This Faro to Porto itinerary takes you on an unforgettable ride from the sunny Algarve coast all the way up to the charming city of Porto, stopping at some of the country’s best beaches, cultural gems, and hidden spots along the way.
I’ve crafted this route based on my own travels across Portugal, and after driving it myself, I was blown away by how diverse this little country is—from the food and landscapes to the vibe in each region.
If it’s your first time in Portugal, this itinerary will save you hours of planning and help you make the most of every stop.
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Here is the High-Level Road Trip Route:
- 5 days: The Algarve (south Portugal)
- 5 days: Lisbon (Sintra & Cascais)
- 4 days: Porto & Douro Valley (north Portugal)
I’m going to share my overly maximized route, how long you’ll want to spend in each spot so it doesn’t feel like you’re always on the go, what to see and do, and a few planning tips.
I’ve spent a ton more time in each spot, and if you have the luxury to slow travel, add a few more days in every spot, go on more hikes, and spend more lazy days on the beaches in the Algarve.
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2 Week Faro To Porto Road Trip Route
Here’s the 2-week itinerary recap:
- 2 Days: Faro, Olhão, Tavira
- 3 Days: Albufeira, Lagos, Sagres
- 3 Days: Explore Lisbon Highlights, Traditional Fado Show & Food
- 1 Day: Cascais Beach Town
- 1 Day: Sintra Castles
- 1 Day: Nazare Surfer Town & Coimbra UNESCO World Heritage Site
- 3 Days: Porto, Aveiro, Azulejo Churches, Duoro Valley Wineries
My road trip will take you from the very far south of Portugal to the very north, mostly along the Atlantic coast.
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Budget
It’s up to you. Car rental may start from 350 Euro (with basic insurance), and hotels start from 60 per night (the cheapest), but it all depends on the season you are traveling, the type of accommodation, and the car you are choosing. So the total budget can vary from 2000 and up, if you include food and tours, and obviously, the cute Portugal souvenirs you can find.
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Day 1: Arrive & Explore Faro
I rented a car in Faro and returned it in Porto, which was an added fee (but not much). You can always adjust the route to fit your style, but here’s the gist of the road trip.
Faro is the biggest city in southern Portugal. It has a decent airport that connects to Lisbon, Porto, and several other European cities.
I landed here, rented a car, and started my road trip. I used Faro as my home base for 2 days and visited the southeast coast of Portugal, including the towns of Olhão and Tavira.
Faro has the cutest historic old town, and my favorite square surrounds the Cathedral of Faro.
I loved eating at the Old Tavern, and highly recommend the cataplana (a seafood stew) and fresh grilled fish.
You can explore the unique coastal lagoon on a boat tour, which will take you to a super beautiful sandy beach called Praia Barrinha.
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Day 2: Olhão and Tavira
It’s time to use that rental car for something. On today’s agenda are the towns of Olhão and Tavira.
Start with a market and beach day in Olhão and end the afternoon with a cute town visit and dinner in Tavira.
The Olhão Market every morning is one of the best in the region, and you’ll see locals come in to drink their morning coffee, gossip, buy their fish and veggies for the day, and be lazy in the sun, judging the few tourists that find their way to the docks and the market.
I recommend getting ferry tickets here, and visiting the famous islands right off the coast – my favorite was Praia de Armona.
After lunch, head back on the ferry to collect your car and on to Tavira.
Tavira is a charming town with historic architecture, a scenic riverfront, and golden beaches. A tranquil destination blending rich culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty. The town itself is adorable to walk through and shop in, with Moorish-style architecture that feels different from the rest of Portugal. Local festivals are usually going on.
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Day 3: Albufeira and Lagos
The next 3 days are all about the southwest of Portugal. Faro to Lagos is about a 1-hour drive on the interstate.
I used Lagos as my home base and visited the most famous beaches in the Algarve, the towns of Albufeira and Sagres. This part of the trip is about natural beauty and fantastic southern Portuguese food.
On the way to Lagos, you’ll stop in Albufeira for lunch and a little beach visit.
Albufeira is famous because tons of Britts and Germans go here to party, but if you ignore the pubs in town, the area is quite beautiful.
I loved Praia Santa Eulália the best because of the long sandy beaches.
From Albufeira, it’s just another 30 minutes to Lagos, my favorite town in southern Portugal.
There are a ton of amazing restaurants in Lagos to check out for dinner, and the town is great for exploring in the afternoon.
The charming Old Town, where narrow, cobbled streets are lined with colorful buildings, lively cafes, and shops, is lively, and don’t miss the 17th-century Lagos Fortress (Forte da Ponta da Bandeira) in the middle.
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Day 4: Algarve Beaches
Lagos is famous for some of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, such as Praia Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Today is a full-on beach day.
