7-Day Road Trip Itinerary Portugal Coast (Starting & Ending in Porto)

I. Introduction: Coastal Dreams - Your 7-Day Portugal Road Trip

Explore This Itinerary

1. Introduction: Coastal Dreams - Your 7-Day Portugal Road Trip

2. Day 1: Porto - Discovering the Invicta City

3. Day 2: Aveiro & Costa Nova - Canals and Colorful Houses

4. Day 3: Nazaré & Peniche - Big Waves and Surfing Beaches

5. Day 4: Ericeira - World Surfing Reserve

6. Day 5 & 6: Algarve - Beaches, Caves & Coastal Exploration

7. Day 7: Return to Porto via the Coast

8. Conclusion: Embrace the Coastal Adventure

9. FAQ Section

Dreaming of a Portugal road trip? Specifically, a Portugal coastal road trip? Imagine exploring Portugal's sunny coast at your own pace. Feel the salty breeze, find hidden beaches, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. Picture waking up to the sound of waves, the sunrise painting the sky as you enjoy your coffee. This 7-day road trip itinerary Portugal coast, starting and ending in Porto, makes that dream come true. We've created the perfect Portugal self-drive coastal tour just for you!

Don't miss out on Portugal's most breathtaking spots! Download your free 'Top 10 Must-See Destinations' guide and start your adventure with confidence.

This Portugal vacation itinerary is all about hitting the road and seeing Portugal's amazing coastline. It's flexible! Stop whenever you see something beautiful and create your own Portugal adventure. From Porto's colorful streets to the Algarve's dramatic cliffs, this 7-day Portugal road trip coastal route shows you the best of the coast. You'll visit cute towns, relax on beautiful beaches, maybe try surfing, and enjoy Portugal's culture and food. This guide gives you a day-by-day Portugal travel itinerary, with must-see sights, fun things to do, and tips on where to camp. Are you looking for best coastal drives Portugal? This trip has them!

As Helen Keller said,

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."

This Portugal road trip is your chance for a daring adventure along Portugal's magnificent coast.

Ready to explore Portugal's coast? Let's get started!

II. Day 1: Porto - Discovering the Invicta City

Have you ever visited a city that feels like it's telling you stories from long ago? Porto is like that! It's an old city with a cool, modern vibe. Today, you'll arrive in Porto—it's even called the "Invicta" (unconquered) city!—a place full of charm. Imagine the fun of picking up your campervan, ready for your Portugal road trip. This is the start of your Portugal coastal road trip!

Morning

Your Portugal vacation itinerary starts in Porto! Arrive at the airport or train station and get your campervan. You'll feel the excitement as you pack your bags. Adventure is here!

Afternoon

Explore Porto's heart: the Ribeira district. It's so special, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site! Imagine walking through small, stone streets. The colorful buildings seem to hug each other. Each one shows Porto's history. The Douro River shines nearby. It reflects the city's energy. You must try Port wine in Porto. Imagine the rich taste as you learn how they make it. This is a key part of any Portugal travel itinerary.

Evening

As the sun goes down, enjoy a yummy Portuguese dinner. Think about tasting local food, like francesinha or fresh seafood, with a glass of vinho verde. You might hear Fado music playing. It makes the night feel special.

Accommodation

For your first night on your 7-day road trip itinerary Portugal coast, find a campsite near Porto. This makes it easy to see the city and get ready for your Portugal self-drive coastal tour tomorrow. Look for campsites with electricity and places to empty your campervan's waste. This will make your Portugal campervan road trip even better.

III. Day 2: Aveiro & Costa Nova - Canals and Colorful Houses

Have you ever wanted to glide along quiet canals, surrounded by bright colors? Today, you'll drive south from Porto to Aveiro. People call it the "Venice of Portugal." Water flows through the city, making it super beautiful. Imagine slowly floating on a Moliceiro boat. The sun shines on the colorful houses by the water. This is a great part of any Portugal road trip itinerary.

As J.R.R. Tolkien said:

"Not all those who wander are lost"

Morning

Time to leave Porto! Get ready for a pretty drive south to Aveiro. You'll be excited to see this special place, known for its cool canals and buildings. This is a fun part of your Portugal coastal road trip.

Afternoon

Aveiro is amazing! Hop on a Moliceiro boat. These boats used to carry seaweed, but now they're for tours! Imagine drifting along the calm canals. You'll go under cute bridges and see Art Nouveau buildings by the water. Afterward, go to Costa Nova, a small town by the sea. Imagine walking on the beach. You'll see houses with bright stripes. They're a happy sight! This is a great stop on your 7-day road trip Portugal coast.

