Our journey through Portugal’s top destinations, focused on the area from Lisbon to Nazare, begins here. Throughout this guide, we’ll document our road trip experiences, providing insights about the best places to visit in Portugal along the way. Join us as we explore the diverse attractions Portugal has to offer within this captivating region.

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Fact-sheet about our Road Trip through Portugal for our busy travelers.

Travel Time

December/January

Travel Mode

Journey 14 days

Our Must-Sees

Lisbon, Sintra, Nazare

Where to stay

Aethos Ericeira

Plant-Based Food

ONDA Restaurant,
Ao26 Lisbon

Mobility

Car

Travel Budget

around €400 per day

Unlocking Portugal’s Secrets: Explore These Must-See Destinations

Explore Portugal’s hidden treasures as we unveil some of our most favorite places to visit in Portugal we discovered during our road trip adventure. From vibrant cities like Lisbon to charming coastal towns like Ericeira, each stop had its own charm and flair.

Lisbon: Where History Meets Modernity (Daytrips)

It should come as no surprise that Lisbon is a top pick on our list of recommended places to visit in Portugal. We can totally see why this city has garnered so much hype. It’s incredibly welcoming and enjoyable to wander through its winding streets and explore its historical sites. However, during peak tourist seasons, it can get quite crowded. Luckily, it only took us a 40-minute drive from where we stayed in Ericeira to reach Lisbon. This meant we could easily make multiple day trips to the city.

Best places to visit in Portugal - Lisbon

Best places to visit in Portugal - Ericeira
Ericeira: Surf, Sun, and Serenity (10 days)

Located between the westernmost point of mainland Europe (Cabo da Roca) and Cabo Carvoeiro, Ericeira is characterized by frequent and strong winds, making it a popular destination for surfers. Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas, in particular, is renowned for its surfing conditions and has hosted numerous international surfing competitions. In 2011, Ericeira was designated as Europe’s first Surfing Reserve, following Malibu/Santa Cruz in California and Manly Beach in Australia, making it the third area worldwide to receive this designation. The town has also developed a thriving surf culture, with a variety of surf schools, rental shops, bars, and specialized hotels catering to surf enthusiasts.


Nazaré: Surfing’s Mecca of Big Waves

Nazaré, a picturesque fishing village turned popular beach destination, is renowned for its massive waves. We’ve had Nazaré on our radar for a while now, eager to witness the spectacle of surfers riding these impressive swells. The best time to catch these jaw-dropping waves is during the winter season, making Nazaré a must-visit destination for surf enthusiasts like us.

Best places to visit in Portugal - Nazare

Sintra: A Fairytale Escape (Daytrip)

Just a short journey from Lisbon lies Sintra, a town that feels straight out of a storybook. Just a short journey from Lisbon lies Sintra, a town that feels straight out of a storybook. Known for its enchanting palaces, lush gardens, and rich history, Sintra is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the top places to visit in Portugal. We highly recommend taking a day trip to Sintra to experience its magical charm firsthand.

Rest and Relaxation: Our Stay in Ericeira

If you’re considering a stay in the Ericeira region, look no further than Aethos Ericeira. It became our cherished home base throughout our trip, and for good reason. This boutique hotel is an absolute gem, offering everything you need for a perfect retreat after exploring the greater Lisbon area. From the serene spa area to the delightful dining experience at ONDA restaurant, Aethos exceeded all our expectations. Its secluded cliffside location adds an extra touch of magic to your stay. Trust us, you won’t need to think twice about booking your stay here

Aethos Ericeira Table at Lobby
Taste the Flavors of Portugal: Our Plant-Based Culinary Journey

Finding vegan options in Portugal was sometimes tricky, especially when shopping in supermarkets. But in Lisbon, we were pleasantly surprised. There were some really tasty vegan restaurants to pick from. Even though supermarkets didn’t have a lot of vegan stuff, we found plenty of delicious meals at different places in the city, including the yummy options at ONDA restaurant in our hotel.

 

Hit the Road: Our Guide to Getting Around Portugal

Flying into Portugal from abroad? Lisbon or Porto are excellent options to consider. These major cities serve as convenient entry points and provide easy access to the country’s road network.

Starting Off: Smooth Travels on Modern Highways

As we ventured through Portugal, we found the highways to be well-kept and easy to navigate. Signs are clear and plentiful, making it a breeze to find your way to each destination on your itinerary.

General Driving Across the Country

Our road trips across Portugal were nothing short of enjoyable. With highways boasting a speed limit of 120 km/h and light traffic, we were able to leisurely explore the diverse landscapes this beautiful country has to offer.

Navigating Lisbon: Why Driving Isn’t Always the Best Option

When it comes to exploring Lisbon, we learned firsthand that driving isn’t always the most convenient option. The city’s narrow streets and limited parking can pose challenges. Instead, we recommend taking the time to explore on foot or utilizing public transportation to fully immerse yourself in the city’s charm.

Tracking Expenses: Our Budget Breakdown

Here you’ll find reference costs based on our personal experiences, keeping in mind that it was during the off-season.

Accomodation

Aethos Ericeira €225
per day

 

Food & Dining

Different Restaurants
around €90 per day

Mobility

Rental car (SUV Premium)
around €115 per day

Activities

Palace of Monserrate 
Family ticket €32

Total Spent

around €400 per day
without air fare

Picture-Perfect Portugal: Our Favorite Instagram-Worthy Spots

Get your camera ready to explore Instagram-worthy locations while we provide you with a list of our recommended places to visit in Portugal, complete with GPS coordinates for easy navigation.

Your Portugal Travel FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

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