Looking for the perfect Portugal driving holiday? This Lisbon to Faro road trip is the one for you!
If you want a mix of exploring stunning historic cities and also relaxing by the beach then this itinerary is ideal because you get to hit up Portugal’s trending capital as well as the Algarve coast. Having lived in Portugal for a few years now I can promise these are must-visit spots.
You can, of course, reverse this itinerary and start your trip in Faro. If you’re doing that then consider extending your trip and driving on from Lisbon to Porto. As you can see, there is a lot to do in Portugal!
This itinerary would also work really well as part of a 7 or 10-day trip to Portugal with 1-2 days in each of Lisbon and Faro on either end of your road trip. This way you can already see many highlights during your holiday!
Driving from Lisbon to Faro
You could travel by public transport, and a car is not needed in the Portuguese capital but a car will let you explore the many beautiful towns and beaches along the way, especially in the Algarve.
You can hire a car at RentalCars.com for easy pick up on arrival in Lisbon, that way you know the pricing and car availability is sorted ahead of time. Click here to compare options on RentalCars.com
Be aware that there is usually a one-way car rental fee for dropping the car off in Faro.
Lisbon to Faro Road Trip Map
Instead of just driving between points A and B, you can also discover some amazing places on the way! Let’s take a closer look at a fun route between Lisbon and Faro.
Where to stay on your Lisbon to Faro trip
There is certainly no lack of hotels in the bigger cities in Portugal! There may even be too many choices, so booking the right place might be a bit overwhelming. More tourists stay in the Baixa area in Lisbon, as this is very close to the main sights.
Booking accommodations in Évora and Faro will be easier, as they are both much smaller than Lisbon.
Staying in the old town is always a great idea, as this is where more sights are located. All cities are very walkable, with many restaurants nearby.
Travelling by campervan is also very popular in Portugal. There have been some more restrictions in recent years, so remember to check the rules about where to park. Both the Alentejo and Algarve regions are perfect for nature lovers.
Lisbon to Faro Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Lisbon to Évora
Distance: 130 km
Drive time: 1.5 hours
First of all, don’t skip the beautiful Portuguese capital Lisbon! The city is famous for its Fado music, and you can try the original pastel de nata in Belém! The city of seven hills has a ton of sights, including a castle, cathedral, many viewpoints and USESO sights. Add an extra day to enjoy the Sintra palaces and Cascais as well!
After spending a few days in Lisbon, it’s time to travel to the next destination. And between Lisbon and Faro, your first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage rated city of Évora.
If you don’t have a car, no worries, there are regular buses from Oriente, and there is also a train service from Lisbon. The journey takes about two hours by public transport.
The historical city centre of Évora is classified as UNESCO World Heritage, so you can imagine there is a lot to see! So let’s start with the oldest of them all, the Roman Temple of Évora. It’s even one of the oldest in Portugal and it dates back to the 1st century A.D. next to the temple you can visit the Évora Cathedral. Climb up the roof for one of the best views over Évora!
There is also a slightly creepy sight to discover in the UNESCO city. The Chapel of Bones is literarily made up of skulls. This church has beautiful vaulted ceilings with frescos. And right next door, you can take a look inside the Church of São Francisco, too. There is no entrance fee for this sight.
If it’s time for something to eat and drink, you can find some lovely terraces around Praça do Giraldo. And speaking of drinks… Évora is located in Alentejo, a region known for its wine! One of the best things to do near the city is a wine-tasting experience. You’ll get to visit the vineyards and learn how the grapes turn into wine.
On this road trip we recommend spending one night in Évora, but if you can, stay a bit longer. Especially if you like seeing more of Alentejo’s countryside. Évora has a great vibe, too, making it an incredible city to spend some time in.
Day 2: Évora to Vila Nova via Alentejo
Distance: 180 km
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Cruising from Évora to Vila Nova via Alentejo is like taking a detour through Portugal’s heartland, where time slows down and the views demand your full attention.
As you leave Évora, the Alentejo’s rolling hills and vast vineyards unfold before you, painting a picture of rural tranquility that’s hard to beat. This region is a treasure trove for anyone who loves a good view with a side of history.
Alentejo is also known for its many cork trees and ancient megaliths. Many sights are nearby, such as Cromeleque dos Almendres. The stones date back to the 6th millennium B.C! If you want to know more about the Neolithic times, visiting these ancient sights with a guide is advisable.
Don’t miss the chance to stop by a vineyard or two. Trust me, the local wine is something you’ll want to write home about, and the folks there love to share their craft.
The road to Vila Nova is peppered with sleepy towns that are big on charm. Take a pit stop in one of these spots to stretch your legs and maybe grab a bite of some authentic Portuguese grub.
The Alentejo bread alone is worth the pause. Plus, these towns are where you get to feel the pulse of the countryside, with friendly faces and stories waiting around every corner.
As you wind through the Alentejo and edge closer to Vila Nova, keep an eye out for the olive groves and cork oak trees – they’re iconic around here. It’s a landscape that seems to whisper tales of the old ways, where nature and tradition blend seamlessly.
Day 3: Vila Nova to Lagos
Distance: 90 km
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Hitting the road from Vila Nova to Lagos is like embarking on a mini adventure through the Algarve’s best bits. This drive is only short but it’s a feast for the eyes, with every turn offering something new.
