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Couple's 4x4 adventure around Portugal

By TPN, in Travel , Lifestyle · 28 Jan 2022, 10:04 · 0 Comments

Watch the Full Length Documentary

German filmmaker couple Anna Riedel-Jahn and Lucas T. Jahn recently explored the diverse landscapes of Portugal on a five-week road trip. Driving more than 4.800km around the country, they visited the wild Douro valley in the northeast, the tranquil schist villages in the center and windy Cabo de São Vicente in the southwest - and almost everything in between.

Lucky for us, they captured their exploits on video, and created a one-hour long travel documentary that captures the stunning beauty of Portugal’s varied landscapes.

When asked what they liked most about Portugal, Anna said: „To be positively surprised all the time. In the North, we looked upon countless imposing waterfalls in a region that does not fit the stereotypical image of Portugal at all. I also loved all the schist villages, especially Cerdeira and Foz de Égua, and the abandoned Hotel Águas de Radium, because I am a big fan of lost places“.

"For me, it was definitely the Serra de Estrela - I simply did not expect to end up in a snowstorm when visiting Portugal. Even better, the next day we were blessed with blue skies and sunshine, so we got the best of both worlds. Oh, and let’s not forget the Pastéis de Nata - I have never eaten so many delicious pastries in as short a time as in Portugal,“ added Lucas.

Rugged Roadtrips around Portugal

Of course, their road trip through Portugal wasn’t the couple’s first foray through a foreign country. Their YouTube channel chronicles their adventures in countries such as Namibia, Costa Rica or Australia. Always on the hunt for little trails off the beaten path, they call themselves Rugged Roadtrips - a fitting name for their adventurous journeys.

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10 Best Documentaries About Portugal To Watch

• by Jonny Duncan
• March 12, 2024 March 13, 2024

These documentaries about Portugal show its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From exploring its historic cities steeped in centuries-old traditions to showcasing the breathtaking beauty of its coastal regions, these documentaries offer a lens into Portugal’s past and present.

Documentaries About Portugal

Whether focusing on culinary traditions, architectural wonders, or the daily lives of its people, these films provide an immersive experience, allowing you to discover the unique tapestry that is Portugal.

Lisbon is one of my favourite cities in the world and there are plenty of these documentaries about Portugal that explore the city, as well as many other different regions of the country.

Rick Steves Portugal

Rick Steves is an American travel presenter and author who travels extensively around Europe and the world and is one of the most popular travel hosts out there.

He has many 25-minute episodes on the countries he visits on his YouTube channel about specific destinations and there are normally several episodes on one country. That is true of his Portugal trip where he explored many different parts of Portugal.

Start with this video first where he starts in Lisbon and the rest of the short travel documentaries about Portugal can be found on his channel there.

Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown: Portugal

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown was a travel and food documentary series hosted by the late Anthony Bourdain. The series featured episodes in which Bourdain explored various cultures, cuisines, and locations around the world.

In this episode, he explores the culture and cuisine of Portugal giving you a great insight into the country’s food and its traditions around it. This is one of my favourite documentaries about Portugal.

Portugal: Wild Land on The Edge

Portugal: Wild Land on The Edge is a television documentary that aired on BBC Two in 2022. The series explores the natural beauty and wildlife of Portugal, focusing on its diverse landscapes and ecosystems.

It showcases the country’s stunning coastline, mountains, forests, and unique flora and fauna. If you’re interested in learning more about Portugal’s natural wonders, this is a great watch.

You can watch the full episode for free here:

Tren Atlantico | Part 1: In the Heart of Portugal

This is one of the best documentaries about Portugal that explores the nature of the country. Description from their YouTube channel:

Tren Atlantico explores Portugal’s rugged cliffs, surfing paradises, steep vineyards, and villages with centuries-old traditions: the train takes you from Portugal’s west coast to the Spanish border in the northeast, a journey of discovery characterized by a variety of colours, landscapes, and climates.

The FEVE narrow-gauge railroad takes you through the contrasting landscape of northern Spain. From Bilbao in the Basque Country via Santander in Cantabria to Asturias. The train takes a good eight hours to cover 300 kilometres, a journey at the speed of earlier centuries, through a region that has retained its originality to this day.

This is one of my favourite documentaries about Portugal for travelling across the country.

Portugal Travel Documentary: 4×4 Road Trip

This is an epic road trip through Portugal by a travel blogger. Description from their YouTube channel:

Known for its beautiful beaches and scenic cliffs and its variety of landscapes including ice-covered peaks, rainy forests, and granite hillscapes. For 5 weeks, we drove more than 4,800 km around the country, visiting it from north to south and discovering as much of its beauty as we could in our WorldCruiser 2 from Tom’s Fahrzeugtechnik.

The Battle Against The Sea – Coastal Erosion in Portugal

Portugal has a beautiful coastline, indeed I was stunned by its beauty when I was there. However, it is in trouble due to coastal erosion.

This is a good documentary about Portugal to watch from an environmental aspect and to learn more about the Portuguese coast. Description from their YouTube channel:

The pressure on Portugal’s west coast is mounting by the year. In the north, in particular, many Portuguese are fighting a desperate battle against the advancing sea, which is threatening beaches and coastal resorts.

Every year, environmental authorities have to concede coastal homes to the ocean and resettle their inhabitants. The report shows how people in Portugal are battling rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

Locals such as fisherman Vítor Cacheirho can no longer make a living from coastal fishing. He now works as a counsellor in Esmoriz, promoting a resettlement program which provides affected families with secure housing.

Forging an Empire – The Portuguese Empire

This is a documentary about Portugal that explores the history of Portugal in its role in forming an empire. Personally, I hate anything that involves empires as it means subjugating and conquering other people.

However, it’s an important chapter in Portuguese history so should be learned if you have any interest in the history of the Portuguese. Description from their YouTube channel:

Portugal forged a massive trading empire. It was an incredible achievement for a small country that had a very modest population. In this first part, we review the initial stages where Portuguese sailors and explorers launched themselves into the unknown and took the first steps at exploring.

Men like Prince Henry the Navigator who set the ball in motion, Bartholomeu Dias who was the first to round the tip of Africa, and Vasco da Gama who was the first European to find a sea passage to India.

Travel Man: 48 Hours in… Lisbon

Travel Man is a travel documentary series hosted by comedian Richard Ayoade. In this episode, he explores Lisbon which is a very popular tourist destination with its rich history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere.

This is one of the best documentary episodes showing the capital of the country.

