Unique 2-Week Portugal Road Trip (Steal our itinerary!)

Looking for a Portugal travel itinerary that goes beyond the typical tourist route? This 2-week road trip hits the perfect balance of iconic sights and hidden gems, from coastal cliffs to mountain villages, for an unforgettable adventure in Portugal. 

Portugal had been on our travel wish list for years — one of those destinations we dreamed about and built up in our minds. When we finally made it there, it didn’t just live up to the hype — it completely surpassed it.

With our two little kids in tow, we set off on a 2-week road trip that blended the best of both worlds: the iconic cities of Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra, and the hidden gems that even locals were surprised we found. 

From wandering ancient villages tucked into the hills to hiking along dramatic coastlines and diving into Portugal’s incredible food scene, this trip had it all — culture, nature, charm, and a little bit of magic around every turn. 

It was, without a doubt, a dream trip. And we’re sharing our route with you.

I’ll start by saying that this itinerary isn’t for everyone. If you just want to fly in and see the major sights, check out our Lisbon and Porto guides. 

But if you’re an adventurous traveler who really wants to get to know the country, go off the beaten path and surprise locals with the places you’re visiting, this is the itinerary for you.

Portugal Road Trip Guide

• Our experience
• Route overview
• Downloadable PDF itinerary
• Portugal itinerary map
• Planning your road trip
• Transportation
• Best time to visit
• More or less time

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Our experience in Portugal

Portugal had been on our travel wish list for years, so by the time we finally started planning this trip, I was determined to make it special. Over the years, I’ve realized that while I love exploring big cities and seeing the iconic sights, what really sticks with me are the hidden gems—the places you can’t just find by asking ChatGPT.

This Portugal road trip is one of our itineraries I’m most proud of. It blends iconic highlights with off-the-beaten-path experiences that felt authentic and meaningful. Especially while traveling with our young daughters.

I honestly LOVED both Lisbon & Porto (and I’m not usually a big fan of major cities, so that’s saying something!).

Definitely spend time in them, but know that there is so much more to Portugal than the 2 largest cities.

While we had a great time in both, the highlights of our trip were – without a doubt – in areas OUTSIDE these cities. The places even locals were surprised we found.

See our experience come alive by watching our highlights below…

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Itinerary note: The first 3 days of this itinerary follow our Lisbon itinerary exactly. We just touched on the overview and left the details out here so as not to repeat ourselves, so be sure to check out our Lisbon itinerary for all the details of your first 3 days in Portugal. 

→ Perfect 3-Day Lisbon Itinerary for First-Timers 

Day 1: Welcome to Lisbon

AT A GLANCE: Land in Lisbon, check into your accommodation, and enjoy Portuguese food and sunset views on your first evening.

Highlights of our first day in Lisbon

• Settle in
• Castelo de São Jorge
• Rooftop drinks at Golden Hour
• Portuguese dinner

Insider tip: Don’t forget to request bag drop off if you arrive before check-in time!

Day 2: Lisbon sights & food tour

AT A GLANCE: Explore a trendy market, savor local bites on a food tour, and toast with sunset views.

Highlights of day 2 in Lisbon

• LX Factory
• Alfama Food Tour
• Sunset viewpoint
• Wine bar

Itinerary note: If you are feeling ambitious and get an early start, you could go to Belém first to see Belém Tower, try the famous Pastéis de Belém, and see Jerónimos Monastery. Be sure you watch the time if you are doing the food tour today.

Day 3: More highlights of Lisbon

AT A GLANCE: Experience the most iconic sights of the city along with a few hidden gems.

Highlights of day 3 in Lisbon

• Alfama
• Green Street
• Manteigaria (best pastel de nata in the city!)
• Santa Justa Lift
• Carmo Archaeological Museum

⚠️ Itinerary note: Pick up your rental car & park it near your accommodation 

Because you’ll be heading to Sintra tomorrow, we recommend picking up your rental car this evening so you can hit the road early and beat the crowds. If you’re staying in the Alfama area, we recommend this parking garage as it is safe (not all are).

Insider tip: Before heading back to your hotel, pick up something quick & easy for breakfast tomorrow (like fruit & yogurt) since you’ll be leaving early.

Day 4: Sintra and beach sunset

• Driving time: 50 minutes
• Distance: 40 km (25 miles)

AT A GLANCE: Start early at Quinta da Regaleira, visit the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace gardens before ending the day with sunset and seafood in Azenhas do Mar.

