Best Places To See Between Lisbon & Porto

A Lisbon to Porto road trip is the perfect way to explore Portugal’s stunning coastline, historic towns, and incredible food scene at your own pace.

Whether you have a week or a little longer, this itinerary will take you to beautifully unique places like Batalha monastery, Nazare’s big waves and Conimbriga roman ruins for a truly unforgettable road trip. 

It’s a route we do often, so to make sure you don’t miss a thing, we want to show you the best towns to visit between Lisbon and Porto!

Distance: 476 km
Total drive Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Recommended duration: 7 – 10 days

Day 1 – Leaving Lisbon

Óbidos: A Fairytale Village Behind Castle Walls

 📍 1 hour from Lisbon (85km)

We’re going to kick off this Lisbon to Porto road trip with a stop at Obidos. Just a short one hour drive from Lisbon, it’s the perfect place for a spot of brunch!

This beautiful, but touristy, spot is popular for the photogenic mediaeval castle wall that surrounds the historic part of town, and the pretty whitewash buildings that line the narrow cobbled streets. You won’t be short of photo opportunities here!

With various festivals held throughout the year, Obidos is a town that always has something going on so it’s rare you’ll find that you’re the only ones there, but don’t let that put you off. I’ve yet to speak to anyone who regrets going even if it’s just for a few hours.

Obidos Highlights

Since this is only a quick stop, here’s a selection of things to do in Obidos while you’re there!

• Walk the Castle Walls: Get panoramic views over the town’s terracotta rooftops and surrounding countryside.

• Explore the Medieval Streets: Wander through the charming, cobbled lanes lined with whitewashed houses and colourful bougainvillea.

• Try Ginja de Óbidos: Sip this famous cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup at a local tavern

• Visit Óbidos Castle: Admire the imposing fortress that once protected the town, now home to a historic pousada (Inn/hotel)

After spending the morning wandering the laneways and perhaps grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many boutique cafes it’s time to move on to your next stop of the road trip.

Peniche: Wild Atlantic Beauty

 📍 25 minutes from Obidos (26km)

Peniche will be your first overnight stop of this road trip, so you’ll have the rest of the evening to really soak up the relaxed atmosphere that hangs over this rugged part of the coast.

Aside from being famous for its surfing scene, hosting the Rip Curl Pro event at Praia dos Supertubos every October, Peniche is a delightful little coastal town with plenty to do.

We spend the day here frequently and really enjoy the Ilhéu da Papôa peninsular walk;

Following the short 3km path, you’re guided across limestone ridges that give you great views over the Atlantic ocean and back towards town. It takes roughly an hour to complete the loop and is family & pet friendly, however some spots are quite narrow so keep an eye on young children and keep dogs on a lead. 

Peniche Highlights

If you’re planning your road trip from Lisbon to Porto through summer, you might want to take the afternoon to just relax on one of Peniche’s beaches. However, if you’re like us and can’t sit still long enough here are a few other activities to enjoy while in Peniche.

• Walk around the old fortress (Fortaleza de Peniche): Built in the 16th Century, it was used as a military base up until 1897 and after this a prison and a refuge. There is an entrance fee, and it’s only open Wednesday – Sunday. I’m unsure if this is a pet friendly attraction.
  
  
• Grab a seafood dinner: Enjoy your first night on the silver coast with some local cuisine. Sardines are a popular dish here and you won’t be short of places to try them!
  

• Watch the sunset at Cabo Carvoeiro: Admire the wild Atlantic coast with a sunset view from this view point.

Where To Stay In Peniche

There are quite a few options for accommodation in Peniche, ranging from hotels to smaller family owned boutiques and Air B&Bs. Below you’ll find a map that will help you choose the right one for you!

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

Where To Camp In Peniche

Doing this Lisbon to Porto drive in a campervan? Here’s a selection of the best free and paid camping in and around Peniche.

Farol Do Cabo Carvoeiro

This is a good free overnight spot with public toilets. Access is good for larger vehicles. Beautiful views over the coast, but I imagine it gets busy in the summer.

Avenida Do Mar

Closer to the Marina, this free camp spot doesn’t have toilets but could provide a slightly quieter night than the ones with beach views. It’s closer to the bars and restaurants, but doesn’t have toilet access through the night.

ASA Peniche Motorhome Park

This paid campsite is a great choice if you’re in need of electric hookup or needs to fill/empty your tanks. The facilities here have great reviews and the staff are really helpful. You do have to pay extra for their hot showers though.