Portuguese Food Tour – by Mark Wiens

Mark Wiens is one of my all-time favourite food bloggers and we have been blogging for around the same amount of time so I have followed him on his adventures for 10+ years now.

In this episode on his YouTube channel, he explores some of the food options in Lisbon. Description from the video:

On Day 27 in Lisbon, Portugal, I made up my mind to eat as much Portuguese food and at some of the best local restaurants in Lisbon. It turned out to be a fantastic day in Lisbon with some seriously good Portuguese food!

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys: Portugal

The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys is a TV documentary series exploring, as the title suggests, some of the most scenic railway journeys in the world.

There is one episode specifically about Portugal that takes you on a train journey through parts of the country such as Portugal’s Quinta de Vargellas, which is a vineyard that is famous for making port for centuries.

There is also a trip to the city of Porto and the city of Aveiro and of course a visit to Lisbon.

This episode is a little tricky to track down worldwide but if you have an Amazon UK account you can find it on Britbox there here .

Read the 20 best castles in Portugal to visit .

As the camera captures the essence of this captivating country, you are transported on a visual journey with these documentaries about Portugal, gaining insights into the country’s heritage and the dynamic forces shaping its contemporary identity.

Whether you plan to visit Portugal or just want to learn more about the country, these will inform you more about it.

For more on the region have a look at the 10 best documentaries about France .

And for more on Portugal have a look at my article about exploring Lagos in southern Portugal .

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The Ultimate Portugal Travel Documentary

Follow us on our rugged Road-trip through Portugal! Known for its beautiful beaches and scenic cliffs – Portugal surprised us with its variety of landscapes including ice-covered peaks, rainy forests, and granite hillscapes. For 5 weeks, we drove more than 4,800 km around the country, visiting it from north to south and discovering as much of its beauty as we could in our WorldCruiser 2 from Tom’s Fahrzeugtechnik Key Stats: Duration of trip: 35 days Distance driven: 4,800 km Time of year: October – December Pastéis de Nata eaten: 35 – Lucas T. Jahn

Learn about Portugal in this Informative Travel Road Trip Documentary by Lucas T. Jahn

Places Covered in this Video Include the Following with Timestamps :

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:41 Douro River Valley
• 02:03 Castelo de Algoso
• 02:20 Terra Quente
• 02:57 Rio Sabor
• 03:56 Gimonde
• 04:35 Parque Natural de Montesinho
• 06:26 Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
• 08:02 Ponte de Mizarela
• 08:24 Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês
• 09:35 Branda Bilhares 10:09 Espigueiros de Lindoso
• 11:06 Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Peneda
• 11:16 Flying a drone in Portugal
• 11:56 Castro Laboreiro
• 12:22 Atlantic Ocean
• 12:33 Ponte de Lima
• 13:23 Braga
• 13:46 Citânia de Briteiros
• 14:17 Guimarães
• 14:45 Parque Natural do Alvão
• 15:57 Douro River Valley
• 16:41 Porto
• 19:19 Ria de Aveiro
• 20:38 Cerdeira
• 21:32 Talasnal
• 22:00 Coastline
• 22:51 Nazaré
• 24:50 Reserva Natural das Berlengas
• 25:47 Peniche 26:16 Areias do Seixo
• 29:22 Tomar
• 29:51 Fatima
• 30:44 Grutas de Mira de Aire
• 31:12 Mosteiro de Batalha
• 31:47 Mosteiro de Alcobaça
• 32:25 Mafra
• 32:52 Cabo da Roca
• 33:34 Sintra
• 33:56 Lisbon
• 35:34 Pastéis de Nata
• 36:29 Tejo River and Torre de Belém
• 37:25 Setúbal Peninsula
• 37:36 Cabo Espichel
• 38:21 Parque Natural da Arrábida
• 38:50 Sines
• 39:16 Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
• 41:22 Cabo de São Vicente
• 42:19 Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
• 42:54 Ponte de Piedade
• 44:06 Cliffs of the Algarve
• 44:53 Tire Puncture
• 45:35 Sand Algarve
• 45:58 Faro & Storks
• 46:43 Praia do Barril
• 47:22 Mértola
• 47:50 Alentejo
• 48:04 Cork Oaks
• 48:48 Barragem do Alqueva
• 49:32 Évora
• 50:27 Cromeleque dos Almendres
• 50:48 Marvão
• 51:29 Monumento Natural das Portas de Ródão
• 51:56 Monsanto 52:54 Águas de Radium
• 53:16 Serra da Estrela & Torre
• 57:09 Foz de Égua
• 58:12 Portal do Inferno e Garra

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10 Exciting Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)

From the dramatic coastline of the Algarve to the stunning terraces of the Duoro Valley, and from the quaint charms of Obidos to the otherworldly palaces of Sintra, there is no shortage of amazing places to visit on a Portugal road trip.

Nestled in the southwest corner of mainland Europe, driving through Portugal offers a neverending supply of sublime views and hidden gems.

Long an overlooked corner of the continent (though that has changed dramatically in recent years!), road trips in Portugal are bound to leave you hoping for more.

When we moved to Lisbon as American expats, we knew we wanted to spend lots of time exploring by car–and we have!

Even still, there are many Portugal road trip itineraries still left on our long wish list, so we’ve teamed up with several other travel bloggers to show you a wide variety of the scenic drives that the country has to offer.

Here are the best road trips in Portugal–plus some essential tips to keep in mind as you plan your adventure!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Essential Tips for Your Road Trip in Portugal

Rent the smallest car you can..

Especially if you’re coming from the USA like us, you’ll likely find Portuguese roads–especially in small villages and in the countryside–are smaller than what you’re used to.

Save on gas, rental costs,  and  stress while driving in Portugal by renting the smallest car you can manage to fit yourselves and your belongings into.

We recommend searching for your (tiny) rental car through Discover Cars , which will allow you to sift through all your options and choose the right car for you based on price, the reputation of the company that is renting it, and the terms of the rental contract.

Shop rental cars for your Portugal road trip today!

Plan on renting a manual, or prepare to pay.

Like the rest of Europe, manual cars are the norm in Portugal.

If you only drive automatic, you’ll absolutely be able to find a car to rent for your road trip… but be prepared to plan ahead (especially if you’re traveling during the busy season when the cars get reserved quickly), and to pay extra fees for the privilege.

Prepare to pay lots of tolls.

Portugal is notorious for its number of toll rolls, especially on popular routes like driving from Lisbon to the Algarve.

The easiest way to pay the tolls is to get a “Via Verde” pass from your rental car company (they will almost certainly offer you one), which will keep a tally of your tolls and charge you automatically.

