Portugal Road Trip: FULL 14-Day Itinerary

Beautiful nature, perfect beaches for surfing, buzzing metropoles and scenic hinterland mountains, waterfalls and lush green parks – the list of reasons why you should visit Portugal is endless.

To make it easier for you to book that flight and go, I have put together the ideal itinerary with all the best placed in Portugal for you, so that you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to a maximum.

How Long To Plan For A Road Trip To Portugal

This itinerary is designed for 10 to 14 days. If you have more time, you will also find alternative places to see and things to do which are close to the original route. I will point them out as we go.

You should at least have 7 days for your trip, the more time you have the more awesome things you will see and experience – but of course, you already know that.

Best Time To Do A Road Trip in Portugal

Portugal can offer you a perfect climate pretty much all year round. Depending on the season you might only have to alternate your route a bit, as hot summer days are mostly better spent at the beach or even better, right in the ocean.

In general, the two best seasons to go road-tripping around this amazing country are spring and autumn. The advantage: You will neither freeze to death nor die of heat stroke. Also, the amount of other travellers around is decent. So if you’re up for a chat here and there, you will almost always find someone around, but if you like to enjoy sightseeing without a vast crowd of tourists you will not be disappointed either.

There are plenty of options for moving around the country and public transport works mostly just fine. As some destinations like the surfy town of Peniche may not be reachable directly via train though, I think the best way to go exploring in Portugal is road tripping.

However, when planning your trip, do not underestimate the time you will need for the road. Yes, distances on the map look like they are nothing, but roads in Portugal especially in the hinterland tend to be extremely curvy. So be aware: Calculate more time and take your time. Enjoying the scenery does have its upsides after all!

Where To Camp & Sleep

If you are among the lucky ones to travel in a motorhome or campervan, there are two things I would like to make you aware of. First, apart from few signs across the country which forbid you to camp right there, you can park your home and stay in it almost anywhere. And hey, who doesn’t love waking up to the sound of the waves and having breakfast right by the beach?

Besides, when travelling in a campervan, you’ve got your stuff right by your side, the vans are fully equipped and you are completely flexible without having to look for a hotel to spend the night. Campsites can be easily found online. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, calculating your expenses will be easier simply because you pay the rent for the vehicle via credit card upfront and additional expenses will only be the fuel and the highway tolls.

If you happen not to travel in a campervan, maybe the accommodation alternatives I give during the article will come in handy for you. Here’s a day-by-day itinerary of how you make the most of your trip to Portugal.

Day 1: Getting To Porto & Getting Organised

Even though flying to Lisbon and Faro is also a good option to begin your journey, I decided to start in Porto. There are many cheap flights from everywhere around Europe.

In Porto, I picked up my beautiful and comfortable home for this two-week road trip – named ‘Sunshine’ of The Getaway Van.

Arriving in an unfamiliar country and setting, the first thing to do is get accustomed. For me, that meant getting to know the inside of the van, setting up my portable Wi-Fi router and browsing through the maps and travel tips that were displayed inside the door of the van. You can get this kind of information anywhere though. So, go and park your vehicle at the Parque da Alfândega. The parking space here is fairly cheap and it’s close enough to walk to the city center, find yourself a nice café and if you haven’t done it yet, get organised for the following days.

Then, in the late afternoon, find yourselves a spot along one of the beaches of Canidelo which is not exactly Porto, but belongs to Vila Nova de Gaia, the city on the other side of the Douro River. An amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean, great food, relaxing music, a glass of wine and a good talk with your travel buddy will set you in the right mood for your trip.

Unique Things to Explore Near Porto

If you hop in your vehicle and drive South from Canidelo, after about 17 minutes you will reach the Capela do Senhor da Pedra. This beautifully renovated, extraordinary chapel happens to sit right at the beach and will enchant you big time with its magical interior and the amazing view towards the ocean.

