An Alternative 7 Day Portugal Road Trip Through Central Portugal

If you’re planning a week in Portugal, and have already ticked off the classic Lisbon to Porto route, it’s time to take the road less travelled.

This Portugal road trip 7 days itinerary carves a loop through the country’s heart and coast. Skipping the usual motorway dash in favour of winding medieval streets, hilltop fortresses and some of our favourite Portugal seaside towns!

We created this itinerary after realising every Portugal road trip blog was the same – Lisbon to Porto along the coast.

After living in Portugal for over 3 years, road tripping with our dog Lilly, and exploring Central Portugal by van and car, we built this loop to show you the Portugal we actually love travelling.

Over seven days, you’ll journey from Lisbon to Evora’s spooky chapel, through the Alentejo region before ending with coastal views in Nazare and the fairytale landscapes of Sintra.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to spend 7 days in Portugal without rushing – and see places the most travellers miss!

Quick Overview:

📍 Distance: ~800–850 km loop

🚗 Drive Time: 12–14 hours spread over 8 days

🗓️ Ideal Trip Length: 7–8 days 

🛣️ Route: Lisbon → Évora → Elvas → Marvão → Tomar → Fátima → Nazaré → Óbidos → Mafra → Sintra → Lisbon

Expectations For 7 Days In Portugal

Here at Officer Travels, we’ve learned that trying to ‘do it all’ in Portugal in a week is impossible.

This loop is for travellers who want a slower, more authentic trip. It skips Porto and the Algarve not because they aren’t worth seeing, but because they deserve their own trips.

We tend to cram as much as we can into shorter trips and aren’t afraid to be walking around all day but this itinerary has been planned in a way that allows you to see some of the best locations in Central Portugal without feeling like you’re rushing.

Day 1: Lisbon → Évora

Driving: ~1.5 hours

Let’s kick off your 7 days in Portugal by heading from Lisbon to Évora!

We absolutely love this inland city and we know you will too! We’ve no idea why it’s not on more road trip itineraries, except for it feels a little out of the way from the rest of the main spots. But hey, that’s exactly why we wrote about this particular trip!

Évora is about 130km inland from Lisbon, and takes you only an hour and a half on toll roads – you can expect to pay around €10.

You can avoid tolls, which will make the drive time around 2.5 hours, but both routes will ultimately put you on the same scenic road once you leave the city limits.

Highlights in Évora:

Once you arrive at Évora around mid morning, there’s plenty to do and see!

You can get free parking here that’s suitable for large vehicles, and not too far from the main attractions. Then, either join a free walking tour, or set about exploring on your own terms!

Chapel of Bones

The Chapel of Bones might top every Évora itinerary, but what surprised us most was how calm and almost empty it was each time we visited – nothing like the tourist circus I’d expected.

Standing in a room lined with thousands of human remains, there’s an eerie stillness that makes you stop and think about life and death in a way guidebooks never capture. 

It isn’t a creepy place, but strangely peaceful. Lilly wasn’t allowed inside, so we tag-team when we visit with family, but honestly, the quietness compared to Portugal’s other hotspots made us appreciate it even more. Just be warned – Evora in summer gets HOT, so plan around that if you’re exploring with pets

Tickets are around €6, and it’ll take you about half an hour to have a look around.

Roman Temple of Évora

Évora is home to the best-preserved Roman temple on the Iberian Peninsula. It’s free to see, and while you’re there you can also check out the views from Jardim dos Colegiais.

Évora Cathedral

Sitting on the highest spot of the city, Évora Cathedral is one of the oldest and most important local monuments. You can admire it for free on the outside, or, pay around €4 to explore inside!

Where To Stay In Évora

Whenever we’ve stayed in a Hotel in Évora, we’ve always stayed in the Ibis hotel because it has ok parking and is quite close to town. Ibis are also a great dog friendly hotel option in Portugal so we know we don’t have to worry about Lilly when we stay with Ibis! Here are some other options around the city too:

M’AR De AR Aqueduto

Housed in a 16th-century palace, this is a 5* boutique hotel with a unique view of the Aqueduto from within the city walls. 

Choose from a range of room types, from single and family rooms to double suits and even the palace suit! 

It’s really close to the Roman Temple, and not too far from other highlights. There’s private parking, a pool, spa and wellness facilities, and unsurprisingly dogs are not allowed. 

Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa

If you want to treat your pup to a bit of luxury while visiting Evora, Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa is a great choice.