We generally get charged by the rental car company for the tolls we racked up using our “Via Verde” pass within a week or so of turning the car in.

Plan your parking in advance.

This especially applies overnight parking–ie, look for hotels that include parking or have a plan for parking listed–but also during day trips. 

Whether you’re visiting a small village, beach, trailhead, or city, knowing where to park before you arrive will save lots of time, stress, and often money.

For overnight parking, we use  Booking.com  and ideally look for places using the “free parking on-site” filter.

Depending on where you are going during your road trip in Portugal, though, free parking may not be possible–in that case, carefully check and see what hotels have reasonably-priced parking nearby.

A hotel that is an extra 10 Euros/night may end up being an excellent deal if there’s inexpensive parking nearby!

Your life will be much easier if you have a Portuguese SIM Card.

This assumes your phone is unlocked, of course, but seriously: getting a local SIM card before taking off on your road trip in Portugal will make your life so much easier!

Having access to everything from a GPS to restaurant reviews is a huge benefit of traveling in the modern age, and bringing those tools along with you as you explore Portugal by car is a fantastic idea.

You can absolutely purchase a local SIM card once you arrive, but if you want to get everything set up before you go, you can also purchase an EU SIM card for your trip  in advance.

Know that you’ll need reflective jackets in the car.

This is a standard rule in Portugal, and the jackets must be worn during any breakdowns or accidents.

If you’re renting a car for your Portugal road trip itinerary, this will likely be included in your vehicle.

On the off-chance that you’re driving your own vehicle into the country, though, it’s important to keep in mind!

The Best Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

The best of the algarve road trip.

From Campbell of Stingy Nomads

The spectacular Algarve coast in the south is one of the most picturesque places to road trip through Portugal.

The region is famous for little fishing villages with white-washed houses and cobbled stone streets, beautiful sandy beaches backed by jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, and delicious seafood.

A road trip is a perfect way to explore the charming towns and unique turquoise coastline.

With good roads and facilities and relatively short distances between towns, driving is easy in the area.

The capital of the Algarve, Faro, is a popular entry point to the region with an international airport.

Carvoeiro, about an hour’s drive from Faro, is a small town packed with attractions.

Spend a day on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, Marinha Beach with golden sand and crystal clear water.

Visiting Benagil cave is a must-do activity from Carvoeiro and you can enter the famous cave by boat trip, paddleboard, or kayak.

If you enjoy hiking don’t miss the striking Seven Hanging Valleys Trail .

From Carvoeiro drive to Lagos, home to a beautiful marina, one of the nicest old towns to explore, and plenty of unreal beaches.

Don’t miss Praia do Camilo, Praia Dona Ana and Porto de Mos Beach.

Keep on driving to Sagres, the south-western tip of Europe with dramatic scenery the Romans used to call the end of the world. The wild ocean here is known for excellent surfing.

Make your way back to Albufeira, this once fishing village has some beautiful beaches to enjoy.

Driving Distance

Recommended road trip length.

This road trip can comfortably be driven in 7 days.

Loop from Lisbon through Portugal’s Medieval Southern Interior

By Emily of Wander-Lush

Brimming with charming medieval towns, historic castles and majestic cathedrals, a road trip through Portugal’s southern interior is a dream for history and architecture buffs.

This loop route starts and ends in Lisbon, making it ideal for travelers who are flying in and out of the capital.

Ease into things with a short but scenic drive to Obidos .

Just over an hour from Lisbon, this picture-perfect town of whitewashed houses and red roofs is a popular day-trip destination; linger on after the tour buses have departed and wander the quiet streets, visiting the impressive aqueduct and Obidos Castle.

Allow two nights to see the various monuments, and make sure you budget enough time for getting lost down the cobblestoned streets.

When it’s time to leave, duck inland to Santarem, a gorgeous Portuguese city on the edge of the Tagus River.

Catch the view from Santarem Castle and take in the gorgeous vernacular architecture before leaving the city behind to discover forests, wetlands, and river ecosystems in nearby Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park and beyond.

From there, it’s a short drive to Tomar, a former seat of the Order of the Knights Templar and home to one of the finest examples of Portuguese Renaissance architecture in the Convent of Christ.

Set aside a full day to enjoy the longest leg of this drive as you take the scenic back-road into the Alentejo region, stopping at Arraiolos, Pavia, and any other picturesque village that catches your eye.

Finish up with a few days in medieval Évora , visiting the 12th-century Gothic cathedral and the mythical Chapel of Bones.

318 miles or 512 km.

The total driving time for this Portugal road trip is just over 6 hours, but you should take your time on this historic route and make the most of each town.

A full week to 10 days is ideal.

Lisbon to Porto Road Trip

From Or of My Path in the World

With so many  beautiful places to visit between Lisbon and Porto , it’s no wonder why driving from the Portuguese capital to the country’s second city is such a popular road trip in Portugal.

From colorful palaces and castles to charming coastal towns to medieval villages and landmarks, there’s a lot to see and experience.

First, you can visit Cabo da Roca, Europe’s westernmost point.

After taking in the views of the Atlantic coastline, head to the UNESCO-listed Sintra, one of the best Portuguese cities for those who love fairytale palaces.

These include the Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace.

Next, visit Obidos, one of the most enchanting medieval villages in Portugal.

Stroll through the cobbled streets, walk along the walls, or even book a night at the Obidos Castle.

Continue to the city of Tomar, where you’ll find the infamous Covent of Christ, and visit Coimbra, the home of one of the oldest universities in the world, and enjoy the local version of Fado music.

If that’s not enough, you can also hike through the enchanted Bussaco Forest, and before arriving in Porto, stop at Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour at some of the best Port wine cellars in the area.

About 351 miles or 565 km.

We recommend dedicating at least 5-7 days to this road trip, though it could easily be extended to 2 weeks.

Vicentina Coast Road Trip Route

From Alya of The Algarve Family

A road trip along the wild and beautiful Vicentina Coast in southern Portugal is an incredible experience.

The coast stretches between Odeceixe in the north and Sagres in the south.

The Costa Vicentina is still to be discovered by international tourists. It’s very different from the popular southern Algarve.

The road trip can be done from Lisbon. The route follows the famous Fishermen’s Trail , one of the most beautiful coastal hiking routes in Europe.

You can combine a road trip with a beach holiday or a weekend filled with outdoor activities such as hiking or surfing.

The Vicentina Coast road trip starts in the small town of Porto Covo, 170 km south of Lisbon, and finishes at Cabo de S.Vicente, the southwesternmost point of continental Europe.