Camping in Porto

When darkness sets in, you might want to take your car along the Douro River and be amazed by the city lights, the bridges and the stars. When you’ve had your fill of the view, Camping Orbitur Canidelo is a good campsite to stay the night, the staff is friendly and the showers are hot.

Hotel Accommodation In Porto

Vincci Porto

The Vincci Porto Hotel is conveniently situated only 3.2 km from the city center, so the city’s top attractions are easily accessible. Cool staff and clean and comfortable rooms you will be able to put up your feet after a long day of walking and sightseeing and enjoy the river view with a glass of wine.

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Reis de Gaia

For a cheaper option, it is a smart idea to look for a hotel on the other side of the Douro River, in Vila Nova de Gaia. Distanced about 20km from the airport, but very close to the main city sights, the recently renovated Hotel Reia de Gaia with free Wi-Fi and big clean rooms is the ideal place to re-energize for the next day’s city adventure.

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Day 2: Explore Porto

If you are interested in history and you don’t mind walking for a longer period, then I recommend doing a free walking tour around Porto’s streets, sights and history with Porto Walkers. 

You’ll be taken around the city by a local guide for about four hours and get great insights and background information about the so-called capital of the North and visit many, many different churches and other ancient sights.

Plus, you get to enjoy an incredible variety of Azulejos – the beautiful and elaborate tiles Portugal is oh-so-famous for being seen everywhere, on houses, metro stations and park benches.

Later on, indulge in Porto’s delicious food, splurge away in small iconic cafés, like Antiga Leiteria in Rua de Passos Manuel and taste what Porto is world famous for: port wine!

Note: If you’re interested in such a thing you can expand your port wine experience by doing a port wine tour with Porto Walkers which is organised daily apart from Monday and will cost you 20 Euros and additional four hours of your time starting in the afternoon.

Got More Time To Spend In Porto?

If you have more time to spare, you might want to have a look around the Cristal Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal) in the city centre or walk up to the lookout up top on the Southern side of the Luís I Bridge (Ponte Luís I) – it’s the car park Parking Puente Oporto on Google Maps.

The best shots of Porto have been taken up there and you will have a truly fantastic view over the city.

For the active ones, how about renting a bicycle and experiencing Porto by driving along either side of the Douro River? As I eventually ran out of time, I haven’t done that, but I so want to go for it the next time I’m around as locals have recommended it as an amazing activity.

If you’re a little bit into fast food and like to experiment with the region's culinary tastes, Porto will be a good place to try the famous Francisinha which is something like the national dish of Porto.

Actually, I was told there is not one national dish, but many regional dishes that are famous and Francisinha seems to be something very particular to Porto, so a must-try here!

I had a taste of it at Labo B Café in Porto and have to admit, it’s not really my thing. Luckily, I found so many other delicious things to try, for example, the awesome Pastel de Nata. Yummy!

Day 3: Porto to Viana do Castelo

What To Do In Viana Do Castelo

Right by the estuary of the Lima River, between the ocean and the mountains, lies the jewel of Costa Verda, Viana do Castelo. This highly traditional city is only 70 kilometres and a mere 50-minute drive on the highway from Porto and does not only score with Medieval architecture and streets, but you can also dream away on one of the many sandy beaches by the suburbs.

Up high on the Hill of Santa Luzia is the spectacular Santuário de Santa Luzia, a 20th-century monumental temple offering one of the world’s finest panoramas by overlooking a huge part of Lima Valley and the river estuary. You can either walk up the hill, take your car or climb up by cable car. It’s 2 Euros one-way or 3 Euros for a round trip. There is no entrance fee to go inside the sanctuary, but if you want to climb up to the balcony to enjoy an even better panorama you will have to pay 0,80 Euros which is close to nothing for this magical experience.

Just remember to check the opening hours which differ from 8:00 to 19:00 from April to September and 8:00 to 17:00 from October to March. Besides, don’t get annoyed by the many hawkers who will try to sell you little touristy things.