The dramatic cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, with their stunning rock formations and sea caves, are a must-see. In the afternoon, I highly recommend taking a boat tour for a unique perspective.
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Day 5: Sagres Day Trip
Sagres is a quick 30-minute drive, and it’s both beautiful and famous. As the southwesternmost point in Portugal, Sagres has a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean – think dramatic cliffs, high winds at times, and beautiful beaches in the summer.
While in Sagres, swing by Cabo de São Vicente, a nearby cape famous for its lighthouse and being the southwestmost point of mainland Europe.
In the afternoon, I cannot recommend enough a dinner night out in the mountains of the Algarve at this restaurant: Luar da Fóia.
Pro Tip: Tipping is not required in Portugal, like in the rest of Europe. If you want to leave a gratuity, a 5-10% max is appropriate without being culturally inappropriate.
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Day 6: Drive to Lisbon
The next three days are all about visiting the touristy capital of Portugal. I recommend staying in Lisbon for five days and making day trips to Cascais and Sintra.
The best neighborhoods to stay in are Alfama, Barrio Alto, and Principe Real.
The drive from Lagos to Lisbon is a bit long and a teeny bit boring, but it’s only 3 hours on the A2 highway.
When you get to Lisbon, settle in, and find a parking garage for 3 days to park your rental.
Visit Santa Luiza viewpoint for sunset on foot (a bit of an uphill) then walk around Alfama’s old town neighborhood.
Dinner is fantastic at Pateo – an experience where I recommend following what the chef suggests.
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Day 7: Explore Lisbon
Take an Uber to Torre de Belem, and walk around. Cross the street towards Jeronimo Monastery and get to the famous Belem Pasteis de Nata. These are delicious little egg custards that Portugal is famous for – best eaten with a ton of cinnamon sprinkled on top.
PRO TIP: Wait in the “to go ” line —they move fast. Get a few to go, and then go across the street to the park to enjoy—it’s more peaceful here.
Then take another Uber to LX Factory for the afternoon and lunch. This street has that famous little yellow tram with views of the river.
And to top it all off, I recommend dinner at Faz Frio. It is so freakin good and locals hang out here, no reservation is needed, but you might have a bit of a wait.
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Day 8: Lisbon History & Fado
While the last couple of days in Lisbon have been exploring a few of the local favorites in Lisbon, today is about immersing yourself in a historical walking tour and finishing the Lisbon adventure with a traditional Portuguese meal and a Fado show.
Fado is a traditional genre of Portuguese music characterized by melancholic and soulful melodies. It often expresses the themes of longing, fate, and love. Fado is usually performed by a singer accompanied by classical guitars.
O Faia is my favorite spot for Fado – call them and book the dinner and show ahead of time.
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Day 9: Cascais Day Trip
Grab your rental car today and drive 45 minutes to the beach town of Cascais.
Cascais, once a little fishing village, is now a cosmopolitan suburb of Lisbon, and a popular holiday destination known for its luxury resorts and beautiful beaches. Praia de Rebeira and Praia do Guincho are my favorites.
The town’s heart, with its cobbled streets and brightly painted buildings, is a joy to explore, and you’ll find many shops, restaurants, and bars.
Key attractions include the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães, a museum set in a picturesque palace with pretty gardens, and the Boca do Inferno, a dramatic cliff chasm.
Don’t get too crazy, it’s not as awe-inspiring as some of the beaches you’ve seen in the Algarve already, or what you’ll see in Nazare soon.
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Day 10: Sintra Day Trip
Next on the road trip is a day in Sintra, heading into northern Portugal. Sintra, a picturesque town nestled in the hills of the Serra de Sintra, is renowned for its fairytale-like vibe, blending natural beauty with extraordinary architecture.
This UNESCO World Heritage site, just 20 minutes from Cascais, is famed for the colorful Pena Palace perched atop a hill, the gothic Quinta da Regaleira home with its gardens and hidden tunnels, and the Moorish Castle, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding region.
The historic center of Sintra, charming streets and traditional pastries like travesseiros and queijadas, adds to the town’s magic.
The combination of its lush forests, cool microclimate, and eclectic mix of Moorish and Manueline architecture makes Sintra an almost mystical destination, at least to me.
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Day 11: Nazare & Coimbra
Next on the road trip are Nazare and Coimbra. From Lisbon to Nazare is about a 1.5-hour drive.
This little surfer town has blown up since the Netflix Documentary about the giant waves (which only happen in winter) and famous surfers who try to conquer them.
Beyond visiting the famous lighthouse, which you’ll have to walk to, there isn’t much to Nazare. I visited on a rainy cold day, but I hear it’s even better on a sunny summer day.
From Nazare to the town of Coimbra, where you’ll want to spend the night, is another 1.5-hour drive.
