Lisbon to Porto Road Trip
The Ultimate Lisbon to Porto Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Hidden Gems
If you're heading from Lisbon to Porto, taking a road trip is hands down the best way to experience Portugal’s diverse landscapes, coastal beauty, and charming towns. We rented a car and hit the road early in the morning to make the most of our day. I highly recommend starting early—there are so many incredible stops along the way, and you'll want to fit in as much as possible!
Here’s a full breakdown of our Lisbon to Porto road trip itinerary and everything you need to know to plan your own adventure.
Stop 1: Cascais – A Charming Coastal Escape
📍 Distance from Lisbon: ~30 minutes (30 km)
Our first stop was Cascais, a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches, historic streets, and amazing seafood. Since we arrived early in the morning, most shops and restaurants weren’t open yet, but it was still a lovely place to walk around and enjoy the ocean views. In the summer, this place gets packed with visitors—so if you're going during peak season, expect some crowds! Caiscais is also famous for its fresh seafood, so if you visit later in the day, be sure to try a local seafood dish at one of the waterfront restaurants. This is somewhere that people say they spend a week just relaxing by the ocean, so if you have more than a day, you can consider staying here overnight.
What to Do in Cascais:
Walk along the Marina de Cascais and enjoy the ocean breeze
Visit Praia da Rainha, a small and picturesque beach
Try fresh seafood at one of the town’s many seaside restaurants
Stop 2: Boca do Inferno – The “Mouth of Hell”
📍 Distance from Cascais: ~5 minutes (2 km)
Next, we stopped at Boca do Inferno, which translates to “Mouth of Hell.” This dramatic cliff formation got its name because of the way the waves violently crash into the rocks, creating a powerful and mesmerizing display. I had never seen waves this massive before—I could have stayed here all day just watching them! Boca do Inferno was by far one of my favorite views I saw on this entire trip.
💡 Fun Fact: Boca do Inferno was once a cave, but over time, the force of the Atlantic waves eroded the rock, creating the open chasm you see today.
Stop 3: Praia do Guincho – Surfer’s Paradise
📍 Distance from Boca do Inferno: ~15 minutes (10 km)
Praia do Guincho is a stunning beach known for its massive waves and strong winds, making it a top surfing destination in Portugal. We stopped here briefly to take some photos, but since it was starting to rain, we didn’t stay too long. If you're into surfing, this is a must-visit spot!
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not a surfer, it’s still worth a visit for the views. Just be prepared for strong winds—this beach is famous for them. Due to the strong winds, kitesurfing is very famous here as well!
Stop 4: Cabo da Roca – The Westernmost Point of Europe
📍 Distance from Praia do Guincho: ~15 minutes (12 km)
One of the most breathtaking stops on the trip was Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The rugged cliffs and sweeping ocean views make it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
💡 Fun Fact: In the 16th century, people believed this was literally the edge of the world! There’s even a stone monument marking the spot with the inscription: "Aqui... onde a terra se acaba e o mar começa" ("Here... where the land ends and the sea begins").
🚶♂️ Bonus Stop: If the weather allows, take a short hike down to Praia da Ursa, one of Portugal’s most beautiful (and secluded) beaches. People have said that this is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Portugal. Unfortunately, it was raining when we were there, so we had to skip it—but if you can, go for it!
Stop 5: Azenhas do Mar – A Picture-Perfect Cliffside Village
📍 Distance from Cabo da Roca: ~30 minutes (25 km)
Azenhas do Mar is a postcard-worthy coastal village with whitewashed houses built into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of Portugal’s hidden gems, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic. We made a quick stop to admire the scenery and grab some food—easily one of the best meals of the trip!
🍗 Food Recommendation: On the way to Azenhas do Mar, we found a place that served the best roasted chicken I’ve ever had in my life. Once I find the name, I’ll link it here!
Stop 6: Praia de Santa Cruz – Stunning Rock Formations
📍 Distance from Azenhas do Mar: ~25 minutes (20 km)
Praia de Santa Cruz is another gorgeous beach with impressive rock formations and golden sands. There’s also a cute photo spot here that’s worth checking out! Theres some ice cream shops, bars and restaurants here, which makes it a nice place to walk around while taking in the sea breeze.
Stop 7: Óbidos – A Medieval Fairytale Town
📍 Distance from Praia de Santa Cruz: ~40 minutes (40 km)
Óbidos is a charming medieval town known for its well-preserved castle walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and colorful houses. This is also where ginja (Portuguese cherry liqueur) originated, so you have to try it while you’re here!
💡 Pro Tip: Walk along the castle walls for some of the best views of the town and surrounding countryside.
Stop 8: Nazaré – Home of the World’s Biggest Waves
📍 Distance from Óbidos: ~45 minutes (50 km)
Nazaré was the stop I was most excited for because I wanted to see the record-breaking waves. Surprisingly, the waves at Boca do Inferno were even bigger that day! Still, watching the sunset here was incredible. After we left the beach, we wanted to get some food and decided to go into town. People told us that the roads were narrow but WOW we barely had an inch on each side of the van when we were going through one of those alleys. We decided to head out of the small towns at this point and head back to Porto.
💡 Fun Fact: Nazaré holds the world record for the largest wave ever surfed—a mind-blowing 101.4 feet (30.9 meters) by Rodrigo Koxa in 2017!
🚗 Bonus Moment: On the way back from Praia do Norte, we even saw wild deer on the side of the road!
Final Stop: Porto!
📍 Distance from Nazaré: ~2 hours (200 km)
After a long but incredible day, we finally arrived in Porto! We grabbed some pizza and called it a night, getting ready for our next adventure in Porto.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to do this itinerary at a slower pace, consider staying overnight in Óbidos or Nazaré before making your way to Porto the next day.