From Porto Covo, drive about 45 km south towards Zambujeira do Mar. 

It is a quiet town with a couple of beautiful beaches and stunning views of the rugged coast from the cliffs.

On the way make stops in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Praia do Almograve, and Cabo Sardão. 

The next day continue driving along the coast from Zambujeira do Mar towards Sagres.

This part of the route has many stunning beaches and breathtaking lookout points.

Places to stop on the route are Odeceixe Beach, Amoreira Beach, Arrifana, Bordeira Beach and viewpoint point, Cabo de S.Vicente, and Sagres. 

Driving Distance 

This Portugal driving route is perfect for a 3-day weekend trip.

An Azores Road Trip on Sao Miguel

From Megan of meganstarr.com

One of the best road trips in Portugal (and the rest of Europe ) is on the beautiful island of Sao Miguel in the Azores.

The island may be small (744 sq km / 290 sq mi), but it is jam-packed with incredible viewpoints, diverse landscapes, some of the best hikes in the Azores , and so much more.

The best way to see Sao Miguel is to rent a car and do a road trip!

On your first day, start off visiting the western side of the island.

Western Sao Miguel is brimming with lush greenery and volcanic lakes … which is a stark contrast to the eastern side of the island.

During this day, be sure to visit Miradouro da Boca do Inferno, Kings View (as well as the abandoned hotel called ʻMonte Palaceʻ there), Sete Cidades, and the sea stacks of Mosteiros.

For the second day of the trip, you will be visiting the dramatic landscapes of central Sao Miguel.

Some of the best landmarks and places to visit are Pocos, the famous Pineapple Plantation, Lagoa, Estacao Emissora do Pico da Barrosa viewpoint, and Salto do Cabrito… one of the most  beautiful waterfalls on Sao Miguel .

Finally, for the third day, you will head east! The east is the ʻhotʻ spot with a lot of hot springs and volcanic activity.

You can start your day in Lagoa das Furnas (be sure to try a Cozido das Furnas!), Parque Terra Nostra, and Salto do Prego.

End your day at the mind-blowing Miradouro Ponta do Sossego before heading back to Ponta Delgada (where you will spend your last day on Sao Miguel).

Taking a road trip of Sao Miguel will allow you to deeply connect with the island and never feel like youʻre spending more time driving than enjoying the scenery.

There are plenty of stops and the diversity of each will make you yearn for a second trip even before heading home from the first!

You will need a minimum of three days to travel the island (to get a good sense of it) and an additional day to spend in the capital city of Ponta Delgada.

A Scenic Drive Up the Silver Coast

From Jenifer of The Evolista

A road trip from Lisbon to Nazare will give you an up-close look at why people love the stunning Silver Coast of Portugal. 

The first village is Ericeira, a cool surf town, 30 minutes north of Lisbon.

Surfers flock here for the best waves in Europe.

Wander through the white cobblestone streets for shopping, delicious restaurants, and charming Ericeira hotels with ocean views for an overnight stay.

Next, head to Peniche for a dose of history. You’ll find a well-preserved fort that dates back to the 17th century.

If you have time, take the 45-minute ferry to the Berlengas Islands. 

The road heads inland to the walled, medieval city of Obidos. This picturesque town, filled with narrow streets lined with shops and cafes, is perfect to explore for a few hours.

Then you’ll head back to the beaches of Foz do Arelho.

It’s a beachy town overlooking a gorgeous lagoon where people enjoy a variety of water sports including SUP, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Last but not least is the town famous for big wave surfing, Nazaré.

So whether you’re looking to catch some waves or relax and rejuvenate, you’ll find plenty of things to do on a road trip from Lisbon to Nazare along the Silver Coast in Portugal.

114 miles or 183 km.

The drive time is only 3 hours in total but you should definitely plan at least 2-4 days for the trip so you have time to explore and take advantage of the charming towns and fun activities available.

Offbeat Peneda-Gerês National Park Road Trip

From Coni of Experiencing the Globe

When a country has only one national park, and you love nature, you might consider a visit.

When it’s a perfect loop from one of the country’s top destinations, then you must add it to your itinerary.

Gerês is not on most people´s  travel bucket list , but it absolutely should be!

Located only 60 miles from Porto, in the northern corner of Portugal, if you’re into culture tourism, hiking, or sightseeing in nature, Gerês will make for the perfect road trip.

The park is huge, and everything you will want to see is spread out, so jump into your car early, maybe make a quick stop in Braga, and head to Rio Caldo, where you can find a few restaurants and hotels (and campsites), and where the day will fly by swimming or walking around the river.

The next day, start by visiting the village of Gerês.

You’ll see shepherds leading their cattle to graze, and grannies selling homemade goodies.

Stop in Miradouro Pedra Bela for incredible views, in Cascatas de Fecha de Barjas if you want a bit of a trek with an amazing waterfall for a swim at the end, or in Cascata de Pincães if you want an easier hike.

Finish the day by going down an old Roman road to Ponte da Misarela, known as the Devil’s bridge, a beautiful man-made medieval building cohabiting with the stunning landscape.

You can find accommodation looping back to Gerês.

On the third day go towards Mata da Albergaria, a magnificent oak forest, and then to the small village with a top-of-a-hill castle of Lindoso.

Finish the day in Soajo, where you’ll see  Espigueiros , a collection of granite granaries built above the ground, where corn is still being kept.

From Porto to the village of Gerês lay only 60 miles, and your north Portugal road trip itinerary will determine how much driving you’ll do.

If you stick to the three days detailed above, you’re looking at around 230 miles.

Portugal Driving Tip : if you’re running out of petrol, from Lindoso cross into Spain. In a short 15-minute detour you’ll find a gas station.

There are many other waterfalls, viewpoints, small villages, and sanctuaries that you can visit if you have more time.

A minimum to take in the most important sites is 3 days, but if you have a week or more, the park will keep you entertained.

Porto + Duoro Valley Road Trip Loop

From Moumita and Sankha of Chasing the Long Road

The road trip from Porto to Douro Valley is one of the most incredible road trips in Portugal and is one of the best  things to do from Porto .

This Portugal road trip is structured as a loop starting and ending in Porto.

Start your Portuguese road trip adventure by exploring the city of Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal.

The old Historic Centre of Porto, alongside the nearby Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From taking a short cruise over the Douro River to exploring the magnificent Livraria Lello (one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world), Porto offers a lot. 

Spend at least 2-3 days in Porto before exploring the Douro Valley.

The drive to Douro Valley is very scenic.

