Roadtrip Portugal van Porto naar Albufeira in drie weken

About the destination: Situated on a dramatic valley cut by River Douro, Porto is known for the beauty of its building and the sweet taste of is wine. The hub of the city is Avenida dos Aliados, a wide avenue encircle by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. Nonetheless, the most alluring part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe’s most graceful bridges span the gorge. Busy Praça da Liberdade and the adjoining Avenida dos Aliados make up the centre of town, where statues stand in the centre of busy mosaic walkways. Nearby rises Porto’s great cathedral, a colossal, fortified Romanesque structure whose heavy granite foundations, thick walls and tiny windows enclose a gloomy interior. The Ribeira stretches along the river, skirted by a wonderful quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto’s most characteristic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, offers a panorama of the city from atop its 240 steps. No visit to Porto would be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. And a visit to the amazing Lello library with its spiral staircase, is a must see as well, even if you are not a Harry Potter’s fan.

About the destination: Situated on a dramatic valley cut by River Douro, Porto is known for the beauty of its building and the sweet taste of is wine. The hub of the city is Avenida dos Aliados, a wide avenue encircle by Praça General H. Delgado and Praça da Liberdade. Nonetheless, the most alluring part of the city is Ribeira, the river district and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where three of Europe’s most graceful bridges span the gorge. Busy Praça da Liberdade and the adjoining Avenida dos Aliados make up the centre of town, where statues stand in the centre of busy mosaic walkways. Nearby rises Porto’s great cathedral, a colossal, fortified Romanesque structure whose heavy granite foundations, thick walls and tiny windows enclose a gloomy interior. The Ribeira stretches along the river, skirted by a wonderful quay filled with shops and restaurants. Porto’s most characteristic monument, the ornate Torre dos Clérigos, offers a panorama of the city from atop its 240 steps. No visit to Porto would be complete without a stop at some of the many bodegas, wine lodges, where port is stored and bottled. And a visit to the amazing Lello library with its spiral staircase, is a must see as well, even if you are not a Harry Potter’s fan.

About the destination: The Douro Valley could also be called an enchanted valley due to the beauty and enchantment that its landscapes offer. Departing from Porto, where the river flows and where the Douro and Porto wines are produced, we can get to know this Cultural Landscape, classified as World Heritage: by road, by train, on a cruise ship, or even by helicopter. None of them will leave us indifferent. On a journey through the viewpoints that offer the best views, we will have to cross the river from north to south and vice versa. But on the way we can admire stunning views over the river and visit vineyards, towns and villages until we reach Miranda do Douro, where the river enters Portugal.

About the destination: Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal. Together with the Serra da Lousã it is the westernmost constituent range of the Sistema Central and also one of the highest in the system. It includes mainland Portugal's highest point at 1,993 metres (6,539 feet) above mean sea level (although the summit of Mount Pico in the Portuguese Azores islands is higher). This point is not a distinctive mountain summit, but rather the highest point in a plateau, being known as Torre ("Tower" in English). Torre is an unusual summit in that it is accessible by a paved road. The peak has a topographic prominence of 1,204 m (3,950 ft) and its parent peak is Pico Almanzor, in Spain. The mountain range, situated between the municipalities of Seia, Manteigas, Gouveia, Guarda and Covilhã, is about 100 kilometres (60 miles) long and is 30 km (19 mi) across at its widest point. It is formed from a huge granite ridge that once formed the southern frontier of the country. The mountain range is now part of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and offers skiing opportunities in the ski resort of Loriga, Seia Municipality.

About the destination: Gouveia is a Portuguese city belonging to the Guarda District, statistical region of the Center and subregion of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, with about 3,900 inhabitants.

About the destination: Coimbra is a town of steep, tiered streets winding above the River Mondego. No city in Portugal, except Lisbon, can compare with this university town in cultural and historical importance. Founded in 1290, the university has long been Portugal’s foremost centre of learning. If you can, come during the Queima das Fitas in early May, a raucous weeklong celebration featuring live music every night. Climb the stairs under the Moorish Arco de Almedina into the upper district of the city and the Old University, with its museum, chapel and library. A few steps outside the historic centre there is the city’s cosmopolitan side, a modernized waterfront with riverside restaurants, chic terrace bars and trendy shops. This charming town, full of Portuguese culture, is set amid a splendid old town of historic churches and medieval alleyways, with the buzz of student life all around.