Some Additional Stops You Can Make:
Aveiro – The Venice of Portugal
📍 Distance from Nazaré: ~1 hour 15 minutes (100 km)
Aveiro is often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal" because of its picturesque canals and colorful boats known as moliceiros. The canals wind through the city, and you can take a traditional boat ride to explore the beautiful architecture, including the Art Nouveau buildings that line the water.
What to Do in Aveiro:
Take a boat ride through the canals to get a unique perspective of the city.
Visit the Aveiro Cathedral and stroll through the quaint streets of the city center.
Don’t forget to try ovos moles, Aveiro’s famous traditional sweet made from egg yolks and sugar.
Check out the Museu de Aveiro, which is housed in the former Convento de Jesus, showcasing local history and art.
Costa Nova – Colorful Striped Beach Houses
📍 Distance from Aveiro: ~15 minutes (10 km)
Costa Nova is a small coastal village that’s most famous for its striped beach houses—a colorful and photogenic scene that has become iconic in Portugal. These houses, painted in bright colors with bold stripes, were originally used by fishermen to store their boats and fishing gear but have now become a popular spot for tourists.
What to Do in Costa Nova:
Walk along the beach and explore the striped houses—perfect for taking some Instagram-worthy photos.
Relax on the beach or take a dip in the ocean if the weather is nice.
Enjoy some fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants overlooking the water.
Coimbra – A Historic University City
📍 Distance from Costa Nova: ~1 hour (90 km)
Coimbra is a historic city with a rich academic heritage, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. The city’s stunning historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it offers a perfect combination of medieval charm and academic ambiance.
What to Do in Coimbra:
Explore the University of Coimbra, including its Joanina Library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Visit Santa Clara-a-Velha, a former convent that dates back to the 14th century.
Wander through the Botanical Garden, a peaceful spot filled with lush greenery and centuries-old plants.
Experience the city’s vibrant Fado music scene, as Coimbra is one of the few places where traditional Fado music is still performed.
Bussaco Forest – A Magical Escape
📍 Distance from Coimbra: ~30 minutes (25 km)
Bussaco Forest (or Mata do Bussaco) is a magical, dense forest located near the town of Luso. It’s known for its ancient trees, peaceful trails, and the palace located within the forest, Palácio Hotel do Bussaco, which was once a royal retreat. This is an excellent stop if you're looking for natural beauty and a tranquil escape.
What to Do in Bussaco Forest:
Walk the numerous trails in the forest, which are lined with exotic trees and hidden gardens.
Visit the Palácio Hotel do Bussaco, a stunning palace turned luxury hotel, and take in its beautiful architecture.
Explore the Bussaco National Forest and its chapels, fountains, and historic monuments.
Take a break at the Bussaco Tea House for a quiet afternoon tea surrounded by nature.
Tomar – A Templar Town with Medieval Mystique
📍 Distance from Bussaco Forest: ~1 hour (70 km)
Tomar is a small city with a rich medieval past, most famous for its Convento de Cristo, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and a former headquarters of the Knights Templar. The town itself is charming and has a relaxed vibe, making it a wonderful detour on your road trip.
What to Do in Tomar:
Visit the Convento de Cristo, where you can explore its medieval halls, chapter house, and beautiful church.
Stroll around the historic center of Tomar and discover its narrow streets and old stone buildings.
Walk along the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes, a forested area that offers great views of the city and the Tajo River.
Peniche – A Surfer’s Haven and Beautiful Coastline
📍 Distance from Tomar: ~1 hour 15 minutes (100 km)
Peniche is a town located on a peninsula and is known for its rugged coastline, making it a surfer’s paradise. It’s a quieter stop, perfect for those who love the beach and want to experience a more authentic Portuguese coastal town.
What to Do in Peniche:
Visit Praia dos Supertubos, a world-renowned surf spot known for its perfect tubes and big waves.
Take a boat trip to Berlenga Islands, a nature reserve with dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and ancient fortifications.
Explore the Peniche Fortress, a historic fort with great views over the ocean and the town.
Figueira da Foz – The City by the Sea
📍 Distance from Peniche: ~45 minutes (50 km)
Figueira da Foz is a lively beach town with a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and impressive boardwalks, it’s a great stop if you're looking to relax by the sea before continuing your journey to Porto.
What to Do in Figueira da Foz:
Spend some time on the beach—the wide sands and gentle waves are perfect for a relaxing day.
Take a stroll along the boardwalk or the Figueira da Foz Marina.
Explore the Santa Catarina Fortress, offering great views of the coastline.
Póvoa de Varzim – A Quiet Beach Town
📍 Distance from Figueira da Foz: ~1 hour (75 km)
As you get closer to Porto, you can make a final stop at Póvoa de Varzim, a small beach town known for its calm beaches and beautiful promenade. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy some quiet time before the final leg of your trip.
What to Do in Póvoa de Varzim:
Relax on the beach or take a walk along the seafront promenade.
Visit the Póvoa de Varzim Casino for some entertainment.
Wander around the historic town center and discover some hidden gems.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Lisbon to Porto Road Trip
This road trip was one of the best ways to experience Portugal beyond the major cities. From stunning cliffs and beaches to charming villages and medieval towns, every stop had something special to offer.
🚗 Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Just start early, plan your route, and be flexible with the weather. This was by far one of my favorite days of the trip and I did not want this day to end!
Hope this guide helps you plan your own Lisbon to Porto adventure! Let me know if you’d add any other must-visit stops. 🚙✨
