The ultimate road trip to Lisbon – a three-week itinerary
Don’t you love a good old road trip? The changing scenery, different regions, variety of food and maybe even other languages. Turn up the radio with the best sing-a-long-songs or put on a podcast. And with good company, no road is long enough. Being on a road trip is not about getting as quickly as possible to your next destination. The trip itself is the journey, the adventure. One of my favorite road trips is the road from the Netherlands all up to the West of Europe, Lisbon, Portugal. Especially if you decide to get off the highway and take the scenic road. Through the French vineyards, the Spanish desert, and the Portuguese coastline. Wondering which route to take? In this blog the ultimate road trip to Lisbon, starting from the Netherlands. But you can also start your route from the first point, San Sebastian.
Starting your adventure
Due to the limitation of time, make your way to the border of France. If you have more than three weeks, you can enjoy the art in Paris. Or make a stop in Bordeaux, a vivid student town. Along the way enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the cute towns, you can’t go wrong in France.
First stop – Eat your way around foodies paradise San Sebastian
Make sure to stay at least two days in this place. Otherwise, you might regret it. San Sebastian is a true foodies paradise. We unexpectedly loved to eat our way around this town. We enjoyed the beaches, yes, they have two in the city center. There is a lot to see in San Sebastian such as museums, churches, and much more. If you have the energy, you can enjoy some amazing views from the top of the town.
If you want to learn more about the heart of San Sebastian, the pintxos, you need to go on a food tour. The best in town is Eat one Feed one. Why you ask? Because firstly, for every person who joins a tour, they donate a meal to someone in need. You eat one, you feed one, get it? Secondly, the tour is never the same. Thirdly, the guides are specialized, enthusiastic and just fun to be with. At the same time, you do not only learn and taste food, you learn more about the history of San Sebastian.
Second stop – Visit a soccer match or cultural stop at the Guggenheim in Bilbao
During your road trip make also a quick stop at Bilbao. Completely different from San Sebastian. Much bigger, much more city feeling like. Walk around the city. Old and new meet in Bilbao. Bilbao also has a pintxo scene, not as good as San Sebastian, but still delicious.
Once you are in Bilbao visit the Guggenheim, even if you do not like museums. The architecture is fantastic. The surroundings are beautiful. Take your time to walk around and discover the park. Watch from the outside the people enjoying the museum. Another great activity is to have a local experience. For this, watch a soccer match in the stadium. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Third stop – The best walk in Portugal
One of the best walks and one of my favorites is the “Os Passadiços Do Paiva”. This walk is a bit over an hour drive from Porto. It is a walk of 8 kilometers. You can do it in a couple of hours or make a whole day out of it and enjoy a bit more of the surroundings. It is not a too difficult track. Having said that, there are a lot of stairs and climbing involved. It is all worth it if you have a good condition. This walk is surrounded by unique beautiful landscapes. If you have an extra day, do the best walk of Portugal.
Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal
This is a vibrant town. And thanks to its small network of picturesque canals dubbed the Venice of Portugal. Worth a stop if you are making your way to Coimbra. Aveiro the Venice of Portugal. Watch the boats cruising around the canals. Walk around the city center. Visit the churches, stores, and markets. Make sure to stop at the beautiful train station. Enjoy a fresh grilled fishie. End your day at the beach to enjoy the sunset.
Fourth stop – The vivid student town Coimbra
Coimbra is the student town with one of the oldest universities in the world. But much more history can be found in this town. It is a vivid place due to all the students. It used to be the capital of Portugal and is now known for its academic performance. Make sure to wander around for a day or two.
Surfing the highest waves in the world
From Coimbra go further south to the capital of Portugal. On your way make a stop at Nazaré. An old fisherman’s town. Famous for its waves, a real surfers place. During the summer the waves are not as big as during autumn. But if you dare and if you are lucky, you can almost surf waves of 30 meters in height. 26,21 meters to be precise, is the current record. That is the same as 86 feet. Go to Nazaré for surfing the highest waves in the world. For the non-surfers, enjoy the beach and another beautiful sunset. Because can you ever get enough of those?
Fifth stop – Wander around the beautiful capital, Lisbon
Lisbon is getting more and more attention from tourists. Yes, it is getting more crowded, but Lisbon deserves this attention. I love this city and I know you will love it as well. Lisbon is a very old and authentic city. Lisbon is an absolute foodies paradise. With tons of restaurants, cafes, diners, and much more. Lisbon is known for its many sun-hours. So why would you not go? The “Lisbonetas” are friendly and always ready to help. Even if their English is not perfect. Wander around the beautiful capital. And then there is this whole vibe and feeling in this town. But that is something you need to find out by yourself.
Sixt stop – Go off the grid in the Alentejo
The biggest region of Portugal and very diverse. From cities to beaches, to the dry inlands and the vineyards. It can be a bit warm during summer, you can opt for a place with a pool or nearby the beach to cool down. This is the place you can really go off the grid. Just to relax and chill. For real daredevils, turn off your phone. Be in the moment.
Seventh stop – Go to Valencia. A city that does have it all
The adventure in Portugal comes to an end. Because you are going back to Spain. This time to Valencia. Such a cool place, a city that does have it all. Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city, and it is magnificent. A wonderfully livable place with thriving cultural, eating, and nightlife scenes. Make sure to spend a couple of days here, because there is a lot to see and do. You don’t want to haste around, do you? In Valencia there is still time to relax. Because Valencia has beaches, accessible by bike from the city center. So, enjoy them!
Last but not least, sipping bubbles in Epernay
It must be 5 o’clock somewhere. Time to end your European road trip with a BANG! Go to the champagne region, sipping bubbles in Epernay. Champagne is not only for special occasions, but it can also go with almost anything. Go from champagne house to champagne house. Reliving your holidays. Making next plans.
It is a wrap
The ultimate road trip to Lisbon and back home has come to an end. There are a million ways to Rome or in this case to Lisbon. This itinerary is just one option of the many. Yet, this is an option with a lot of variety. From food stops to adventurous walks to beautiful cities but also the opportunity to relax on the beach. It is a wrap!