Itinerary note: It is possible to see all 3 sights listed (Quinta da Regaleira, Moorish Castle, Pena Palace) but it will be rushed, so keep your eyes on the time. (We personally skipped Pena Palace to have a more relaxed day.) If you want to see all 3, make later dinner reservations.

Sunrise at Miradouro de Santa Luzia (optional)

This iconic viewpoint in Lisbon is east-facing—perfect for sunrise—and includes beautiful blue and white azuelos (traditional Portuguese titles). 

Drive to Sintra (30 minutes)

Aim to depart Lisbon by 7:30/8 a.m. so you will arrive in Sintra before 9 a.m. when the tour buses start arriving. You’ll have to have breakfast on the go (buy something the night before if possible). 

Parking options in Sintra

• Paid lot here
• Park near train station

Our experience: Because we left early—we didn’t run into any issues parking in Sintra. 

Quinta da Regaleira

• Cost: €15 per adult
• Google Maps Location

Pre-book your entry time (first slot) and arrive by 9:30 a.m. to queue. The park opens at 10 a.m. 

Walk straight to the Initiation Well to get some photos before crowds arrive (this is easily the most popular location in the park). Be sure to explore the tunnels to Poço Imperfeito, and stop at Regaleira Tower, and the Chapel viewpoint. 

Insider tip: stop at the Café da Regaleira if you need a coffee (skip the food). 

Moorish Castle

Take a tuk tuk or a taxi to the Moorish Castle. The 15 minute ride will cost €20—it’s expensive but the alternative is hiking 40-60 minutes uphill.

Spend 1-2 hours walking the castle walls, and exploring the grounds and inside the castle. 

Itinerary note: For a more relaxed day, head back to your car now. If you’d like to see as much as possible, continue with the directions to Pena Palace.

Pena Palace

Walk 10-20 minutes to Pena Palace; It’s a nice partly shaded ¾ mile uphill walk in the woods. 

We suggest just exploring the external grounds of the Pena Palace Park with a Park and Garden ticket (€10 per person). This way you won’t have to wait in line to enter the palace and the park is arguably more beautiful (& less chaotic) than the inside. 

Afterwards, walk 30 minutes downhill from Pena Palace via the route by the Villa Sassetti  to your car. It is mostly shaded in the trees with some large rock steps down. (Alternatively you could take another taxi, but it’ll cost you about €20 again.)

Azenhas do Mar

Drive from Sintra to your accommodation in Azenhas do Mar (about 15-20 minutes) and check in. Freshen up and relax if you have time, but be sure to head out in time for sunset and/or dinner reservations. 

Sunset view

After dinner, walk back up the stairs to this viewpoint, which is especially beautiful at sunset (and also just a 15 minute walk from our recommended accommodation).

Day 5: Óbidos

• Driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Distance: 130 km (80 miles)

AT A GLANCE: This medieval town has charming cobblestone streets & a castle wall and is amazing to explore at golden hour.

You’ll start your morning with breakfast at your hotel in Azenhas do Mar. Aim to leave before 9 a.m. for your 20 minute drive to Ursa Beach. 

Ursa Beach hike

The hike to this stunning and secluded beach was one of our favorite hidden gems in the area—we saw hardly anyone else on the trail the entire time!

Views of the beach keep getting better the further down the valley you go. But it does become very steep. We stopped about half way from the beach and the trailhead because we had our girls with us and the trail was a bit too steep for our comfort. 

Óbidos

Aim to arrive by 1 p.m. and park in the large lot outside the Porta da Vila gate. Grab some lunch and spend the afternoon exploring the town. 

Stroll the cobbled streets inside the city walls. This time of day may be busy with day trippers, but it’ll get far less busy in the evening.

Insider Tip: Save your walk on the castle walls for later in the evening or tomorrow morning when the day trippers leave and it’s less busy.

Wander Praça de Santa Maria (central square) and peek into Igreja de Santa Maria to see the beautiful interior.

Shop for souvenirs at Pátio Shop, which is a nice spot to find beautiful ceramics. 

And be sure to try ginjinha. 

Check in at your accommodation around 4 p.m. Freshen up, rest, and hang out on your patio with castle views. When you’re ready, head back into the city walls and wander around before dinner (it’ll already be less crowded).

Sunset stroll around Óbidos

The town is at its most peaceful at this time, and if you’re lucky you’ll get an amazing sunset. 

We recommend heading to Baloiço Óbidos  for sunset, and bringing a bottle of wine if you’d like. There is a wooden swing here and a perfect view of the city. We were the only ones here! 

Alternatively, you can walk along the city walls and find a place to sit and enjoy the view.

