Portugal is a fantastic country for a road trip. It’s about 350 miles from north to south and only around 135 miles wide, which means you can cover a lot without spending full days in the car. Driving here is straightforward. The highways are in good shape, and there are plenty of smaller, scenic roads that pass through rural villages and landscapes you’d otherwise miss.
Fuel prices are manageable, and the weather stays fairly mild throughout the year, so road conditions are rarely an issue. Here are the best road trips in Portugal, with a mix of quick drives and longer trips through the countryside.
This route through northern Portugal connects three historic towns in just under 37 miles (60 km) and is an easy start to our list of the best road trips in Portugal. Starting in Porto, you’ll want time to explore the riverside Ribeira district before heading inland to Guimarães, often called the birthplace of Portugal.
The old castle and the Paço dos Duques give you a feel for early Portuguese history. From there, it’s a short drive to Braga, where the focus shifts to religious heritage. The hillside sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte stands out with its long baroque stairway and forested surroundings.
Leave Porto on the A3 highway heading north. If you want to visit Guimarães first, take the A7 east at the Santo Tirso junction, then continue on the A11 toward the city. After exploring Guimarães, follow the A11 directly to Braga. To return to Porto, you can take the A3 south—driving the whole loop takes about 2 hours without stops. You can do it with the city as your base (see our guide to the best areas to stay in Porto).
April through June tends to be a comfortable time to walk around without too many people around.
The gardens at Bom Jesus are especially nice in spring. September and October also work well—warm enough for sitting outside but past the peak tourist season. August gets crowded, since many locals take their holidays then.
Colourful Sintra, Portugal palace Palácio da Pena © Shutterstock
One of the best things to do in Lisbon is to visit Sintra. Just under 19 miles (30 km) from the city, it can make for an easy day trip into the hills.
The town’s palaces and estates are tucked into forested slopes, giving it an almost otherworldly feel. Pena Palace is hard to miss with its bold colors, and the nearby Quinta da Regaleira is full of symbolic design and underground tunnels.
Kids tend to enjoy the fantasy-castle feel, while adults will find a lot to take in, from tiled rooms to sweeping views. The cooler temperatures in the hills are a nice change from the heat of the city, and it feels much more relaxed than central Lisbon.
From central Lisbon, follow the IC19 west toward Sintra. The drive usually takes around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you arrive, you’ll need to navigate small, winding roads through the historic center and up toward the palaces. Parking near the main attractions can be limited, so aim to arrive early or park further out and walk in.
Shoulder seasons like April–May and September–October tend to be best for weather and lighter crowds. Mornings are especially atmospheric, with mist in the hills and fewer people.
Summer can get hot and very crowded. Winter tends to be quieter and sometimes rainy, but the overcast skies and emptier walkways make the palaces feel even more dramatic.
Arrábida © Shutterstock
Head south across the 25 de Abril Bridge from Lisbon to get into the quieter, nature-heavy region around Setúbal and the Arrábida mountain range.
This drive brings you to limestone cliffs, forested hills, and quiet stretches of beach with clear, calm water. In Setúbal, you’ll find a working fishing town known for grilled fish and choco frito (fried cuttlefish).
If you continue toward the coast, you’ll reach beaches like Portinho da Arrábida and Galapinhos, tucked below steep cliffs. The region is also known for hiking and wine production, especially around the village of Azeitão. This is easily one of the best road trips in Portugal for the landscapes, and is great route for hitting some of Portugal's best beach towns.
Start by driving south from Lisbon over the 25 de Abril Bridge and take the A2 highway. Exit toward Setúbal, then continue on the N10 and follow signs into town. From Setúbal, take the N379-1 into Arrábida Natural Park. This winding coastal road leads past scenic viewpoints and down to several beach access points.
For a longer loop, continue west toward Azeitão, then circle back to Lisbon via the N10 or A2. If you're not sure how long to stay, see our guide to how many days to spend in Lisbon.
