The Ultimate Road-Trip Itinerary – OUR CROSSINGS

A road trip from Lisbon to Porto is an excellent way to experience Portugal beyond its major cities, offering a completely different side of the country.

Between the two nations’ largest cities sprawls a landscape dotted with iconic monasteries, surf villages and a rugged coast that unveils the country’s true character.

Our last road trip from Portugal’s capital to Porto will always be one of the most memorable journeys.

It was full of adventure, and we discovered a destination full of magic. Each stop was special and had its own charm, and together they formed a perfect route.

Though you can travel by bus or a high-speed Alfa Pendular train, I would suggest renting a car or even a campervan, as it gives you the freedom to explore Portugal at your own pace.

Palacio Chiado – a stunning Lisbon restaurant housed in an 18th-century palace,

This road trip will take you through some of the most incredible villages and towns in Portugal, as you’ll spend 7 full days travelling between Lisbon and Porto.

It’s ideal for travellers with limited time who still want to experience the essence of Portugal’s central and northern regions.

Your 7-Day Portugal Road Trip Overview at a Glance

Quick Overview:
Distance: 314 km (195 miles)
Drive Time: ~3 hours direct
Ideal Trip Length: 7–10 days
Route: A1 with scenic coastal and inland stops

Start your road trip in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, known for its colourful tiled buildings, charming streets, and hilly landscape.

It’s a city that doesn’t require a lengthy introduction. As a popular European city break destination and the gateway into Europe for travellers coming from North America, it’s buzzing all year round.

While you need more than a day to properly explore the city, you can see quite a lot in a day if you plan accordingly. If time and your itinerary allow, you can always add an extra day or two before hitting the road.

Some of the key highlights in Lisbon:

Food & Drink: yummy custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata, Bifana sandwiches, fresh seafood, Ginjinha cherry liqueur, and Vinho Verde.

History & Architecture: Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, São Jorge Castle, historic trams (like Tram 28

Music & Culture: Historic neighbourhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto, soulful Fado music, and grand squares such as Praça do Comércio.

Stop 1 – Wander around the Delightful Cascais Town

Driving distance: 32km, approximately 30 minutes

The second day of the road trip includes four stops. Given how close together they are, it is easily achievable without overloading the itinerary.

After a day in Lisbon and a restful night’s sleep, take the scenic route and travel to a vivacious seaside town, Cascais.

Due to its coastal scenery, sandy beaches, and photogenic appearance, Cascais is a very popular destination for day-trippers from Lisbon, yet its charm remains intact.

Cascais was once a humble fishing village on the Estoril Coast. Nowadays, it is one of Lisbon’s premier holiday destinations and a playground for those with a generous budget.

Here, you can spend the morning wandering around the charming old town, indulge in fresh seafood and even go for a dip in the sea, if you fancy.

∗What not to miss in Cascais: Boca do Inferno, the Citadel Art District and Marechal Carmona Park.

Stop 2 – Visit Guincho Beach

Driving distance: 10km, approximately 15 minutes

Hop back in the car and go for a short drive to a stunning, windswept Atlantic beach.

Located about 7 kilometres from Cascais, Guincho is one of the biggest and most popular beaches in the area.

This is where the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed in 1969, and today it’s one of the top spots for surfing and windsurfing in Europe.

What you’ll find is a windswept golden beach with sea cliffs in the background, and when not hiding behind a thick cloud, you can see Cabo da Roca lighthouse in the distance.

Via a series of walkways, you can also explore the unique ecosystem of the Cresmina Dunes and, thanks to informational panels, observe and learn about flora and fauna, including rabbits, birds, and snakes.

*What not to miss in Guincho: hiking trails and boardwalks that will introduce you to this protected area

Stop 3 – See the lighthouse at Cabo da Roca

Driving distance: 11.3 km, approximately 16 minutes

In the days before Portugal’s explorers set out to find the New World across the Atlantic, people thought that Cabo da Roca was the end of the world.

Situated at the westernmost tip of mainland Europe, it rises over 140 meters above the crashing waves, offering panoramic vistas that stretch endlessly to the horizon.

There is also a historic lighthouse and a monument that marks the spot.

The distinct contrast between the rugged cliffs and the roaring sea below creates a raw, almost mystical atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to pause, breathe in the ocean air, and watch the sun dip beneath the water.

