road trip portugal blog

This will give you time to get over any lingering jet-lag and soak up Lisbon’s vibrant history. Óbidos remains a well-preserved example of medieval architecture; its streets, squares, walls and its castle are a popular tourist destination. Hopefully you get to see them! To finish up your day, head back to Ponte da Piedade about an hour before sunset and walk along the boardwalk to the right. The coastline here is made up of unstable rock and sand that has been known to fall and crush people. Star Rating: 4* Address: Rua Candido Dos Reis 72-78, Evora, Evora, Portugal, Photo| Giant wave crashing into cliff and lighthouse, Nazare| GETTYIMAGES – RICHARDALOCK, Photo| Nazare beach| GETTYIMAGES – WESTEND61. Price: USD 116 – USD 201 Photo| Tivoli Lagos| Provided by ICE PORTAL. Convento do Carmo. Price: USD 225 – USD 841 After spending an amazing week road tripping through Andalucia and eating all the tapas, it was time to move onto the next leg of our trip: 10 days in Portugal! Tour picturesque vineyards in this premier wine destination to sample Port wines (ruby, tawny and white). After a long day of sightseeing, retreat to Euphoria Bar for a nightcap. Star Rating: 4* Due to its well-preserved old town center, still partially enclosed by medieval walls, and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including a Roman Temple, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out this post to see our exact travel itinerary and to get tips for planning your own Portugal road trip. Dinner at Alma Lusa in Lagos. Tivoli Lagos offers a prime location for beach bums who want to be in the middle of the action. We walked up the huge stairs of Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remédios. At the beginning of the 1940s the city was reportedly mainly Portuguese-speaking, but after the 1940s a language shift towards Spanish took place. A visitors’ center was constructed to display objects found by archaeologists during their excavations, including coins, surgical tools, utensils and ceramics. Marvel at the towering pillars at the Temple of Diana, built in the 2nd or 3rd century. Star Rating: 5* Guest Rating: 8 This was one of the only restaurants that was open in Monsanto during the winter, but thank goodness it was. It’s also a lot less popular than Pena Palace (I’m not sure why), so we didn’t have to wait in any long lines. It was affordable at about €28 per person, had a small group size, and was adventurous without feeling reckless. Then we stayed in Tomar for one night, sleeping in a camper site. Popular Day Trips: Marvel at Pena Palace in Sintra, see the famous Boca do Inferno in Cascais or visit the sun-soaked shoreline of Setubal. This is especially true when it comes to scenic train rides. Stretch your legs on the small pock of idyllic golden sands at Praia do Camilo. Everything. Discover 5-star facilities such as a chic Portuguese restaurant and trendy cocktail bar, along with a fitness centre, grand ballroom and business centre. See if you can spot surfers from around the globe catching over 20-metre waves. Address: Praça da Liberdade 25, 4000-322 Porto, Porto, Portugal, Photo| Vineyard in Douro Valley| GETTYIMAGES – LUISPORTUGAL, Photo| Train station in the town of Pinhao| GETTYIMAGES – OGPHOTO. Everything is super cute there! Douro Scala encompasses the historic Quinta do Paco, surrounded by vineyards and mountains. Since the cave can only be reached by the sea, there are limited ways to reach it. Guest Rating: 8 In 1995, the palace and the rest of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra were classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. My mom and I spent the morning finishing up our laundry and poking around Évora. Guest Rating: 8 In combination with subsequent fires and a tsunami, the earthquake almost totally destroyed Lisbon. Evora is a very interesting city to visit too. Unfortunately, both the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower were closed when my mom and I visited. Be amazed at the striking display of human bones at. *Walking up the hill was a bit ambitious, so don’t be afraid to call a taxi. Refined rooms feature contemporary decor and sweeping Eduardo VII Park views, but for the ultimate in luxury stay in a Suite with a lounge, sitting room and circular tub. Star Rating: 5* Price: USD 150 – USD 436 Guest Rating: 9 With a full day to explore the Algarve Coast, I recommend heading outside and getting some hiking or kayaking in (both if you’re up for it). Standard Rooms boast LCD TVs, mini bars, 24-hour room service and balconies or terraces. Star Rating: 5* Address: Rua 1º De Dezembro, 120, 1200-360 Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal, Photo| InterContinental Lisbon| Provided by LEONARDO. The church and monastery were the first Gothic buildings in Portugal, and, together with the Monastery of Santa Cruz in Coimbra, it was one of the most important of the mediaeval monasteries in Portugal. The Monastery of Batalha was erected in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota, and would serve as the burial church of the 15th-Century Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royalty. Lagos is one of the country’s most sought-after holiday destinations, beloved for its scenic coastline and stunning rock formations. Here you’ll find castles, palaces, and other fairytale-like structures that will make your jaw drop. Admittedly, it might be some time before responsible for international travel is back on the cards. It was a scary feeling! Star Rating: 5* Like Monsanto though, you’ll see Marvão before you get there. This is the day I recommend picking up your rental car. Price: USD 213 – USD 1,237 After soaking up the sunshine along the southern coast, make your way north to Evora and the Alentejo Region. Visit Igreja de Santo Antônio and Museu Municipal, a church and museum with artefacts on display. The story of how the garden came into existence is both intriguing and endearing. Guest Rating: 9 Road Trip Across Portugal Sandra Soares Europe , Trips January 19, 2018 July 9, 2020 6 Minutes I went on a road trip across Portugal and drove to … Star Rating: 4* My mom and I both found it to be a little cheesy though, especially for the price we paid to enter. Guest Rating: 8.1 Built in 1870 (we hear) to keep sandy feet out of the town’s swisher establishments, AC’s boardwalk is the neon-soaked center of Jersey beach life. With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve created a comprehensive Portugal road trip guide that includes top destinations, memorable day trips and best hotels to recharge for another day on the road. There aren’t a lot of free parking options in Lisbon and driving in the city can be a bit hectic. The next day we went to Obidos. Depending on where you’re flying from, you could be ready to crash - or you could be ready to hit the ground running and start exploring Lisbon. See the view from one of Lisbon’s many miradouros (viewpoints around the city). This was a nice and relaxing walk to take after our adventurous morning kayaking. I would’ve loved to stay there an extra night and continue to soak it in. Star Rating: 4* My mom and I had the best dinner of our trip here. The Ultimate Portugal Road Trip Itinerary & Guide, Best Atlantic City Boardwalk Hotels for Every Budget, Top 14 New England Resorts for Families from $127, Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa, 8 Spectacular Scenic Train Rides You Need to See to Believe, TOP 9 Secluded Beaches That Will Take Your Breath Away, Ultimate Travel Bucket List – 14 Ideas to Inspire Your Wanderlust, Where to Stay in Rome – Top Hotels Closest to the Colosseum, 15 Popular San Antonio Hotels for Every Style & Budget. If you decide follow a similar schedule, I recommend heading out towards Ponta da Piedade after lunch. It’s one the country’s most timeless cities, offering a well-preserved Old Town and around 4,00 historic structures. Sleek rooms boast flat-screen TVs, mini bars and downtown city views. Overlooking the Douro River, Six Senses Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s most exclusive hotels. To redeem myself, I made a Spotify playlist only with Portuguese songs for your Portugal Road Trip. Tickets to get inside are only €1.50 per person. Sometimes it’s the journey, not the destination, that makes traveling really special. Once it is though, you can be sure that the world’s top bucket list destinations—you can be sure—are going to be heaving with tourists. Surrounded by five hectares of lush gardens, it boasts an outdoor pool, golf course and upscale restaurant. We visited Lisbon, Sintra, Aveiro, Monsanto, Marvão, Évora, and Lagos on the Algarve Coast. The Yeatman is a 5-star luxury wine hotel overlooking the Douro River, offering outdoor and indoor infinity pools, gourmet restaurants and a posh spa. Offering stunning views over the Mondego River, Vila Gale Coimbra has an outdoor pool, multiple restaurants, bar and library. While a little pricey, my mom and I really enjoyed the lunch we had here. This next stop on your Portugal road trip itinerary takes you back in time, as the perfectly preserved architectural treasures in this small town date back over 2,000 years. Address: Rua do Choupelo (Santa Marinha), 345, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal, Photo| Intercontinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas| Provided