Portugal is a wonderful country in southern Europe, with an 1800-kilometer-long coastline, beautiful mountains, and interesting cities.
It's the country of lively Lisbon, pretty Porto, the celebrated UNESCO Alto Douro wine region, and much more.
Narrowing down a feasible 2 weeks in Portugal road trip itinerary is challenging, there is simply too much to see!
However, this 2 week Portugal itinerary will help you make the most of your time in this amazing country (which is also one of the best places for a family vacation in Europe).
Portugal road trip itinerary
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2 weeks in Portugal: map
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2 week Portugal itinerary
- Day 1-3: Lisbon
- Day 4: Sintra
- Day 5: Óbidos
- Day 6: Nazaré and Batalha
- Day 7: Coimbra
- Day 8-9: Serra da Estrela Natural Park
- Day 10-11: Alto Douro wine region
- Day 12: Guimaraes or Braga
- Day 13-14: Porto
This two weeks in Portugal itinerary starts in Lisbon and ends in Porto but of course, you could do it the other way around as well.
If you're short on time, you can turn it into 4-days in Portugal itinerary. If you have more time available, I've added a couple of other beautiful places to visit in Portugal at the bottom of this post.
Road trip in Portugal
Portugal is an epic road trip destination for several reasons.
First, while Portugal isn't a small country, measuring 561 kilometers long and 218 kilometers wide, it isn't overly large either. Therefore, it's never a long drive between the different sights and popular destinations.
Of course, you won't be able to see everything during your 2 week Portugal trip, but you can easily see many highlights in Portugal without spending hours a day in your car.
Furthermore, roads are generally well-maintained and well-signposted. There are fast (toll) roads as well as slower (but also more beautiful) backroads.
Last but not least, it's easy and affordable to rent a car or a campervan. For those interested in renting a campervan in Portugal, also read this post.
We loved our campervan road trip in Portugal with our two kids and can highly recommend this to anyone!
Click here to rent a car | Click here to rent a campervan
The perfect 2 week itinerary for Portugal
Day 1-3: Lisbon
If you plan to make a road trip around Portugal, you will probably fly into Lisbon (or Porto) and pick up your rental car. Before you do, spend a few days exploring Portugal's beautiful capital city!
There is no point in driving a car in the city center of Lisbon, public transportation is the easiest way to get around as well as a fun part of your Lisbon sightseeing experience.
The brightly colored yellow trams of Lisbon are iconic, especially tram #28.
Tip: on your first day, pick up a Lisbon card to save money (and time). This 24, 48, or 72-hour card gives you free admission (or a discount) to famous Lisbon landmarks, as well as unlimited public transport rides. Click here to buy your Lisbon card online.
Lisbon is a beautiful city, situated on the northern banks of the Tagus River. Here are some of the highlights in Lisbon that you can't miss.
The Alfama
The oldest and most photogenic neighborhood of Lisbon, a wonderful place to explore on foot. Join this walking tour by a local guide to learn more about the history of the Alfama.
Torre de Belém
This iconic landmark is a Unesco World Heritage Site that should feature on any Lisbon itinerary. Entrance to the Belem Tower is included in your Lisboa card.
Saint George’s Castle
Also known as Castelo de São Jorge, this place has a history that dates back for millennia.
The first fortifications built on the site date back to the 1st century BC(!) and Saint George’s Castle has played an important role in the history of Lisbon. Click here to book a skip-the-line ticket.
Jerónimos Monastery
One of Lisbon's most important landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Skip the lines with your Lisbon card and admire the Manueline architecture.
Bairro Alto
The party district of Lisbon truly comes to life at night. Before heading to the bars, grab a bite to eat at one of the Portuguese tascas and wander its narrow streets searching for colorful street art.
Or learn more about Lisbon’s history as you explore its charming neighborhoods on this guided walking tour.
National Tile Museum
Azulejos (ceramic patterned tiles) can be seen everywhere in Portugal and are an important part of the culture. In this museum, you can learn more about this fascinating national treasure.
