Portugal: the road trip of a lifetime, on looping mountain roads and cliffside paths, among epic cities, and beautiful whitewashed Portugal villages. Hire a campervan and make your way around the country from one breathtaking experience to the next. Whether it’s surfing off the coast of the Algarve, or wine tasting in the Douro Valley, Portugal will fulfill all your adventure dreams. Plan your route with this 3-week itinerary.
Portugal Travel Itinerary
Get ready for an unforgettable Portugal travel experience! (road trip) The route starts and ends in the south of Portugal, in Faro, and is best done by campervan. Using a car/public transport is also possible, but plan for accommodation and getting to more remote locations.
Also read: Complete 2-week Portugal itinerary.
Day 1: Evora & Elvas
Begin your Portuguese road trip in Faro: a small town in the south of Portugal. Collect your campervan or hire a car, and begin the 3.5-hour trip up north to Elvas. On your way, make a stop at Evora (about 2.5 hours into your journey).
We recommend to rent a car in Portugal through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Evora
This beautiful university town has a buzzing atmosphere full of bars and restaurants and people enjoying its party nature. Not only this, but its incredible architecture and Roman history make it a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Please spend a few hours here during the day exploring its quaint streets, sandwiched between white and yellow-painted cottages. Make sure to pay a visit to the ruins of the Roman temple and the Evora cathedral.
Elvas
Once you have enjoyed a few hours in Evora, continue your drive further north to Elvas. Just 1km from the walled city, discover the impressive Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graca: a huge star-shaped fort that sits high on a hill, where you can see an amazing sunset. The enormous fort walls are imposing, but the fort’s unique shape really takes your breath away.
Amoreira Aqueduct
Before you leave Elvas on day 2, take an early morning trip to the Amoreira Aqueduct. This is a huge 4 tiered archway bridge that sits at the entrance to the town of Elvas. The 16th-century aqueduct was used to facilitate water movement in the town for many years and is still used today. The impressive 8km long structure is also a UNESCO site and is an absolute must-see.
Day 2-3: Monsanto Rock Village
On day 2, head to one of the most mesmerizing locations in Portugal: Monsanto Rock Village! Named as โthe most Portuguese village in Portugalโ, this hilltop village takes you back to a simpler time.
Here, houses emerge out of gigantic boulders, with ladders and doors that take you up to rooftop rock terraces. Enjoy the spectacular views out across the valley from Monsanto and the most magical starry night sky!
More about: Rock Village Monsanto in Portugal
Staying the night is a good idea, as most people visit Monsanto on an organized day tour. Because of this, after 5 pm, the village will be totally peaceful and free of tourists. It also allows you to stay in one of the unique rock houses.
Elvas to Monsanto: 2hr 40 minute drive. The journey is possible by bus but the journey has several changes and can take up to 6 hours.
Day 4-5: Douro Valley, Portugal
One of the highlights of a Portugal travel road trip has to be time spent in the stunning Douro valley, amongst its endless vineyards and rolling hills. Enjoy time in the valley towns, such as Peso Regua, take part in water sports on the mighty Douro River, and drive along some of the most spectacular roads in Europe.
Planning a campervan trip? We’re happy to share a 5% discount on your campervan at Soul Campers only for readers of Salt in our Hair. Make a reservation and mention the code SALTINOURHAIR in the booking form.
Wine Tour Portugal
Make sure to book one of the many wine tours on offer in the Douro Valley. Wine tours range from tastings to learning about the harvesting experience or staying the night on one of the beautiful estates.ย
Monsanto to Douro Valley: 3 hours driving. Alternatively, make your way down into the valley by taxi to the town of Covilha. From here, there is a public bus to Peso Regua, taking 3 hours. Be aware that only two buses run per day.
Stay overnight in the Douro Valley
We stayed at Quinta do Monte Travesso, where we did a wine tour and camped overnight. However, there are hundreds of beautiful Quintas to stay at throughout the huge region, so the options are endless.
Day 6: Braga
Walking around Braga is a pleasure, with its beautiful gardens and squares filled with colorful flowers. What’s more, it’s home to the oldest cathedral in Portugal, so dedicate a day to visit the city itself.
Peneda Geres National Park, Portugal
If you have time, drive a little further north to Peneda Geres National Park’s remote landscapes. Here you will find many waterfalls, lakes, and deep valleys peppered with quaint hillside villages and Roman ruins. The largest national park in Portugal is well worth the trip if you are traveling Portugal by campervan, as it’s the ideal way to explore nature.
Peso Regua to Braga: 1 hour 20 minutes driving. If using public transport, you will need to go to Porto first and access the bus or train from there. From Porto, Braga can be visited easily by train in just under an hour, with a regular service running throughout the day.
Day 7-9: Porto
Porto: Lisbonโs much-loved little sibling! Any Portuguese road trip is not complete without spending a few days in this extraordinary city. Walk in the small hillside streets, take the funicular railway, and discover Livraria Lello, one of the most magical bookstores in Europe.ย
Braga to Porto: Traveling by camper van? Drive 45 minutes to Porto and park your camper outside of the city, so you can spend a few days in a hotel for easier sightseeing.
Day 10-11: Arouca and Aveiro
The Arouca Paiva Walkways is an 8km long stretch of stairs and boardwalks that scale the rocks and valley surrounding the river Paiva. If visiting in the summer, there are also deep pools in certain areas that are suitable for swimming.