by BOOKING.COM. We strolled around the big commercial streets and we ate some snails while drinking a beer. Most travellers start their Portugal road trip in Lisbon. At every opening in the trail there seemed to be a new viewpoint even more beautiful than the last. Address: Quinta de Vale Abraao, 5100 Lamego, Viseu, Portugal, Photo| Douro Scala| Provided by BOOKING.COM. This is the day my mom and I flew home. Getting our laundry done. Taking a boat tour of the canal. The castle now houses a pousada. Dine on traditional Mediterranean cuisine at Astoria Restaurant or sip local wines in the stylish Cardosas Bar Lounge. Address: Rua Castilho, 149, 1099-034 Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal, Photo| Ponta da Piedade| GETTYIMAGES – LUCYNAKOCH, Photo| Red cliffs of Ponta Da Piedade| GETTYIMAGES – ELENA ELIACHEVITVH. Mom and I both agreed that the scones here were the best we’d ever tasted. For a terrace and kitchenette, upgrade to an Apartment. While this post doesn’t go into detail about all the things to see and do in Lisbon, here is a quick list to give you some ideas: Try pastel de nata - Lisbon’s signature pastry. By splitting the costs, we never spent more than $30 per person per night for a private room. It was hard for me to drive to such a high place, on top of a big hill, but it was well worth the effort. Lisbon is famous for its vintage trolley system. One stop you might want to make today is to see the Jerónimos Monastery. In case you’re thinking of visiting Portugal sometime or would like to plan a road trip there, I’ve detailed out our travel / road trip itinerary below. The last stop on your epic Portugal road trip is the Douro Valley, which is a must-visit for wine lovers. Olives, lasagna, and vinho verde at Taverna Lusitana. It was interesting to compare this castle to the one in Monsanto as well as the ones we saw in Sintra. While our legs were definitely exhausted by the end of it, we enjoyed looking at all of the nice greenery in Sintra. The pastel de nata here were delicious and super cheap! Walkways, piers and gazebos provide access to areas for contemplation. Check other posts about my travel adventures in the Travel section of my blog. Our trip lasted exactly 10 days and started and ended in Lisbon, however, this itinerary could easily be adapted to fit one week in Portugal or longer. We were stunned at the quality of our food and savored every last bite of our meals. In response to the demolition of these masterpieces of the late Gandhara period, Berardo initiated the Buddha Eden in an homage to the cultural and spiritual monuments. Offering an unbeatable setting in a historic palace, Intercontinental Porto – Palacio Das Cardosas overlooks Liberdade Square. Stroll past the brightly coloured houses and waterfront restaurants in the UNESCO-listed Ribeira District. Price: USD 150 – USD 489 Walking along the coastline near Benagil Cave. Price: USD 84 – USD 201 On the same day as Obidos, we went to Buddha Eden, an amazing place hidden in Portugal, not so touristic. Known for its chilled-out vibes and proud fishing tradition, you can spend your time relaxing on its crescent-shaped beach, strolling its winding lanes or sampling fresh-from-the-boat seafood at a local restaurant. Besides driving out to Praia da Costa Nova, everything in Aveiro can be seen within a few blocks from the town center. Aveiro is often called the ‘Venice of Portugal,’ because of the canal which runs through the town and the small boats you can hire to tour you around. This church is one of the main tourist sites in Évora, and is famous because the interior is covered in human bones and skulls. If you want to escape the crowds, your only shot for some real respite will likely be on the world’s most secluded beaches. Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, I have been travelling with my battered backpack full-time for over a decade. After you see the inside of Benagil Cave, check out the trails above Benagil Cave. Any questions or thoughts about Portugal? Guest Rating: 9 The 1755 Lisbon earthquake occurred in the Kingdom of Portugal on the morning of Saturday, 1 November, the holy day of All Saints’ Day. While I was a little skeptical about adding any, ‘extras,’ the toll pass was a lifesaver! It is also a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network. A road trip through Portugal would not be complete without a night in Monsanto! Overlooking the soft sands of Mesa Praia beach, Vila Gale Lagos is a stylish hotel dedicated to fashion. Also in Alentejo, we stopped in Reguengos de Monzaraz. For panoramic views of the historic