Where to stay in Lisbon
We stayed in a lovely apartment, which was spacious enough for our family of four (2 adults, and 2 kids) and centrally located.
Another wonderful option is the beautifully decorated Martinhal Chiado (with large apartments and a kids club!) in the heart of town.
Day 4: Sintra
Lisbon to Sintra: driving distance and time → 30km | 30 minutes
On day 4, pick up your car or campervan and head to Sintra where you can find the most colorful palace in Portugal (and possibly the world).
You can also visit Sintra as a day trip from Lisbon, which is a great option if you want to skip the hassle of figuring out which highlights to visit (and finding a parking spot).
That being said, having your own wheels gives you the flexibility to stay at the different sights as long as you like.
There are many things to see in Sintra, too much for just one day. However, these are some of the main sights you cannot miss.
Palácio da Pena (or Pena Palace)
When you google Sintra, the first image that comes up is this colorful palace that looks like it came straight out of a fairytale (see picture above).
Therefore, it only makes sense to make this the first stop of your day in Sintra. Admire the architecture, stroll through the gardens, and pretend you're a princess (or prince) in a previous era.
Click here to buy your skip-the-line tickets.
Castelo dos Mouros
The next stop is Castelo dos Mouros. Not only is this the place where you'll have the best view of the Palácio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros is also a fascinating place in itself.
You can hike up from Sintra Town in less than an hour. We did this hike with our 2-year-old son and 3-month-old daughter, both were in a baby carrier as you cannot get up with a stroller (not even a really awesome one like the Babyzen Yoyo).
The views from the top are stunning and very much worth the effort!
Quinta da Regaleira
Don't miss this beautiful estate (a castle with lovely gardens) during your trip to Sintra!
Within the gardens, there is a 27-meter deep well (the Initiation Well), many caves and crevices, hidden passageways, and several tunnels. It's a fun place to explore, both for families as well as other types of travelers.
Where to stay in Sintra
Accommodation in Sintra is expensive, however, this great value for boutique guesthouse has amazing reviews and an affordable price.
Alternatively, you can use the Park4Night app to find a budget (or even free) campsite.
Day 5: Óbidos
Sintra to Óbidos: driving distance and time → 90km | 60 minutes
Óbidos is a small medieval village a short drive north of Lisbon and Sintra (about an hour by car). Visiting Óbidos was one of the highlights of our trip, it's such a pretty little town!
One of the best things to do in Obidos is to walk on the old city walls that surround the center.
While it was a little bit scary to walk on these walls (without any rails on the side) with our toddler, it was definitely a cool experience for all of us.
My husband carried our son most of the time and our baby daughter was safely strapped into our baby carrier so this activity is possible with young children as long as you're very careful.
Other places to visit in Obidos are Obidos Castle, the Praça de Santa Maria, and the Óbidos Aqueduct.
But don't just check off the main sights and leave, the best way to explore Obidos is by simply wandering its ancient cobblestoned streets. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time!
If you prefer, you can also visit Obidos as a day trip from Lisbon. For example, with this tour (rated 4.9 out of 5) you can visit Óbidos, Fátima, Batalha, and Nazaré in one trip.
Where to stay in Obidos
If you're traveling Portugal by campervan, there is an excellent spot to park for the night just outside the city walls.
For a mere €6 a night you can safely park your van. Plus, you can refill your water and dispose of grey and black water.
Alternatively, check out this lovely holiday home with a garden.
Day 6: Nazaré and Batalha
Óbidos to Nazaré: driving distance and time → 40km | 35 minutes
Nazaré is a small village that has become famous for the monstrous waves that frequently occur at its shores between October and March.
The best surfers in the world come here to ride these 20+ meter giants, a spectacle you won't ever forget. That being said, conditions have to align perfectly for these types of waves to occur, so you'll have to be very lucky to see them in real life.
