All the time have your ID and driving license with you. Portuguese site visitors police are identified for random checks, and fines for not having correct identification or a correct toll cross may be steep.
The Greatest Street Journeys in Portugal
With every highway journey providing its personal distinctive set of sights and nuances, Portugal guarantees an journey that caters to all types of vacationers. We beloved our time right here and the complete household at all times loved leaping into the automotive understanding that the following cease was going to be simply as wonderful because the final. Secure travels!
