From Porto to Lisbon – A Road Trip Along the Portuguese Coast

Do you love combining the sea with a city trip? Perfect! Portugal boasts an impressive 1,800 kilometers of coastline, where you can also explore major cities like Porto and Lisbon.
Sounds good, right? For us, it sounds like the ideal route for a road trip! During our multi-week road trip through Portugal, we traveled from north to south.
From beach vacations to city trips and even active holidays, Portugal offers something for everyone. Here, we’ll share our route, highlights, and insider tips.

DAYS 1 TO 4 - EXPLORING PORTO

Highlight: Porto’s Old Town with all its sights
Accommodation: Calacatta Housing, Porto

Beautiful house facades adorned with colorful tiles, narrow alleys filled with staircases, countless churches, and a blend of modernity with a partially crumbling old town – this is what defines Porto.

The city on the Douro River is often referred to as the "little sister of Lisbon," which we believe is unfair.
With its many attractions in the city center and surrounding areas, Porto has so much to offer and doesn't need to hide behind the capital.

Our stay in Portugal's second-largest city was fantastic! You can find a detailed account of our experience in our separate post, “Porto – Tips for Your Trip”.

DAY 5 - FROM PORTO TO AVEIRO

Highlight: Tripas de Aveiro & Costa Nova Beach
Distance traveled: 76 kilometers, 1 hour
Accommodation: Hotel do Mercado, Aveiro

CAPELA DO SENHOR DA PEDRA

On day five, it was time to say "Adeus, Porto"! – until next time, hopefully.

We headed to Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal, in our rental car. But first, we made a stop at the Capela Senhor da Pedra.
Built on a rock in the sand directly by the sea, this chapel is only about a 15-minute drive from Porto.

In the early morning hours, a thick fog shrouded our view of the sea and the chapel. It wasn’t until we followed the marked path along the beach that we finally caught sight of it.

The view of the chapel amidst the mist, with the sound of the ocean in the background, was very mystical – especially because we were the only people on the beach.
A truly unique experience!

AVEIRO

Aveiro lies on the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. Because of the many canals and colorful boats (called "Moliceiros" in Portuguese), the city is also known as the Venice of Portugal.
The vibrant azulejos (Portugal’s traditional tiles) on house facades and the Art Nouveau houses in Rua João de Mendonça define Aveiro’s charming cityscape.
As you wander through the city, you’ll also notice the many lovely cafés and small shops that invite you to linger and browse.

FOR THOSE WITH A SWEET TOOTH

Try a Tripas de Aveiro or an Ovos Moles de Aveiro (translated as "soft eggs") at the yellow-and-white striped house by the canal or at Tripas da Praça in the city center.
Tripas de Aveiro is a type of crepe, while Ovos Moles de Aveiro is a sweet local specialty made from a wafer filled with egg yolk and sugar syrup. Delicious!

COSTA NOVA

We strongly recommend setting aside plenty of time to relax and spend a day at the beach here.
We haven’t come across such fine, white sand surrounded by a beautiful dune landscape anywhere else in Portugal.
You can easily reach the beach sections along the coast via long wooden walkways.
During low tide, it’s safe to swim here, while high tide attracts water sports enthusiasts with higher waves.

Our tip: Be sure to get yourself a beach shell! For us, it’s an absolute must-have on every trip to Portugal.
This lightweight, compact beach shelter not only provides protection from the sun but also from the sometimes chilly breeze.
Plus, umbrellas and beach chairs are rare on Portugal’s beaches. You can find our beach shelter here.

DAY 6 - FROM AVEIRO TO NAZARÉ

Highlight: The big wave spot & Nazaré’s beach promenade at sunset
Distance traveled: 147 kilometers, 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Holidays Nazaré Marginal, Nazaré

NAZARÉ - THE BIG WAVE SPOT

When you think of Nazaré, you think of big waves and surfing – and for good reason!
In 2011, surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a giant wave over 23 meters high, putting Nazaré on the global map.
Since then, this fishing village with its spectacular waves has become a magnet for extreme sports enthusiasts who plunge into the impressive waves during the Big Wave Season from October to February. The beach isn’t suitable for beginners or swimmers.

For us, it was clear: we had to see this with our own eyes! So, we stood on the Praia do Norte cliff, considered the best vantage point for the waves.
The reason you can witness the Big Waves from this particular cliff is due to a 230-kilometer-long, 5,000-meter-deep underwater canyon just off the coast, where the incoming current unloads its power and crashes against the cliff wall, creating these massive, impressive waves.

