Portugal is a land of sun-drenched beaches, medieval castles, lush vineyards, and vibrant cities. From the capital’s colorful tiled facades to the rugged cliffs of the Algarve and the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, this 10-day road trip itinerary takes you coast to coast and back in time. With comfortable driving distances each day and a mix of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, you’ll experience the very best of Portugal’s mainland. Buckle up for an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon and Exploring the Alfama District
Arrive at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport in the morning, pick up your rental car, and drive to your downtown hotel. Spend your first afternoon wandering the narrow, winding streets of Alfama, the city’s oldest quarter. Admire the pastel-colored buildings and ornate azulejo tiles, then visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic views over the Tagus River. As evening falls, enjoy fado music in a traditional taverna accompanied by grilled sardines and a glass of vinho verde.
Day 2: Belém, Jerónimos Monastery & Cascais
Dedicate your morning to Belém, just a 20-minute drive from central Lisbon. Stop at the Torre de Belém and the Monument to the Discoveries, then visit the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery. Don’t miss the original Pastéis de Belém for a sweet custard tart. In the afternoon, head west along the coast to Cascais, a charming seaside town. Stroll the marina, relax on Praia da Rainha, and dine on fresh seafood at sunset. Overnight in Cascais.
Day 3: Sintra’s Palaces & Cabo da Roca
From Cascais, it’s a short drive to Sintra, a fairytale town set in lush hills. Begin at the colorful Pena Palace, then explore the Moorish Castle’s ramparts. Visit the extravagant Quinta da Regaleira gardens and initiatory wells before descending into Sintra’s historic center for lunch. In the afternoon, drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, for dramatic cliff views and Atlantic breezes. Return to Cascais or stay overnight in Sintra.
Day 4: Lisbon to Évora via the Alentejo Plains
Leave the coast behind and head east into the Alentejo region. On the way, stop at the medieval town of Óbidos with its whitewashed houses and fortified walls. Continue to the hilltop city of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tour the Roman Temple, the eerie Chapel of Bones, and the cathedral rooftop. Savor regional specialties like açorda and local Alentejo wines. Spend the night in a converted manor house or pousada.
Day 5: Évora to the Algarve’s Western Coast
This morning, venture south toward the Algarve. Drive through cork oak forests and rolling farmland, arriving at Sagres by midday. Explore the Fortaleza de Sagres and the dramatic cliffs of Ponta de Sagres. Continue east to the fishing village of Salema or Lagos for dinner on the marina. Watch the sunset from Ponta da Piedade’s sandstone grottoes, overnight in Lagos or nearby Sagres.
Day 6: Algarve Beaches & Coastal Villages
Devote a full day to the beaches and villages of the western Algarve. Begin at Praia do Camilo, then kayak through the Benagil Cave. Stop for lunch in Carvoeiro, then relax on the golden sands of Praia da Marinha. Finish at the serene cove of Praia da Rocha before returning to your base. For a quieter evening, dine on grilled sea bass and sip local medronho.
Day 7: Aljezur, Monchique & Foia Peak
Head north from the coast to Aljezur’s whitewashed old town and its hilltop castle overlooking verdant hills. Continue up to Monchique for panoramic views and a lunch of piri-piri chicken. Drive to Foia, the Algarve’s highest point, for sweeping vistas of forests and farmland. In the afternoon, descend through eucalyptus groves toward Portimão for an overnight stay.
Day 8: Portimão to Douro Valley (Long Drive)
Prepare for a scenic but lengthy drive north to the Douro Valley. Break the journey in Coimbra for a quick stroll around the historic university and riverside. Continue along the Tagus and Paiva rivers until you reach Peso da Régua. Check into a quinta (wine estate) overlooking the terraced vineyards of the Douro River. Relax with a tasting of aged port wines.
Day 9: Douro River Cruise & Wine Tasting
Spend the day exploring the Douro Valley’s UNESCO-listed landscapes. Take a traditional rabelo boat cruise along the river’s bends. Visit boutique quintas for guided tours and tastings of port and table wines. Sample regional cheeses and smoked meats as you learn about terraced farming. Capture postcard-perfect views from viewpoints like São Leonardo de Galafura. Overnight again at your riverside quinta.
Day 10: Régua to Porto & Riverside Evening
On your final morning, drive along the river to Vila Real to visit the grand Mateus Palace. Afterward, head west to Porto, arriving before lunch. Wander Ribeira’s riverside district, cross Luís I Bridge, and taste the city’s famed francesinha sandwich. In the evening, enjoy port wine at a riverside bar while watching lights shimmer on the Douro. Return your car and prepare for departure the next day.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Portugal Road Trip
- Rent a compact car: Narrow streets and hilly towns make a small vehicle more maneuverable.
- Book accommodations early: Pousadas and quintas fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
- Toll roads: Most major highways use electronic tolls (Via Verde). Ask your rental agency about a transponder.
- Dining hours: Lunch runs from noon to 2:30 pm; dinner starts around 7:30 pm. Plan ahead to avoid long waits.
- Local etiquette: Greet shopkeepers and servers with a friendly “Bom dia” (good day) or “Boa tarde” (good afternoon).
- Pack layers: Coastal regions can be breezy, while inland Alentejo and Douro can get hot by midday.
Conclusion
This 10-day Portugal road trip blends historic cities, dramatic coastlines, and world-class wine regions into one epic journey. From the labyrinthine alleys of Lisbon’s Alfama to the pastel-colored sky at Porto’s Ribeira, you’ll experience the soul of a country that’s small in size but immense in scenery and flavor. Follow this itinerary, embrace the relaxed pace of Portuguese life, and prepare to fall in love with every sunlit vista and stone-paved street. Boa viagem!
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