Road trip through Portugal
From cliffs to romantic towns
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Discover Portugal by car
Several hundred kilometers of coastline with steep cliffs, endless sandy beaches and caves, historic cities with lots of charm, hiking trails in the hinterland and picturesque mountain landscapes, Portugal is a country full of charming landscapes. A rental car tour connects the most beautiful places. Your road trip through Portugal will take you along panoramic coastal roads in the Algarve to winding mountain roads inland and into the narrow streets of the cities.
Raphaela Wedel
Travel expert for Portugal
Updated on 09/01/2025
Portugal's path of explorers
Experience the flair of Porto and its delicious wines, the echo of fado in the lively streets of Lisbon and the relaxed atmosphere on the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve on a journey through Portugal.
Each stage takes you into a world full of colors, aromas and sounds.
Highlights: Porto ➢ Coimbra ➢ Lisbon ➢ Sintra ➢ Tavira ➢ Sagres
➔ PLAN a road trip through PORTUGAL
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| 🛫 Arrival: | approx. 7–9 hrs from US East Coast |
| 🔆 Best travel time: | April - May/ September - October |
| ⌛ Trip duration: | from 10 days |
| ⟷ Route length: | 510 miles |
| ⭐ Accommodation: | 4-star hotels |
| 🍴 Meals: | Breakfast |
| ⛵ Activities: | Boat tours - Wine tasting - City tours |
| 🚗 Vehicle: | Midsize car |
| 💰 Price: | from $2000 per person (flights excluded) |
Day 1 - 2: Porto
Porto in the north of the country delights visitors with its historic buildings, the imposing bridge that spans the Douro, lots of culture and, of course, port wine. Leave your car behind and pay a visit to the Sandeman & Co port wine cellars.
Day 3 - 4: Coimbra
With its university and the Biblioteca Joanina, Coimbra is one of the cradles of knowledge in Europe. Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the Roman archaeological site of Conímbriga and experience the soul of the country with fado.
Day 5 - 6: Lisbon
Lisbon is the charming capital of Portugal. You will notice this as you stroll through the alleyways of the colorful Alfama or Bairro Alto districts and look out over the rooftops from the many viewpoints, the miradouros. In the evening, listen to melancholy fado over drinks.
Day 7: Sintra
Sintra is located in the hills of the hinterland, where the country's rich and important people built their summer residences early on. Visit the extravagant houses such as the Quinta da Regaleira or the National Palace or go hiking in the pine forest.
Day 8: Tavira
Tavira is located in the Algarve and stretches along the River Gilão. Stroll through the alleyways of the old town and admire the azulejos, relax on the beaches or visit the Mercado da Ribeira with its local specialties.
Day 9 - 10: Sagres
Those who visit Sagres spend most of their time on the beach. Surfers plunge into the waves, the rest watch and marvel. Feet in the soft sand, the wind on your face and the sun on your skin.
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Portugal's most beautiful panoramic routes
Alentejo
On a road trip through the Alentejo, you will drive over hilly roads through the mountainous landscape in the hinterland and pass the famous white villages such as Beja and fortresses such as Castelo de Vide time and again.
Close to the Spanish border, the small town of Marvão sits enthroned on a rocky massif. The World Heritage town of Évora impresses with its ancient Roman ruins and in Mértola you can see the Moorish heritage of the region particularly well preserved.
Madeira Island
A road trip in Madeira is one of the easiest ways to explore the island. Even Columbus was captivated by this “island of flowers,” where the landscapes are truly unique. In the fertile north, drive through lush scenery lined with water channels. In the west, pause at natural lava pools, and in the south, take in the view from Europe’s highest sea cliff. Though just 35 miles long, Madeira packs countless adventures into its winding roads.
Minho region
Discover the north of Portugal on a road trip through the historic Minho region with numerous cultural monuments such as the medieval remains of the city walls in Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo with its panoramic view over the coast or the cultural city of Braga.
Wind your way along steep roads into the Peneda-Gerês National Park with numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. In the Douro Valley, everything revolves around the enjoyment of wine, so you can leave the car at home.
➜ Discover the best sights in Portugal
When planning a Portuguese road trip, you should choose your itinerary carefully. Take into account local holidays to avoid closed attractions, watch out for toll roads and book accommodation in advance, especially in high season. Don't forget to carry an international driver's license and observe the traffic regulations.
To rent a car in Portugal, you will need a valid driver's license that has been issued for at least one year, an identity card or passport and a credit card for the deposit. An international driving license is recommended but not always required.
Portugal's roads vary from well-developed highways to picturesque country roads. Traffic in cities such as Lisbon and Porto can be challenging, while the countryside is more relaxed. Always pay attention to tolls on highways and the sometimes narrow streets in historic town centers. Further information can be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office, for example.
The ideal time for a road trip through Portugal is spring or early fall. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds of tourists and nature at its best - be it the blooming landscapes in spring or the grape harvest in fall.
The cost of a road trip in Portugal depends on your route, vehicle type, accommodations, and season. A midsize rental car starts at about $28 per day. Gasoline averages around $7 per gallon, with prices typically a bit lower than in much of Western Europe.
Get more information on the costs of a Portugal road trip or let our travel experts put together a free travel proposal for you.
