Exploring Portugal by car: 5 tips to enhance your journey between Lisbon and Porto

Though I am accustomed to road trips, experiencing one in Europe has always been uncharted territory for me until now.

Earlier this year, I embarked on a 2,000-mile adventure through the Southwest U.S. in a Mustang. As a child, my family frequently drove the route from New Jersey to Florida.

However, discovering the vibrant cities of Portugal, along with its hidden gems, by car has long been on my bucket list. I was thrilled to finally take my first European road trip between Lisbon and Porto.

While Portugal boasts a solid train system, I preferred to embark on this journey at my own pace, unbound by train schedules. Additionally, the pandemic has sparked a revival of the classic road trip, offering a safe and clean way to explore the world again.

If you're planning a road trip in Portugal, here are five essential tips, including my travel itinerary between the two cities.

Avoid overloading your itinerary

There are numerous routes you can take on a road trip through Portugal.

Would you like to start in Lisbon and head south towards the Algarve coast? Or perhaps begin in Porto and venture north to the scenic vineyards of the Douro Valley? Like me, you might want to explore Portugal's two major cities—Lisbon and Porto—while stopping at a few noteworthy attractions along the way.

No matter your choice, be careful not to overload your itinerary. I made this mistake on my trip and ended up having to skip a couple of destinations while I was already on the road.

When you look at a map between Lisbon and Porto, you can opt for a scenic coastal route or a quicker highway path.

With only a few days to complete my journey (in addition to reviewing hotels), I opted for the main highway. However, I still wanted to stop in several towns near Lisbon, and I admit, I overplanned. Don’t repeat my mistake.

Avoid attempting to visit both Cascais and Sintra in a single day.

Both Cascais and Sintra are must-see destinations during your stay in Lisbon. They are popular options for day trips from the capital and are easily reachable by either car or train.

Regrettably, I made the beginner’s error of attempting to squeeze both locations into one day. Although Cascais and Sintra are each just 30 kilometers from Lisbon, they are not situated in the same direction. After spending the morning and early afternoon in the upscale beach town of Cascais, I aimed to explore Sintra and its historic sites later in the day.

Due to heavy traffic and a late start, we were unable to see Sintra's iconic castle, Castelo dos Mouros, as it had closed by the time we arrived.

Refrain from driving in the city centers of Lisbon and Porto

European cities were not designed with vehicles in mind, and while infrastructure updates can help, they have their limits.

Driving outside the cities was easy, but I wouldn't recommend using your car in the historic centers of Lisbon and Porto. Both areas are very walkable, and having a car is unnecessary when exploring either city.

On the final day of my three-day stay in Lisbon, I picked up my rental car before embarking on the journey north to Porto. Navigating the streets to my hotel was quite an adventure, to say the least.

The parking garage at the Moxy Lisbon City featured the most cramped space I've ever encountered—definitely a memorable experience, albeit not a pleasant one.

Opt for day trips that are best accessed by car

Rather than using your vehicle for trips to Cascais or Sintra, which are easily reachable by public transport from Lisbon, consider driving to more unique and lesser-known destinations instead.

For example, I explored Galapinhos Beach, located about an hour south of Lisbon within Arrábida Natural Park. Renowned as one of Portugal's most stunning beaches, some locals even claim it surpasses the popular Algarve.

I also took a detour to the quiet seaside fishing village of Alcochete, which is roughly 40 minutes by car from central Lisbon.

My friend and I were likely the only tourists in the entire village, and we savored some of the freshest seafood that Portugal has to offer.

Be prepared for upscale facilities at highway rest stops

While traveling, you'll inevitably need to refuel your tank (or recharge your electric vehicle).

I was quite impressed with Portugal's rest areas along the major highways. They offered a comprehensive range of amenities, numerous fresh dining choices, and, most importantly, clean restrooms.

Naturally, no road trip is complete without encountering some (thankfully minor) roadside troubles. When my rental car signaled a low tire pressure warning, I had to make an additional stop at a rest area.

Not only was the air pump for the tire complimentary, but the instructions were also clearly provided in both Portuguese and English. This was a huge relief for someone like me, who lives in the city and is admittedly not well-versed in car maintenance.

Combine historic city visits with natural landscapes

Though this is ultimately a personal preference, my trip to Portugal was designed to be the perfect mix of urban exploration and natural wonders.

And that's precisely what I achieved. I took full advantage of having a car to explore the country's coastal splendor while immersing myself in lush woodlands and stunning cliffs. I also explored the medieval town of Coimbra, the vibrant city of Lisbon, and the rich history of Porto.

My complete travel itinerary

This was my initial plan:

Start: Lisbon (3-night stay)

• Stop 1: Arrábida Natural Park (Galapinhos Beach)
• Stop 2: Alcochete
• Stop 3: Cascais
• Stop 4: Cabo Raso Lighthouse
• Stop 5: Sintra*

Hotel 2: Coimbra (2-night stay)

• Stop 6: Coimbra
• Stop 7: Bucaco National Forest
• Stop 8: Aveiro*

Hotel 3: Porto (3-night stay)

• End: Porto

*Due to time constraints, I was unable to enjoy most of my intended sightseeing in Sintra, and I had to skip a visit to Aveiro.

I had an incredible eight-day road trip through Portugal, traveling between Lisbon and Porto.

My itinerary is just one example of the countless options available for a road trip in Portugal. From the dramatic cliffs at Cabo Raso Lighthouse, the westernmost point of continental Europe, to the stunning Bucaco Forest, there are numerous unique destinations to explore by car.

Naturally, the journey's start and finish in Lisbon and Porto were highlights in their own right.

A trip to Portugal is always a good choice.