Located 10 minutes outside of the city, and surrounded by 80 000m² of beautiful gardens, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. They have free parking, an onsite piano bar and a restaurant serving a mix of Mediterranean and Portuguese cuisine

With mostly double and deluxe rooms, it’s ideal for couples looking for a relaxing place to stay.

Holiday Inn Express Évora by IHG

For a more budget option, the Holiday Inn Express is low cost but feels more luxury than it has any right being.

Unfortunately, it’s not dog friendly (despite showing up on booking.com with the pet friendly filter) but it has free parking and is only a 20 minute walk through the city to get to the Chapel of Bones.

Below is a map with other suggestions in and around Évora. It might need a moment to load but once it does, all you need to do is scroll/click for options.

Where To Camp In Évora

If you’re wanting paid camping in Évora, the Obitur campsite just on the outskirts of town has some great reviews and for summer they have pretty decent facilities too – that pool? You’ll need that in Évora’s summer heat! They are quite expensive though for a campsite, especially in summer, so it’s not somewhere we’ve stayed.

We usually opt for Park4Night recommendations, and have stayed in several of the carparks around the city without issue. It can be noisy, but when you’re visiting a city that’s to be expected.

Day 2: Évora → Elvas → Marvão

Driving: 2–2.5 hours total

After a full day in Évora, it’s time to hit the road to Elvas and Marvão.

These are two of my best kept secrets in Central Portugal – so don’t go telling everyone about them, ‘K?

Morning Stop – Elvas:

It’s roughly an hour and 20 minutes from Évora to Elvas on the non-toll route, which will get you into town nice and early with plenty of time for you to explore some of the unique sites Elvas has to offer.

Sitting on the Portugal – Spain border, towns like this played a huge part in defending Portugal over the years. Which is why one of the biggest attractions to visit here is its impressive fort:

Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça

We actually found the fort closed when we arrived (classic Portugal timing!), but even from the outside it was one of the most unique fortresses we’ve ever seen.

Its star-shaped walls cut across the landscape in a way that reminded us of the contrast to Monsanto’s quirky boulders – another one of our favourite inland spots. Even without going inside, the views alone made the stop worthwhile.

Your visit will take around 2 hours, and cost €5 per person, if you choose to go inside too!

Where To Stay In Marvão

There are a couple of hotels within Marvão’s walls, with a mix of luxury boutiques and B&B style stays. There is limited parking close to most of the options, so you’ll need to be prepared to park elsewhere and walk – especially if you’re in a larger vehicle that won’t fit inside the town walls.

Dom Dinis Marvão

Located on the walls of Marvão, Dom Dinis Marvão has panoramic views of the countryside and a rooftop terrace with a Jacuzzi!

It’s pet friendly on request and has double, family and superior rooms which have their own balcony!

Sever Rio Hotel

Located in Portagem, the next town across, Sever Rio Hotel gives you views of Marvão as opposed to views from Marvão.

With free parking, twin, double and family rooms and a restaurant on site, it’s a good option if you don’t want parking closer to your accommodation.

Below is a map of the hotels in Marvão, but you can drag it down to Portagem to see that area too!

Where To Camp In Marvão

If you’re visiting Marvão in a campervan, make use of what is perhaps our favourite free camping spot within a town in Portugal!

This carpark just outside the town walls is designated for campervans, and we stayed here the night without issue. There are limited spaces, so if you get there and it’s full – although I highly doubt this will happen, each time we’ve been there’s been plenty of spaces – there are a few spots on Park4Night nearby too!

Day 3: Marvão → Tomar → Fátima

Driving: 2.5–3 hours total

For day 3 of this 7 day Portugal road trip, we’re going to head back towards the coast but not before a visit to a couple popular spots: Tomar and Fatima!

Tomar could take up a full day, so if you’re not interested in seeing the religious monument of Fatima, you could easily skip it to extend your time in Tomar or arrive to Fatmia later in the afternoon.

Morning – Tomar:

Tomar is steeped in history, from its 12th-century Knights Templar Castle (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) to the charming old town and scenic river, so you could very easily spend more than a morning here  but here are some of the highlights:

Convent of Christ

We had our hearts set on the Covenant of Christ, built in the 12th century, but when we arrived it was closed and later we learned Lilly wouldn’t have been allowed inside anyway. 

This is one of Portugal’s most significant military buildings, so we were disappointed at first but it gave us extra time to wander the cobbled streets and check out the aqueduct.

