Hello, I want to do a road trip in Portugal for 14 days. I’m thinking of flying into Lisbon and flying out of Porto. I would like to enjoy Porto, Lisbon , small towns as well as Algarve/ beach. If you guys have recommendations, please help. Also any recommendations for food/restaurants would be appreciated.
Thank you
Visit Evora, Alcobaça, Tomar, Coimbra.
Hi,
We too are doing a road trip --19 days-- in Portugal. We're starting in Lisbon for a day then renting a car to make a loop around the country, fly to a couple islands in the Azores and finish in Lisbon for another about day and a half.
Not sure if any of the following would be of interest but thought I'd post what we're doing.... maybe there's something along the way that you could use....
While we want to learn about the history of wherever we go, we are equally interested in learning about the natural areas of wherever we travel so with that in mind we include as many national parks, wetlands etc as well as try to visit any areas known for bird migrations or other animals. We also google ahead of time the best places to watch sunsets :)
If you have a map handy, here's where we're planning on visiting....Lisbon, Sintra, Obidos, Nazare (photos only), Tomar, Coimbra, Aveiro (photos only), Porto, Braga (only for gas up before entering park but possibly a nearby UNESCO site), Geres-Paneda Park (time only for 2 brief hikes to waterfalls), Vale do Coa (photos only), Monsanto, Evora, Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, Faro old town, Algarve, Pera Marsh, Lagoa dos Salados, boat tour of Benagil Caves, Setubal, Parque Natural da Arrabida, Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve, Sao Miguel Island (includes whale watching tour), Terceira Island (includes cave tour), Lisbon.
Portugal has 17 UNESCO world heritage sites and another 18 on a wait-list for approval, many of which are in the areas we plan to go through. And, we've learned we'll be in the area during the flamingo migration!
In reference to restaurants....We try to eat in local markets as it's less expensive than restaurants with the huge benefit in that it's local food rather than an adaptation of food for Americans. I'm also vegan so I use the app Happy Cow to find vegan and/or vegan friendly restaurants. Apart from that I'm sure there are many others on this site who can better assist with some fabulous food referrals.
All the very best in your planning! I can tell you right now that our only regret is not having at least 1 more day even 2, as we would have liked to have spent more time in the northern mountains to visit some of the villages and numerous waterfalls.
Happy planning! Have a wonderful visit!
I’m planning to land in Lisbon and fly back from Porto? Any suggestions on where to go in Algarve?
Then drive up to Porto? Where should I stop? I need to stop atleast 2 day minimum each place if not 3.
If it’s your first trip, I’d recommend skipping the Algarve.. There are many beaches between Lisbon and Porto. And, depending on the time of year, much less crowded.
Julie Dawn Fox has great information on smaller towns in Portugal. I did a road trip of the 12 historic villages a few years ago that I really enjoyed. You also might google Silver Coast Portugal for info on the beaches between Lisbon and Porto. North of Porto has a lot of interesting towns, too.
Regarding restaurants - I find the Google maps reviews pretty accurate. Staying away from the very touristy areas of towns is always a good idea when feasible.