There are a couple of other paid sites, but at the time of writing they’re listed as ‘temporarily closed’. Park4Night is the main app used for up to date camping recommendations while road tripping Portugal

Day 2 – Exploring The Silver Coast

Nazaré: Where Giants Rise from the Ocean

📍 45 minutes from Peniche (64km)

Your next stop is one of our favourite places to see between Lisbon and Porto, so much so that we decided to call it home while we build our campervan!

One of our favourite beach towns in Portugal and only 40 minutes from Peniche, Nazare is a must for every road trip between Lisbon and Porto. 

World famous for its giant waves, Nazare 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 Nazare 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 – Batalha – because that’s only really a half day stop.

Nazare Highlights

I’ve done a full post on the best things to do in Nazare, 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.

• 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 your best option.

• Walk the seafront: All along Nazare 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

Where To Stay In Nazare

If there’s one thing Nazare 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 Nazare, 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 Nazare. 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.

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Where To Camp In Nazare

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 Nazare. It’s a little bit out of town, a 5 minute drive, but it has all of the facilities you need and more.

They do also have cabins and glamping if you’re not doing your road trip from Lisbon to Porto in a campervan but want to stay somewhere that isn’t a hotel.

Woodland Free Parking

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.

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.

There’s no limitations to how often you can stay here, with many staying for weeks at a time.

However, if you’re travelling Portugal with a dog you’ll want to be aware of Processionary Caterpillars and their risks to dogs. This campsite is surrounded by nests throughout the season, so you’ll want to be on alert if you’re walking nearby.

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 3 – Discover Portugal’s Culture

Batalha: A UNESCO Masterpiece

📍 30 minutes from Nazaré (28 km)

Day three will take you to another of our favourite places to see between Lisbon and Porto: Batalha.

Now, Batalha isn’t exactly a hidden gem – it’s a popular stop on many tours between Lisbon and Porto – but it’s a place that holds a special spot for us and I just know that you’ll love it as much as we do.

We first stumbled across it by accident on a drive home one weekend, decided to stay the night, and have been back several times since.

As you pull into town, you’ll immediately see what makes Batalha worth visiting the breathtaking Batalha Monastery.

This 14th-century Gothic monastery is one of Portugal’s most impressive historic sites. Expect to spend at least an hour wandering through its intricate stone carvings, impressive cloisters, and hidden chapels.

Fátima: Portugal’s Sacred Heart of Miracles

📍 30 Minutes From Batalha (19 km)

Just half an hour from Batalha, Fátima is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world and a must-visit for the afternoon of day three!

In 1917, three young shepherds reported multiple apparitions of the Virgin Mary, and since then, millions of believers have travelled here to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima.

Even if you’re not religious, the sheer scale of the site and its powerful atmosphere make it worth a stop.

But beyond the religious landmarks, there are a few other things to do in and around Fátima

Fatima Highlights

• Monumento Natural das Pegadas de Dinossáurio: If you need a break from religious 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)

• Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros: If you’re looking for scenic hiking trails, viewpoints, and waterfalls, this beautiful natural park is worth the detour. It’s also home to limestone formations, caves, and even wild horses.

• Museu de Cera de Fátima (Fátima Wax Museum): A small but well-done wax museum that tells the story of the Marian apparitions through life-sized wax figures. Whether or not you’re religious, it’s a fascinating insight into the history and cultural significance of Fátima.

• Fátima’s Local Markets: If you happen to be in town on a market day, you’ll find everything from religious souvenirs to locally made products, perfect for a quick cultural experience.

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.

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

Where To Camp In Fatima

I have to say, of all the towns on this Lisbon to Porto 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. Here are a few of the options:

Parue de Autocaravanas Fatima
This well maintained free camping in Fatima is a popular choice for many. With around 100 parking spaces, including designated spots for large camper vans and buses, toilets and showers it’s the ideal spot while visiting Fatima.

While there are limited spots designated for campers, as long as you’re respectful by not taking up too much space or blocking the road, you won’t have an issue parking in one of the other zones.

Free Monument Parking
This car park is close to Fatima’s famous Sanctuary monument, making it an easy walk to visit the iconic location. There’s plenty of shade here as well as easy access for larger vehicles, but no facilities available. I imagine this gets busy in the summer due to its location.

Day 4 – Experience Rich History

Tomar: The Legacy of the Knights Templar

📍30 Minutes From Fatima (33 km)

Day 4 is going to take you to the heart of Knights Templar history in Portugal.

