Discovering Portugal: Making Your Journey Part of the Adventure!
Porto, Lisbon and the Region of Algarve steal the limelight as places to base yourself in Portugal, but when moving from one location to another you will be passing a plethora of gems worth visiting. Although some of them deserve more than a "quick stop", if you are trying to see a bit more of the country you can transform your transfers between cities into unforgettable experiences! Here's your guide to the most enchanting stops along Portugal's main routes.
This guide is meant for people wanting to make the most of their time in the country, as well as people who will be staying for an extended period and are looking for inspiration regarding what to visit!
PORTO TO LISBON: THE CLASSIC PORTUGUESE JOURNEY
THE COASTAL ROUTE: A STRING OF PEARLS
Main Attractions:
Aveiro - I don't like calling it the "Venice of Portugal" - a more accurate description would be "The Portuguese city of Canals" - it definitely merits a stop to see the colorful moliceiro boats gliding through canals and taste the delectable ovos moles pastries
Coimbra - Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, featuring the stunning golden Biblioteca Joanina and soulful fado traditions
Batalha - A masterpiece of Gothic architecture where the monastery stands as a testament to Portuguese medieval glory
Alcobaça - Houses a magnificent monastery and the touching tomb sculptures of star-crossed lovers Pedro and Inês
Fátima - A world-renowned spiritual center where pilgrims gather at the site of the Marian apparitions
Tomar - Home to the mysterious Convento de Cristo, a former Templar stronghold rich with historical secrets
Nazaré - Famous for its record-breaking giant waves, traditional fishing culture, and scenic funicular
Óbidos - A perfectly preserved medieval town where white-washed houses overflow with flowers and ginjinha flows freely
Worth exploring if time permits: São Pedro de Moel with its iconic lighthouse, Figueira da Foz for its casino and beaches, Costa Nova for the Instagram-worthy striped houses, Mealhada for the best suckling pig in Portugal, Leiria for its imposing castle, and Peniche for world-class surfing spots.
Pro Tip: Choose 2-3 main locations for a single day trip. For a fuller experience, consider spreading your journey across multiple days!
THE INLAND ROUTE: PORTUGAL'S HEART AND SOUL
Main Attractions:
Serra da Estrela - Portugal's highest mountain range, offering skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and incredible cheese year-round
Viseu - A historic city renowned for its exceptional wines, religious art, and well-preserved old quarter
Castelo Branco - Famous for its baroque bishop's garden, medieval castle, and intricate embroidery tradition
Fundão - The cherry capital of Portugal, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery
Guarda - The highest city in Portugal, known for its impressive granite cathedral and bracing mountain air
Additional stops to consider: Lamego for its impressive baroque staircase and sparkling wine, Trancoso for its Jewish heritage, Belmonte for its mysterious crypto-Jewish history, Manteigas for mountain scenery, Gouveia for wine tasting, Seia for traditional bread making, and Covilhã for its wool industry heritage and modern street art.
LISBON TO ALGARVE: WHERE SEA MEETS SOUL
THE COASTAL ROUTE: OCEAN DREAMS
Main Attractions:
Porto Covo - A picturesque fishing village with natural swimming pools carved into the cliffs
Vila Nova de Milfontes - A charming coastal town where the Mira River meets the Atlantic
Zambujeira do Mar - Home to dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and the famous MEO Sudoeste festival
Aljezur - Known for its sweet potatoes, Moorish castle, and excellent surfing conditions
Sagres - The southwestern tip of Europe, with its dramatic fortress and mystical end-of-world atmosphere
More coastal treasures: Sines for its historical center, Almograve for its stork nests on seaside cliffs, Carrapateira for untouched surfing spots, Odeceixe for its unique river-meets-ocean beach, Bordeira for endless dunes, and Vila do Bispo for wild coastal beauty.
THE INLAND ROUTE: TIMELESS ALENTEJO
Main Attractions:
Évora - A UNESCO World Heritage site with Roman ruins, medieval walls, and the haunting Chapel of Bones
Beja - A historic city crowned by an impressive medieval castle and rich cultural heritage
Monsaraz - A magical walled village perched high above the Alqueva Lake
Serpa - Famous for its creamy cheese, well-preserved walls, and authentic Alentejo atmosphere
Mértola - A stunning riverside town with a rich Islamic heritage
Hidden inland gems: Arraiolos for its circular castle and handmade rugs, Vila Viçosa for its marble palace, Estremoz for its marble quarries and pottery, Elvas for its mighty fortress, Moura for its thermal springs, Castro Verde for authentic Alentejo culture, and Almodôvar for local gastronomy.
PRIVATE TRANSFER BENEFITS
Door-to-door convenience with complete flexibility
Local insights and hidden gems you won't find in guidebooks
Comfortable, stress-free travel with modern amenities
Perfect photo opportunities at secret viewpoints
Authentic local restaurant recommendations
Customized stops based on your interests
Pricing varies by group size, vehicle type, route selection, duration, season, and additional services requested.
Ready to transform your transfer into an unforgettable journey through Portugal? Let's start planning!