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Plains extend as far as the eye can see; stretching from the mighty Tejo (Tagus) River towards the Algarve and framed in the east by the Sao Mamede mountains on the Spanish border. This is the Alentejo - dotted with cork oaks, olive trees, and vineyards. Here and there a town pops up and houses standing proudly on grassy knolls and roads winding beyond castles and convents recall battles with the Spanish for lands. Arab and Roman influences are still felt in the sprawling gardens, temples, and ruins of splendid villas. In the Alentejo, cities like Elvas and Evora demonstrate the tenacity of the people; other notable cities include Marvao, Portalegre and Beja, the former Jewish quarters in Castelo de Vide.
The northeastern Alentejo, where Estremoz is the largest city, is a treat for travelers seeking both a rustic getaway and adventure. One of the most historic regions of Portugal, the northeastern Alentejo is known for their castles and fortresses, Roman and Moorish remnants, and the pre-historic Anta da Aldeia da Mata megalith.
The rolling hills and lush valleys of the Alentejo`s Golden Plains region are a traveler`s delight. The people who live here live life at a slower pace, and it is easy for tourists to feel at home in such a relaxing environment. The slower pace of these vast open plains and scenic beauty belies its olive oil and wine production.
The region of Portugal known as the Alentejo Coast stands at a crossroads between rolling hills and farmland and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Using the region`s largest city, Santiago do Cacem, as a base, you can explore the coast from the Troia Peninsula to the Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
The word Ribatejo literally means `up the Tagus` in Portuguese. In this area, the only traditional province of Portugal not to be situated either on the coast or along the border with Spain, history and gastronomy reign supreme. The Ribatejo was one of the most treasured parts of the Portuguese Kingdom.
Portugal has so many beautiful sights, you might want a car to explore everything - from the major highways connecting large cities to the small, two-lane roads that traverse the countryside. Enjoy your trip and have fun experiencing scenic Portugal on the most iconic road trip of your lives!
Portugal has a long, eventful history, but in the rush for tourists to visit the biggest sights, sometimes beautiful and paramount cities like Fatima or Castelo Branco get lost in the shuffle. These charming towns are every bit as important as their more popular siblings, so take a look at these overlooked destinations.
Tourists flock to Portugal for many reasons, from its rich history to its incredible food, but its beautiful beaches often steal the show. The coastline stretches from the dreamy Algarve in the South to the popular Costa Verde wine region in the north, and we can`t forget Madeira Island and the Azores!
Driving Time
Lisbon - Evora: 1 hr. 30 mins. approx.
Evora - Ribatejo: 1 hr. 10 mins. approx.
Ribatejo - Coimbra: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Coimbra - Lisbon: 1 hr. approx.
Driving Time
Lisbon - Evora: 1 hr. 30 mins. approx.
Evora - Ribatejo: 1 hr. 10 mins. approx.
Ribatejo - Coimbra: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Coimbra - Lisbon: 1 hr. approx.
Driving Time
Porto - Costa Verde Area: 20 - 55 mins. approx.
Costa Verde Area - Coimbra: 1 hr. 30 mins. - 2 hrs. approx.
Coimbra - Obidos: 1 hr. 25 mins. approx.
Obidos - Lisbon: 1 hr. 10 mins. approx.
Lisbon - Costa Azul Area: 40 - 55 mins. approx.
Costa Azul Area - Evora: 1 hr. 40 mins. approx.
Evora - Faro: 2 hrs. 30 mins. approx.
Driving Time
Lisbon - Evora: 1 hr. 30 mins. approx.
Evora - Alentejo Golden Plains Area: 20 mins/1 hr. approx.
Alentejo Golden Plains Area - Algarve East Area: 2 hrs./2 hrs. 40 mins. approx.
Algarve East Area - Faro Airport: 20-45 mins. approx.
Driving Time
Lisbon - Cascais: 35 mins. approx.
Cascais - Costa Azul Area: 45-55 mins. approx.
Costa Azul Area - Evora: 1 hr. 10 mins. approx.
Evora - Fatima: 2 hrs. approx.
Fatima - Nazare: 45 mins. approx.
Nazare - Coimbra: 1 hr. 15 mins. approx.
Coimbra - Porto: 1 hr. 20 mins. approx.
Faro is the gateway to the Algarve, the region in Portugal most popular with tourists. With over 300 days of sunshine each year, the weather is picture-perfect for sightseeing. Many people come to Faro for fun in the sun, and the beaches here are some of the most popular in Portugal. Faro offers something for every type of traveler.
For many, Lagos represents the Golden Age of Portuguese Discovery, as Henry the Navigator used Lagos as a home base to conquer such colonies as Madeira and the Azores. Today Lagos is known as a place to have fun in the sun, and areas such as the Ponta da Piedade are known the world over for their beautiful, crystal blue waters.
Albufeira is best-known for its status as a sun-and-fun beach resort city, attracting over 300,000 people every year. The historic Old Town is packed with buildings many hundreds of years old. Just up the road is the popular road known colloquially as `The Strip;` with lots of shops, restaurants and bars, it is a tourist`s dream.
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