Top 3 Portugal's Main Regions: Road Trip

Suggestion for the day: 

• Visit the Douro Valley: With three World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO, there is no shortage of reasons to visit the Douro Valley, one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Portugal. In the Historic Centre of the city of Porto you will find remarkable buildings lining the riverbanks. Many of these buildings are directly linked to the production of wine and bear witness to the urban development that this production has provoked over the years. On the opposite bank of the river, you will find the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, a hive of commercial activity with the famous Port wine cellars. 

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit Braga: Braga, known as the "Rome of Portugal," mesmerizes visitors with its rich religious heritage, magnificent churches, and enchanting historic center.
  • Sé Cathedral, Museum of Sacred Art, Former Archbishop's Palace
  • Bom Jesus do Monte (an absolutely must-visit)
  • Arcos de Valdevez
  • Peneda Gerês National Park

Check out from your hotel in Porto and get ready for a drive to Lisbon, covering a distance of approximately 191 miles (315.5 kilometers) which should take approximately 3 hours.

Suggestion for the day:

• Before you arrive in Lisbon, we recommend stopping at Sintra. 
  • Historically known as being the illustrious home to Portugal’s most storied monarchs, the town of Sintra is not only historically relevant but aesthetically speaking, it is a true marvel of magnificence and romantic beauty. This dream destination is also known as being filled with heavenly mansions tucked among rolling green hillsides, and fantastical castles that make you feel as if you have stepped into an actual real-life fairytale, including must-see marvels of the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, Palácio da Pena, Quinta de Regaleira, the Castelo dos Mouros, and the Palácio de Monserrate.

  Can’t Miss:

  • Pena National Palace
  • Local pastries (travesseiros de Sintra)
  • Ginginha (local licour)
  • Pena Palace
  • Quinta da Regaleira
  • Monserrate Palace
  • Moorish Castle
  • Old-Town 

Suggestion for the day:

• Stroll around Lisbon’s city streets
  • São Roque church
  • Santa Catarina viewpoint
  • Luís de Camões Square
  • Torre de Belém
  • Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
  • Pastéis de Belém
  • Terreiro do Paço
• Lisbon Fado Night with Dinner: Fado is a soulful and emotive genre of Portuguese music, often characterized by melancholic tunes and lyrics that express themes of longing and saudade.

Suggestion for the day:

• Visit the UNESCO City of Évora (approximately 1h30 drive): The entire town of Évora has been an official World Heritage Site, classified as an open-air museum according to UNESCO, since 1986. It is this significant historical and cultural wealth that attracts more and more Portuguese and foreign visitors to come and experience this truly special place year after year.
  • Sé Cathedral
  • Roman Temple
  • Capela dos Ossos
  • Giraldo Square
  • Évora university
  • Água da Prata aquaduct
  • Cromlech of Almendres

Enjoy a scenic drive from Lisbon to the Algarve, covering a distance of approximately 172.4 miles (277.6 kilometers) in just 2 hours and 51 minutes.

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore Lagos for the day.
  • Black and White Coffee Shop
  • Camilo Beach
  • Ponta da Piedade
  • Sunset in Cabo de São Vicente, Sagres
    

Suggestion for the day:

• Explore Albufeira
  • Albufeira city center
  • Pescadores beach
  • Oura beach
  • São Rafael beach
  • Olhos da Água beach
  • Falésia beach
  • Marina de Albufeira

Suggestions for the day:

• Ponta da Piedade Boat Tour: Explore the captivating caves and rock formations along Lagos' renowned 'Ponta da Piedade' coast. Depart from the Marina de Lagos, where knowledgeable local skippers will unveil the hidden wonders of this extraordinary coastline.
• Algar de Benagil Boat Tour: Algar de Benagil is a mesmerizing sea cave along Portugal's Algarve coast, known for its stunning natural architecture and the iconic shaft of sunlight that filters through its ceiling.

Drop off your car at Algarve Airport! Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey home, and we look forward to traveling with you again soon.