4 Portugal itineraries for exciting road trips all over the country

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
2. The easiest itinerary for maximum beach time
3. The perfect road trip for wine enthusiasts
4. Portugal itineraries for all-round exploring

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Portugal, created by local experts

7 days / from3090 USD

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7 days / from3047 USD

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A self drive to Portugal's North and Center

11 days / from1744 USD

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Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track

8 days / from1150 USD

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The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve

12 days / from1706 USD

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7 days / from2687 USD

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Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures

9 days / from2943 USD

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Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation

11 days / from1788 USD

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9 days / from4322 USD

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11 days / from3592 USD

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7 days / from6044 USD

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15 days / from5968 USD

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6 days / from1591 USD

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9 days / from2168 USD

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9 days / from3183 USD

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6 days / from2703 USD

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Portugal – Cuisine and Culture from Porto to Lisbon

12 days / from5439 USD

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Highlights of Portugal - Cities & Beaches

14 days / from7095 USD

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Fascinating Azores - Terceira and São Miguel

10 days / from1853 USD

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9 days / from3188 USD

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7 days / from2547 USD

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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.

Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, Braga, Portugal

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.

3. The perfect road trip for wine enthusiasts

Portugal produces Madeira wine and Port. But its reds and whites are worth getting to know too.

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 itineraries for all-round exploring

Find quintessential Portugal off the beaten track.

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.

Ready for a trip to Portugal? Read more about the best time to go to Portugal, 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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