Ginjinha bar

Once the sun is set and it’s too dark for photos, don’t head back to your accommodation just yet… This next stop will definitely be a highlight of your time in Óbidos.

Step into Bar Ibn Errik Rex, a cozy ginjinha bar, and feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The ginjinha is top notch (the best we tried), and you can even buy bottles to take home (we did!). 

Local tip: it came highly recommended by our host (his uncle is the owner). It’s definitely worth a visit!

Want nightlife? If you want to keep going after the ginjinha bar, head to Prohibition Bar for live outdoor music and drinks.

Day 6: Monsanto

• Driving time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• Distance: 245 km (152 miles)

AT A GLANCE: Start the day walking Óbidos’ castle walls, then make the scenic drive to Monsanto, Portugal’s fairytale “village of boulders,” for golden hour and sunset.

Óbidos

Before departing Óbidos this morning you will finally get a chance to walk the city walls before all the day tours arrive. You can start early if you want a really peaceful experience with nice lighting, or start around 9 a.m. so that breakfast spots are open when you’re ready. 

This is the spot where you can climb up stairs to the wall.

Insider tip: If you’re traveling with small kids, be sure to have them in a carrier as there are no railings.

Walk to the castle where you can climb down the stairs and see the other points of interest highlighted below (or continue walking the entire city wall).

From the castle, walk to the outside of the wall (exit through this gate). You’ll find a quiet, tree-lined path and some small caves. Walk a short distance and re-enter here.

Insider tip: This is a nice viewpoint of the city just a short walk from where you’ll exit the wall. Opposite the lookout is a beautiful arched doorway right here. 

Grab a pastel de nata at Nata Lisboa – Óbidos (famous chain), they have some heartier items, like quiche. Then pop into Livraria de Santiago, a quirky second-hand bookstore inside a deconsecrated church, for a quick visit.

Walk back through the old city streets and find somewhere to have a late breakfast/early lunch before your departure. 

Prepare to leave Óbidos

Stop at Pingo Doce Óbidos  to pick up groceries before you leave town because you will be staying in a spot with very few food options. 

What to get: We recommend getting the fixings for a charcuterie board, breakfast items, snacks, and wine.

Make sure you leave Óbidos by 11:30 a.m. and get on the road for your 2 hour & 45 minute drive to Monsanto. 

Drive to Monsanto

If you have time, here are 2 optional detours:

• Shop for produce at the huge fruit market in nearby Caldas da Rainha
  • adds about 15 minutes of driving
• Go caving at Mira de Aire Cave. No reservations needed, but you will need to take a guided tour (which leaves when enough people are there). Tours last 1 hour and are reasonably priced. For more information and current pricing, visit their website.
  • adds about 30 minutes of driving, plus 1 hour tour time (in addition to waiting for tour departure)

Monsanto

Nicknamed the ‘most Portuguese village of Portugal,’ Monsanto is a picturesque village built on boulders. It’s kind of a trek to get there, but it was absolutely a highlight of our trip to Portugal.

Fun Fact: This was a filming location for HBO’s House of Dragons. 

Arrive in Monsanto and check in at your accommodation, freshen up and relax.

Good to know: You will need to park outside the actual town and walk to your accommodation. If you stay at the accommodation we recommend, the owner will arrange to meet you and she will take your luggage in her small vehicle.

Dinner

Make a charcuterie board and enjoy it on your terrace with wine (or pack it to go – we’ll share a great picnic spot below!)

Alternative: If you’d prefer to go out to dinner, the best place in town is Monsanto Café e Bistro. They are closed Mondays & Tuesdays.

Evening stroll

Wander through town at golden hour. This is the most magical thing about staying in Monsanto, so don’t miss this. Wander aimlessly, or follow the route below so you don’t miss any of the iconic spots (there are a lot!).

These are most of the views around town and the castle in the order that makes the most sense to see them (lower elevation to higher elevation). 

The 2 main places to focus your time are the Miradouro do Forno and along the walls of the Castle of Monsanto.

Walking route & views

1. Gruta: cave/shelter
2. Miradouro do Forno: most beautiful viewpoint overlooking town (there are a couple of picnic tables here if you’d like to bring food).
   • Tip: look for the iconic boulder restaurant called Petiscos & Granitos.
3. Abandoned boulder chapel along the pathway uphill
4. Furdas: ancient pig pen

1. Castle of Monsanto: This is arguably the most picturesque spot in the area, so be sure to dedicate enough time here. You can sit on the castle walls and watch the sunset. Be here at least 30-60 minutes before sunset. 
2. Cisterna: cistern & chapel inside the castle grounds
3. Vértice Geodésico Monsanto: Climb the castle walls and view down on Monsanto. This is one of the highest points of the castle ruins.

