Portugal on Wheels-The best road trip of your lifetime

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Portugal is a small European country, with an extensive coastline, has so much to offer you in terms of experience. Connecting several historical towns leading and to rolling vineyards in the north, it can be the best road trip of your lifetime.

Sort your Vehicle- You can opt for a rented car once you reach Lisbon. You can also go for a campervan as there are mesmerizing camping sites along the way.

Stop 1- Lisbon

You can reach the capital city from any major city in the World. Being the second oldest capital city after Athens, this place is a treasure of historical architecture. Once you are here, the trams will take care of the rest.

Highlights of Lisbon- Christ The King Monument, Commerce Square, Castelo de Sao Jorge, Parque Eduardo VII, Oceanario.

Stop 2- Sintra 

This magical castle town is a 30-minute drive from the Capital. Explore the Castle of the Moors, The Pena Palace, The Monserrate Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira which also has the infamous 'Initiation Well' for a fairytale experience. This town would no doubt feel like the set of a Disney movie.

Stop 3- Cabo de roca

From Sintra, this place is a 30mins drive toward the coastline. This is the westernmost point of the Eurasian landmass. Long ago people used to call this place "The End of the World". This cliff has a magnificent lighthouse. If you want a detour from here, Ursa Beach and the coastal town of Azenhas do Marl are the best options. The village town of Azehnas do Marl is on the edge of a steep cliff giving us mesmerizing views.

Stop 4- Peniche

Your next stop can be the beautiful coastal town of Peniche. It is built on a rocky peninsula and is a 2-hour drive along the picturesque coastline from the Cabo de roca. Here, you can indulge in water recreational activities here such as bodyboarding, windsurfing, and kite surfing.

Stop 5 Obidos

30 mins drive from Peniche, this is a medieval romantic town protected by a majestic wall. The famous 'Obidos Castle' is now transformed into a luxurious hotel.

Stop 6 Nazaré

Another 40 mins from Obidos, this place is recorded to have the highest waves in the world and thus this is a 'Paradise' for surfers. Or you can just spend hours looking at the gigantic waves from a platform.

Stop 7 Aveiro

This place is called the 'Venice of Portugal' and is a 2-hour drive from Nazaré. You can find scenic canals all over the city navigated by colorful gondolas. There are several architectural sites to visit here.

Stop 8 Porto

The second largest city of Portugal and the birthplace of Port Wine is an hour's drive from Aveiro. Explore this lovely city and visit a few museums around.

Stop 9 Duoro Valley

To the east of Porto lies the Douro Valley. Riding through the rolling vineyards of Upper and lower corgo, staying in the best resorts and having luxury wine tasting can be the best way to end this road trip on a relaxing note.