Depart Fátima at 10:00 and drive west to the walled town of Óbidos, arriving mid-morning to wander its cobbled streets. Stroll the town walls for panoramic views, visit the 13th-century Castelo de Óbidos and stop at a local Ginjinha shop to taste the cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup. Enjoy a light lunch or pastries at a café on Rua Direita before heading toward the coast.
Continue along scenic roads toward Nazaré and arrive in the afternoon to explore the lively Sítio neighborhood atop the cliffs — take the funicular for sweeping Atlantic views and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré. Walk the long beachfront promenade at Praia da Nazaré, watch surfers (or giant-wave viewing areas at Praia do Norte if seas are dramatic), and grab fresh grilled fish at a beachfront restaurant for a leisurely late-afternoon meal.
As the day winds down, climb back up to Sítio for sunset at the Miradouro do Suberco, where the cliffs and lighthouse silhouette make for memorable views. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a relaxed dinner in Nazaré — seek a traditional seafood casa or a cozy tavern in the old town — then enjoy any local festivities or fireworks before settling into your overnight stop.
After a relaxed start following last night’s celebrations in Nazaré, drive inland to Alcobaça and arrive mid-morning to tour the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Santa Maria: admire the soaring Cistercian nave, the tombs of Pedro and Inês, and the cloisters while a docent or audio guide fills in the tragic love story. Pause at a nearby pastelaria for coffee and pão-de-ló or queijada before strolling through Alcobaça’s compact town center and its artisan shops.
Continue a short drive to Batalha to visit the Monastery of Batalha — explore the exuberant Gothic-Manueline portal, the unfinished chapels (Capelas Imperfeitas) and the luminous Chapter House, then linger in the museum courtyard to appreciate the sculptural details. For a scenic late-afternoon detour, climb to the Miradouro de São Miguel or walk through Batalha’s quaint streets to a local café for a calm break with regional pastries and a glass of vinho verde.
Head toward Leiria in the early evening to stroll up to Leiria Castle for sunset views over the town and the Lis valley, then descend into the historic center for dinner — choose a tavern serving marinated grilled fish or a hearty açorda to warm up on a cool January night. If energy permits, finish with a digestive at a bar on Praça Rodrigues Lobo before returning to your overnight stop, setting the pace for the final coastal day tomorrow.
Optionally detour north from Nazaré to Peniche or Ericeira for a brisk coastal stretch: in Peniche stroll the harbor and visit the Forte de Peniche for ocean views, or choose Ericeira to wander the charming fishing-town lanes and watch surfers at Praia dos Coxos before heading south. Aim to leave mid-morning and follow the scenic N8/S8 down the coast toward the Lisbon region, enjoying cliffside panoramas and occasional roadside cafés for coffee and a pastel de nata.
Cross the Tagus or skirt the southern shore to reach Costa da Caparica and take a long seaside walk on the extensive sandy beaches, pausing at a beach bar for grilled sardines or clams while watching kites and surfers. From there drive east toward Setúbal and the Arrábida foothills, stopping at the Miradouro do Cabo Espichel or the Serra da Arrábida viewpoint for sweeping views of the turquoise bays and the Sado estuary; consider a short coastal trail or a quick visit to Portinho da Arrábida for photos.
Plan to arrive in Almada by 20:00; before finishing, stop at the Cristo Rei viewpoint for a twilight panorama of Lisbon’s illuminated skyline and the 25 de Abril Bridge, then descend to Almada’s riverside for a final riverside coffee or light dinner. Conclude the trip with a relaxed stroll along the waterfront, reflecting on the coastal highlights from Óbidos and Nazaré through the monasteries to Arrábida as you end the journey in Almada.