Road Trip Portugal 2025: where to go?

Need ideas for your Portugal 2025 road trip? The Algarve, Lisbon, Sintra and Nazaré await you for a trip rich in breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks and wild coastlines. Discover our full itinerary, practical tips and good addresses for a trip combining culture, gastronomy and nature, with the freedom to explore Portugal in a different way.

Where to go around the Algarve

The Algarve, located in the south of Portugal, is the ideal destination for a road trip in 2025. Portugal is ranked 4ᵉ best country for a road trip in Europe in 2025 thanks to its quality roads and safety. This region offers a varied landscape of golden beaches, spectacular cliffs and historic villages. The caves of Benagil and the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade attract nature lovers, while Lagos and Olhão offer a mix of culture and relaxation. In April 2025, the region welcomed 492,000 visitors, generating €129 million in tourism revenue.

The Algarve’s beaches and coves are among the most beautiful in the country. The Benagil cave, named by the Huffington Post as one of the 10 coolest caves in the world, is accessible only by sea. Since 2024, landing on its inner beach has been forbidden, but guided excursions by kayak or boat are available from Benagil, Albufeira, Portimão or Lagos. Boat trips to admire this natural wonder start at €28 per person. Praia da Marinha, with its 4.6/5 rating on traveller reviews, epitomises the beauty of the coast.

The Algarve is full of towns to discover. Faro, the regional capital, invites you to discover its history with its historic centre and the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. In Lagos, explore the Rota da Escravatura museum, which recalls the slave market of 1444. Carvoeiro, renowned for its rock formations, leads to the famous Benagil cave. This region combines heritage and nature, with Praia da Marinha ranked among the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world by CNN in 2018. Travellers will find a balance between entertainment and authenticity.

The Costa Vicentina, in the north of the Algarve, is an exceptionally well-preserved coastline. This 110 km-long natural park is home to unique animal species such as white storks. The wild landscapes, immense beaches and coastal walks make it a popular destination. Praia da Arrifana is renowned for its surfing, while Porto Covo has preserved its historic charm. Cabo de São Vicente offers unforgettable sunsets, just 110 km from Faro.

Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do in the Algarve. Excursions by boat or kayak to the sea caves are a must, as is dolphin-watching. Surfing is available in Ericeira, the surfing capital of Europe, or in Nazaré for giant waves. Paddleboarding is ideal on the Ria Formosa. Out of 1,805 bookings, the kayak tours at Benagil remain very popular. Guided cruises, recommended by 99% of travellers, combine adventure and wildlife discovery.

A road trip to the Algarve is best planned in spring or autumn, to make the most of the scenery. In April 2025, temperatures range from 12 to 21°C, ideal for exploring. Summer, from June to September, is perfect for swimming, with water temperatures in excess of 20°C. Faro records around 320 days of sunshine a year. July, with 1 mm of rainfall and 12 hours of sunshine a day, remains a popular season for water sports.

The Algarve’s gastronomy enriches the experience of your road trip. Don’t miss Cataplana, a fish and seafood dish cooked in a vat, or piri-piri chicken in a spicy sauce. Dom Rodrigo, made with egg strings and almonds, and Queijinhos de Figo, a type of fig cheese, are among the local delicacies. Try these specialities at the O Camilo restaurant in Lagos or Ramires in Guia, famous for its grilled chicken.

Car hire from Faro airport (FAO) is recommended if you want to explore the Algarve freely. Book around 7 days in advance to take advantage of low rates, with agencies such as Klass Wagen (from €3.60/day). A city car is sufficient for urban travel, but a saloon is preferable for families. On the A22, the main toll motorway, transponders are often included with rentals. Always check the condition of the vehicle when you pick it up.

Where to go in Lisbon

Lisbon, the ideal starting point for your Portugal 2025 road trip, combines optimum logistics with historic charm. Lisbon International Airport (LIS) serves many European destinations. Located between Porto and the Algarve, it offers easy access to all regions. Explore Lisbon on foot or by public transport for 2-3 days before hiring a car for the rest of your itinerary, thus avoiding the cost of parking in the city centre.

The Alfama district, Lisbon’s oldest, reveals a labyrinth of cobbled streets where the sound of fado can be heard in the taverns. This part of the city survived the earthquake of 1755. Climb to the Castelo de S. Jorge for a panoramic view or to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol for a sunset over the Tagus. Admission to the Panteão Nacional costs €4 to admire its dome.

Baixa-Chiado, the neoclassical heart of the capital, stretches from Rossio to the Tagus. Reconstructed after the 1755 earthquake, this area is home to the 45-metre Elevador de Santa Justa, the Convento do Carmo and its Gothic ruins. Bairro Alto, to the north, is home to typical bars and clubs. For exceptional shopping, try the local design boutiques at LX Factory or the handicrafts at LX Factory Market.