A short stop would be sufficient to take a few photos, but a longer stay would allow you to explore the coastal trails and beaches like Praia da Ursa.

The unique rock formations of nearby Praia da Ursa

Stop 4 – Be amazed by Azenhas Do Mar

Driving distance: 13.4km, approximately 21 minutes

The last stop of the day is Azenhas do Mar, where you’ll spend a night, as it is a fantastic place for a picturesque overnight stay.

Perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the striking little village of Azenhas do Mar is a hidden gem.

The village is built into cliffs with whitewashed houses, offering breathtaking Atlantic views and a unique atmosphere.

There’s not a whole lot to do in Azenhas do Mar.

It’s a place to unwind, listen to the rhythmic crash of waves, indulge in fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants and let time slip by.

Where to stay: check out Casal Santa Virginia, a beautiful old house by the sea, or Arribas Sintra Hotel, which offers direct beachfront access and stunning sea views.

∗What not to miss in Azenhas Do Mar: Relaxing beach walks, colourful sunsets and fresh seafood.

Step 1 – Visit Ericeira Surf Town

Driving distance: 26.8 km, approximately 35 minutes

Wave goodbye to Azenhas do Mar and travel north to the surf town Ericeira.

Everything to do in Ericeira mainly revolves around eating and spending leisurely time at the sea. You can also try surfing if you are open to trying it!

While Ericeira is not filled with historical sites and museums that will take up a whole day, there are plenty of cute boutiques, many amazing restaurants and an authentic Portuguese vibe.

Top attractions in town are the Ericeira Municipal Museum, a 17th-century coastal defence fort and an 18th-century chapel dedicated to Saint Martha.

Key features in Ericeira:

Beautiful Scenery: picturesque beaches such as Ribeira d’Ilhas and Foz do Lizandro, dramatic cliffs, and stunning ocean views.

Great Food: local pastries like Orisa, fresh seafood platters and vibrant cafe culture.

World-Class Surfing: It’s a designated World Surfing Reserve with consistent waves for all levels, plus surf schools and camps.

Driving distance: 78.4 km, approximately 47 minutes

After exploring Ericeira, drive to Óbidos town, where you’ll spend the night.

Óbidos is one of the finest medieval towns and walled cities in all of Portugal, but it gets very touristy, and that’s why it is a great idea to stay the night, as you’ll get a different perspective of the walled town once the tour buses leave.

The best way to enjoy Óbidos is to wander its narrow streets that are lined with shops selling local arts, crafts and delicatessen.

You can also walk on the castle walls – something everyone must do when visiting Óbidos, and try a shot of Ginja, a cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup, a local speciality.

Additional Stop – Peniche

Driving distance: 25.7km, approximately 23 minutes

If you have time for a little detour, you can add another place to your Portugal itinerary, a surf town, Peniche.

While most tourists visit Peniche for the Berlengas island or to enjoy a world-class spot offering tubes of a lifetime, there’s so much more to see and do. It is a great place to kick back and relax, enjoying the sand and the sun.

One of the best things you can do in Peniche is to go for a ride along the coast and stop at different viewpoints to enjoy the views over the vast waters.

Highlights of Peniche:

Walk around the Fortaleza de Peniche fortress: Built in the 16th Century, it was used as a military base until 1897, and after that, it served as a prison and a refuge.

Grab a seafood lunch: Sardines are a popular dish here, and you won’t be short of places to try them!

The Peniche Lighthouse: a historic maritime beacon located on the westernmost point of Peniche.

The main lighthouse in Peniche, Portugal

Driving distance: 62.9km, approximately 47 minutes

Stop 1 – Explore Nazare

After a night in Obidos, get in a car and make your way further north to the beach town of Nazare, where you’re going to spend the first half of the day.

Famous for the giant waves, Nazare is one of the few coastal towns that experiences two peak seasons throughout the year. The summer season runs from July to September, and the big wave season runs from October to May.

Walk the seafront where you’ll find cafes and bars, and traditional fishing boats, as well as fish stands displaying the traditional way fish is cured in this region.

Visit The Lighthouse & Surf Museum: the lighthouse gives you incredible views of the big waves and coastline in general. You’ll also see surfboards donated to the museum by world-famous big wave surfers.

Take a trip on the funicular: The ride provides fantastic vistas of Nazaré’s coastline as well as efficiently transports you up the steep cliff from the beach.