If you want to visit, check the opening hours and consider booking in advance.

Historic Town Centre Stroll

Praça da República is the main square of Tomar’s old town and home to the statue of Guialdim Pais (Tomar’s founder and grand master of the Knights Templar), the city hall, and the St. John the Baptist Church. It’s a great place to sit and soak in the atmosphere.

As you drive out of town, you’ll also pass the Aqueduct of the Convent of Christ. Built in 1593, this towering aqueduct is an architectural marvel. If you’re feeling brave, you can even walk along the top for breathtaking views

Another option to extend your time in Tomar is to do this route in reverse, and overnight here instead of Fatima. Here are some places to stay in Tomar if that’s what you plan to do!

Late Afternoon – Fátima:

Once you’ve soaked up enough Knights Templar vibes, it’s time to hit the road and head to Fátima – only 30 minutes from Tomar.

You only really need a couple of hours in Fátima, and to make the most of it we recommend joining a free walking tour to get a commentary on the history of the area.

Sanctuary of Fátima

The Sanctuary of Fátima is overwhelming – not just spiritually, but because of the sheer number of people who gather here. Even as a non-pilgrim, I felt the weight of the place, but I wouldn’t dedicate a whole day unless its religious history holds special meaning for you. For us, a couple of hours was enough to soak up the atmosphere before moving on.

Monumento Natural das Pegadas de Dinossáurio

Alternatively, if you need a break from religious and military history, why not visit some of the oldest dinosaur footprints in the world? Only 10 minutes from Fatima, these 125-million-year-old tracks were left by giant sauropods, and the site is dog-friendly too! (€4 entry)

Where To Stay In Fatima

Fátima has plenty of hotels and guesthouses, whether you’re looking for budget-friendly stays or comfortable, well-located hotels. Here are some of the best options:

Hotel Santa Maria
This 4 star hotel is just a short walk from the Sanctuary of Fatima. It’s modern, comfortable, and has great views from the rooftop terrace.

There’s a selection of different room types, a restaurant on site and it’s advertised to be pet friendly on request BUT this notice is accompanied with a photo of a metal kennels so I’m unsure if they allow pets in the rooms – I’m awaiting a reply from them to confirm this so I’ll update if/when I hear back.

Mercure Fatima
Offering modern rooms and an excellent breakfast, Mercure is a chain of hotels across Portugal that have a great reputation. It’s right next to the sanctuary, making it perfect for an overnight stay.

This hotel has underground parking so this won’t be an option for those travelling in campervans or motorhomes, it’s also not pet friendly.

Hotel Aleluia
This is a family-run hotel that’s affordable and just a short walk from the main attractions. Great if you’re looking for a clean, comfortable, and budget-friendly stay. Perhaps one of the best budget friendly hotels in Fatima.

Limited free parking behind the hotel, but big enough for large vehicles with no height barrier. There’s also paid street parking available too.

Unfortunately Hotel Aleluia is not pet friendly.

Where To Camp In Fatima

I have to say, of all the towns on this 7 day Portugal itinerary, Fatima perhaps offers the best choice of parking.

There are a lot of free designated areas surrounding the sanctuary so you really are spoilt for choice. A couple that we like to aim for are Parque de Autocaravanas Fatima which is a well maintained free camp site with around 100 spaces, and this car park which is close to Fatima’s famous Sanctuary monument, making it an easy walk to visit the iconic location.

Day 4: Fátima → Nazaré

Driving: 1–1.5 hours

Now, we are pretty biased when it comes to Nazaré, having lived there for over a year, but we think this is probably one of the best seaside towns in Portugal.

Is it busy in summer? Sure, frustratingly so, but come winter when the big waves hit… the atmosphere is just ugh *chefs kiss*.

World famous for its giant waves, Nazaré is one of the few coastal towns that experiences two peak seasons through the year.

The usual summer season runs from July – September, then the big wave season which runs October – May however this tends to be quieter than summer unless there’s a surf competition on (which are usually in February when the waves are the highest).

I’ve set aside a full day for Nazaré with this road trip itinerary, because if there are big waves you’re probably going to want to stick around and watch the surfers.

However, it could be paired with the next stop – Obidos – because that’s only really a half day stop.

Highlights in Nazaré:

I’ve done a full post on the best things to do in Nazaré, so I’ll keep this one short and focus on just the highlights that I think are a must if you’re only staying for a short time

Visit The Lighthouse & Surf Museum

At just €1 to enter, the lighthouse gives you amazing views of the big waves and coastline in general.

