13-Day Road Trip Through Portugal: A Journey of Wine, Waves and Wonder

Our adventure begins with a flight into Lisbon, where we pick up our rental car and embark on a scenic three-hour drive to Porto. We check into our accommodations – either a palatial hotel in the heart of the city or a cozy hotel with views overlooking the Douro River.

Once settled, be thoughtful on wearing comfy shoes, to be ready to tackle Porto's steep, cobbled streets. First on our list is the Livraria Lello. Its intricate woodwork and winding staircase feel enchanting and makes it one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

With a bottle of wine from a local bodega in hand, we then head to the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal as the sun begins to set. Here, we enjoy our wine while taking in the breathtaking views of the Douro River and the cityscape below. The beauty of the gardens during golden hour creates the perfect start to our Porto adventure.

As night falls, we wander through Porto's historic center, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Find a cozy restaurant in the Ribeira district for dinner and perhaps try some traditional Portuguese dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) or caldo verde (green soup). After dinner, we continue to explore the lively Ribeira district, with its charming narrow streets and riverside views, before heading back to our hotel to rest and recharge for the days ahead.

Our second day in Porto begins with a hearty Francesinha at a local café. This famous Porto sandwich is filled with a tower of cured ham, linguiça (smoked sausage), and steak, all smothered in melted cheese and drenched in a slightly spicy tomato and beer sauce.

Fueled by our delicious breakfast, we set off to explore the historic Paço Episcopal do Porto, the Bishop's Palace. This baroque building, perched above the city, offers a glimpse into Porto's rich history and architecture. From here, we stroll past the ancient Fernandine Walls, remnants of the medieval fortifications that once protected the city.

Our walk leads us to the iconic Luís I Bridge, a double-deck iron bridge designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. Crossing the bridge, we reach the Gaia side of the river, where we head to TERRASSE 6 PONTE SKY BAR. With a crisp beer in hand, we relax and take in the panoramic views of Porto's six bridges spanning the Douro River.

After soaking in the scenery, we embark on a six bridges boat tour to get a closer look at these structures. The tour offers a unique perspective on Porto's architectural marvels, each bridge telling its own story of the city's development.

During dinner try to indulge in some Port wine and Vinho Verde, the region's famous young wine. The night is still young, and we explore the lively bars and clubs, experiencing the city's energetic atmosphere. From the historic charm of Ribeira to the trendy spots in Baixa, Porto's nightlife is diverse and exciting.

Our final morning in Porto begins with a ride on the Gaia Cable Car, offering us one last sweeping view of this enchanting city. We then set off on the winding road to the Douro Valley. The two-hour drive is beautiful, with scenic vineyards cascading down terraced hillsides and quaint villages dotting the landscape. This region, renowned for its world-class wines, promises a serene escape from the bustle of city life.

Arriving in the Douro Valley, we check into our accommodations. For a boutique experience, we choose The Vintage House - Douro, a charming hotel that exudes elegance and comfort. Alternatively, for an additional taste of luxury, we opt for Six Senses Douro Valley, a lavish retreat offering breathtaking views and top-notch amenities.

As the sun sets, we head to Cozinha da Clara for dinner. This restaurant is a true gem, nestled in the heart of the valley. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, and the menu features locally sourced cuisine, highlighting the rich flavors of the region. As we sip our wine and enjoy the stunning vineyard views we are perfectly setting the tone for the days ahead in this paradise.

Today is all about indulging Douro Valley's its world-class wines. We start our day with a visit to one of the region's many esteemed vineyards. With over 80 options to choose from, we could find ourselves at the historic Quinta do Bomfim, marveling at its century-old traditions; the Quinta do Crasto, perched high above the Douro River; or perhaps the charming Quinta do Vallado, one of the oldest wine estates in the valley. Each vineyard offers a unique journey into the rich history and significance of Douro wines, and we’re eager to explore, learn about the winemaking process, and top it off in a tasting session with the region's finest offerings.

