If you live in the US you’re not exactly short of epic road trip choices. The sheer scale of the country can make that intimidating though. Europe offers something different – smaller countries, less driving and more rewards. One of my favorites is a Portugal road trip.
Blessed with wonderful weather, long history and gorgeous coastlines, Portugal is a fascinating and fabulous country to explore. Its variety means there’s something for everyone, from history buffs to oenophiles, surfers to sun worshippers. And as it’s only 135 miles wide and 349 miles long, nothing is ever that far away. From when and where to go to what car to rent, here’s how to do your Portugal road trip right.
How do I get to Portugal from the US?
The two main airports in Portugal are in its two biggest cities, Lisbon. Both sit on the Atlantic coast, Porto to the north and Lisbon to the south. Their respective locations make great access points from which to start your road trip, depending on where you’re going.
You can fly direct to Lisbon and to Porto from major US airports, where you’ll also find plenty of car rental options. If you’re focussing your trip in the Algarve to the far south, connecting flights to Faro are cheap, quick and regular.
What sort of vehicle should I rent for a Portugal road trip?
Portugal’s freeways and minor roads are generally in good condition. You can base your car choice on who you’re traveling with, be it family or friends, and the type of trip you’re taking. If you’re staying at hotels, a standard car or SUV will be fine. If you’re planning on using the country’s many campgrounds, you can rent an RV from dedicated companies. And as much of Portugal is sun-soaked for much of the year, a convertible is seldom a bad idea.
When is the best time to take a Portugal road trip?
Portugal’s southern location treats it to more sun than most European countries. Average temperatures in Lisbon sit above 60°F from April till the end of October, peaking in the mid-70s in August (data sourced from weatherbase.com). It’s usually accompanied by clear blue skies. Thanks to its relatively long and narrow geography, the weather is significantly hotter and drier in the south than it is in the north. On my week-long trip through the Algarve last August, there wasn’t a single day where the thermometer dropped below 100°F!
That also makes it drier than most. Rain is all but an afterthought in the high summer months, averaging just 6mm in July and August. But with December, the wettest month, seeing only 122mm of rain on average, the weather is never bad enough to make a road trip untenable.
Unsurprisingly, late spring and early summer are the most popular tourist months. Lisbon is the most popular destination in Portugal, at its busiest in April and May. Although the summer months see similarly high numbers for flight searches. Porto’s popularity peaks in the summer months July and August. Faro remains popular into September and October, the warmer southern weather lasting longer into fall.
I love road tripping most in late spring and early fall, when the daytime temperatures don’t make driving a sweaty chore. It gives you the best of all worlds. It’s warm enough to still enjoy the beaches and the surf is more reliable than summer months. There are enough tourists to mean sleepier bars and restaurants are open for business, but not enough to fill them. Roads and attractions aren’t too busy – though that’s seldom the case outside of the cities at any time in Portugal.
How much does a Portugal road trip cost?
Before you start booking, it’s handy to get an idea of how much a road trip in Portugal will cost you. Here are some data for guidance, calculated by comparing hundreds of travel providers.
- Average price for a round trip flight from New York to Lisbon: $911
- Average price for one night in a double hotel room in Lisbon: 135 euros (approx. $143)
- Average price for one night in a hostel in Lisbon: 64 euros (approx. $68)
- Average daily rate for a rental car in Lisbon: 42 euros (approx. $44)
- Cost of 1 gallon of gas in Portugal: 6,91 euros (according to numbeo.com in March 2024)
The global cost for a seven-day road trip in Portugal, covering 274 miles, staying in hotels, and using 13 gallons of gas, would be approximately 1,300 euros (around $1,400) for two travelers (660 euros or around $700 per person).
Staying at campgrounds would also significantly reduce your accommodation costs, although the higher cost of renting an RV over a car may wipe out that saving. And of course, if you’re traveling with more people you may be able to share some of the costs.
Inland spas: a Portugal road trip in 7 days
This is a fun road trip into inland Portugal, perfect if you’re flying into Porto. You’ll encounter a mix of stunning spa towns, gorgeous wild spaces and historic cities along the way. It may not cover a huge distance but there’s a lot to see and do – and you can go any time of year.
Day 1: Porto
Portugal’s namesake city is a wonderful starting point. It offers lots of car rental options and all the facilities you need to prepare and stock up for your trip. Welcoming and convenient, historic and captivating, it’s a lovely introductory taste to Portugal.
