1-week road trip in Portugal: from Lisbon to Porto

Between sea and mountains, historic cities and picturesque villages, Portugal is such a diversified country that it's hard to know where to start.  

I suggest an itinerary starting from Lisbon, the enchanting and lively capital, to Porto, the romantic of the north, passing through must-see destinations such as Sintra, Aveiro, and the Douro Valley.

Fasten your seatbelt, this one-week road trip in Portugal will immerse you in the unique colors and flavors of this country full of surprises.
 

Summary of the best one-week road trip in Portugal
 

Day 1 : Lisbon 

Welcome to Lisbon! It is in the Portuguese capital that your one-week road trip in Portugal begins. Try to find a flight that gets you there in the morning or early afternoon to have time to enjoy it. 

After dropping off your luggage at your accommodation, immerse yourself in the Lisbon vibe by heading towards the Alfama district. Typical and picturesque, let yourself wander through this maze of alleys, each prettier than the last. 

Start with the Sé Cathedral before climbing up to the Saint George's Castle, which perched on one of Lisbon's 7 hills offers a breathtaking view of the city. Then head to the viewpoints Largo das Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia, not far from each other, which also offer a magnificent panorama of the city.

A must-do experience in Lisbon, board the emblematic tram 28 up to the Bairro Alto, a lively district famous for Lisbon's nightlife. 

Practical tip: from the airport, you can reach the center of Lisbon by taxi or bus thanks to the Aerobus line 1 which runs every 20 minutes between 8 am and 9 pm.

Day 2 : Lisbon 

For your second day in Portugal, start with the must-see Belém district, located west of the city on the banks of the Tagus River. You can discover the famous Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument of Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos). Do not leave here without tasting the famous "pastéis de Belém" in the famous pastry shop of the same name.

Before returning to the city center, make a short stop in the trendy LX Factory district. A former industrial area, this unusual neighborhood is home to more than 50 designer stores, art galleries, restaurants, and bars.

Continue towards the district of Baixa, which houses the city's main square, the Praça do Comércio, as well as numerous shops. Right next door, the Chiado district, is appreciated for its bustling shopping streets and beautiful building façades. Art lovers will not miss the Chiado Museum to discover contemporary Portuguese art.

Day 3 : Cascais / Sintra / Obidos (146 km) 

Your one-week road trip in Portugal, from Lisbon to Porto starts today. 

Pick up your rental car in Lisbon, heading towards Cascais, a charming town located 30 km away. Enjoy your morning exploring the old town by strolling through the narrow streets and admiring the colorful houses typical of the region. The market square is an excellent place to grab a coffee and watch local life. Take a walk to the marina or enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Ribeira Beach before heading to Boca do Inferno, a picturesque rock formation by the sea that overlooks the Portuguese coastline. Seeing the waves pour into this "hell's mouth" is quite impressive. Just a 10-minute walk from the Cascais marina, it's a must-visit for anyone visiting the region.

Dedicate the second part of your day to Sintra, famous for its magnificent palaces and castles, such as the Palácio Nacional de Sintra, the Pena Palace, and the Moorish Castle, which offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. You can also stroll through the lush gardens of Monserrate Palace or explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. 

At the end of the day, head back on the road towards Obidos where you will spend the night.  Wandering through the medieval streets of the city is so enjoyable. 

After this busy day full of discoveries, sit down on a terrace and enjoy a Ginja de Obidos, a typical Portuguese cherry liqueur, served in edible chocolate cups.

Calculate the price of your car hire in Portugal

 

Day 4 : Peniche / Nazaré / Coimbra (200 km) 

If you did not have enough time the day before to enjoy Obidos, take a moment before hitting the road to wander through its alleys and visit some of the many churches the city has to offer. Among them, the church of Santa Maria is a must-see. 

First stop of your day on the road: Peniche. Visit its Fortress, built on a rock, offering a panoramic view of the sea. The town itself is not fantastic but that’s not the case for its beaches, which are well known among surfers. There's also the possibility to take a boat trip to the Berlengas archipelago, a real paradise for hiking and scuba diving enthusiasts.

