Fabulous Portugal road trip from Lisbon to the Algarve

Discover Portugal on a fantastic road trip, starting in Lisbon and ending in the Algarve - includes breakfast, car hire, and return flights

Day 1 & 2: Lisbon

Your Portuguese adventure will commence when you arrive at your departure airport. After touching down in Lisbon, head straight to your plush hotel to refresh and rejuvenate following your flight. Then, Lisbon will be yours for the taking.

Begin discovering Lisbon’s irresistible charm by strolling through the city’s narrow streets, lined with colourful buildings showcasing azulejos: traditional Portuguese tiles arranged in beautiful mosaics. Head to the Bairro Alto district to sample local cafés and boutiques, and be sure to return in the evening if you love nightlife.

Don’t miss a trip to the Belém district, aka the home of the delicious Pastel de Nata. After washing down this sweet treat with a rich coffee (or two), embark on an invigorating climb up the tower of Belém and be rewarded with fantastic city views. For more unbeatable panoramas, hop on one of the city’s historic yellow trams (a must-do for any Lisbon visit) and head to the historic Castelo de São Jorge. Wanting more? The medieval streets of the Alfama neighbourhood are also sure to delight.

With the 10-day trip, you'll stay three nights in Lisbon.

Day 3: Setúbal

Today, your road trip truly commences. After chomping down on a delightful breakfast, collect your rental car and begin your 45-minute journey towards Setúbal. Your journey will see you travelling down the N10-4: a picturesque route that passes through the stunning landscapes of the Arrábida Natural Park. If you like what you see, make exploring this breathtaking park your main priority while staying in Setúbal - hiking across its popular trails, or unwinding on gorgeous shores, such as Galapos Beach or Portinho da Arrábida Beach.

If this isn’t your cup of tea, Setúbal has plenty more in store. Offering a glimpse into the ‘real’ Portugal, this spot is a less tourist-focused destination that beats the crowds. Learn about local histories with an insightful visit to the 16th-century Forte de São Filipe or the Igreja de Jesus, or opt to enjoy an afternoon of local living with a trip to the bustling Mercado do Livramento - one of the best food and fresh produce markets in Portugal. Wanting more? Perhaps Setúbal’s most popular activity of all is a dolphin-watching tour. Nature enthusiasts can head out on an excursion in the Sado Estuary, scanning the dazzling waters for a peek at the pod of dolphins that frequent the reserve.

With the 10-day trip, you'll stay two nights in Setúbal.

Day 4: Évora

After completing the first leg of your sun-soaked road trip, it’s time to hit the road for the second time. After roughly an hour of driving, you’ll arrive in the idyllic city of Évora: a hidden gem nestled in the middle of Portugal’s Alentejo region. One of Portugal’s best-preserved cities, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you’ll find numerous historical sites here, from a fortress wall to Moorish-influenced architecture.

When hunger strikes, head to Praça do Giraldo square where delicious restaurants and cafés (perfect for people watching) are plentiful. You’ll also find the church Igreja de Santo Antão, as well as a marble fountain with eight streams that symbolise the eight streets leading to and from the square. After a delicious bite, explore these eight winding streets whilst full of energy.

It’s also worth going to see the impressive cathedral Sé Catedral de Évora. Head up the narrow spiral staircase to reach the roof of the cathedral, where you can take in breathtaking vistas of the captivating city below.

Day 6 & 7: Algarve

Following another revitalising breakfast, today will see travelling to your final destination, the Algarve, via a 225-kilometre scenic drive. With its stunning coastlines, this region is known for long periods of sunshine, which makes it the perfect place to end your tour. Roll out your towel on one of the many golden, sandy beaches on offer and enjoy soaking up the warm sun, followed by a refreshing dip in the sea. If you enjoy surfing, the coastline of the Algarve is the perfect place for you. Grab a few waves yourself, or admire watching the amazing surfers at play in the ocean. You’ll find both calm, quiet beaches in the Algarve, as well as popular beaches that are bustling with life. With your rental car, you can choose where to drive to.

What’s more, as you’ll be staying in the popular destination of Albufeira, you’ll have the city’s charming Old Town at your fingertips, where a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, quaint buildings, and scrumptious restaurants await. Spend your last days lapping up all that this coastal gem has to offer, perhaps sampling the local nightlife, or venturing to the nearby Benagil Caves.

With the 10-day trip, you'll stay three nights in the Algarve.

Day 8: Faro Airport

The time has come for your fantastic adventure to come to an end. Make your way towards Faro Airport and return your rental car. Then, board your flight safely back to the UK with your road trip memories in tow.