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September) are great times to go—warm enough for swimming but generally quieter than peak summer.
July and August bring more people and make parking harder, so plan ahead or go early in the day. Weekdays are usually more relaxed than weekends. In winter, it’s too cold for swimming, but hiking is still doable, and the scenery is dramatic under overcast skies.
Monsaraz castle and village and hot air balloons, Alentejo - Portugal © Shutterstock
This drive through Alentejo covers about 25 miles (40 km) and connects Évora to Reguengos de Monsaraz, cutting through Portugal’s largest wine-producing region. It’s an easy route to follow, with wide-open views of cork oak groves, rows of vineyards, and wheat fields stretching toward low hills in the distance. Along the way, you’ll pass small whitewashed towns and historical sites like the Cromeleque dos Almendres—one of Europe’s oldest stone circles.
You’ll find a mix of large wine estates and smaller family-run producers along the route, many of which allow walk-in tastings. The pace is slow out here.
Start in Évora and follow the N256 east toward Reguengos de Monsaraz. If you want to loop in the Cromeleque dos Almendres, take the CM1075 south from Évora first before rejoining the main route. From Reguengos, you can continue on to Monsaraz along the M514 for more countryside and lake views.
Late April to June is a good window for pleasant temperatures and green scenery. September and October are harvest months, so the vineyards are busy and there’s a festive feel in the air. Avoid August if you can—it’s the hottest time of year, often reaching 104°F (40°C), and many small businesses shut down for holidays. See more about when to go in our roundup of the best Portugal travel tips.
Bairro Alto in Lisbon © Shutterstock
This drive is one of the best road trips in Portugal and runs about 25 miles (40 km) from central Lisbon out to the cliffs of Cabo da Roca—the westernmost point of mainland Europe. It’s a straightforward route that takes you through the seaside town of Cascais and then climbs into the hills of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The scenery shifts quickly from city buildings to ocean views and jagged cliffs.
At the cape, there is a lighthouse and a short walking path along the edge of the cliffs. It’s a good spot to stretch your legs, take in the wind, and watch the Atlantic crash far below.
Leave Lisbon via the A5 toward Cascais, then take the exit for Malveira da Serra. From there, follow signs to Cabo da Roca along the N247. You can also loop through Sintra or Guincho Beach, depending on how much time you want to spend on the coast. See more in our guide to getting around Portugal.
May, June, and September are good for clear skies and fewer crowds. Weekday mornings are usually the quietest. Winter (November–February) can be moody, with big waves and fewer people, but strong winds and fog are common. Sunset views are great year-round.
Vineyards near the river in the Douro Valley, Portugal © Shutterstock
This is one of Portugal’s best road trips, and one of the most popular things to do in Porto. From the city to the heart of the Douro wine region, it’s about 60 miles (100 km), depending on your route. It follows the Douro River through a landscape of steep, terraced vineyards that have been in use for centuries. The drive is winding but scenic, especially along the N222, which tracks the river through small towns and hillside views.
Pinhão is a good midpoint—known for its wine estates and tiled train station—and a lot of visitors make it their base for exploring the valley. If you’re into wine, you’ll find both large and small producers open to visitors, with tastings of port and local table wines.
Take the A4 east out of Porto and exit toward Peso da Régua. From Régua, follow the N222 east toward Pinhão. This stretch is especially scenic, hugging the river most of the way and passing through vineyard-covered hills. Allow extra time for photo stops—there are plenty.
You can easily do this with Porto as your base camp. See our guide to how many days to spend in Porto.
September and October are grape harvest season, when the valley is most active and colorful. April and May bring green hills and fewer visitors. Summer is hot and busy but doable if you start early in the day. Winter tends to be quiet, with many wine estates closed or running on limited hours, and rain can sometimes cause road issues.
Castle of Obidos, Portugal © Shutterstock
This drive covers about 25 miles (40 km) and links two of Portugal’s most character-filled towns. Starting in the walled village of Óbidos—known for its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and sweet cherry liqueur ginjinha—you’ll follow the coast toward Nazaré, where giant waves roll in each winter.
