Portugal is a country that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, one of the best ways to see all that the country has to offer is by renting a car and driving up the coast. When we landed in Portugal, that’s exactly what we did! Lisbon was a great starting point for this road trip adventure, as it was easy to get around the city and there were many rental car options available once we landed at the airport. Once we had our rental car, it was time to hit the road and start exploring.
We were told that one of the highlights of visitng Portugal is to visit to the picturesque fishing villages dotted along the coastline, where you can enjoy fresh and flavorful seafood while taking in the stunning ocean views. We decided to follow this advice and head north to Porto while stopping at the many beautiful coastal towns and villages along the way.
Our first stop on the road trip was the town of Sintra. This town is home to the stunning Palace of Sintra, a castle-like palace that dates back to the 15th century. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking. We started off our time in Sintra by walking through the charming old town, which were filled with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Portuguese homes, and plenty of quaint cafes and restaurants. We stopped at Bacalhau Na Villa for our first taste of Portugal and stuffed our faces with cod fritters, octopus salad and stew. For dessert we cleansed our palettes with shots of Ginjinha from a chocolate edible shot glass. Maybe I had more than one…
After exploring the town of Sintra we headed up the mountain to the Palace of Sintra. The Palace of Sintra was originally built in the 15th century and has undergone many renovations and additions over the centuries. Today, the castle is a stunning blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline architectural styles, and is surrounded by lush gardens and parks. The palace is perched on a hill overlooking the town of Sintra, providing incredible views of the surrounding countryside.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Palace of Sintra is the intricate and detailed carvings that adorn its walls and towers. These carvings, which are a mix of religious symbols, mythical creatures, and historical scenes, are a true testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the palace’s builders. As you tour the palace, be sure to take your time and admire these carvings, as they are one of the highlights of this stunning castle. Another highlight of the Palace of Sintra is the interior of the castle, which is just as impressive as the exterior. The castle’s rooms are adorned with intricate details, from the ornate fireplaces to the beautiful painted ceilings. The palace’s gardens and parks are also worth exploring, as they are filled with exotic plants and trees, fountains, and beautiful sculptures.
As you drive further north from Sintra, you’ll reach the town of Ericeira. This charming fishing village is known for its incredible surf spots, so if you’re a fan of surfing, this is a great place to stop and catch some waves. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the charming streets lined with traditional white-washed houses and brightly colored doors. As we strolled through the town, we stumbled upon an amazing fine dining experience on the coastline where the chef made all of plates especially for us. The meal was amazing, but the highlight of my visit to Eriçeria was definitely how friendly the locals were. I already miss the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of Eriçeria.
Finally, no road trip up the coast of Portugal would be complete without a visit to Porto. This historic city known for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Ribeira neighborhood, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After arriving we settled into our hotel and began our sampling of the local port wines while stuffing our faces with as much seafood as possible. The night ended beautifully with wine and binge watching Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown in Porto, Portugal.
Running is a great way to see the sights and experience the culture of a city while on vacation, so on day one of the trip I strapped on my shoes and hit the road. Not only does it provide a low-cost and eco-friendly mode of transportation, but it also gives you an opportunity to get an intimate look at the city’s architecture, neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. Running allows you to slow down and appreciate the small details that often go unnoticed, such as local street art, historical monuments, and bustling street markets. You can also avoid the crowds and traffic of a busy tourist area, and enjoy a more authentic experience of the city. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual jogger, incorporating running into your vacation itinerary is a fun and rewarding way to explore a new city.
One of my must do things while in Porto was to visit Livraria Lello, which is widely considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. The store, which was established in 1906, boasts a stunning Art Nouveau interior with a magnificent wooden staircase and intricate stained glass skylight. The grandiose design of the bookstore is a true testament to the passion and love for books and literature. In addition to its stunning architecture, Livraria Lello is also known for its extensive collection of books, with a wide range of titles in Portuguese, as well as several other languages. Visitors can take a tour of the bookstore and admire its unique design, browse its shelves, and perhaps even purchase a book or two as a souvenir. Whether you’re a book lover or simply appreciate stunning architecture, Livraria Lello is a must-visit destination in Porto.
The food and wine scene in Porto, Portugal, was also a delightful mixture of traditional and contemporary cuisine. The city is famous for its seafood dishes, particularly those featuring fresh fish and shellfish caught off the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most popular dishes is the “francesinha,” a hearty sandwich filled with meat, cheese, and a spicy tomato sauce. Another must-try dish is the “tripas à moda do Porto,” a hearty stew made with tripe, beans, and chorizo.
In addition to its rich culinary traditions, Porto is also renowned for its wine. The Douro Valley, located just outside the city, is one of the world’s oldest wine regions, producing some of the finest port wine. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyards, sample the various styles of port, and learn about the wine-making process. Pairing Porto’s delicious food with its exceptional wine is a wonderful way to experience the city’s rich culinary heritage.
