Portugal Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries

Explore 21 self-drive trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Portugal.

Portugal is famed for its architecture, music, wine, beaches and untouched landscapes. Enjoy a relaxed 10-day excursion that takes you to Lisbon, up North to UNESCO-listed Porto and the nearby vineyards, before heading to the medieval town of Évora, where you can explore Alentejo, a place known for olive groves, cork production, and rustic cuisine. If you want to see the famous Lisbon, Porto, and Madeira, opt for this 9-day adventure instead, starting in Lisbon, heading north to Porto, where you can experience world-class wine cellars and riverside views before concluding your excursion in Madeira, which is home to volcanic landscapes. If you're drawn to the Algarve region, this 5-day adventure will be perfect for you as you'll see the region's two main cities—Faro and Lagos, Tavira, explore their beaches and cliffside panoramas, and sample local food. 

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Durations: 9 days · 10 days · 14 days · 15 days
A scenic road near the village of Sintra
Map of Portugal Relaxed Self-Drive: Lisbon, Porto, Évora - 10 Days
Portugal Relaxed Self-Drive: Lisbon, Porto, Évora - 10 Days

This road trip is ideal for those who want to experience Portugal's two biggest cities and rural countryside at a relaxed pace. After strolling around Lisbon with a guide, you'll make your way north to UNESCO-listed Porto and its nearby mountains and vineyards. Finish off in the medieval town of Évora with plenty of free time to explore the Alentejo—a vast region known for olive groves, cork production, and rustic cuisine.

Madeira's lush coastline
Map of Lisbon, Porto & Madeira - 9 Days
Lisbon, Porto & Madeira - 9 Days

This 9-day itinerary starts in Lisbon, where you'll savor local treats and traditional music as you explore the capital by foot and tram. Hit the road and head north to Porto, where world-class wine cellars and riverside views await, then hop over to Madeira to end your adventure among the verdant, volcanic landscapes of Portugal's "Island of Eternal Spring."

Take two days to explore historic Faro in Portugal's popular Algarve
Map of Portugal: The Algarve Region - 5 Days
Portugal: The Algarve Region - 5 Days

Spend five days exploring the stunning Algarve region, Portugal's southernmost area that sweeps westward to the Atlantic. You'll spend quality time in the region's two main cities—Faro and Lagos—and discover beautiful churches in Tavira, gorgeous beaches, phenomenal cliffside panoramas, and incredible food. Plus, you'll have plenty of time to lounge on the sand, cruise along the coast, and unwind amid urban charm and natural splendor.

Join a walking tour of Portugal's capital to see the sights
Map of Romantic Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Évora, Douro Valley & Algarve - 14 Days
Romantic Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Évora, Douro Valley & Algarve - 14 Days

Experience Portugal's beauty and romanticism in this two-week road trip that showcases the variety of the Portuguese landscape, from the city to villages and beaches. You'll experience the art and culture of Lisbon, see the fairy-tale town of Sintra, sip wine in Porto, and explore the wonders of Évora.

The dramatic landscapes of the Douro Valley and its vineyards
Map of Portugal's Wine & Beaches: Porto, Douro Valley & Algarve - 9 Days
Portugal's Wine & Beaches: Porto, Douro Valley & Algarve - 9 Days

Explore Portugal from north to south on this 9-day adventure filled with wine, seafood, and astonishing scenery. Start in Porto, Portugal's second city, known for its sunsets, colorful houses, and sweet port wine. Then, spend a couple of days visiting wineries and vineyards in the beautiful Douro Valley before catching a plane to the Algarve, the southernmost region in the country. Here, a rental car will provide you the freedom to tour picturesque seaside towns at your own pace.

Porto's colorful riverfront
Portugal Relaxed Self-Drive: Lisbon, Porto, Évora & Lagos - 14 Days

This two-week Portuguese odyssey combines cities, countryside, and coast for a road trip to remember. Savor traditional cuisine in Lisbon, lose yourself in the riverside neighborhoods of Porto, explore vineyards and cork forests around Évora, and soak up some sun on the golden beaches of Lagos. Along the way, a series of guided tours introduce you to the culture and customs of each city, while plenty of downtown means you can cut loose and choose your own adventure on day trips.

View of Câmara de Lobos in southeast Madeira
Map of Self-Drive Adventure in Madeira - 8 Days
Self-Drive Adventure in Madeira - 8 Days

This relaxed road trip introduces you to the Portuguese island of Madeira, whose volcanic landscapes and natural beauty make it a popular getaway from the mainland. Discover the charming Old Town and botanical gardens of its capital Funchal. Hike between Madeira's two highest peaks of Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo, then decompress by taking a ferry to the island of Porto Santo—beaches renowned for their healing properties.

Discover the many beaches of the Algarvie, like this one in Sagres
Map of Portugal: the Algarve Region - 7 Days
Portugal: the Algarve Region - 7 Days

See the best of the Algarve with this week-long trip that explores the 93-mile-long (150 km) southern coastline of Portugal. This area is famous for its dramatic cliffs, rugged rock formations, hidden caves, picturesque sandy beaches, and charming whitewashed villages. Explore natural parks, visit off-the-beaten-path towns, and see the best beaches. Enjoy breathtaking views, wander cobblestone streets, or relax on the golden sands.

