Portugal Road Trip 3 Weeks: Complete 21-Day Itinerary

The beautiful city of Lisbon lies draped across a string of seven hills on the western Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost and oldest city in western Europe. Its long and tumultuous history has resulted in an aesthetic characterised by a haphazard combination of old and new; however, the aesthetic chaos of Lisbon only adds to its appeal and its undeniable charm. Bright yellow centenarian trams rattle their way up steep, tree-lined, cobbled streets; ornate ironwork balconies overrun with bougainvillaea sit above elegant outdoor cafes housed in ancient whitewashed, red-roofed stone houses; and a flurry of detailed mosaics decorate the sidewalks. Ancient statues adorn grand squares and hidden gardens. A diverse culinary scene, a plethora of fascinating museums, and numerous castles make it easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities.

Sagres is a scenic fishing village in the southern Algarve of Portugal, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo. Boasting four beaches, enormous cliffs, and a lovely harbour, the town is a serene favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. Praia da Mareta provides a vast stretch of soft sand, is usually sheltered and good for swimming, and is flanked by a line of excellent bars and restaurants. Praia do Tonel offers great waves for surfers, while Praia da Baleeira is reliably sheltered and Praia do Martinhal, just out of town, provides a quiet respite. History enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the 15th-century Fortaleza de Sagres, which uses three 200-foot cliffs as its walls. Make sure to visit ‘the end of the world’ - Cabo de Sao Vicente - the westernmost point of mainland Europe, was once believed to be so and offers some truly awesome views.

Resting on Portugal’s stunning Algarve coast over the banks of the Gilao River, the ancient town of Tavira has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological surveys have found relics dating to as far back as the Bronze Age, and the city’s snaking alleyways are lined with mosques, palaces, elegantly weathered churches and regal 18-century homes which stand as testaments to the city’s Moorish and medieval eras. Just as impressive as Tavira’s architecture is its natural beauty: idyllic sandy beaches fringe its azure shores, while the Rio Formosa Nature Park is an astonishingly beautiful marshland reserve dotted with salts pans and candy-pink flamingo flocks. Make sure to visit the Pego do Inferno just outside the town, an awe-inspiring waterfall and lake of turquoise-green water offering the perfect spot for an invigorating dip.

Located in Portugal’s south-central Alentejo region, known for its glorious olive groves and traditional villages, the town of Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its profusion of historical architecture and archaeological sites. These include the ruins of an ancient Roman temple dating to about 1000 BC, the medieval University of Evora, founded in the 16th century, and several beautiful old churches. Oldest of all is the astonishing neolithic site at Almendres Cromlech, which dates back 8000 years and has been used for three millennia. One of the most intriguing and macabre religious sites is the Capela dos Ossos - the Chapel of Bones - which has interior walls encrusted with bones and skulls. Gourmands will delight in the mouth-watering local dishes, most notably the incredible range of delicious traditional desserts.

The medieval village of Marvao is perched on a granite escarpment overlooking the expansive plains of the Alentejo region. Beautifully preserved 13th-century walls encircle this charming Portuguese village. It is said to be one of the prettiest places in the whole of southern Europe with its fairy tale setting and whitewashed stone cottages adorned with elegant wrought-iron balconies decorated with flower pots, and crowned by the old Marvao Castle. Visitors can explore the cobblestoned streets as they wind through the village, sample local Alentejo wine and discover some interesting artefacts in the Marvao Museum. Other highlights include relaxing at a quaint cafe, hiking and horseriding through the scenic countryside, and swimming in the river beach of the nearby village of Portagem.

The picture-perfect town of Manteigas is located in the Guarda District of central Portugal. The town is positioned in the heart of the glacial Vale do Zezere, amidst lush forests, grassy meadows and bubbling streams. It is easy to while away hours here wandering through the winding cobbled alleyways that lead through the town’s inclined streets, past stone buildings and stately old cathedrals. But there is more to be explored beyond the town’s borders in the form of scenic hiking trails and the Caldas de Manteigas hot springs, where you can wallow in mineral-rich thermal baths. For a dose of adrenaline, make sure to spend a morning taking the thrilling ride up the dramatic Torre mountain, to take in magnificent vistas of the valleys.

Resting at the confluence of the Douro and Pinhao rivers, the village of Pinhao is set in the heart of the port and wine-making region of northern Portugal. This charming Portuguese village is idyllically set amidst scenic landscapes featuring terraced hillsides meeting the glistening rivers. These terraced slopes are covered in vineyards, which produce some of the world’s finest ports and a variety of lovely table wines. Visit the historical train station boasting beautifully hand painted tiles called ‘azulejos’, stroll the streets of the picturesque little village and take in the incredible views and explore the scenic country surrounds. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a cruise down the river.

Located in northern Portugal along the Douro River estuary, the old sailing port of Porto is a World Heritage Site and the second-largest city in the country. While retaining the timeless charm of a small town, Porto also has many of the modern advantages of a metropolis. Browse the expansive art collection at the Soares dos Reis National Museum, view the ornate interior of the Church of Sao Francisco, and explore the medieval maze of stairways and terraces in the old quarter of Ribeira. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Vila Nova de Gaia area to sample some of Porto’s famous Port wine. Other popular attractions include the 12th-century Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Tower and the Harry-Potteresque Livraria Lello bookshop, showcasing some magnificent neo-gothic architecture.

Set roughly halfway between Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra is a vibrant, historical university town that flanks both sides of the Mondego River, with the old quarter on one side and the modern district on the other. A walk down the ancient town’s main street will take you past shops and cafes, culminating in an atmospheric plaza. The square is crowned by the 12th-century Santa Cruz Monastery, a majestic building of ivory-coloured stone with an elaborate arched entrance and an exquisitely detailed interior decorated with blue tiles. The University of Coimbra, dating to 1537, is Europe’s oldest university and the town’s main architectural attraction, while the Quinta das Lagrimas estate, with its forests, bamboo groves, poppy fields, and manicured gardens, provides a tranquil oasis just outside the city.

Located in Portugal's Oeste Subregion, Obidos is a 12th-century city enclosed by walls that once protected it from medieval marauders. The town’s piece de resistance is its imposing stone castle that dominates the skyline with its crenellated walls and towers and now functions as a high-end hotel. Another highlight is the view from the town’s ancient walls: it is possible to walk around the entire fort in about one hour, taking in superb 360-degree vistas of the city and its surrounds. After navigating the whole perimeter, there’s no better way to relax than by popping into one of the local cafes for a shot of Ginja de Obidos, a strong, sweet cherry liqueur traditionally served in chocolate cups. Art lovers will delight in the exhibits of 16th-, 17th- and 18th-century Portuguese works at the Municipal Museum.

The beautiful city of Lisbon lies draped across a string of seven hills on the western Iberian Peninsula and is the westernmost and oldest city in western Europe. Its long and tumultuous history has resulted in an aesthetic characterised by a haphazard combination of old and new; however, the aesthetic chaos of Lisbon only adds to its appeal and its undeniable charm. Bright yellow centenarian trams rattle their way up steep, tree-lined, cobbled streets; ornate ironwork balconies overrun with bougainvillaea sit above elegant outdoor cafes housed in ancient whitewashed, red-roofed stone houses; and a flurry of detailed mosaics decorate the sidewalks. Ancient statues adorn grand squares and hidden gardens. A diverse culinary scene, a plethora of fascinating museums, and numerous castles make it easy to see why Lisbon is one of Europe’s most misunderstood and underrated cities.