Activities

There's more to do in Aveiro and Costa Nova than just see the canals and houses. You can relax and enjoy the coast. Imagine feeling the soft sand on the beaches. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the sun. For dinner, try some yummy seafood. Think about the taste of fresh fish, grilled just right. It's a real taste of Portugal!

Accommodation

Tonight, find a campsite in Aveiro. This will let you enjoy this area. Look for campsites that are peaceful, maybe by the dunes or the lagoon. This will make your Portugal road trip even better. Finding good places to stay is important for any Portugal travel itinerary.

IV. Day 3: Nazaré & Peniche - Big Waves and Surfing Beaches

Have you ever seen ocean waves so huge they look like they touch the sky? Today, you'll go to Nazaré. It's famous for its giant waves! Surfers come here to ride these massive waves. Imagine the excitement as you watch them try to conquer these mountains of water. It's an amazing sight! This is a highlight of any Portugal surfing road trip.

Morning

Get ready for a thrilling day! You'll drive to Nazaré. Picture getting more and more excited as you get closer. Nazaré is known for its huge waves. The salty air smells like adventure. This part of your Portugal coastal road trip is special.

Afternoon

Next, you'll drive to Peniche. It's another great surfing spot! This area has lots of waves and beautiful beaches. Picture driving along the coast. The tall cliffs look amazing next to the blue water. This is one of the best coastal drives Portugal has to offer.

Activities

If it's the right time of year (usually winter), you might see some incredible big wave surfing. Imagine the crowd cheering as a surfer rides down a giant wave. It takes so much courage! Even if the big waves aren't there, Nazaré is fun to explore. Walk around the cute town, feel the surfing vibe, and walk on the beach where surfing legends are made. This is a must-see on any Portugal road trip itinerary.

Accommodation

Tonight, look for a campsite near Nazaré or Peniche. Try to find one that's good for surfers. Imagine falling asleep to the sound of the ocean. It's a perfect way to end a day of adventure. Some campsites even have places to store surfboards and are close to the beaches. Whether you're a surfer or just love the ocean, Nazaré and Peniche will be a day you won't forget on your 7-day road trip Portugal coast.

V. Day 4: Ericeira - World Surfing Reserve

Have you ever felt the excitement of riding a wave, the rush as you glide across the water? Today, you'll go to Ericeira. It's a special place for surfers—a World Surfing Reserve! Surfing is a big deal here, and the waves are great for everyone, from pros to beginners. Imagine the sun on your skin, the salty spray on your face, and the awesome feeling of catching your first wave! This is a highlight of any Portugal surfing road trip.

Morning

Time for some surfing! You'll drive south to Ericeira. Picture getting more excited as you get closer. Ericeira is known for its amazing waves. You can smell the ocean and feel the adventure waiting. This is a must-see on any Portugal road trip itinerary.

Afternoon

After your morning of surfing (or simply soaking up the sun!), take some time to explore the charming town of Ericeira itself. Picture yourself wandering through the narrow, winding streets, lined with traditional whitewashed houses adorned with colorful accents. The scent of fresh seafood drifts from the local restaurants, tempting you to stop for a leisurely lunch.

Browse the surf shops, overflowing with boards, wetsuits, and all the gear a surfer could need. Imagine the laid-back vibe of this surfing mecca, a place where life revolves around the rhythm of the tides and the allure of the waves. Perhaps treat yourself to some delicious gelato and find a spot overlooking the ocean to savor the sweet treat while you watch the surfers continue their dance with the Atlantic. This afternoon in Ericeira is a chance to experience the authentic surf culture of Portugal, a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation on your Portugal surfing road trip.

Activities

Ericeira is a surfer's paradise. If you're a pro, you'll love it here. If you've never surfed before, you can take a lesson! Imagine standing up on a board for the first time. The ocean's power will push you forward. If you don't want to surf, Ericeira has beautiful beaches where you can relax. Imagine feeling the warm sand and smelling the sea. You can watch the surfers too! Ericeira also has a cute town. Walk around the small streets and see the white houses. You might find some cool shops and restaurants. This is a great stop on your 7-day road trip Portugal coast.

Accommodation

Tonight, find a campsite near Ericeira. Try to find one that's good for surfers. Imagine falling asleep to the sound of the waves. It's the perfect way to end a fun day. Some campsites have places to keep surfboards and are close to the beaches. This will make your Portugal road trip even better. Ericeira is more than just waves. It's a place to feel the ocean's energy and enjoy the relaxed surfing life. This is a highlight of any Portugal coastal road trip.

