The Promise of Portugal: 5 Spectacular Road Trip Itineraries

One doesn't make plans to travel around the world without mentioning Europe. What's not to like? Landmarks and historic sites holding tremendous history and ancient wonders, diverse cuisines bursting with unique flavors, Europe promises an adventure of a lifetime beyond expectations. Without a doubt, a country that ticks all the boxes is Portugal, the land of Fado music, poetry, and wine.

The thing is, out of all European countries, Portugal is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors—France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom. But people don't know that's part of the Iberian country's charm of being the region’s hidden gem with corners remaining relatively uncharted by many. Not only is the country rich in UNESCO World Heritage sites, but it also boasts a myriad of sandy beaches, natural parks, and scenic routes that provide tourists and explorers with the best things to do in Portugal.

Despite its small size, there are many public transportation methods when exploring Portugal. However, if you want to discover the country in all its glory, you can never go wrong with a well-deserved road trip. Embarking on a road trip through Portugal allows you the freedom to discover the country's best places at your leisure and soak in the natural beauty and exquisite spots that Portugal has to offer.

Ready to step on the gas and map out your ultimate Portugal road trip itinerary? Here are a couple of our favorite routes to lead you off the beaten path.

216 miles, 4 days

Best time to visit: June to September

Start your Portugal trip in the quaint, laid-back city of Porto. Begin in the city's historic center, the Praca da Liberdade (Liberty Square), a large park area at the very heart of Porto. Here, you can easily spot a 10-meter bronze equestrian statue of King Peter IV, along with some elegant buildings and modernist structures built in the 19th century. It's worth noting that the Square frequently holds the city's festivals and events, so expect a high volume of tourists flocking to the city center if you choose to book a nearby hotel.

A minute's walk would take you to Avenida dos Aliados, and from here, you're going to head down the river to see the vibrant high streets of Rua das Flores and Rua de Santa Catarina, which are brimming with boutiques, stores, and restaurants. Other notable spots in Porto are the Porto Cathedral, Dom Luis I Bridge, and Clérigos Church, less than 500 meters from the city center.

From humble Porto, it would be a three-hour drive to lively Lisbon, Portugal's capital, and undeniably a dream destination for urbanites who still want a touch of history in their itineraries. The first stop is the Castelo de São Jorge, renowned for its sweeping scenic view of the city. From the castle, go for a walk through the narrow streets of Alfama that houses the Lisbon Cathedral, the iconic number 28 tram route, and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, which overlooks the whole district and the Tagus River.

To conclude your trip, Sintra is just a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, and you wouldn't want to miss out on visiting the mystical gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its whimsical architecture and the Initiation Well, comprising spiral staircases descending into an eerie maze of tunnels. Drive for half an hour to reach another fairytale-like structure that looked like it came out of a Wes Anderson movie, the Peña Palace, a picturesque castle completely built in stone in the 18th century.

294.5 miles, 5 days

Best time to visit: April to June

If you're still in the mood to unearth some of Portugal's mysteries, the historic city of Evora is an ideal destination to kick things off. Evora boasts a plethora of old-world structures and architecture dating back to Roman times. Visit the Roman Temple of Évora or the Temple of Diana, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the Iberian Peninsula.

Nearby is the Evora Cathedral, a massive 800-year-old medieval cathedral frequently visited for its scenic views from the rooftop. Then, a five-minute drive would lead you to the Chapel of Bones, an eerie yet fascinating chapel with walls adorned with 5,000 exhumed bodies from other churches and overcrowded throughout the city.

After Evora, drive for around 5 hours to Douro Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region. Famous for its terraced vineyards that slope down to the Douro River, enjoy some of Portugal's renowned port wine from the region's 200 Quintas (wine estates) while marveling at the stunning river views. Speaking of the Douro River, you can cruise on a Rabelo boat to see a fantastic view of the terraces and vineyards.

However, if you want a new angle on the valley, hit National Road 222, which runs through the Douro Valley, starting from Peso da Régua and stretching along the Douro River to Pinhão. Regarded as one of the best driving roads in the world, N222 offers spectacular scenic sights as you wind your way down through the different towns and villages.

64.7 miles, 3 days

Best time to visit: June to August

This next itinerary is for all the beach lovers out there. The Algarve, just south of Portugal, is notable for its stunning beaches, impressive coastal cliffs, and delicious cuisine. Start your trip in Faro by wandering the historic streets of Old Town in Albufeira, filled with ginger-colored trees, cobbled streets, and bustling stores. Stroll along the city's stunning marina while enjoying the clear waters and spotting a few yachts and boats docked nearby. Stop for lunch at Outro Lado to try out their vegan francesinha, a Portuguese sandwich made with layers of various mouthwatering hot meat, but vegan!

When you're done eating to your heart's content, head towards Ria Formosa Nature Park, a 15-minute drive from the city proper. The nature park's highlight lies in its diverse wildlife, featuring endangered species such as the Mediterranean chameleon and Egyptian mongoose, alongside various bird species.

