Portugal could also be a small nation, however it’s filled with scenic magnificence, vibrant tradition, and historic marvels. From the rolling vineyards in Douro Valley to the dramatic cliffs of Algarve, every nook affords distinctive and awe-inspiring landscapes.
We’ve spent weeks driving round Portugal and have had the pleasure of street tripping from the highest right down to the underside. Regardless of the place we stopped, we discovered the individuals pleasant, the desserts scrumptious and the port wine flowing freely.
Greatest Highway Journeys in Portugal
From scenic coastal drives to inland journeys, we’ve seen rather a lot firsthand, however know there’s at all times extra to discover. Whether or not touring as a pair, a household, with a gaggle of buddies or by yourself, we’ve seen there’s one thing in Portugal for everybody.
Lisbon to Porto: Coastal Bliss
Excited to see what street journeys Portugal has to supply? Right here’s your information to the most effective street journeys in Portugal for a journey you’ll always remember.
Fast Abstract
This classical Portugal street journey route affords an ideal mix of metropolis, sea, and historical past. Ranging from the colourful capital Lisbon, you’ll cruise north alongside the coast, exploring beautiful seashores, medieval cities, and bustling cities earlier than reaching Porto, well-known for its port wine and historic attraction.
Route:
Lisbon – Cascais – Sintra – Nazaré – Coimbra – Aveiro – Porto
Distance/Time:
433km – Approx. 5.5hrs journey time – Google Maps
Highway Journey Length:
5-7 Days
Highlights:
- Lisbon: Capital metropolis of Portugal with beautiful structure just like the Jerónimos Monastery, cool road tiles, loads of uncommon issues to do in addition to the house of our favourite Portuguese dessert, the scrumptious Pasteis de Belem.
- Cascais: The Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliffside chasm is price stopping for.
- Sintra: Discover each the colourful Pena Palace in addition to the attractive Quinta da Regaleira palace (plus each their wonderful gardens).
- Nazaré: Stand in awe of Nazarés large waves, go to Our Woman of Nazaré Sanctuary plus take a look at the Miradouro do Suberco, a viewpoint providing superior panoramic ocean views.
- Coimbra: House of the Joanina Library, one of the vital lovely libraries on this planet in addition to the favored College of Coimbra.
- Aveiro: Canals adorned with brightly coloured boats known as moliceiros line this Portuguese metropolis, typically known as the Venice of Portugal.
- Porto: Pattern totally different ports, go on a Douro river cruise and take a look at Livraria Lello, one of many world’s most lovely bookstores.
Tip:
Whereas Nazaré is well-liked for day journeys, take into account spending an evening right here. At evening, as soon as the day vacationers depart, you’ll get the prospect to expertise the quiet attraction of this fishing village, which is each wealthy in custom and native taste.
Douro Valley: The Wine Circuit
Fast Abstract:
For port and wine lovers, this route is paradise. Starting in Porto, you’ll journey into the center of Portugal’s wine nation, following the Douro River by scenic cities and valleys, and stopping for winery excursions and tastings alongside the best way.
Route:
Porto – Amarante – Peso da Régua – Pinhão – Vila Actual
Distance/Time:
188km – Approx. 3hrs journey time – Google Maps
Length:
3-5 Days
Highlights:
- Porto: The long-lasting Ribeira District alongside the Douro River and the Porto Cathedral, a 900 yr outdated constructing with wonderful tile artwork.
- Amarante: Ponte de São Gonçalo, an arched bridge with tons of historic significance.
- Peso da Régua: Douro Museum, exploring the historical past and tradition of the Douro area.
- Pinhão: The prepare station adorned with blue-and-white Azulejo tiles.
- Vila Actual: The 18th-century Mateus Palace and its beautiful gardens.
- Peso da Régua: Douro River Cruise and Museu do Douro.
- Pinhão: Wine estates and Azulejos-decorated prepare station.
- Vila Actual: Mateus Palace.
Undecided the place to begin? E-book your all-inclusive journey to Portugal with Voyage Privé.
Tip:
The Douro Valley is the birthplace of port wine, and no go to could be full with out diving into this native specialty. Many vineyards provide tastings and excursions the place you may be taught concerning the winemaking course of from grape to bottle. Nevertheless it’s not nearly port; the area additionally produces distinctive crimson and white wines. Be sure that to take a guided tour of not less than one wine property to totally respect the area’s wealthy viticultural historical past.
