5 Destinations Between Lisbon and Porto

Victoria Ruzzo
Jun 25
3 min read

Updated: Jun 26

Lisbon and Porto are two of the most popular stops for first time visitors to Portugal. While there is plenty to love in and around those cities, why not make the trip between them even more fulfilling? Embark on a journey along Portugal’s stunning coast, and encounter storybook palaces, medieval towns, coastal legends, and even canals lined with gondola-like boats. Here are five essential stops you’ll want to savor between your stays in Lisbon and Porto.

Sintra and Cascais

Just a short drive from Lisbon, the twin gems of Sintra and Cascais are the perfect way to spend a day outside of the city. Sintra is a village that looks like it was pulled from the pages of a fantasy novel. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, this historic town is nestled among lush hills and often shrouded in mist which adds to the magical feel. Don’t miss the fairytale-like Palácio da Pena, perched high above the town, showcasing bold colors and 19th-century Romanticism. A visit to Quinta da Regaleira, with its mysterious initiation well and ornate gardens, feels like stepping into a Dan Brown novel. End your time in Sintra with a stroll by the Palácio de Seteais, now a luxury hotel, but still echoing the elegance of royal life.

Next, head down to the coast to explore Cascais, once a humble fishing village and now one of the most sophisticated seaside resorts in the Lisbon area. With its elegant marina, sunny bay, and scenic walkways along the ocean, it’s easy to see why artists and surfers alike have been drawn here for generations.

Óbidos

Less than an hour from Lisbon, you’ll find Óbidos, a medieval village frozen in time. Surrounded by well-preserved castle walls and filled with whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets, Óbidos is small but overflowing with charm and history.

The village was once a royal gift - literally! In 1282, King Dinis offered it to Queen Isabel as a wedding present, setting a romantic tone that still lingers today. Walk the fortified walls for sweeping views, pop into local artisan shops, and don’t leave without trying a shot of ginjinha, a sweet cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup.

Nazaré

Nazaré is one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in all of Europe. While it has long been known as a traditional fishing village, Nazaré has gained worldwide fame for something much more extreme - giant waves. In 2011, surfer Garrett McNamara rode a wave over 23 meters high here, earning a Guinness World Record and putting Nazaré on the global surfing map. Head to Praia do Norte (North Beach) and stand at the cliff-top Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo, where you can watch surfers take on some of the biggest waves on earth - especially during winter swell season. For a gentler side of Nazaré, enjoy fresh seafood along the beachfront or explore the old town’s steep, narrow streets with panoramic ocean views.

Coimbra

Midway between Lisbon and Porto lies Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290. This is a city where history and modernity live side by side. At its heart is the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss the Joanina Library known for both its historical collections and its grandeur Baroque architecture. or the ceremonial Chapel of São Miguel. Stroll through the upper old town, filled with academic tradition, and then descend to the riverside where cafes and modern life pulse with a relaxed pace. Whether you’re a lover of literature, architecture, or just beautiful cities, Coimbra is a cultural treasure.

Aveiro and Costa Nova

As your road trip nears its end, make one final stop in Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal." Crossed by tranquil canals and navigated by Moliceiros - colorful, gondola-like boats once used for seaweed harvesting - Aveiro feels whimsical and unique. Take a ride through the canals, past Art Nouveau facades and tiled houses that shimmer in the sunlight. Don’t forget to sample ovos moles, a local sweet treat made from egg yolk and sugar, typically shaped like seashells and boats - a delicious bite of Portuguese tradition.

Just a short drive away lies Costa Nova, a seaside paradise famous for its striped wooden houses, painted in bright hues of red, green, blue, and yellow. Originally used by fishermen, these homes now create one of Portugal’s most iconic beach scenes.

It’s the perfect place to breathe in the Atlantic breeze before heading into Porto, heart full of memories and perhaps a box of ovos moles in hand.