8 of the most beautiful destinations in southern Portugal
Ready for the road trip of a lifetime? We’re sharing the ultimate southern Portugal itinerary with you. From the rugged surf beaches of Ericeira to the hidden coves of Lagos, this route has everything you’re looking for. You’ll start in Lisbon, then head to the surf village of Ericeira, drive along the west coast to the beautiful Algarve, and finish back in Lisbon. A route that takes you to the very best places in southern Portugal!
On a road trip through Portugal with Portugal Nomads, you’ll discover the most beautiful spots along the west coast and in the Algarve by minivan. In this blog, we’ll take you along the perfect route for your adventure.
Top tips from the team
- Check out our roadbook for the best tips along the route
- Get up early for the best views without the crowds
- Bring comfortable shoes for the hikes
- Try the local cuisine, from fresh fish to pastéis de nata
1. Start in Ericeira
Your Portugal road trip starts in charming Ericeira, Europe’s only World Surfing Reserve. This authentic fishing village has grown into a true surfing paradise while keeping its original character. In the narrow streets of the historic centre, you’ll find cosy restaurants serving fresh fish straight from the harbour. The beaches around Ericeira are a haven for surfers of all levels. You’ll find surf shops, surf cafés and, of course, plenty of surfers. It’s a great place to start your trip.
2. Charming Cascais
After Ericeira, continue to the charming village of Cascais. This former fishing village became a favorite summer destination for Portuguese nobility, and you can still see it in the elegant architecture and grand villas. Wander through the historic center with its distinctive white-and-blue streets, discover the sunny bay beaches right by the village, or climb the impressive cliffs at Boca do Inferno. You’ll find stylish boutiques, excellent seafood restaurants, and a laid-back atmosphere.
3. Along the west coast to Arrifana
After Ericeira, continue south along the Atlantic coast. Your next stop on your tour of Portugal is the surf village of Arrifana. This small town sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Arrifana Beach is a hidden gem surrounded by impressive rock walls. Besides surfing, you can enjoy beautiful coastal walks or fresh fish at one of the local restaurants. Be sure to stay until sunset at Arrifana Beach, the best time of day.
4. Discover authentic Salema
Your tour of Portugal then takes you to Salema, a traditional fishing village that has preserved the authenticity many other Algarve villages have lost. You can still see fishermen here pulling their colorful boats up onto the beach and repairing their nets. Salema Beach is one of the Algarve’s finest, with crystal-clear water and impressive dinosaur footprints fossilized in the rocks. From here, Sagres, Burgau, and Praia da Luz are all easy to reach.
5. Explore lively Lagos
In Lagos, Portugal’s history comes to life. The famous rock formations at Ponta da Piedade are a must-see. Explore them by boat or walk along the wooden paths lining the cliffs. In the old town, the city walls and colorful tiled panels tell stories of the Age of Discovery. Enjoy fresh fish in the inviting Praça do Infante and take a dip at beautiful Praia do Camilo.
6. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
A trip through Portugal wouldn’t be complete without the famous Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. Starting in Carvoeiro, this hike is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal trails. The 6-kilometre route (12 kilometres there and back) takes you past dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches and natural arches in the rock. Along the way, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and discover a range of unique rock formations.
The trail also takes you past the famous Benagil Cave, one of Europe’s most photographed sea caves. Although you can’t reach the cave via the hiking trail, only by boat, the coastal views are beautiful. With a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins in the distance.
Tip: start your hike early in the morning. It’s still pleasantly cool then, and you’ll have most of the trail to yourself.
7. Wine tasting in Alentejo
Far from the tourist crowds, you'll find vineyards in the Alentejo region, where you can experience authentic Portugal. There’s no mass tourism here, just peace and open space. It’s the perfect place to unwind and get a taste of local life. The people are welcoming, and traditional Portuguese cuisine is at its best here. Sample the local wine produced in the region and relax completely.
8. Back north: Costa da Caparica
The last stop is Costa da Caparica, a vibrant coastal town just south of Lisbon. This destination is known for its miles of sandy beaches, vast dunes, and laid-back surf culture. With its blend of nature and cozy beach clubs, it’s the perfect place to wrap up your road trip through Portugal in a relaxed way.
Along the coast, you'll find countless beaches with great waves, making it a popular spot for surfers of all levels. At the same time, you can enjoy a lovely walk along the beach, savor fresh fish at one of the beach restaurants, or simply relax with a view of the Atlantic Ocean as the sun sets.
The road trip of your dreams
A road trip through Portugal along the west coast and the Algarve is a unique experience, especially when you do it with Portugal Nomads! We’ve put this route together so you can experience all the highlights, from Ericeira’s best surf spots to the spectacular Seven Hanging Valleys Trail near Carvoeiro. Our minivans give you the freedom to stop wherever you like, while we take care of all the practical details. We stay in unique places, know the best local restaurants, and can point you towards the activities you won’t want to miss. Ready for an adventure?