The drive from Lisbon to Porto is just 3 hours on the motorway — but why rush? The 350 km between Portugal's two great cities pass through medieval walled towns, giant wave beaches, ancient universities, and the Venice of Portugal. This 5-7 day road trip itinerary takes you through the heart of the country, revealing treasures that most tourists never discover.
The Route Overview
Lisbon → Sintra → Óbidos → Nazaré → Tomar/Batalha → Coimbra → Aveiro → Porto
Total driving distance: approximately 450 km (taking scenic routes). Recommended duration: 5-7 days. Car rental from Lisbon Airport: from €25/day.
Day 1-2: Lisbon & Sintra
Start with 1-2 days exploring Lisbon — ride Tram 28 through Alfama, visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, taste pastéis de nata, and enjoy fado in the evening. On day 2, take a half-day trip to Sintra for Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, then pick up your rental car and head to Cascais for a coastal sunset dinner before the drive north begins.
Day 3: Óbidos & Nazaré
Drive north to Óbidos (1 hour from Lisbon) — walk the medieval walls, wander the flower-draped streets, sip ginjinha from a chocolate cup. After lunch, continue to Nazaré (30 minutes) — ride the funicular to Sítio for cliff-top views, visit the surf museum at Forte de São Miguel, and watch the sunset over the giant wave beach. Stay overnight in Nazaré for fresh grilled fish by the harbour.
Day 4: Tomar, Batalha & Fátima
A day of medieval grandeur: start at Tomar's Convent of Christ (1 hour from Nazaré) — explore the Templar fortress and marvel at the Manueline Window. Continue to Batalha Monastery (30 minutes) for the Gothic masterpiece and its haunting Unfinished Chapels. Optional stop at Fátima (20 minutes from Batalha) for the world's most visited pilgrimage site. Stay in Coimbra.
Day 5: Coimbra
Spend a morning exploring Coimbra — the hilltop university with its jaw-dropping Joanine Library, the fortress-like Sé Velha cathedral, and the student-filled streets. Have lunch at Café Santa Cruz in a former chapel, then listen for fado de Coimbra in the evening — male students serenading in their black capes.
Day 6: Aveiro & Costa Nova
Drive to Aveiro (1 hour from Coimbra) — cruise the canals in a moliceiro boat, admire Art Nouveau architecture, and taste the famous ovos moles sweets. In the afternoon, head to Costa Nova for photos of the famous striped beach houses and a walk on the Atlantic beach. Continue to Porto (45 minutes) for your final destination.
Day 7: Porto
End your road trip in grand style in Porto — cross the Dom Luís Bridge, explore the Ribeira waterfront, browse Livraria Lello, and taste Port wine in the Gaia cellars. Watch the sunset from the upper deck of the bridge, with both waterfronts glowing golden below.
Road Trip Tips
- Tolls: Portugal's motorways (A roads) have electronic tolls — rent a Via Verde device from your car hire company (€1.50/day)
- Fuel: Fill up at hypermarket petrol stations (Continente, Pingo Doce) for the cheapest prices
- Parking: Free or cheap in small towns; use parking garages in Lisbon and Porto (€10-15/day)
- Best season: May-June or September — warm, dry, uncrowded
- Add a detour: Douro Valley wine tasting (from Porto), Braga & Guimarães (from Porto), or Évora (from Lisbon)
Bring the Journey Home
Every stop on this road trip will leave you with unforgettable memories — the medieval walls, the giant waves, the ancient libraries, the striped houses. Our MemBoards souvenir cutting boards capture the landmarks of each destination in vivid artistic detail, so you can relive the journey every day.