Lisbon to Porto
Portugal
Portugal's essential north-south drive, from Lisbon's sea-facing hilltop capital through the medieval walled town of Óbidos, the university city of Coimbra (where students still wear black capes), the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards producing the world's greatest fortified wine, and into Porto's azulejo-tiled city of port wine lodges and the world's most beautiful bookshop. A Portugal of extraordinary depth.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Lisbon
Seven-hilled Atlantic capital with the Alfama's fado houses, Jerónimos Monastery's Manueline stonework, and the Belém waterfront. The Time Out Market collects the city's best food.
- Óbidos
A white village sealed inside complete 14th-century walls, with a 12th-century Moorish castle. Drink ginjinha from a chocolate cup on the cobbled main street.
- Nazaré
A dramatic Atlantic beach town where the underwater Nazaré Canyon funnels the world's biggest surfable waves, with cliffs above offering views of breakers over 20 metres high.
- Coimbra
Home to one of Europe's oldest universities (1290, UNESCO) and the 1728 Joanina Library, whose resident bats protect 300,000 volumes. Students still wear black academic capes.
- Aveiro
Portugal's Venice, with moliceiro boats painted in vivid folk motifs gliding its central canals. The Art Nouveau architecture and local ovos moles egg-yolk sweets are unmissable.
- Porto
Granite city with a UNESCO riverside front, São Bento's 20,000-tile azulejo panels, and Vila Nova de Gaia's port wine lodges across the river offering tastings all day.
Where to Eat
- Restaurante A TravessaPortuguese
Offers traditional Portuguese dishes in a cozy setting within Óbidos' medieval walls.
- Taberna d'AdéliaSeafood
Renowned for fresh seafood and local wines, located near Nazaré's beach.
- Zé Manel dos OssosPortuguese
Famous for its rustic ambiance and hearty meat dishes in Coimbra.
- O BairroPortuguese
Serves contemporary Portuguese cuisine with a focus on local ingredients in Aveiro.
Things to Do
- Óbidos CastleHistoric Site
Explore the well-preserved medieval castle offering panoramic views of the town.
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of NazaréReligious Site
Visit the 17th-century church housing the revered statue of Our Lady of Nazaré.
- University of CoimbraHistoric Site
Tour one of the oldest universities in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Moliceiro Boat TourBoat Tour
Enjoy a traditional boat ride through Aveiro's picturesque canals.