The route runs through the Silver Coast’s mix of rugged cliffs and low-key beaches like Praia d’El Rei, as well as past the Óbidos Lagoon, a calm area with birdlife year-round.
This is one of the best road trips in Portugal. It’s a nice mix of coast and countryside, with the bonus of seeing everyday village life between the more well-known towns. At the end of the drive, Nazaré’s lighthouse (Farol da Nazaré) gives you a dramatic view of the ocean below, especially in winter when waves can reach over 100 feet (30 meters).
Start in Óbidos and take the N114 west, then follow signs toward the coast and connect to the N247. This scenic road leads you through Baleal and past the Óbidos Lagoon before reaching Nazaré from the south. There are some fantastic Portugal pousadas in this area.
September and October are a sweet spot—fewer crowds, warm days, and the start of Nazaré’s surf season.
Winter (November to February) brings those famous giant waves, best viewed from safe cliff-top lookouts. In spring (April to May), the coastal trails are lined with wildflowers, and the weather is mild enough to enjoy walking through Óbidos without the summer rush.
Moledo beach. Caminha. Viana do Castelo. Portugal © Vita Borges/Shutterstock
This 15.5-mile (25 km) route runs through one of Portugal’s greenest and most traditional regions. You’ll start in Viana do Castelo, a coastal city with a hilltop church and sweeping views.
From there, the drive heads north to Caminha, a laid-back town near the Spanish border where the Minho River meets the Atlantic. The road passes sandy stretches like Praia de Afife, small fishing villages, and even some ancient ruins.
You’ll also be driving through part of Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, known for light, fresh wines. This is one of the best road trips in Portugal for food: this area’s absolutely great for grilled sardines, octopus, and hearty stews.
Begin in Viana do Castelo and follow the N13 north along the coast. The road hugs the shoreline through Afife and Vila Praia de Âncora before reaching Caminha.
Late spring (May to June) is a great time to visit, with comfortable weather and blooming greenery before the high season.
Summer (July to August) brings in festivals like the Nossa Senhora da Agonia in Viana do Castelo, which fills the town with music and parades. September is a good alternative—warm water for swimming and fewer crowds.
Serra da Estrela mountains © Shutterstock
This loop stretches around 93 miles (150 km) and climbs through Portugal’s highest mountains.
You’ll be driving through Serra da Estrela Natural Park, with winding roads that lead to Torre, the country’s highest peak at 6,539 feet (1,993 meters). Along the way, you’ll pass granite ridges, glacial valleys, and rivers clear enough to drink from.
The villages here still make traditional cheeses, wool goods, and smoked meats. You’ll find plenty of small-town cafés and hiking trails (some of the best hikes in Portugal). It’s a different side of Portugal—cooler air, fewer tourists, and mountain views instead of beaches.
Start the loop in either Seia or Covilhã. From Seia, take the N339 up toward Torre. Continue along the N338, then loop back down through Manteigas and return to your starting point. Roads are steep and winding, so take your time and expect some dramatic climbs and descents.
Summer (June through August) is good for hiking, with clear skies and cooler mountain temps—around 10°F (5–10°C) lower than the coast.
In winter (December to February), this is Portugal’s only place for skiing or snowshoeing: but this makes the drive a little more stressful. Autumn (late September to October) is great for golden leaves, wild mushrooms, and chestnut festivals.
Cavado river and Peneda-Geres National Park in northern Portugal © Sergey Peterman/Shutterstock
Portugal’s only national park makes for a rewarding loop through mountain passes, dense oak forests, and small stone-built villages that haven’t changed much in generations.
The route winds past waterfalls, granite espigueiros (old stone grain stores), and occasional sightings of Garrano horses roaming free. You’ll pass Roman roads, quiet hamlets, and even traces of Celtic settlements. It's easily one of the best things to do in Portugal.
