t Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Experience Central Portugal
From Lisbon, head north on the A37 to hilltop Sintra. The conical chimneys of the 14th-century Palácio Nacional de Sintra herald the pastel-hued old town, which is surrounded by dewy forests.
Enjoy a light lunch at Saudade. The jungle-like gardens of Monserrate on the N247 were immortalized in Lord Byron’s Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. It’s not hard to see why he was inspired by them. Return to Sintra to spend the night at the modern Moon Hill Hostel.
Start the day with a visit to the amazing 19th-century Palácio Nacional da Pena, the bizarre former summer retreat of Portuguese royalty. Don’t forget to explore Parque da Pena – the romantic woodlands – which is home to quaint little grottoes. Your next stop is the former fishing village of Ericeira, which is a 30-minute drive away on the N247.
Have lunch at one of Ericeira’s fine fish restaurants before spending the rest of the day relaxing on the beach. The Praça da Rebública is always buzzing with the sounds of revelry in the evening.
After exploring the winding alleys of whitewashed Ericeira, drive the coastal N247 north to Baleal, a lovely islet village with a beach on either side of the spit.
Lunch on the beach, then take the IP6 to picturesque Óbidos, which was famously once gifted to the bride of a Portuguese king. Spend a night at the Pousada Castelo Óbidos hotel, housed in the town’s medieval castle.
Take the scenic route north to Coimbra via the historic abbeys of Alcobaça and Santa Maria da Vitória, and the bustling resort of Nazaré.
After watching the waves crashing on the beach, visit the Baroque church of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré. Join the E1 to continue your journey to Coimbra. There are plenty of busy bars in this historic city, but for a truly unique experience head to a fado club.
Coimbra’s ancient university was founded in 1290, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Don’t miss its Baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina.
Pick up all you need for a picnic and spend the afternoon admiring the impressive nearby ruins of Conímbriga. It’s hard not to imagine Roman life as you explore the country’s most important Roman site. Return to Coimbra for the evening.
Inland Portugal has some magnificent wild terrain, such as the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela. Take the IC6 to the park, where you can drive right to the top of the mainland’s highest summit, Torre.
After hiking one of the many trails that crisscross the mountains, taking in waterfalls, otherworldly granite formations and medieval castles, spend the night in sleepy Linhares in the heart of the park.
Head back to Lisbon on the A13 via the lovely riverside town of Tomar, stopping to explore the mighty Convento de Cristo, a fortress convent dating from the 12th century.
Back in the capital, take the clacking tram 28 up to Alfama and watch the sunset from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. End the day – and your trip – at A Baiuca, where sorrowful fado singers entertain you as you dine.
Experience Central Portugal
t Miradouro de Santa Luzia.