Where to stay in Porto: The Rebello has the highest KAYAK ratings and best riverside views in the city
Day 2: Guimarães
Distance from Porto: 34 miles
Inland to the north lies the city of Guimarães with its eye-popping World Heritage city center. Climb to the hilltop 10th century Guimarães Castle for awesome views over the landscape you’re road tripping through.
Where to stay near Guimarães: The five-star Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães is simply incredible
Day 3: Curia
Distance from Guimarães: 90 miles
Curia is a spa town famed for its Belle Epoque-era mansions. Many are now beautiful hotels housing thermal spas once loved by the Romans for their therapeutic properties. Float, recuperate and revel in them like the Romans did.
Expert tip: On route, consider a detour to Aveiro on the coast. Explore its historic art nouveau center and float down its canals on one of the colorful barcos moliceiros.
Where to stay in Curia: The Curia Palace Hotel & Spa is blow-your-socks-off beautiful
Day 4: Luso
Distance from Curia: 10 miles
The spa town of Luso is perhaps Portugal’s most famous water source. Thermal baths proliferate and healing waters pour freely from fountains. Nearby, my favorite part of inland Portugal – Buçaco forest. Cultivated by solitude-seeking Carmelite monks since the sixth century, it’s one of the richest and most exotic spaces in Europe. Spend the day hiking here to revitalize your senses before calming them again in a Luso spa.
Where to stay near Luso: The Palace Hotel do Bussaco in the heart of the forest is my favorite hotel in Portugal
Day 5: Coimbra
Distance from Luso: 20 miles
The riverfront city of Coimbra is an atmospheric ascent (literally – it’s hilly!) into the Portugal of old. Its beautifully preserved medieval old town is home to the historic University of Coimbra, renowned for its Baroque library and bell tower. It’s a lovely place to watch the sunset from.
Where to stay in Coimbra: The República Guest House by the university has the best KAYAK ratings in the city
Day 6: Caramulo
Distance from Coimbra: 50 miles
Heading back north, a stop at Caramulo takes you into the mountains where the air is so clean it has long drawn visitors seeking cures for breathing ailments. Its center is crisscrossed by Art Deco buildings and abandoned sanatoriums; its outskirts are crisscrossed by magical mountain trails delivering breathtaking views. Aptly for a road trip, it’s also home to the Museo do Caramulo, a truly unique car museum housing some of the world’s most extraordinary supercars.
Where to stay in Caramulo: The Beecaramulo Apitourismo farm stay has gorgeous mountain views, especially from the Jacuzzi
Day 7: Porto
Distance from Caramulo: 70 miles
Finish your trip back in beautiful Porto. Drop off your car and spend your last day or days sipping its famed port wine in chic and rustic bars overlooking the Douro River. Historic Ribeira is the riverside district where narrow cobbled streets look pulled from an ancient painting.
Head to the coast: a Portugal road trip in 10 days
This Portugal road trip itinerary takes in the best of the country’s 513-mile coast. Heading south from the capital, it snakes into the Algarve taking in coastlines on the Atlantic and Gulf of Cadiz. Spectacular and sun-soaked, it’s a road trip best suited to the summer months.
Day 1: Lisbon
Portugal’s capital is a buzzing modern metropolis dressed in the grandeur of old. Steep, tilting streets connect grungy atmospheric barrios with splendid esplanades that spill onto a sleekly developed waterfront. Unwind for a night from a long flight before hitting the road south.
Where to stay in Lisbon: Gaspar House is a fantastic blend of value, style and quality
Day 2: Cascais
Distance from Lisbon: 19 miles
Before staring south in earnest, a quick side trip west to charming, seaside Cascais. Stroll its lovely promenade, stop off for a dip in the Atlantic at Praia da Rainha with views up to the stunning Palacete Seixtas. End your day at the Boca do Inferno cliff formation, aptly translated as Hell’s Mouth.
Where to stay in Cascais: Go all out at The Albatroz, a stunning five-star clifftop mansion
Day 3: Setúbal
Distance from Cascais: 56 miles
Setúbal is one of the best seafood towns in Portugal, which is saying something. Spend a day boating out into the crystal clear waters of Arrábida Natural Park and swim at Praia do Portinho da Arrábida, one of Portugal’s most stunning beaches. Stop off at a local winery on the way back to taste the famed Moscatel de Setúbal fortified wine. Soak up the alcohol over a dinner of dried cuttlefish, the town’s most famous dish (it’s salty and delicious.)