The park is also home to golden eagles, wolves, and a wide range of native plants. It’s one of the best road trips in Portugal for anyone into hiking. There are plenty of clear river pools along the way too—some of them are good for a swim when the weather’s warm.
From Porto, take the A3 north toward Braga, then follow the N103 toward the park’s western side. Braga is about 30 miles (50 km) from the nearest entrance. Public transport is limited, so renting a car is usually the easiest way to explore. Key gateways into the park include the towns of Gerês, Campo do Gerês, and Lindoso.
May through June is a good window for wildflowers and mild weather. Early fall (September–October) is also nice—less foot traffic and cooler air. Summer’s fine for swimming but can feel crowded on weekends. In winter, you’ll have the trails mostly to yourself, though higher paths can be muddy or closed if there’s snow.
Coimbra, Portugal © saiko3p/hutterstock
This drive connects Coimbra’s historic center with Monsanto, a hilltop village built into giant boulders. Along the way, you pass through the Schist Villages—tiny, stone-built places tucked into the hills that feel worlds away from city life. Y
You’ll find quiet lanes, handmade crafts, small cafes, and views out over pine-covered valleys. It’s not fast-paced, but that’s kind of the point. Piódão and Talasnal are especially scenic, and Monsanto at the end is a good place to wander and take your time.
Fly into Lisbon or Porto, then drive to Coimbra—about 2 hours from Lisbon or 1.5 hours from Porto. From there, follow the N17 toward Lousã. Many of the villages are tucked along smaller mountain roads. A regular car is usually fine, but if you’re planning to visit several villages in one day, something with a bit more clearance might be helpful.
April and May bring lush greenery and cooler temperatures, ideal for walking. September and October are great for warm days and autumn colors. August can be hot—often over 95°F (35°C)—and crowded with holidaymakers, especially around river areas. In winter, you might find some villages wrapped in mist, but icy roads can make driving slower.
Bay near Lagos town © Shutterstock
This stretch of road follows the cliffs and beaches of Portugal’s southwestern corner, linking the relaxed town of Lagos with Sagres, where the land drops off into the Atlantic. A road trip is one of the best things to do in the Algarve. It’s about 25 miles (40 km) of winding coastline with sea stacks, dramatic viewpoints, and small beaches down narrow staircases.
The scenery shifts as you head west—Lagos has calmer water and sandy beaches , while Sagres is windier, rougher, and less built up. Ponta da Piedade is worth a stop for the rock formations, and Praia do Camilo is a short climb down if you're up for it. In Sagres, you can check out the lighthouse.
Fly into Faro and rent a car—it’s about 55 miles (90 km) west to Lagos via the A22 highway. You can also take the train from Lisbon to Lagos in around 4 hours and pick up a car there. The N125 and smaller connecting roads follow the coastline and are in good condition. Having your own car gives you the freedom to stop along the way and explore some of the quieter beaches. There are plenty of things to do in Faro if you want to spend more time there before you set off.
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) are the sweet spots—expect daytime highs between 68–77°F (20–25°C), fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices. July and August are peak season, with good swimming weather but heavier traffic and full car parks.
Winter months (November–March) are much quieter and often dramatic, especially if you’re into stormy skies and coastal walks, though some beachside places may be closed or run limited hours. See more about the weather in our guide to the best time to visit Faro.
Batalha, Portugal. City panorama and view to Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória. (Batalha Monastery) © Altosvic/Shutterstock
This route takes you from Lisbon through central Portugal’s religious and historical landmarks, with a mix of countryside driving and a few quick town stops.
You’ll start with Alcobaça Monastery, known for its connection to the love story of Pedro and Inês, then move on to Batalha Monastery, which was built to mark Portugal’s victory at the Battle of Aljubarrota. Both are UNESCO-listed.
From there, it’s a short drive to Fátima, a major pilgrimage site tied to the reported Marian apparitions of 1917. It’s a manageable day trip that gives you time to actually take in each place without rushing.