But don't worry, there is a great exhibition about the giant waves of Nazaré within the Farol da Nazaré (the lighthouse) where you can see some amazing pictures of daredevil surfers conquering immense walls of water.
The exhibition also explains why these waves occur at Nazaré with an easy-to-understand animation and a maquette.
The entrance fee into the lighthouse is just €1 (per adult) and the view from the roof is beautiful.
Nazaré is divided into two areas: Sítio (on top of the hill) and downtown (along the beach). Both are worth visiting and you can easily do so in half a day.
Ride the funicular, visit the Mercado Municipal and stroll along the boulevard. If you like Indian food, Maharaja is a good place for lunch.
There are plenty of nice restaurants offering Portuguese cuisine as well.
Nazaré to Batalha: driving distance and time → 30km | 30 minutes
After you've explored Nazaré, hop in your car/campervan and head to Batalha to visit Batalha Monastery.
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, this impressive building dates back to the 14th century. Batalha Monastery is beautiful, both on the outside as well as the inside.
I highly recommend visiting this marvelous construction during your 2-week Portugal itinerary.
Entrance to Batalha Monastery is included in the Lisbon card
Day 7: Coimbra
Batalha to Coimbra: driving distance and time → 90km | 60 minutes
Coimbra is known for its historic University, the oldest one in Portugal and one of the oldest universities in Europe.
The most important sights on the University premises are the Paço das Escolas, Torre da Universidade, and the colorful Capela de São Miguel.
For me (and for many other visitors) the main attraction of the University of Coimbra was visiting the beautiful Biblioteca Joanina.
In this magnificent library, thousands of ancient books are displayed on carefully carved wooden shelves.
To preserve the precious books kept in the Johannine Library, photography isn't allowed. The library even houses a colony of bats which helps to protect the books from bugs and other insects!
If you have some extra time, consider spending two days in Coimbra, there are plenty of other things to see and do in this beautiful city.
Take a stroll through the lovely Botanical Gardens, visit the Science Museum, admire Sé Velha (old cathedral) and the Sé Nova (new cathedral), and buy a souvenir or two on the Rua Ferreira Borges.
Where to stay in Coimbra
Looking for a nice place to stay in Coimbra? Check out this lovely river view apartment or this beautiful apartment in the heart of Coimbra.
Day 8-9: Serra da Estrela Natural Park
Coimbra to Serra da Estrela: driving distance and time → 120km | 120 minutes
It's time to leave the major cities behind and head to one of the most beautiful places in Portugal: Serra da Estrela National Park. Here you can find the highest point in continental Portugal, Torre, at 2000 meters.
The mountain itself is actually 1993 meters high but the government decided to build a 7-meter-tall tower to make it 2000 meters exactly.
What's also a bit odd about Torre is the fact that you can drive up in a car, instead of following a hiking trail as is most often the case when climbing a mountain.
That being said, the drive from São Romão to Torre and from Torre to Manteigas is absolutely spectacular!
It wasn't the best weather when we visited, but the ominous sky only added to the dramatic scenery of the wild and rugged Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
Manteigas isn't a particularly interesting village but it's a convenient place to base yourself when exploring Serra da Estrela.
There are some restaurants and grocery stores as well as a handful of accommodations, such as this family-friendly hotel.
Over 200 kilometers of hiking trails that are part of the Trilhos Verdes are accessible from Manteigas, ranging from easy strolls to challenging full-day hikes.
Enough to keep you occupied for at least two days, but you could easily spend a week in this splendid Natural Park to enjoy the mountain landscape.
Day 10-11: Alto Douro valley (wine region)
Serra da Estrela to Alto Douro region: driving distance and time → 150km | 140 minutes
From one glorious landscape to the next: from the mountains of Serra de Estrella to the vineyard-covered hills of the Alto Douro wine region.
This is a UNESCO Heritage Area and rightly so: people have been making wine here for more than 2000 years!