More views near the castle if you have time:

• This viewpoint just before the castle
• Capela de São João (ruínas): old chapel ruins, still standing there is a single arch made of rocks
• Penedos Juntos: Boulder viewpoint

Other views in town:

If you have extra time or want to see a few more spots in the next morning, put these on your list.

• Portas de Santo António: city gate, downhill from the city center (meaning you have to climb back up)
• Igreja da Misericórdia: church and tower view

Day 7: Cerdeira Shale Village

• Driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Distance: 175 km (108 miles)

AT A GLANCE: Spend the morning visiting any sights you may have missed in Monsanto before driving to Cerdeira and relaxing in this unique accommodation space.

Monsanto

Start your morning with coffee from Taverna Lusitana and enjoy it on the terrace.

Optional: try a cherry pastel de nata (this area is known for cherries); we had one and honestly weren’t very impressed, but it may have been that it wasn’t very fresh.

Wander Monsanto & see any viewpoints you missed.

Drive to Lousã

Drive 2.5 hours from Monsanto to Cerdeira Shale Village in Lousã. Aim to arrive around 3 p.m. so you can check in to your accommodation right away. 

Cerdeira Shale Village

First thing’s first, you might be wondering…

After checking in, relax on your private balcony with a book; this is the perfect place to slow down! You can read up on the history of this village (each house has a book with lots of information).

Check and see if there are any art classes happening during your stay (you may want to email ahead of your visit for this).

If you are feeling antsy, wander the grounds and walk down to the small creek at the very end of the village, there are some small ruins here. You can also take a dip at the small swimming hole on the property.

Order an artisanal beer or local wine at the little onsite cafe and enjoy it on the shaded terrace; their bruschetta is great and makes a nice afternoon snack.

If you didn’t do this earlier, now is also a good time to do the short hike to Cascata do Candal. 

Evening

One of the best parts of booking this unique accommodation was the option to have dinner delivered to you and eat on your private terrace. 

Be sure to pre-order your meal (it’s fantastic and changes daily). They will give you a few choices and it will be delivered to your home for you to heat up. It is a lot of food and includes a bottle of wine!

Insider Tip: If they have chanfana (goat stew) available during your stay, get it! It’s a local specialty and it’s delicious!

Day 8: Lousã Castle & Shale Villages

• Driving time: 1 hour
• Distance: 35 km (22 miles)

AT A GLANCE: Explore Lousã Castle and shale villages, and hike on trails with virtually no other people.

Start your morning with breakfast at your accommodation (it’s included!) and then venture down the road to Lousã Castle. 

Lousã Castle

The Castle of Lousã opens at 9:30 a.m. and has free entry for visitors. (For hours, visit their website.)

Our experience: When we were there the road was closed due to flooding and we were unable to get to the castle, but hopefully you’ll have better luck than we did. 

For a view of the castle from above, you can make a quick stop at this viewpoint. Also near the castle, check out this small waterfall as well as this swimming hole.  

Talasnal Shale Village

Next you’ll head back in the direction you came to get to Talasnal Shale Village. You can find a nice spot for lunch and then take a short hike on the signed PR2 trail to Casal Novo.

Evening

Head back to your accommodation to relax, explore the property, or enjoy the swimming hole.

Tonight you will once again enjoy dinner in your own little house (remember to order in advance!). 

Day 9: Make your way to Peneda-Gerês

• Driving time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Distance: 320 km (200 miles)

AT A GLANCE: This is the longest driving day of your trip, but broken up with many options to stop.

Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation (included) and get on the road early, as you have a long driving day today.

This morning you get to choose between 2 options:

Option 1: Alpaca Experience

We had a lovely time meeting and learning about the alpacas. We got to feed & brush them, then we made a needle-felted heart with alpaca hair. Our daughter especially loved it, but it was fun for adults too.

Option 2: Cruise the canals of Aveiro

Aveiro is a town with canals that’s often called “the Venice of Portugal.” We’d recommend booking a canal cruise on a traditional moliceiro boat.

Additional stop: Stop for a coffee and a treat or lunch at M Bakery Aveiro (an aesthetic bakery with lots of flowers & all things pink). 

• Things to try: ovos moles (local traditional sweet made with egg), iced pink latte, Aveiro coffee, pink pancakes

Costa Nova

Head to Costa Nova Beach for some fun in the sun. This is also a great place to stop for lunch! 