Back in the streets of Viana do Castelo, have a delicious vegetarian lasagne at Tasquina de Praça and spend the day browsing through several rustic shops selling the famous Viana heart, taste plenty of different sorts of pastéis and marvel at the many historic buildings and sights like the 16th-century town hall of the city on Praça da República Square.

Things You Should Know About Viana Do Castelo

Viana do Castelo is well known for its unusual amount of religious celebrations and public festivals. For example, if you are around in August check out the Feasts of Nossa Senhora da Agonia, a four-day festival of colourful costumes and processions, traditional dishes and music all over the city.

Also held at the end of every semester is the graduation ceremony for Viana students which will leave you speechless observing the student masses in traditional clothing covered in ribbons occupying the streets with speaking choirs and celebrating freely and uninhibitedly. It’s worth witnessing for sure.

Camping In Viana Do Castelo

There is an Orbitur campsite at Cabedelo, but we decided to go bush and sleep in the woods. Yep, that's right, because wild camping in a campervan is allowed in Portugal. So we spent the night in the middle of nowhere a bit North of Viana and enjoyed pasta and some wine combined with great conversations in front of the campfire. I loved it!

Anyway, wherever you decide to stay the night, don’t sleep too close to the ocean and mind the tide. Otherwise, you will wake up to a surprise, or well, with wet feet (nope, that actually didn't happen to me, I was warned before).

Hotel Accommodation In Viana Do Castelo

Hotel Laranjeira

Only half a kilometre away from the ocean, the picturesque Laranjeira Hotel can be found in the heart of the city. With its panoramic views of the city, the Santa Luzia Sanctuary and the Atlantic Ocean, the Hotel will not disappoint you. Splurge away on their rich and delicious breakfast which is included in the price before heading out for a surf.

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Day 4: From Viana Do Castelo To Gerês National Park

Before moving on the next day, how about some surfing? You will be amazed by the huge surfing community in Portugal’s North. They tackle the waves in every weather and truly love it – and so will you. For example, at Praia do Âncora or even better at Praia do Cabedelo. I went surfing there with Gastâo Valente from The Drifter Surf and had an absolute blast. I could see that up here, surfing is not simply a sport but a way of life. Gastâo, you’re the man ;-)

When you have had your fair share of taking on the waves surfing, kitesurfing, or windsurfing head over for lunch at Aquário Bar right by the Praia do Cabedelo. If you’re a coffee junkie like me and also very dutiful, your afternoon is perfectly spent here with Portuguese coffee and pastries plus reliable Wi-Fi while getting some work done.

Another great spot to go to in Viana is this hidden waterfall you can walk to from above the farmhouse and hotel Quinta da Boa Viagem. Crystal-clear and icy-cold water deep in the forest will leave you in awe for sure. Due to the limited time, I decided to drive on to Portugal’s only national park: Peneda-Gerês National Park. My first stop driving into the park was Lindoso.

More Time To Spend Around Viana?

If you have more time, it would be perfectly spent at the nearby magical town of Ponte de Lima whose Roman bridge is considered the most beautiful Medieval bridge in this country. If you’re there on a Monday, check out the large markets right by the Lima River or go cycling along the riverbank.

Further east, there is the scenic Ponte de Barca to be explored with plenty of picturesque monuments dating from the 16th to the 18th century as well as large rural mansions.

Day 5: Explore Peneda-Gerês National Park

There are unlimited possibilities of what to do and what to see in this part of the Portuguese hinterland. I decided to explore Peneda-Gerês National Park for a full day without a local guide and to spend a second day with a local tour guide showing me around and providing me with background information about the region.

Note though: A guide is absolutely recommended as there are many rules in the park you absolutely need to stick to. On some roads you are not allowed to park alone, on others you aren’t even allowed to get out of your car as there are various levels of protected areas in this region.

In the morning when exploring Castelo de Lindoso next to 50 ancient stone granaries in the heart of the park while the sun is rising you will feel like you are back in the 13^th century. It is possible to enter this defense monument for a small charge, but you will have to make sure you check opening hours in advance.