Continue your discovery of Portugal towards Nazaré, famous for its giant waves that attract professional surfers from around the world before heading to Coimbra where you will spend the night.

Day 5 : Aveiro (63 km) 

For this new stage of your road trip in Portugal, you will spend a bit less time on the road. It’s nice to be able to settle down as well, after all, it’s vacation !

Coimbra is a city that is both historical and university, very pleasant to visit. Its city center with its cobblestone streets, its many churches, and its superb Joanina library will keep you occupied for a good part of the morning. 

If you are with family, I recommend visiting Portugal dos Pequenitos, a miniature theme park where children can discover the most famous monuments of Portugal through scale reproductions. It’s educational and fun!

Then head towards Aveiro, nicknamed the "Portuguese Venice", thanks to its picturesque canals lined with colorful houses and traditional boats called "moliceiros".  

If you love architecture, don't miss the church of Jesus, a baroque church adorned with really impressive gilded wood sculptures. If you prefer to enjoy the sun and rest a bit, the beaches of Barra and Costa Nova, located near Aveiro, are the perfect place for some relaxation.

Day 6 : Douro Valley (166 km) 

Today, move away from the Portuguese coast to discover the picturesque region of the Douro Valley.

Start your visit to the region by stopping at the Pinhão village, located by the Douro, amidst the vineyards. Visit its station, famous for its azulejos (typical Portuguese ceramic tiles) that depict the landscapes of the Douro Valley, the Port wine cellars, or simply enjoy a Douro cruise to peacefully appreciate the lush landscapes of the valley.

For an exceptional view of the town and its surroundings, climb up to the viewpoint of Casal de Loivos to enjoy an exceptional view of the surrounding landscapes and the town.

Then take your rental car to head to Amarante where you will spend the night. 

Day 7 : Porto (62 km) 

The last stop of your road trip for a week in Portugal: Porto.

Leave Amarante early to arrive in Porto by late morning.

Start your visit by discovering the Ribeira, the historic district of the city located on the banks of the Douro. Here, you will find narrow streets lined with colorful houses, cafes, and restaurants with views of the river, as well as many bridges to admire the boats navigating on the calm waters of the Douro.

It's the time to think about bringing back souvenirs from Portugal, right? Combine the useful with the pleasant by going to the other side of the river, to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit one of the famous Porto wine cellars. In addition to tasting the different types of Port wines, you can learn how this typical Portuguese wine is produced and how it is aged in oak barrels.

End your day by admiring the panoramic view from the Clérigos Tower, located in the Rua das Flores district. This 76-meter-high tower offers a breathtaking view of the city and the Douro River. It’s an ideal photo spot for panoramic pictures of Porto.

Day 8 : Porto 

Your road trip in Portugal is coming to an end.

Start the day with the magnificent Avenue des Aliados, stretching for 250 meters between Praça da Liberdade, close to Sao Bento Station, and the City Hall. Admire the art deco and art nouveau facades that line the square, as well as the fountains and statues that are scattered around.

Next, head to the majestic Porto Cathedral, another must-visit in the city. Dating from the 12th century, this cathedral is an example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and offers a panoramic view of the city from its terrace.

If you have some time left before returning to the airport, stop by the trendy neighborhood of Rua Miguel Bombarda, known for its art galleries, design shops, and trendy cafes. Here, you will also find the Lello bookstore, which inspired author J.K. Rowling for her Harry Potter series. This bookstore is known for its spiral staircase and Art Nouveau decoration. A magical place for all fans of the series.

As someone who loves Portugal, I will tell you that if you have the opportunity, do not hesitate to devote more time to explore this beautiful country.

However, this one-week itinerary, spanning 8 days / 7 nights in Portugal between Lisbon and Porto, is the ideal opportunity to discover its cultural and natural treasures. 

I'm willing to bet that this memorable trip will make you want to come back and explore more of this multifaceted country. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them in the space provided below.