Stop 2 – Batalha: A UNESCO Masterpiece

Driving distance: 32.4km, approximately 28 minutes

The second half of the day will take you to another wonderful place to see between Lisbon and Porto: the Batalha Monastery, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Batalha is a very popular stop on many tours between Lisbon and Porto, because this 14th-century Gothic monastery is one of Portugal’s most impressive historic sites.

You can easily spend a few hours exploring both the interior and exterior of the monastery, taking time to appreciate the intricate details of the architecture, learning about its history and wandering through impressive cloisters and hidden chapels.

To avoid large crowds, it is best to arrive at the Monastery during weekday mornings or late afternoons, as these times see fewer visitors compared to weekends.

The grandness of Batalha Monastery is even more impressive in person

Driving distance: 135km, approximately 1h 19 minutes

Aveiro, also known as the “Venice of Portugal,” was built around a network of canals that were once used for transporting salt, seaweed, and goods.

Today, the fleet is primarily used to delight tourists with leisurely boat rides along the canal, allowing you to discover the colourful, historic buildings.

Aveiro is also home to one of the most charming and colourful train stations, as well as the striped houses of Costa Nova.

Some of the highlights of the city:

Sample Ovos Moles: This local delicacy, made from egg yolks and sugar, has an interesting history and is a must-try sweet treat in Aveiro.

Salt Pans & Salt Spa: Learn about Aveiro’s salt production history and even experience a salt spa treatment.

Explore the Old Town & Canals: Admire the Art Nouveau architecture, walk along the picturesque pavements, and browse the artisan shops in the narrow lanes.

Driving distance: 74.3km, approximately 55 minutes

Portugal’s vibrant second city and the perfect place to end your road trip.

Wrap up your journey with a glass of Port as the sun dips behind the hills—marking a memorable end to your Portuguese adventure.

There’s lots to see and do in Porto, and the city has a bit of everything – cosy local eateries, world-class wine, beautiful architecture, iconic bookshops and even lush nature.

Some of the most popular things to do:

Ribeira District: Wander the narrow alleyways, see street performers, and stop by cosy bars.

Dom Luís I Bridge: Walk across this iconic double-deck bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia for classic Port wine tastings in centuries-old cellars.

Clérigos Tower: Climb to the top for stunning views of the red rooftops and winding Douro River.

On your last day, I would suggest visiting Gaia, located right across from Porto.

Even if you don’t have much time before your departure, you can still walk across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to take in the stunning panoramic views of Porto.

Depending on where you are staying in the city, you can cross the bridge via the upper or lower level.

While there’s plenty to do in Porto to fill up your itinerary, Gaia offers many wonderful attractions too.

There are the most beautiful beaches, the best views of Porto, the must-see cellars of Porto and many other things!

The wonderful interior of Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

Renting a Car and Driving in Portugal

Renting a car in Portugal is pretty easy, and driving in the country is safe and hassle-free.

You can start your road trip in Lisbon and end in Porto (or vice versa).

I would suggest a one-way car hire to avoid backtracking.

If you’re flying in Lisbon, it is best to pick up your hire car after you’ve explored Lisbon – you definitely don’t need a car in the city!

Before you start looking online, make sure you have a valid driver’s license, a passport, and a credit card for the rental deposit.

Inspect your rental: once you pick up the car, review the rental agreement, and inspect the vehicle for any damage.

Roundabouts: Portugal has a lot of roundabouts, but don’t worry! Navigating them is easy when you know how. Some highways have electronic tolls, so ensure your rental car is equipped accordingly.

Parking: Finding parking can be a challenge in big cities, but there are lots of paid parking garages and designated areas to choose from to avoid any fines.

And there you have it

My tried and tested Lisbon to Porto road trip.

There are so many amazing places in Portugal that I find it quite challenging to narrow it down to just a handful of stops for this Lisbon to Porto itinerary.

As you can imagine, this road trip itinerary is just scratching the surface of what Portugal has to offer.

Whether you’ve got 5, 7, 10 days, or more, this route is the perfect intro and will leave you craving more.

I hope this guide helps you make the most of your 7 days in Portugal!

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Now, over to you!

Have you ever been on a road trip around Portugal? Let us know in the comments below!

Let us know if you are planning a visit to Portugal and have travel-related questions

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