Although we didn’t witness monster waves during our visit, we could feel the power of the ocean both from the cliff and down on the beach.
Even on an average day, waves here reach between 4-6 meters.

NAZARÉ

After a beautiful beach stroll, we took the Funicular down to Nazaré’s town center.
Nazaré is divided by a high cliff plateau with the old town of Sítio above and the new town by the beach below, connected by the funicular.

Over the years, Nazaré has evolved from a fishing village into a charming small town with a modern promenade. Yet, this popular destination has retained its traditional charm.
You still see fishermen heading out on their boats and women mending nets or drying fish, which they later sell along the promenade.
Even the colorful boats once pulled ashore by oxen are still in use, though they now anchor at the end of the promenade.

On warm days, the wide beach invites you to swim and relax. In the evening, you can watch beautiful sunsets on the beach or at Praia do Norte.
If you’re interested in wellness, you’ll find the Thalassonazare Wellness Center right on the promenade, with a view of the sea.
As for dining, Nazaré is known for seafood, as you might expect. Dried fish is a must-try here! Of course, there are also restaurants that offer other dishes besides seafood.

ACCOMMODATION TIP

Our accommodation, Holidays Nazaré Marginal, was located directly behind the promenade and had everything you need for a self-catering vacation for two.
We’re sure this won’t be our last stay here!

DAY 7 - FROM NAZARÉ TO PENICHE

Highlight: Surfing at the beaches of Peniche
Distance traveled: 63 kilometers, 50 minutes
Accommodation: Beach House Peniche, Peniche

EXCURSION TO THE BERLENGA ISLANDS

Early in the morning, we set off for the small town of Peniche, about an hour’s drive from Nazaré.
From there, we took a speedboat to the Berlengas, an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal.
The archipelago consists of three islands: Berlenga Grande, Farilhões, and Estelas. Berlenga Grande is the largest and the only partially inhabited island.

With a speedboat, you can reach Berlenga Grande in about 30 minutes from the harbor, located 12 kilometers off the coast.
Here, you’ll be dropped off in a small bay with crystal-clear water where the island’s only beach, Praia do Carreiro, is located.
Above the landing site, you’ll find the island’s only inhabited houses, offering accommodations for summer tourists as well as cafés and restaurants for day visitors.

On the island’s south side is the highlight: the Fortress of São João Baptista. To reach it, you’ll head uphill, past the houses and over the rather barren landscape.
The well-maintained path eventually becomes a narrow trail where you’ll be accompanied by the island’s numerous seagulls.
The fortress, once attacked by pirates and enemy armies, now houses a small accommodation, a café, and a viewing terrace.

Your tour providers will pick you up regularly from the fortress pier with small glass-bottom boats, offering a roughly 20-minute ride to showcase the island’s many caves.
Then it’s back to the pier to catch the speedboat back to the mainland.

Our tour lasted about half a day, which was enough for us. You can buy tickets for the tours directly at Peniche harbor from various ticket shops.
Since tours often sell out a day in advance during peak season, we recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance.

DAYS 8 TO 13 – SURFING IN PENICHE

The small town of Peniche has been on our must-see Portugal list for a long time.
Not for its sights, but rather because this peninsula town on the Atlantic is one of the most popular surf spots in Portugal.

So, we spent several days at our great, well-located accommodation, the Beach House Peniche.
From there, we could walk through the beautiful dunes at Praia do Baleal Sul and be in the water right in time for good waves.
Occasionally, we drove to Praia Baleal Norte, about five minutes away by car.
You can rent surfboards from one of the many local providers or surf schools in town or directly on the beach for around $20.

In autumn, Peniche becomes the venue for the World Surf League thanks to the perfect waves, especially at Praia dos Supertubos, known for its long, tube-shaped waves.
In summer, the city’s beach breaks, which make the waves gentler than reef breaks, provide ideal conditions.
This attracts many surf schools, so the lineup can get crowded in July and August.

Our tip: Whether with a surfboard or without, the beaches of Peniche offer unforgettable sunsets, which you can enjoy even in peak season thanks to the wide beaches.

Before booking accommodation in Peniche, you should know that, apart from the Berlengas, Peniche doesn’t have much to offer in terms of sights.
The town is more of a base for a surfing and beach holiday. For us, it was ideal, as it had everything we needed.
But if chic restaurants, hip cafés, and a historic old town are important to you, this may not be the place.

