Ultimate 12 Day Portugal Road Trip Itinerary from US$710

price per person From

US$710

Based on 2 adults

Created: Monday, January 9, 2023 - Departure: Saturday, April 1, 2023

Destinations: Porto, Portugal , Douro, Portugal , Serra da Estrela, Portugal , Nazaré, Portugal , Obidos, Portugal , Sintra, Portugal , Algarve, Portugal , Lisbon, Portugal

Themes

Road Trips

About

Throw together an Iberian soundtrack and you're all set to hit the open road in Portugal. Backcountry lanes will take you to places you simply couldn’t reach without a car, including wild cliff-backed beaches, remote mountain villages and lone promontories perfect for watching the sunset over the sea.

Portugal is an ideal destination for a scenic road trip. The roads are generally in good shape, and the nation’s relatively small size allows you to see a diverse array of attractions, even if you have only a few days to spare.

Your road trip in Portugal will take you from the north of the country, the whole way to the south and we got to see so many amazing Portugal attractions.

We started in Porto and finished in Lisbon, including the Algarve and our route includes the epic Douro Valley, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful road trip drives in the world - and we confirm it is!

So if you want to see the highlights of what Portugal has to offer then this 12 day Portugal road trip itinerary is the perfect one for you.

THE DOURO VALLEY

Best road trip for wine lovers

The Douro is a little drop of heaven. This Unesco World Heritage-listed region offers some of Portugal’s most evocative landscapes, with mile after swoon-worthy mile of vineyards spooling along the contours of its namesake river and marching up its terraced hillsides. Along seemingly every road, fabulous food, sumptuous wines, medieval stone villages, palatial quintas (countryside villas) and postcard views beckon.

Stop by the picturesque terraced vineyards at Quinta do Crasto or sample the world’s best port wine amidst the rolling hills of Pinhão. Just 4.5km (2.8 miles) from Pinhão is the stunning Casal de Loivos and its fine miradouro (viewpoint). From here, the uplifting view presents the Douro in postcard format, taking in a full sweep of stone-walled terraced vineyards, stitched into the hillsides and fringing the sweeping contours of the valley, with the river scything through it all.

LISBON

Best road trip for Unesco World Heritage sites

This drive takes you from Lisbon, Portugal’s romantic capital, through landscapes softened by cork oaks and pines. Before leaving the capital, stop at Belém, where you can see two architectural icons (and Unesco listed sites) in one stop – the 16th-century Jéronimos Monastery and the equally majestic Tower of Belém, offering memorable views over the Tejo River. Be sure to pick up what could be the world’s best custard tartbefore leaving Belém. Next up is Sintra, a village with palaces, whimsical mansions and enchanting woodlands, plus some enticing places to stay for the night.

From here, you’ll head to a trio of stunning architectural monuments – all Unesco World Heritage sites. At Alcobaça, you can wander the corridors of one of the finest monasteries in Iberia. About 30 minutes northeast, you can gape at the Gothic grandeur of Santa Maria da Vitória, yet another monastic masterpiece. The most mysterious site of all is in Tomar, home to the magnificent Convento de Cristo, built by the Knights Templar.

Your day to day

View in Google Maps

01 Apr

Car rental

Fiat Panda or similar

Includes:

Fuel Policy: Pickup full return empty
Manual transmission

A/C

2 doors

4 people

Extras (Pay at pick-up office)

Oneway fee: 125,00 €

01 Apr

1. Porto

Stay

About the destination: Situated on a dramatic valley cut by River Douro, Porto is known for the beauty of its building and the sweet taste of is wine. The hub of the city is Avenida dos Aliados, a wide avenue encircle by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. Nonetheless, the most alluring part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe’s most graceful bridges span the gorge. Busy Praça da Liberdade and the adjoining Avenida dos Aliados make up the centre of town, where statues stand in the centre of busy mosaic walkways. Nearby rises Porto’s great cathedral, a colossal, fortified Romanesque structure whose heavy granite foundations, thick walls and tiny windows enclose a gloomy interior. The Ribeira stretches along the river, skirted by a wonderful quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto’s most characteristic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, offers a panorama of the city from atop its 240 steps. No visit to Porto would be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. And a visit to the amazing Lello library with its spiral staircase, is a must see as well, even if you are not a Harry Potter’s fan.

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01 Apr

Accommodation

1 Night

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VivaCity Porto

Porto - Show on map > 1.4 km from Center

8.1

Very good

2105

Balcony

Kitchenette

24-hour front desk

Apartment, 1 bedroom - 1 double bed

ROOM ONLY

NON REFUNDABLE (Package Rate)

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02 Apr

Car journey 87 Kilometers - 1h 13m

Porto

Douro

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02 Apr

2. Douro

Stay

About the destination: The Douro Valley could also be called an enchanted valley due to the beauty and enchantment that its landscapes offer. Departing from Porto, where the river flows and where the Douro and Porto wines are produced, we can get to know this Cultural Landscape, classified as World Heritage: by road, by train, on a cruise ship, or even by helicopter. None of them will leave us indifferent. On a journey through the viewpoints that offer the best views, we will have to cross the river from north to south and vice versa. But on the way we can admire stunning views over the river and visit vineyards, towns and villages until we reach Miranda do Douro, where the river enters Portugal.

