_
_
_
Portugal is such a great country to visit and has so much to offer. It's a great destination for a road trip because the country is so diverse and it is cheap, and it's safe. It has white sandy beaches with dramatic rock formations, beautiful cities, and great food and wine.
Here's how to spend 3 weeks in Portugal
•Arruda pineapple plantation: Small plantation, where you will have a free self-guided tour and taste pineapple free of charge.
•Ponta Delgada: The City Gate was situated close to the waterfront in the past but as the harbor was expanded the gate was taken down, and each stone was uniquely identified and rebuilt at the place where it is now located.
•Sao Sebastiao Church: A very unique church that combines elements from different church-building styles. It was designed mainly according to the Late Gothic style but changed later.
•Jardim Botânico António Borges: Beautiful botanical gardens located just a few minutes away from the city center of Ponta Delgada.
•Caldeiras das Furnas: The Caldeiras Vulcanicas are situated in the pretty village of Furnas.
•Parque Terra Nostra: Gorgeous park with hot springs.
•Furnas Fumaroles: Furnas is reputed to be one of the most active geothermal areas in Europe.
•Capilla de Nuestra Señora de las Victorias: built in the neo-Gothic style, also known as Gothic Revival, was built in the last quarter of the 19th century by probably the most important landowner in Sâo Miguel of his time, José do Canto
•Viewpoints you shouldn't miss: Miradouro da Ponta da Madrugada, Miradouro da Ponta do Sossego & Miradouro do Pico do Ferro.
•Gorreana tea plantation: You can visit the entire plantation and tea factory for free and taste 3 types of tea too.
•Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões: A beautiful park filled with waterfalls, canals, and old mills transformed into museums,
•Lagoa: Lagoa is the municipality in the southwestern part of São Miguel. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiques
•Cascada Salto del Cabrito: One of the most beautiful waterfalls. It's an easy and accessible trail. You can go swimming at the waterfall, arrive early to beat the crowds.
•Caldeira Velha: 3 thermal pools and a waterfall inside a forest.
•Our lady of peace chapel: Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Paz, is a white chapel on a hilltop with panoramic views, built in the 18th century & reached by a stairway.
•Whale watching: The main 'season' runs from April-October and during these months different species pass by the Azores on their migratory paths. April-May is usually the best time to see the larger whales.
•Lagoa das sete Cidades: A twin lake situated in the crater of a dormant volcano. It consists of two small, ecologically different lakes connected by a narrow strait, which is crossed by a bridge.
•Lagoa do fogo: is a crater lake within the Água de Pau Massif stratovolcano. The path is rough, but worth the view.
•Church Sâo Nicolau - A little church surrounded by beautiful trees.
•Mosteiros: a marine town located, in the West of São Miguel.
•Viewpoints you shouldn't miss: Miradouro da Vista do Rei, Miradouro da Ponta do Escalvado & Boca do Inferno
✈ Flight From Sao Miguel to Terceira Island.
Flights vary between $139-$250 and the flight takes 45 minutes.
•Algar do Carvão: An ancient lava tube or volcanic vent. It is 90 meters (300 feet) deep and about 360 stairs one way down.
•Monte Brasil: Remnants of a volcano connecting the south coast of Terceira in the central Azores, overlooking the city of Angra do Heroísmo.
•Furnas do Enxofre: The smell of sulfur emanates from vents in this scenic volcano park with walking trails.
•Gruta do natal: A volcanic cave where you can walk inside a lava tube.
•Queijo Vaquinha: A cheese factory where you can taste great cheeses and delicious wine.
•Viewpoints you shouldn't miss: Miradouro da Ponta do Queimado, Mata da Serreta & Miradouro do Raminho.
•Angra do Heroísmo: Explore the municipality on Terceira Island. It is one of the three capital cities of the Azores.
•Viewpoints you shouldn't miss: Miradouro da Serra do Cume, Miradouro da Cruz do Canario & Miradouro da Ponta dos Coelhos.
✈ Catch a flight from Terceira Island to Lisbon
Flights vary between $30-$130 and the flight takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
🚗 Rent a car from Lisbon and drive 1.5 hours from Lisbon to Obidos.
•Obidos: A town and a municipality in the Oeste region, the historical province of Estremadura. It's a medieval town with a well-preserved castle and white houses.
➟ Drive an hour from Obidos to Fatima.
•Fatima: Fatima is the most important pilgrimage site in Portugal.
➟ Drive 55 mintures from Fatima to Coimbra.
•Coimbra: This stunning town was Portugal’s medieval capital for more than a century and it's home to the country’s oldest and most prestigious university.
➟ Drive 1 hour from Coimbra to Aveiro.
•Aveiro: This colorful and charming town is also known as "Portugals Little Venice".
Places you shouldn't miss: Cais dos Botiroes, Marinha da Troncalhada, Costa Nova, Beira-Mar, Canal Central, and Museu de Aveiro.
