Portugal's Atlantic coastline offers one of Europe's most spectacular driving routes. From the vibrant streets of Lisbon to the golden cliffs of the Algarve, a coastal road trip reveals pristine beaches, historic fishing villages, and dramatic landscapes at every turn. This 10-day itinerary guides you through the best of Portugal's southern coast, with flexibility to extend your stays at favorite spots along the way.
Planning Your Portuguese Coastal Adventure
Before setting out on your journey, some practical considerations will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:
When to Go
The ideal time for a Portuguese coastal road trip is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October). During these months, you'll enjoy pleasant temperatures in the 70s°F (20-25°C), fewer crowds than the summer high season, and more affordable accommodation rates. The Atlantic waters remain relatively cold year-round, but these seasons offer the best balance of beach weather and comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Renting a Car
Portugal offers competitive car rental rates compared to other Western European countries. For coastal driving, a compact or mid-sized car is sufficient, as roads are generally well-maintained. Consider these tips:
- Book your rental well in advance, especially during peak seasons
- Ensure your rental includes unlimited kilometers
- Verify that your insurance covers driving on coastal and rural roads
- Consider a diesel vehicle for fuel economy on longer stretches
- A GPS or reliable map app is essential for navigating coastal routes
International driving permits are not required for EU, US, or UK license holders, but they're recommended for drivers from other countries.
Taking a scenic break along Portugal's coast - always worth stopping at designated viewpoints
The Route: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Lisbon and Surroundings
Begin your journey in Portugal's captivating capital. While Lisbon deserves much more time, two days provides a taste of its highlights before hitting the coastal road.
Day 1: Explore Lisbon's historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Baixa, taking the iconic Tram 28 for a city overview. Visit São Jorge Castle for panoramic views and enjoy dinner in the Bairro Alto district.
Day 2: Take a day trip to Sintra (30km west of Lisbon) to visit the colorful Pena Palace and mystical Quinta da Regaleira. Return via the coastal town of Cascais, stopping at Cabo da Roca—the westernmost point of continental Europe—for stunning Atlantic vistas.
The fairytale-like Pena Palace in Sintra offers a romantic introduction to your Portuguese adventure
Day 3: Lisbon to Setúbal Peninsula
Collect your rental car and begin your coastal journey southward. Cross the 25 de Abril Bridge for spectacular views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Your destination is the Setúbal Peninsula, known for its pristine beaches and nature reserves.
Morning: Visit the charming fishing village of Sesimbra, where you can enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants.
Afternoon: Continue to Portinho da Arrábida, a hidden gem beach nestled beneath the lush Arrábida mountains. The turquoise waters here are unusually calm for the Atlantic coast, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Evening: Stay in Setúbal, exploring its historic center and dining at the bustling riverside market area where restaurants serve the local specialty—grilled cuttlefish with garlic.
Day 4: Setúbal to Comporta
Today's journey takes you across the Sado Estuary to the trendy beach area of Comporta, a favorite retreat for designers and celebrities seeking understated luxury.
Morning: Take the ferry from Setúbal to Tróia (a car ferry operates regularly), cutting across the estuary rather than driving around it. This route offers potential dolphin sightings in the Sado Estuary.
Afternoon: Explore the pristine beaches of Tróia and continue south to Comporta Beach, known for its stylish beach bars set against a backdrop of rice fields and pine forests.
Evening: Stay in Comporta village or nearby Carvalhal, dining at one of the chic restaurants serving farm-to-table cuisine.
The iconic straw umbrellas and relaxed atmosphere of Comporta Beach represent Portugal's understated coastal luxury
Day 5: Comporta to Vila Nova de Milfontes
Today you'll enter the Alentejo region's stunning coastal section, characterized by wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, and preserved natural landscapes.
Morning: Drive south through the Alentejo countryside, stopping at Porto Covo, a picturesque whitewashed village with a small harbor and beautiful beaches accessible via wooden staircases down the cliffs.
Afternoon: Continue to Ilha do Pessegueiro, an offshore island with a 16th-century fortress. At low tide, you can sometimes walk to the island from the mainland beach.
Evening: Reach Vila Nova de Milfontes, a charming town at the mouth of the Mira River. Stay in the historic center and enjoy dinner overlooking the river estuary.
Day 6: Vila Nova de Milfontes to Odeceixe
Today's route covers some of the most pristine stretches of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
Morning: Begin with a short hike along the Rota Vicentina (the Fishermen's Trail section), which offers breathtaking coastal views.
Afternoon: Drive to Zambujeira do Mar, stopping for lunch in this small fishing village before visiting its beautiful beach surrounded by high cliffs.
Late Afternoon: Continue to Odeceixe, located on the border between the Alentejo and Algarve regions. Visit Odeceixe Beach, where a river meets the ocean, creating a unique landscape that's particularly beautiful at sunset.
Evening: Stay in Odeceixe village, dining at a local restaurant serving traditional Alentejo cuisine.
