Northern Portugal: The perfect itinerary for a romantic road trip (1 week)

This road trip in northern Portugal combines a city break with a road trip, ensuring that you’ll never get bored but still have plenty of time to relax. The start and end points of this Portugal route are both Porto. There, you’ll first explore the best sights of this great city before setting off on your road trip along the Douro River, which promises plenty of exciting experiences:

• You will discover several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and experience a wealth of culture and history.
• You cross a spectacular gorge via a suspension bridge.
• You explore charming, lesser-known towns in the interior of the country.
• You enjoy the magnificent view from the vineyards of the Douro Valley.
• Of course, you will also sample the wines and olives from the region.
• You will also spend some time on the beach at the end of the route.

In my opinion, a road trip in northern Portugal offers the perfect mix of coastline, culture, nature, adrenaline, and wine. And the accommodations in the region leave nothing to be desired.

Matthias

I have planned this trip so that you only stay in three different places in total. This way, you can discover a lot in just one week, but you don’t have to stress about constantly checking in and out:

• From your accommodation locations, you can undertake individual tours without any stress.
• In the evening, you will have enough time to relax at the hotel.
• On your journeys from one accommodation to the next, you will discover many more highlights along the way.

Start and end points of your northern Portugal route

This route is planned to start and end in Porto (more precisely, at Porto Airport). The best thing about it is that there are direct flights there from most German airports.

Simply enter your departure airport and Porto Airport (code: OPO) as your destination in the search below and then search for cheap return flights:

Find flights to Porto ✈️

Rental cars for Northern Portugal

I recommend booking a rental car for this route. This will give you flexibility and allow you to explore the smaller towns in the Douro Valley at your leisure.

I recommend the airport terminal at Porto Airport as the pick-up and drop-off point. Rentals are significantly more expensive if you book a rental car at a location within the city. In addition, you can get to the airport quite cheaply by train. I found a cheap deal myself on the comparison website check24.

This northern Portugal route also includes two days of sightseeing in Porto at the beginning. Therefore, it is not worth booking a rental car for the entire duration of your vacation, but rather only for the day you plan to depart from Porto. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding a parking space in the city.

Here are a few tips for searching for a rental car via check24:

• Make sure that the Stiftung Warentest criteria are selected, because then you will only see offers without excess, with fair fuel regulations, and good reviews.
• I usually go for the best value for money option rather than the cheapest offer, because it often includes everything in terms of insurance.
• I recommend the additional coverage for “glass, tires, underbody, roof,“ even though the roads in northern Portugal are actually quite good.
• Make sure your credit card works locally and has enough credit available, otherwise you will have to pay more on site. The cheaper the rental price, the more will be blocked on your card. You will get this back at the end of the rental period if everything is OK.
• You should also have a genuine VISA or Mastercard credit card; debit or EC cards are not accepted. But check24 also provides tips on this when you book.

1. Porto

• Day 1 to Day 4: Arrival day + 3 nights’ accommodation
• Hotel tip: Exe Essenzia Porto – cozy modern furnishings in an elegant Japanese style; large rooms with modern bathrooms; varied breakfast; old town about a 15-minute walk away

You should allow yourself plenty of time for Porto. In two full days, you can see all the highlights and still have enough time to relax.

On the day of arrival, you will probably arrive in the afternoon or evening, so you may want to book three nights. On my last visit to Porto, for example, I arrived on Friday evening and stayed over the weekend until Monday. On Monday, I picked up my rental car and started my road trip.

You can find out what you should definitely see in Porto and get lots more information here:

Magnificent Porto – The best Porto sights and insider tips for your perfect city trip

Staying overnight in Porto

My hotel recommendation for Porto is the Exe Essenzia Porto, which offers very good value for money.

I stayed at this hotel myself during my visit and found the Japanese-style design and comfortable beds particularly cool.

2. Porto to the Douro Valley (Lamego)

• Day 4: Travel day

On day 4, you set off early in your rental car towards Lamego. Along the way, you make a detour to one of the longest suspension bridges in Europe. In the evening, you relax in the wellness area with pool at your hotel in Lamego after the adrenaline rush of the day and treat yourself to a welcome drink on the house.

Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is the source of port wine and even the oldest protected wine region in the world. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. The grapes grow here on terraced slopes and are then taken to Vila Nova de Gaia to produce the so-called red gold.

The Douro Valley actually consists of three sub-regions:

• Baixo Corgo (in the west)
• Cima Corgo (central)
• Douro Superior (in the east)

As you move further away from the Atlantic from west to east, the climate becomes hotter and rainfall decreases. The most famous port wines come from Cima Corgo. This is also where all the famous quintas (wineries) are located.

516 Arouca

The 516 Arouca is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. It is located in the UNESCO Global Geopark Arouca and spans 516 meters over the wild Rio Paiva river. Crossing it is a real adventure.