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02 Apr

Accommodation

2 Nights

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Hotel de Cerva

Douro - Show on map > 34.9 km from Center

9.1

Superb

309

Free parking

Mountain view

WiFi

Superior double room - 1 queen bed

WITH BREAKFAST

REFUNDABLE (Package Rate)

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04 Apr

Car journey 151 Kilometers - 2h 27m

Douro

Serra da Estrela

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04 Apr

3. Serra da Estrela

Stay

About the destination: Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal. Together with the Serra da Lousã it is the westernmost constituent range of the Sistema Central and also one of the highest in the system. It includes mainland Portugal's highest point at 1,993 metres (6,539 feet) above mean sea level (although the summit of Mount Pico in the Portuguese Azores islands is higher). This point is not a distinctive mountain summit, but rather the highest point in a plateau, being known as Torre ("Tower" in English). Torre is an unusual summit in that it is accessible by a paved road. The peak has a topographic prominence of 1,204 m (3,950 ft) and its parent peak is Pico Almanzor, in Spain. The mountain range, situated between the municipalities of Seia, Manteigas, Gouveia, Guarda and Covilhã, is about 100 kilometres (60 miles) long and is 30 km (19 mi) across at its widest point. It is formed from a huge granite ridge that once formed the southern frontier of the country. The mountain range is now part of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and offers skiing opportunities in the ski resort of Loriga, Seia Municipality.

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04 Apr

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1 Night

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O Vicente

Serra da Estrela - Show on map > 6.4 km from Center

8.9

Very good

559

Beach

Restaurant

Free parking

Double room - 1 double bed

WITH BREAKFAST

REFUNDABLE (Package Rate)

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05 Apr

Car journey 224 Kilometers - 2h 59m

Serra da Estrela

Nazaré

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05 Apr

4. Nazaré

Stay

About the destination: Nazaré is a traditional Portuguese fishing town turned laid‑back beach resort, famous for its dramatic Atlantic coastline and some of the biggest waves on the planet. At first glance, the town charms visitors with its wide sandy bay, whitewashed houses, and elderly fishwives still wearing their iconic seven skirts. Wander along the seafront promenade to find open‑air fish dryers and casual seafood restaurants serving grilled sardines, caldeirada (fish stew), and arroz de marisco (seafood rice). The town is essentially divided in two. Down by the water is Praia da Nazaré, perfect for sunbathing, swimming in summer, and people‑watching from café terraces. High above, on a cliff overlooking the bay, lies Sítio, the historic quarter. You can reach it via a short but steep funicular ride, rewarded at the top with sweeping views, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré, and the small chapel of Ermida da Memória tied to the town’s medieval miracle legend. Nazaré is world‑renowned among surfers for Praia do Norte, just around the headland from the main beach. Here, a unique underwater canyon helps produce colossal winter swells that can exceed 20–25 meters, drawing big‑wave surfers and spectators from across the globe. Even if you’re not surfing, the lighthouse at Fort São Miguel Arcanjo offers a front‑row vantage point over the raging Atlantic, especially impressive from October to March. Beyond the beach and waves, Nazaré makes an excellent base for exploring Portugal’s Silver Coast. Day trips to the monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, the medieval town of Óbidos, or the pilgrimage site of Fátima are all within easy reach. Whether you come for tranquil summer days, storm‑watching in winter, or a dose of authentic maritime culture, Nazaré delivers a mix of tradition, natural spectacle, and relaxed coastal charm.

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05 Apr

Accommodation

1 Night

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Miramar Hotel & Spa

Nazaré - Show on map > 0.7 km from Center

7.7

Good

2608

Spa and wellness centre

Swimming Pool

Restaurant

Standard double or twin room - 2 twin beds

WITH BREAKFAST

NON REFUNDABLE (Package Rate)

