Lisbon to Porto Road Trip (4 Days)

Lisbon to Porto is a relaxed 4-day run up Portugal’s Atlantic coast, trading the fast inland motorway for walled towns, giant surf and canal-laced cities. You drive on the right, and it is one of the easiest and most rewarding short trips in western Europe.

Day 1 — Lisbon to Óbidos and Nazaré (130 km)

Collect the car and head north. The A1 motorway is quick, but every toll is electronic — there are no cash booths, so rent a car fitted with a Via Verde transponder or register your plate in advance to avoid fines. Stop in Óbidos, a walled medieval town, then push on to Nazaré, famous for the giant Atlantic waves at Praia do Norte. Ride the clifftop funicular up to Sítio for the view.

Day 2 — Nazaré to Aveiro (100 km)

Take the slower coastal roads where you can — they are the scenic alternative to the tolled A1. Aim for Aveiro, laced with canals and colourful moliceiro boats, then drive out to Costa Nova to see the striped wooden houses along the beach. Sleep in Aveiro.

Day 3 — Aveiro to Coimbra and on to Porto (110 km)

Detour to Coimbra and its hilltop historic university, one of the oldest in Europe, before continuing to Porto. Arrive in the afternoon and settle into the Ribeira riverfront.

Day 4 — Porto

Cross the double-deck Dom Luís I bridge on foot and tour the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia on the far bank. Wander the Ribeira lanes and drop the car back before you leave — the old centre is best on foot.

Costs

Use the cost calculator to price fuel, tolls and nights for your exact dates. As a rough guide, budget for accommodation, fuel over ~330 km and the electronic A1 tolls. Booking the car early — and confirming the toll transponder — saves the most hassle.