Twenty minutes northwest, you should pay a visit to the famous village of Soajo. At the end of a pretty narrow and curvy road lies this scenic town known for its vast amount of grain storage units called Espigueiros of Soajo and panoramic views of the surrounding area. This is also the perfect time for some coffee and some pastéis. Luckily there are a handful of small cafés around!

More Time In Soajo?

If you’re in need of a hot bath like I was – totally recommendable in the colder months of the year – head on over to Spain for a little detour. Along the road to Bande, there are many signs leading you towards several of those. I would totally suggest you go to the Termas Romanas de Bande which are situated right by the lake Encoro das Conchas and are especially in the late afternoon and around sunset worth a visit.

Heading back to Portugal, next up on the list is Miradoura Pedra Bela, an absolute must-do! This lookout high up in the mountains offers you a spectacular view over large parts of the Caldo River and Gerês Village from above. Have a picnic or your afternoon tea with traditional Portuguese food on one of the stone tables and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Camping In Peneda-Gerês National Park

Depending on the seasons, some campsites in the National Park might either be closed completely or have reduced hours for check-in. Having been there in February, I chose Ermida Gerês Camping and was not disappointed. Situated in the middle of nowhere, Ermida does not look like it has running water or wifi – and I am still not sure it does.

Having a van drive through the mountain villages selling various groceries right from the car on different days during the week is how small it is. However, I think it’s a perfect way to experience traditional life in Portugal. Mind your car size when driving through the village centre though, otherwise, your van will end up getting stuck like ours almost did.

Alternative Accommodation In Peneda-Gerês National Park

Hotel Central Jardim

Located in the Southern part of the National Park, Hotel Central Jardim scores with traditionally decorated but clean rooms and a breakfast buffet which is included. How about treating yourselves to regional dishes served in the hotel’s restaurant before checking out the local thermal baths?

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Casa de Ribô

If you happen to stay longer in the western part of the National Park, there are plenty bnb options in Soajo to choose from. For example, stay in the cozy stone house Casa de Ribô and enjoy homemade jam while chatting to your host Mario about all the exciting things to do and locations to explore around Soajo.

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Day 6: Explore Gerês National Park

We did a tour with DETOURS from Porto, and we weren't disappointed as our guides were super knowledgeable and knew exactly how to organise the perfect route. Our two guides Diogo and Ricardo showed us so many amazing places in this natural paradise that I eventually stopped counting.

Anyhow, as you might want to do the tour yourself – and you absolutely should – I will only list some of the iconic must-sees which are the typical ancient wolf traps, the Tahiti Waterfalls, the Geira Roman Road and the Arado Falls.

Going for a hike is also an essential part of the tour and trust me, you will love being so close to nature with deep-green forests, crystal-clear water and breathtaking views.

Do not leave the area around the Caldo River without trying out a traditional codfish dish. Caught right there, the fish is totally fresh and often served with hot and crispy chips on the side.

More Time In Gerês National Park?

If you have more time, there is also a pretty long list of sports and leisure activities to be experienced in the National Park which can easily be found on various tour operator sites online. Additionally, visit the sunken village Vilarinho das Furnas or the well-known Benedictine monastery of the 9th century in Pitões das Júnias.

For an extra day, head via Montalegre towards the historic capital of the Tras-os-Montes region, Bragança, in the far northeast corner of Portugal. This city has countless ancient monuments and beautiful castles, churches and squares on offer.

Day 7: Guimarães To Douro Valley

Guimarães is known to be Portugal’s birthplace and its rich history is reflected in a variety of national monuments and historical buildings in and around the city, the list is endless. The advantage? Many sights are found right next to each other. Guimarães Castle, the Church of São Miguel do Castelo, Paço Dos Duques De Bragança and Dom Afonso Henriques to name only some of them.

Drive along the beautiful and historic alley towards Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos and have breakfast at one of the little cafés at the old city square at Largo da Oliveira Square. Have a stroll around Santuario da Penha and enjoy the panoramic view over the city before you’re off towards Portugal’s world-famous wine region: the Douro Valley.

