5 Best Road Trips in Portugal
1.The Douro Valley
Located in northern Portugal, the Douro valley is reputed for its picturesque landscapes, charming villages and terraced vineyards that spread along the River Douro. From Porto, set on a scenic road trip as you follow the mythical N222 road from Porto to Pinaho, about a 125 km drive. Experience a thrilling drive as you follow the bends and winding curves, taking in the beautiful views over the river and surrounding mountains. The best section of the N222 is the part from Peso de Regua to Pinaho, a mere 28 km of an enchanting road cutting through the Douro Valley, filled with 93 bends that will make your pulse beat faster. Make a stop at one of the many quintas (wineries) for tasting and tours. While best known for its port wines, the Douro Valley also produces outstanding red and white wines.
Looking for the perfect sports car to match your trip?
If you fancy a Porsche rental in Portugal, a sporty Porsche 911 Carrera S or a seductive Porsche 718 Boxster is the right choice. Likewise, a 4-seat Ferrari Portofino or a Mercedes AMG GT Roadster are excellent rental options.
2. Lisbon to Algarve
For a great summer vacation, plan a road trip to the Algarve, a sun-soaked region located on Portugal’s southern coast. Praised for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns and quaint fishing villages as well as for its delicious food, it is a fabulous destination for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. From Lisbon, follow the A2 highway heading towards Faro, the capital city of the Algarve, about a 5 hour’s drive away. On your way there, make a stop for lunch at Comporta, which is filled with exclusive restaurants, designers’ stores. Visit the Sado Estuary, a natural reserve where you can watch the dolphins. Continue your drive to Albufeira, a vibrant beach resort with excellent night life. End your trip in the coastal town of Lagos, spend some time on the fabulous beach of Praia de Dona Ana and discover the beauty of its old town.
Travelling with the family but focusing on a sporty ride?
What about a Range Rover hire in Portugal? A Range Rover Sport, a 5 seat luxurious SUV will answer your call for speed while ensuring a comfortable ride to all your passengers. Alternatively, enjoy a thrilling ride in the open-air as you take the wheel of a powerful BMW M4 Cabriolet or Maserati GranCabrio.
3. Serra da Estrela
Escape the city and experience a fabulous one-day drive to the Serra da Estrala mountains in Central Portugal, home to Torre, the highest mountain peak in mainland Portugal. This challenging route includes over 60 km of steep, mountainous roads, each turn revealing breathtaking views. Keep in mind to plan a trip from May to October, when the weather conditions are most favourable to ensure a safe journey. Covilha or Coimbra make excellent starting points for this trip.
Create unforgettable memories while renting a legendary Porsche 911, either a Porsche 911 GT3 or a Porsche 911 GT2RS. Alternatively, indulge in a Lamborghini Urus, a super fast SUV that offers your passengers a true VIP travel experience.
4. The Costa Vicentina
Dreaming of winding coastal roads and ocean views?
Experience a thrilling driving adventure along the wild Costa Vicentina, located in the south western part of Portugal. This region boasts pristine beaches, the Atlantic big waves make it a favorite spot for surfers. From Lisbon, hit the open road, follow the A2 highway heading south to the beautiful Alentejo region, often called “the Tuscany of Portugal”. From Sines, Vila Nova de Milfontes to Odeceixe and Arrifana, you will uncover the beauty of the unspoilt coast line with sumptuous beaches, golden dunes, charming small towns and fishing villages. If you are visiting in August, make sure to drive to Odemira, just 30 km away from Odeceixe, to attend the annual Sudoeste Festival, a music festival originally dedicated to rock music. Today you can hear reggae, hip hop and electronic dance music.
Drive a fabulous Ferrari 488 GTB, an Italian masterpiece that offers a turbocharged driving experience or take the wheel of an Audi RS3 sedan, a sporty sedan delivering staggering performance.
5. Day-trip to Belem
After collecting your sports car hire in Lisbon, set on a day trip to the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Belem, a mere 30 minutes’ drive.
Built in 1502, Vasco da Gama and his men spent their last night here in prayer, before leaving for India. Admire the beautiful cloisters, each differently carved with coils of rope, sea monsters, coral and other sea motifs. This beautiful site is a Unesco Heritage Monument. Relax in the garden which features hedges trimmed in the shape of the Coats of Arms of Portugal and enjoy the large illuminated fountain. Then set off to the Cafe Antiga Confeitaria de Belem. They are still selling their delicious custard tarts, which they have been baking since 1841.
Join the jet setters, hire a sports car in Portugal for the ultimate show-off factor. Whichever destination is yours, you can count on Europe Luxury Cars to deliver the exact model booked to the location of your choice, whether at an international airport, city or train station.