Photo op: See the colorful houses at Casas Típicas da Costa Nova.

Prepare to hit the road by 4 p.m. to make it to your final destination for the night. Pick up groceries at this supermarket before leaving town. You’ll need food for 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner.

Evening 

Arrive in the region of Peneda-Gerês and check in at your accommodation. Settle in and have dinner (we recommend a charcuterie meal with a sunset view).

Note on Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês: This is Portugal’s only national park, which was established in 1971. There are no entry gates or fees, and villages exist within its boundaries. The park is spread across several sections, so we recommend booking accommodation near the areas we’ve suggested (see above) to avoid long drives.

Day 10: Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês

• Driving time: 1 hour
• Distance: 32 km (20 miles)

AT A GLANCE: Hike to Sete Lagoas’ natural pools, cool off at a local waterfall, then end with a viewpoint stroll and dinner in Fafião.

Have breakfast at your accommodation & pack a lunch to bring on the hike.

Sete Lagoas Hike

This hike will lead you to an oasis of 7 natural pools and waterfalls that are perfect for lounging. You’ll want to start your hike by 9 a.m. (at the latest) to end around 2 p.m. 

Insider tip: The hike is fully exposed the entire way so bring sun protection, hats, and plenty of water. Also, pack (or wear) your swimsuit for the pools.

Cascatas de Fecha de Barjas

(aka Cascada de Varzeas, aka Cascatas do Tahiti)

After a steep climb down steps and rocks, you’ll find a series of pools and waterfalls to swim in. These pools can be crowded compared to the Sete Lagos hike since Fecha de Barjas is just off the road.

Insider tip: It is hard to find parking since it is just off the road and there is no parking lot. Be sure you park in a safe spot. It is a steep climb down to the pools so be cautious.

See our Portugal Map for more optional waterfalls to check out in the area if you have time!

Evening

Visit Miradouro de Fafião at golden hour. It’s just a short walk (0.5 miles) to a small platform that spans the gap between boulders with a view of the valley below.

Find someplace nearby for dinner. 

Day 11: Bom Jesus do Monte & evening in Porto

• Driving time: 2 hours
• Distance: 120 km (75 miles)

AT A GLANCE: Enjoy a relaxed morning with a short hike, explore Bom Jesus do Monte, then head to Porto for oysters, drinks, and sunset views.

Enjoy your last morning here and have breakfast out on the patio. Pack up your bags and drive out. 

Optional stop: Ponte da Misarela

If you have time and are up for a short hike, the walk to Ponte da Misarela is worth it. It’s a medieval stone bridge spanning the gorge of Rabagão River. 

Bom Jesus do Monte

Drive toward Bom Jesus do Monte, an elaborate hillside sanctuary in Braga, famous for its baroque stairway that zigzags up through fountains, statues, and lush gardens.

Drive all the way up the zigzag road and follow the signs to the parking gate. Parking here costs a fee. We paid €2, but have read that it could be up to €10 per day. 

Explore the grounds of the Basilica and the gardens. The Artificial cave was pretty unique. There are a few viewpoints to look out on and a coffee stand if you need a pick-me-up. 

Head down the steps and look at the fountains as they change on each level. Once you’re at the bottom of the steps turn around for a beautiful view. 

To go back up, you can either take the stairs or ride the funicular one-way for €2. Then drive back down the hill and park here for a quick stop to gather everyone for a photo.

Drive to Porto

The drive to Porto is about 1 hour from here. 

Mercado do Bolhão

After checking in and parking, walk through the iconic Mercado do Bolhão. Stop in Ostraria do Bolhão inside the mercado for fresh oysters and wine. 

Tip: vinho verde is a local wine that’s nice on a hot day! 

Dinner and sunset

Find a nice spot to have dinner in town (our Portugal Map has tons of excellent recommendations!).

This small “park” across the street from Musa has a nice view and is popular at sunset time. We never felt really uncomfortable, but the vibes were a bit dodgy here. Mostly just young people partying, so set your expectations accordingly. 

Alternative: Here’s another nearby viewpoint that’s quieter.

Day 12: Porto’s Iconic Sites

• Driving time: none – just walking

AT A GLANCE: Explore Porto’s tiled churches, markets, and train station before a hands-on tile class, port wine tasting, and a sunset view across the Douro.

Itinerary note: We’ve included 1 action-packed day in Porto in this Portugal road trip itinerary. However, the city surprised us by how much we loved it and we would definitely recommend spending more time there if you can! Check out our Porto itinerary guide to see how to add an extra day here. 

