Whether you are staying in Portugal or a visitor, it’s common for people to want to check out both Lisbon and Porto.
We have been to both and even compared Lisbon with Porto.
These are two of the most remarkable cities in the nation and are highly recommended for those who want to experience the depth of this beautiful country.
The distance between these two charming cities is approximately 200 miles and that makes it a perfect day trip for those who want to have a bit of fun. You can fine-tune or customize this day trip around attractions along the way to get even more out of the adventure.
We are going to take the time to look through these details.
How To Drive From Lisbon To Porto
Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha is a top-tier place and it is going to be the first place on this route.
You are going to drive from Lisbon to Caldas da Rainha and it’s going to take approximately an hour. Of course, this is going to depend on the traffic.
We find this to be a good starting point because it’s easy on the eyes and still has architectural sites that are from centuries past. This provides a nice balance and a change of pace for those who have been spending time in Lisbon.
We took the time to explore the area including visiting the various streets in this area.
Most people who tend to come to this area will participate in the local festivals. Some festivals are held here to help showcase local talent and it’s common for people to show up to them. You might be able to time your day trip around one of these festivals.
We would also recommend going to one of the museums in the region. There are so many of them and you should check out at least one.
Óbidos
You are going to want to focus on continuing the journey to Obidos from here. This is going to be a short and sweet drive across and should take approximately 10-12 minutes depending on the traffic.
Obidos is a charming place and is dripping with history.
The first thing people are going to notice in this gorgeous locale is going to be the architecture. Everything has an ancient, royal vibe to it and that’s a unique change from what you are going to see in Lisbon.
We adored the cobblestone streets and took time to enjoy the castle in the region.
It’s common for people to walk through the streets of this locale and learn more about the region’s history. You are going to be amazed by the people here and we do recommend stopping at some of the eateries to try the local cuisine too.
This is how you are going to have a wonderful time and eat good food too.
When we were here, we were told to check out the Castle of Obidos, which is an exemplary place. This is going to include not only the natural sights around the area but also the local activities that tend to take place nearby.
You are going to fall in love with the natural elegance of the place and how beautiful the photos are going to come out when you are there.
Alcobaça
We are now going to head out to Alcobaca.
We like this spot because it is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists will often come to this region to check out the Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaca because of its religious importance and how beautifully it’s been designed.
Even if you are not religious, you are going to want to take a look at how beautifully this monastery has been set up. It’s quite the sight!
We would also take the time to visit the inner streets to see what the locals are doing. It’s common for people to be walking around having a good time and just enjoying the local bakeries that are set up around the area.
We spent a bit of time at various bakeries and just got to eat good food while having fun. We do recommend this, especially on a warmer day.
Another thing you are going to want to take a look at would be the tombs of King Peter I. These tombs are quite popular among history buffs and it’s important for you to also want to spend a bit of time here.
Aveiro
At this point, you are going to want to head to the coast.
This is going to be in the form of Aveiro.
This beautiful port town is remarkable and one of the most gorgeous parts of the nation. You are not going to appreciate its beauty until you are close to the port because it’s going to showcase the natural elegance of the area.
This is a remarkable place and one that’s going to bring a smile to your face.
We were in love with the beach because the water was clear and it looked outstanding. You are going to adore how beautiful the sand is and how calming it can be in this port town. We also liked being able to walk through the streets and eat at the various restaurants here.
The food is world-class and highly underrated.
We would say Aveiro is a hidden gem that is highly recommended for those who want to experience the charm of Portugal.
Final Thoughts
These are the things you are going to want to consider when planning a road trip from Lisbon to Porto.
Feel free to also read about breakfast in Portugal, favorite beach towns in Portugal, and how to retire in Portugal.
Amanda Harper is a travel enthusiast with 10+ years of traveling experience across the planet. Her passion for writing and travel makes her a walking bibliography on modern-day tourism.