The entire valley is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its terraced vineyards.

You will be treated to stunning sceneries and some delicious wine and food. The road follows endless gorgeous vineyards over the lush green hills and the historic wine villages. 

There are numerous miradouros (viewpoints) on the way, where you can stop to take photos and admire the view.

Don’t miss the famous Double Viewpoint or Miradouro do Penedo Durao.

For wine lovers, many of the wineries here offer Port wine tasting and a tour of their cellar. 

Be sure to stop by the small village of Pinhao, with its famously charming train station, along the way.

About 127 miles each way.

It takes around 4 hours to drive between Porto and Vila Nova de Foz Coa.

We would suggest spending at least 4-5 days exploring Porto and the towns and villages of Douro Valley.

Island Road Trip on Madeira

From Marjut of The Smooth Escape

Madeira lies in the Atlantic Ocean, 700 miles off the coast of mainland Portugal.

Home to dramatic volcanic landscapes and lush vegetation, this sub-tropical island is known as the Hawaii of Europe.

The best way to witness the beauty of Madeira is by taking a road trip.

As the island is quite small, you can use the capital city Funchal as your base and take day trips via car to the different parts of the island.

Start your trip by spending a day in Funchal. With its tropical gardens, cobblestone streets, and endless ocean views, it’s a fantastic city to explore.

Next, drive to Madeira’s northwestern coast where you’ll find towering cliffs, natural pools, and picturesque villages.

Make sure to visit the black sand beach in Seixal which is considered one of the best beaches in Madeira . 

The next stop is Pico do Arieiro, the island’s third-highest peak where you can enjoy striking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike the challenging trail to Pico Ruivo.

Visit also the traditional thatched houses in the village of Santana and do the scenic ‘levada’ walk to Caldeirão Verde waterfall.

Round off your trip by exploring the moon-like landscapes of the Ponta de São Lourenço peninsula. 

Although you could cover this whole distance in a couple of days, I recommend spending at least 5 days on this Portuguese road trip because there’s so much to see and do along the way.

Alternate Lisbon to Porto Driving Route

From De Wet of Museum of Wander

Yes, you can drive from Lisbon to Porto in about three hours, but do you really want to do that if you could slow down and see rural Portugal and a stunning surf town along the way?

This road trip takes you inland from Lisbon to the Alentejo region with whitewashed villages, cork forests and vineyards before heading back to the coast.

Stop in  Nazare  on the Costa da Prata for the freshest seafood,  long stretches of empty beach and enormous waves to surf before ending your trip in gorgeous Porto.

Leave Lisbon and head east towards Evora in Alentejo.

Evora is a stunning medieval town surrounded by a city wall.

In Evora, explore the cobblestoned old town, see the famous Bone Chapel and Roman Temple, dine on exquisite regional food, and do some wine tastings.

The countryside around Evora is peppered with vineyards, wineries, cork forests, and megalithic complexes to explore with your own wheels, too.

Then head back to the coast for some beach time and relaxation in Nazare.

In Nazare, head down to the lighthouse and Praia do Norte to see (or surf) the giant waves that Nazare is famous for.

After visiting Nazare, it’s about a two-hour drive to Porto, where your road trip ends.

357 miles or 576 km.

You enjoy this Portugal road trip in a weekend, but five days or more will be much more relaxing.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

8 thoughts on “10 Exciting Portugal Road Trip Itinerary Ideas (+ Tips!)”

Good morning!

My husband an I are planning a road trip in Portugal in mid-Sept. to mid-Oct. 2023. How difficult is it to find overnight accommodations on the fly? We’d like to take our time each day and then find a place to rest to maximize our time. We are thinking of leaving from Porto, continuing through Douro Valley, north through National Park and the coast on return.

Assuming you’re flexible with where you stay (and especially if you’re open to staying in more rural properties), it’s not a problem at all. Based on your route I think you guys will be just fine going on the fly.

If you want to stay at a winery in the Douro Valley, you might consider booking that in advance, but if you’re just hoping to stay in the general area, you should be able to find something.

Hello Lee, My husband and I and another couple are doing a road trip through Portugal after a cruise that ends in Barcelona. Same time frame as your trip except 1 year later…October 2024. We plan to get a car in Barcelona. Can you share what you learned and/or what you recommend? I’m just beginning to research Portugal so I don’t even know what questions to ask. We are thinking roughly a week exploring Portugal.

Hi Kate and Jeremy, Thank you for your invaluable blog!

We are planning a trip to northern Portugal the last two weeks of September. We would like to do a walking tour in the Penada- Geres National Park. Do you have any personal recommendations for companies who organize such tours? We are keen to spend approximately a week there, and want to visit smaller villages. Our home base will be Porto.

Many thanks in advance for any advice you may have,

Unfortunately I don’t, as we haven’t had a chance to visit yet! I do know that Get Your Guide, one of our favorite aggregates to book tours through, has a few options leaving through Porto that are listed.

Thanks, Kate. We have gone ahead and booked with MACs Adventure. Really looking forward to it!

All the best, Anne

Very nice compilation. It would be even nicer if you put a caption under pictures telling where they are.

Thanks for the feedback, Jeff! We have started slowly adding location captions on some of our new posts, but it’s quite the job with 8+ years of archives to go through! 🙂

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PORTUGAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY | 4×4 Road Trip

Follow us on our rugged roadtrip through Portugal! Known for its beautiful beaches and scenic cliffs – Portugal surprised us with its variety of landscapes including ice-covered peaks, rainy forests, and granite hillscapes. For 5 weeks, we drove more than 4.800km around the country, visiting it from north to south and discovering as much of its beauty as we could in our WorldCruiser 2 from Tom’s Fahrzeugtechnik.

Key Stats: Duration of trip: 35 days Distance driven: 4800km Time of year: October – December Pastéis de Nata eaten: 35 Vehicle: WorldCruiser 2 by Tom’s Fahrzeugtechnik (https://www.toms-fahrzeugtechnik.de/)

Thank you: A big thank you goes to Ângela Pereira who helped us tremendously with the correct pronunciation of all Portuguese names.

Full Disclosure: This trip was fully self-funded. However, we did receive a one-night complimentary stay at Areias do Seixo. The second night of our stay, we paid ourselves.