We love Tomar and are itching to go back – one day really isn’t enough! Like many of the places to see between Lisbon to Porto, Tomar is steeped in history, and yes, you guessed it – it’s only 30 minutes from Fátima. You can get to a lot of places in 30 minutes here in Portugal!

From its 12th-century Knights Templar Castle (now a UNESCO World Heritage site) to the charming old town and scenic river, Tomar has something for everyone.

Tomar Highlights

• Convent of Christ & Knights Templar Castle: Built in the 12th century, this is one of Portugal’s most significant military buildings. It’s an incredible site, but unfortunately, it’s not dog-friendly, so we had to admire it from the outside. If you want to visit, check the opening hours and consider booking in advance – it was closed by the time we got there!

• Praça da República: This grand square 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.

• Parque do Mochão: If you’re short on time, take a relaxing stroll here! It’s the perfect spot for a riverside lunch or a few scenic snaps before heading off to your next destination.

• 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.

Where To Stay In Tomar

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:

Thomar Boutique Hotel
A stylish, modern boutique hotel in the centre of Tomar, offering rooftop views and well-designed rooms. It has underground parking (large vehicles will need to park nearby) but it is not pet-friendly.

Hotel dos Templários
A spacious hotel set near the river with large rooms, an outdoor pool, and a gym. It has free private parking with no height restrictions, making it a great choice for road trippers. Not pet-friendly.

Estalagem Santa Iria
A historic hotel set on an island in the Nabão River, offering a peaceful stay surrounded by nature. Parking is available, but space is limited. Also not pet-friendly.

O Paço Exclusive Accommodation
A pet-friendly option in the heart of Tomar. Dogs and cats of any size are welcome at no extra charge. Parking is available for an additional fee, so check ahead if traveling in a larger vehicle.

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Where To Camp In Tomar

Tomar is quite restricted for overnight parking so there’s slightly fewer options in this list. We recommend keeping your eye on Park4Night for this in case others pop up.

Caravan Park
A free shaded campsite with waste water, fresh water and toilet facilities. The access is quite narrow but motorhomes can get through and it’s only a 5 minute walk into Tomar from here

Pelinos 77 Rural Camping
A small family operated campsite with a pool, free wifi and large paces this is a great pet friendly option. The only downside is it’s 10km out of the city so you will still need to find parking in town.

Day 5 – Get Lost In The Past

Conímbriga Ruins: A Glimpse At Portugal’s Roman History

📍 25 minutes from Tomar (45km)

If you love all things Roman, you’re going to love a stop at the Conímbriga Ruins for day 5 of your road trip.

These could be paired with a visit to Coimbra – coming up next – but we didn’t want you to miss them or feel rushed to get around them, so they got their own standalone stop. After all, they can easily take up most of your day!

These ruins are the best-preserved Roman ruins in Portugal, showcasing some of the most intricate ancient mosaics you’ll ever see – many of them still almost pristine! You’ll also get to explore the original city walls, Roman baths, an amphitheatre, and even some of the original houses from the old city. If you’re fascinated by ancient history, this is a must-visit.

On-site, there’s also a small museum housing some of the relics found during archaeological digs. No bodies (unfortunately – or fortunately?), but plenty of jewellery, tools, and everyday objects that really bring ancient Roman life to light.

After your visit, take a short detour to Condeixa-a-Nova, a charming Portuguese town nearby that’s worth a quick stroll before moving on.

Where To Stay Near Conímbriga Ruins

Condeixa-a-Nova is a quaint little town that is well worth a visit after your trip to Conimbriga Ruins. There are limited hotels but we recommend Conimbriga Hotel do Paço, a charming, comfortable hotel in Condeixa-a-Nova with free parking and a great restaurant on-site.

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Where To Camp Near Conímbriga Ruins

The most convenient place to camp will be the Conímbriga Ruins car park! There are no facilities but there’s plenty of space, some shade and pet friendly (although dogs are not allowed around the ruins)

Day 6 – Discover Portugal’s UNESCO Heritage

Coimbra: Portugal’s City of Poets & Scholars

📍 20 minutes from Tomar (20km)

Once the capital of Portugal, Coimbra is a stunning riverside city that often flies under the radar for visitors focused on Lisbon and Porto.

However, it’s a destination worth lingering in – there’s so much to see and do that you’ll want at least a couple of days to take it all in.

A fascinating link between Coimbra and the Conímbriga Ruins is that when the old Roman city was invaded, its people fled here, helping shape Coimbra’s early development. You can even see part of the original Roman road that once linked Lisbon and Coimbra at the ruins site.