The unique river-meets-ocean landscape at Odeceixe Beach, one of Portugal's most distinctive coastal scenes
Day 7: Odeceixe to Sagres
Today you officially enter the Algarve region, beginning with its wilder, less developed western section.
Morning: Drive south to Aljezur, an inland town with Moorish influences, before heading to the stunning beach of Monte Clérigo.
Afternoon: Continue to Arrifana Beach, a surfer's paradise with dramatic black cliffs, then to Carrapateira and its magnificent Bordeira Beach, where huge dunes meet a powerful ocean.
Evening: Reach Sagres, the southwestern tip of Europe, known for its fortress and dramatic windswept landscapes. Stay in Sagres and experience its unique end-of-the-continent atmosphere.
Day 8: Sagres to Lagos
Today's journey takes you around Cape St. Vincent and into the central Algarve, where the landscape changes to the region's famous golden cliffs and grottos.
Morning: Visit Cape St. Vincent, Europe's southwestern most point, with its iconic lighthouse and panoramic ocean views.
Afternoon: Drive east to Praia da Luz, a family-friendly beach town, before continuing to Ponta da Piedade near Lagos—a spectacular formation of rock pillars, arches, and hidden grottos best explored by boat or kayak.
Evening: Stay in Lagos, exploring its historic center surrounded by 16th-century walls and dining in one of its many excellent restaurants.
The breathtaking rock formations and turquoise waters at Ponta da Piedade near Lagos
Day 9: Lagos to Carvoeiro
Today's shorter drive allows more time to explore the central Algarve's stunning beaches and formations.
Morning: Visit Praia de Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo near Lagos, consistently ranked among Europe's most beautiful beaches for their golden cliffs and crystal waters.
Afternoon: Drive east to Alvor for lunch in this traditional fishing village, then continue to Praia da Rocha with its distinctive rock formations.
Evening: Reach Carvoeiro, a charming former fishing village set against stunning cliffs. Stay here and enjoy dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 10: Carvoeiro to Faro
Your final day explores the eastern central Algarve before concluding in Faro, where you can return your rental car and depart via the international airport.
Morning: Visit the nearby Benagil Cave, Portugal's most famous sea cave with a natural oculus allowing sunlight to stream in (accessible only by boat or strong swimmers).
Afternoon: Drive to Albufeira for lunch, then continue east to the picturesque village of Olhos de Água with its unique freshwater springs that bubble up through the sand at low tide.
Evening: Reach Faro, the Algarve's capital. Return your rental car and spend your final evening exploring Faro's well-preserved medieval old town.
The mesmerizing Benagil Cave, a highlight of any Portuguese coastal journey
Practical Tips for Your Portuguese Road Trip
Driving in Portugal
- Portugal drives on the right side of the road
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on highways
- Many coastal roads are winding—prioritize safety over speed
- Toll roads (mostly in the interior) require electronic payment devices; rental companies usually offer these as add-ons
- Keep some cash for smaller parking areas near beaches
Accommodation Suggestions
Portugal offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury resorts to charming guesthouses:
- Pousadas: Historic buildings converted into boutique hotels
- Casas de Campo: Rural guesthouses often with distinctive architecture
- Airbnb and vacation rentals: Abundant along the coast, offering good value
- Camping: Excellent facilities available for those traveling with camping gear
Book accommodations well in advance, especially when traveling between June and September.
Coastal Cuisine
A Portuguese road trip is also a culinary journey. Don't miss these regional specialties:
- Cataplana: Seafood stew cooked in a distinctive clam-shaped copper pot (Algarve specialty)
- Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato: Clams in garlic, olive oil, and cilantro
- Açorda: Bread soup with seafood, garlic, and coriander
- Grilled sardines: Simple but delicious, especially in summer
- Pastel de nata: The famous Portuguese custard tart, available everywhere
For the freshest seafood, look for restaurants frequented by locals rather than those in main tourist areas.
Extending Your Journey
If you have more time, consider these worthwhile extensions to your Portuguese coastal adventure:
- Northern Extension: Continue north from Lisbon to explore the Silver Coast, including medieval Óbidos, the surf town of Nazaré with its record-breaking waves, and the university city of Coimbra
- Eastern Algarve: Explore the more authentic eastern Algarve, including Tavira with its 37 churches and Ria Formosa Natural Park with its barrier islands
- Alentejo Interior: Venture inland to discover the Alentejo's cork forests, vineyards, and whitewashed hilltop towns like Monsaraz and Évora
Final Thoughts
A coastal road trip from Lisbon to the Algarve offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and culinary delights. Portugal's relative affordability compared to other Western European destinations makes it accessible for various travel styles and budgets. Whether you're seeking relaxation on golden beaches, adventure along dramatic cliffs, or authentic encounters with Portuguese culture, this coastal route delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Remember to embrace the Portuguese concept of "não tenha pressa" (don't be in a hurry). Allow yourself time to discover unexpected treasures, chat with locals, and savor moments of beauty along this remarkable coastline.
