Thinking of taking a trip to Portugal? One of the best options is a driving tour from Lisbon along the Portuguese coast, because you will soak up the whole country's Atlantic character.
In a few days—depending on how long you want to spend here—you can visit fishing villages, wild cliffs, perfect beaches to disconnect and small towns with a lot of history. Lisbon is a good starting point because it is well connected to Spain and the rest of Europe. From the capital, just take the car and follow the coastline north or south.
Take note of the driving tour along the Portuguese coast from Lisbon that we outline below.
Cascais and the Estoril coastline
Just half an hour from Lisbon, you will find Cascais, a favourite among those looking to disconnect by the sea without straying too far from the city. On the way, you can stop in Estoril, famous for its casino, promenade and for being home to some of the quietest beaches in the area. If you have never been to Portugal before (or you feel like getting to know it in greater depth), it is a good first contact with the Portuguese lifestyle.
In Cascais you can:
- Stroll through the fishing port.
- Visit the Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum.
- See the Boca do Inferno, an impressive rock formation that is pounded by the waves.
- See Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, with stunning views.
Sinta-Cascais Natural Park
From Cascais, we recommend you continue your driving tour from Lisbon along the Portuguese coast to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. You'll be surprised by the influence and impact that the sea has on the forest.
If you have time, make a short detour inland to visit Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can stroll through its cobblestone streets and visit the Pena Palace or the Quinta da Regaleira, and feel like you are inside a fairy tale.
The N247 road will take you back to the Portuguese coast. There are a number of viewpoints along the route, so make as many stops as you like and just enjoy the views. The contrast between the green of the pine forests and the blue of the ocean is always a pleasant surprise. And if you love the open road, this will be your favourite section.
Praia das Azenhas do Mar and Ericeira
One of the coast's great treasures is Azenhas do mar, a small village on a cliff with white houses that seem to be hanging over the sea. You only have to do a quick online search to fall in love with this landscape before seeing it with your own eyes. Take the opportunity to eat in a restaurant with a view. Our recommendation? Try some fresh fish or seafood rice.
Continue the driving tour from Lisbon along the Portuguese coast to Ericeira, an essential stop if you like surfing. It has incredible waves, but also a lot of charm, with artisan shops, little streets to get lost in, bars with terraces and an atmosphere that you will quickly become part of.
Peniche and the Berlengas Islands
Another essential stop is Peniche, a walled city with a seafaring past. It is a good place to try the traditional caldeirada de peixe (a typical fish stew). You should also explore the old town and the city's fortress.
Peniche is the perfect place for an excursion to the Berlengas Islands, a nature reserve about 6 miles away. It has rocky landscapes and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling or hiking. However, check the sea conditions, because they can change rapidly.
Nazaré, an essential stop on your driving tour from Lisbon along the Portuguese coast
You can't end a driving tour from Lisbon along the Portuguese coast without a stop in Nazaré, a small town famous for its giant waves. In fact, every winter it attracts the bravest surfers from all over the world. But it's not all surfing, you can also:
- See the exact point where the waves are formed, from the Sítio viewpoint.
- Spend the day at the beach.
- Discover the most authentic flavours of the Atlantic in its municipal market.
- Try the local sweet treats.
- Go to the promenade at sunset.
And if you still have time, you can make one last stop in Óbidos (about 40 minutes from Nazaré) before returning to Lisbon. It is a small walled town with a medieval essence and castle that is now a pousada (a type of luxury hotel).
A driving tour from Lisbon along the Portuguese coast is an incredible experience. Just rent a car with OK Mobility in Lisbon, decide on all the stops and let yourself be carried away by the charm of the Atlantic Ocean. Are you ready?
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