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Road Trip Through Portugal
Lisbon to Porto: From coast to culture
Enjoy the best of coastal charm and city culture on this four-day road trip through Portugal. Starting in the buzzing capital city of Lisbon, you’ll meander along the coast to the romantic town of Porto, with stops at the fairytale town of Sintra, the surfer’s paradise Nazaré, and the historic city of Coimbra. From city sights to the best beaches and top campsites, our Portugal road trip itinerary ensures you make the most of your time on the road. So, what are you waiting for? Get set to hit the road and enjoy unforgettable adventures in Portugal.
Route
Lisbon ➤ Sintra ➤ Nazaré ➤ Coimbra ➤ Porto
Distance
approx. 242 miles/ approx. 5.5h
Duration of journey
4 days
Highlights
Belém Tower, Alfama district, Nazaré beach, University of Coimbra, Mondego River, Ribeira district, Lello Bookshop
Best time to visit
April to June / September to October
Toll
This route includes multiple toll roads, which must be paid as you exit the toll road.
Day 1 – Lisbon
On the first day of your road trip, immerse yourself in the vibrant life of Lisbon – a city brimming with unique charm and distinctive flair. Explore the colourful and winding streets of Alfama and discover quirky independent stores and bustling cafes at every turn. Or take a stroll through the Belém district to marvel at the impressive buildings, like the Belém Tower, and try the famous Pastéis de Belém. Or simply take a stroll along the breathtaking Tagus River.
Must-See Attractions
- Belém Tower: An iconic landmark of Lisbon, climb the tower for breathtaking views of the Tagus River.
- Jerónimos Monastery: A masterpiece of Manueline architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses with its magnificent façade and cloister.
- Alfama: Lisbon’s oldest district is known for its narrow, winding streets and the melancholic fado music that echoes through the streets.
- Bairro Alto: This lively district is particularly popular with partygoers. Here, numerous bars and restaurants line the streets, so you can party until the early hours of the morning.
Food & Drink
Local cuisine
- Ciurma Palermo Maqueda
- Trattoria Del Massimo
- A’nica Ristorante & Pizza Gourmet
- Da Clà
The best bars
- Re di Bastoni
- Stout Beer Shop & Pub
- Goccio – L’Arte del Miscelare
- Berlin Cafe
Day 2 – Sintra and Nazaré
Day 2 of your Portuguese road trip offers not one but two great towns to explore. Up first is the picturesque town of Sintra. Famous for its stunning palaces and lush landscapes, must-see attractions include the fairytale Pena Palace, which sits at the top of the hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, a 16th-century mansion and stunning gardens.
From Sintra, you can then head back to the coast to stopover at Nazaré for the night. This charming coastal town may be famed for its world-class waves, which make it a must-visit for any keen surfers, but it also has plenty to offer those seeking more sedate thrills, from the funicular railway to the many traditional restaurants dotted across the town.
Must-See Attractions
Sintra
- Palais de Pena: Explore this magnificent fairytale palace that sits on the top of a hill in Sintra and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
- Quinta da Regaleira: This Renaissance-style manor is known for its striking and ornate architecture, as well as its mysterious gardens and mystical wells.
Nazaré
- Praia do Norte Beach: Famed for its impressive record-breaking waves, surfers from all over the world return to this beach in the autumn and winter months.
- Fort de São Miguel Arcanjo: At this castle, located on the cliffs above the town, you can enjoy spectacular views of the famous waves of Praia de Norte from above.
Food & Drink
Local cuisine
- Restaurante Gil Vicente
- Pangeia Restauratnte
- Pangeia By The Sea
- Vinha D’Alhos
The best bars
- Sunset Boulevard
- Zulla Terrace Bar
Day 3 – Coimbra
On day 3 of your journey, you’ll head to Coimbra, a captivating city that offers the perfect mix of history and vibrant living with a thriving student population. Stroll through the picturesque old town and admire the impressive University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe. Or explore lively bars and intimate fado houses as the sun sets over the city.
Must-See Attractions
- University of Coimbra: One of the oldest universities in Europe, it is renowned for its impressive architecture and is ranked as one of the best universities in the world in various scientific fields.
- Old Cathedral of Coimbra: One of the oldest buildings in the city, this Romanesque cathedral is an impressive example of medieval architecture and art.
- Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha: Step back in time at this historic 14th Century monastery, and marvel at the splendid Gothic architecture and unique archaeological finds.
Food & Drinks
Local cuisine
- O Palco
- Boutique Tapas & Petiscos
- No Tacho
- Sete Restaurante
The best bars
- Arco Bar
- Galeria Santa Clara
- The Rock Planet
Day 4 – Porto
The fourth and final day of your road trip through Portugal takes you to the enchanting city of Porto. Here you can stroll through the narrow streets of the charming old town, explore the historic Ribeira district, and sample the famous port wine in one of the many traditional wine bars littering the city.
Must-See Attractions
- Dom Luís Bridge: This city landmark offers unique views of the Douro River and is a great place to take a short break.
- Ribeira:The historic heart of Porto is known for its narrow streets, lively atmosphere, and colourful houses right on the riverbank.
- Livraria Lello: A must-visit for book lovers, this bookshop is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
- Port cellars of Porto: Porto’s wine cellars give you the chance to learn more about the production of port and to taste different varieties of this delicious wine.
Food & Drink
Local cuisine
- Retiro do Bacalhau
- Astória
- Forno de Pedra
- Casa Virtude
The best bars
- Base Porto Rooftop Lounge & Restaurant
- Rooftop Bar Terrace Lounge 360º
- Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar
Useful tips for your road trip
Four days is plenty of time to explore the coast and discover Lisbon, Sintra, Nazaré, Coimbra and Porto. But if you have more time, you could always make more stops as you journey south or head further down the coast to Faro. Either way, our roadsurfer spots App allows you to plan your route and find unique camping spots, so you’re all set for adventure.
When driving in Portugal it’s important you adhere to any driving rules. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common driving laws you should be aware of:
Speed limits:
- In built-up areas: 50 km/h
- Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
- Motorways: 120 km/h
Blood alcohol limit:
- Drivers under 21 and new drivers: 0.02%
- All other drivers: 0.05%
Parking:
- Parking on pedestrian crossings, in narrow streets or in areas with no parking signs is strictly prohibited and can result in heavy fines.
Traffic checks:
- Police checks are frequent, so you should always have your vehicle documents, driving licence and proof of insurance ready.
There are also some camping regulations you should be aware of when planning your road trip through Portugal:
- Wild Camping: Wild camping is illegal across most of the country and can result in hefty fines. That’s why we recommend booking your stays in designated campsites or areas for camping in advance, so you’re all prepared.
- Quiet Hours: Many campsites have designated quiet hours (usually between 10pm and 8am), and loud noises such as music or shouting should be avoided during this time.
- Fire & BBQ Rules: Fire and barbecue bans should always be followed and you should only light a fire in designated areas to reduce the risk of wild fires.