Road trip from Lisbon to Faro: tips & hotels
April 19, 2024
Written by Lotte
The beach of Comporta
April 19, 2024
Written by Lotte
The beach of Comporta
If you're looking for something different than a stay in one place, why not opt for a road trip? A road trip from the bustling Portuguese city of Lisbon to the idyllic Faro in the Algarve is the perfect combination of a city break and a beach vacation. Wander through the charming streets, indulge in Portuguese cuisine, and discover beautiful beaches and unspoiled nature along the way. We'll provide you with the best tips for cozy stays along the route and must-do activities in the surrounding areas.
1.
Of course, there are various ways to drive from Lisbon to Faro, but our favorite is definitely along the coast. Since you're driving from north to south, you'll also be driving on the correct side of the road. Hello, beautiful views! To start your road trip off right, it's best to book a one-way flight to Lisbon, rent a car there, and return it at the end of the journey in Faro before flying back home from there. You won't need a car for the first few days, as you can easily explore bustling Lisbon on foot or by tram. Then, drive for 1.5 hours towards the charming Comporta, known for its vast rice fields and long stretches of white sandy beaches. You'll also find some great beach clubs in the Comporta region. After your stay here, continue south along the coastal route for 2.5 hours towards Sagres. Along the way, you can make stops at beautiful spots like Praia da Angra da Cerva or the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, where you'll find spectacular cliffs, beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. The days in Sagres are all about golden sandy beaches, great surfing conditions, fantastic restaurants, and an authentic Portuguese atmosphere. When you're ready for your next stay, drive for 1.5 hours towards the east, where you'll find the town of Tavira just beyond Faro. In this charming town, you can wander through quaint streets, enjoy Portuguese tapas, and visit unique boutiques. The last stop of the road trip is Faro, where you can return the rental car and - depending on your flight times - spend a few more hours wandering through the authentic city center.
1 / 2
2.
During your first stop in Lisbon, you can stay at Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel. Situated in the heart of the city, between the popular districts of Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Príncipe Real, this luxury hotel, opened in 2022, offers tasteful decor and views of the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint and the beloved Glória tram. During your stay at Palácio Ludovice, you'll be completely pampered, with the hospitable staff at your service every minute of the day. The unique location, an iconic gastronomic experience at Federico restaurant, wine tastings at the Porto Wine Institute, and luxurious wellness treatments at the Caudalie Boutique-Spa ensure that your stay at Palácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel will be unforgettable! While reading this, you might almost think you don't need to leave the hotel, but that would be doing bustling Lisbon a disservice. Pálacio Ludovice is located in one of the hippest and liveliest neighborhoods of Lisbon, making it the perfect base to explore the city. What can you do there? The Bairro Alto district is particularly beloved for its trendy shops and art galleries. You'll also find a vibrant nightlife scene that unfolds mainly outdoors and in cozy bars. Be sure to visit one of the beautiful viewpoints, such as Miradouro da Santa Luzia or the Park Rooftopbar. Lisbon also offers a long shopping street, countless charming coffee shops (like Copenhagen Coffee Lab), and historic landmarks. In the mood for a day at the beach? Then Praia de São Pedro do Estoril or the popular coastal town of Cascais are about a 30-minute drive away. Prefer a cultural excursion where fairy-tale nature, extravagant castles, and rich history converge? Then we highly recommend a day trip to Sintra.
Prefer a hotel with a pool in Lisbon? Then Browns Avenue Hotel is a good alternative stay.
3.
From the city life of Lisbon, you depart to a whole different world. Quinta da Comporta Wellness Boutique Resort is a sustainable holiday paradise in the village of Carvalhal, offering all the facilities to fully recharge. There's a beautiful spa with a sauna, hammam, and indoor pool, a yoga and meditation room, as well as a cinema and a modern infinity pool. The boutique resort consists of 61 villas, suites, and rooms with a bohemian-chic interior that seamlessly blends into the surroundings. Want complete privacy? Book one of the four exclusive pool villas, where you have your own garden with a pool and sun loungers. Sustainability is a top priority at this accommodation: electricity is generated by solar energy, and wastewater is collected and filtered for reuse in the gardens. In other words, you can enjoy a super-luxurious vacation here without worrying about the environment. Comporta's iconic rice fields, dunes, white sandy beaches, and pristine coastline invite you to engage in various fun activities such as surfing, horseback riding, and bird or dolphin watching. You'll also find Praia do Carvalhal, a beautiful and idyllic beach surrounded by dunes and enchanting landscapes with pine forests and rice fields, just 2 kilometers away. At the beach, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas and find some excellent beach restaurants. It's pure bliss! A visit to the village of Comporta itself is also a must. Don't be surprised if you come across a celebrity; due to its pristine nature, tranquility, boho-chic shops, and relaxed beach bars, VIPs also love this area. So, you definitely shouldn't miss out on this upcoming region.
