Ultimate Portugal Road Trip: The Perfect 10 Day Itinerary

Why visit Portugal?

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. Nazare is known for its 10 foot waves for surfing. The Algarve coast boasts beautiful beaches.

I traveled to Portugal for the first time in the winter of 2022 because my roommate and I found a great deal from Florence. I think our roundtrip airfare was no more than 50€! We were just looking for a new destination to explore during our spring break. So imagine our surprise when it ended up being one of our favorite places in all of Europe. 

I highly recommend everyone take a trip out to Portugal at least once in their life. Why?

The FOOD.

The CULTURE.

The NATURE.

The NIGHTLIFE.

And so much more.

Have you got your vehicle sorted?

Before we even get to the actual mapping of your route, you have to decide how you want to travel. 

The European Union makes it super easy to travel by car. While a simple car rental and staying at hotels/hostels is totally viable, I’d pitch the idea of renting a campervan in order to minimize housing costs as well as adding a little more adventure to your journey. 

Here are a few companies you can check out for car/campervan rentals:

• RoadSurfer

• Indie Campers

• Europcar

• Kayak

Great, you chose how you’ll be getting around.

But, where do you park?

Parking in Europe was a lot easier than I anticipated. Easier than anywhere within a 5 miles radius of Arizona State University anyway. Everywhere you go, you will find free and public parking that will fit both a campervan and a regular car.

Driving around until you find parking is an option but not efficient. We used park4night, an online site where other travelers can leave reviews and location pins. This never failed us. There are other similar sites online, some even providing locations for campsites where you can refill on water as well for a fixed cost. 

Now, the best part.

The Ultimate 10 Day Portugal Road Trip Itinerary 

Porto (2 DAYS)

This is the hidden gem of Portugal that no one talks about. It is a city that perfectly blends old-world charm with vibrant modernity. Entirely walkable, there are cute shops and cafes around every corner. 

If you choose to stay in a hostel, there are a TON of affordable and stylish accommodations throughout the entire city. 

Lisbon (3 DAYS)

There are so many things to do in Lisbon, but the one I will recommend the most is signing up for a surf lesson. We personally chose to book through Surf Lisbon. We took a total of 4 lessons, each lasting 2 hours. The weather was perfect, the water refreshing and the instructors knew their stuff. With a few more lessons I could call myself an expert (just kidding).

Other than surfing, Lisbon has a variety of restaurants, events, commercial centers and experiences. Here is my personal list of absolute Lisbon Must Sees:

• Tuk Tuk Tour (ranges between $30-50 per person)

• Praça do Comércio (FREE)

• Guru Walking Tour of the City (FREE)

• Monument to the Discoveries (FREE)

• Carmo Convent (7,00€)

Lagos & Benagil (2 DAYS)

The nature here is unreal. This stop and the next is a perfect time to slow down and enjoy every view, every sunset, every hike. There are two locations that cannot be overlooked. 

• The Benagil Cave

• Praia da Marinha

These two alone will likely take a whole day. I found a local guide to take us via paddleboard into the Benagil Cave through TripAdvisor. This ended up being a 3 hour tour, followed by an hour long lunch at O, Litoral, an hour long hike and a 4 hour stay at Praia da Marinha. 

While the Benagil Cave has recently had new restrictions placed, visitors are still able to visit through guided tours.For more details on these restrictions, check out my last post Tourist Hotspot: What You Need to Know with the New Restrictions on the Benagil Cave

Faro (1 DAYS)

This is a great place to experience a more local feel to your journey. Visit the downtown Faro Tourism Office for free maps and information on local activities happening at the time of your visit. At this point in our trip we were running low on clean laundry so we stopped by MAR Shopping Algarve to do a couple loads before heading over to Praia de Faro for the rest of the evening. 

The Ancão Peninsula has countless parking lots, restaurants and bars which make it a great place to spend the evening.

Seville (2 DAYS)

Now I KNOW that Seville isn’t in Portugal, but since it’s so close to the Portuguese border, I HAD to include it. You will experience a different language, culture and cuisine.

Here, we got tickets for a Flamenco show at Casa de la Memoria. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a more moving fine arts performance.

Seville Must Sees:

• A Flamenco Show (between $35-$60)

• Plaza de España (FREE)

• Royal Alcázar of Seville (14,50 €)

• Setas de Sevilla (FREE)

• Parque de María Luisa (FREE)

Whether you’re savoring delicious cuisine, soaking up the culture, or just enjoying the stunning landscapes, Portugal offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, sort out your travel arrangements, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through Portugal and beyond. Trust me, you’ll come back and not regret a single thing.

Portugal has a special way of captivating travelers, and this 10-day road trip is the perfect way to experience its magic. From Porto's hidden gems and Lisbon's bustling streets to the breathtaking beaches of Lagos and the local charm of Faro, this itinerary showcases the best of Portugal’s diverse landscapes, culture, and cuisine. And a side trip to Seville? A brilliant way to add a dash of Spanish flair to your adventure!

So book that ticket, grab your passport, and set out on the road—Portugal is waiting to give you an experience you’ll never forget!