Portugal. This sun-drenched country is steeped in history, boasting stunning landscapes, charming coastal towns, and mouthwatering cuisine. From the southernmost region of Faro with its picturesque beaches to the vibrant city of Porto with its rich architectural heritage, join us as we experience the best of Portugal. Buckle up and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Uncover the Charm of Faro

Faro, the starting point of this road trip, beckons visitors with its charming streets and traditional Portuguese architecture. Set foot in the historic center and immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance. Explore the narrow alleyways and stumble upon hidden squares brimming with local life. Admire the ornate facades of buildings that showcase the rich history of Faro. A must-see, according to me: the bone chapel.

Albufeira

Albufeira, a town located along the stunning coastline of Portugal, is a must-visit destination on your road trip from Faro to Porto. This town is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear waters, and drunk Brit nightlife!

Albufeira also offers a plethora of luxurious resorts and hotels, providing the perfect setting for unwinding and relaxing during your journey. We chose an adults-only boutique hotel, Villa Maria. After a day of exploring the surroundings, you can savor the vibrant nightlife scene Albufeira is known for, with numerous bars and clubs lining The Strip. The Strip doesn’t only exist in Las Vegas! Or you can just chill at the rooftop pool of the hotel.

Explore the Enchanting Coastal Towns Along the Way

After exploring the vibrant town of Albufeira, continue your road trip from Faro to Porto by making a stop at Praia de Salema. If you descend the steps at the west parking of the beach, you can discover dinosaurs’ footprints. Hubby wasn’t impressed. I was.

Also, Sagres. It is a paradise for nature lovers and surf enthusiasts. And you see them in flocks!

With its stunning cliffs, rugged coastline, pirate-themed store, and awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean, this town offers a few must-visit stops. Eat a hotdog at the “last bratwurst before America) and get a certificate that you were at the end of the world!

And for those seeking adventure, Sagres is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, making it the perfect spot to catch some waves. Don’t forget your surf poncho from absrb.be if you don’t want to flash tourists seeking a parking spot.

We were also advised to make a stop in Peniche. It’s a charming coastal town. If you can get over the fish smell. The famous sardine factory at the edge of the town spreads a not-so-interesting smell. A bit of a bummer.

Lisbon: Unexpectly stole my foodie’s heart

Lisbon, oh, what a “majorly” impressive city! The young vibe is so overwhelmingly average that you won’t be blown away. But hey, at least there’s some consolation in the food department. Get ready for an overdose of Pastel de Nana’s – because who needs variety, right? And let me tell you, the mussels are out of this world! The best you’ll ever taste, guaranteed. And don’t forget to indulge in White port wine and pastel bacalhau, because why not? As a Belgian, I must insist you visit the Delirium café too. Here’s a little foodie secret I’m willing to share: I ate the best burger EVER at Dallas Burger Lisbon.

And when it’s time to recover from all the excitement, look no further than the “amazing” 16+ hotel Pensao Amor in the middle of Pink Street. You’ll sleep like a baby after a naughty cocktail and burlesque night. Or maybe not. Who knows? Enjoy your child-free adventure ;)!

Coimbra: The City of Knowledge

Coimbra is a city steeped in knowledge and history, earning the title of the City of Knowledge. It proudly boasts one of the oldest universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra, established in 1290. This prestigious institution has been at the forefront of education and research for centuries, producing scholars who have made significant contributions to various fields. Whether strolling through its ancient streets or exploring its renowned libraries and archives, the spirit of knowledge and learning is palpable in every corner of this enchanting city.

Roman ruins Conimbriga

Outside of Coimbra lies Conimbriga, a fascinating ancient Roman settlement waiting to be explored. Step back in time as you wander through well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into daily life during Roman times. Marvel at intricate mosaics and imagine the luxury of the villas that once stood here. I was taken aback by the Swastika’s incorporated in the Roman villas. But don’t worry. The meaning of those symbols has nothing to do with understanding them in World War 2. So you can take a leisurely walk through the archaeological site, letting your imagination transport you to a prosperous city bustling with activity.

Small stop: Porto Novo

This was a great experience. After the city walks and busy centers, we enjoyed a long walk by the beach between impressive dunes. Great views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful colored houses. We’ve spent an afternoon at the beach bar.

Porto: A City of Wine and Culture

Porto, known for its world-famous port wine, is a haven for wine enthusiasts. The region is renowned for producing this exquisite wine, and it is a must-try for anyone visiting Porto. The city is dotted with wine cellars and tasting rooms where visitors can delve into port wine’s history and production process. The city has a vibrant cultural scene, stunning architecture, vibrant art galleries, and a wealth of museums. . Whether you are a wine lover or a culture enthusiast, Porto has something for everyone, making it the perfect destination to indulge in wine and cultural experiences.

Porto travel tips

• Indulge in a Port wine-tasting experience at Ramos Pinto. Prepare yourself for a mind-blowing experience as you tour their beautiful historic building. And guess what? They offer tastings that will leave you feeling oh-so-satisfied. Just a heads up: the tours run every 30 minutes and are available in a few languages. But here’s the “best” part – the first visitor to book the next tour gets to decide the language. You might be stuck to a French guide. But hey, who needs translation when you’re drinking right?
• Don’t Visit the iconic Livraria Lello bookshop! Just forget about the famous Lello bookshop flooding your social media feeds and getting praised by other travelers. Who needs that kind of hype anyway? Instead, why not visit the most enchanting McDonald’s in the world? Because let’s face it, what’s more magical than a Big Mac and fries? Seriously though, if you’re looking for a unique experience that’s truly unique, maybe skip the overrated bookshop and indulge in a burger at the most beautiful fast-food joint you’ll ever see.

Portugal overall

What are some recommended stops between Faro and Porto?

How long does it take to drive from Faro to Porto?

The distance from Faro to Porto is approximately 550 kilometers, which may sound like a long journey, but trust me, it’s worth it! On average, it takes around 5-6 hours to drive from Faro to Porto without stopping, but keep in mind that the duration of the trip can vary depending on traffic conditions and the route taken. We spread it over a few days and made it a fantastic road trip. Full itinerary here.

What are some must-visit attractions in Faro?

One of the must-visit attractions in Faro is the historic old town, also known as Cidade Velha. Its narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and charming squares make it a great place to wander and soak in the traditional Portuguese atmosphere. I totally recommend visiting the human skeleton chapel at the Igreja do Carmo. But hey, I’m pretty darkminded.

In conclusion, embarking on a road trip from Faro to Porto is an extraordinary journey, allowing you to experience Portugal’s charm, history, culture, and natural beauty. Starting in Faro, you can explore the historic center and unwind at luxurious resorts in Albufeira. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to unwind in the serene village of Sagres, indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine, and even discover dinosaur footsteps.

As you make your way along the coast, stop in the charming coastal towns and sample local delicacies. However, we experienced a great variety of recipes when asking for the same dish. Each restaurant makes a dish according to their beliefs, which makes the food very disappointing. Oh, and the cinnamon they put in almost everything. That was a bit bweih.

This road trip is a chance to witness breathtaking landscapes and a unique way to immerse yourself in Portugal’s captivating charm.