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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Quick Peek
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
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.


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.


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



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.
Cristo Rei, Lisbon
GPS Coordinates: 38.6662° N, 9.1777° W
This towering statue of Christ stands overlooking Lisbon and the Tagus River, providing panoramic views of the cityscape. It’s an iconic landmark and a popular spot for capturing stunning cityscapes.
Farol da Nazaré (Nazaré Lighthouse)
GPS Coordinates: 39.5988° N, 9.0687° W
Sitting high on the cliffs of Nazaré, the lighthouse offers not only breathtaking views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean but also serves as the perfect vantage point for witnessing the mighty waves that make Nazaré famous among surfers.
Boca do Inferno, Cascais
GPS Coordinates: 38.6986° N, 9.4216° W
Boca do Inferno, or “Hell’s Mouth,” is a dramatic cliff formation near Cascais. The crashing waves and rugged cliffs create a striking backdrop for photos.
Palácio Nacional de Mafra (Mafra National Palace)
GPS Coordinates: 38.9383° N, 9.3275° W
The grandeur of Mafra National Palace, with its baroque architecture and sprawling gardens, makes for a majestic backdrop for your Instagram feed.
Pena National Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena)
GPS Coordinates: 38.7956° N, 9.3900° W
Surrounded by lush greenery, Pena National Palace is a real gem for photographers. Its bright colors and stunning architecture make it a must-visit spot in Sintra for capturing that perfect Instagram shot.
Palácio de Monserrate (Monserrate Palace)
GPS Coordinates: 38.7993° N, 9.4253° W
Hidden within lush gardens filled with colorful flowers, Monserrate Palace is a photographer’s paradise. Its intricate design and tranquil surroundings make it feel like stepping into a storybook.
Praia Ribeira d’Ilhas
GPS Coordinates: 38.9837° N, 9.4191° W
This picturesque beach in Ericeira is renowned for its golden sands and excellent surfing conditions. Capture the beauty of the rolling waves and coastal scenery for a great shot.
Your Portugal Travel FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
The best time to visit Portugal is typically during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and tourist crowds are smaller. However, Portugal can be visited year-round, depending on your interests and activities. For those seeking to avoid mass tourism, alternative times such as December and January, like our New Year’s Eve journey, can offer a unique experience. Despite being winter months, we found ourselves enjoying great days with temperatures reaching 17 degrees Celsius and ample sunshine.
The currency used in Portugal is the Euro (€). It’s advisable to exchange currency or withdraw cash from ATMs upon arrival for convenience during your stay.
Citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for short visits to Portugal (up to 90 days). However, it’s essential to check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Portuguese cuisine is known for its delicious seafood, pastries, and hearty stews. Some must-try dishes include bacalhau (salted cod), pastéis de nata (custard tarts), and caldo verde (kale soup).
In Portuguese, “obrigado” is used by males to express gratitude, while “obrigada” is used by females. For example, if you’re a male saying “thank you,” you would say “obrigado.” If you’re a female saying “thank you,” you would say “obrigada.” This distinction is based on the gender of the speaker, so make sure to use the appropriate form based on your own gender when expressing gratitude in Portuguese.
Portugal is considered one of the safest countries in Europe for travelers. However, as with any destination, it’s important to remain vigilant and take common-sense precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Portugal has a population of approximately 10.3 million people.
The largest international airport in Portugal is Lisbon Airport, also known as Humberto Delgado Airport (IATA code: LIS). Located in the capital city of Lisbon, this airport serves as the main gateway for international travelers visiting Portugal.
The predominant religion in Portugal is Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism. Historically, Portugal has deep-rooted religious traditions, and the Catholic Church has played a significant role in shaping the country’s culture and society.
Yes, Portugal upholds the principle of religious freedom, enshrined in the country’s constitution. Individuals in Portugal have the right to practice any religion of their choice, and discrimination based on religious beliefs is prohibited by law.
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