Portugal: Roundtrip Lissabon

This route suggestion from our rental partner Hostel on Wheels combines beaches and relaxation with the cultural and culinary highlights of the Alentejo. From Lisbon, you'll travel along Portugal's beautiful west coast before heading inland. Here, you'll discover a completely different side of Portugal, with historic villages, local traditions and impressive landscapes.

Day 1: Lisbon – Fonte da Telha, approx. 25 km / 16 miles – 30 min
Take some time to explore Lisbon before hitting the road. Start at Parque Eduardo VII and walk via Marquês de Pombal Square toward Avenida da Liberdade. Be sure to visit the historic Belém district, which is closely connected to Portugal's Age of Discovery. Afterwards, cross the Tagus River via the impressive Ponte 25 de Abril and head toward Costa da Caparica and Fonte da Telha. With miles of sandy beaches, this is a wonderful place to end your first day.

Day 2: Fonte da Telha – Porto Covo, approx. 180 km / 112 miles – 4 hours
Travel south toward Sesimbra and Palmela. The Setúbal region is known for its Moscatel de Setúbal wine and the local Tortas de Azeitão pastries. Continue through the beautiful Serra da Arrábida, with its green hills and wonderful coastal views. From Setúbal, you can take the ferry to the Tróia Peninsula. Then continue via Carvalhal along the Atlantic coast to Porto Covo. Around this charming fishing village, you'll find several beautiful beaches, including the popular Praia Grande.

Day 3: Porto Covo – Mina de São Domingos, approx. 210 km / 130 miles – 4 hours
Follow the coast toward Vila Nova de Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar before leaving the Atlantic Ocean behind and heading inland into the Alentejo. Stop in Castro Verde along the way and then visit Mértola, a historic town on the Guadiana River with a castle overlooking the old town. At the end of the day, continue to Mina de São Domingos, where you can spend the night close to the river beach of Tapada Grande.

Day 4: Mina de São Domingos – Évora, approx. 180 km / 112 miles – 4 hours
Today you'll explore the area around the enormous Alqueva Lake. Make stops in places such as Mourão and Monsaraz along the way. This picturesque walled village sits high above the surrounding landscape and offers beautiful views across the Alentejo and Alqueva Lake. Continue to Évora, where the historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with monuments, narrow streets and inviting restaurants. Évora is also an excellent place to discover the food and wines of the Alentejo.

Day 5: Évora – Marvão, approx. 200 km / 124 miles – 4 hours
Your first stop is Estremoz, a town known for the marble quarried throughout the surrounding region. Continue to Elvas, close to the Spanish border. The city's impressive star-shaped fortifications are among the best preserved in Europe and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Then continue to Marvão. This historic fortified village is spectacularly located high on a mountain ridge. Wander through its narrow streets and visit the castle for beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Day 6: Marvão – Fluviário de Mora, approx. 200 km / 124 miles – 4 hours
Start the day in Castelo de Vide, a charming town with whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets and a castle. Then travel via Nisa, known for its local Queijo de Nisa cheese, toward Ponte de Sôr. Continue past the Montargil and Maranhão reservoirs. This peaceful area is perfect for hiking, water sports or simply enjoying the quiet landscapes of the Alentejo. Travel via historic Avis before arriving at Fluviário de Mora, your final destination for today.

Day 7: Fluviário de Mora – Lisbon, approx. 110 km / 68 miles – 1.5 hours
After a week filled with Atlantic beaches, historic villages, castles and the vast landscapes of the Alentejo, it's time to return to Lisbon. Today's drive is relatively short, giving you plenty of time to travel back at a relaxed pace and bring your RV adventure to a comfortable end.

Remember, this is just a sample itinerary and you can customize it to suit your interests and available time. Distances and driving times are approximate and may vary depending on your chosen route and stops along the way.