→ Perfect 2-Day Porto Itinerary for First-Timers 

Morning

Find a place to have breakfast in town. Porto has tons of great brunch spots, so you shouldn’t have to go too far to find something good. 

After breakfast, take a short walk to Largo da Pena Ventosa, which is a cute colorful courtyard near Convento dos Grilos. There are a few miradouros there to get a view of the city. 

Next walk to São Bento Railway station. The atrium of this station is covered in stunning blue-and-white tiles that tell stories of Portugal’s history and daily life.

If you didn’t get a chance yesterday, walk through the Mercado do Bolhão and see one of the best markets in Porto.

Optional stop: Just outside the market entrance is Confeitaria do Bolhão, where we found the best pastries in Porto. Try their cinnamon roll with cheese—I’m still dreaming about this!

Around the corner is the Chapel of Souls, a chapel renowned for its blue-and-white tiled exterior, displaying scenes from the lives of saints. It is free to enter and donations are appreciated.

Tile painting class

You’ll see azulejos, beautiful, hand-painted Portuguese tiles, everywhere in Porto. Learn the process by making your own! It is one of the best souvenirs and a great way to spend a couple of hours in Porto.

There are lots of classes to choose from, but after a lot of research and comparison, here are our top 2 recommendations:

Gazete Azulejos
This tile painting class uses the traditional stencil technique that you’ll find in most classes around Porto. Not only does this class earn consistent rave reviews, but by taking one of their classes, you are also supporting their non-profit, Os Azulejos do Porto, which is dedicated to the preservation of all facade tiles in Porto.

Agostinha

This is the class I took and I highly recommend it if you want something a little different than the stencil technique. There’s nothing wrong with stencils, but I’ve done it many times before and wanted to try something different. The technique here uses glaze to paint in a 3D tile. 

→ Read more about the class.

Check availability and make your booking by WhatsApp: (+35) 191-740-4270.

Insider tip: Plan to do this early during your stay so you can pick it up once it has been fired in the kiln. Otherwise you’ll have to pay for international shipping (this is what I did).

If you have time after your class, go back to your hotel to freshen up and get dressed for the evening. 

Vila Nova de Gaia

Walk across the Luís I Bridge to the south side of Porto known as Vila Nova de Gaia. 

Be sure to walk on the west side of the bridge for views. We recommend walking the lower level now and after sunset walking the top level (or taking the metro).

Stroll the waterfront road that is Cais de Gaia, explore the artisan market, and take in the iconic views of Porto across the river.

Interesting stops: 

• Check out the Half Rabbit by Bordalo II, a massive street art piece on a corner of a building on an off-street made from recycled trash, with one half vividly painted and the other left raw to highlight waste and sustainability.
• Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau is an interesting and super instagrammable shop that sells snacks and port wine in a unique setting. 
• 7g Coffee Roasters is a nice cafe if you need an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Pop into the Mercado Beira-Rio if you want a quick snack. 

Port wine caves

Take your pick from the many port wineries in this area to have an afternoon drink. This part of the city is known for the wine caves and here are a few to choose from (reservations needed for tours):

• Burmester – right by the Luis I Bridge
• Caves Cálem – highly rated and great tour
• Graham’s Port Lodge – nice views from the patio and an excellent tour
• Sandeman – one of the largest wineries in the region

Gaia Cable Car

Ride the cable car up to Jardim do Morro for sunset. You’ll get a birdseye view of Porto and the river the entire way. Enter at Gaia cable car – Cais de Gaia station.

*Round-trip is a good idea if you want to eat dinner down below on the lower level of town. Last boarding is at 8 p.m. 

Aim to be at your chosen sunset spot (see below) around 30-60 minutes before sunset for the best lighting and to snag a good spot. 

Sunset

Jardim do Morro is probably the most popular spot for sunset in Porto, but it can get crowded. 

In our opinion, the sunset view from Miradouro da Serra do Pilar is best because you can capture the Luis I Bridge and get a great view of both sides of the river. It does take a bit more uphill walking to get there, but it is worth it!

Optional: Photoshoot with local photographer

We love hiring local photographers to capture pictures that we cherish for years to come. It is always one of our favorite souvenirs!

Porto is the perfect place to hire a photographer because it is pretty affordable compared to many other places in the world. Plus, the city is so photogenic!We recommend booking the shoot in the evening hours for nice lighting and so you are in the perfect area when it finishes to catch sunset and grab dinner.

Day 13: Douro Valley

• Driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Distance: 275 km (170 miles)*

*If you choose to self-drive. There is also an option to take a day trip tour so you can indulge in wine tasting without worrying about driving. 

