Adventure-packed 4-Day Itinerary in Portugal

  • Day 1: Serra da Estrela Natural Park
    2 hours 39 minutes (228 km) by car from Lisbon

    Serra da Estrela Natural Park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. One of its highlights is the Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Day 2: Sintra
    2 hours 4 minutes (177 km) by car from Serra da Estrela Natural Park

    Sintra is a charming town known for its fairytale castles and palaces set amidst lush greenery. Visit the colorful Pena Palace, the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira, and the imposing Moorish Castle, and hike to the Seteais Palace for breathtaking views.

  • Day 3: Arrabida Natural Park
    1 hour 8 minutes (51.7 km) by car from Sintra

    Arrabida Natural Park is a coastal paradise with crystal-clear waters and secluded coves. Take a boat tour to spot dolphins and visit the beaches of Portinho da Arrabida and Galapinhos. Hike to the highest point of the park for panoramic views of the coast.

  • Day 4: Gerês National Park
    4 hours 45 minutes (416 km) by car from Arrabida Natural Park

    Gerês National Park is a stunning natural escape with hiking trails, waterfalls, and thermal springs. Admire the views from the Pedra Bela viewpoint, hike to the Cascata do Arado waterfall, and relax in the hot springs of Rio Caldo.

Time and Cost Estimates:

  • Serra da Estrela Natural Park (3 hours, free)
  • Sintra (6 hours, 37 EUR)
  • Arrabida Natural Park (8 hours, 88 EUR)
  • Gerês National Park (10 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: 125 EUR

Transportation:

Consider renting a car to explore these natural wonders at your own pace. Expect to spend around 120 EUR per day on car rental and gas. The total travel time for this itinerary is approximately 11 hours and 36 minutes.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, consider visiting the Algarve region for its stunning beaches and caves, or Porto for its rich history and wine. If you have less time, skip Arrabida Natural Park and spend an extra day exploring Sintra or Gerês National Park.

Airports:

The main international airport in Portugal is Lisbon's Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), located 7 km from the city center. Other airports include Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto and Faro Airport (FAO) in the Algarve.

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