Top Road Trips from Lisbon – Scenic Drives & Hidden Gems

🚗 Explore Portugal: Best Road Trips Starting from Lisbon

Lisbon is more than just Portugal’s vibrant capital — it’s also the perfect starting point for unforgettable road trips. With a rental car, you have the freedom to explore the coastal beauty, rural landscapes, historic towns, and world-class wine regions of Portugal at your own pace.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll share the 10 best road trips from Lisbon — from short half-day escapes to multi-day adventures — plus driving tips, travel advice, and scenic highlights you won’t want to miss.

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🌊 1. Lisbon to Cascais & Estoril – The Coastal Getaway

Distance: ~30 km
Driving Time: 35–40 minutes

This short but stunning drive follows the Marginal Road (N6), hugging the Atlantic coastline. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors for a quick escape from the city.

Must-See Stops 🏖

• Belém Tower – Lisbon’s riverside icon.
• Monument to the Discoveries – Celebrating Portugal’s explorers.
• Carcavelos Beach – Great for a surf or coffee stop.
• Estoril Casino – Europe’s largest casino.
• Cascais Old Town – Charming streets, seafood, and a pretty marina.

💡 Pro Tip: Go in the late afternoon for a seaside dinner and a sunset drive back to Lisbon.

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🏰 2. Lisbon to Sintra – Fairytale Palaces & Forested Hills

Distance: ~30 km
Driving Time: 40 minutes

Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Portugal’s most enchanting towns. Nestled in the Sintra mountains, it’s home to colorful palaces, exotic gardens, and panoramic viewpoints.

Must-See Stops 🌳

• Pena Palace – Brightly painted palace on a hilltop.
• Quinta da Regaleira – Gardens, tunnels, and the mysterious Initiation Well.
• Moorish Castle – Ancient fortress with sweeping views.
• Sintra Town Center – Local pastries like travesseiros and queijadas.

💡 Pro Tip: Park on the outskirts and take local transport to avoid steep, narrow streets.

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🍷 3. Lisbon to Setúbal & Arrábida Natural Park – Wine & Nature

Distance: ~50 km
Driving Time: 50–60 minutes

Cross the 25 de Abril Bridge to the Setúbal Peninsula for a mix of beaches, nature, and wine tasting.

Must-See Stops 🏝

• Arrábida Natural Park – Crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches.
• Azeitão – Famous for cheese and Moscatel wine.
• Setúbal Market – Fresh fish and local specialties.

💡 Pro Tip: Rent a kayak to explore Arrábida’s hidden coves.

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🏖 4. Lisbon to Costa da Caparica – Endless Beaches

Distance: ~20 km
Driving Time: 25 minutes

Costa da Caparica stretches for over 25 km of sandy coastline. Perfect for surfing, sunbathing, or beach-hopping.

Must-See Stops 🏄

• Praia da Morena – Surf-friendly waves.
• Praia do Castelo – Quieter, family-friendly.
• Beach Bars – Try fresh grilled fish by the sea.

💡 Pro Tip: Best visited in the morning to avoid summer traffic.

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🌄 5. Lisbon to Évora – Historic Alentejo Capital

Distance: ~130 km
Driving Time: 1h30

Évora is a living museum in the Alentejo region. Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and charming squares await.

Must-See Stops 🏛

• Roman Temple – One of the best-preserved in Iberia.
• Chapel of Bones – An unforgettable (and eerie) experience.
• Cathedral of Évora – Stunning views from the roof.

💡 Pro Tip: Combine with visits to Alentejo vineyards for wine tasting.

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🏜 6. Lisbon to Nazaré – Big Wave Surfing Capital

Distance: ~120 km
Driving Time: 1h30

Nazaré is world-famous for giant waves that attract top surfers every winter.

Must-See Stops 🌊

• Sítio da Nazaré – Clifftop views of the beach.
• Praia do Norte – The legendary big wave spot.
• Old Town – Fishing culture and traditional dress.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit October–March for the biggest waves.

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🏞 7. Lisbon to Óbidos – Medieval Charm

Distance: ~85 km
Driving Time: 1h

Óbidos is a perfectly preserved medieval walled town with whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets.

Must-See Stops 🏰

• Óbidos Castle – Now a unique hotel.
• Ginja Liqueur – Served in edible chocolate cups.
• Flower-lined Streets – A photographer’s dream.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit during the annual Chocolate Festival for a sweet twist.

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🏔 8. Lisbon to Serra da Estrela – Mountain Adventure

Distance: ~320 km
Driving Time: 4h

Serra da Estrela is Portugal’s highest mountain range, offering hiking, winter skiing, and breathtaking landscapes.

Must-See Stops 🏞

• Torre Peak – Highest point in mainland Portugal.
• Glacial Valleys – Stunning scenery for photographers.
• Queijo da Serra – Famous creamy mountain cheese.

💡 Pro Tip: Ideal for a 2–3 day trip from Lisbon.

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🏝 9. Lisbon to Algarve – Sun-Soaked Paradise

Distance: ~280 km
Driving Time: 2h45

The Algarve is Portugal’s most famous beach region, with golden cliffs, turquoise water, and charming coastal towns.

Must-See Stops 🏖

• Lagos – Dramatic cliffs and caves.
• Benagil Cave – Accessible by boat or kayak.
• Albufeira – Lively nightlife and beaches.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid August for fewer crowds and better prices.

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🌿 10. Lisbon to Douro Valley – Wine Country Roads

Distance: ~350 km
Driving Time: 3h30

The Douro Valley is a UNESCO wine region with terraced vineyards along the Douro River.

Must-See Stops 🍇

• Peso da Régua – Wine capital of the valley.
• Pinhão – Scenic boat trips on the Douro.
• Wine Estates – Port wine tasting tours.

💡 Pro Tip: Best visited in autumn during harvest season.

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🚙 Car Rental Tips for Lisbon Road Trips

• Book Early – Especially in peak summer months.
• Choose a Smaller Car – Easier for village streets and parking.
• Add GPS or Use a Phone Mount – For easy navigation.
• Get a Via Verde Device – For electronic toll payments.
• Check Fuel Policies – Full-to-full is usually best.

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🛑 Driving Rules & Safety

• Drive on the right-hand side.
• Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
• Speed limits: 50 km/h (urban), 90 km/h (rural), 120 km/h (motorways).
• Hands-free only for mobile phone use.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (0.02% for new drivers).

💡 Pro Tip: Rural roads can be narrow — drive carefully, especially at night.

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✅ Final Takeaways

With a rental car from Lisbon, you can unlock Portugal’s best-kept secrets. From half-day escapes to multi-day adventures, these 10 road trips offer something for every traveler — beaches, history, mountains, and wine country.

Whether you want a quick drive to Cascais or a long journey to the Douro Valley, having your own car means traveling on your schedule and discovering hidden gems most tourists never see.

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🔑 Summary

In 2025, Lisbon is the perfect launch point for road trips 🚗. From Cascais’ coastlines to the Douro Valley’s vineyards, explore Portugal’s beauty by rental car with our 10 best routes and pro driving tips.