DAY 14 - FROM PENICHE TO SINTRA

Highlight: The landscape & Praia Grande
Distance traveled: 114 kilometers, 1.5 hours
Accommodation: Tivoli Sintra, Sintra

PALÁCIO DE MONSERRATE

On day 14, we continued our journey toward Lisbon, a drive of about an hour and a half. Before arriving there, however, we made a stop in Sintra and the Sintra-Cascais National Park. Sintra’s green hills are known for their magnificent castles, palaces, and villas built over the centuries.

We chose to visit Palácio de Monserrate and its beautiful gardens. The magnificent villa is set within an impressive garden and is pleasantly quiet compared to other attractions in Sintra. Built between 1793 and 1794 by a British merchant, the palace was named after a chapel that once stood there but was destroyed by an earthquake.

Through subsequent renovations, the palace incorporated both Indian and Moorish influences, giving its appearance a unique character.
We were particularly fascinated by the expansive gardens, home to exotic plants from around the world.
You can conveniently purchase your ticket online in advance here: Palácio de Monserrate Ticket.

PALÁCIO DA PENA

High on the hill stands the colorful Palácio da Pena, undoubtedly the most famous palace in Sintra.
Next, we headed there, but due to its popularity, we quickly realized we weren’t alone, and the queue at the ticket counter was endless.
We decided to visit the palace the next day instead (unfortunately, it was closed for the following days due to a heatwave in Portugal).

If you plan to visit Palácio da Pena, we recommend going early to avoid the crowds or, better yet, buying an online ticket in advance. The entrance fee is about $10 per person (as of 2024).
If you wish to visit several attractions in Sintra, check online for a combo ticket. You can find detailed information about the other palaces and castles on the official Parques de Sintra.

DAYS 15 TO 16 – SINTRA & PRAIA GRANDE

PRAIA GRANDE

Due to the July heatwave, all attractions in Sintra were unfortunately closed, so we took a detour to Praia Grande, a beach about 20 minutes away by car.
As the name suggests, this is a long, wide sandy beach, popular with surfers, bodyboarders, and some sunbathers.
Praia Grande is an ideal spot for wave riders of all levels, whether summer or winter.

Depending on the tides, you’ll find locals and pro surfers tackling the impressive waves here – it was fascinating to watch them for hours!
In summer, especially during low tide, Praia Grande’s beach breaks fill with surf students, so the lineup can get busier in July and August.
You can rent surfboards from one of the many surf schools or rentals on the beach for around $20.

‍Our tip: Whether with or without a surfboard, Praia Grande is the perfect spot to witness a breathtaking sunset on a clear day.
Thanks to the wide beach, you can always find a quiet spot, even during peak season.
For the best view of the sunset with a cool drink in hand, head to Bar Varanda – the perfect way to end a beach day!

CABO DA ROCA

The westernmost point of the European mainland, Cabo da Roca is a spectacular viewpoint about half an hour’s drive from Sintra.
The landmark of the cape is the lighthouse, which also makes a great postcard motif.
However, in our opinion, the true highlight of Cabo da Roca is the dramatic, rugged cliffs that plunge around 140 meters into the Atlantic, along with the strong wind and roaring sea.

A quick tip: Even when temperatures are up to 40°C in the rest of the country, Cabo da Roca can be quite cool due to the strong wind.
Be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket to fully enjoy the fresh breeze!

PRAIA DA URSA

A few minutes’ walk from Cabo da Roca is the untouched Praia da Ursa, with its spectacular rock formations.
Just to set expectations: though challenging to reach, Praia da Ursa is no longer a hidden gem. However, due to its location, the number of people here remains limited.

The only way to reach Praia da Ursa is on foot via a narrow trail that becomes quite steep toward the end. So, make sure to wear good shoes for the hike.

Even if you’re not up for a beach day, it’s worth taking part of the path to the beach. From the cliffs above, you’ll get a magnificent view of Praia da Ursa and its unique rock formations.

DAY 17 - FROM SINTRA TO LISBON

Highlight: The historic Alfama & Lisbon’s charm
Distance traveled: 29 kilometers, 30 minutes
Accommodation: Casa Santa Marinha, Lissabon

The drive from Sintra to Lisbon takes just over 30 minutes. Our first stop was the car rental agency, as we decided to explore Lisbon on foot or by public transport – the best decision!

You’ll find a detailed account of our stay in Lisbon in our separate post, “Lisbon – Tips for the Portuguese Capital”.

To find out how our road trip along the Portuguese coast continued to the Algarve, check out “A Road Trip from Lisbon to Faro – Along the Algarve Coast”.

ADDITIONAL TIPS & OTHER INFORMATION

THE BEST TIME FOR A COASTAL ROAD TRIP

With its mild climate, many parts of Portugal are a great destination year-round. So, the best time for a trip depends on your preferences.

Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, cycling, or city trips, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C. Evenings may cool down, but you can still comfortably sit outside.
These seasons showcase Portugal’s natural beauty. Everything starts to bloom and turn lush green in spring, while autumn displays warm shades of brown and orange.

Summer in Portugal means plenty of sunshine, sometimes extreme temperatures, and lots of tourists.
In our experience, due to high temperatures that often exceed 40°C, sightseeing in the interior isn’t enjoyable. Coastal areas are much more pleasant during this time.
Additionally, prices for accommodations and rental cars are higher in the high season.

Winter can be foggy and rainy. If you don’t mind wet and gray weather, winter might also be a suitable time for you.
Despite winter, temperatures rarely drop below 0°C, and snow is rare – it has only snowed occasionally in the last 30 years, and it doesn’t stick around.

GETTING TO PORTUGAL

Planning a road trip along the stunning Portuguese coast? You can fly into Lisbon, Porto, or Faro from many destinations worldwide, with frequent connections offered by airlines such as Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal, and other major carriers. Use platforms like skyscanner.com to compare and find the best flight options for your trip.

Flight times to Portugal vary depending on your starting point—flights from many European cities typically take around 2–3 hours, while longer-haul flights from other continents may require layovers and take 8–12 hours.

While last-minute deals are sometimes available, booking in advance is highly recommended to save money and secure your seats, especially during the busy peak season.

BOOKING A RENTAL CAR FOR YOUR ROAD TRIP

Booking a rental car to drive along the Portuguese coast is, in our view, an absolute must.
There are so many hidden beaches, bays, and special spots that public transport doesn’t reach.
With a rental car, you’re flexible and can explore all the country’s beautiful places at your own pace.

In general, we found driving throughout Portugal, especially on the highways, very relaxing. We didn’t encounter a single traffic jam throughout our journey.

We booked our rental car online in advance via rentalcars.com. If you reserve online, the process is quick at the counter, and you can start your trip within minutes.
Just be aware that the person in whose name the rental car is booked must also pay with their credit card for the deposit; otherwise, additional and unnecessary charges may apply – we learned this the hard way in Ireland.

Our tip: Most rental vehicles have a USB port, so don’t forget to bring a USB cable to enjoy your music during the long drives.

DRIVING IN PORTUGAL

Before setting off on a journey with a rental car, there are a few things to know about driving in Portugal:

• Toll Roads: Highways in Portugal are subject to tolls and often use a fully automatic payment system.
  Cameras scan either the Via Verde transponder (located near or under the rearview mirror) or your license plate as you enter the highway.
  The toll fees will be charged to your credit card by the car rental company when you return the vehicle.
  Make sure to confirm with the rental company if your contract includes the Via Verde transponder; if not, be sure to add it to your booking.
  Only with this device are you allowed to use the Via Verde lanes, marked by a white “V” on a green background.
• Insurance: To avoid unpleasant surprises, thoroughly inspect the vehicle upon pickup and document any existing damage.
  Opting for a comprehensive insurance policy with no deductible provides additional protection against unjustified claims.
• Parking in major cities: As in other large cities, parking is scarce and often expensive. To save on parking fees and avoid unnecessary stress, we recommend parking at the city outskirts for day trips and taking public transport. For multi-day stays, it may be best to return the rental car until your departure day.
• Choose Your Route Wisely: Be cautious when selecting your route, as the Portuguese sometimes refer to dirt paths and gravel roads as regular streets.
  Pay attention to avoid ending up in remote areas where turning back might become difficult.

FOOD IN PORTUGAL

You must try traditional Portuguese cuisine during your stay! Popular dishes include hearty fish stews like “caldeirada” or bean stews like “feijoada”.
Grilled meats with generous portions of vegetables are also typical.

Along the coast, you’ll often find fish, seafood, and shellfish on the menu. Portugal’s most famous dessert is the sweet, custard-filled puff pastry Pastéis de Nata.
If you’re not a fan of sweets, you can find savory versions in bakeries and cafés.

We also recommend sampling local fruits like oranges, lemons, figs, mulberries, or passion fruit during your stay. Portugal is a paradise for tropical fruits.
Local markets offer delicious fruits at low prices. And what’s better than fresh, regional fruit?

In general, we suggest trying a variety of restaurants – you won’t regret it!

Hungry for more? Be sure to read the second part of our road trip, “A Road Trip from Lisbon to Faro – Along the Algarve Coast”.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• The best Travel Guides for Lisbon
• The best Travel Guides for Porto
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Lisbon
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Porto

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.