About the destination: Cascais is a small beach town in Portugal next to Estoril coast in the greater Lisbon area. Cascais, former residence of the royal family and pioneer of tourism in Portugal, is a very charming village. Dominated by the bay and the imposing Cidadela fort, the historic centre is brimming with architectural treasures of a religious, military and civil nature. Likewise, the museums of the Sea, Casa das Histórias de Paula Rego, and the Municipal Museum Condes de Castro Guimarães are also must-see attractions. Cascais is surrounded by popular beaches, such as Guincho Beach to the west, and the lush Sintra mountains to the north. Some of its shoreline is cliff-y, attracting tourists for its seascapes and other natural sights such as the Boca do Inferno. It is also becoming a popular golf destination, with over 10 golf courses nearby. Surfing, sailing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are also popular in the region around Cascais due to favourable weather, wind, and sea conditions. In 2007, Cascais was the official host of the ISAF World Championship in sailing for dinghies and racing yachts.

About the destination: Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills due to its location, the city spreads across steep hillsides that overlook the Rio Tajo. Romantic and cosmopolitan, the city presents its typical red roofs to the visitors that want to get to know its every inch. Lisbon surprises with its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. The Portuguese capital offers lots of museums, libraries, a huge port, churches and palaces and stunning views of the Rio Tajo Lisbon was considered a poor and chaotic city. Currently it has experienced a resurgence in the style of the XIV and XV centuries, when it was part of that vast empire stretching from Brazil to India. The reason for this was the World Expo held in 1998, a new bridge over the Tagus was built and the network of underground of the city was remodeled. The resurgence of the city then continued to host several matches during Euro in 2004, also held there the Delivery Music Awards (MTV) in 2005. Many of its most beautiful buildings date from the XIV and XV centuries, especially the ones located in the Belem district. There are also many buildings from the XVIII century, which are located mostly in the Baixa area of central Lisbon and were reconstructed almost completely after a devastating earthquake that hit the town in 1755. The historic center of the city, standing on Las Siete Colinas, presents steep streets and picturesque alleys. On the west side of the city, there is Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon’s lung, with an area of 10 km and one of the largest in Europe. The capital’s majestic port has 3 docks commonly used for several cruises and it is, currently, the busiest port in the European Atlantic coast. Lisbon is a city with centuries of history and with an ambitious attitude, marrying the historic with the modern, the traditional with the cutting edge. Strolling through the old quarters one can hear the traditional Fado sung and played in small restaurants in town. In the hilltop district of Bairro Alto, dozens of restaurants and bars line the narrow streets, with jazz, reggae, electronica filling the air and revelers partying until dawn. Nightclubs scattered all over town make fine use of old spaces, whether on riverside docks or tucked away in 18th-century mansions. Lisbon presents itself to the world as a cosmopolitan and lively city, with alternative for every taste, especially in the summer months when its many bars, terraces and restaurants are crammed with people.

About the destination: The medieval university town of Evora rises proudly from an endless plain punctuated by tough cork and olive trees. Coveted by a succession of empires, its labyrinthine streets shelter everything from Roman temple to a Renaissance palace. But above all, Evora stands as Portugal’s foremost medieval showpiece, with beautifully preserved, colourful tile facades on ancient whitewashed walls. All tucked away in a tangle of winding streets and topped off by balconies hung with potted plants and caged canaries. You won’t need long to understand why Evora is dubbed “the museum city”. From Praça do Giraldo walk down through the charming tiled houses, to the colossal 12th century Sé, the cathedral. Inside the entrance to the right are beautiful cloisters. From here you can climb the ramparts for an excellent view of the city. Next door is the Museu d’Evora, housed in an old bishop’s palace. Across the museum is Evora’s most famous monument, the 2nd century Roman Temple of Diana. Facing the temple is the church of São João Evangelista, the town’s best concealed treasure. One of Portugal’s most beautifully preserved medieval towns, Evora is an enchanting place to delve into the past. If you have time to visit only a few places in Portugal, make Evora one of them.