AT A GLANCE: Escape the city and explore the famous and picturesque wine region of the Douro Valley.

Itinerary note: This day on our Portugal road trip follows our Douro Valley day trip exactly. We just touched on the overview and left the details out here so as not to repeat ourselves, so be sure to check out our Douro Valley day trip guide for all the details whether you decide to self-drive or sign up for a tour. 

→ Portugal’s Douro Valley: Best Day Trip from Porto

Highlights of the Douro Valley:

• Pastries in Amarante
• Port tasting at multiple wineries in the Douro Valley
• Picnic lunch overlooking the Douro
• Boat ride on the Douro River

Afterwards, return to Porto for dinner and stroll the Cais da Ribeira in the evening.

Day 14: Departing Porto

• Driving time: 3 hours
• Distance: 315 km (195 miles)

AT A GLANCE: This is your final day of this itinerary, depart Porto and make your way back to Lisbon to fly out the next day.

On your final day of this itinerary, you have some options:

1) Fly home from Porto: If you’re able to find a good flight home from Porto, this will save you time by not having to return to Lisbon. 

Note: You will likely have to pay an upcharge for returning your rental car in a different location, but you could scrape 3 days off your car rental by returning it as soon as you arrive in Porto and taking a tour to the Douro Valley instead of self-driving.

2) Fly home from Lisbon: If you have a round trip ticket in and out of Lisbon you may want to book an airport hotel and fly out on your 15th day so you don’t risk missing an international flight. We highly recommend this hotel right by the airport. There’s a pool and onsite restaurant so you don’t have to leave.

• If you choose this option, you can follow the relaxed itinerary below.

3) Add on a trip to Madeira: If you have time, we highly recommend this (fly to Funchal from Porto). We recommend allotting at least 5 days for exploring Madeira and it just so happens we have the perfect route mapped out for you in our Madeira itinerary guide. 

→ One Week Madeira Itinerary for Adventurous Travelers

Morning

If you’re staying an extra night in Lisbon, you can have a slow morning and grab breakfast in Porto. 

Breakfast options in Porto:

• Floresta Cafe by Hungry Biker (pictured)
• Balta Café
• CA Downtown – Brunch • Specialty Coffee • Matcha
• Noshi Coffee

Pack up for your drive back to Lisbon (3 hours without stops)

Optional stops on your drive

• Coimbra: A riverfront city and the country’s former capital is home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra.
• Nazaré: A small surf town famous for the largest waves in the world. Check out the cliffside surf museum.
• Peniche: A seaside town known for good waves and beginner surf.

Lisbon

Spend the evening relaxing by the rooftop pool at your airport hotel. Order burgers from the onsite restaurant and have an early night to prepare for your flight home in the morning.

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Done-for-you Portugal travel itinerary PDF download

Love this free Portugal itinerary but want to take your trip planning to the next level?

We created a done-for-you Portugal itinerary that’s packed with all these details and so much more—including hidden gems we discovered on our own trip, detailed driving routes, and local restaurant recommendations (including what to order!). All in a downloadable PDF that makes planning a breeze.

It’s designed to take all the guesswork (and hours of research!) out of planning your Portugal road trip so you can spend less time glued to your laptop and more time experiencing the iconic cities and hidden gems of this beautiful country. 

If you want a stress-free, ready-to-go plan that shows you exactly how to see the best of Portugal, this is it!

Portugal itinerary map

Want to upgrade your experience in Portugal? 

Maybe itinerary planning isn’t your thing and you’d rather have the freedom to just wing it?

We’ve created a fully interactive, custom map of Portugal that includes all our recommendations and hidden gems. 

Planning your Portugal road trip

Below are a few resources that will make planning your road trip SO much easier. 

Accommodation

If you are following our Portugal travel itinerary exactly, you’ll need to book accommodation in the following places:

• Lisbon: 3 nights
• Azenhas do Mar: 1 night
• Óbidos: 1 night
• Monsanto: 1 night
• Lousã: 2 nights
• Peneda-Gerês: 2 nights
• Porto: 3 nights
• Lisbon airport: 1 night (optional)

Grocery ideas

You’ll need to buy some groceries on this trip (especially in the more off-the-beaten-path areas). Below are some of the items that we found to be easy. Charcuterie dinners were our favorite on this trip!