In the afternoon you will arrive at São Leonardo de Galafura which overlooks the whole valley. There is plenty to see and taste at this particular wine region. For example, take the historic locomotive of Linha do Douro from Peso da Régua to Pocinho.

This train journey takes you all along the Douro River via Pinhão for about one and a half hours while you get to enjoy the picturesque surroundings before heading back the same way.

Camping Options In Douro Valley

For accommodation, I suggest you go to Lamego Camping which is good value for money. Don’t forget to explore 18th-century Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego. Walking up (or down) its overall 686 stairs will make up for the delicious pastries and coffee you can indulge in afterward.

Hotel Accommodation In Douro Valley

Casa De Canilhas

In the heart of the Douro Valley overlooking the Douro River is Casa De Canilhas. This Portuguese house will spoil you with its outdoor pool, a beautiful garden and an authentic Portuguese breakfast. If you’re looking for river cruises, wine tastings or guided tours, the helpful staff will not hesitate to assist you.

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Day 8: From Douro Valley To Lisbon Via Paiva Walkways

On your 8th day of road-tripping and after all the yummy pastries you have possibly indulged in, you might feel in need of an intense workout. Well, if so you might like the 8 km wooden walkway zigzagging its way along the Paiva River located about an hour and a half southeast of Porto. Take on this hiking challenge!

Unfortunately, this scenic trail was partly destroyed by bushfires so you can currently only walk 4 km one way towards the famous suspension bridge which connects both sides of the way. It’ll cost you 1 Euro and about 2.5 hours of your time to enjoy this stunning stretch of untouched natural beauty through the wild mountain landscape. Don’t forget to book online in advance and make sure to bring a raincoat and umbrella if the weather forecast is not looking too good. Otherwise, you’ll end up working out while getting soaked through to your bones, just like we did. And of course, we left our raincoats in the car.

After your hiking adventure, start your campervan journey south towards Lisbon.

Camping In Lisbon

Lisbon camping near Benfica is priced the highest I have seen in Portugal and to be honest, I feel it's not really worth your money.

As I wanted to make the most out of the time in Lisbon, I decided to check into the camping for one night and not look for an alternative. Having jumped online after the trip, I cannot believe I have to tell you that this is the only official camping site in all of Lisbon!

Hotel Accommodation In Lisbon

So maybe at this stage, book yourselves into a hotel and have a soft and fluffy bed for a night or you stay in your car somewhere along the busy streets of Lisbon which will work just fine.

Ever Lisboa City Center Hotel

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HF Fenix Garden Hotel

Some say, Wi-Fi is the decisive word that comes to mind when choosing this 3-star hotel as your home while venturing through Lisbon. Yes, of course you have free Wifi in all rooms, but what’s even better, you can rent portable wifi devices to access the internet all across the city. Apart from that, HF Fenix Garden Hotel will make you get the most out of your stay in Portugal’s capital as it is located right in the middle of Baixa and close to several sights and attractions.

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Day 9 to 11: Explore Lisbon

Well known and loved by many, Portugal’s capital has lots of things to do – ranging from great places to eat and go out in the culinary paradise Bairro Alto to picturesque lookouts, fascinating churches and very pretty cobblestone streets.

Having said that, spending some more time in Lisbon is definitely worth a thought. For now, I will highlight the things that are absolutely mandatory – the rest will follow a little later in my Lisbon city travel guide!

For starters, begin your exploration tour of Lisbon with a chat with the tourist information at Praça do Comércio – they know all the goodies and will supply you with a city map. Taking the famous, old Tram no. 28 around Lisbon’s most popular neighbourhoods like Baixa, Alfama, Graça and Bairro Alto will be an experience you should not miss. Even though you could make it a round trip, hop off somewhere close to Castelo de Sao Jorge and go explore the castle and the surrounding garden.

From then on, it‘s downhill and you can simply follow the tram rails past the viewpoint Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Lisbon’s main church Catedral Sé Patriarcal.