• Discover the Castelo de S. Jorge, a must-see recommended by 96% of travellers, with guided tour tickets from €25
• Explore the Museu do Azulejos (4.5/5), dedicated to azulejaria, with its 20-metre fresco of pre-earthquake Lisbon
• Visit the Calouste-Gulbenkian Museum (4.6/5), home to masterpieces from Antiquity to modern art
• Marvel at the Musée des Carrosses (4.4/5) in Belém, with the world’s richest collection of royal carriages
• Discover the MAC/CCB, renovated in 2023 and featuring works by Picasso, Warhol and Portuguese avant-garde artists
• Take an interest in the Museu do Oriente, dedicated to trade between Portugal and Asia since the 16th century
• Browse the “Portuguese Louvre” at the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, with its treasures of ancient art
• Contemplate the 26-carat diamond at the Royal Treasure Museum, opening in 2022
• Understand recent history at the Museu do Aljube, a poignant testimony to the dictatorship (1926-1974)
• Discover historic transport at the Museu da Carris, with restored trams and buses from the period
• Reconstruct the history of Lisbon at the Museu de Lisboa, with its pre-earthquake model
• Explore archaeology at the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, with remains of ancient civilisations

The Belém district, 5-6 km from the centre, is home to two UNESCO-listed gems: the Hieronymites Monastery, Portugal’s most visited monument, and the Tower of Belém. To get there, take the E15 tram from Praça do Comércio (15-40 minutes, €2.90 on board) or the Cais do Sodré train (7 minutes). This historic walk often ends with a tasting of pastel de nata at the Pastel de Belém.

Lisbon’s specialities will delight your taste buds. Try the warm pastéis de nata sprinkled with cinnamon, available at Pastel de Belém (22,000 units sold daily at €1-1.50 each). Try bacalhau in Brás or amêijoas in Bulhão Pato, accompanied by a vinho verde. For carnivores, the bifana (Portuguese-style sandwich) will satisfy even the most demanding palates.

Lisbon’s historic transport network is well worth a visit. Tram 28 runs for 7 km through Alfama and Graça, linking Praça da Figueira to Praça do Comércio. The Bica, Glória and Lavra funiculars, which have been in service for over a century, climb the hills in a picturesque fashion. The 24-hour travel pass costs €6.40 and allows you to use these emblematic means of transport as well as the metro.

For a panoramic view of Lisbon, the miradouros offer breathtaking vistas. The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, with its view over the Tagus, attracts photographers and lovers of golden light at the end of the day. The highest viewpoint is the Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte at 110 metres above sea level, while Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia light up Alfama with colourful flashes.

Parking in Lisbon requires a great deal of care. Choose underground car parks in Baixa-Chiado (€3/hour in the black zone, 2 hours max) or Park and Ride on the outskirts (Oriente connected to the metro). For overnight parking, use Park4night to find secure spots. On the way to Sintra or the Algarve, the motorway network is fluid thanks to some of the best roads in Europe.

Where to go around and north of Lisbon

Sintra, 30 km from Lisbon, is well worth a stop on your 2025 road trip. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town combines colourful palaces, thick forests and esoteric mysteries. In 2024, 3.2 million visitors walked its cobbled streets. The journey from Lisbon, around 40 minutes by train or car, takes you on to Cabo da Roca or Mafra.

The Pena National Palace, crowned with its conical chimneys, dominates the hills of Sintra. This masterpiece of Romanticism blends Moorish, Gothic and Manueline styles. Built in the 19th century on the site of a former monastery, it houses richly decorated rooms. In 2024, it attracted 680,000 visitors, with tickets priced at €16. Its Romantic-inspired garden is home to over 500 exotic species.

Quinta da Regaleira remains the mysterious address not to be missed. Its 27-metre-long inverted well symbolises the nine circles of Dante’s Inferno. Financed by a wealthy Freemason, the property incorporates Masonic and alchemical symbols. In 2024, 450,000 people visited its underground passages. A combined ticket for Palais Quinta costs €28, with a minimum 2-hour tour.

The National Palace in Sintra, a medieval royal building, boasts two emblematic conical chimneys. It was the seat of Portuguese kings from the 15th to the 19th century, and still boasts historic furnishings. The ceremonial rooms, with their painted ceilings, tell the royal story. In 2024, 120,000 people visited this monument. Its organic architecture reflects 11 centuries of successive developments.

The Castle of the Moors dominates Sintra from an altitude of 412 metres. Its ramparts hug the ridges of the Serra de Sintra. From the Real tower, the panorama takes in the ocean and the Pena Palace. The building, fortified in the 8th century by the Moors, withstood medieval attacks. In 2024, 215,000 hikers walked along its 450 metres of ramparts.

To visit Sintra with peace of mind, park at the station or in one of the peripheral car parks. The 434 bus runs between the monuments, with a 24-hour ticket costing €13.50. Avoid peak times by booking your ticket for the Pena Palace in advance. In July 2024, more than 1,800 people visited its gardens every day. Use the Vale dos Lagos entrance to avoid the queues.