After Porto we packed up our car and headed back down the coast towards Lisbon. Along the way we saw a random sign on the highway indicating to exit for Buçaco Forest, so we decided to make a pit stop. We planned to only stop for a quick hike and then continue on to Lisbon, but once we entered the magical forest it was clear that we wouldn’t be leaving as soon as we expected. We now know that Bucaco Forest, located in central Portugal, is a breathtakingly beautiful natural reserve. However, when we first stumbled upon the magnificent hikes and the beautiful Buçaco Palace tucked away behind fog filled trees, we felt like we were transported into a fairy tale.
After setting eyes on the Palace and learning that we could actually stay there overnight, we immediently cancelled our original plans and booked a suite for the night. The Palácio de Bussaco, also known as the Palace of Bussaco, is a stunning architectural gem located in the Serra do Bussaco, Portugal. This historic palace was built at the turn of the 20th century and is a stunning example of Portuguese architecture, featuring intricate carvings, stunning stained glass windows, and ornate wooden paneling. The palace is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, creating a picturesque and serene setting.
As we were taken to our toom, we were given a tour of the palace and got to admire the beautiful details of its interior, including the grand staircase, ornate fireplaces, and impressive chandeliers. The palace grounds are also home to a beautiful garden, complete with fountains, ponds, and colorful flowers. The magic of our time at the palace continued once were told that the room we booked at the Palace was the same room that Agatha Christie always requested when she came to visit Portugal.
Agatha Christie, the famous English crime novelist, had a connection to the Bucaco Palace in Portugal. During her travels, Christie stayed at the Bucaco Palace, which was then operating as a hotel, and was said to have been inspired by its luxurious surroundings and tranquil atmosphere. The palace, with its stunning gardens and magnificent architecture, provided a peaceful escape from the outside world and allowed Christie to focus on her writing. It is believed that her experiences at the Bucaco Palace influenced her writing and served as a source of inspiration for some of her most famous works.
For fans of Agatha Christie, a visit to the Bucaco Palace is a must. The palace is a stunning example of Portuguese architecture and is surrounded by breathtaking gardens and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the palace, wander its gardens, and imagine the creative inspiration that must have surrounded Christie during her stay. While we were staying in her room, we obviously did a brief photoshoot while writting and drinking wine at her original desk.
Our time at the palace was spectacular, including one of the most expensive meals of my life. The meal included Portugese cheese samples, oysters, fancy shrimp, fish and enough carafes of 1k euro wine to take down a horse and my lifes savings. Luckily for us, the bill was taken care of!
After the magnificent feast for dinner, I wasn’t prepared to be shocked again with the best breakfast buffet I have ever seen in my entire life. Never have I thought that an included breakfast bar would contain waiters who are there to help out at any step of the way, but the Palace provided it all.
After the magic forest fairy tale expereince, we eventually had to leave and head south towards Lisbon. Along the way we continued to stop in towns on route to Lisbon and first up was Coimbra for lunch and a tour of the library.
Coimbra is a city located in central Portugal. It is known for being the former capital of Portugal and home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, the University of Coimbra. The university, established in 1290, has a rich history and its beautiful baroque library, Biblioteca Joanina, is considered one of the finest examples of baroque architecture in Portugal. Coimbra is also famous for its lively student culture and traditional festivals, such as the Queima das Fitas, which is celebrated by students every May. The city has a charming old town, with narrow winding streets and historic buildings, as well as a number of notable museums, such as the Museum of Science and Technology and the Machado de Castro National Museum. Coimbra offers a unique blend of history, culture and education, making it a popular destination for tourists.
The number one thing that I wanted to see in Coimbra was the Biblioteca Joanina, which is a magnificent baroque library located in Coimbra University. Built in the early 18th century, it is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and is renowned for its ornate decoration and rich history. The library holds over 250,000 books, many of which are rare and valuable, and is one of the few remaining original baroque libraries in the world. The interior of the library is a true masterpiece, with hand-painted ceiling frescoes, gilded moldings, and intricate carvings. The books are stored in wooden bookcases, each decorated with intricate carvings and gold leaf, and are protected by iron grilles. The Biblioteca Joanina is a symbol of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of books and libraries. While inside the library, no photos are allowed… so you’ll just have to trust me on this one.
After our round trip journey to Porto, we finally made it back to Lisbon for a few days gallivanting around Portugal’s capital city. Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and is located on the western coast of the country. It is a vibrant city with a rich history and a mix of traditional and modern architecture. The city is famous for its historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Mouraria, which offer a glimpse into Lisbon’s past and are lined with narrow, winding streets and traditional buildings. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Belem Tower, a monument that symbolizes Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Lisbon is also famous for its vibrant nightlife and traditional food, including the famous Pastel de Nata pastry. In addition, Lisbon is home to several world-class museums, such as the National Museum of Ancient Art and the Berardo Collection Museum, which showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage.
While we were in Lisbon we toured the Baixa area and ate our weight in pastel de natas. In the evenings, we enjoyed the local cuisine at many charming restaurants and explored the cocktail scene in Lisbon speakeasys. Staying in the Baixa neighborhood was an excellent way to experience the city’s vibrant energy and rich history.
And just like that, our Portugal girls trip plus Jackson came to an end! Our spectacular tour of Northern and middle Portugal had me even more excited to visit the south of Portugal and the coast on my next trip to the Algarve.