Breakfasts: 

• Yogurt, granola/museli, fruit
• Avocado toast: eggs (soft boil), avocado, bread
• Drinks: juice, cold brew cans

Lunches: 

• Sandwiches: bread, cheese, mustard, meat, avocado, tomatoes
• Charcuterie: cheese, cured meat, bread, crackers, jam, cheese spread, tinned fish

Snacks: 

• Fruits: berries, cherries, apples
• Veggies: carrots, peppers, tomatoes
• Other: chocolate, cookies, nuts, dried fruit
• Wine

Dinners:

• Charcuterie fixings (same as above)
• Pasta: pasta, pesto, cheese, veggies

Staying connected

We recommend using Airalo to download a local eSIM to stay connected while traveling abroad. We used ours for our entire 3-week trip and had great connection.

→ We have an entire article on how to get cell service abroad that walks you through how to use Airalo and other options to consider. 

Insider tip: We always download an offline version of Google Maps before we take a road trip anywhere in the world.

Transportation

Driving in Portugal is very easy and we highly recommend doing a road trip. This itinerary is set up as such so you’ll need a rental car.

Rental car

Things to know:

• You do not need an international drivers license.
• There are a lot of toll roads; your car rental company should give you a pass so you can get through tolls easily, and you pay at the end.
• Manual transmission cars tend to be much cheaper to rent (be sure you search for the type of vehicle you know how to drive!)
• Roads are well-maintained (even rural roads).
• We didn’t find traffic or other drivers to be bad at all. That said, always pay extra attention in big cities.
• We recommend walking around Lisbon and Porto instead of driving.
• You can most likely decline the optional insurance the rental company offers (since your credit card should cover it).
• If you’re traveling to Madeira, read our tips as it’s totally different from the mainland.

Our advice: We recommend using Discover Cars to compare & book your rental car.

Search & Compare Rental Car Prices

• Discover Cars: We personally use this aggregate site to compare rental car prices from all the big name companies and get the best price possible. 
• Booking.com: We’ve had good experiences finding rental cars with this site (formerly RentalCars.com) in the past. 

Discover Cars

Booking.com

Getting around in big cities

• Bolt: Bolt is often the cheapest and fastest rideshare option in Portugal. It works just like Uber, and cars are usually plentiful in Lisbon and Porto.
• Uber: Uber is widely available in Portugal’s major cities. Prices are a bit higher than Bolt, but many travelers find it more reliable during busy hours.
• Public transportation: Buses, trams, and metros are affordable and well-connected in Lisbon and Porto. It’s the most budget-friendly way to get around, though rides can take longer.

Best time to visit Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal is during the shoulder seasons, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is warm and sunny but the big cities aren’t overrun with summer crowds. You’ll have more breathing room at popular sights, easier restaurant reservations, and better hotel rates. 

Summertime brings long sunny days and lively festivals, but also high heat and heavier crowds, especially in Lisbon and Porto, the Algarve, and the Douro Valley. 

Winter (November to March) is the quietest time to visit, with cooler temperatures and occasional rain, though it’s a great season for city breaks or exploring the southern coast with fewer tourists.

We personally visited Portugal in late-May crossing into early-June and found the weather to be perfect. 

Have more or less time to spend in Portugal?

We’ll give you some of our suggestions for how to adjust this itinerary for different time frames…

Less than 2 weeks

If you have less time, we recommend starting by cutting destinations from the list below based on the season and your preferences:

• Peneda-Gerês National Park: We loved exploring this area, but this would be the first place we’d recommend cutting on this itinerary.
• Monsanto: This was one of our absolute favorite places we went in Portugal, however, it does add quite a bit of driving. We thought it was 100% worth it, but cutting it could be good if you’re tight on time.

More than 2 weeks

Lucky you!

If you have more time, you could easily devote more time to Porto and the Douro Valley as there is so much to explore in each.

If you want to add additional places to this route, here are some more ideas that you could easily fit in with this route:

• Spend a night in the Douro Valley
• Add extra days in whichever places you’d like. We personally would have loved one more night in Porto.
• Add a trip to Madeira.

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Plan your trip to Portugal

From vibrant cities to seaside escapes, we’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect Portugal adventure—from city guides and road trip itineraries to food tips and hidden gems! Start with our Portugal homepage or dive into some of our favorite articles below…

• 3-Day Lisbon Itinerary: Explore Portugal’s lively capital like a pro.
• 2-Day Porto Itinerary: Discover this charming riverside city in a weekend.
• Ultimate Madeira Travel Guide: Important things to know if you’re heading to the island for the first time.
• More articles coming soon!

Don’t miss your chance to grab our Portugal Packing Checklist!

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We want to hear from you!

What did you think of our off-the-beaten-path Portugal travel itinerary? Are you planning a trip and have more questions? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to get back to you!