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From Marbella to Porto: A Scenic Road Trip through Southern Spain and Portugal

Viewed by 528 travelers

Day 1: Marbella to Évora

Évora, Portugal on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Depart Marbella for Évora

Set off directly from Marbella driving approximately 4.5 hours to Évora in Portugal via A-7 and A-22 motorways crossing into Portugal and following A6.
EUR0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Check-in at Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse

Arrive and check in at this stylish, centrally located guesthouse in Évora's historic centre known for personalized service and elegant rooms.
EUR100-150 per night, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at O Lavrador

Enjoy a traditional Alentejo lunch at O Lavrador, celebrated for its local dishes and friendly atmosphere, just a short walk from the guesthouse.
EUR25-40 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Évora Historic Centre

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage old town with highlights like the Roman Temple, Évora Cathedral, and Chapel of Bones (open 9am–6pm).
EUR6-10 for monuments, 3h

5:30pm

Relax at guesthouse

Return to Lavradores for some rest or take a short stroll in the picturesque streets nearby.
EUR0, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse Restaurant

Return for dinner at the guesthouse’s elegant restaurant serving regional dishes and wines.
EUR30-50 per person, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Évora

Day 2: Evora to El Rocio Beaches

El Rocio area, Spain on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lavradores

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local pastries and coffee before checking out.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to El Rocio area

Drive approximately 3.5 hours from Évora to El Rocio area, crosses back into Spain via A6 and A-66 highways.
EUR0, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch near El Rocio

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant like Mesón El Rocío, serving Andalusian dishes specializing in fresh, regional ingredients.
EUR20-30 per person, 1h

1:45pm

Explore Matalascanas Beach

Relax and stroll along Matalascanas beach, enjoying the Atlantic coast’s natural beauty.
EUR0, 1h30m

3:15pm

Visit Torrelahiguera Beach

Short drive to the quieter Torrelahiguera beach for further coastal exploration.
EUR0, 1h

4:30pm

Doñana National Park Visitor Centre

Head to the visitor centre open until 5pm to discover the wildlife and environment of Doñana National Park.
EUR5, 1h

6:00pm

Accommodation near El Rocio

Check into a guesthouse such as Cortijo El Rocío or Hotel Doñana Blues for a cosy night stay.
EUR70-120 per night, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurante Casa Antonio

Enjoy Andalusian tapas and fresh fish with a great local atmosphere until 10pm.
EUR20-35 per person, 1h30m
Find Hotels in El Rocio area

Day 3: To Lisbon & Meet Laila

Lisbon, Portugal on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start the day with breakfast included at the accommodation before departure.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Lisbon Airport

Drive approximately 3.5 hours via A-49 and A-2 motorways to Lisbon Airport.
EUR0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch near Lisbon Airport

Lunch at Restaurante O Talho featuring quality Portuguese dishes made with fresh ingredients.
EUR20-30 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Meet Laila at Lisbon Airport

Welcome Laila on arrival at Humberto Delgado Airport.
EUR0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Check-in Locke Santa Joana

Settle into this modern and convenient accommodation located close to Lisbon’s historic centre.
EUR120 per night, 0h30m

5:00pm

Explore Alfama District

Ramble through Alfama’s atmospheric winding streets famous for Fado music and historic charm.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Clube de Fado

Dine on traditional Portuguese cuisine paired with live Fado performances until 11pm.
EUR35-50 per person, 2h
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Day 4: Lisbon Sightseeing

Lisbon, Portugal on May 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fabrica Lisboa

Start the day with excellent coffee and fresh pastries at this popular café open from 8am.
EUR8-12 per person, 1h

9:30am

Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery

Visit two iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites near the Tagus River, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR12 combined ticket, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Pastéis de Belém

Taste the original Portuguese custard tarts paired with coffee at this famous bakery.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Explore LX Factory

Visit this innovative arts and cultural complex in a converted industrial space featuring shops and cafés.
EUR0, 2h

5:00pm

Return to accommodation

Relax and refresh before dinner.
EUR0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

Experience one of Lisbon’s most renowned seafood restaurants, open until midnight.
EUR40-60 per person, 2h
Find Hotels in Lisbon

Day 5: Lisbon Day Trip to Sintra

Lisbon and Sintra, Portugal on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nicolau Lisboa

Enjoy a healthy and fresh breakfast with great coffee at this trendy Lisbon spot open from 8am.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Sintra

Take a scenic 40-minute drive or train trip to the UNESCO town of Sintra.
EUR4 train or EUR0 driving, 1h

10:00am

Visit Pena Palace and Moorish Castle

Explore the colourful Pena Palace and adjacent Moorish Castle; open 9:30am-7pm, last entry 6pm.
EUR14-15 for Pena Palace, EUR8 for Moorish Castle, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Relish Portuguese tapas and local wines at this popular Sintra spot open from noon.
EUR20-30 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Discover elaborate gardens and mystical architecture at this enchanting estate (open 10am–6pm).
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Lisbon

Drive or train back to Lisbon for the evening.
EUR4 train or EUR0 driving, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Time Out Market

Sample a diverse array of traditional and international food in Lisbon’s vibrant market hall.
EUR20-35 per person, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Lisbon and Sintra

Day 6: Lisbon to Douro Valley

Douro Valley, Portugal on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Have a final breakfast in Lisbon before beginning the drive north to Douro Valley.
Included or EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Douro Valley

Travel around 4 hours via A1 and IP3 highways to reach stunning vineyards and landscape of Douro Valley.
EUR0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Quinta do Portal

Dine amid the vineyards enjoying local cuisine paired with exquisite Douro wines.
EUR40-60 per person, 1h30m

3:00pm

Check-in at vineyard guesthouse

Settle into elegant accommodation such as Quinta do Portal or similar boutique hotel.
EUR120-180 per night, Overnight

4:00pm

Douro River boat cruise

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour boat trip along the Douro River admiring the terraced hillsides and vineyards.
EUR25-35 per person, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Savour regional cuisine complemented by local wines in a tranquil vineyard setting.
EUR30-50 per person, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Douro Valley

Day 7: Douro to Sintra

Sintra, Portugal on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the vineyards before leaving Douro Valley for Sintra.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Sintra

Drive approximately 4 hours through scenic Portugal to the historic town of Sintra.
EUR0, 4h

1:15pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Have a delicious lunch of Portuguese tapas in Sintra’s town centre, open from noon.
EUR20-30 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Explore the mystical gardens and estates if not visited earlier (open 10am–6pm).
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at Vila Galé Sintra

Enjoy a comfortable stay at this nicely located hotel for easy access to Sintra sights.
EUR100-140 per night, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at Cantinho Gourmet

Enjoy contemporary Portuguese dining in a warm atmosphere open till around 10:30pm.
EUR30-45 per person, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Sintra

Day 8: Sintra to Porto

Porto, Portugal on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and check-out

Have a final breakfast in Sintra before heading north to Porto.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Porto

Journey approximately 3 hours north to Porto via A1 motorways.
EUR0, 3h

12:00pm

Check-in Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira

Stay in Porto’s historic Ribeira district, near riverfront attractions.
EUR130-160 per night, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Adega São Nicolau

Taste authentic northern Portuguese dishes in a charming riverside setting.
EUR25-35 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Port Wine Cellar Tour & Tasting

Tour the famous Vila Nova de Gaia cellars (open 10am–6pm) and sample renowned Port wines.
EUR15-20 per person, 1h30m

4:15pm

Explore Ribeira Quarter

Stroll through the lively riverfront quarter with colourful houses and cafes.
EUR0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cantinho do Avillez

Enjoy modern Portuguese dishes by acclaimed chef José Avillez in an elegant setting.
EUR40-60 per person, 2h
Find Hotels in Porto

Day 9: Porto Exploration

Porto, Portugal on May 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Majestic

Start the day in iconic Art Nouveau surroundings with Portuguese breakfast classics.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

9:30am

Clérigos Tower & Livraria Lello

Climb Clérigos Tower and visit the ornate Livraria Lello bookstore – highlights of Porto.
EUR10 combined ticket, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão

Enjoy fresh market foods and local snacks at this traditional lively food market.
EUR15-25 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Serralves Museum & Gardens

Explore contemporary art and beautiful gardens at this renowned cultural institution (10am–6pm).
EUR10, 2h30m

4:00pm

Relax at hotel

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

7:30pm

Dinner at DOP

Sample inventive Portuguese cuisine by chef Rui Paula to end the day in style.
EUR50-70 per person, 2h
Find Hotels in Porto

Day 10: Leisure Day Porto

Porto, Portugal on May 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Nicolau Porto

Enjoy a relaxed healthy breakfast with quality coffee before your day starts.
EUR10-15 per person, 1h

10:00am

Day trip to Guimarães or Braga

Explore one of these UNESCO towns north of Porto, rich in history and culture with charming old towns.
EUR0, 5-6h

4:00pm

Return and rest

Relax before your final dinner in Porto.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

End your Porto stay with delicious rustic Portuguese plates in an intimate atmosphere.
EUR30-45 per person, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Porto

Day 11: Laila Departure & Return

Porto to Marbella on May 12, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast and Laila airport transfer

Prepare for and travel to Porto Airport for Laila’s midday flight.
EUR10-15 taxi, 1h

7:00am

Laila departs Porto

Laila catches her midday departing flight from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.
EUR0, 0h

7:30am

Micael and Celeste start return journey

Drive south back to Marbella with suggestion for a mid-journey stop.
EUR0, 8-9h with breaks

12:00pm

Stopover and lunch in Ciudad Real

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

7:00pm

Arrive Marbella

Relax at end of trip after the driving back from Portugal.
EUR0, Rest
Find Hotels in Porto to Marbella
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