Weekend Car Trips from Lisbon – Discover Portugal

🚗 Lisbon Weekend Road Trips by Car – Top Destinations

Lisbon is a vibrant, sunny capital full of culture and charm — but if you rent a car, the possibilities for quick escapes multiply instantly. Portugal is compact, with diverse landscapes, meaning you can reach beaches, mountains, vineyards, and historic cities within a few hours.

In this 2025 travel guide, you’ll find the best weekend road trips from Lisbon, complete with distances, drive times, must-see stops, and local tips for making the most of your journey.

---

🏖 1. Cascais & Estoril – Seaside Comfort

Distance from Lisbon: ~30 km | Drive time: 40 min

Cascais is a chic coastal town with golden beaches, a marina, and a lively historic center. Next door, Estoril is known for its casino and elegant promenade.

💡 Driving Tip: Take the N6 Marginal coastal road instead of the motorway for dramatic ocean views.

What to See & Do:

• Praia da Rainha – Small but picturesque beach 🌊
• Guincho Beach – Popular for surfing 🏄‍♀️
• Cascais Marina – Cafés with a sea view ☕
• Estoril Casino – One of the largest in Europe 🎰

---

🏰 2. Sintra – Fairytale Mountain Town

Distance: ~30 km | Drive time: 40 min

Sintra’s colorful palaces and mystical gardens make it one of Portugal’s most enchanting destinations.

💡 Driving Tip: Avoid driving into the old town center; park outside and take a shuttle or tuk-tuk.

Highlights:

• Pena Palace 🌈
• Quinta da Regaleira 🔑
• Moorish Castle 🏯
• Monserrate Palace 🏛

---

🍷 3. Setúbal & Arrábida Natural Park – Nature & Flavors

Distance: ~50 km | Drive time: 50 min

Setúbal is famous for its seafood and proximity to Arrábida Natural Park, where forested hills meet turquoise bays.

💡 Driving Tip: The winding N379 road through the park offers some of Portugal’s best coastal viewpoints.

Highlights:

• Praia dos Galápos 🏖
• Portinho da Arrábida – Calm waters perfect for swimming 🌊
• Moscatel wine tasting 🍷
• Mercado do Livramento 🐟

---

🏝 4. Comporta – Bohemian Beach Escape

Distance: ~120 km | Drive time: 1h 30 min

Comporta blends laid-back fishing village charm with upscale beach clubs. Endless sandy stretches make it ideal for relaxation.

💡 Driving Tip: Combine your trip with a stop at Alcácer do Sal, a whitewashed town along the Sado River.

Highlights:

• Praia da Comporta 🌞
• Rice paddies & stork nests 🕊
• Trendy seaside restaurants 🍽

---

🏞 5. Évora – Alentejo’s Timeless Capital

Distance: ~130 km | Drive time: 1h 40 min

A UNESCO city where Roman, Moorish, and medieval influences blend. Perfect for a culture-packed weekend.

💡 Driving Tip: Leave your car in free parking outside the city walls; the historic center is walkable.

Highlights:

• Roman Temple 🏛
• Chapel of Bones 💀
• Évora Cathedral ⛪
• Alentejo cuisine – Black pork and migas 🍖

---

🌄 6. Serra da Estrela – Mountain Majesty

Distance: ~300 km | Drive time: 3h 30 min

Portugal’s highest mountain range offers hiking, skiing (in winter), and breathtaking alpine landscapes.

💡 Driving Tip: Drive the N339 mountain road for panoramic views and photo stops.

Highlights:

• Torre summit 🗻
• Covão dos Conchos – Hidden circular lake 💧
• Local cheese 🧀 and smoked sausages

---

🏖 7. Nazaré – Surf & Scenic Views

Distance: ~120 km | Drive time: 1h 30 min

Nazaré is famous for record-breaking waves, but it’s also a charming fishing town with a vibrant seafront.

💡 Driving Tip: Visit in autumn or winter for giant-wave season.

Highlights:

• Praia do Norte 🌊
• Sitio viewpoint – Overlooking the entire bay 🌅
• Fresh seafood platters 🍤

---

⛪ 8. Fátima & Tomar – Spiritual & Historical Journey

Distance: ~130 km | Drive time: 1h 40 min

Combine a visit to Portugal’s most important pilgrimage site with the medieval charm of Tomar.

💡 Driving Tip: The A1 motorway makes it possible to visit both in one day.

Highlights:

• Sanctuary of Fátima 🙏
• Convent of Christ in Tomar 🏰
• Tomar’s old town cafes ☕

---

🍇 9. Óbidos – Medieval Village

Distance: ~85 km | Drive time: 1h 10 min

A walled village that feels frozen in time. Famous for Ginja cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups.

💡 Driving Tip: Arrive early to avoid weekend crowds.

Highlights:

• Castle walls walk 🏰
• Cobbled streets & artisan shops 🛍
• Ginja tasting 🍒

---

🌊 10. Peniche & Berlengas Islands – Coastal Adventure

Distance: ~100 km | Drive time: 1h 20 min

Peniche is a fishing port and surfing hotspot. From here, take a boat to Berlengas Nature Reserve.

💡 Driving Tip: Book boat tickets to Berlengas in advance during summer.

Highlights:

• Baleal Beach 🏖
• Berlenga Grande island 🏝
• Fresh seafood restaurants

---

🚙 Driving & Rental Car Tips for Weekend Trips

Choosing the Right Car 🚗

• Compact cars are easier for parking in historic centers.
• SUVs are better for mountain or rural trips.
• Automatics are easier in traffic but cost more.

Navigation 📍

• GPS or Google Maps recommended; rural areas may have limited signage.
• Download offline maps in case of poor signal.

Tolls & Payments 💳

• Many highways use electronic tolls — ask for a Via Verde device with your rental.

Parking 🅿

• In small towns, street parking is usually free.
• In big tourist towns, arrive early for easier parking.

Safety 🛡

• Portugal is generally safe, but don’t leave valuables visible in your car.

---

🗺 Suggested 2-Day Road Trip Itineraries

Itinerary 1 – Coast & Palaces

Day 1: Lisbon → Cascais → Guincho Beach → Sintra (overnight)
Day 2: Sintra → Cabo da Roca → Return to Lisbon

Itinerary 2 – Wine & Nature

Day 1: Lisbon → Setúbal → Arrábida → Sesimbra (overnight)
Day 2: Sesimbra → Comporta → Return to Lisbon

Itinerary 3 – History & Countryside

Day 1: Lisbon → Évora → Monsaraz (overnight)
Day 2: Monsaraz → Alqueva Lake → Return to Lisbon

---

✅ Final Takeaways

Lisbon is the perfect base for weekend adventures. Whether you want sun-soaked beaches, medieval castles, mountain peaks, or wine country, you’ll find it within a few hours’ drive.

With a rental car, you get total flexibility — stop where you want, take scenic detours, and discover hidden gems most tourists never see.

---

🔑 Summary

In 2025, weekend road trips from Lisbon 🚗 open the door to beaches, mountains, and historic towns. This rental car guide covers the top destinations, driving tips, and itineraries.