Portugal is loved by travellers from all over the world and there’s many reasons why. It caters for all interests. Hiring a car in Portugal allows you todiscover crystal waters, tranquil beaches, fantastic cuisine and architectural delights. The Costa Alentejana has plenty to offer whatever your reason for travelling with lots of authentic rural hospitality. Driving from Lisbon to Faro can occupy a few hours but prolong the trip with stops at the highlights below.
Top tip: Even wandering through narrow streets can have pleasant surprises. Keep your eyes open for azulejos, patterned tiles found around windows and doorways, or decorating walls.
When to travel
You’ll want to make this drive in the best weather. Facing west onto the Atlantic means you’ll be treated to some amazing sunsets. If you’re a fan of water sports, the large swells can be taken advantage of. Travelling in peak season means there’ll be extra tourists and overinflated prices. We’d recommend you take the trip in May, June, July or September to maximise weather conditions while avoiding the tourist effect. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the route is unsheltered coastline so it can be rough and windy!
What to eat and drink
Being this close to the coast you’ll want to try as many fresh traditional seafood dishes as possible. Bacalhau (codfish) and porco (pork) dishes are exceptionally good here, best served with a locally produced wine. Vinho verdes is popular- a young wine which is consumed within a year of bottling.
If you’re looking to splash out, visit L’AND Vineyards in Montemor-o-Novo. Some suites come with retractable ceilings. Fill your belly with Michelin star cuisine then sleep under a star-filled sky. For an alternative vineyard that includes horse riding, there’s the Herdade dos Grous further inland if you’re exploring more of Portugal.
What to see
From Lisbon
Spend a day or two basing yourself in Lisbon, stretching out in each direction to immerse yourself in the city’s closest offerings. Roam the narrow streets, soaking up the vibe. Castelo de São Jorge is worth exploring, along with some other archaeological sites.
Head east to Sintra, following this scenic drive, and discover the Pena National Palace.
There’s also Belém’s Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the Maritime Museum. For a stunning view, you should climb the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão do Descobrimentos).
From Lisbon, traverse the Ponte 25 de April bridge across the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) and towards the Parque Natural da Arrábida. Located between Sesimbra and Setúbal, this protected area is worth a few hours to check out the 17th century fort and the Oceanographic Museum located inside. Parking is however limited. Arrive as early as possible in the summer to ensure a space. Continuing past the fort will take you to the Praia do Portinho da Arrábida.
Comporta and Porto Covo
Take the N253 to Comporta on the other side of the Tróia peninsula for quiet and wild beaches. The N261 onto the N26-1 will take you to Porto Covo. A parish of pretty blue, red and white houses, peppered with family-run traditional restaurants. Great for inexpensive food. For surfing, the best spot is at Praia de São Torpes. The small fishing village of Porto Covo itself and the road south will give you a great view of Pessegueiro Island. If you wish, you can take a boat to the island to explore the 17th century fortress and 15th century chapel there.
Odeceixe
Nestled in a quiet river valley, the blue flag beach here is one of the largest in Portugal, Praia de Odeceixe. It’s also one of the most sheltered. Verdant cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for a few hours relaxing on the fine sand. It has one of the few naturist beaches in Portugal.
For those who prefer being active to tanning on the beach, there are routes to hike in the natural park which will leave you mesmerised by the scenery.
Top tip for hiking: the stretch of coastline between Santiago do Cacém and Cabo de S. Vicente is connected by a cycling/hiking trial called the Historical Way. There are other routes as well, including circular routes. See more about the Rota Vicenta here.
Arrifana
Another great hotspot if you’d like to try a water sport while in Portugal is the blue flag beach here. Alternatively, relax in the evening watching the sun set with a drink, listening to the lapping waves on the shore. Scale the ruins of Arrifana Castle on the northern headland and take in fantastic views of the Vicentina Coast.
Faro
If you’re not one for tourist crowds and places that have lost a lot of their natural charm, then Faro may not be the place for you. It continually appeals to many though. For the best beaches, away from heavy tourist crowds, visit Lagos or Portimão to the west. Check out our top 20 things to do over two days in Faro.
Book your hire car and explore Lisbon to Faro
We work with a variety of suppliers at Lisbon Airport. Rent Auto, Dollar, Rent Car 4 Less, Drive on Holidays, Hertz, Centauro, and Guerin provide vehicles from Lisbon Airport that can be dropped off at Faro Airport, should you wish to do a one-way rental.
Written by Jessica Juby.
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Amo-te Portugal!
We started to travel to Portugai in 2005.
We visited from Porto to Faro including San Miguel in Azores.
It’s a phenomenal experience, locals are warm accommodating, food and wine amazing!
It’s on our retirement list of places where we would like to spend months at the time during the
extreme cold Canadian winters.