Starting off in Vila Nova, you’re in for a treat with the laid-back vibes and hidden gems around every corner. As you cruise towards Lagos, make sure to roll down the windows and let the salty sea breeze in.
First up, you’ll pass through quaint towns where you can snag a coffee and a pastel de nata for the road – because, why not? Keep an eye out for the stunning viewpoints along the coast; they’re perfect for stretching your legs and snapping some breathtaking photos. You’ll see cliffs that look like they’ve been carved by giants, alongside beaches so pristine, you’ll be tempted to take a detour for a quick dip.
Halfway there, consider stopping by one of the local markets. They’re bursting with fresh produce and local crafts – it’s the best way to soak up the Algarve culture. As you get closer to Lagos, the anticipation builds. You’re about to hit a town that’s the talk of the Algarve, known for its buzzing energy and gorgeous sights.
Day 4: Lagos
No driving today because the city of Lagos is worth a whole extra day. Lagos is the ultimate chill and thrill destination tucked away in the sunny Algarve. Picture those epic cliffs of the Ponta da Piedadediving into crystal blue waters – yeah, it’s every bit as Instagram-worthy as it sounds.
Start your Lagos story at Ponta da Piedade. Trust me, the views of those wild rock formations and quaint lighthouses are something else.
If you’re feeling adventurous then kayaking is the way to go. You can hire your own on the beachside or book onto a guided kayak tour. Paddle around to uncover secret caves and hidden beaches that are straight-up paradise found.
But Lagos isn’t just about natural beauty. Stroll through the town’s historic center where cobbled streets lead you past colorful buildings, cool cafes, and shops full of local treasures. It’s the perfect mix of culture and chill.
Need a beach day? Praia Dona Ana’s golden sands are calling your name. And as the sun goes down, Lagos doesn’t slow down. The nightlife here? It’s the perfect cap to your day.
Whether you’re in Lagos to soak up the sun, hit the waves, or just kick back in one of Portugal’s most laid-back spots, this town delivers big time.
Day 5: Lagos to Faro via Albufeira
Distance: 110 km
Drive time: 1.5-2 hours
If you are not driving the only option for travelling to Faro is by bus. There is no train service, and the bus takes around 4 hours. This is not a direct service, and the bus stops in places such as Castro Verde, Albufeira, and Quarteira before reaching Faro.
After travelling, enjoy a day at the beach first! Thankfully, the city in the Algarve region has plenty to choose from.
Faro is located near the Natural Park da Ria Formosa. You can simply hop on a boat and reach some fantastic beaches. Examples are Praia da Barreta, Praia da Barrinha and Praia da Faro.
Some beaches have sunbeams and umbrellas for rent, but the nature reserve is a great spot to enjoy stretches out beaches and raw nature.
If you like birds such as flamingos, it’s definitely worth taking an excursion at Ria Formosa. There are many more islands and beaches to discover, and your guide will be able to share a lot of information!
Faro is often overlooked, but the historical city centre is stunning! It’s the capital of the Algarve region, and there is plenty to see.
The history of the old town, Cidade Velha, goes back 2000 years! Enjoy walking around the cobblestoned streets and simply getting lost in the labyrinth of tiny streets.
You can also discover the city by taking a tourist train if you struggle to walk long distances.
In Cidade Velha, you’ll discover some highlights, such as Arco da Vila, a beautiful archway from the 19th century. Many storks built their nests on top of the arch, so maybe you can spot some.
The Faro Cathedral is also worth seeing. Construction started back in 1251, and it has seen many modifications. During the 1755 earthquake, some parts were destroyed.
Just like Évora, Faro also has a Skull Chapel! You can find this one in the church Igreja do Carmo. The church itself is covered in gold and has beautiful baroque architecture. The bone chapel contains the bones of more than 1,200 monks, placed in geometric shapes to decorate the chapel.
If you prefer to avoid skulls, the Faro Municipal Museum might be a better option. This is a fantastic place to learn more about the city’s history and civilisations from way back when. The museum is located in a former convent, and the building alone is worth seeing.
Besides the Ria Formosa, there are many other great places to visit nearby. Take a look at the coastal village Tavira, known for its Roman bridge and many churches! Or discover the castle of Loulé. In this city, you can also enjoy visiting the salt mines or joining another wine-tasting experience.
Not far from Faro, you can also see the famous Benagil cave. You can reach the cave by boat or canoe only, and it gets busy here!
To avoid the crowd, book your excursion as early as possible. There are even trips during sunset. Truth be told, it’s a magical place that is worth waking up early for!
Faro is also close to the Spanish border, and a day trip to cities like Seville or Cordoba is possible. When you drive between the two borders, you will also have permission from your car rental company to obtain an extra document.
In Short: Faro to Lisbon Road Trip
And just like that, your Lisbon to Faro road trip is at an end. What a journey, right? As a local now, these are hands down some of my favourite places in Portugal.
From diving into the buzz of Lisbon to chilling on the dreamy beaches of the Algarve, you can cover some serious ground on a southern Portugal road trip. The good thing about a small country is you can see a lot without spending too much time in the car.
If you kicked off in Faro and are now wrapping up in Lisbon, don’t forget you’ve got the option to keep the adventure rolling all the way to Porto. There’s just so much to see in Portugal, it’s insane!
Happy travelling!
Author bio: Marga is a travel writer and photographer who was a flight attendant and has travelled extensively for many years. After settling in Portugal, she started the Discover Portugal blog with insightful and engaging travel stories.
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