1 / 5
1 / 4
The third stop of this road trip is another gem, especially if you're looking to relax. In the southwest of the Algarve, you'll find this beautiful design hotel with a spa and pool, not far from the sea: Praia do Canal. This comfortable and minimalist hotel is peacefully situated in a stunning natural area. You'll find the hotel near the village of Aljezur, with its spectacular views and cliffs. The hotel is also equipped with various excellent facilities, such as the crystal-clear outdoor pool with bright red comfortable sun loungers. Settle down here with a good book, and you'll completely unwind. When you're ready for even more relaxation, simply head to the highly acclaimed spa. Here, you'll find a heated indoor pool, multiple saunas, and a Turkish steam bath. There's also a fitness and yoga room, and you can book various beauty treatments. If you start to feel hungry, the hotel offers multiple restaurants to choose from, ranging from poolside snacks to a culinary à la carte menu featuring seasonal dishes.
If you prefer a slightly more active beach vacation, head to Hotel Memmo Baleeira in the slightly southern town of Sagres. This is the perfect spot for surf enthusiasts, as the area is known for its excellent surfing conditions. Additionally, the hotel also has its own surf school, catering to both beginners and advanced surfers. Ideal, isn't it? In the surroundings of Sagres, you'll find few tourists, offering you an authentic experience. The nature is stunning and unspoiled, and the beaches are clean and wonderfully quiet. Have you always wanted to spot dolphins? Keep an eye out as you walk along the coast or take a trip from the port of Sagres. In addition to surfing, swimming, and lounging on the beach, you can also explore various hiking and biking trails in the area. A beautiful hiking route, for example, is a section of the Fishermen's Trail that runs from Luz to Lagos. The village of Lagos itself is worth a visit, as are Alvor and Portimao.
Today, you continue your road trip heading towards your final destination, Tavira, before flying back to your home destination via Faro. If you haven't visited Lagos yet, be sure to make a stop in this village along the way and especially admire the beautiful viewpoint of Ponta da Piedade, famous rock formations along the coast with magical caves below. Once you arrive in Tavira, you'll soon reach Colégio Charmhouse, a charming boutique B&B where you'll receive a warm welcome. The golden sandy beach is just a few kilometers away. This delightful accommodation offers cozy rooms, a restaurant with a terrace where you can enjoy delicious breakfasts, and a swimming pool with a sun terrace. Here, you'll be pampered with homemade breakfasts and personalized service. Want to indulge in extra luxury? Book a suite with a private pool or jacuzzi! The hospitable owners of Colégio Charmhouse are happy to provide you with tips for the area, so don't hesitate to ask them any questions. They might just reveal some hidden gems. With just a few steps, you'll find yourself right in front of the medieval castle of Tavira, and the old town is within walking distance. In this old fishing village, you can wander through romantic streets and enjoy the traditional Portuguese cuisine. You'll also find various charming boutiques and several terraces where you can enjoy a refreshing drink. Tavira's beaches are on a long island just off the coast and can be reached by a short ferry ride. Here, you'll find golden sandy beaches and calm, tranquil waters, perfect for families with children! Praia de Tavira offers great facilities, such as a beach bar, restaurant, and beach chairs for rent. Grab a book and relax.
With this final stay, your road trip through Portugal comes to an end. And you'll fly back to your destination from Faro.
Feeling inspired for this exciting road trip? Let's recap the key details for you.
Of course, you can book the accommodations mentioned above directly by clicking on the links in the description.
~
Are you looking for a luxury boutique hotel or other special overnight stay in Portugal? Use our hotel search engine and find the best hotels that suit your needs.
