Best Beaches in Portugal Road Trip: Lisbon & Beyond

Perhaps you've always dreamt of visiting the Riviera and the glistening waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Might we suggest that instead of emptying your wallet to visit the French or Italian Riviera, you give the Atlantic and Lisbon, Portugal a try? With its smaller crowds and enticing exotic beaches, a road trip in Portugal from Lisbon offers all the glamour without the price tag.

Because of Portugal's geographic location, it historically shares in the roots of Spain through its Roman and Moorish conquests which can be seen through its architecture and cultural heritage. Enjoy the lamenting Fado music that fills its cobblestoned streets, bask in the sunny stretches of sandy beaches. Pick up your Lisbon rental car with Auto Europe and explore Portugal, taking in the sites and exploring off-the-beaten-path vistas inaccessabie via public transportation.

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Best Beaches in Portugal Road Trip Day 1: Lisbon

Lisbon Events & Attractions:

Lisbon attracts millions of visitors per year, and for good reason, its charm is palpable with myriad architectural wonders, white-sand beaches, and a worldly culinary scene. Explore Lisbon by car and discover all the city has to offer at a pace that best suits your travel needs.

Lisbon Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife:

• A Baîuca: Features nightly Fado folk musicians, traditional Portuguese cuisine

• BA Wine Bar do Bairro Alto: Wine bar focused on local vintages (Vinho Verde, Touriga Nacional), tapas include charcuterie, cheese-plates, and bread

• Porto Alfama: Quiet intimate atmosphere, high quality tapas, and wine bar 

Lisbon Hotels & Lodging:

• Corinthia Hotel: 5-Star Hotel, awesome views of the Aqueduct and Monsanto Park

• Dom Pedro Palace: 5-Star Hotel, luxury hotel, turn-of-the-century interior design 

• Inspira Santa Marta: 4-Star Hotel, centrally located, short walk to major historic attractions

Best Beaches in Portugal Road Trip Day 2: Costa da Caparica

Costa da Caparica Events & Attractions:

Just a short drive over the Tagus River is Costa da Caparica, a relaxed beach town with many quaint cafes, shops, and exciting outdoor recreational opportunities.

Costa da Caparica Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife:

• Pelicano & Kikiriki: Located seaside, contemporary Portuguese meals in a quaint atmosphere

• Unik Lounge: Beachfront location, focus on seafood tapas (chocos, grilled giant tiger prawns)

• Borda d'Agua: Coastal grill, relaxed atmosphere

Costa da Caparica Hotels & Lodging:

• Residencial Mar e Sol: 2-Star Hotel, good value, smaller rooms, varied breakfast menu

• The Hotel Residencial Colibri: 3-Star Hotel, centrally located, quiet rooms 

• Hotel Real: 2-Star Hotel, ocean views, short walk to major beaches and town center

Best Beaches in Portugal Road Trip Day 3: Estoril

Estoril Events & Attractions:

Estoril is a fun, beachside town that impersonal packaged tours won't get you to. With a Portugal car rental from Auto Europe, you wont miss out on this resort that has claims to have inspired the James Bond story "Casino Royale." Yes, Europe's largest casino is found here and even for those who aren't gaming, it can be fun to don your finest and cruise through the club.

Estoril Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife:

• Restaurante Cozinha do Mar: Traditional Portuguese food, with a simple but elegant menu, and quick/friendly service

• Baiuka: Open-air beachfront location offering a simple, yet delicious menu of fresh seafood, wines, and salads 

• Azimut Restaurante Bar: Beachfront, grilled fish dishes, superb drink menu

Estoril Hotels & Lodging:

• Palacio Estoril Hotel Golf & Spa: 5-Star Hotel, luxury hotel, romantic ambiance, old-world feel, attached 18-hole golf course

• Saboia Estoril Hotel: 3-Star Hotel, centrally located a short walk from the major beaches, facilities include a swimming pool, bar, a gym

• Clube do Lago: 4-Star Hotel, located outside of town (Monte Estoril), facilities include a cafeteria and snackbar

Best Beaches in Portugal Road Trip Day 4: Cascais

Cascais Events & Attractions:

Considered one of Lisbon's most popular seaside suburbs, this cozy resort village has something for everybody - numerous idyllic beaches, a historic town center lined with old-world architecture, and a variety of shopping options.

Cascais Restaurants, Bars, and Nightlife:

• Fortaleza do Guincho: Ocean-view hotel restaurant specializing in authentic Portuguese fare, boasting one of the most comprehensive wine lists in all of Portugal

• Dom Diniz: Cozy and small family run restaurant focused on wine, cheese, and tapas 

• Restaurante Marisco Na Praca: Stylish, modern restaurant setting featuring locally caught Cascais seafood dishes  

Cascais Hotels & Lodging:

• Grande Real Villa Italia Hotel & Spa: 5-Star Hotel, luxury resort with two on-site restaurants serving both Portuguese and international cuisine, and impressive wine lists

• Quinta Da Marinha Resort: 5-Star Hotel, including a luxury resort and bungalow complex 4km from town center 

• Praia Mar: 4-Star Hotel, 100m from the beach and tourist shopping destinations, includes on-site restaurant and bar.

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