Say hello: ►► http://www.instagram.com/ruggedroadtrips ►► http://www.instagram.com/lucastjahn ►► https://www.ruggedroadtrips.com

Music by Epidemic Sound Get a free trial: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/r5h8z7/

Equipment: https://kit.co/LucasTJahn/filmmaking

#portugal #traveldocumentary

00:00 Intro 00:41 Douro River Valley 02:03 Castelo de Algoso 02:20 Terra Quente 02:57 Rio Sabor 03:56 Gimonde 04:35 Parque Natural de Montesinho 06:26 Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês 08:02 Ponte de Mizarela 08:24 Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês 09:35 Branda Bilhares 10:09 Espigueiros de Lindoso 11:06 Santuario de Nossa Senhora da Peneda 11:16 Flying a drone in Portugal 11:56 Castro Laboreiro 12:22 Atlantic Ocean 12:33 Ponte de Lima 13:23 Braga 13:46 Citânia de Briteiros 14:17 Guimarães 14:45 Parque Natural do Alvão 15:57 Douro River Valley 16:41 Porto 19:19 Ria de Aveiro 20:38 Cerdeira 21:32 Talasnal 22:00 Coastline 22:51 Nazaré 24:50 Reserva Natural das Berlengas 25:47 Peniche 26:16 Areias do Seixo 29:22 Tomar 29:51 Fatima 30:44 Grutas de Mira de Aire 31:12 Mosteiro de Batalha 31:47 Mosteiro de Alcobaça 32:25 Mafra 32:52 Cabo da Roca 33:34 Sintra 33:56 Lisbon 35:34 Pastéis de Nata 36:29 Tejo River and Torre de Belém 37:25 Setúbal Peninsula 37:36 Cabo Espichel 38:21 Parque Natural da Arrábida 38:50 Sines 39:16 Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina 41:22 Cabo de São Vicente 42:19 Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina 42:54 Ponte de Piedade 44:06 Cliffs of the Algarve 44:53 Tire Puncture 45:35 Sand Algarve 45:58 Faro & Storks 46:43 Praia do Barril 47:22 Mértola 47:50 Alentejo 48:04 Cork Oaks 48:48 Barragem do Alqueva 49:32 Évora 50:27 Cromeleque dos Almendres 50:48 Marvão 51:29 Monumento Natural das Portas de Ródão 51:56 Monsanto 52:54 Águas de Radium 53:16 Serra da Estrela & Torre 57:09 Foz de Égua 58:12 Portal do Inferno e Garra 59:13 Outro

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On-road trip in Southern Portugal

€ 275.00 Add road book to cart

The beauty of Southern Portugal

Whether you travel through Portugal on tracks only accessible with a 4×4 or stay on tarmac in a regular car, Portugal is always beautiful. Together with our Portuguese partner Dream Overland we have developed an e-roadbook for an on-road journey through the south of Portugal. It takes you from Lisbon through the Alentejo and Algarve, allowing you to travel at your own pace to discover this magnificent part of the country.

José Almeida, our partner in Portugal, knows the region like the back of his hand. He has given all his expertise, knowledge and love of the country to create this e-roadbook. We show you hidden villages, excellent restaurants, great hotels, gorgeous towns, scenery you would not want to miss.

• Your journey starts in Lisbon, then leads you through Alentejo and Algarve to give you a wonderful taste of Southern Portugal.
• It takes nine days to cover everything we have described.
• The e-roadbook acts as a virtual, highly knowledgeable tour guide.
• It contains loads of points of interest with descriptions of each.
• It suggest hotels and restaurants.
• All accommodations are Clean & Safe certified .

Your holiday starts in Lisbon, one of the few European capitals with both a river and a coastline. Lisbon is a historical city full of stories to tell. Discover this city full of authenticity where old customs and ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment and hi-tech innovation. Lisbon is ageless and famous for its hospitality and the family-like way it welcomes visitors.

Your roadbook contains a map with all the highlights, a selection of excellent restaurants and a suggested walk to lap it all up.

Exploring the Alentejo

South of the River Tagus is the Alentejo, Portugal’s largest region, known for its endless plains peppered by cork and olive trees. In the Alentejo, you travel in history. Its fine heritage is easy for you to discover with the help of our e-roadbook. You will experience the magic of the Alentejo in the villages and towns we lead you to, while driving through a landscape that that fills your heart with joy.

You will see the influence the Arabs had during their occupation for nearly five centuries until the late 1400s. You will feel as if you have been tele-transported to northern Africa, just by looking at the landscape, the architecture, tasting the food, getting to know some of the traditions or listening to the traditional music.

There’s also a huge number of walking routes if you want to go for a hike. If you like to taste a good wine, the Alentejo is home to some of the best in Portugal.

We have created an interesting route from Lisbon to the Alentejo and two beautiful round trip in the Evora area. Both take you to the best places through fascinating scenery.

Exploring the Algarve

We are sure you have already heard about the Algarve. Perhaps you know its magnificent beaches. Maybe you read about its typically Mediterranean cuisine. Or you may have heard about its history, culture and friendliness.

But there may be an Algarve that you haven’t discovered yet: the Algarve of someone who lives here. That’s what this roadbook offers you. Besides a wealth of information, it contains an itinerary from Alentejo to Algarve and two round trips in the Algarve that give you much more than the traditional pictures of sun and sea.

The roadbook

You can simply order the e-roadbook and take care of everything else yourself. It is a virtual guide that you download onto your smartphone or tablet (GPS receiver required – you know you have one if you can insert a SIM-card; the SIM-card itself is not necessary). It contains all the information you need for a perfect journey in the area:

• Nine-day trip, assuming three days each in Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve.
• The itinerary with point-to-point directions.
• A detailed map.
• Lots of points of interest with information about what makes them interesting.
• Information about hotels and restaurants.
• The roadbook can lead you to the points of interest, hotels and restaurants even if they are not directly on the itinerary.

You book your flights, accommodations and so on yourself, giving you all the flexibility and independence you wish.

Overview of the itinerary

Click on the image to enlarge:

How to obtain

If you like to have this e-roadbook, do the following:

• Add it to your shopping cart by clicking the button at the top of this screen.
• Go to Checkout and complete all the fields on the form.
• Choose your method of payment and pay.

We then get a message and create a user account for you. This may take a day.

You receive an email, with links to the Apple Appstore and Google Playstore. Click on the link appropriate for you and download Roadbook for Discovery app.

After you have downloaded the app, you log in with your username and password. Confirm that you wish to download the trip, which then happens automatically. You’re ready to go.

The e-roadbook is in English.

Clean and safe

We do our utmost to ensure that our guests are safe by adhering fully to the rules issued by the Portuguese health authorities. We ourselves and all local partners we work with, have  been certified to comply with the standards set in those rules.