The Algarve: Solar-Kissed Splendor
Fast Abstract:
This southern loop affords the quintessential Algarve expertise: golden seashores to lounge away the recent summer season days, rocky coves to discover and bustling cities crammed with nightlife. The route takes you from the historic metropolis of Faro to the westernmost level of the Algarve, offering a well-rounded tour of this sun-soaked area.
Route:
Tavira – Faro – Albufeira – Lagos – Sagres
Distance/Time:
168km – Approx. 3hrs journey time – Google Maps
Length:
5-7 Days
Highlights:
- Tavira: The Roman Bridge, a picturesque seven-arched bridge.
- Faro: Arco da Vila, an arched gateway courting again to Moorish occasions.
- Albufeira: Nightlife hub of the Algarve. Additionally take a look at Previous City, a vibrant space crammed with outlets, eating places, and bars.
- Lagos: Ponta da Piedade, identified for its beautiful rock formations and Praia Dona Ana.
- Sagres: Fortaleza de Sagres, a cliff-top fortress with panoramic sea views and Cape St. Vincent. Additionally extremely popular with kite surfers.
Tip:
Tavira affords a much less crowded, extra genuine Algarve expertise. It’s comparatively untouched by large-scale tourism, making it a great spot for a quieter seaside escape and to discover conventional Portuguese tradition. If you wish to be the place the motion is, Albufeira is the place you wish to be.
Madeira: The Backyard Isle
Fast Abstract:
Portugal’s southern island of Madeira offers a definite street journey expertise stuffed with pure magnificence and old-world attraction. Beginning in Funchal, this island route affords lush gardens, volcanic swimming pools, and coastal views which might be second to none.
Route:
Funchal – Câmara de Lobos – Ribeira Brava – Porto Moniz – Santana
Distance/Time:
117km – Approx. 2.5hrs journey time – Google Maps
Length:
4-6 Days
Highlights:
- Funchal: Monte Palace Tropical Backyard providing views over Funchal Bay, take a loopy Toboggan experience in a standard wicker basket down the town roads and go to the beautiful Mercado dos Lavradores.
- Câmara de Lobos: Picturesque fishing village immortalized by Winston Churchill’s work.
- Ribeira Brava: Forte de São Bento, a historic fort with scenic sea views.
- Porto Moniz: Pure lava swimming pools excellent for a novel swimming expertise and the Madeira Aquarium.
- Santana: Thatched-roof A-frame homes showcasing conventional Madeiran structure Queimadas Forest Park.
Tip:
The Laurisilva Forest is a must-see in Madeira. This UNESCO World Heritage website covers about 20% of the island. A stroll right here reveals a uncommon glimpse of Europe’s prehistoric landscapes. The wildlife are distinctive, and the sense of tranquility is unparalleled.
Azores: Volcanic Journey
Fast Abstract:
Portugal’s Azores islands are an off-the-beaten-path treasure in the course of the Atlantic. Beginning in Ponta Delgada, this route affords a journey by volcanic landscapes, cliffside viewpoints, and plush greenery that encapsulates the untamed magnificence of those islands.
Route:
Ponta Delgada – Sete Cidades – Furnas – Nordeste
Distance/Time:
126km – Approx. 2.5hrs journey time – Google Maps
Length:
4-6 Days
Highlights:
- Ponta Delgada: Forte de São Brás, a Sixteenth-century fortress plus take a look at Twin lakes and Vista do Rei.
- Sete Cidades: Go to Lagoa do Fogo, a shocking crater lake.
- Furnas: Terra Nostra Backyard, a phenomenal botanical backyard with thermal swimming pools.
- Nordeste: Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego, providing panoramic views of cliffs and ocean.
Tip:
The Azores are one of many world’s finest spots for whale watching. Whereas most guests come between April and October, every season affords a distinct array of species. E-book a tour with a good operator to reinforce your probabilities of sightings and to make sure moral practices.
Journey Ideas for Any Route:
- Toll Roads: Portugal has many toll roads. A Through Verde (Inexperienced Lane) digital gadget will be rented to routinely pay some tolls whereas others require a toll cross, each will prevent time and fuss.
- Gasoline Stations: Gas up in bigger cities as rural areas might have restricted providers. Gasoline stations additionally typically shut early in distant areas.
- Native Legal guidelines: All the time have your ID and driving license with you. Portuguese visitors police are identified for random checks, and fines for not having correct identification or a correct toll cross will be steep.
The Greatest Highway Journeys in Portugal
With every street journey providing its personal distinctive set of points of interest and nuances, Portugal guarantees an journey that caters to every kind of vacationers. We liked our time right here and your entire household at all times loved leaping into the automotive understanding that the subsequent cease was going to be simply as wonderful because the final. Protected travels!