Other spots to enjoy beautiful sceneries and views are:

• Miradouro de Santa Catarina
• Miradouro das Portas do Sol
• Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.

Later on, by car or by tram, head on over towards the Belém district and pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Not far away from there, you will find another site protected by UNESCO: The Belém Tower built to defend Lisbon’s port in the 16^th century.

Feel like making one more stop in between because you’re desperate for food by now? From the monastery, it is only walking distance to the oh-so-famous Pastéis de Belém shop which is a definitely must-go-to in Lisbon.

Treat yourselves to the delicious, super tasty custard tarts they offer in such a great variety over there. Have a coffee on the side and you will enjoy the Belém Tower and the adjacent Monument aos Combatentes do Ultramar even more, let me tell you.

Once back down in the center, walk on the gorgeous cobblestone street Rua Augusta through the Arco da Rua Augusta and slowly make your way towards the neighbourhood of Bairro Alto. You should go exploring there and have a cocktail or two before going clubbing at “Pink Street” and letting the day come to a perfect end.

Day 11: From Lisbon Along The Coast 

Once in Lisbon, you might be wondering whether it’s a good idea to leave this awesome city again as there is still so much to see and explore. The answer to that Ladies and Gentlemen is: Yes, you should drive up North from Lisbon! You can always go back to Portugal’s capital for a weekend trip.

For starters, there is the most western point of continental Europe you cannot miss. Cabo da Roca is a beautiful spot boasting endless cliffs to have a walk around and enjoy the ocean breeze while soaking up the rays of sunshine. Doing just that I felt like I was strolling around the edges of Australia's Great Ocean Road!

Next up on the list of sights you absolutely cannot miss: Palácio Nacional da Pena in the Sintra Mountains which you might have already seen from Lisbon if the day was nice and clear. Visiting Sintra is also a popular day trip from Lisbon.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site with its red and yellow exterior invites you to have a stroll inside its ancient walls or explore the surrounding Pena Park which spreads over 200 hectares of rocky landscape and offers an immense variety of tree ferns from New Zealand and Australia in a labyrinth system or narrow roads and trails.

If you drive up to these sights be very careful when driving around corners, as the tourist busses come down seem to be driven by some manic drivers. Also, it can’t be said often enough: Check opening hours! Something, I yet again did not do and I therefore missed out!

More Time To Spend Around Sintra?

Take a detour on your way up the coast towards Ericeira and make a stop at Portugal’s biggest monastery palace: The Palácio Nacional de Mafra. Built-in the early 18th century, this royal monastery has such magnificent architecture to show the keen eye, so make sure to check the Royal Palace, the Basilica and the Rococo Library.

Day 12: Check Out The Picturesque Fishing Village Ericeira

Europe’s one and only World Surfing Reserve so far is the scenic town of Ericeira about 30 minutes further North. With its about 20 surfing spots laid out along the 15 km of shore will let your surfing heart beat faster.

You haven’t been on a board yet? No worries, the spots Foz do Lizandro and Sao Juliao will be perfect for you then. The advanced surfers among you might want to check out the world-famous spot Ribeira d’Ilhas or even push yourselves further at spots like Backdoor, Reef, Pedra Branca and Crazy Left.

After having caught the early morning waves, wander the narrow alleys of Ericeira paved with cobblestones and old but well-preserved fisherman’s houses and find yourselves the perfect location to have breakfast, there is plenty to choose from. Splurge away at the many cafés (note: Bamboo Bar offers free wifi), boutiques and surf shops before checking out 15th century Chapel of São Sebastião with its unique mosaic-paved walls and ceiling or stop by at Igreja de Church of São Pedro which is definitely worth your time.

Got More Time In Ericeira?

Even if you’re not into surfing, you should still check out the Praia Foz do Lizandro. Go and have fun at the beach, walk along the recently built boardwalk and enjoy good food at one of the many bars and restaurants. If you stay awhile, you will witness the breathtaking sunset over the ocean.