It is a so-called Tibetan suspension bridge:

• The running surface consists of an open metal grid with a transparent floor. So you can look straight down into the abyss.
• The structure is held up by two huge V-shaped concrete towers at each end.
• Although it is very sturdy, you can feel a slight movement when it is windy or when many people are walking at the same time.

You must book a ticket for the bridge crossing online before your arrival. You cannot book on the same day, so you will need to plan your visit in advance. When booking, you must specify a time for the tour to start and one of the two possible starting points (Areinho or Alvarenga).

The bridge is always crossed with a local guide. Most of the time, you will be traveling with a group of people at the same time.

There are two entrances, each requiring a different walking distance and with different parking lots:

1. Areinho: 1 hour from the parking lot to the bridge; steep stairs with a difficult climb, only for visitors who are physically fit
2. Alvarenga: 20 minutes on foot, easier route, but also with a few inclines

It is important that you arrive at the entrance on time. You should therefore allow extra time to walk from the parking lot to the bridge entrance.

Crossing the bridge itself only takes about 10 to 15 minutes (including taking photos and selfies). However, you have two options for returning to the starting point:

• Walk back the same way across the bridge and then back to the parking lot.
• By hiking and then by taxi to the parking lot

According to the guides, the best time to visit is in spring, around April, when everything is in bloom and there is much more water flowing down the river. But it is also worth crossing in summer or fall.

Viewpoint at the mouth of the Bestança River

Although there is no proper parking lot here, it is worth stopping briefly on the hard shoulder of the road to enjoy the view over the Douro Valley and, above all, the Viaduto da Pala.

Niche of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Another short stop on the journey through the Douro hinterland is this mountain with its statue of Mary at the top. From here, you have a fantastic view of the valley.

3. Lamego

• Day 4 to Day 6: 2 nights
• Hotel tip: Lamego Hotel & Life

Well rested after your day of traveling, you start Day 5 with a tour of Lamego. Be sure to visit at least the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. Then continue along the legendary N222 panoramic road to the picturesque village of Pinhão. If you are a wine lover, take a guided tour of a winery along the way.

Staying overnight in Lamego

My hotel recommendation is the Lamego Hotel & Life with a great wellness area in the middle of the Douro Valley.

I stayed there for several days myself, and it’s perfect for relaxing after an eventful day. My highlights at this hotel were the indoor pool in the evening and the restaurant area with its terrace and mountain views.

Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies

The Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios in Lamego is a true architectural masterpiece. A monumental Baroque staircase leads from the town up to the church on the hill, which was built between 1750 and 1905.

The courtyard of the kings is particularly beautiful with its many blue and white tiled walls (azulejos).

Panoramic Road N222

The N222 is one of Portugal’s most beautiful panoramic roads and runs right through the heart of the Douro Valley. The most famous section is between Peso da Régua and Pinhão. This approximately 27-kilometer stretch has numerous curves and runs along the riverbank. And Lamego is the perfect place to explore this section.

When you drive up into the mountains on the side roads of the N222, you can also expect spectacular views at every turn. I found one of the most beautiful views in Valença do Douro from the Miradouro de Nossa Senhora de Fátima. But there are countless other miradouros that are worth a short detour and a stop.

Wineries (Quintas)

It is also worth visiting one of the quintas, the prestigious wineries that produce the famous Douro red wine and, of course, port wine:

• Quinta da Pacheca: One of the oldest and most famous wineries.
• Quinta do Vallado: Founded in 1716, it offers traditional wine production and state-of-the-art architecture.
• Quinta do Tedo: “Boutique Quinta” and renowned for its organic farming.
• Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman): One of the most spectacular panoramic views over the valley

This is just a small selection. There are countless wonderful wineries, most of which you can visit. However, especially during the peak season and harvest time (September/October), you should definitely book a tour and wine tasting in advance online or by phone.

If you are staying at Lamego Hotel & Life, they can also provide you with lots of information and recommendations on which quintas in the region are worth visiting. In general, hotels in the region are happy to help you book tours.

Pinhão

Pinhão is a very popular destination in the Douro Valley. This village, which still retains its traditional charm, is located on a striking bend in the river and is surrounded by spectacular vineyard terraces.

Most visitors therefore take a boat tour here. There are numerous providers, and all you have to do is walk down to the harbor and choose a boat. However, trips on traditional wooden boats are very popular. These also travel upstream to Tua, which is not so easy to reach by car.

In Pinhão, it is also worth visiting the local train station. It is decorated with 25 elegant azulejos featuring motifs from the region and the grape harvest.

If you want to take a culinary break, visit the Cardanho dos Presuntos tapas bar. Here you can find plenty of local dishes to eat in or take away. One highlight is the grilled chorizo, which is flambéed and prepared at your table.

Another popular attraction is the olive oil museum on the mountain: D’Origem – Museu do Azeite. Here you can learn more about the traditional method of olive oil production and enjoy wine and olive oil tastings with spectacular views.

