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

Day 1: Marbella to Évora

Évora, Portugal on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Depart Marbella for Évora

Begin your road trip early with an approximately 4.5-hour drive north via the A-7 and A-6 highways crossing into Portugal to the historic town of Évora.
EUR0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Café Alentejo

Enjoy a light lunch in the historic centre of Évora offering traditional Alentejo dishes with fresh ingredients in a charming setting.
EUR15-25 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Check-in at Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse

Relax and unpack in this stylish guesthouse located in the heart of Évora, known for its comfortable rooms and personalized service.
EUR90-130 per night, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Na T'acho (guesthouse restaurant)

Dine on authentic Alentejo cuisine crafted with local ingredients at the guesthouse’s renowned restaurant, open for dinner until 10pm.
EUR30-50 per person, 2h

Day 2: Évora to Lisbon

Lisbon, Portugal on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse

Start the day with a delicious homemade breakfast served onsite, featuring fresh regional produce and pastries.
Included with accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Check-out and depart for Lisbon

Drive approximately 1.5 hours west from Évora to Lisbon via A-6 and A-2 highways, heading to the capital city to meet Laila.
EUR0, 1h30m

11:00am

Lunch in Lisbon Historic Centre

Stop for a light lunch at Pois Café, a popular spot serving fresh sandwiches and salads in a welcoming atmosphere.
EUR12-20 per person, 1h

12:30pm

Check-in at Locke Santa Joaana

Arrive at your stylish Lisbon accommodation and settle in before heading to the airport for Laila's arrival.
EUR120 per night, 0h30m

2:15pm

Travel to Lisbon Airport

Leave centrally to ensure timely arrival at Humberto Delgado Airport in anticipation of Laila's 3pm flight.
EUR10 taxi or 30 min metro, 0h30m

3:00pm

Meet Laila at Lisbon Airport

Welcome Laila upon her arrival for the start of your Lisbon exploration together.
EUR0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Return to Locke Santa Joaana

Travel back to accommodation to relax or begin your exploration of Lisbon’s vibrant neighbourhoods.
EUR10 taxi or metro, 0h30m

5:00pm

Afternoon in Alfama district

Enjoy a gentle wander through winding streets of Alfama, soaking in Lisbon’s oldest quarter charm with panoramic viewpoints.
EUR0, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Clube de Fado

Cap off the day with authentic Portuguese cuisine accompanied by live Fado music in this renowned Alfama venue, open until 11pm.
EUR35-50 per person, 2h

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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