Head to Carvoeiro next, a captivating coastal town just a few miles from Faro. Expect plenty of beaches to see, so if you're looking to switch things up, you can always take a walk along its 570-meter boardwalk that offers you picturesque views of the coastline. At the end of the boardwalk, you'll be greeted by a fascinating rock formation called Algar Seco, alongside caves and blowholes that will pique your fancy. Then a 10-minute drive will take you to Farol de Alfanzina, an iconic 100-year-old lighthouse that is a perfect place to watch the sunset. Stay in a nearby B&Bs like the Castelo Guest House or Quinta do Ourives to catch some z's before heading off to Lagos.

End your excursion on an hour's drive to Lagos, an Algarve town that promises a unique blend of historic sites and beach attractions, with a touch of nightlife on the side. Learn the glorious past of Lagos by going to Forte Da Ponta Da Bandeira, a once-historic stronghold built to defend the city against seaborne invaders. Another interesting landmark is the Mercado de Escravos to witness accounts of historical slavery in the town, considering that the seafaring city played a pivotal role in the Atlantic slave trade during the 15th century. Then as the sun goes down, wind down in Eddie's Bar for some live music or if you're in the mood to party, you can dance the night away at Joe's Garage or The Tavern.

84.9 mi, 2 days

Best time to visit: March to May

Calling all culture vultures and art enthusiasts, these road trip routes are for you. Your first stop would be Castelo Branco, a charming cultural hub home to skilled artisans specializing in traditional arts and crafts such as embroidery (bordado), ceramics, wood carving, and more. Stroll through the quaint streets of the historic town center, where you can tour Castelo Branco Castle and snap pictures of the magnificent architecture steeping in history.

For museums, you can visit the Cargaleiro Museum and marvel at the works of contemporary artist Manuel Cargaleiro, or the Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior Museum for some archaeological finds, both museums being a five-minute drive from the castle. If you're going in late March to early April, you're right in time for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival where locals and tourists celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms in Jardim do Paço Episcopal.

From Castelo Branco, venture next to Coimbra, the city of students. The town has gained its moniker because it is home to one of the oldest universities in the world and the oldest in all of Portugal—the University of Coimbra. At the center of the university is the Joanina Library, a Baroque library that houses a collection of rare books, and the Science Museum, which holds various interactive exhibits and educational programs enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Continue quenching your thirst for knowledge by exploring the Machado de Castro National Museum, just 4 kilometers away from the university, to study the tomb of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal. Or perhaps you're interested in seeing a miniature Portugal at the Portugal dos Pequenitos? Then you can end the day by treating yourself with something sweet like Queijadas de Coimbra, a Coimbra specialty, or Arroz Doce, a creamy Portuguese rice pudding at a nearby local cafe, bakery, or pastry shop.

Make the best of your Portugal itinerary with these tips and tricks.

• Understanding car rentals. Renting a car in Portugal is a great alternative if you don't own a set of wheels but still want to experience the rest of Portugal on the road. Knowing your options on the best Portuguese car rental options would also do you some good.
• Drive an insured car. Never risk driving in a foreign country without car insurance. Know the top car rental insurance in Portugal to save you from road mishaps.
• Invest in an IDP. The benefits of an International Driving Permit can't be beaten. Getting an IDP for Portugal lets you maneuver places like Lisbon to Porto and then back to Lisbon in no time.
• Bring road trip essentials. If you're spending a lot of your time on the road, it would be wise to pack the important things such as a first-aid kit, a hygiene kit, travel requirements, sufficient snacks and water, and some Fado music if you're feeling the mood. Also, be sure that your emergency car kit stays in the trunk!
• Think about where you're staying. Depending on your style and budget, many travel accommodations in Portugal offer you a worthwhile experience while staying in the country.
• Eat like a local. You can never go wrong with European food. From delving into Mediterranean cuisine to experiencing regional delights, dining in Portugal is an experience like no other.
• Understanding Portuguese roads. When driving in Portugal, you ought to learn a couple of things first. These include driving on the right and overtaking on the left, understanding speed limits according to the type of roads and roadways, and driving etiquette.
• Download travel apps. Besides Google Maps, travel apps are a blessing when going abroad. Make the most of your time in Portugal with transportation apps like Moovit and Bolt that can help you navigate the country's comprehensive public transportation system. Gira, on the other hand, is a public bike-sharing service that is helpful in places like Lisbon. When looking for a place to stay, find the best deals in Agoda and Airbnb that suit your budget and needs. Finally, download TheFork which could point you to your next must-try local food joint, and if you're planning on having your food delivered, Glovo is a popular Spain-based food delivery app like how DoorDash and UberEats are primarily used in the United States.

From the cobblestone streets of Lisbon to the pristine beaches of Porto Covo, Portugal's rustic charm leaves tourists and travelers from all across the globe wanting more. Whether you fancy a day trip to Sintra or a 10-day itinerary with your friends around São Miguel Island in the Azores, a trip to Portugal promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Experience the promise of Portugal on the road, hassle-free with IDA. IDA helps you secure an IDP in just a matter of weeks to get you cruising down the roads of your dream country in no time.