Views over Marvão from its medieval castle
Map of Self-Drive Portugal: Historic Cities & Rural Villages - 9 Days
Self-Drive Portugal: Historic Cities & Rural Villages - 9 Days

Independent adventurers will love this nine-day itinerary that takes you off the beaten path to discover Portugal's unspoiled countryside and medieval villages. After getting to know the colorful capital of Lisbon, you'll hit the road and head north—winding through the sweeping Alentejo and its whitewashed hilltop towns. Continue through the lush wine country of the Douro Valley, then end your journey in Porto, where you'll tour the city on foot and toast your travels with a tasting of its famous port wine.

Views over Odeceixe Beach near Aljezur
Map of Self-Drive Southern Portugal: Lisbon, Alcácer do Sal, Aljezur & Lagos - 6 Days
Self-Drive Southern Portugal: Lisbon, Alcácer do Sal, Aljezur & Lagos - 6 Days

Explore southwestern Portugal's stunning scenery on this six-day road trip from Lisbon to Lagos at your own pace. Set out from the capital to wind your way south through a land of sweeping beaches, whitewashed towns, and unspoiled countryside. Along the way, you'll stand at the edge of mainland Europe at Cabo da Roca, cross the Sado Estuary by ferry, and explore the wild beauty of Costa Vicentina National Park.

Wind through the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley
Map of Portugal Road Trip: Lisbon, Évora, Douro & Porto - 10 Days
Portugal Road Trip: Lisbon, Évora, Douro & Porto - 10 Days

Portugal's historic cities and unspoiled countryside are the main focus of this 10-day, self-drive adventure. Heading north from Lisbon, you'll take your time exploring the hilltop villages of the Alentejo and the famed wine country of the Douro Valley before reaching riverside Porto and its vibrant culinary scene. Loop south again to return to the capital at a leisurely pace—discovering medieval towns, fishing villages, and the wild Atlantic coastline along the way.

Sun shines in the Douro Valley
Map of Portugal's Food & Wine: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley - 8 Days
Portugal's Food & Wine: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley - 8 Days

Discover Portugal's culinary and cultural heart on this road trip through Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley. Begin in the 2,000-year-old capital, whose antique buildings and local delights like pastéis de Belém make it perfect for history and food lovers alike. Head north to the colorful city of Porto, home of port wine and local pastries whose origins are as rich as their taste. Finally, explore the world's oldest demarcated wine region, the Douro Valley, which produces some of the finest table wines in Portugal.

Consider checking out the beach in Albufeira for a relaxing few hours
Map of Portugal Road Trip: Porto, Lisbon & the Algarve - 15 Days
Portugal Road Trip: Porto, Lisbon & the Algarve - 15 Days

Road trip through some of the most beautiful places in Portugal on this exciting 15-day tour. When you land in Lisbon, drive north to Porto and the Douro Valley. Spend multiple days enjoying wine and taking in riverside views. Then, return to the capital for guided tours and side trips to castles and beaches. Finish in the wild Algarve, whose coastline is flanked by tall sea cliffs and impressive caves.

Ponta da Piedade near Lagos
Map of Portugal Castles, Beaches & Vineyards: Lisbon to the Algarve - 15 Days
Portugal Castles, Beaches & Vineyards: Lisbon to the Algarve - 15 Days

Discover all four corners of Portugal in this epic 15-day road trip. Start in Lisbon, where the sounds of live fado music will lead you on a drive north to Porto and the wine country of the Douro Valley. Turn south and stop in historic towns like the Knights Templar-built Tomar and ancient Roman Évora on your way to coastal Lagos, where you'll beach-hop under the spectacular cliffs of the Algarve.

Marinha Beach in the Algarve
Map of Portugal Road Trip: Porto, Lisbon & the Algarve - 13 Days
Portugal Road Trip: Porto, Lisbon & the Algarve - 13 Days

Hit all the Portuguese essentials on this 13-day road trip. You'll start by driving to colorful Porto and the Douro Valley. Here, your adventures will be centered on wine and history. Make your way south to Lisbon for private walking tours of the capital and day trips to the country's most famous castles. Finally, spend some days in the untamed Algarve region, known for its unmatched beaches and seaside rock formations.

Winding road through the Douro Valley
Map of Self-Drive Portugal & Santiago de Compostela - 11 Days
Self-Drive Portugal & Santiago de Compostela - 11 Days

Hit the road in postcard-perfect Portugal on this 11-day itinerary that explores the rich history, curious culture, and delicious food and wine of the country's northern half. Start in the colorful capital Lisbon and weave your own pilgrimage north to Spain's Santiago de Compostela, before heading south again. Beyond ticking off the big cities of Lisbon and Porto, you'll soak up the history of Coimbra, Guimarães, Braga, Évora, and Tomar, and taste the country's famous port wine at the source.

