Offering a cinematic mix of shimmering coastlines with rolling medieval hills and villages, Portugal is one of Europe’s most spectacular driving destinations. Perfectly sized for either a short day trip or a longer drive, Portugal’s inspiring road trips mean you can explore or relax to your heart’s content.
With an extensive fleet stretching from the vibrant northern city of Porto down to the golden shores of the Algarve, ROLZO makes it easy to pick a car and hit the road in this stunning country.
Journey from Porto into the splendid Douro Valley wine region
Explore the seductive streets, wine bars and neighbourhoods of Porto (especially the historic Ribeira district) and find out why it’s become such an alluring European destination in recent years. Located in the heart of the city, Le Monumental Palace is a fine place to stay before your journey into the Douro Valley.
The Douro river snakes through a patchwork of evocative landscapes and charming towns as you drive towards the beautiful sloping vineyards of the Douro Valley. Take the scenic N222 road as you leave Porto and enjoy the drive into the winding valleys, while making sure to stop off at the quaint riverside town of Pinhão to sample some of the region’s world-famous ports. And don’t leave the Douro Valley until you’ve driven up to the Casal de Loivos viewpoint and taken in some of Portugal’s finest countryside panoramas.
If you want to spend a night or two in that majestic region, stay at the beautiful Six Senses Douro Valley and unwind among the vineyards.
Explore the sun-kissed Algarve
With its crystalline waters, dramatic cliffs and charming fishing villages, Portugal’s Algarve is one of Europe’s jewels of summer. Rent a car and have it personally delivered at your convenience in Faro or Portimão before hitting the A22 highway to explore some of the continent’s most picturesque stretches of coastline.
Sample the sublime seafood of Tavira before heading to the lively town of Lagos and see its unique rock formations. With its beaches popular among photographers, the free-standing rocks and stone arches found here are strange, beautiful and unlike anywhere else in Portugal. For one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets, take the N120 over to the sandy paradise of Praia da Amoreira on the Atlantic coast.
Just a short drive from Portimão, the coastal splendour of the Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is an exceptional place to base yourself during your time in the Algarve. Set in the rusty red cliffs above Praia da Falésia and looking towards the turquoise coast, the secluded comfort of the Pine Cliffs Residence is perfect for a more relaxing stay during the busy summer season.
Discover Lisbon and the gems of Portugal’s southern interior
Famed for its iconic yellow trams, cobbled streets and superb gastronomy, Lisbon is a city that demands to be experienced for a day or two. Spend a night at the excellent Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon before having a car delivered and heading out to the quaint countryside dotted with historic towns and villages.
Drive out along the A6 to the well-preserved town of Évora (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and meander through its medieval centre, marvelling at the Roman ruins and beautiful 16th century golden age architecture. Take the E802 north into the vast Serra de São Mamede mountains where the ancient hilltop town of Marvão provides some of Portugal’s most breathtaking panoramas.
Get back on the road and drive west via the A23 to the scenic walled-town of Óbidos, before heading south to Sintra. Famous for the colourful Pena Palace castle soaring from the hills, Sintra’s historic centre and lush landscape make it an essential Portuguese experience. If you’re staying in Sintra then look no further than the spectacular Tivoli Palácio de Seteais Sintra Hotel.
Take a slow drive down to the coastal calm of Comporta
Lisbon’s a wonderfully vibrant city but when you want to unwind, there are few better places to relax than by the pristine blue waters of Comporta. Just over an hour’s drive from the capital, it’s located at the base of the Tróia Peninsula – a 13-mile-long, narrow sand spit made up of tranquil pine forest and a host of gorgeous beaches.
Hit the road and take the A2 south to Comporta where you’ll be met by one of Portugal’s most quietly chic resorts. Recognisable for its pastel-striped beach huts and glittering white sands, Praia da Comporta is one of the country’s most delightful beaches yet is still relatively undeveloped or awash with tourists. Drive 20 minutes south to Praia do Pego and watch the sun set at Restaurante Sal, with its fresh and impeccably prepared seafood.
Surrounded by cork trees and sand dunes, the secluded Sublime Comporta is a magical getaway with superb wellness options for optimum relaxation. Soak up Comporta’s natural beauty at Quinta da Comporta, a selection of beautiful villas and suites that’s focussed on sustainability and an authentic local feel.
ROLZO’S car recommendations
Take advantage of Portugal’s warm climate this summer by hitting the road in a BMW 8-Series Convertible. Or if you want to add some more speed to your journey, consider a Porsche 992 Carrera Convertible. For style, size and comfort during your time on the Atlantic coast, the Audi A8 is a fine executive choice. And for family trips into Portugal’s sweeping valleys, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a great SUV option for exploring those picturesque landscapes with added space.
From the rolling vineyards of the Douro Valley to the shimmering southern coast, the natural beauty of Portugal is best discovered by road so make it come to life with ROLZO this summer.