➟ Drive 1 hour from Aveiro to Porto.
•Porto: This is the second-largest city in Portugal and a must-see. some spend 2 days here.
Places you shouldn't miss: Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, Rua de Santa, Catarina, Capela das Almas, Estacao de S. Bento, Igreja de Sao Nicolau, Livraria Lello, Se do Porto, Ponte Luis, Mosterio da Serra do Pilar
➟ Drive 40 minutes from Porto to Guimaraes.
•Guimaraes
It's known for well-preserved medieval buildings like the hilltop, and 10th-century Guimarães Castle, with its sweeping city views.
Guimaraes Castle: The palace is original and underwent some renovations but the castle was completely rebuilt in the 1940s. There's not much to see actually and the outside is way better than the inside.
Church of San Miguel do Castelo: Small church not far from the castle with free entrance.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo: A beautiful church. The outside has a beautiful tile wall, with a very charming square in front.
Guimaraes Town Hall: A great place to explore.
➟ Drive 40 minutes from Guimaraes to Duoro Valley.
•Duoro Valley: The Douro Wine Region Valley, up to Barca de Alva, is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
Sao Salvador do Mundo: A view over the Douro river, more specifically over the Ferradosa pier and the dam of Valéria, and visit the chapel of Senhora da Peneda.
Miradouro Sao Domingos: It has fantastic views over the Douro landscape. It is considered one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the entire Douro region
São Leonardo da Galafura: A breathtaking view of the Douro river, it is easily accessible by car and it is not too difficult to park.
•Pena Palace: Pena Palace is the most visited palace in Sintra for a reasonable reason. This castle is like none you've ever seen. The beautiful vibrant colors and magnificent views make you feel like you're in a fairytale.
•Moorish Castle: Many visitors to Sintra overlook the Moorish Castle, but you shouldn't because it offers one of the best views of Sintra! The Moorish castle was built in the 8th century and resembles the wall of China, making it a fantastic location to explore.
•Monserrate Palace: This charming palace has soft pastel colors surrounded by beautiful gardens to explore.
•National Palace: We didn't plan on visiting Sintra National Palace, we wanted to visit Monserrate Palace. Still, we accidentally purchased tickets to Sintra National Palace, so after grabbing lunch in the center of town, we decided to hop on in to take a glance at the interior of the palace.
•Quinta da Regaleira: This Gothic palace is a must-visit landmark visiting Sintra and has to be our favorite palace. The opulent palace has spectacular gardens with a surrealistic initiation well and ornate follies.
•Miradouro da Senhora do Monte: One of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city. You can see the entire waterfront as well as the bridge.
•Miradouro da Graça: This terrace offers dramatic, panoramic views of city rooftops & the water beyond.
•Saint George’s Castle: This historic castle that dates to at least the 8th century BC. It's a very beautiful place to explore and has a spectacular view of the city.
•Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Our favorite viewpoint. It has beautiful gardens and balcony view, and gorgeous azulejos.
•Miradouro das Portas do Sol: Not far from Miradouro de Santa Luzia, you'll find this beautiful viewpoint.
•Explore Alfama District: Alfama is the oldest and most characteristic district in Lisbon.
•Se de Lisboa: The Lisbon Cathedral was built in the 1100s, this is one of the oldest monuments in Lisbon and is rich in history.
•Praça do Comércio: The Praça do Comércio is a large, harbor-facing plaza and is one of the largest in Portugal.
•Arco da Rua Augusta: The Rua Augusta Arch is a stone, triumphal arch-like, historical building on the Praça do Comércio. It was built to commemorate the city's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake.
•Livraria Bertrand: Livraria Bertrand is the oldest operating bookstore in the world and is worth visiting!
•Santa Justa Elevator: The Santa Justa Lift, also called Carmo Lift, is an elevator. It is situated at the end of Rua de Santa Justa, and it connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo.
•Carmo Convent: The ruined Carmo Convent is one of Lisbon's most beautiful sights. It was a former Catholic convent that now stands as a reminder of the devastating earthquake of 1755 that destroyed most of the city. What makes it so captivating is how the arches still stand, but the roof that collapsed was never rebuilt and there is no ceiling.
•Rossio Square: A popular square located in the Pombaline Downtown of Lisbon and has been one of its main squares since the Middle Ages.
•Pink Street: Rua Nova do Carvalho, located in the popular neighborhood of Cais do Sodre. This neighborhood is known for its nightlife and during the day there are many coffee shops.
•Elevador da Bica: This 19th-century tram is one of the most popular in Lisbon.
•Torre de Belém (Belem tower): This tower dates back to the 16th century and was once the port of embarkation for Portuguese explorers and a ceremonial gateway to the capital.
•Padrão dos Descobrimentos: This is a beautiful monument in honor of the Portuguese maritime explorers. There is an entrance to the top of the monument that provides incredible views.
•Mosteiro dos Jerónimos: This is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. The architecture of this place is truly incredible. There is so much detail and ornamentation packed into the arches and ceilings.