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06 Apr

Car journey 42 Kilometers - 30m

Nazaré

Obidos

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06 Apr

5. Obidos

Stay

About the destination: The area of the town of Óbidos is located on a hilltop, encircled by a fortified wall. Óbidos remains a well-preserved example of medieval architecture; its streets, squares, walls and its castle are a popular tourist destination. The castle now houses a pousada. The municipality is also home to the famous Praia D'el Rey golf complex, one of the top golf resorts in Europe, and Royal Óbidos - Spa & Golf Resort. Each July Óbidos castle hosts a traditional 'Medieval Market'. For two weeks the castle and the surrounding town recreate the spirit of medieval Europe. Flowing banners and heraldic flags set the mood together with hundreds of entertainers and stall holders dressed as merchants, jugglers, jesters, wandering minstrels, soldiers and more. Visitors can shop at the traditional handcrafts fair or watch medieval shows, horse displays and a costumed parade that winds its way through the streets. There are also displays of jousting knights and armed combat. Spit roasted hog, hearty soups, rabbit, lamb, cod, quail, sausages and other grilled meats are just some of the many medieval style meals on offer from dozens of "taverns" and stalls spread throughout the market. Drinking from pewter tankards and eating from wooden trencher all adds to the experience. The town is dominated by an old medieval fortress with a portion of the town located within the castle walls. Clock Tower Mother Church of Saint Mary Municipal Museum, located in the old Council Chamber House

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06 Apr

Accommodation

1 Night

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Flag Hotel Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha - Show on map > 1.0 km from Center

8.5

Very good

2347

Electric vehicle charging station

Room service

Breakfast in the room

Double or twin standard

WITH BREAKFAST

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07 Apr

Car journey 96 Kilometers - 1h 1m

Obidos

Sintra

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07 Apr

6. Sintra

Stay

About the destination: Sintra is a town and a municipality in the Grande Lisboa subregion (Lisbon Region) of Portugal. The municipality contains two cities: Queluz and Agualva-Cacém. Sintra is known for its many 19th-century Romantic architectural monuments, which has resulted in its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although its heritage in buildings and nature is the most visible face of the historic individuality of Sintra, a whole literary heritage has made the area a legendary reference in Portuguese culture. It has become a major tourist centre, visited by many day-trippers who travel from the centre and suburbs of the capital Lisbon. In addition to the Sintra Mountains and Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, the parishes of the town of Sintra are dotted with royal retreats, estates, castles and other buildings, including the mediaeval Castelo dos Mouros, the Pena National Palace and the Sintra National Palace.

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07 Apr

Accommodation

1 Night

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The Five House

Sintra - Show on map > 0.3 km from Center

Free parking

Luggage storage

Sun terrace

Double room, shared bathroom (red umbrella room) - 1 double bed

WITH BREAKFAST

NON REFUNDABLE (Package Rate)

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08 Apr

Car journey 310 Kilometers - 3h 13m

Sintra

Algarve

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08 Apr

7. Algarve

Stay

About the destination: The Algarve is the southernmost region of continental Portugal. The Algarve is the most popular tourist destination in Portugal, and one of the most popular in Europe. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - Ria Formosa - Monchique mountain - Caldeirã Mountains - Sagres Cape

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08 Apr

Accommodation

2 Nights

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RR Hotel da Rocha

Portimao - Show on map > 2.0 km from Center

Superb

6516

Swimming Pool

Beach

Fitness centre

Suite classic

WITH BREAKFAST

New Year Sales

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10 Apr

Car journey 283 Kilometers - 2h 58m

Algarve

Lisbon

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10 Apr

8. Lisbon

Stay

About the destination: Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills due to its location, the city spreads across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tajo. Romantic and cosmopolitan, the city presents its typical red roofs to the visitors that want to get to know its every inch. Lisbon surprises with its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. The Portuguese capital offers lots of museums, libraries, a huge port, churches and palaces and stunning views of the Rio Tajo Lisbon was considered a poor and chaotic city. Currently it has experienced a resurgence in the style of the XIV and XV centuries, when it was part of that vast empire stretching from Brazil to India. The reason for this was the World Expo held in 1998, a new bridge over the Tagus was built and the network of underground of the city was remodeled. The resurgence of the city then continued to host several matches during Euro in 2004, also held there the Delivery Music Awards (MTV) in 2005. Many of its most beautiful buildings date from the XIV and XV centuries, especially the ones located in the Belem district. There are also many buildings from the XVIII century, which are located mostly in the Baixa area of central Lisbon and were reconstructed almost completely after a devastating earthquake that hit the town in 1755. The historic center of the city, standing on Las Siete Colinas, presents steep streets and picturesque alleys. On the west side of the city, there is Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon’s lung, with an area of 10 km and one of the largest in Europe. The capital’s majestic port has 3 docks commonly used for several cruises and it is, currently, the busiest port in the European Atlantic coast. Lisbon is a city with centuries of history and with an ambitious attitude, marrying the historic with the modern, the traditional with the cutting edge. Strolling through the old quarters one can hear the traditional Fado sung and played in small restaurants in town. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets, with jazz, reggae, electronica filling the air and revelers partying until dawn. Nightclubs scattered all over town make fine use of old spaces, whether on riverside docks or tucked away in 18th-century mansions. Lisbon presents itself to the world as a cosmopolitan and lively city, with alternative for every taste, especially in the summer months when its many bars, terraces and restaurants are crammed with people.

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10 Apr

Accommodation

2 Nights

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