Do you like to enjoy good live music while sipping on a glass of wine or a cocktail? Pay a visit to the Tubo Bar which offers regular live music concerts in summer before heading over to the cocktail bars Hemingways and Jukebox. From 1 am, Ericeira’s small disco Ouriço is the place to be.

Camping In Ericeira

If you’re looking for a decent campsite, look no further and check in at Ericeira camping which is about five minutes north of the city centre and just across the road from the ocean. Yes, you get ocean views from up here!

Hotel Accommodation In Ericeira

WOT Ericeira

Enjoy simple but clean rooms on the edges of the town centre and only three minutes on foot from Ericeira's beautiful beaches, this hotel will make your stay in Ericeira comfortable and unforgettable.

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Day 13: Enjoy Miraculous Peniche

Coming right up is the surfer’s paradise of Portugal: the beautiful Peniche. Situated partly on a peninsula, Peniche is surrounded by long stretches of rocky shore which are also a magnet for the fishing community. Check out Fortaleza de Peniche if you still haven’t had your fill of history and sightseeing.

Beautiful views will be offered at the lighthouse at Cabo Carvoeiro or at a place you will find as Papôa Peniche on Google Maps – make sure you perpetuate yourselves by building a tiny stone tower beside the hundreds of others that are already there. You can top up a visit to Berlenga Island which is about seven miles from Peniche by going on a diving adventure.

There are plenty of beaches you can spend your time at. Have breakfast at Praias do Campismo and then, head on over to Peniche’s biggest and best-known Praias do Baleal. Go swimming, surfing or stand-up paddling. Have a nap or read a good book right by the ocean. What else is there to throw in the mix for a perfect beach day? Ah yes, good food. I can totally recommend the burgers served at Bar da Praia.

If you feel like doing something for your full tummy, how about renting a bike right at Praias do Baleal? Or you just cross over towards the tiny promontory by passing the one-lane alley dividing the Northern and Southern part of the beach and explore the narrow cobblestone streets.

Go to the far end of the promontory and you will have a fantastic view of the ocean and watch the waves break along the shore of little Ilha de Fora.

Tips for Travelling Portugal Without a Car

Arriving by train is an option but the train station called Peniche is located about 25 km inland and it will cost you 30 Euros to catch a cab to the peninsula. Better opt for taking the bus to Peniche, they go regularly and are much cheaper.

Day 14: Via Various Locations Back To Porto

Paying a visit to the scenic and popular fishing village Nazaré will complete your perfect holiday. After all, this idyllic place with the ancient fortress São Miguel Arcanjo overlooking the world famous Praia do Norte can offer you amazing and super huge waves.

As it happens, on November 1st^, 2011, Garrett McNamara was recorded to have surfed the world’s biggest wave of overall 23 meters. Ever since this spot has been on every keen surfer’s lips and even the World Surf League organises official competitions here. So if you happen to be around sometime between October and December, you might want to check out the “Big Wave Tour” in Nazaré, I reckon it is definitely worth a visit.

As you drive on, also make a stop at the student city Coimbra. Are you into books and love to spend afternoons in the library? Then, you will find the stunning Biblioteca Joanina exactly to your liking. Combining knowledge and art, you will find yourself fascinated by the well-preserved historic buildings and their beautiful interior.

Got More Time

Depending on your flight times, you might be able to schedule some more time for your drive from Peniche to Porto. If so, have a stroll around the streets of the dynamic and lively market city Caldas da Rainha ideal for going on a shopping hunt and finding all those souvenirs you planned to gift your loved ones.

Besides, people with skin or bone problems will find relief in one of the many thermal baths with sulfurous water all across the city. Pretty and colourful markets, first-class golf resorts for the geeks among you, and endless water sports activities like jet skiing, windsurfing and paragliding – Caldas da Rainha and the surrounding area has it all.

Sharing these travel tips with you made me realise that the Portuguese have definitely not seen the last of me.

Thank you to The Getaway Van for making this epic road trip through Portugal possible. All opinions and recommendations expressed in this post are as always my own.