Portugal is a great place for a road trip, especially during summer. You’ll get to see some of Europe’s best beaches and enjoy the rich culture of Portugal’s larger cities. This 2-week Portugal road trip itinerary takes you to Portugal’s most popular cities as well as some lesser-known spots along the way. You’ll start your trip off in Porto, the home of the famous port wine and then drive along the coast to Nazaré where you can see the world’s highest waves. After a quick stop at the pilgrimage site Fátima, you’ll reach Portugal’s capital Lisbon where you’ll spend the next few days. To conclude your 2-week road trip itinerary you’re heading to the southern part of Portugal to see the beautiful beaches of the Algarve and the famous city of Faro. So pack your car and get ready for the ultimate road trip through Portugal in 14 days.
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CAN YOU SEE PORTUGAL IN 14 DAYS?
There is always more to see and do in this incredible country. 14 days will help you see the main attractions of Portugal but if you can, you should definitely extend your trip. If you add another week you can add more stops along the way such as Sintra or Cabo de Roca. This road trip is designed to give you some time to explore the cities and not spend too much time going from place to place. You could add more stops to this road trip but that would make this 2-week itinerary for Portugal a lot more packed.
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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A ROAD TRIP THROUGH PORTUGAL?
You can do this Portugal road trip at any time of the year but summer will arguably be the best. Between June and September, you’ll have the best weather and hopefully little to rain. Average temperatures will be around 25° Celsius so warm enough to go swimming in the ocean. Summer is the main tourist season in Portugal so expect some higher prices especially for accommodation.
If you’re travelling on a budget you should consider doing this road trip in either spring or autumn. Temperatures will drop slightly and you might encounter some rain but you can still enjoy the beauty of Portugal and see the main attractions on this road trip. It might even be better to escape the heat if you’re planning to walk a lot in Lisbon or Porto or go on a hike somewhere. Plus you can enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds.
You can still see Portugal in winter but it might be quite cold and windy. You’ll get to enjoy lower prices though and fewer other tourists.
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WHERE SHOULD YOU STAY ON YOUR PORTUGAL ROAD TRIP?
Many people road-tripping through Europe like to camp along the way to save money. If you’re travelling on a budget this might be a great option for you since it can really make this trip a lot more affordable. However, there are downsides to camping on this Portugal road trip. Many of the destinations are larger cities where it will be difficult to find a campsite. You’ll be staying far away from the city centre and might have some trouble getting to the major attractions. Always make sure you are close to public transport when picking a campsite.
The most convenient option for this 2 week Portugal road trip is to stay in a hotel, gueshouse or hostel. Booking in advance is definitely recommended so you can ensure you’re getting the best deal. Make sure you’re booking accommodation with a designated parking space so you don’t need to worry about finding parking for your car in a busy city.
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THE BEST 2-WEEK PORTUGAL ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
14 days is not long to see the best parts of Portugal. Get ready for a busy 2 weeks with lots of things to do and see. Here is a quick overview of our 2-week Portugal road trip itinerary.
- Day 1 – Porto
- Day 2 – Porto
- Day 3 – Porto
- Day 4 – Drive to Nazaré
- Day 5 – Nazaré
- Day 6 – Drive to Fátima then Lisbon
- Day 7 – Lisbon
- Day 8 – Lisbon
- Day 9 – Lisbon
- Day 10 – Drive to the Algarve
- Day 11 – Algarve
- Day 12 – Algarve
- Day 13 – Drive to Faro
- Day 14 – Faro
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DAY 1: PORTO
You’re starting your 2-week Portugal road trip off in Porto. This is one of the best cities to see in Portugal with lots of things to do. Click here to read our complete Porto guide. On your first day, you should explore the city and see attractions like to Dom Luís I Bridge, the Mosteiro Da Serra Do Pilar and the Cais da Ribeira Riverfront. Ride the Porto Cablecar for the best views of the city and in the evening have dinner and port wine by the riverfront.
DAY 2: PORTO
Your second day in Porto is all about sightseeing. Buy tickets for a cruise on the River Douro which will let you see the beauty of this city from the water. Explore the Vila Nova de Gaia neighbourhood and go for a traditional port wine tasting in one of the many wine cellars. For lunch have a Portuguese Francesinha, a speciality sandwich served with beer sauce that can’t be found anywhere else. In the afternoon take some time to walk through the narrow alleys of the old town and admire the historic buildings. Keep an eye out for the many blue churches which Porto is famous for.
Click here to read about the 8 most common scams in Porto.
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DAY 3: PORTO
There is still a lot to see in Porto so get up early and catch the historic tram number 1 to the small ocean town Foz. Have lunch by the beach and walk around to explore. In the afternoon enjoy some delicious Pastéis de Nata, another Portuguese speciality. Enjoy one last sunset by the river and have a few drinks with a delicious dinner.
Here are 37 more things to do in Porto.
DAY 4: DRIVE TO NAZARÉ
It takes around two hours to drive from Porto to Nazaré which is a small sea-side town in rural Portugal. Nazaré is home to the world’s highest waves and is a hotspot for professional surfers. Use this day as a rest-day which you can spend by the beach of Nazaré or one of the neighbouring towns such as São Martinho de Porto. The last few days have most likely been busy so take a break and enjoy the incredible scenery.