Where to stay in Setúbal: In the heart of the city, Pêpa Guesthouse is the best KAYAK rated stay under $80
Day 4: Sagres
Distance from Setúbal: 182 miles
Drive three hours south and you’ll arrive in the sizzling Algarve on Portugal’s south coast. Sandy and dry with spectacular beaches and dramatic cliffs, it’s a different world from the Atlantic coast. Make straight for Sagres and Praia da Cordoama, a sprawling rock and sand beach that’s a favorite with surfers.
Where to stay in Sagres: Memmo Baleeira is my pick in Sagres for its grand views over the surf
Day 5: Albufeira
Distance from Sagres: 53 miles
It may only take an hour to get to Albufeira east along the coast, but my advice is not to rush it. Take some of those dead end coastal roads you pass on the road – you’ll likely end up in some sleepy fishing village with a world-class beach and fresh-as-it-gets seafood. Then, of course there are the waterparks – whether you have kids or not Slide & Splash is a hilarious way to wash off the dust of the road.
Where to stay in Albufeira: The W Algarve is the funnest, funkiest hotel on the entire coast
Day 6: Faro
Distance from Albufeira: 28 miles
Faro may be old but it’s also a major tourist town. Its historic center buzzes with al fresco cafés, loud bars and mixed quality restaurants. Take a boat trip to Rio Formosa Natural Park to swap tourists for wildlife or rent a kayak at nearby Benagil to explore the extraordinary caves pockmarking the coast.
Where to stay in Faro: Chic À da Avó is a gorgeous guesthouse in the heart of Faro for under $80
Day 7: Figueira da Foz
Distance from Faro: 280 miles
The longest drive takes you back north of Lisbon to Figueira da Foz. The archetypal seaside town, it’s all grand esplanades, vast groomed beaches and wonderful seafood restaurants. Just south of town is Praia do Cabedelo is one of the area’s best surfing beaches.
Where to stay in Figueira da Foz: Bachareis Charming House is the best rated KAYAK stay and costs just $80 a night
Day 8: Nazaré
Distance from Figueira da Foz: 57 miles
A short scenic drive south takes you to the now infamous town of Nazaré. If you’re lucky, you may get to see one of nature’s greatest shows – the world’s biggest waves breaking just offshore and the surfers daring enough to ride them. They’re best viewed from the historic cliff top lighthouse, Farol da Nazaré.
Where to stay in Nazaré: Batata is an oceanfront gem with great views at budget prices
Day 9: Sintra
Distance from Nazaré: 81 miles
The penultimate leg takes you into the fairytale town of Sintra with its elaborate Pena and Monserrate palaces. Explore the lush gardens and underground tunnels of Quinta da Regaleira and refuel on classic local travesseiro pastries.
Where to stay near Sintra: Budget friendly, highly rated Galo Preto has views up to Pena Palace
Day 10: Lisbon
Distance from Sintra: 18 miles
It’s a short hop back into Lisbon to drop off the car and spend another day (or more) soaking up all that Portugal’s capital has to offer.
It’s a short hop back into Lisbon to drop off the car and spend another day (or more) soaking up all that Portugal’s capital has to offer.
Top to bottom: the ultimate 2 week road trip in Portugal
A two-week trip means you can tackle the spine of Portugal and take in every aspect of the country. There’s a single road perfect for just such a trip – Portugal’s longest and once the country’s main thoroughfare: the Estrada Nacional 2.
Better known simply as the N2, it runs 459 miles from Chaves at its northern border to Faro in the Algarve. Perfectly dissecting the country east to west from top to toe, it has become the country’s most popular road trip. It’s known as the Portuguese Route 66.
The N2 passes through Portugal’s rural heartland, starting in the mountainous Douro region and running through every landscape to the olive fields of the Alentejo. Along the way, ancient cities and towns, easy diversions to the coast, wild landscapes and an endless staple of delicious regional foods. This is an end-to-end road trip where you’ll fly into Porto and out of Faro.
Expert tip: The N2 comes with its own passport from the tourist offices in Chaves and Faro, which you can get stamped at more than 35 stops en route. It makes for a lovely memento.
How does KAYAK know what to put in this guide?
My oldest friend has lived in Portugal for 20 years. Together we’ve road tripped most of this amazing country in search of empty surf breaks, amazing hiking and fine wines. This guide mixes those experiences and itineraries with many of the classic Portugal attractions. It should have a little something for everyone no matter your tastes – just like the country itself.
The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author's personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.