centre, visit the rooftop Rossio Gastrobar, which serves classic Portuguese cuisine. To read more about our time here, check out my post on staying in the mountain village of Monsanto. Driving to Praia da Costa Nova to see the Atlantic Ocean. Since there were a lot of places I didn’t know in my own country, I decided to go with Ricardo on a real adventure and do a road trip across Portugal in my car. Not only is it home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, but this riverfront city also boasts a treasure trove of historic sites. But there’s much more on the cards for those who hit up the resorts along this historic strip. Seriously, we challenge you to think of anything more dreamy than losing yourself in a rolling display of dramatic mountain valleys, glacial lakes, and emerald hills as you trundle onward from A to B. Star Rating: 5* Castelo de Marvão. Guest Rating: 8 Exploring Castelo de Monsanto. It’s blue and white walkways connect the rooms, patios, restaurant and bar, while a free shuttle bus travels to Duna Beach Club. The region’s outdoor activities make it the perfect multi-generational destination. It was built over 500 years ago and is one of Portugal’s greatest architectural sites. Star Rating: 5* The drive to Monsanto was a bit deceiving though, as there weren’t many road signs that actually listed Monsanto on them. Honestly, everything about Monsanto was a highlight. However, driving from Monsanto all the way to Lagos takes about 5-6 hours on the quickest route. And additional feature of the gardens is a cobalt blue replication of the Terracotta Army from China. I'm Allison, a recent college graduate who loves to travel and is constantly planning her next adventure. There were also a couple of cats that lived here permanently and who seemed to enjoy all the attention they received. After visiting Marvão, we finally felt like we’d had our fill of castles in Portugal. Visit in late-September (during harvest season) to crush grapes with your feet. If you stop by, I recommend ordering the risotto, a side of bread, and some olives. After Batalha, we visited another one, Mosteiro de Alcobaca. Occasionally, when there aren’t enough Airbnb options in a city, I will search for accommodation on Booking.com. Price: USD 142 – USD 402 New England offers a ton of activities for families, from hiking and fishing to sailing, skiing and swimming. We trusted our GPS though and eventually made it. Afterwards, dine on local produce at Vale de Abraao Restaurant or pair wine and tapas at Wine Library and Terrace. This charming destination in Northern Portugal is the perfect place to enjoy wine tasting, live Fado shows and UNESCO-listed sites. Buddha Eden has 35 hectares of natural fields, lakes, manicured gardens, contemporary sculpture…and Buddhist statuary. We wanted to continue down to Algarve (the extreme south of Portugal) but we thought it would be too much, since I was already a bit tired of driving so much. Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle). Just a short drive away from Ponta da Piedade is a cute beach called Praia do Camilo. Catching the sunset near Ponta da Piedade. My favourite travel memories include skydiving in Switzerland, wine tasting in Portugal, road tripping through Iceland, snorkelling in Indonesia and watching a sunset in the Sahara Desert. Along the way, you may want to stop at Conímbriga - one of the largest sets of Roman ruins excavated in Portugal. Address: Ave Vieira Guimaraes 39, 2450-110 Nazaré, Leiria, Portugal, Photo| Largo da Portagem| GETTYIMAGES – MIGUEL COELHO – EYEEM, Photo| Old Romanesque cathedral, Coimbra| GETTYIMAGES – MINTH IMAGES. Hi! Star Rating: 4* Alternatively, opt for a Junior Suite with a spacious living room. Lunch at Tasca Jota Lagos. M’AR De AR Aqueduto is a 5-star getaway in Evora overlooking the Agua de Prata Aqueduct. Sample famous pastry tarts in Belem and local cuisine at. InterContinental Lisbon is a sophisticated hotel in the city centre, just a short walk from Avenida da Liberdade Boulevard. It’s about 2 hours away from Monsanto and is located very close to the border between Portugal and Spain. Ordering tea and scones from Doce Infusão. Conímbriga is one of the largest Roman settlements excavated in Portugal, and was classified as a National Monument in 1910. Price: USD 113 – USD 500 Star Rating: 5* *While in Évora, we visited Capella dos Ossos (the Chapel of Bones). Lisbon also has plenty of affordable, public transportation options for getting between the major sights. Checkout LX Factory - a trendy art district in Lisbon. Spacious rooms feature balconies overlooking the sea and/or mountain, along with mini bars, flat-screen