This trip starts in the city (see our guide to the best areas to stay in Lisbon for planning the first part of your trip). From Lisbon, take the A8 north and exit toward Alcobaça—around 80 miles (125 km). After visiting the monastery, continue northeast on the N8 and IC2 for about 12 miles (20 km) to reach Batalha. Then follow the N356 east for 11 miles (18 km) to Fátima. The whole drive takes about 2 hours, not including stops.
April through June and September through October bring comfortable weather and fewer people. If you’re going to Fátima, avoid May 13 and October 13 unless you're specifically interested in the pilgrimage events—they draw huge crowds. Winter is quieter and good for a reflective visit, though it can get chilly. Summer is doable, but expect more visitors, especially around midday.
Moliceiro boats mooring alongside the central channel at Aveiro, Portugal © trabantos/Shutterstock
This quick coastal getaway starts in Aveiro, often nicknamed the "Venice of the West" for its canal system and colorful boats. From there, head to Costa Nova, known for its striped houses along the beach.
Then round out the trip in Ílhavo, where you can learn about Portugal’s cod fishing traditions at the Maritime Museum. It’s an easy day trip with a bit of everything: history, beach time, and plenty of seafood—plus ovos moles, the local egg-based sweet that’s worth a try.
Start in Aveiro and drive south on the N109 for about 6 miles (10 km) to reach Ílhavo. Then head west on the N109-7 for another 3 miles (5 km) to Costa Nova. The full route is about 9 miles (15 km) and takes roughly 25 minutes.
Late spring through early fall (May to September) is the best stretch if you want to enjoy both the beach and the canals. July and August are warmer but busier. In winter, it’s quieter, but you might find a few cafés closed for the season. The Festa da Ria in August is worth seeing.
Alentejo plains: one of Portugal’s quietest regions
This drive takes you across one of Portugal’s quietest regions. Starting in Beja, you’ll see traces of Roman history, while Mértola—perched above the Guadiana River—is where you can see layers of Islamic, Christian, and Roman influence.
In between, the landscape is made up of cork oak forests, wheat fields, and tiny whitewashed villages with hilltop castles. It’s a peaceful, scenic route with great food along the way—especially for olive oil, hearty stews, and regional wine.
From Beja, drive southeast on the N18 for about 12 miles (20 km), then continue on the N123 to Mértola for another 19 miles (30 km). The drive takes around 50 minutes. If you want a scenic detour, take the longer route through Serpa.
Spring (March to May) is when the fields turn green and flowers start to bloom. It’s a great time to be outside. Summer gets hot—temperatures can reach over 100°F (38°C)—so unless you’re used to the heat, it might be better to avoid July and August. Fall brings harvest events.
The Islamic Festival in Mértola happens in May and brings music, food, and exhibitions into the town center.
This drive takes you through a quieter part of Portugal’s Alentejo region, hugging the coastline of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine
Coast Natural Park. Starting in the historic inland town of Santiago do Cacém, you'll make your way west toward the coast, then head north along rugged cliffs, wide-open beaches (some of the best beaches in Portugal), and small fishing villages.
Porto Covo and Malhão Beach are easy to stop at along the way. There’s not much development, which is part of the draw. You’ll pass fields of wildflowers in spring, and the hiking trails here often lead to quiet coves you’d miss if you stuck to the road. It’s a good route if you’re into birdwatching, coastal hikes, or just want fresh seafood at laid-back local Portugal restaurants.
Start by driving south from Lisbon on the A2 for about 95 miles (150 km) to Santiago do Cacém. From there, head west on the N120 toward Porto Covo, then continue following the N393 and N390 along the coast toward Vila Nova de Milfontes. It’s a simple drive with plenty of pull-offs if you want to stop and explore.
May and June are great months—warm but not too hot, and the wildflowers are usually still in bloom. September also works well, with good weather and fewer people than peak summer. July and August can be crowded, especially on weekends when folks from Lisbon head down for beach days, and accommodation prices tend to spike.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 03.06.2025
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