•LX Factory: A hipster, industrial complex. These are industrial buildings are home to designer shops, street art, and restaurants.
•Ler Devagar Bookstore: The highlight of LX Factory is this shop that is filled with books from top to bottom.
•Santuario de Cristo Rei: The Sanctuary of Christ the King is a Catholic monument and shrine dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ overlooking the city of Lisbon and Ponte 25 de Abril.
•Ponte 25 de Abril: A suspension bridge connecting the city of Lisbon to the municipality of Almada on the left bank of the Tagus river. The 25 de Abril Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting the city of Lisbon to the municipality of Almada on the left bank of the Tagus river.
•Museu Nacional do Azulejo: The National Tile Museum, is an art museum dedicated to the azulejo, the traditional tilework of Portugal, and the former Portuguese Empire.
➟ Drive 2.5 hours from Lisbon to Carvoeiro.
•Praia Nova: Praia Nova is a small beach near Praia da Senhora da Rocha on the Atlantic coast, Porches.
•Church of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Rocha: A small and charming white Chapel on the top of a cliff overlooking beaches from both sides. Sunrises and sunsets are magical here.
•Sunset at Albandeira Beach: This beach has a stunning rock formation in the shape of an arch. There are plenty of cool caves nearby that you can explore. The beach is so quiet and secluded.
•Sunrise at Praia da Marinha: One of the most popular spots in the Algarve and for a good reason. Sunsets here are magical.
•Hike The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: You can do it either as a 3.5-mile (5.7 km) hike, and get a taxi/Uber on the way back or a 7-mile (11.4 km) return hike.
•Algar Seco: Man-made cave with two windows, benches, and a great view of the ocean. It is very accessible, and the whole area offers great views.
•Praia do Paraíso: Beautiful beach accessed by a series of stone steps.
•Praia dos Caneiros: This beach has beautiful a cave, cliffs, white sand, a rooftop bar, restrooms, and a great hike. It's pretty small so come early.
•Praia do Carvalho: Another great beach near Benagil cave. You have to walk down some steps through a tunnel to get to the beach.
•Sunrise at Marinha Beach - just for the experience.
•Marina de Albufeira - Go to the Marina and take a dolphin tour
•Explore Albufeira Old Town - The old town is so charming and beautiful.
•Praia do Barranco das Belharucas: Spectacular red/orange cliff view from the beach, with white clay and turquoise waters.
•Praia da Falésia: This beach is so unique with beautiful orange cliffs.
•Sunrise at Praia dos Três Irmãos: This is one of our favorite beaches. Tucked away in Portimão, you'll find this beach with dramatic rock formations, pure golden sand, and clear blue water.
•Explore Benagil Cave: by Kayak, boat or SUP
•Ferragudo Old Town: The scenery in the small town is beautiful with pink flowers and coloful houses by the beach.
•Queda Do Vigario waterfall: From Alte head out along the N124 towards the cemetery; at the roundabout turn left and park by the cemetery. Follow the track downhill until you reach the pool below. It'll be a 10 minute walk.
•Sunrise at Praia dos Estudantes: This is one of Lagos’s most photographed beaches due to the famous Roman Bridge, which linked the mainland with Pinhao Fortress. It's called the Student beach because it’s a small beach that can fit a class of students
•Praia Dona Ana: This beach has golden sand and many beautiful shells. It is best to come for sunrise.
•Praia do Camilo: a very scenic beach, but quite narrow, so it gets busy very quickly. You can access 2 other small beaches from there. Before you go down to the beach, you can enjoy the view from above. It is stunning.
•Ponta da Camilo: A great viewpoint
•Ponta da Piedade: Once you park, you'll find a path with many steps that leads to a small platform in the ocean where you can rent a boat and explore caves. Walking down, you'll enjoy the beautiful view and natural arches. Take into consideration that if you come mid-day it gets very crowded and it isn't as magical.
•Old Town Lagos: Explore Old Town Lagos, it is a charming place filled with nightlife, restaurants, and gift shops.
•Sagres Fortress: Known as the edge of the world, this fortress was built to protect Portugal against the Moors. However, the original structure was severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake. It's got dramatic cliffs, a small church, a maze, and beautiful views. I would definitely recommend visiting if you're in the area, however, I wouldn't go out of my way to visit.
Entrance Fee: 3 Euro per person
Duration of stay: You'll need more than an hour to properly stroll around and see
•Praia das Arrifana: One of the most beautiful view, beach towns, on the coast of Portugal, with a spectacular cliff view, a little restaurant, and surfing.
•Costa Vicentina: Well maintained, beautiful trails with beautiful views of the ocean. Breathtaking cliffs, caves, Garrison, and a chapel.
•Cabo São Vicente: Considered the edge of the world, this spot is definitely worth visiting.
➟ Drive 3 hours from Sagres to Lisbon
Our Whereabouts xxx