It is a fairly steep and difficult walk that takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. Because of this, you’ll need to wear proper walking shoes, bring a hat, and lots of water if walking in the summer. The fast-flowing river also makes it an excellent place for kayakers who want to enjoy the white water and rapids.ย
Porto to Arouca: 50 minutes driving from Porto. Alternatively, take a taxi or join an organized tour leaving from the city.
Tip: Spend the day here hiking, before driving on to the town of Aveiro to spend the night.
Aveiro
Wake up on day 11 in the unique town of Aveiro, known as โthe Venice of Portugalโ, with its colorful houses, canals, and brightly painted gondolas. Spend the day in Aveiro lazily, floating along the canals that feed away from the Aveiro lagoon.
Also read: Best Places to visit in Portugal
The gondolas of Aveiro are called โMoliceirosโ, and most of the guides that row these boats will also provide you with interesting historical information about the maritime town.
Arouca to Aveiro: 1 hr 20 minutes by car. If you are using public transport, it’s easiest to go back to Porto and transfer onto a train from there.
Discover more: Best Things to do in Aveiro, Portugal
Day 12-13: Obidos
Welcome to the โTown of Queensโ! Obidos is one of the most stunning towns you will come across on your Portugal travels. It is so beautiful that Portuguese kings traditionally gifted it to their queens.
The complete guide: Obidos, Portugal
Walk the 1.6km-long and 13-meter-high castle walls surrounding the town, marveling at the beautiful views across rolling hills and vineyards before exploring the charming cobblestone streets filled with traditional shops and bougainvillea flowers.
Day 14-16: Lisbon
No Portugal travel route would be complete without a visit to the breathtaking capital city: Lisbon. Often compared to San Francisco for its huge suspension bridge, yellow trams, and steep hillside streets, Lisbon is nothing short of spectacular.
Must-read: Best 3-Day Lisbon city trip guide!
Spend your days basking in the sunshine, enjoying live music next to the river as the sun goes down, and jumping from one cafe to another, sampling custard tarts and drinking coffee: bliss!
Obidos to Lisbon: 1 hr 10 minutes drive. There is also a direct train running throughout the day that takes 2.5 hours.
Hotels in Lisbon
Lisbonโs best neighborhoods to stay in are the charming old town: Barrio Alto and Alfama, or in the center at Baixa and Chiado. There are also plenty of great hostels to choose from.
Day 17-20: Algarve
Drive down to the southern Algarve region of Portugal to spend your final days relaxing on sandy beaches, exploring caves with emerald water, and learning how to surf under the great cliffs of Portugal. Lagos’ gorgeous whitewashed town is the perfect place to base yourself for a few days in the Algarve.
Not only is the town beautiful, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of amazing restaurants, but it’s within walking distance to some of the best beaches in Portugal, as well as world-famous surf spots. Also visit the small fishermen village Ferragudo.
Lisbon to Lagos: 2 hr 45 minutes drive. There is also a 4-hour train, with one change in the town of Tunes.
Here are all the bucket list things to do in the Algarve
Carvoeiro & Albufeira
While staying in Lagos, donโt forget to visit towns like Carvoeiro and Albufeira. Both coastal towns boast a variety of outdoor activities for travelers. Whether itโs hiking along the boardwalks that sit on the dramatic cliffs or paddleboarding amongst the caves off the shoreline, there is something for all adventure enthusiasts.
Read more about the things to do in Albufeira.
Albufeira is also known for its buzzing nightlife if youโre looking for a more lively atmosphere while on your Portugal travel route.
Where to Stay in the Algarve
Lagosโ gorgeous town is the perfect place to base yourself for the next two days. It has a lively atmosphere and is within walking distance of some of Portugal’s best beaches and surf spots. See all hotels in Lagos.ย ย
Day 21: Faro
End your Portugal travel route by spending the night in the beautiful old town of Faro. The Algarve region’s capital is often only used as a jumping-off point to the rest of Portugal. However, itโs well worth spending a day here admiring the ancient cathedral and walking amongst the white-washed houses that overlook the nearby lagoon and harbor.
Good to know: Faro airport is located only 10 minutes drive from the town itself and there is a regular airport shuttle bus that departs throughout the day.
Lagos to Faro: Direct train in 1 hour 45 minutes OR drive in less than an hour.
How to Get Around Portugal
Portugal is home to some of the most beautifully remote locations. Because of this, we highly recommend hiring a camper van or renting a car. Especially in the east and the very north of Portugal, it will be necessary to have your own transport.
We recommend to rent a car in Portugal through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Despite this, there are bus services running between villages, so it is possible to use public transport. Consider following a west coast route, as there are great rail and bus links between Lisbon and Porto.
Best Time to Travel in Portugal
Portugal is stunning all year round. However, the spring and the fall is the best time to visit Portugal. This is the shoulder season when there are fewer tourists and prices will be cheaper. Additionally, there are still many sunshine hours, but it’s not quite as hot and sticky as the summer months.
September/October is also the harvest season, so a great time to visit the wineries in Douro Valley. Additionally, you can see the surf sessions happening in places like Nazare, where some of the highest waves in the world are surfed.
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- Find Hotels via Booking.com
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- Find Flights to Portugal via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
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What a brilliant blog.
Thank you so much for sharing. We will definitely do a similar 3 week route, using much of this information and your recommendations.