With Portugal on the green list for UK travellers it’s been catching the eye of many looking to escape for some last minute sunshine. 

Portugal is a beautiful country with a vast coastline that faces the Atlantic. It is made up of historic cities, scenic forests and stunning beaches. 

Fortunately for us, Portugal is also made up of spectacular driving roads with views that will take your breath away.

Below we’ve compiled a list of 11 roads and drives you can do.  

What are the best driving routes in Portugal?

Chaves to Faro

This is sometimes labelled ‘the Route 66 of Portugal’ and is a 450-mile tour of the nation. It takes in numerous mountain ranges, world heritage sites and countless gorgeous villages, towns and land.Peso da Régua to Pinhão

This 27km stretch of the N222 carves through the Douro Valley, adjacent to the Douro river. The route through one of Portugal’s wine hotspots has been named the best road in the world.

Funchal to peak of Pico do Arieiro

There are two routes on the Pico do Arieiro and both are sublime. Come up from Funchal and head back down towards Paso de Poiso, through the long tunnel on ER107 and the town of Curral Das Freiras.

Vale Formoso to Rua André de Resende

A gem in the country’s central north, this route cuts through the Serra da Estrela Mountains, dipping and ascending in tandem with the peaks.

Ribeira Grande to Lagoa, São Miguel island 

Yes, Portugal has islands too, even though they’re very far away from it’s mainland! This drive is the highlight of São Miguel island in the Azores. The spectacular road is matched by views of the entire island from the summit.

Covilhã to Seia (Serra da Estrela)A drive directly to the summit of mainland Portugal’s highest point, and an exhilarating road to boot! A detour along the N338 to Manteigas could be good, as it is also revered.

Rio Caldo to Spanish border

The best way to exit or enter the country, this relatively quiet stretch of road sweeps and curves for kilometre after kilometre.

Cascais to Praia das Maçãs, Lisbon

A spectacular, sweeping ride towards Cabo da Roca, the most western point of continental Europe. A full lap of Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais on N247 is also recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

Tortosendo to Unhais da Serra/Fundão

Plunge through the valleys on this spectacular route, while not forgetting to take in the purity of the Zezere River. Another great road around Serra da Estrela.

Alcoutim to Foz do rio Odeleite

An Algarve favourite, this narrow road is rewarding at the wheel and a feast for the eyes, through the Serra do Caldeirão mountains.

São Marcos da Serra to Monchique

An incredibly flowing, internationally-revered road in the area just north-east of the Portimao/Algarve circuit