Discover the ultimate European Roadtrip
Perfect Portugal
Faro - Porto
Perfect Portugal
Stop 1: Cathedral of Faro 1/15
Start your journey in Faro, the capital of the southern Algarve region. Rich in history and culture, explore the city’s treasured architecture including the Roman Catholic Cathedral. Meander through the monumental neo-classical archway, Arco da Vila, to reach the vibrant streets of the old town. This part of the city is full of charm, with quaint cobbled streets and local artisan stalls. This coastal city also offers beautiful views out to the Atlantic and tranquil walks through national parks.
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Stop 2: Ponta de Piedade, Lagos 2/15
Another coastal gem in the Algarve region, Lagos is beloved for its soft, golden beaches, scenic rock coves and historic streets. Explore the cliffs of Ponta de Piedade for stunning views of the local lighthouse surrounded by crystal clear waters or enjoy a tranquil day at one of the many glorious beaches. Stroll through the quaint streets of the old town and pay homage to Igreja de Santo António, a national monument lavishly decorated in the Baroque style.
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Stop 3: Aljezur 3/15
Head north from Lagos to the small market town of Aljezur. This is a prime location to explore stunning coasts, luscious greenery and local fauna at Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The town itself is built on either side of a river, with the glistening waters separating the old from the new. Visit the old town for stunning views of the Medieval Castle of Aljezur and then head into the new town center to explore local cafes and shops.
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Stop 4: Beja 4/15
Go back in time and travel to the sleepy city of Beja, where local history dates back to the Bronze Age. One of the most striking features is the 13th-century Castle of Beja which sits proudly on a hill, surrounded by lush green lawns. And that’s just the start of the historical trail, with local wonders including a Roman archway, ruins, grand churches and a striking white pillory. Head into the nearby museums to learn more about the city’s rich heritage.
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Stop 5: Evora 5/15
As the capital of the Alentejo region, the historic city of Evora is a must on your Portugal road trip. The Roman Temple of Évora, also known as the Temple of Diana, is the star of the show here. Built in the 1st Century, this ancient wonder is deservingly a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the streets lined with whitewashed buildings to uncover curious sights, such as the Capela dos Ossos – a small chapel decorated with human skulls and bones.
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Stop 6: Lisbon 6/15
A tour through Portugal’s flourishing regions wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the country’s capital, Lisbon. This bustling coastal city hosts an array of beautiful sights from Belém Tower to Jerónimos Monastery and the São Jorge Castle, a medieval fortress which watches over the city from its hilltop seat. Visit Alfama, the oldest neighborhood, and spend an afternoon exploring the narrow medieval streets and pastel-colored buildings that are home to independent boutiques and quirky cafes.
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Stop 7: Pena Palace, Sintra 7/15
Just north of Lisbon sits the resort town of Sintra. Nestled in the foothills of the Serra de Sintra mountains, this picturesque destination provides the perfect break from city life. Explore the colorful landscape, from pastel-colored homes to the sunshine yellow Pena Palace, where you can soak up views from the finest viewpoints. Visit the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, sandwiched between the scenic countryside and glistening ocean, and walk in the footsteps of Portuguese nobility at the region’s most unique palaces.
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Stop 8: Peniche 8/15
Continue north to Peniche, a former fishing town that’s now a vibrant city which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean on a little peninsula. Explore the Fort of Peniche and then set sail for Berlenga Grande Island. Here you’ll find the 17th-century Fort of São João Baptist, which sits out in the water on its own unique island. Walk across the bridge for stunning views out to the Atlantic Ocean and discover fascinating details about its medieval past.
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Stop 9: Óbidos 9/15
Encircled by defensive walls with a grand castle standing at its center, the small town of Obidos makes for a charming stop-off point. Wander through the cobbled lanes lined with rustic cottages, some of which have been here since Moorish times. Follow signs for the Miradouro viewing platform and relax in the sun-kissed cafe above the town’s red-tiled roofs. Then spend the afternoon at the Buddha Eden, a beautiful oriental peace garden complete with buddhas, terracotta statues and pagodas.
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Stop 10: Mira de Aire Caves 10/15
Stop off at the small town of Mira de Aire to go underground with a tour of the largest caves in Portugal. Your descent will take you down some 680 steps, past stunning limestone rock formations and a subterranean lake which glows like a precious emerald. Back on terra firma, head into the Natural Park of Aire and Candeeiros, which borders the edge of the town. Venture through the natural beauty of this protected area, chancing upon waterfalls, caves and dinosaur tracks.
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Stop 11: Coimbra 11/15
Located in the heart of Portugal, Coimbra is a riverfront city with a talent for whimsical flair. Head into the former capital, weaving your way through the multicolored buildings which fleck the hillside. Visit the historic University of Coimbra, built on the grounds of a palace, which is renowned for its baroque library and iconic bell tower. For something a little different, swing by Portugal dos Pequenitos, a miniature park filled with pint-sized replicas of local homes and monuments.
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Stop 12: Aveiro 12/15
Known as the Portuguese Venice, Aveiro is characterized by its crisscross of canals. Walk along the waterfront, or sightsee from the comfort of the iconic gondola-style boats (known as ‘barcos moliceiros’) traditionally used to harvest seaweed. Wander the quaysides lined with pastel-hued art nouveau houses and visit the Mosteiro de Jesus monastery, built in 1458, which has a museum packed with religious art. Then relax and unwind at Costa Nova Beach, a picturesque promenade complete with brightly-colored beach houses and gorgeous sand dunes.
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Stop 13: Braga 13/15
Venture to Braga, one of the oldest cities in Portugal, and discover amiable streets overflowing with religious heritage. Marvel at the medieval Braga Cathedral, home to a sacred art museum and the Gothic-style Kings' Chapel. Nearby, the imposing Archbishop’s Palace overlooks Santa Barbara Garden, offering sweeping views of the artistic flowerbeds. Head east of the city to the Bom Jesus do Monte complex, which has a neoclassical church reached via an elaborate 17-flight stairway.
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Stop 14: Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês 14/15
Just north of Braga sits Portugal’s largest national park, Peneda-Gerês. These rugged hills are home to deer, wolves and golden eagles. See it all from the top of the trails which overlook the vast, rolling greenery. Visit traditional towns such as Gerês, a quirky spa town and Lindoso, a village with a medieval castle and stone granaries. Northward lies Peneda village, where the 19th-century Shrine of Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Peneda sits at the top of a decorative stairway.
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Stop 15: Porto 15/15
Best known for its port wine production, Porto is a bustling city filled with stately buildings, narrow cobbled streets and scenic river walks. Meander across the Dom Luis bridge that spans the River Duomo, stumble upon independent boutiques in the cobbled streets and explore the Serralves, a contemporary art museum surrounded by a scenic park. One of the most striking features of the city is Livraria Lello, a beautifully gilded book shop filled with stunning structures and literary delights.
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