Here you’ll also be able to see surfboards donated to the museum by world famous big wave surfers. Whether you’re a fan of extreme sports or not, I imagine you’ll be able to appreciate their talent once you see how big the waves get here.

Walk the seafront

All along Nazaré seafront you’ll find lots of cafes and bars, but also traditional fishing boats and open air fish stands displaying the traditional way fish is cured in this region. The beach is dog friendly too!

Hire an eBike and explore the coast

You have a full day here, and hiring an eBike is a great way to see a little further along the coast before we head inland to the next stop! We highly recommend eMotion for this, their service is 10/10

Taking a trip on the funicular

Connecting the main town with the cliff tops is the old hill-side tram, which is an attraction in its own right and a really fun way to get amazing views without walking up the steep hill to get to the top. There is parking at the top but in summer and during big wave season it’s really busy up there so the funicular is a fun option.

This is currently closed indefinitely for maintenance, so the best way to get from the main town up to Sitio is either by bus (which we have no experience with), walking, or via eBike

Where To Stay In Nazaré

If there’s one thing Nazaré isn’t short of, it’s hotels and Air B&Bs. Like with all seaside towns, there’s everything from budget quick stays to luxury spa retreats. Here are a few of our faves:

Hotel Miramar

We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Miramar Sul that looks out over Nazaré, it’s laid out in a way that gives every room a view – not just the top end ones which I think is such a neat idea.

They’re a little bit further out of town, but it’s a nice walk if you’re up to it. We recommend grabbing one of the cheap local taxis back though – trust me, it’s an uncomfortable climb up on an evening after a big meal!

Thanks to their partnership with the local spa, you can go all out if you want to and book various treatments, then someone from the team will shuttle you there and back!

There’s a fair amount of parking on site, and technically space for larger vehicles however the access is via narrow streets and if you arrive late you may not get in a space once you’re there.

Unfortunately, they don’t allow pets.

Hotel Praia

This is the hotel in central Nazaré. No sea views, but located only 150m from the beach it has one of the prime spots in town and it’s pet friendly!

It’s close to all the main street attractions, has the taxi rank opposite and plenty of underground parking. Large vehicles will need to park here and walk to the hotel.

Simply click, search your dates or zoom to see more accommodation (new results may take a second to load)

Where To Camp In Nazaré

Looking for a park up for your van? There’s a few free and paid options around town depending on what you’re looking for

Ohai The Outdoor Resorts

Tucked away in the pine forest, Ohai is one of the few paid campsites in Nazaré. It’s a little bit out of town, a 5 minute drive, but it has all of the facilities you need and more.

They are predominantly cabins and glamping, and prices for a campervan can be quite expensive but if you want to stay somewhere that isn’t a hotel or a free carpark it’s an ok option.

Woodland Free Parking

This free parking is a popular spot for van lifers travelling around Portugal. There’s plenty of space for every size vehicle with easy access too.

There are no facilities, but it’s a short walk from the beach making it ideal for visiting the giant waves and a short drive to town or the local supermarket.

NOTE: THIS ONE GETS CLOSED OFTEN WHEN THERE’S BIG WAVES OR EVENTS ON. YOU MIGHT NEET TO FIND AN ALTERNATIVE, PLEASE DO NOT PARK/CAMP ON THE ROAD SIDE HERE.

Central Free Parking

For a free campsite in the centre of it all, this one is perfect. A short 5 minute walk gets you to the beach, bars and cafes. It’s a little further to go for the lighthouse and big waves but the funicular is an inexpensive way of getting up there.

There’s a two night maximum stay here, but plenty of space and easy access for larger vehicles.

You can’t park here on a Thursday night/Friday morning due to the local market that runs until 3pm Friday lunch times.

Day 5: Nazaré → Óbidos → Mafra

Driving: 1–1.5 hours

After leaving Nazaré, it’s only about 40 minutes before you find yourself in Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most picturesque medieval towns.

Morning – Óbidos:

We like to treat this stop as a half-day wander and brunch break.

It’s compact enough to see in a few hours, but has plenty of character to make it worthwhile.

Walk the Castle Walls

Free to access, but be careful, they’re high and have no guard rails. It takes about 20–30 minutes to walk the full loop, and you’ll get sweeping views of the vineyards and countryside.