We visited Portugal in October, the grapes had already been harvested and the leaves were dressed in their vivid autumn colors.
A spectacular sight and one of the highlights of our Portugal two-week itinerary.
There are many things to do in the Alto Douro region and two days actually isn't enough.
Take the train from picturesque Pinhão to Pocinho, for one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Do a wine tasting at one of the many quintas or take a cruise on the Douro River.
If you have more time, explore Peso da Régua and visit the Museu do Douro to learn more about the area. Or simply drive around and marvel at the view at one of the many Miradouros.
Where to stay in the Alto Douro region
If you are looking to stay somewhere special, check out this spacious Casa with a private pool near Pinhão.
If you are traveling in a campervan, we stayed at Quinta do Monte Travesso and can highly recommend this beautiful vineyard. You can park for the night in exchange for a bottle of wine or a wine tasting (not a bad deal right!).
Alternatively, book one of the gorgeous rooms at Quinta do Monte Travesso (everything is brand new, the B&B opened in spring 2022).
It's also possible to visit the Alto Douro wine region as a day trip from Porto. Click here for more information.
Day 12: Guimarães or Braga
Alto Douro region to Guimarães: driving distance and time → 120km | 90 minutes
Alto Douro region to Braga: driving distance and time → 140km | 100 minutes
I just couldn't choose between Guimarães or Braga, so I included both on this road trip to Portugal. It's up to you to decide which city you add to your Portugal 2-week itinerary…
Though if you have time, or decide to skip one of the popular destinations mentioned above, visit Guimaraes and Braga as both cities are equally beautiful!
You may also like this post: 32 European cites to visit with kids.
Guimaraes
I didn't know much about Guimarães before visiting, but we soon discovered it's a very attractive and fun city.
While a lot smaller than the main cities of Lisbon and Portugal, Guimarães has a beautiful historic center, with narrow cobblestone alleys where you can easily ‘get lost'.
The Palace of the Dukes is a must-visit, as is Guimarães Castle. Take the cable car to Penha mountain for stunning views over the city and the surrounding areas.
The mossy boulders and forested paths on this 600-meter-high mountain are a lovely place for an afternoon stroll before heading back downtown.
A nice place to eat in Guimarães is Cor de Tangerina, conveniently located across from the Palace of the Dukes.
Where to stay in Guimarães
This apartment in Guimarães city center is a great place to base yourself when exploring the birthplace of Portugal.
Braga
Braga is the third-largest city in Portugal and one of the oldest cities in the country. A significant part of the city center is a pedestrian-only area, making it easy to explore the historic sites in Braga on foot.
One of the highlights of Braga is Sé de Braga. This ancient cathedral was built in the 11th century and still stands proudly until this day. It's worth buying a ticket to admire the interior of this remarkable building.
Located a few kilometers outside of Braga is Bom Jesus do Monte. Climb the 577 steps (or take the cable car) to reach this beautiful sanctuary on top of a 116-meters high hill.
Fun fact: pilgrims used to climb the seemingly endless staircases on their knees as penitence for their sins.
When you have more time in Braga, also explore the Castle of Braga, and admire the Arco da Porta Nova and the Palácio do Raio with its bright blue azulejos.
Where to stay in Braga
We stayed at this spacious apartment with two bedrooms in the heart of town, a highly recommended place to stay for families.
Guimarães and Braga can also be visited as a day trip from Porto. Click here for more information.
Day 13-14: Porto
Guimarães/Braga to Porto: driving distance and time → 60km | 40 minutes
Many people actually prefer Porto over Lisbon and Porto sure has a lot going for it. It has an enviable location on the Douro river and the imposing Luís I Bridge (between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia) is a Porto icon.
Porto also has the colorful Ribeira district and a very walkable downtown packed with must-see sights.
Highlights are the Church of Saint Francis, Palácio da Bolsa (join a guided tour to learn more about this important historic monument), and Porto Cathedral, but there is much more to do in Porto!