Another option: everything organised

If you like us to unburden you from the organisation, we can take care of it. The only thing we cannot do is book your flights. Our service includes:

• Ten-day trip, three days each in Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve.
• Nine overnight stays in good hotels, agriturismo and B&Bs, including breakfast.
• Rental car for six days, comprehensive insurance.
• The e-roadbook described here.
• 24/7 support in case you need assistance.
• Certified Clean & Safe accommodations.

Other meals and flights not included.

Click here to see our offer.

Explore Portugal Now

• [email protected]

PORTUGAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY | 4×4 Road Trip

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Lucas t. jahn.

We are Anna and Lucas, a married couple from Germany, who love to explore the world together. Our passion for offroad travel was awoken during our gap year in Australia when we almost circumnavigated the continent in our trusty 13-year-old Mitsubishi Challenger. Since then, we have traveled on many more paths off the beaten track, and do not intend to stop anytime soon.

If you are into travel and adventure, this channel is for you :)

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FULLY CATERED 4X4 ADVENTURE TOURS

SMALLEST GRO UP SIZES WITH THE BIGGEST SERVICE LEVELS - ENDORSED BY VERY HIGH REPEAT BOOKINGS Moro cco     Alps     Pro vence     Pyrenees     Andalucia     Sahara     Portugal     Botswana     Massif     Namibia

PORTUGAL , ANDALUCIA ,  ALPS , PROVENCE ,

      SPANISH PYRENEES &  MASSIF CENTRAL

Sahara 4X4 Overland Expeditions

REMOTE MOROCCO & WESTERN SAHARA

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No.1 ORIGINAL BOTSWANA & NAMIBIA

ALL YOUR MEALS ARE INCLUDED!

delicious full catering featuring evening BBQ feasts

1st for Quality & Authenticity - leading since 2008

n ew! Morocco Deluxe (hotels)

6-15 May 2024    BOOK THIS TOUR

100% FIXED PRICES, NO HIDDEN EXTRAS

PORTUGAL 4X4 ADVENTURE TOUR!

Portugal 4x4 off-road adventure tour.

Portugal has received extensive coverage in the 4X4 press recently, and for good reason; this is arguably the best destination in Western Europe for unhindered 4X4 adventure travel. Breathtaking coastline, beautiful countryside, wide open spaces, and the freedom to explore the plentiful tracks, together with their warm-hearted and welcoming population (albeit a sparse one), make this a must for all those who value the natural environment, and appreciate unspoiled wilderness. Our route takes us through the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park deep down in the south west, north easterly over the mountains of Monchique and the farmlands of Alentejo, crossing the two major rivers of Tejo and Douro, all the way up the to the north east corner, through diverse natural terrain, which includes occasional challenges. Whilst the campsites we use are of the best quality, the emptiness of the countryside means there is ample opportunity for undisturbed wild camping in beautiful wilderness locations, usually under spectacular stars with zero light pollution. Rural Portugal reflects nature at its best.

Fully catered as always, and including outdoor adventure activities .

Start  - We meet at a campsite near Sagres in the late afternoon preceding Day 1, to enjoy a welcoming BBQ, followed by the briefing.

Finish  - At a campsite near Braganza on the morning following Day 10, where after a farewell breakfast we go on our separate ways.

Included  - full catering 3 meals per day for the duration of the tour, outdoor adventure activities as detailed in the itinerary, all campsite fees from start to finish, including the campsite preceding Day 1.

Prices - per person based on 2 adults @ £1,395pp, additional adult @ 50%, single supplement @ 50%, child U16 @ 50%.

Highlights  - The most stunning scenery of the pristine unspoiled Portuguese countryside abounds on this trip, which is unsurprising since we explore all of the following areas of outstanding natural beauty: the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina , the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede , the Parque Natural do Tejo Internacional , the Reserva Natural da Serra da Malcata , the Parque Natural Douro Internacional , and the Parque Natural Serra de Montesinho . Glistening white sandy beaches, turquoise blue seas, imposing mountains, majestic rivers, hardwood and softwood forests, fynbos type bushveld, together with impressive birdlife (we traverse a vast natural wildfowl sanctuary, not to mention the incredible birds of prey soaring overhead), make this trip a delight for those who appreciate nature. Three very special nights of camping out wild in the most beautiful, secluded and unspoiled natural wilderness locations. An exciting morning surfing lesson from a professional surfing instructor. Some of the best off-road driving to be found anywhere in Europe, exploring interesting areas offering unbeatable views. Another exhilarating outdoor adventure activity is the morning of lake canoeing  on the beautiful Barragem da Apartadura in the Parque Natural da Serra de São Mamede ! Packed with great fun watersports for adults and children alike!

Similar Tour - Massif 4X4 Adventure  (also 10 days, fully catered and including outdoor adventure activities )

Previous participants' reviews of this tour

“I have just returned from my first trip with Barrie in my 20 year old Defender. I have immediately booked to go to Morocco in April of 2023! Portugal was my first 'overland' experience though I've been green laning in the UK for over 20 years. To say that I was impressed is a massive understatement. Barrie was professional from the moment I enquired about the trip until the moment we said goodbye in Portsmouth. Barrie made the whole 'overland' experience amazing from dawn to dusk. It was a true adventure and he made me feel part of something special and extraordinary... the like of which you read about in magazines and books and dream of but until you've actually done it you have no idea. Barrie's years of experience really do count! The catering is amazing and you can just focus on driving and having fun. Nothing is too much trouble. I would recommend Barrie and Active 4X4 100%. I have nothing but dust, mud and smiles as I think back to the last two weeks. Best trip of my life, and I've been all over the world. Barrie is a legend!” Malcolm Brown

“Great trip to Portugal with Barrie (May 2022). He’s a great host, is superbly well organised and charming with it. The trip and route were both exciting and different, in terms of terrain and surface as we meandered our way up through this beautiful country, on tracks, through mountain villages and far more off-road than not. Some days were more challenging than others but Barrie will give you as much (or little) advice and support as you need. Wild camping was the trip highlight and the great food. Having all your meals as part of the deal is a real bonus as are the activities which are welcome additions which brought an added dimension and variety to the trip. May is the perfect time of year to visit Portugal, not only for the stunning scenery but the abundance of wild flowers and the fantastic aroma as you drive! Looking forward to booking our next (third) trip with Barrie soon.” Ian & Fiona Miles

