1-week roadtrip in Portugal

A big thank you to Julien B. for sharing his itinerary with us ! 

? For you, hollidays means making new friends ? Do you want to meet generous and welcoming locals ? You love to discover new cultures and food ? Do you also love exploring beautiful landscapes ? You are planning a 1-week vacation ?
Then you’ll love this itinerary ! Follow the Atlantic coast of Portugal discovering charming cities and breathtaking sceneries. ?

Itinerary of this one week road trip in Portugal

Porto – Esmoriz – Figueira Da Foz – Nazaré – Ericeira – Lisbon

? We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

? You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

? Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Porto ?

A busy and fascinating city. 

• Walk through this authentic city and explore Porto’s three neighbourhoods : Boavista, Miragaia and Massarelos.
• Julien B. suggests walking through very small streets to find an affable traditional restaurant. And be sure to taste local specialities (francescinha, bacalhau a bras, pulvo…).
• Go looking for gorgeous azulejos (hand painted tiles). Take a picture of the Igreja do Carmo and the Capela das Almas.
• From Praça da Ribeira, explore the many narrow streets going up to the top of the hill where you’ll find the Sé (Cathedral) built in the 12th century.
• Photography lovers ? Be sure to go to the Centro Português de fotografia, it used to be a prison and is now a photography museum.
• Cross the Douro on one of the many bridges in Porto and go explore the other side of the river : la Vila Nova de Gaia, take a lovely walk by the water between the wineries while enjoying a stunning view of Porto !
• Get to know about the city’s history when visiting the authentic neighbourhood of Ribeira. Take the time to appreciate the many barcos rabelos (traditional boats used to transport wine) floating on the Douro.
• Need to take a break ? Go relax in the sarde park called “Cordoaria”. So, happy ?

What to do in Esmoriz ?

Surfers’ paradise. 

• Go meet the Atlantic Ocean on Praia da Barrinha, a beautiful beach surrounded by sand dunes. Surfer, this is the place to be ! Here you can have up to 150 days of “surfable” waves !
• Head to Parque do Buçaquinho to discover an amazing environmental! This beautiful 24 ha park in the South of the city used to be a sewage treatment plant … And it is now a gorgeous park where you can enjoy walks between groves and pine trees. Little tip : go to the cafe and rent a bike for free by leaving your ID (you’ll get it back when giving the bike back of course) !
• Go to the Igreja de Santa Marinha, you will be fascinated by the blue and white tiles from floor to ceiling !

What to do in Figueira Da Foz ?

A lively seaside resort and surf spot. 

• Discover this bay and its endless beaches bordered by pine trees.
• Surfer ? You will be amazed when discovering the largest urban beach in Europe : many waves for you to surf !
• Not that much a of beach person ? Head to the fascinating archeology, art and history museum : Museu Municipal Santos Rocha.

What to do in Nazaré ?

Nazaré, a small fishermen’s village. 

• Take a walk along the coast up to the lighthouse of Nazaré.
• Surfers (again ?)? Here you’ll get the greatest and tallest waves in Portugal !
• Climb up to the Miradouro do Suberco from which you’ll get a breathtaking view !
• If you have children – or still are a child, head to Norpark, Nazaré‘s water park.

What to do in Ericeira ?

Live the surfer life in Ericeira ! 

• Meet people from all around the world and learn new languages !
• Relax on Fisherman’s Beach while observing the fishermen working.

What to do in Lisbon ?

Discover Portugal’s capital. 

• Take the iconic Tram 28 and discover the city center’s streets.
• Taste the traditional Portuguese pastry called Pastei de Nata. You’ll love it !
• Visit the Alfama neighbourhood.
• Have a drink (or a few !) in the Barrio Alto.
• Have an ice-cream to cool down by the Tagus.
• Explore the city’s narrow streets while enjoying the sound of Fado.
• Climb up the stairs of the Belem Tower and appreciate the panoramic view over the Tagus.

Learn more…

• Check out all the practical informations you need to know about the country, by clicking here.
• Book a car rental at the best price, by this website we recommend.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend you this website.

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment bellow ! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences !