Scenic Andalusian Beaches and Portuguese Delights: A 10-Day Road Trip from Marbella to Porto

Day 1: El Rocio Beaches

El Rocio area, Spain on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Depart Marbella for El Rocio

Begin your journey early to maximise time by the coast around El Rocio, driving approximately 2.5 hours taking the A-7 and A-483 highways.
EUR0, 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Matalascanas Beach

Enjoy the pristine sandy beach at Matalascanas, perfect for a morning stroll or relaxing by the sea with views of the Atlantic.
EUR0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Malvasia

Although La Malvasia hotel is fully booked, its restaurant is open from midday; enjoy fresh seafood and regional dishes right by the beach.
EUR25-40 per person, 1h

1:45pm

Visit Torrelahiguera Beach

Short drive to Torrelahiguera to continue your beach exploration with a quieter, less touristy setting along the Costa de la Luz.
EUR0, 1h

3:00pm

Doñana National Park Visitor Centre

Visit the Doñana National Park headquarters and visitor centre (open from 9am to 5pm) to learn about this unique wetland and wildlife reserve.
EUR5, 1h

4:30pm

Check-in to accommodation near El Rocio

Stay in a similar charming rural guesthouse to La Malvasia, such as Cortijo El Rocío or Hotel Doñana Blues, offering local charm and comfort.
EUR70-120 per night, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Casa Antonio

Dine on Andalusian specialties such as tapas and fresh fish at a highly rated local restaurant open until 10pm.
EUR20-35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 2: To Lisbon & Meet Laila

Lisbon, Portugal on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local pastries and coffee before departing early for Lisbon.
Included with accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lisbon Airport

Drive approximately 3.5 hours from El Rocio area to Lisbon Airport via A-49 and A-2 highways to arrive before Laila's flight.
EUR0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch near Lisbon Airport

Stop for a light lunch at Restaurante O Talho, offering premium Portuguese dishes and fresh ingredients before meeting Laila.
EUR20-30 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Meet Laila at Lisbon Airport

Welcome Laila as she arrives on her flight at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport.
EUR0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Check-in Locke / Santa Joa

Check-in at Locke Santa Joaana, a stylish and centrally located aparthotel in Lisbon's historical centre.
EUR120 per night, 0h30m

5:00pm

Explore Alfama District

Wander the narrow streets of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest quarter, renowned for its traditional Fado music and panoramic viewpoints.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Clube de Fado

Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine with live Fado performances in this acclaimed restaurant located in Alfama, open until 11pm.
EUR35-50 per person, 2h
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Day 3: Lisbon Sightseeing

Lisbon, Portugal on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fabrica Lisboa

Enjoy excellent artisan coffee and pastries at this well-known café in central Lisbon, perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
EUR8-12 per person, 1h

9:30am

Visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery

Explore the iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites along the Tagus river — Belém Tower and the nearby 16th-century Jerónimos Monastery.
EUR12 combined ticket, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pastéis de Belém

Sample the legendary custard tarts at this famous bakery, accompanied by traditional Portuguese snacks and coffee.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore LX Factory

Visit Lisbon’s contemporary cultural and shopping hub, housed in a former industrial complex with art, boutique shops, and cafés.
EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Return to accommodation, rest

Enjoy some downtime and prepare for evening plans.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Indulge in one of Lisbon’s best seafood restaurants, renowned for fresh shellfish and a lively atmosphere, open until midnight.
EUR40-60 per person, 2h
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Day 4: Lisbon Day Trips

Lisbon and surroundings, Portugal on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nicolau Lisboa

Start with a healthy and trendy breakfast spot known for smoothies and avocado toast, open from 8am.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Day trip to Sintra

Travel 40 minutes to Sintra to visit Pena Palace, Moorish Castle and Quinta da Regaleira, famous for their romantic architecture and gardens. Open 9:30am–7pm.
EUR20-25 entrance fee per monument, 6h

3:30pm

Return to Lisbon

Drive or take train back to Lisbon, taking rest before evening.
EUR4 train ticket, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Time Out Market

Sample a wide array of Portuguese and international dishes at this vibrant food hall, open until midnight.
EUR20-35 per person, 1h30m
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Day 5: Lisbon to Douro Valley

Douro Valley, Portugal on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy a final Lisbon breakfast before checking out and heading north towards the Douro Valley region.
Included or EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Douro Valley

Travel approximately 3.5 to 4 hours via A1 and IP3 highways to reach scenic Douro Valley, famous for its vineyards and river scenery.
EUR0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Quinta do Portal

Enjoy a winery lunch paired with local Douro wines in a beautiful vineyard estate.
EUR40-60 per person, 1h30m

3:00pm

Check-in at Quinta or local boutique hotel

Stay overnight at an elegant vineyard guesthouse or boutique hotel amid the Douro wine estates.
EUR120-180 per night, Overnight

4:00pm

Douro River boat trip

Take a relaxing 2-hour river cruise to admire the terraced vineyards and stunning valley views.
EUR25-35 per person, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Dine on regional Portuguese cuisine paired with exquisite local wines.
EUR30-50 per person, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Douro to Sintra

Sintra, Portugal on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy breakfast with vineyard views before heading south towards Sintra, a 3.5-4 hour drive.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Sintra

Scenic drive through northern and central Portugal heading to the UNESCO town of Sintra.
EUR0, 4h

1:15pm

Lunch in Sintra

Enjoy Portuguese classics at Tascantiga, a highly recommended tapas bar open from noon.
EUR20-30 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Explore this mystical estate with enchanting gardens, tunnels and gothic architecture (open 10am–6pm, last entry 5:30pm).
EUR10 per person, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in accommodation in Sintra

Stay at a charming guesthouse such as Vila Galé Sintra for comfort close to town.
EUR100-140 per night, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Cantinho Gourmet

Relish contemporary Portuguese cuisine in a cosy setting, open until 10:30pm.
EUR30-45 per person, 1h30m
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Day 7: Sintra to Porto

Porto, Portugal on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Start your day with a fresh breakfast before departing for Porto, a 3-hour drive north.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Porto

Drive north following the A1 motorway to reach Porto, Portugal’s vibrant second city.
EUR0, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira

Stay centrally in Porto’s historic Ribeira district for easy access to sights and riverfront.
EUR130-160 per night, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Adega São Nicolau

Enjoy traditional Northern Portuguese cuisine in this well-loved riverside restaurant.
EUR25-35 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Port Wine Cellar Tour & Tasting

Visit famous Port wine caves in Vila Nova de Gaia, with tours and tastings (most places open 10am–6pm).
EUR15-20 per person, 1h30m

4:15pm

Explore Ribeira Quarter

Wander around the lively UNESCO-listed riverfront with colourful houses and cafes.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cantinho do Avillez

Experience modern Portuguese dining by celebrity chef José Avillez in central Porto.
EUR40-60 per person, 2h
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Day 8: Explore Porto

Porto, Portugal on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Indulge in a beautiful Art Nouveau setting with classic Portuguese breakfasts, open from 8am.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

9:30am

Clérigos Tower & Livraria Lello

Visit iconic landmarks: climb Clérigos Tower for panoramic city views and explore Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores.
EUR10 combined, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Experience lively food market fare with local delicacies, perfect for a casual lunch.
EUR15-25 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Serralves Museum & Gardens

Explore modern art and beautiful parkland at Serralves Foundation, open 10am–6pm.
EUR10, 2h30m

4:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Rest or enjoy a café nearby before dinner.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at DOP

Savour contemporary Portuguese cuisine by chef Rui Paula in a refined setting.
EUR50-70 per person, 2h
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Day 9: Porto Leisure Day

Porto, Portugal on May 10, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Nicolau Porto

Healthy and fresh breakfast spot with great coffee and options, open from 8am.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

10:00am

Day trip to Guimarães or Braga

Explore one of these historical cities about 1h from Porto by car, featuring UNESCO-listed landmarks and vibrant squares.
EUR0, 5-6h

4:00pm

Return to Porto and rest

Relax before final dinner in Porto.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes with a rustic flair in an intimate setting, reservations recommended.
EUR30-45 per person, 1h30m
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Day 10: Laila Departure & Return

Porto to Marbella on May 11, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Laila's Airport Transfer

Prepare for Laila’s midday flight; a taxi if advised for airport at least 2 hours before departure.
EUR10-15 taxi, 1h

7:00am

Laila departs Porto

Laila catches her midday flight from Porto's Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.
EUR0, 0h

7:30am

Micael and Celeste begin return journey

Start the road trip back to Marbella, with suggestions to break the journey in central Spain.
EUR0, 8-9h with stop

12:00pm

Stopover lunch in Ciudad Real

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Restaurante La Verema, known for traditional Manchego cuisine.
EUR20-30 per person, 1h30m

7:00pm

Arrive back in Marbella

End of journey with a comfortable evening rest after the road trip.
EUR0, Rest
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