627 Miles, 11:23 Hours, $103 Gasoline
Hotels
Lisbon
Sony A7R III
f/4.5
24mm
100
1/1000 secIn September 2023, I embarked on an unforgettable road trip across Portugal, a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. My journey began in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital. I explored iconic sites like the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, and immersed myself in the city’s lively atmosphere, savoring pastéis de nata from a local bakery.
Sintra
The adventure continued with a guided tour of Sintra, a town nestled among pine-covered hills. Its palatial residences, like the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its hidden tunnels and enchanting gardens, were nothing short of a fairy tale brought to life.
Lagos
From Sintra, I drove south to Lagos, a town in the Algarve known for its Atlantic beaches and stunning cliffside scenery. Here, I took a boat tour of the grottos, navigating the intricate caves and rock formations that make this coastline a photographer’s paradise.
Evora & Coimbra
The journey then took me through the historic city of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where I marveled at the ancient Roman Temple and the haunting Chapel of Bones. The drive was a scenic route, filled with views of rolling plains and olive groves stretching into the horizon.
Finally, I made my way to Coimbra, a city steeped in medieval history and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities where we stayed the river at the Quinta das Lágrimas.. The grandeur of the University of Coimbra, with its Baroque library and royal palace, was awe-inspiring.
Porto
The last leg of my trip brought me to Porto, a city famous for its stately bridges and port wine production. Strolling along the Douro River, visiting the Stock Exchange Palace, and tasting wine at one of the many port wine cellars were the perfect end to my Portuguese adventure.