Tour Portugal
Fly & Drive
Portugal
18-Day Portugal Road Trip
Along the Coast and Through the Countryside
A Diverse Road Trip Through Portugal
A road trip through Portugal like this is something you almost want to keep to yourself. Forget the standard route between Lisbon and Porto, because during this carefully curated 18-day journey you’ll discover a side of Portugal that still feels wonderfully untouched and surprisingly undiscovered. You’ll travel from laid-back surf towns and hidden Atlantic bays to mountain villages where time seems to stand still. Along the way, you’ll stay in handpicked boutique hotels and charming B&Bs surrounded by nature, while discovering places where you’ll barely come across other international travelers. This is far more than just a Portugal road trip. It’s a route designed for travelers who want to go beyond the well-known highlights and experience a more authentic, atmospheric and surprisingly diverse side of the country. A journey filled with hidden gems, incredible food, local wines, historic villages and unforgettable landscapes that will make you wonder why hardly anyone talks about this part of Portugal.
From vibrant Lisbon and the laid-back coastal atmosphere of Cascais and Ericeira, you’ll travel deeper into authentic Portugal via the magical palaces of Sintra. Expect winding mountain roads, ancient schist villages known as the Aldeias do Xisto, hidden valleys, historic towns full of character and viewpoints where you might not see another traveler for hours. Along the way, you’ll taste exceptional Portuguese wines, dine at small family-run restaurants and discover why this lesser-known part of Portugal is so special. The journey ends along the breathtaking Douro River before arriving in the atmospheric city of Porto.
The following destinations are included in the itinerary:
- Lisbon
- Ericeira
- Sertã
- Castelo Novo
- Castelo Rodrigo
- Porto
- Arouca
The best time to plan this Portugal road trip is during April, May, June and September. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging between 20–25°C.
The summer months of July and August are also great for a road trip through Portugal. Just keep in mind that temperatures can rise to around 30°C, and sometimes even higher, especially in the inland regions.
Pricing for this trip is available on request.
To create a fully tailored travel proposal and quotation, we charge a commitment fee of €74.99. If you decide to proceed with the trip, this amount will be deducted from the total cost of your booking.
From vibrant Lisbon and the laid-back coastal atmosphere of Cascais and Ericeira, you’ll travel deeper into authentic Portugal via the magical palaces of Sintra. Expect winding mountain roads, ancient schist villages known as the Aldeias do Xisto, hidden valleys, historic towns full of character and viewpoints where you might not see another traveler for hours. Along the way, you’ll taste exceptional Portuguese wines, dine at small family-run restaurants and discover why this lesser-known part of Portugal is so special. The journey ends along the breathtaking Douro River before arriving in the atmospheric city of Porto.
The following destinations are included in the itinerary:
- Lisbon
- Ericeira
- Sertã
- Castelo Novo
- Castelo Rodrigo
- Porto
- Arouca
The best time to plan this Portugal road trip is during April, May, June and September. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging between 20–25°C.
The summer months of July and August are also great for a road trip through Portugal. Just keep in mind that temperatures can rise to around 30°C, and sometimes even higher, especially in the inland regions.
Pricing for this trip is available on request.
For preparing a travel proposal including quotation we charge €74,99. When the travel proposal is approved we will deduct these costs from the total sum of the trip.
The itinerary
You start your journey in Lisbon, a city you don’t want to see in a single day, but rather let unfold layer by layer. These first days are all about atmosphere, food, viewpoints, and settling into the rhythm of the city.
Belém is one of the city’s classic highlights: here you’ll visit the impressive Jerónimos Monastery and, of course, try a warm Pastéis de Belém. But this is just one small part of Lisbon.
Because even in these first days, you’ll already venture beyond the city itself. You cross the bridge heading south and discover the untouched Portinho da Arrábida, a hidden bay in the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. Think turquoise waters, limestone cliffs and an almost tropical feel. All just under an hour from Lisbon.
Afterwards, you continue to Azeitão, an authentic wine and gastronomy region where everything revolves around flavour and tradition. Think creamy Queijo de Azeitão, historic wineries, and local sweets like Tortas de Azeitão.
You can start these days with a rental car, but a private transfer with a guide is also a great option to ease into the journey. No stress leaving the city, just a relaxed start with immediate context at the places you visit.
You leave Lisbon and head out towards the Atlantic coast, where the journey immediately shifts in pace: rougher, greener and more free.
Your first stop is Cascais, an elegant coastal town where you can take in the sea breeze and gently leave the city behind. Not far from here lies Praia do Guincho, an impressive beach in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Wind, powerful waves, dunes and an untouched Atlantic feel make this a truly striking stop.
But don’t miss the lush green interior of Sintra either. You’ll visit the iconic Pena Palace, but also its quiet contrast: the hidden Convento dos Capuchos, a simple 16th-century monastery almost completely absorbed by the forest. Two completely different faces of the same magical setting.
At the end of the day, drive on to Ericeira, a charming fishing village and Europe's first World Surfing Reserve. Here everything is about sea, simplicity and a relaxed surf vibe. Our very best tip here? Lunch at Clube Naval. A no-nonsense seafood restaurant on the harbor that you might not walk into right away, but where you eat the best, freshly caught fish of the day.
You leave the coast of Ericeira behind and head into the quiet inland, where Portugal suddenly feels even more authentic.