Coimbra Highlights

You could wander around Coimbra all day and miss out on some of the best sites. To make sure that doesn’t happen, add these city highlights to your itinerary or join the Coimbra free walking tour!

• University of Coimbra: Dating back to the 13th century, it’s the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest continuously operating in the world. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can explore its historic buildings, visit the natural history & science museum, and climb the clock tower for breathtaking city views. General self-guided admission: €12. Private guided tours are also available. Be sure to get the ticket that includes access to the Biblioteca Joanina, one of the most stunning libraries in Europe! Entrance numbers are limited, so arrive early.

• Monastery of Santa Cruz: The resting place of Portugal’s first king, this ornate monastery is filled with history and intricate azulejo tilework.

• Botanical Garden of Coimbra: One of the largest botanical gardens in Portugal, dating back to 1772. A peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

• Strolling the Old Town & Riverside: Wander the narrow medieval lanes, stop for a coffee in a historic square, and enjoy the amazing riverfront views. Coimbra is perfect for leisurely exploring.

Where To Stay In Coimbra

There are so many great hotels in Coimbra so I’ll list a couple of our favourites, then you can use the map below to search for availability on the dates you plan to travel.

Pharmacia GuestHouse
Want a truly unique hotel experience? Pharmacia GuestHouse is a beautiful option with their reception styled like a vintage Pharmacy, and rooms that are comfortably modern. It’s close to all of the best Coimbra has to offer but has no parking on site, and dogs aren’t allowed.

Hotel Astoria
Located in one of Coimbra’s most historical buildings and overlooking the Mondego River, this is perhaps one of the most sought after hotels in Coimbra. There’s no parking available, and pets aren’t allowed but if that’s no issue for you I highly recommend checking it out!

Coimbra Ibis
For a pet friendly and budget option that does have private parking, we recommend Ibis. We’ve stayed in this chain of hotels all over Europe and find they’re good quality for the price.

Where To Camp In Coimbra

We’ve driven to Coimbra in our campervan a few times, and we’re pleased to say there’s quite a few spots close to the city that are perfect for larger vehicles.

Estacionamento
Perfect for day parking and overnight, Estacionamento has plenty of large parking spots for buses, campers and motorhomes. It is used by buses so try to leave space for them too. No facilities, but it’s just a short 10 minute walk into the city from her

Free On Street Parking
If you’re visiting during the winter, this on-street parking spot has lots of spaces for longer vehicles, although it could be busy through the night. No facilities, but there’s easy access without having to get through any of the narrow city streets.

Coimbra Camping & Bungalow
If you’re wanting somewhere to plug in and unwind for a night or two, Coimbra camping and Bungalows is the place to go! With beautiful views, a pool and crazy golf, it’s designed with families in mind! Pets are allowed on request too!

Day 7 – Relax In Portugal’s Venice

Aveiro: The Colourful Canals of Portugal

📍45 minutes from Porto (75km) | 2.5 hours from Lisbon (250km

Often called the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro is a charming city built around a network of canals that were once used for transporting salt, seaweed, and goods. It’s a fantastic day trip option from Porto, but also makes for a great final overnight stop on your road trip. Either wander at your own leisure, or join a FREE guided walking tour

Aveiro Highlights

• Moliceiro Boat Tours: A must-do in Aveiro! These traditional, gondola-like boats take you through the historic canals while guides share insights into the city’s past. Most boat tour companies offer similar experiences, so just pick one that suits your budget and schedule… Most are pet friendly too!!Fun game: Look out for boats with cheeky, risqué paintings on the side—there are only a few, making it a fun game of I-Spy!

• Salt Pans & Salt Spa: Learn about Aveiro’s salt production history and even experience a salt spa treatment. You can also take a tour of the working salt pans to see the traditional harvesting methods still in use today.

• Try Ovos Moles: This local delicacy, made from egg yolks and sugar, has an interesting history and is a must-try sweet treat in Aveiro.

• São Gonçalinho Festival (January): If you’re visiting in early January, don’t miss Portugal’s oldest festival, where locals throw rock-hard Cavacas (sweet bread) from the church rooftop while people below try to catch them with umbrellas! It’s bizarre, but the atmosphere is electric.

• Strolling the Old Town & Canals: Admire the Art Nouveau architecture, walk along the picturesque pavements, and browse the artisan shops in the narrow lanes.

