Escape the Crowds: Off-the-Radar Road Trip

Suggestion for the day:

• Douro Valley Day Trip: A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking scenery, terraced vineyards, and production of Port wine. The drive from Guimarães takes about 1.5 hours each way, following the A4 route. Take a scenic boat tour along the Douro River, marveling at the steep slopes and the traditional "quintas" (wine estates) clinging to the hillsides. Sample some of the region's renowned Port wines at a local winery and learn about the winemaking process. On your way back to Guimarães, consider stopping at the charming town of Lamego, famous for its spectacular Baroque staircase, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Sanctuary.

Spend the night in Guimarães.

Suggestion for the day:

• Braga Day Trip: Explore the city of Braga (a 25-minute drive from Guimarães via the A11 route), often referred to as the "Rome of Portugal" for its abundance of religious sites. Start your morning at the Sé Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Portugal, and then visit the Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, accessible by a funicular railway and offering panoramic views of the city. Then, head to the Biscainhos Museum, showcasing a collection of regional artifacts and providing a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. Before returning back to your hotel in Guimarães and if you still have some time left, consider venturing further north to explore the Peneda-Gerês National Park, a haven for nature lovers with its cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.

Spend the night in Guimarães.

Bid farewell to the Northern Region of Portugal and start your way to the center of Portugal! Drive to Setúbal for about 4 hours following the A1 route and, on your way there, consider these detour options:

• Aveiro: Known as "Portugal's Venice" and famous for its "moliceiro" boats and the traditional "ovos moles"
• Coimbra: Home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal
• Fátima: The most important religious sanctuary in Portugal
• Sintra: Fairytale palaces like the Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, romantic gardens, and misty mountains create a magical escape worth visiting
• Lisbon: Portugal's capital is full of history that whispers from ancient trams, charming cafes, and vibrant hills overlooking the Tagus River. The traditional "pastel de nata" makes your stop here already worth it!

Suggestions for the day (after arriving in Setúbal):

• Visit São Filipe Fortress, a 16th-century landmark offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the Sado Estuary
• Wander through the charming Setúbal Old Town and visit the Church of the former Monastery of Jesus
• Relax at one of Setúbal's beautiful beaches, such as Praia da Saúde or Praia do Albarquel
• Finish your day with a delicious dinner featuring fresh seafood specialties like "choco frito" (fried cuttlefish) or "arroz de marisco" (seafood rice).

Spend the night in Setúbal.

Suggestions for the day:

• Tróia Peninsula & Nature Adventure: Drive south to the stunning Troia Peninsula, a protected natural area with pristine beaches and diverse wildlife. Here you have the chance to take a boat trip to observe bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat! Enjoy a scenic hike, bike ride, or drive through the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, known for its lush vegetation and breathtaking views.

• Or go on a Wine & History Exploration in Azeitão: Head east to the charming village of Azeitão, renowned for its wine production. Visit a local winery and learn about the traditional winemaking process. Enjoy a tasting of the region's renowned Moscatel and red wines. Explore the imposing Palácio da Bacalhoa, a historical estate surrounded by vineyards.

Spend the night in Setúbal.

Suggestion for the day:

• Sesimbra & Relaxation: Drive west to the picturesque coastal town of Sesimbra. Take this day to fully relax on beautiful beaches like Praia da California or Praia do Ouro, known for their crystal-clear waters, and explore the Sesimbra Castle, a 17th-century fortress offering stunning views of the coastline.

Spend the night in Setúbal.

Start your day early and drive to Tavira, in the Algarve. We recommend following the IP2 route to stop in Évora, in the Alentejo, where you can see the "Capela dos Ossos" (Chapel of Bones) and the Roman Temple. The drive from Setúbal to Tavira following this route will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Suggestions for the day (after arriving in Tavira):

• Visit the Tavira Castle
• Stroll around Tavira's historic center and charming streets lined with colorful houses
• Misericórdia Church
• Visit Camera Obscura, a unique attraction that uses mirrors and lenses to project panoramic views of the town
• If you have the time for it, take a relaxing boat trip along the Gilão River, admiring the lush vegetation and the iconic Roman Bridge
• Try the local specialties for dinner like the "Açorda Alentejana" (bread stew) or "Xarém" (corn porridge)

Spend the night in Tavira.

Suggestions for the day:

• Beach Bliss: Head south to the pristine beaches of the Tavira Island. Take a ferry ride to the island and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the beautiful coastline. You can also drive west to Praia do Barril, a beach famous for its colorful anchors marking the location of a former tuna fishing industry.
• or Drive North to the Charming Town of Mértola: A gem with a rich Roman and Islamic heritage. Explore the imposing Mértola Castle and wander through the narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses.

Spend the night in Tavira.

Suggestions for the day:

• Explore the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, a vast area with lagoons, sand dunes, and diverse wildlife. Take a hike or bike ride through the park's various trails and immerse yourself in the natural beauty
• Visit Faro, the capital of the Algarve region. Explore the historic city center, visit the Faro Cathedral, and wander through the colorful Municipal Market
• Alternatively, venture further west to Lagos, a charming coastal town with historical sites and beautiful beaches such as Praia Dona Ana, Ponta da Piedade or Praia do Camilo.

Spend the night in Tavira.

Thank you for choosing Portugal Getaways! As your journey comes to an end, drop off your car at Algarve Airport and catch your flight back home. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey home, and we look forward to traveling with you again soon!