Coimbra, a riverfront city in central Portugal, is steeped in history and culture, best known for housing one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This prestigious university, with its stunning Baroque library, the Joanina Library, and the 12th-century Cathedral of Santa Cruz, forms the heart of this city.
Coimbra also celebrates a rich tradition of Fado music, adding to its vibrant cultural scene – so if you want a redo of Fado, this is the place to do it.
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Day 12: Explore Porto
The next 3 days are spent in Porto, the last little bit of our road trip.
I love Porto because it’s a bit more eclectic than Lisbon, and the Douro Valley makes for easy day trips and escapes into nature for some pretty lovely hiking.
Also, have you ever heard of Porto wine? Well, this is the birthplace of that delicious fortified apres-dinner drink.
Coimbra to Porto is another 1.5-hour drive. Once you settle into your lodging, you’re on foot for the rest of the day.
Start your Porto day in the historic Ribeira district. Wander along the picturesque Douro River, enjoy the colorful buildings, and maybe grab a traditional Portuguese pastry – pasteis de nata.
Then visit Livraria Lello, the iconic bookstore known for its neo-Gothic architecture (if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll love this place!). Keep in mind that you have to book the visit on their website in advance. If you travel during peak season (July and August, it’s best to book a couple of days in advance to find space.
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Lunch in Porto
Around lunch, head to Mercado do Bolhão for some local specialties like francesinha (which is a thick ass piece of pork and white American bread with brown gravy on top). It sounds weird and gross to me, but I tried it, and it was oddly delicious.
After lunch, climb the Clerigos Tower to get your steps in, check out the stunning azulejos tile panel of São Bento Railway Station, and visit the Palacio da Bolsa if you have the energy left.
Then walk across to Vila Nova de Gaia for breathtaking views of Porto from the other side.
There are many cellars for port wine tasting, where you can learn a bit about how it’s produced.
I recommend grabbing dinner on the riverfront in Vila Nova de Gaia, watching the sunset, and then walking across the bridge back to the Ribeira district, which by now is beautifully illuminated.
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Day 13: Aveiro & Iconic Churches
Aveiro is famous for its network of picturesque canals, reminiscent of Venice in Italy, and is a 1-hour drive south of Porto.
A ride on the colorful moliceiros, traditional boats originally used for seaweed harvesting, offers a charming way to explore the city and its waterways.
Nearby, the Costa Nova beach is known for its brightly striped houses, stunning beaches, and fresh seafood. It’s a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying the Atlantic coast.
Try This: Aveiro is also known for its unique local delicacy, ovos moles, a sweet treat made from egg yolks and sugar, often shaped into maritime-themed forms.
On your way back to Porto, visit the colorful Valega Church and Cortegaça Church, which are full of azulejo tiles and colorful depictions of the Bible.
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Day 14: Winery in Duoro Valley
Today, return the rental car and head on a guided tour of the wineries in the Duoro Valley.
This region is most famous for being the historic and exclusive producer of Port wine, a fortified wine made here for centuries.
The Douro Valley is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Characterized by its dramatic, terraced vineyards stretching along the Douro River slopes, the valley offers some of Portugal’s most spectacular scenery.
Its beauty is so remarkable that the region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are tons of quintas (wine estates) in the region that offer tours and tastings, providing insights into the traditional methods of Port production and opportunities to sample the wine.
A perfect way to end your epic trip through Portugal.
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Best Time To Visit Portugal
I think the best time to visit Portugal on this type of road trip is in the spring, ideally in March, April, and May.
The weather is pleasantly warm, the countryside is in full bloom and green, especially in the northern regions, and the tourist crowds are fewer.
Early summer, in June, is also a great time, and so is early fall, in September and October. These times are fantastic for beach holidays, as the water will be warmer in the Algarve.
Summer in Portugal is super hot, and there are plenty of tourists, which is a bit of a buzz-kill for me as a traveler.
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Getting Around Portugal
The best way to get around Portugal on this Faro to Porto road trip is by renting a car. Technically, you can make this whole trip by train, but it’s a bit tougher, especially in the Algarve. Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, and Cascais are well connected via train.
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Final Thoughts: Portugal Road Trip
Overall, this Faro to Porto road trip through Portugal will take you through some of the best spots in the country, and in 2 weeks, you will have seen more of Portugal than most Portuguese people.
Enjoy your trip, and as they say in Portugal, “Boa viagem!”
This is a guest post from Mariana Barbuceanu at Road Trip EuroGuide.
- Related: 27 Fun Facts About Portugal That You Must Read Before Traveling
- Related: The 13 Best Hikes In Portugal That Your Don’t Want To Miss
This article originally appeared on BoundlessRoads.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Image Credit: Depositphotos.com.