“Wow...what a fantastic holiday!! We spent 10 days travelling the length of Portugal with Barrie and his faithful dog Abby exploring different tracks and experiencing diverse terrain such as coastal, mountainous and farmland...a really enjoyable mix of driving for us newbies to 4x4 from sedate to challenging but with Barrie and other experienced offroaders it was always fun and we felt we were always in safe hands.  Would thoroughly recommend Barrie's trips if this one was anything to go by... his food is superb and as he takes care of all the catering, it means that the group can relax and enjoy the evenings round a fire, having a laugh and few beers while knowing that a slap up meal is on its way...if you've ever fancied this type of driving adventure - I can't imagine a better way to do it...thanks Barrie!!!” Gill & Ian Starmer

“The whole experience was a delight. From the up front organisation, route planning and catering to the lovely spontaneous little touches (like the fresh pastel de nata on day 1). I liked the dynamic that you created across the group, and that you were responsive to the different needs and wants of the party. I felt there was a zen like quality to the trip made up of many factors, the people, the place, the journey itself. It did, indeed, nourish the soul. Thank you again.” Anne & Rob Billings

"Well we just returned from our trip in Rural Portugal, what an adventure. Absolutely brilliant holiday. We have driven some amazing tracks, camped in some beautiful locations and met some really fantastic people. The weather really pushed the group to the limit as it rained for the majority of the holiday, not what you would expect in April/May in Portugal but with Barrie’s leadership the group remained positive throughout. As a group we have all agreed to do a ‘reunion tour’ to the Alps in 2017. That really should speak volumes! Thank you for a great experience and all your help and support throughout. Best wishes." Seamus Gallagher & Samantha Cutts

"This was our first trip with Barrie, also our first time in Portugal. What a way to explore Portugal, from the coast's stunning secluded beaches then on to Eucalyptus forests, some varied and sometimes challenging tracks, passing by lakes and stunning scenery. Across miles of sandy tracks, on the plains with the scent of the wild flowers, then coming across and passing through quaint, friendly, little Portuguese villages. Then onto high rolling mountain tracks, Barrie always trying to, and finding, different tracks, some gnarly and tight and others with breathtaking scenery. The wilderness camping, some in unforgettable and unbelievable locations, the one by the lake will always stay with us, and always accompanied by Barrie's excellent food. Breakfast, lunchtime and evening meals, and always plenty. Finally this trip was topped off by the great bunch of friends that we made and enjoyed these 10 days, with many thanks for a truly memorable trip."

Paul & Kim Russell

"Many thanks for a thoroughly enjoyable Portugal trip. It may have rained but I still had a fantastic and memorable holiday which wouldn't have happened without you. Do you have any spaces on the Morocco trip Deep South & Western Sahara in November?" Tom Cardale

"My fifth trip, which says something! Portugal is perhaps, by a small margin, the best trip I have done with Barrie. We spent almost the whole trip on tracks, dusty, but fantastic views, and stunning wildflowers. A lot of wild camping, which everyone really enjoyed, and fantastic sites. The catering was excellent as always, (and the big advantage of going on a catered tour is that it at least usually reduces the endless requests to divert to find a well stocked supermarket). Overall a great trip again, and a great group." Bob Churcher

"We just wanted to say that we had another fantastic trip. We covered many tracks with amazing scenery, and also faced a few amazing off-roading tasks to deal with along the way. We enjoyed the sleepy villages and the friendly locals. Portugal is a fabulous country with much to see and enjoy, and I think the rest of the group would agree with that. We met some very nice people on this trip and everyone got on so well and worked as a team. The food you served was plentiful and tasty and was appreciated by all. Looking forward to our next trip away with you." Clive Morton & Sean Pollard  

"Portugal was our first trip with Barrie and certainly won't be our last. We were totally overwhelmed by the varied scenery, from beaches in the South to forests in the North via olive groves in the middle. Barrie's exemplary knowledge of the tracks ensured that the vast majority of our driving was offroad, ensuring magnificent views and at times challenging terrain.The campsites were great but above all we enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of the wild camps. We can thoroughly recommend the fully catered option. The food was plentiful and high quality, and no need to worry about where the next 'supermercado' would be, and the added bonus of not having to carry pots and pans."

Fred & Hazel Carruthers

"Barrie, thank you for a wonderful trip! We missed each other at the ferry port, but I want to wish you all the best for the future adventures, and congrats on another Rural Portugal adventure expertly led and completed." Renier & Yolandi Botha

"Setting off from the Algarve area, the terrain changed constantly, from rugged cliff tracks, exploring hidden coves and beaches, to lush meadows and Serengeti-like plains. The further north we headed, this changed to woodland and forests, then rugged mountain tracks, with river crossings thrown in now and again. Fantastic scenery, really giving the impression we were well off the beaten track. Barrie could not have been a better guide, his passion and also his enthusiasm certainly deserve praise, and the standard of catering you could not fault. Who could forget the rib-eye steaks served by the lakeside, enjoying a few beers and a beautiful sunset, while camping wild. To summarise, a fantastic trip and thanks to Barrie and the others for making it that bit more special. I am already checking to see when I can fit another fully catered 4X4 adventure into my life. Thanks, and hope to see you again soon." Ian Foggett

"Portugal was my first experience of a self-drive adventure and what an experience it was! Vast panoramas, river crossings, a handful of wild camps, good laughs and great food. All assembled by Barrie who, it has to be said, made it seamless. A really great 10 days, so many thanks indeed." Simon Ballard

"My third trip with Barrie and another amazing experience. From the coastal tracks in the south through the undulating meadows of the interior, to the spectacular mountains and forests of the north. Portugal is a beautiful , unspoilt, deserted country. May was the perfect time of year to visit, the country was in full bloom and the weather suitably warm, complimented by refreshing beer and great food every evening. The driving was at times challenging and technical, with plenty of river crossings to test the door seals on my Defender." Charles Bagnall

"We were very happy with your organisation and running of the tour in Portugal. As first-timers to this type of travel we were very pleased to have a gourmet meal cooked for us each evening, which took the load off and gave us time to relax and swap all our experiences of the day. Portugal seems to have everything for the off-roader, with so much to explore. Thanks for your assistance with the vehicle repairs, we will be more than happy to join you on your next expedition." Mike & Maureen Arthur

"Elliott and I both had a good time and enjoyed the company of our fellow explorers. High points included your food (well done!) and the good number of tracks we covered. It seems that inland Portugal has much potential and wild beauty to enjoy. It's worth considering the area in Spring or Autumn as I think the river crossings may be more interesting and the heat a little easier." Kevin Harvey  

PORTUGAL TRAVEL DOCUMENTARY | 4x4 Road Trip