You stay in Sertã, in a former monastery that has been transformed into a unique place to stay, a peaceful base surrounded by greenery. The Zêzere River winds through the landscape and is known as one of the cleanest rivers in Europe. This region is perfect for both short walks and more challenging hikes. And an extra highlight: a picnic with local products in the middle of vast, untouched nature.
In this region you’ll find the Aldeias do Xisto: 27 authentic schist villages scattered across the hills of Central Portugal. One of the highlights is Casal de São Simão, considered one of the most beautiful of these villages. In the nearby village of Figueira, you can take part in a local cooking workshop, where you’ll learn how to bake traditional tigelada beirã in a communal wood-fired oven.
Other excursions you shouldn’t miss include Tomar, home to the impressive UNESCO-listed Convento de Cristo, the fairytale-like village of Dornes, and the historic university city of Coimbra.
The journey continues towards the foothills of the Serra da Estrela mountains, where small hilltop villages, castles and winding roads shape the landscape.
You will stay in Castelo Novo, one of Portugal's 12 historic villages (Aldeias Históricas de Portugal). This atmospheric village is set against the Serra da Gardunha like an amphitheater, and it feels as if time has stood still here. Narrow streets, old mansions, running mountain water and views of the surrounding nature everywhere.
You’ll be staying in a small, atmospheric accommodation in the heart of the historic village, where the original character has been beautifully preserved. Expect a peaceful garden, wellness facilities and views over the stone houses of Castelo Novo.
From Castelo Novo, you can explore some of the most beautiful historic villages in Portugal, such as Monsanto, where houses are built between enormous granite boulders, the charming Belmonte, and the mountain village of Linhares da Beira, with sweeping views over the surrounding landscape. This part of Portugal feels rugged, pure and still wonderfully undiscovered.
You continue on to Castelo Rodrigo. This medieval fortified village near the Spanish border is full of history, with ancient city walls, narrow streets and sweeping views over the rugged landscape. Along the way, you can stop in Trancoso and the impressive village of Almeida, known for its unique star-shaped fortifications.
You’ll be staying in a small, intimate guesthouse where you immediately feel at home. The owners are incredibly welcoming, there’s a beautiful swimming pool, and evenings are spent enjoying good food and spontaneous conversations with fellow travellers. One of those places you’ll secretly wish you had booked a few nights longer.
From Castelo Rodrigo, you can head out towards the Douro River, where terraced vineyards, port houses and winding mountain roads shape the landscape. A boat trip here is an absolute must. Tip: bring some local delicacies on board, or stop along the way at a traditional little shop selling homemade olive oil, cheeses, almonds and other regional products. One of those hidden spots you only hear about through locals (and through us!).
A special experience in this region is an evening excursion to the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, where you’ll explore ancient Paleolithic rock engravings with a guide. As the sun sets, this UNESCO site takes on an almost magical atmosphere.
After all the quiet villages and nature, Porto feels completely different. Lively, atmospheric and full of character. Four days here are absolutely no luxury, because Porto isn’t about ticking off highlights, but about wandering through the streets, enjoying long lunches, tasting port and soaking up the true Portuguese city life.
You’ll discover colourful streets, lively squares, local markets and, of course, the famous port houses along the Douro. But it’s just beyond the well-known spots where you’ll find the real gems: the best restaurants, hidden wine bars and small cafés where life mostly happens outdoors.
From Porto, you can easily take a day trip into the Douro Valley, but the city’s atmosphere alone is enough to fill several days without any effort.
After all the impressions of the past weeks, you’ll end your journey in Arouca. And it honestly doesn’t get much better than this. For us, this was one of the biggest surprises of the entire trip through Portugal.
You’ll be staying in a place that was, for us, one of the true hidden gems of the entire trip. A stylish stay in a centuries-old monastery, where history and luxury come together in a truly special way. Wander through serene cloister corridors and take in views of the gardens and surrounding mountains. There’s also a beautiful swimming pool and a spa, perfect for fully unwinding after two weeks on the road. This is where you’re truly looked after, ending the journey with a well-deserved touch of luxury.
But Arouca isn’t just about relaxing. The surrounding area is also perfect for one final adventure in nature. Here you’ll find the famous 516 Arouca, a spectacular 516-metre-long suspension bridge. The region is part of the UNESCO Arouca Geopark, known for its rugged landscapes, waterfalls, deep gorges and fascinating geology. It’s a great place for hiking, kayaking and even canyoning.
Prefer to end your trip in Porto? That’s absolutely possible. This entire itinerary is fully tailor-made, so it’s easy to add extra days in any destination along the way. That flexibility is exactly what makes this route so special. It’s not a standard road trip, but a journey that truly fits your personal way of travelling.
An impression of the road trip
Feel free to reach out with any questions!
This Portugal road trip is meant as inspiration, but will ultimately be fully tailored to your wishes. Prefer more charming guesthouses or a few extra luxury wellness stays? A stronger focus on gastronomy, wine and exceptional restaurants, or more nature, hikes and hidden villages? Everything is possible.
We’re also happy to think along with you when it comes to transport. This route works perfectly with a rental car, but parts of the journey can also be arranged with private transfers, guides or additional excursions for an even more relaxed experience.
The result is not a standard road trip, but a route filled with places and experiences that truly suit you.
An impression of the road trip
Still have questions?