A view of the cliffs and beach of Cabo de Roca or the "edge of the world"
Map of Self-Drive Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve - 11 Days
Self-Drive Portugal: Lisbon, Évora & the Algarve - 11 Days

Adventurous and independent travelers will love this 11-day itinerary that takes you on the road through Portugal's fascinating history and epic landscape. You'll spend some time exploring Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in the world, before driving north to Évora, where you will find prehistoric sites and towns fit for queens. You'll then head back down south to the Algarve, where you'll be blown away by the wild ruggedness and incredible beaches of southern Portugal's famous coastline.

An iconic yellow tram on Lisbon's colorful streets
Map of Portugal Panorama: Lisbon, Lagos, Coimbra & Porto - 13 Days
Portugal Panorama: Lisbon, Lagos, Coimbra & Porto - 13 Days

This 13-day itinerary showcases Portugal's many faces with a combination of guided experiences and a choose-your-own-adventure road trip. See the Lisbon skyline by sailboat and hike to the hilltop palaces of Sintra, then strike out toward the Algarve coast for golden beaches, hidden coves, and spectacular sunsets. Turn north to end your journey in Porto, where you'll trade the car for a driver as you sit back and enjoy day trips into the Douro Valley and Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Enjoy luxury stays, such as Casa do Rio Wine Hotel
Map of Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury in Portugal: Douro Valley, Alentejo & Comporta - 10 Days
Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury in Portugal: Douro Valley, Alentejo & Comporta - 10 Days

Discover Portugal's lesser-visited treasures on this luxury 10-day tour. Begin by road-tripping to a remote corner of the Douro Valley to taste fine wines and uncover the region's prehistoric rock art. Next, continue to rural Alentejo for stargazing in Alqueva Dark Sky Reserve and a hot-air balloon ride over the UNESCO-listed town of Évora. The trip ends in peaceful Comporta on the Atlantic coast, where you'll sail the Arrábida Marine Reserve and ride horses along the rugged coastline.

Views of the Serra da Estrela (photo courtesy of Casa de São Lourenço)
Map of Luxury Portugal Escape: Porto, Douro Valley, Serra da Estrela, Lisbon & Madeira - 14 Days
Luxury Portugal Escape: Porto, Douro Valley, Serra da Estrela, Lisbon & Madeira - 14 Days

Escape to Portugal for a luxurious two-week tour of the country's diverse highlights, staying at 5-star retreats along the way. You'll visit UNESCO-listed gems, from Sintra's fairy-tale palaces to the grooved terraces of the Douro Valley, and explore natural wonders with outdoor adventures in Serra da Estrela and Peneda-Gerês National Park. Enjoy a dose of city sightseeing in Lisbon and Porto, then jet to the volcanic island of Madeira for sunset cruises and private 4WD tours.

Venture deep into the Douro Valley to find a vineyard-set retreat (photo courtesy of Casa do Rio Wine Hotel)
Map of Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury in Portugal: Porto, Douro Valley, Alentejo, Comporta & Lisbon - 14 Days
Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury in Portugal: Porto, Douro Valley, Alentejo, Comporta & Lisbon - 14 Days

Experience Portugal's hidden gems on this two-week luxury tour. You'll journey to far-flung regions off the tourist trail, from Portugal's only national park, Peneda-Gerês, to rural Alentejo and the wild Comporta coastline. Along the way, uncover prehistoric rock art and visit vineyards in the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, go stargazing and enjoy hot-air balloon rides over the countryside, and charter a private boat to explore the wonders of Arrábida Marine Reserve.

Explore São Miguel, stopping at landmarks like the Lagoa das Sete Ciudades
Map of Highlights of Portugal & the Azores: Lisbon, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Porto, São Miguel - 16 Days
Highlights of Portugal & the Azores: Lisbon, Coimbra, Douro Valley, Porto, São Miguel - 16 Days

Explore the highlights of mainland Portugal and the Azores on this 16-day trip for food and nature lovers. Kick things off in Lisbon with a food tour and a home-cooked dinner with a local family, then discover the gardens and palaces of Sintra before picking up your rental car and driving to historic Coimbra. Sample local wine in the Douro Valley, and tour Porto in a vintage car, then fly to São Miguel to beach hop and explore the crater lakes by 4WD.

Drive along the Algarve's coastal roads on this 16-day self-drive tour
Map of Self-Drive Portugal & the Azores: Lisbon, the Algarve & Ponta Delgada - 16 Days
Self-Drive Portugal & the Azores: Lisbon, the Algarve & Ponta Delgada - 16 Days

Spend 16 days discovering Portugal's rich culture and natural landscapes, starting in the capital, Lisbon. Watch a fado performance, explore the city by tuk-tuk, and cruise the Tagus River before picking up your rental car and driving south to the Algarve. Here, you'll relax on the beach, snorkel in the turquoise waters, and discover coastal villages, then fly to São Miguel Island in the Azores for whale watching, kayaking in a volcanic crater, and relaxing in hot springs.