VI. Day 5 & 6: Algarve - Beaches, Caves & Coastal Exploration

Have you ever dreamt of exploring a coastline dotted with dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and beaches so pristine they seem to belong to a postcard? Today, you'll journey to the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, a place where the sun shines bright, the turquoise waters beckon, and every turn reveals a breathtaking vista.

"Imagine yourself cruising along the coastal roads, the scent of wildflowers mingling with the salty sea air, as you discover the Algarve's myriad treasures."

Morning

Prepare for a longer driving day as you make your way south to the Algarve. Picture the landscape changing as you approach this sun-drenched region, the anticipation growing with each passing mile. The promise of stunning beaches and dramatic coastlines awaits you.

Afternoon

The Algarve is calling! Imagine taking a boat tour along the coast. You'll see tall cliffs and cool caves, like the famous Benagil Caves. Sunlight shines into the caves, making them magical. Later, relax on one of the Algarve's beautiful beaches, like Praia da Marinha. Feel the warm sand and swim in the clear water. The Algarve is so pretty, you'll want to take lots of pictures!

Activities

The Algarve is a playground for exploration. Picture yourself embarking on a boat tour to the Benagil Caves, marveling at the intricate rock formations carved by the relentless waves, the sunlight filtering through openings in the cave ceiling, creating a magical ambiance.

Then, imagine yourself sinking your toes into the soft, golden sand of Praia da Marinha, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, the crystal-clear water inviting you for a refreshing dip. For those seeking adventure on foot, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. Picture yourself hiking along the clifftops, the vast expanse of the Atlantic stretching out before you, the rugged beauty of the Algarve landscape unfolding with every step.

Accommodation

For your two-night stay in the Algarve, we recommend searching for campsites strategically located near the beaches and attractions you plan to visit. Imagine yourself setting up camp with views of the ocean, the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep after a day of exploration. Consider campsites offering amenities like swimming pools, restaurants, and organized activities, enhancing your Algarve experience.

VII. Day 7: Return to Porto via the Coast

Have you ever felt a little sad when a fun trip ends, but also happy about all the cool things you saw? Today, you'll drive back to Porto. It's the city where your Portugal coastal road trip started. Imagine feeling good about finishing your trip. You've seen so much of Portugal's beautiful coast, from north to south! This 7-day road trip Portugal coast is almost done.

Morning

Enjoy one last look at the Algarve's amazing coast as you drive north. Picture the sun shining on the blue water. You'll remember the tall cliffs and hidden beaches. You could stop at a coastal town on the way back. Maybe Figueira da Foz? It has a long beach and great surfing! Or, if you like history, visit Coimbra. It has one of the oldest universities in Europe. You can walk around the old streets. This is a nice addition to any Portugal travel itinerary.

Afternoon/Evening

You'll keep driving back to Porto. Think about all the fun you had this week. Imagine seeing pictures of beautiful beaches, cute towns, and amazing views in your mind. They're all great memories! As you get closer to Porto, you'll see the city skyline. It means your Portugal road trip is almost over.

Practical Information about Returning the Campervan

Before you get back to Porto, make sure you know how to return your campervan. This might include where to drop it off, what time, and what you need to do. Imagine easily returning your van. It took you on a great trip!

Check with the rental company for instructions. Give yourself enough time to clean the van and pack your things. With your campervan returned, you can celebrate your awesome Portugal road trip. You had fun exploring and planned a great adventure! This is the perfect way to end your Portugal self-drive coastal tour.

X. Conclusion: Embrace the Coastal Adventure

Portugal's coast is amazing! It's like a beautiful painting with golden beaches, tall cliffs, and cute towns. This 7-day road trip, starting and ending in Porto, is perfect for seeing all the magic. Imagine the sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and the open road ahead.

From Porto's busy streets to the quiet beaches of the Algarve, this Portugal coastal road trip shows you the best of the coast. This Portugal self-drive coastal tour is more than just a trip. It's a chance to explore, discover, and make memories you'll never forget. This Portugal vacation itinerary is waiting for you!

Ready for something amazing? Don't just dream about Portugal's coast—go see it! Find the perfect campervan for your Portugal road trip! We have lots of comfortable vans for you to choose from. Start planning your Portugal adventure today! Check our Campers!

FAQ Section

Get ready to hit the road and experience Portugal’s stunning coastline!