Where To Stay In Aveiro

We love visiting Aveiro when friends and family come to see us. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stay, a budget room or a boutique experience, you’ll find something in Aveiro!

Hotel Jardim
Hotel Jardim is our top pick when staying in Aveiro. Rooms are really comfortable, and it’s only a 10 minute walk to the canals. Pets aren’t allowed but there is street parking.

Melia Ria Hotel & Spa
With a prime central canal location, Melia Ria Hotel has unparalleled views of the canals and it’s pet friendly! Facilities include a spa, amazing breakfast and private parking.

Where To Camp In Aveiro

With how popular Aveiro is for people travelling up the coast of Portugal, it’s no surprise to say that there are plenty of free and paid camping options in Aveiro.

Parque de Autocaravanas
This is a free car park with designated spots for motorhomes and caravans. There are no restrictions on how long you can stay, which is great because it’s close to a supermarket and only a short 15 minute walk to the canals. There’s also a dump station for black and grey water, drinkable water to fill up your tanks and toilets at the nearby supermarket.

€3 Daily Parking
While this carpark is paid, at €3 for 24 hours we think the price is reasonable and considering it brings you a little closer to the main attractions it’s an ideal spot too. It’s a 10 minute walk to Aveiro’s friendship bridge (with the ribbons) but that follows the canal the entire way making it a scenic walk.

Free Lagoon Camping
Ok so this one isn’t quite in Aveiro, but it does take you in the right direction for Porto and if you want to see wild flamingos while you’re in the area – this stretch of lagoon is where you need to go!

Honourable Mentions

There are so many amazing places in Portugal that it was really hard to narrow it down to just a few stops for this Lisbon to Porto drive itinerary.

Dec and I would zigzag all over the country given the chance, but I know most people prefer a more direct route. The itinerary above keeps things relatively streamlined, but if you’re up for an adventure and don’t mind taking a longer inland detour, here are some incredible places worth considering.

Monsanto: The Village Carved from Stone

📍2 hours inland from Tomar or Coimbra

Voted the most Portuguese village in Portugal, Monsanto is a historic boulder town that looks like something out of a fantasy novel – so much so that it was even used as a Game of Thrones filming location.

This unique village is built directly into massive granite boulders, with houses wedged between and under the rocks.

Monsanto isn’t the easiest place to reach without a car, so it remains relatively quiet even in peak season. Its protected status means accommodation is limited, so it’s worth planning ahead if you want to stay overnight.

Serra da Estrela: Home To Mountains & Unique Villages

📍1.5–2 hours inland from Coimbra

If you want to see a completely different side of Portugal, the Serra da Estrela mountain range is a must.

Home to Portugal’s highest mainland peak, this region offers stunning landscapes, traditional mountain villages, and scenic hiking trails.

At the summit, you’ll find an indoor market where you can sample some of the region’s famous cheeses and cured meats – a tradition Dec and I never skip!

Nearby, you can explore old watchtowers, glacial valleys, and the only ski field in Portugal. Yes, it actually snows here! If you’re visiting in winter, snow chains may be required to reach the top.

Important Things to Know About Your Lisbon to Porto Road Trip

While it only takes around 3 hours to drive directly between Lisbon and Porto, this road trip is all about taking your time and experiencing the best of Portugal along the way. We recommend at least 5 days to make the most of this itinerary, but you can adjust based on your travel style.

This guide focuses on the road trip itself, but we do have other posts that focus on things to do in Lisbon and Porto,

Best Time to Go

The best seasons for a Lisbon to Porto road trip are:

🍃 Spring (April–June): Warm temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds than summer.

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

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

Tolls & Driving Tips

• This route includes toll roads, which cut travel time significantly. While each stop is accessible toll-free, skipping toll roads can add 3+ hours to the journey.
• Tolls cost around €26 one way, not including Lisbon city tolls. You can estimate your exact toll costs here.
• Rental cars are equipped with a Via Verde toll transponder, allowing you to use the barrier-free lanes and pay automatically.

Can You Do This Lisbon to Porto Route by Train?

Yes! While this itinerary is designed for a road trip, you can travel between Lisbon and Porto by train in around 3 hours. The Alfa Pendular (fast train) and Intercidades (intercity train) both run multiple times daily, stopping at key cities like Coimbra and Aveiro.

However, many of the smaller stops on this itinerary – such as Tomar, Serra da Estrela, or Monsanto – are not easily accessible by train, so you’d need to mix train travel with local buses, taxis or car rentals to reach them.