Portugal road trip: The North and Center

Welcome to Portugal! Transfer from Lisbon airport to your hotel in the historic center. Depending on arrival time, take a guided walk through narrow streets and viewpoints for a first glimpse of the city, or relax and enjoy tailor-made hotel amenities curated for this Portugal travel.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Fado dinner in Lisbon, with soulful music and regional cuisine, a perfect start to this self-drive Portugal tour.

Discover Lisbon's Old Town on a guided walking tour, climb its hilly, tiled streets, pause at scenic belvederes, and explore historic monuments while enjoying tailor-made, authentic experiences and local gastronomy.

Then explore Belém's monuments from the Age of Discoveries and savor a pastel de Belém at the original pastry shop. Perfect for any Portugal itinerary, this day mixes expert local insight with time to personalize your trip.

This day is a highlight of any self-drive through northern and central Portugal. Start in Sintra, one of the best places to visit in Portugal, where you can wander cobbled lanes, browse local craft shops, and sample the town’s iconic pastries. Tour the fairytale-like Pena Palace, perched high above the forest, before heading to the coast for lunch by the sea.

In the afternoon, continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, then follow the Atlantic coast past windsurfer-favorite Guincho Beach and the dramatic cliffs of Boca do Inferno. Return to Lisbon via Cascais and Estoril, with sweeping coastal views all the way back.

Pick up your rental car in the morning and drive north. Wander the medieval streets of Óbidos, taste fresh seafood in Nazaré, and watch the legendary giant waves that draw surfers from around the world. Arrive in Batalha to admire the 14th-century Monastery and its Portuguese Gothic artistry.

Alternatively, take an interior route into the Serra de Aire and Candeeiros Natural Park to explore dramatic limestone caves filled with towering stalactites and stalagmites.

From Batalha, you head north to Porto, stopping in Coimbra to explore the winding lanes of its medieval center, the ancient University, and ornate churches. Consider a short detour to Conímbriga to see some of Portugal's best-preserved Roman ruins.

In Aveiro, stroll canals and colorful moliceiro boats, taste the sweet ovos moles, and appreciate a city shaped inside an estuary.

Explore Porto by strolling its riverside and uncovering baroque carvings and monuments by some of Portugal’s top architects. If you're planning a trip to Portugal with culture and wine in mind, Porto’s British-influenced Port wine tradition and charismatic streets offer genuine local encounters.

In the afternoon, head into the Douro Valley for a guided tour and tasting at Casa Ferreirinha, home of the iconic Barca Velha. Then visit Caves Ferreira, winner of the Best of Wine Tourism Award, for a deeper look into the region’s winemaking legacy. To explore more vineyards and wine traditions across the country, take a look at our full Portugal wine trip.

Start this day in Guimarães, less than an hour from Porto, exploring a UNESCO World Heritage center that is the cradle of the Portuguese nation. Enjoy a tailor-made walking tour of medieval streets, the castle and palace, and meet local artisans for authentic souvenirs.

Then drive into the Douro Valley, a dramatic landscape of hand-carved terraces producing legendary Port and superb table wines. Visit quintas for tastings, learn winemaking from producers, and choose an overnight stay on a vineyard estate for an intimate Portugal tour experience.

Drive south from the Douro to Tomar and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Convent of Christ, a unique example of Portuguese Manueline architecture and the legacy of the Knights Templar.

Take a short diversion along the Tagus for an iconic photo of Castelo de Almourol on its island, then stroll through Castelo de Vide's historic Jewish quarter and synagogue. Finish the day in hilltop Marvão, savoring panoramic views and tailored local dining.

Drive south across the golden Alentejo plains toward Alqueva, Europe's largest reservoir. Tailor your day with stops in Estremoz, the 'white town' famed for marble and its striking donjon and converted Royal Palace Pousada.

In Vila Viçosa, explore the Ducal Palace and 16th-century marble castle, once a royal holiday residence. Near Alqueva, wander the hilltop fortified village of Monsaraz for sweeping lake views. Continue to Évora for the night and soak up its UNESCO charm.

Explore Évora’s UNESCO-listed streets. Wander from the imposing Roman Temple to the eerie Chapel of Bones and climb the Cathedral for panoramic Alentejo views. Local guides and relaxed cafés make it a rich, intimate day.

Drive toward Lisbon and stop at Cromeleque dos Almendres, one of Iberia’s most important megalithic sites, a powerful prehistoric circle that adds depth to your journey. For travelers interested in history, landscapes, and architecture further north, explore our Northern Portugal trip to round out the experience.

Close your tailor-made Portugal trip with a relaxed morning: a final drive through rolling hills, coffee in a family-run café, and a short walk to savor local flavors curated for you. When it is time to leave, you will head to Lisbon's airport for departure.

We hope this authentic self-drive adventure inspired you, and we look forward to planning your next journey.