The afternoon beckons us to relax and soak in the serene beauty of the Douro Valley. We return to our hotel, where options for unwinding abound. Whether it's lounging by the pool, taking a leisurely dip, or finding a quiet corner to get lost in a good book, the picturesque backdrop of rolling vineyards and tranquil river views makes it a perfect setting.

We start the day drifting along the Douro River on a boat tour. Surrounded by the valley's stunning scenery—terraced vineyards, quaint villages, and lush landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. This provides a moment to soak in the beauty of the Douro Valley from the water before we hit the three-hour road trip to Nazaré.

While meant to be a place to rest our eyes before heading to the Algarve region, Nazaré, is a town renowned for its gigantic waves and vibrant surf culture. We check into a cozy hotel for the night. Our first stop in Nazaré is the iconic São Miguel Arcanjo Fort. Depending on the time of year, the waves here can sometimes reach heights of up to 100 feet. Standing at the fort, we may watch surfers take on these monstrous waves.

For dinner we must head to Restaurante A Fornalha which offers a rustic ambiance. Renowned for its succulent steaks and fresh seafood, the menu celebrates traditional Portuguese cuisine with expertly prepared dishes using the finest ingredients. Complemented by an extensive local wine list and impeccable service, dining at A Fornalha is an amazing culinary experience.

We stroll back to our hotel, ready to rest and recharge for the adventures that lie ahead.

Our adventure continues with a scenic three-hour drive to the Algarve, starting in the vibrant town of Albufeira, known for its lively nightlife and pristine beaches. We board a coastal cruise, enjoying panoramic views of cliffs, hidden caves, and azure waters. As the sun sets, we arrive at a secluded beach for dinner, drinks, music and dancing under the stars.

The next day, we explore Albufeira's old town or relax on its beautiful beaches, such as Praia dos Pescadores or Praia da Oura, before heading to our stay in Lagos.

A 30-minute drive from Lagos brings us to Benagil, home to the breathtaking sea cave sculpted by centuries of wind and waves. The Benagil Sea Cave, has a gaping mouth and secluded interior, where sunlight filters through a natural skylight, casting ethereal patterns on the walls. Though paddle boarding is an option, we opt for kayaking through its majestic arches, and then unwind on Benagil Beach before returning to Lagos.

We start our day in Lagos at Ponta da Piedade, with its dramatic cliffs and hidden grottos. Another kayaking excursion reveals a maze of many sea caves and private beaches. After lunch at a local café, we embark on a coastal hike along the cliffs of Lagos, discovering secluded coves and stunning views.

A scenic three-hour drive takes us to Lisbon, Portugal's bustling capital. We visit the original Time Out Market for a culinary paradise where flavors from around the world converge under one roof. The concept has expanded to other cities around the world, including Miami, New York, and Dubai. Then explore the LX Factory, a cultural hub with galleries, boutiques, and cafés. We end the day at a miradouro for panoramic city views and dine at a Fado house, enjoying music and camaraderie with Portugal's haunting and emotional traditional music.

A 30-minute drive brings us to Sintra. We explore the colorful National Palace of Pena and ascend to the ancient Moorish Castle. Make sure to get there early to avoid long wait times for your tour slot in the Palace and wear comfy shoes as you make the walk through the crumbling walls of the ancient Moorish Castle. Near the Sintra National Palace, we savor a travesseiro pastry. For lunch, we go to Moinho Dom Quixote, a hidden restaurant tucked away in a secret garden, before returning to Lisbon. If we have the energy, we explore Lisbon's vibrant nightlife on Pink Street.

Our final days in Lisbon are spent exploring its vibrant culture and rich history. We visit various miradors for city views, sample traditional Portuguese dishes, and try the famous Pastéis de Nata in Belém. We also taste Ginja, a sweet cherry liqueur, and ride vintage trolleys through historic squares like Praça do Comércio and Praça do Rossio. A tuk-tuk tour offers a unique perspective of the city, and we toast our journey at Lisbon's finest wine bars.

As our 13-day, eight city, 14-hour road trip through Portugal ends, we're filled with a mix of emotions. From Porto's historic streets to the Algarve's sun-kissed shores and Lisbon's vibrant ambiance, each moment has been a treasure. Until we return, adeus Portugal.