Cabo da Roca, 15 km from Sintra on the Silver Coast, marks the westernmost point of continental Europe. This cape, described by Camões as “where the world ends and the sea begins”, offers a wild spectacle. Its lighthouse casts its light 46 km away. From Sintra, the 1253 bus takes you there in 40 minutes for €2.60. In 2024, 780,000 visitors admired its 140-metre cliffs plunging into the Atlantic.

Sintra’s pastry shops will delight fans of local flavours. The travesseiros, almond cream puff pastries, have been protected by a PDO since 2011. Casa Piriquita, open since 1862, serves them with a traditional coffee. Queijadas de Sintra, cottage cheese cakes, date back to the 13th century. The Fábrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa has been making them since 1756 in a historic setting.

Nazaré, a not-to-be-missed stopover between Lisbon and Porto, combines fishing traditions with a unique natural phenomenon. This fishing village, perched on a 110-metre cliff, attracts visitors with its giant waves. Located 180 km from Lisbon, it marks the transition between the central and northern regions of Portugal. The coastal roads offer panoramic views between the ocean and the cliffs.

The giant waves at Praia do Norte, amplified by the 5km-deep underwater canyon, reach up to 28.57 metres. Between October and March, this phenomenon attracts professional surfers. The canyon, 227 km long, triples the size of ordinary waves. The extreme conditions have made it a world-famous spot, observed by satellite.

The Sítio, an elevated district of Nazaré, offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. This mythical spot is home to the Ermida de Memória and the Sanctuary of Our Lady. From its promontory, the sunsets over the sea are unforgettable. The giant waves of Praia do Norte can be seen from the safety of the watchtowers.

The Nazaré funicular, in service since 1889, links the city centre to the Sítio. This vertical transport system climbs 318 metres in 6 minutes. At €4 return, it offers a picturesque alternative to steep roads. Passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean during the historic ascent.

Between the beaches of the Algarve, the historic soul of Lisbon and the mysteries of Sintra, Portugal reveals its treasures. Plan your 2025 itinerary, including practical advice and the right seasons. The roads of Portugal await you: every bend hides an unforgettable memory. It’s up to you to map out your adventure.

FAQs for your road trip in Portugal

What budget for 15 days in Portugal?

For a 15-day road trip in Portugal, the budget can vary depending on your travel style. On average, we estimate that you will spend around *166 euros per day*, giving a total of around *2490 euros for 15 days*. However, it is entirely possible to travel more *economically*, as in the example of a budget of 1000 euros per person for three people over 15 days, by optimising certain items of expenditure. The main items of expenditure include accommodation, with options ranging from youth hostels (€15-25/night) to mid-range hotels (€100-150/night), while *renting an apartment* can be a good option for groups. For transport, allow around €520 for car hire over 15 days, plus fuel and tolls. Food is affordable, with full meals at around €10 and pastries at €1.50. And don’t forget to budget for activities and entrance fees, even though many outdoor attractions are free.

Where can I go in Portugal for a 3-day tour?

For a short 3-day stay in Portugal, there are several cities that offer a rich and varied experience. *Lisbon, the capital, is an excellent choice thanks to its ease of access and the diversity of its districts. You can explore the Alfama* with its winding streets, take the famous *tram 28*, and visit the emblematic monuments of *Belém* such as the Tower and the Hieronymites’ Monastery, not forgetting to try the famous pastéis de nata. Further north, *Porto* is another ideal destination. Its UNESCO-listed *historic centre* invites you to stroll between the cathedral and São Bento station. A *boat trip on the Douro* is a must if you want to admire the cellars and taste the famous Port wine. Finally, in the south, *Faro, in the heart of the Algarve*, has a fascinating history, a fortified old town and *wonderful sandy beaches*, perfect for a weekend of relaxation and discovery.

Is it possible to swim in Portugal in October?

Yes, it is *possible to swim in Portugal in October*, although *conditions* vary from region to region. The average sea temperature is around 21°C at this time of year, which is considered pleasant for swimming. In the *Algarve* region, particularly in Albufeira and Lagos, the *water temperatures remain very pleasant*, at around 21.2°C to 21.4°C, as does Funchal in Madeira. However, as you head towards the centre and north of the country, as in Lisbon or Porto, the water can be *cooler*, fluctuating between 17.6°C and 20°C. October marks the *end of the ideal season* for swimming, but with the air temperature mild and the sunshine still generous, it remains an invigorating option for enthusiasts.

What’s the coldest month in Portugal?

In Portugal, the *coldest months are generally January and February*. Although the *temperatures remain mild* compared with other European countries, it is during this period that the mercury is at its lowest. January is often cited as the coldest month, with an *average temperature* of around 15°C in the Algarve. In the major cities, average minimum temperatures in January and February are the lowest of the year, hovering around 8°C in Lisbon and Faro, and 6°C in Porto. The influence of altitude can cause *snow* to appear in the high hills of the north-east, but this remains a rare and localised phenomenon, especially if you are heading south.