Taste Ginja in a Chocolate Cup

A cherry liqueur that is often served in a chocolate cup (€1–2 at small taverns along the main street). It’s a local specialty and a fun little tradition.

Explore the Cobbled Streets

The old town is full of artisan shops and cafes. We usually grab a light brunch here before moving on.

If you visit in July or December, you might stumble into one of the town’s famous festivals (the Medieval Market or Christmas Village). Both are very popular and can make the town crowded, so plan ahead.

Afternoon – Mafra:

About an hour from Óbidos, Mafra is best known for its monumental Baroque palace.

We came to Mafra for life admin (the joys of living abroad) but made time to see the Palace and have a wander around.

Mafra National Palace

Entry €8. You’ll want at least 1.5–2 hours here.

Don’t miss the basilica, the royal apartments, and especially the library with its 36,000 books. Look closely, you might spot the tiny bats that live here to protect the books from insects!!

Jardim do Cerco

Next to the Palace, you can explore Jardim do Cerco for free. However, since the Jardim do Cerco doesn’t allow dogs, we grabbed a coffee in a nearby café instead and admired the palace from the outside. Sometimes that’s enough – a reminder that not every stop has to be a full-day sightseeing marathon.

Where To Stay In Mafra

Mafra is much quieter than Sintra, so it makes a nice overnight stop before tackling the palaces the next day.

Aldeia da Mata Pequena

If you’re looking for a unique stay that’s a bit more rural, but still close to Mafra, we highly recommend Aldeia da Mata Pequena.

Aldeia da Mata Pequena is a small rural village that was completely restored and offers guests the choice of 13 whitewashed fully furnished for a comfortable stay!

With beautiful views over the surrounding area, you can get a real taste of rural living while you recharge for the rest of your trip!

Hotel Mafra

For a comfortable central location that’s close to the Mafra National Palace, Hotel Mafra is a great option for those not travelling with a dog.

With free parking, a bar and lounge and a shuttle service, it would serve as a good place to base yourself while you explore the coast outside of this 7 day road trip itinerary.

Where To Camp In Mafra

If you’re in a campervan, parking is pretty limited within Mafra city itself.

This carpark allows overnight stays, and has water available for €3 for 100l, alternatively, there’s this paid parking (super cheap, I think we paid €2 for a few hours) but I’m unsure if overnighting is ok. It doesn’t show on Park4Night so you would need to do your own due diligence there.

Day 6: Mafra → Sintra

Driving: ~30 minutes

The penultimate day of your 1 week Portugal road trip is dedicated entirely to Sintra, one of Portugal’s most famous and enchanting destinations.

With its fairytale palaces, mystical gardens, and sweeping views, Sintra is often described as a “must-see” but don’t underestimate how overwhelming it can be if you try to see everything in a single day.

We recommend choosing 1-2 highlights to properly enjoy them, instead of rushing. Here’s how to make the most of your time:

Morning – Pena Palace & Park:

Palácio da Pena is probably the most iconic site in Portugal, this colourful 19th-century palace sits high on the Sintra hills.

Pena Palace looks like a fairytale from the outside, but honestly? It was the most overrated part of Sintra for us.

Even with timed entry and skip-the-line tickets, the queues were long, the crowds relentless, and we ended up feeling like we were in a theme park rather than a palace.

Ironically, the best view of Pena isn’t inside at all… it’s from further down the hill, where you can admire it without battling the crowds.

Tickets start €10, and you can purchase for the parks (outside) only, or to include going inside the palace.

Book your ticket online for a timed entry to the palace interior. Arrive as close to opening time (9:30am) as possible to try and avoid heavy crowds… which is much easier in the shoulder season.

You’ll want to allow at least 2–3 hours to explore both the interiors and the surrounding park trails. We loved wandering through the quieter gardens but more than the Palace which was overwhelming with crowds in places.

Afternoon Quinta da Regaleira:

Our personal favourite in Sintra.

More than just a palace, the real magic is in the gardens filled with grottoes, tunnels, towers, and the famous Initiation Well.

Tickets are €11, or you can purchase skip the line tickets for a bit extra, and you’ll also want at least 2–3 hours here to explore the grounds fully.

We have a full post about how to enjoy your time here, so if you’re unsure about fitting two big things into one day we would strongly recommend this over Pena Palace which, frankly, was a little over rated for us.

Alternative Options:

Since Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace aren’t dog friendly, it can be tricky to explore these if you have a dog, but there are dog friendly places to see in Sintra too!