About the destination: Monsaraz is a civil parish (freguesia) of the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz, on the right margin of the Guadiana River in the Portuguese Alentejo region, near its border with Spain. The population in 2011 was 782,in an area of 88.29 km²

About the destination: The Beja District is located in southern Portugal. The district capital is the city of Beja. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Ovibeja. • Ruralbeja. • Casa das Artes - Jorge Vieira Museum. • Botanic Museum. • Queen D.Leonor Regional Museum • Beja Castle • Roman Villa of Pisões • Teatro Municipal Theatre - Pax Julia • Santo Amaro Church • Bullfight Square

About the destination: Monchique (Portuguese pronunciation: [mõˈʃik(ɨ)]) is a municipality of southern Portugal, in Faro District (province of Algarve). The population in 2011 was 6,045, in an area of 395.30 km2. The Municipality of Monchique is situated in the Serra de Monchique and together with the town of Monchique is a tourist destination. Attractions include a historic town centre, views from the two peaks of Foia and Picota, hiking, bird watching and biking. There are hot sulfur springs, with baths and health spas 6 kilometres (4 mi) south in 'Caldas de Monchique' (Spring of Monchique). Eucalyptus, cork oak, oranges, lemons, honey, olive oil, chestnuts, scissor chairs made from chestnut wood, black pork and black pork ham and sausages are the chief products. There are several small industries producing tourist artifacts that are sold in local shops, and medronho, a local brew made from distilled medronho berries (Arbutus/Strawberry Tree), is produced.

About the destination: Set along the sun-drenched Algarve coast, Lagos blends dramatic seaside scenery with a relaxed, small-town feel. Once a major port during the Portuguese Age of Discovery, today it’s known for golden cliffs, turquoise coves, and a lively historic center. Cobbled lanes wind past whitewashed houses, azulejo-covered churches, and remnants of the town’s medieval walls, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and welcoming. The coastline around Lagos is its greatest showpiece. Just outside town, Ponta da Piedade offers breathtaking rock formations, sea arches, and hidden grottoes best explored by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Beaches like Praia Dona Ana and Praia do Camilo are tucked between cliffs and accessed by stairways, while Meia Praia stretches for kilometers, ideal for long walks, swimming, and water sports. Sunsets here, with the cliffs glowing orange and the Atlantic fading to deep blue, are not to be missed. Beyond the beaches, Lagos offers plenty of culture and history. Visit the Igreja de Santo António with its gilded Baroque interior, or the former slave market, now a museum that addresses a darker chapter of Portugal’s past. The marina is a pleasant place to stroll, lined with cafés and restaurants serving fresh seafood—don’t leave without trying grilled sardines or cataplana, a traditional seafood stew. In the evenings, the old town comes alive with bars, live music, and street performers. Lagos also makes an excellent base for exploring the wider Algarve. Day trips can take you to surf spots on the wild west coast, charming inland villages, or other coastal towns like Sagres and Portimão. Whether you’re seeking beach time, outdoor activities, nightlife, or a touch of history, Lagos offers a balanced mix that suits both relaxed holidaymakers and more adventurous travelers.

About the destination:

Albufeira is een oud vissersdorp dat is uitgegroeid tot één van de meest toeristische bestemmingen van Portugal. Het is een drukke en gezellige badplaats met een heerlijk strand en een leuk centrum met vele winkeltjes, leuke bars, clubs en discotheken. Voor een complete vakantie zit je zonder twijfel goed in Albufeira!

Direct verbonden met Albufeira zijn diverse andere gezellige badplaatsen waar Sunweb leuke hotels en appartementen contracteerde. Praia da Oura is eigenlijk het nieuwe centrum van Albufeira; hier, aan de Strip, bevinden zich naast vele winkeltjes ook de gezellige bars en goede discotheken waar deze bestemming zo bekend om staat. Deze Strip loopt van Praia da Oura door tot in Montechoro. Aan de andere kant van het centrum van Albufeira liggen de wat rustigere plaatsjes Praia São Rafael en Praja del Gale.