4. Lamego to Guimarães

• Day 6: Travel day

In the morning, enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading north. Wind your way along the winding country roads through the mountains of the Douro hinterland. You will pass some truly amazing sights and small towns. The destination for the day is the city of Guimarães, known as the “cradle of Portugal.”

Mateus Palace near Vila Real

One of my absolute favorite highlights of this route is the 18th-century Baroque Mateus Palace, just a few kilometers north of Lamego. It is an old manor house with huge, beautiful gardens full of elegance and grace that can easily rival the gardens in Sintra.

At first sight, I am transfixed with amazement. The gardens of Mateus Palace are so beautiful. Here, I lose myself in the labyrinth of intricately trimmed arched hedges and the impressive cedar wood tunnel, I breathe in the scent of fresh flowers and fruit trees, observe the reflections in the ponds and fountains of the gardens, and enjoy the view of the Baixo Corgo mountains and the sun-kissed vineyards that nestle around the area. Hours pass. But there is so much to see, hear, smell, touch, and taste that time seems to pass as quickly as the fluttering wings of one of the many butterflies in the garden.

Matthias

In addition to the garden with its vineyards, you can also take a look inside the old manor house and the chapel right next to it.

On the second floor of the house, there is a museum with furniture from different eras, paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, and a valuable library. However, you have to book admission separately at the entrance.

Amarante

Your next stop takes you back inland. Thirty minutes’ drive west of Mateus Palace lies the picturesque village of Amarante. It is best known for its massive granite bridge, Ponte de São Gonçalo. But the entire historic center of Amarante is worth exploring.

The Tâmega River is the heart of the town, and much of the action takes place along its banks. The Trilho das Azenhas circular walking trail is the best way to discover Amarantes’ sights:

• It’s best to start at the free parking lot “Estacionamento do Rossio.”
• Enjoy some time at the idyllic little beach Praia Fluvial das Azenhas.
• From there, a particularly cool stone path (Açude dos Morleiros) with cascading water leads directly over the Tâmega.
• From there, walk along the riverbank to Ponte de São Gonçalo.
• Then cross the Ponte de São Gonçalo and relax a little in the square in front of the imposing São Gonçalo monastery.
• From here, a staircase leads up to the Igreja de São Domingos, from where you have a great view of the square.
• Finally, walk back along the shore or through the old town to the parking lot.

In total, you can allow 2-3 hours for this short route, including breaks.

5. Guimarães

• Day 6 to Day 8: 2 nights
• Hotel tip: Eurostars Santa Luzia

Once you arrive in Guimarães, check into your centrally located hotel and head to the old town, where you can see the top sights until sunset. The next day, you’ll have time for a trip to Braga and to see more of Guimarães.

Staying overnight in Guimarães

My hotel recommendation for Guimarães is the luxurious but not overly expensive Eurostars Santa Luzia.

I stayed here myself during my own road trip in the region, and for me, the inviting lobby and the rooftop pool were the hotel’s outstanding amenities.

Braga

You probably won’t have enough time to see all of Braga. But a half-day trip to Bom Jesus do Monte is always a good idea. If you’re already in the region, I definitely recommend a detour to this magical attraction, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s only about a 30-minute drive from Guimarães.

The entire complex is designed as a spiritual path. Climbing the stairs symbolizes the purification of the soul from worldly temptations (the senses) in order to finally reach the divine virtues and the church at the summit. The staircase is divided into three sections. Each section has its own symbolism:

1. Stairs of the Way of the Cross (below): Depiction of Christ’s suffering in the chapels.
2. Staircase of the Five Senses (center): Here you will find five fountains from which water flows from the eyes, ears, or mouth, representing the five senses.
3. Staircase of the Three Virtues (above): Dedicated to faith, hope, and charity.

There are lots of details to discover here, and if you have enough time, it’s worth staying a little longer. If you want to stay overnight, there are three hotels right next to the basilica:

• Hotel Do Parque
• Templo Hotel & SPA
• Elevator Hotel

Free parking is available at the top of the hill next to Parque do Bom Jesus (Google Maps). There is also a parking lot at the bottom of the stairs (Google Maps).

6. Guimarães to the airport

• Day 8: Departure day

On your last day, your flight doesn’t leave until the evening. You still have enough time to drive to the coast and treat yourself to a walk on the beach near the airport and one last seafood meal.

Praia Castro de São Paio is perfect for this. Here, a wooden footpath runs along the coast, past the rocks between which there are small bathing bays with sandy beaches. The Restaurante Castro de São Paio is located directly on this path.

A road trip in northern Portugal from Porto through the Douro Valley is perfect for a week. Do you know of any other spots along this route that are missing here? Do you have any questions about my route? Feel free to write them in the comments.

If you are looking for more spectacular sights in Portugal, then this article is a good source:

Portuguese pearls: 30 amazing Portugal attractions for your Portugal vacation