TVs and air conditioning. My mom and I seemed to make constant turns on this leg of journey and drove down a bunch of country roads that had us wondering if we were lost. Pena Palace seemed a bit overrated to us as it was swamped with people. Tomar is one of Portugal’s historical jewels and more significantly was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction. Photo| Vale D’azenha Hotel and Residences| Provided by BOOKING.COM. To actually get out and explore the inside of the cave on foot, you’ll have to take a kayak tour. The area of the town of Óbidos is located on a hilltop, encircled by a fortified wall. It’s fairly small and easy-to-navigate, making it a relaxing place to spend the tail end of your road trip. Not only did we get to stand inside Benagil Cave, we also got to paddle up and down the coast and see other caves, rock formations, and beaches. Six tons of marble Buddhas and figures were are installed throughout the garden. On day 2 we also visited Mosteiro da Batalha, a really nice monument with a nice architecture. These castle ruins date back to the 12-century can be found above the village at the very top of the hill. Visit the historic Porto Cathedral, then tour the Port wine cellars in Gaia. Let me know in the comments. There are a ton of little tuk tuks driving around that you can stop for a ride. Also, the Bamboo Garden Spa features an indoor pool, Turkish bath and steam room. Since the coastline is perched high above the sea, there’s nothing between you and the view of the sunset. Photo| Six Senses Duoro Valley| Provided by LEONARDO. This tiny village is perched on a hilltop (or small mountaintop by Portuguese standards) and the homes are built amongst massive boulders. Take the funicular from the beach to the cliffs for a birds-eye view of the coast. Price: USD 127 – USD 385 Conímbriga is also close to the city of Coimbra, where you might be able to find some decent lunch options. Photo| Bairro Alto, Elevador da Gloria, yellow cable railways| GETTYIMAGES- WESTEND61, Photo| Lisbon, Rua Garrett| GETTYIMAGES – RENAUD VISAGE. My mom and I had hoped to explore this place but were disappointed to find it closed (we passed through on New Year’s Day). To avoid any issues with parking, my mom and I decided to take the train from downtown Lisbon to Sintra. Address: Crisógono dos Santos, 8600-678 Lagos, Faro, Portugal, Photo| Vila Gale Lagos| Provided by BOOKING.COM. Watch as Portugal’s largest net fishing boats bring in their daily catch. To break up the driving, my mom and I decided to go from Monsanto to Évora (3 hour drive) and spend a night there. While bucket lists seem a bit cliche, there’s never been a better time to dream up new destinations to explore. During our trip, my mom and I stayed in a mix of affordable accommodations we found through Airbnb and Booking.com. The drive from Évora to Lagos only takes about 2.5 hours, so you can take this day pretty slow. Address: Quinta Do Paco De Cidadelhe, 5040-154 Mesao Frio, Vila Real, Portugal, Photo| Tourist walking against the azulejos wall of Igreja do Carmo church| GETTYIMAGES – FRANCESCO RICCARDO IACOMINO. Either way, I recommend not planning too much for your first day in case you need some time to rest. This place is a small heaven in the middle of nowhere. Popular Day Trips: Before you reach Nazare, see the surf waves in Peniche or try the famous Portuguese cherry liqueur in Obidos. Il nous reste encore beaucoup à écrire et à découvrir ! I really recommend it! Price: USD 136 – USD 248 Another interesting sight in this area is Belém Tower. A group of them would circle up together in the sky, and then all at once they’d swoop down out of sight. Nous n’en sommes qu’au début de nos aventures. Popular Day Trips: Visit historic churches in Braga, well-preserved medieval buildings Guimaraes or waterfalls and thermal baths in Peneda-Geres National Park. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini fridges and balconies. So far, I've been to 4 continents already, and all on a backpacker's budget. So we came back to the north of Portugal on the 7th day and we went to the Douro Valley and stopped in Lamego. In spite of the territorial dispute between Portugal and Spain, the issue has not been a sensitive matter in the relations between these two countries. We started by visiting Conimbriga, close to Coimbra. While we were waiting for the sun to go down, we noticed large groups of birds flying down into their caves for the night.

La Perle Montre, Condition De Validité D'un Mariage En Islam, Plage De La Corniche Itinéraire, La Couleur Bleu Marine, Deen Burbigo Age, Le Penseur De Rodin Prix, Sujet Svt Bac S, Athena Accorsi Photo,