Scenic Routes and Drives in Portugal
Portugal is a country of diverse landscapes, charming villages, and breathtaking coastline, making it an ideal destination for road trips. Whether you’re winding through the lush vineyards of the Douro Valley, navigating the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, or exploring the fairytale palaces of Sintra, the journey is often as spectacular as the destination. Each route offers a unique glimpse into Portugal’s rich culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. For those looking to explore beyond the beaten path, these scenic drives promise unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to this enchanting country.
Douro Valley
Route: Start in Porto and follow the N222 road along the Douro River towards Peso da Régua and Pinhão.
Highlights: Winding roads through vineyards, wine tastings at quintas, and stunning river views.
Tip: Visit in spring or autumn for beautiful scenery and fewer crowds.
Lisbon to Sintra and Cascais
Route: Drive west from Lisbon to Sintra, then head to Cabo da Roca — according to Portugal’s official tourism board, the westernmost point of mainland Europe — and finish in Cascais.
Highlights: Palaces in Sintra, breathtaking cliffs at Cabo da Roca, and the relaxed seaside town of Cascais.
Tip: Parking in Sintra can be tricky; arrive early or consider a nearby lot.
Algarve Coastal Drive
Route: Explore from Faro westward along the N125 or A22 to Lagos, Sagres, and Praia da Rocha.
Highlights: Golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming coastal towns.
Tip: Avoid summer crowds by visiting in May or September.
Serra da Estrela
Route: Drive the N339 through Portugal’s highest mountain range, starting near Covilhã.
Highlights: Sweeping mountain views, traditional cheese shops, and snow in winter.
Tip: Check weather conditions if visiting in colder months.
Porto to Aveiro and Costa Nova
Route: A short drive south from Porto to Aveiro (the “Venice of Portugal”), then on to Costa Nova with its colourful striped houses.
Highlights: Canal boat rides in Aveiro and picturesque beaches in Costa Nova.
Tip: Parking is easier outside Aveiro’s city centre—walk or cycle in.
Alentejo Road Trip
Route: Start in Évora, drive through Arraiolos, Monsaraz, and finish in Beja.
Highlights: Rolling plains, medieval towns, and olive groves.
Tip: Bring snacks and water; the region is remote with few stops.
About Rent Anything
This article is published by Rent Anything. Here is what the service is, in case you arrived here from a search.
What is Rent Anything?
Rent Anything is a short-term and mid-term equipment rental service operating in Lisbon and Paris.
Equipment rental refers to paying a daily rate for an item you use and then hand back, rather than buying it or carrying it with you. A mid-term rental means that the booking runs for weeks or months rather than days. Five ranges are stocked: baby and children's gear, mobility equipment, remote-work tech, home and living, and travel and outdoors. In short, you travel light and it is waiting when you arrive.
How does renting work?
Four steps: browse the catalogue, book your dates, take delivery or collect, then return the item at the end.
Rates are quoted per day and fall the longer you rent, because every product carries a rate ladder, also known as pricing tiers, rather than one flat price. For example, a week costs less per day than a weekend does. A minimum rental period refers to the shortest booking an item accepts, and it is stated on that item's own page beside its live availability. According to our own how-it-works guide, there is no deposit at any point. Therefore the figure shown for your dates is what those dates cost, not a starting price. Source: How it works.
Where do you deliver?
Across Lisbon and Paris, including both cities' airports and the Lisbon Cruise Terminal.
Delivery refers to us bringing the item to where you are staying - hotels, Airbnbs, serviced apartments and private residences - rather than you finding a depot. Specifically, it is priced from the distance between our warehouse in that city and the address you give, so the fee appears at checkout. In addition, free cancellation means that a booking can be cancelled at no charge up to 24 hours before it starts. Simply put, you book the address you are staying at and we handle both ends. Source: Frequently asked questions.
In summary
Key takeaways
- Equipment rental in Lisbon and Paris, delivered to where you are staying.
- Per-day rates that fall with length. No minimum period, no deposit.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start date.
- Everything is cleaned and sanitised between rentals.
Live prices and availability for any single item are on its own page. Source: the full catalogue.