Hop on an electric bike to explore the city center, go on a river cruise, visit the oldest port wine cellar in Porto or enjoy a Fado show.
Things to eat in Porto are a francesinha, a bifana pork sandwich, and bacalhau (dried and salted cod).
Where to stay in Porto
This apartment in Porto is the perfect place to base yourself. Close to the Old Town and only a short walk from Sao Bento train station.
If you have more time in Portugal
If you're lucky enough to have more time available to explore Portugal, consider adding these locations to your Portugal trip itinerary:
- Cabo da Roca: the westernmost point of mainland Europe where you can enjoy stunning views over the wild Atlantic Ocean.
- Serra do Buçaco: a lovely forested area with hidden treasures like the Fonte Fria and the not-so-hidden and opulent Buçaco Palace.
- Parque Natural do Alvão: a beautiful natural park, highlights are the Fisgas de Ermelo waterfalls and the nearby Senhora da Graça de Mondim de Basto.
- Costa Nova: the most colorful town in Portugal with its brightly colored striped houses.
- Peneda-Gerês National Park: this rugged National Park (pictured below) is situated in northern Portugal and offers some of the most beautiful scenery found in Portugal.
This 14-day Portugal itinerary only covers the main highlights between Lisbon and Porto. However, when you travel to Portugal, you'll soon discover there is much more to see.
The Algarve is also a beautiful area, as is the Alentejo (the area between Lisbon and the Algarve). Below I'll cover some of the highlights of both regions.
Top places to visit in the Alentejo
Central Portugal is one of the lesser visited regions of the country, but that doesn't mean there is nothing to see!
Évora
The entire city of Evora feels like a museum and it's not surprising this city has been a Unesco Heritage Site since 1986. That being said, the roots of the city date back to prehistoric times…
With its traditional painted houses, ancient city wall, and cobblestoned streets Evora is a must-visit when you're exploring the Alentejo region of Portugal.
Elvas
Elvas is known for the imposing military architecture found in and around the village. Visit the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Graça, Forte de Santa Luzia, and the Amoreira Aqueduct and marvel at their sheer size and scale.
Pretty impressive for something built without any modern equipment…
Arrábida Nature Park
In this beautiful Nature Park, you'll find olive trees, lavender, thyme, and other Mediterranean vegetation. Hike or bike the many trails, or simply relax at one of the pretty beaches.
If you don't have your own wheels but would love to visit the Arrábida Nature Park, this day tour from Lisbon is worth checking out.
Top places to visit in the Algarve
The Algarve is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and great surfing spots. While you can easily spend an entire holiday in this charming area of Portugal, here are some of the must-visit sites in the Algarve.
Benagil Caves
This photogenic sea cave often features in ‘best places to visit in Portugal' lists and rightly so, it's a pretty spectacular spot!
Book this excellent speedboat tour and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins along the way.
Note: as one of the most popular spots in Portugal, it gets very busy during the summer months. If you're visiting in peak season, consider joining this 7 AM kayak tour to avoid (most of) the crowds.
Sagres
One of the smaller towns in the Algarve, but definitely worth visiting. Standing on its windswept cliffs you'll feel like you've reached the end of the world.
Admire the views, explore the Fortaleza de Sagres, and perhaps even stay to watch the sunset.
Ponta da Piedade
This is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Portugal. Marvel at the unique rock formations rising up from the glittering ocean, not unlike the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Australia.
Hike down via the Ponta Da Piedade stairs (200 steps) or stroll along the boardwalk to Canavial beach. Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to admire the views!
Plan your trip like a pro with these tools:
✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com.
? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com.
?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda.
? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook.
? Plan your journey with the Lonely Planet.
?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing.
Portugal in 2 weeks: in conclusion
I hope this post will help your Portugal trip planning process. If you have any questions about this Portugal travel itinerary, leave a comment below or send me a message. Happy travels!
This post was updated in June 2022.
