Most Scenic Road Trips in Porto, Portugal

1. Douro River Road Trip

Experience breathtaking views of the Douro Valley and its vineyards along this scenic drive.

Enjoy stunning landscapes, waterfalls and native wildlife as you drive through Portugal's only national park.

Hiking Trails: Explore numerous hiking trails offering various difficulty levels.
Wildlife Spotting: Opportunities to observe diverse and unique Portuguese wildlife like wolves, wild boars, and golden eagles.
Mountain Villages: Visit charming mountain villages with traditional architecture and local cuisine.

Drive along the Atlantic coast, taking in views of beautiful cliffs, sandy beaches and historic sites.

Fisherman's Village: Santa Cruz do Bispo is a traditional fishing village with a charming atmosphere.
Praia da Rocha: Stop by Praia da Rocha, one of the most popular beaches in Porto.
Historic Lighthouse: Visit the iconic Cape St. Vincent lighthouse with its dramatic cliffside location.

This scenic drive takes you along rugged cliffs to the southwestern tip of Europe, offering breathtaking views.

Cape St. Vincent: Visit Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point in continental Europe.
Forte de Sagres: Explore the historic Forte de Sagres, with its rich maritime history.
Whale Watching: Opportunities for whale watching tours in season.

Drive along the A24 highway and enjoy stunning views of saltwater marshes and lagoons en route to Aveiro.

Art Nouveau Architecture: Aveiro is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.
Colorful Moliceiros: Ride in traditional moliceiro boats through the city's canals.
Ria de Aveiro: Explore the Ria de Aveiro, a beautiful natural lagoon system.

Drive through rolling hills and vineyards as you make your way to the medieval city of Viseu.

Tayca Castle Ruins: Visit the impressive Tayca Castle ruins en route.
Medieval City of Viseu: Explore the historic center of Viseu, with its Gothic cathedral and museums.
Wine Tasting: Stop by local vineyards for wine tasting experiences.

Drive through the Schist Villages and visit the ancient rock carvings at the Foz Côa Archaeological Park.

Schist Villages: Drive through picturesque schist villages, unique to the region.
Rock Carvings: See over 25,000 ancient rock carvings dating back up to 22,000 years.
Guided Tours: Join a guided tour for a deeper understanding of the rock art and its significance.

Drive through lush green landscapes as you make your way to Guimarães, Portugal's first ever capital city.

Historic Center: Explore the UNESCO-listed historic center of Guimarães.
Castle of Guimarães: Visit the majestic Castle of Guimarães, dating back to the 10th century.
Portuguese History Museum: Learn about Portuguese history at the Portuguese History Museum.

Drive through picturesque countryside and visit Portugal's third-largest city, Braga.

Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary: Visit the stunning Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary and its famous Baroque stairway.
Braga Cathedral: Explore Braga's impressive cathedral, dating back to the 11th century.
Casino da Póvoa de Varzim: Stop by the historic Casino da Póvoa de Varzim on the way.

Drive through rugged mountains and explore the medieval city of Bragança.

Bragança Castle: Visit the impressive Bragança Castle, dating back to the 12th century.
Museum of Ethnography and Traditional Art: Learn about local traditions at the Museum of Ethnography and Traditional Art.
Roman Ruins: Visit the Roman ruins in nearby Miranda do Douro.

Drive through dramatic mountain landscapes and visit the historic town of Chaves.

Chaves Castle: Visit the imposing Chaves Castle, with its impressive fortifications.
Termas de Curia Spa: Relax at the Termas de Curia spa, known for its healing mineral waters.
Portuguese-Spanish Border: Cross the border into Spain for a unique cultural experience.

Drive through a village built entirely within a hill and explore its narrow streets.

Village Built on a Hill: Monsanto is one of the few villages in Europe where the houses are actually part of the rock formation.
Castle Ruins: Visit the ruins of a medieval castle overlooking the village.
Local Cuisine: Taste traditional Portuguese dishes at local restaurants.

Drive through the stunning Serra da Estrela mountain range and visit the historic town of Guarda.

Serra da Estrela National Park: Explore Portugal's largest national park, known for its beautiful landscapes.
Guarda Castle: Visit the impressive Guarda Castle, dating back to the 13th century.
Portuguese Sheep Cheese: Sample Portugal's famous sheep cheese, Queijo da Serra.

Drive through the beautiful Tejo River Valley and visit the historic town of Castelo Branco.

Castelo Branco Castle: Visit the castle, which offers panoramic views over the town.
Museum of Modern Art: Explore the Museum of Modern Art, dedicated to contemporary Portuguese art.
Local Cuisine: Taste traditional dishes like cozido à castelbrancã at local restaurants.

Drive through the beautiful Serra de Sao Mamede Natural Park and visit the picturesque village of Mêda.

Serra de Sao Mamede Natural Park: Enjoy hiking, wildlife spotting, and beautiful views in this protected area.
Medieval Village of Mêda: Explore the charming medieval village of Mêda, with its narrow streets and traditional architecture.
Local Cuisine: Taste local dishes like couve minada e linguiça at traditional restaurants.