DAY 5: NAZARÉ
Today you’ll get to enjoy Nazaré and its beautiful beaches. Thankfully not all beaches in Nazaré have incredibly high waves. The main beach or Praia de Nazaré is actually pretty calm most of the time and great for swimming. Spend your morning strolling around the beach-front promenade and exploring the little side-streets of Nazaré. After a lunch by the beach, you can either go for a swim or do some souvenir shopping.
In the afternoon go up to the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, Nazaré’s most famous lookout point. This is where the surf world championships take part and the view is incredible. If you’re visiting during summer the waves will most likely not be as high as normal but it’ll still be breathtaking. Visit in late fall or winter for the most impressive wave conditions.
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DAY 6: DRIVE TO FÁTIMA AND LISBON
The next day it’s time to get on the road again for a quick 45-minute drive to Fátima, the third stop on this 2-week Portugal itinerary. This town is an ancient catholic pilgrimage site with incredible architecture. You don’t need to have religious reasons to visit this beautiful place. The beauty and significant history of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is reason enough to go here on a quick day-trip.
After exploring Fátima it only takes around 1,5 hours to reach Lisbon, Portugal’s most famous city. You’ll most likely be tired from a long day of driving and sightseeing so take it easy on this evening and get to bed early to make sure you’re ready to explore Lisbon tomorrow.
DAY 7: LISBON
Start your day by the river and have breakfast in one of the little cafes. Afterwards, walk along the riverfront to the Praça do Comércio, a beautiful square that is perfect for your Portugal Instagram photos. Next, wander through the old town and admire the stunning architecture. For lunch, you should head to the Time Out Market, Lisbon’s worst-kept secret and an absolute hotspot for food lovers. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the Castelo de São Jorge which boasts incredible views of the city. Conclude your day by the river with a few drinks watching the sunset.
Check out the Casual Travelist’s post on 25 Tips for your first Trip to Lisbon for some more information on visiting Portugal’s capital city.
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A free walking tour is the best way to explore Lisbon – click the link below to see the best ones available.
DAY 8: LISBON
Begin your second day in Lisbon with a ride on the historic tram number 28. This route takes you to all the best sightseeing spots and is really fun to ride. Make sure to get a day-ticket so you can hop on and off at any point. After lunch head to the famous Alfama district, the oldest part of Lisbon for some sightseeing. Walk through Lisbon’s city centre seeing attractions like the Elevador de Santa Justa and the Carmo Convent on the way. Take a break with a cold drink at the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a beautiful viewpoint. If you’re ready to escape the crowds spend your afternoon in the Lisbon Botanical Gardens for a piece of nature in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to ride one of Lisbon’s famous funiculars!
In the evening, grab a few drinks and a picnic and enjoy the magnificent sunset from the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Monte, a popular viewpoint.
DAY 9: LISBON
On your last day in Lisbon, you should head west to the famous Bélem Tower. This landmark is an absolute must-see when visiting Lisbon and a great photo spot. While you are there you can also see the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a popular monument. Once you return to the city centre spend your afternoon visiting Lisbon’s great selection of museums such as the Berardo Collection Museum or the National Museum of Ancient Art. Spend your last evening in the Bairro Alto, a great area for nightlife and small restaurants.
DAY 10: DRIVE TO THE ALGARVE
In around 2,5 hours you can drive from Lisbon to the famous Algarve. This beautiful southern area of Portugal is known for its incredible beaches, impressive scenery and fishing villages. Stay somewhere close to Lagos or Portimão for your first night and have dinner on the beach.
DAY 11: ALGARVE – PORTIMÃO
The Algarve is all about beaches. After exploring the old town of Portimão head east to spend your day by the water. Definitely add beaches like the Praia do Carvalho, Praia do Vale de Centeanes and the Praia da Marinha to your must-see list. Plan to spend a few hours at the Praia de Benagil to see the famous sea caves.
In the evening, enjoy the nightlife of Portimão and have a few drinks in one of the many bars.
DAY 12: ALGARVE – ALBUFEIRA
Make your way to Albufeira, another small beach town not too far away. Explore the old town and walk around the small side-streets before heading to the beach. Try your luck at paddle boarding or kayaking and head to the Praia de Falésia for some more stunning photo opportunities in case you want to post about your road trip on Instagram. Watch the sunset by the beach with a delicious dinner.
DAY 13: DRIVE TO FARO
The last stop of this 2-week Portugal road trip itinerary is Faro, a popular town in the south of Portugal. Spend your afternoon exploring the city and admiring the incredible architecture of the Arco da Vila and the Faro Cathedral. Visit the Faro Municipal Museum to learn more about the history of this area of Portugal and conclude your day with a traditional seafood dinner (or a vegetarian option).
DAY 14: FARO
On the last day of this Portugal itinerary, you’re taking a cruise to see Faro’s lagoon, a stunning nature reserve with lots to see. You might even be able to spot flamingos if you get lucky. In the afternoon visit the Palácio de Estói, another incredible architectural masterpiece. Lastly, take one last stroll along the beach of Faro before concluding your 2-week trip to Portugal.
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