The Moorish Castle for example that sits right at the top of Sintra allows dogs on their grounds. They can’t go to the upper levels, but they can still join in the fun inside the castle walls as long as they’re on a lead.

Also, if you’re wanting a slower pace to your visit to Sintra, you can swap out one of the big ticket items in favour of wandering around the town (on your own, or with this free 2 hour walking tour!) or move one to the morning of day 7 which we deliberately left quiet to allow some flexibility.

Driving around Sintra:

One of the biggest drawbacks to Sintra with a big vehicle is that it’s next to impossible to navigate for anything larger than a large-ish car.

Many of the roads are for approved-access only, which means only residents and public transport can go down them and if you end up on one of these roads? You’re in for a hefty fine.

With how narrow, and busy, the roads get here, it’s also impossible to turn around if you make a mistake or miss your turning, so you could end up on a road that your campervan is simply too tall for.

So in all, what do you do? Well. We recommend parking outside of the old town of Sintra, and either walking or catching the bus in. Each time we’ve visited, we’ve deliberately left the van at home and hired a smaller car but obviously that’ll not be an option if you’re here on holiday.

Where To Stay In Sintra

We’ve been fortunate enough to live close enough to Sintra to do it as a day trip, so below is a map with some of the best hotels in the area to help you choose!

Day 7: Sintra → Lisbon

Driving: ~40 minutes

Your final day of this Portugal road trip starts in Sintra and ends back in Lisbon.

Depending on how you’ve paced yourself earlier in the week, today can either be a relaxed travel day with one last palace stop, or a chance to enjoy Sintra town before heading back to the capital.

Morning – Flexible Options

If you didn’t have time yesterday, use this morning to explore Sintra’s Historic Centre:

Wander the Cobblestone Streets – Lined with boutique shops and pastelarias, this is the quieter side of Sintra once the early palace crowds head uphill.

Travesseiros at Casa Piriquita – Famous almond-filled pastries that are a must-try before leaving. If you’ve already had your fill, grab a queijada (cheesecake tart) instead.

Vila Sassetti Gardens – Free entry. These landscaped gardens sit between the town and Pena Palace, making for a scenic walk if you still have energy for one last stroll.

Alternatively, if you’d rather squeeze in one more palace, you could visit the National Palace of Sintra. It’s the whitewashed palace with the two huge chimneys that dominates the town square.

Entry is €10 and an hour is enough to see the ornate interiors and the famous geometric tilework.

Best Time For This Road Trip

The best seasons for a week in Portugal are:

🍃 Spring (April–June): Warm temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than summer. However, it can be wet along the coast.

🍂 Fall (September–October): Pleasant weather, quieter tourist spots, and a great time for harvest season in wine regions.

Summer (July–August): Summer is also an option, but expect higher prices, more crowds, and intense heat, especially inland.

Renting a Campervan or Car in Portugal

Our alternative 7 day Portugal road trip has been written for those who intend to travel Portugal with a vehicle. Whether that’s your own camper, or you plan to hire a car once you get to Portugal, that’s ok!

This itinerary isn’t feasible with public transport. You’d need much longer than 7 days to see everything when relying on buses and trains, and routes don’t run to inland gems like Elvas and Marvao.

That’s where having your own wheels makes all the difference.

So, how easy is it to hire a vehicle in Portugal?

Honestly, it’s very easy!

We use DiscoverCars when we hire a car for family visits, and before we had our own van, we used Motorhome Republic to find campers.

The process is straightforward, but there are a few things worth knowing so you don’t get stung by hidden costs.

What you’ll need to rent a car in Portugal:

• A valid driver’s licence from your home country
• Passport
• Credit card in the main driver’s name (though some companies accept debit or Wise cards – check in advance)
• International driving permit (recommended if you’re a resident outside the EU)

The minimum rental age is 21, but if you’re under 25 you’ll likely pay a  young driver fee.

Read our full post on how to rent a car in Portugal for all of the details!

Final Thoughts

This road trip isn’t about rushing through the “top 10” list.

It’s about exploring at a pace that lets you notice details, like your pup sniffing around Marvão’s cannons, the quiet calm of the Chapel of Bones, or the roar of Nazaré’s waves at sunset.

It’s for travellers who want more than just Porto and Lisbon, who want to understand Portugal’s inland villages, feel the history under their feet, and discover why we chose to call this country home.

If you’ve got 7 days in Portugal, this loop is the perfect balance of history, coast, and authentic Portuguese culture.