4 Portugal itineraries for exciting road trips

Creating fascinating Portugal itineraries has never been easier. You can now fly to Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve. So your only dilemma is what to do first. Take a look at four road trip itineraries to start with.

1. Portugal itineraries for urban explorers

Porto is famous for Port wine. Its historic centre is a World Heritage site. And it's ideal as the start of a north-south road trip.

• Tour Porto's medieval Ribeira district.
• Visit the Vila Nova de Gaia Port wine lodges.
• Hop to Braga, Portugal's vibrant religious capital.
• Drive to World Heritage Guimarães. The country's first ever capital.
• Then head south to Coimbra. Don't miss Biblioteca Joanina.
• Make for Lisbon, one of Europe's best city break destinations.
• Then take the road inland to Évora. Another handsome university town.
• Finally drop down south to lovely Lagos in Western Algarve.
• Spend some time on Algarve beaches and fly home from Faro.

Feel like spending a few days in Porto? Torel Avantgarde makes a good city centre base.

2. The easiest itinerary for maximum beach time

Portugal has over 1500km of coastline. Much of it stunning beaches. Make the most of them.

• Travel west from Porto to Foz do Douro for a first taste of Atlantic coast.
• Then head south to Figueira da Foz or Peniche for more serious surf.
• Nazaré is the place for world record breaking waves.
• Head to the Sintra coast for calmer beaches.
• Try Cascais for soft sand and handsome houses.
• Estoril is another lovely beach. And Estoril town inspired Casino Royale.
• Head to the Alentejo coast for tucked away coves.
• Then go south to Sagres. Henry the Navigator trained his sea captains here.
• Discover loveliest Algarve beaches round Lagos and Albufeira,
• Then drive slowly east along the coast to Faro for the flight home.

Try a midway breather on the Sintra Coast. Stay at Hotel Lido close to Estoril's famous casino.

Looking for more ideas for your holiday? Explore our guide to the best beach destinations for holidays in Europe.

3. The perfect road trip for wine enthusiasts

If you're planning a trip to Portugal, don’t stop at just Madeira wine and Port — the country’s reds and whites are just as worth exploring. From the rich, full-bodied reds of the Douro Valley to the crisp, refreshing whites of Vinho Verde, Portugal’s wine scene is as diverse as its landscapes.

• Start in northern Porto. The city that grew on the back of Port wine.
• Drive down the spectacular Douro Valley. Leaving time for wine estates.
• Drop in on Peso da Régua to visit various wine quintas.
• Then go north to tour Palácio de Mateus. The Baroque mansion on Mateus Rosé wine labels.
• Stop over and try lightly sparkling vinho verde. It's a warm summer evening staple.
• For lesser known wines explore Alentejo.
• The Alentejo Wine Route begins in historic Évora. Also home to an impressive Roman temple.
• From Évora, it's an easy drive back to Lisbon.

Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal or Portugal Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.

4. Portugal itinerary for all-round exploring

Looking to escape the crowds? This itinerary takes you through some of the best places to visit in Portugal that fly under the radar — think hilltop villages, coastal trails, and rural wine country. It’s a route that works in every season, whether you’re after spring wildflowers, summer festivals, autumn vineyards, or winter quiet.

• Start at Sintra. It's just a short drive from Lisbon airport.
• Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais is gorgeous woodland and hidden beaches.
• Don’t miss Cabo da Roca. Officially, mainland Europe's most westerly point.
• Head north up the motorway to Coimbra. Home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.
• Explore nearby Conímbriga, Portugal’s most important Roman site.
• Then visit Mata Nacional do Buçaco. Another magnificent royal summer retreat.
• Continue north to the quaint riverside town of Amarante. Home to Michelin-Starred Largo do Paço.
• Try to catch the Thursday market at Barcelos.
• Then from Barcelos, it's a short drive to Porto Airport.

Spend a few days exploring Lisbon. Stay at Browns Boutique Hotel between Chiado and Bairro Alto.

Want to explore Europe even more? We have prepared the most convenient European itineraries for you to explore the continent.

Rough Guides tip: Want to explore Spain and Portugal in one go? Choose one of our itineraries combining the best of both countries.

Top image: Ribeira Brava, Madeira © Tatiana Popova/Shutterstock

Ready for a trip to Portugal? Read more about the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the Portugal Itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and created by our local travel agents in Portugal. A bit more hands on, check out the map of Portugal and learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay in Portugal once you are there. And don't forget to buy travel insurance before you go.

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