Portugal has a richly-deserved prominence in the world of wine for its sweet, fortified ports, made in the northern city of Porto. Being the gateway to both the Douro Valley and the central Dao region, Porto is located near a coastal location making it a prime place to enjoy the country’s famous seafood. But even a day trip to Porto won’t reveal all the country has to offer. With a rental car, you can break the city chains for an unforgettable Porto to Coimbra road trip.
After spending some time in Porto’s head to venture into the rugged heartland of the country. With this Portugal road trip itinerary in hand and winding Iberian roads ahead, it’s sure that you won’t miss anything. The journey from Porto to Coimbra takes about 1h15 min. The shortest drive is through the A1 motorway, which has tolls. The drive to Coimbra is short and scenic, which gives you the freedom to stop at other towns in the area that are worth the visit
Porto to Coimbra Road Trip – The Complete Itinerary
Start your trip from the coastal town of Porto
Porto is a coastal city of the north and is also considered as the second-largest city in Portugal. It has some fairly daunting hills, stately bridges along the most striking characteristic of ‘faded grandeur’. It is best known for giving its name to the internationally renowned port wines – sweet, fortified blends that make a perfect after-dinner drink. One can learn all about the Porto’s signature beverage at the Museu do Vinho do Porto. Despite the strong wine culture, teetotalers won’t be disappointed by the city’s offerings.
Art lovers can find works from the 19th and 20th centuries on exhibitions at the Soares dos Reis National Museum, or modern art at the Museu Arte Contemporanea. The Sé forms an anchor for the town with its varied ornamentation and is regarded as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the country. For some adventure, hike up the 225 steps of the Torre dos Clérigos, where a breathtaking view over Porto will serve as a reward. One can also head west for Foz do the Douro. Locals and tourists simply adore trekking out to this beach for a quick weekend escape from a long tiring week.
Head to Medieval Vila Real
Being the capital of the Tras-o-Montes province, Vila Real is a sleepy university town set in a sea of rural tranquility. The town has long been a popular place to have a second home, and the most famous has to be the Palacio do Mateus, which was used as a holiday home by the Portuguese royal family during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Palacio do Mateus, which is featured on bottles of well-known Mateus rose wine, was built in 1745 to a design by the fashionable Italian architect, Nicola Nasoni.
As you explore the rest of the town, be sure to check out the incredible baroque Capela Nova. This 17th-century chapel goes by a variety of names – including Igreja dos Clérigos, Igreja de São Pedro Novo, and Igreja de São Paolo. The church’s imposing façade, gilded Renaissance-style altar, and traditional blue tilework are fundamental to the fabric of the town. Similarly, the modern and historical Teatro de Vila Real is also a place worth checking out on your road trip itinerary.
On to Sylvan paradise of Luso & Serra da Estrela
Deep inland Portugal’s vast center lies a rugged, forested highland, which converges on the charming sylvan village of Luso. This time-tested countryside makes the perfect escape on a Portugal itinerary for busy city slickers. As you drive through the Buçaco Forest, be sure to make a stop at the Palace Hotel do Buçaco as this Manueline castle is a major landmark in the region, filled with ornate gardens and grotesque gargoyles. For some extra rest and relaxation, you can book a treatment at the Maloclinic Spa.
If Luso doesn’t satiate your lust for flourishing views, continue your trail to the picturesque Serra da Estrela. Fitted away in this stunning mountain range is some of the region’s best-hiking spots. By making the most of your car rental head into the heart of Iberia, and explore this breathtaking region to its fullest.
Explore the vibrant university town of Coimbra
In terms of historic significance and romantic beauty, Coimbra comes second only to Lisbon and Oporto. Its ancient buildings cling to the side of the hill that rises above the river Mondego, the ornate buildings of the famous University of Coimbra are its crowning glory. Coimbra’s city center is small enough that you can explore it all in a day, including the centuries-old university, the ornate medieval church Igreja da Santa Cruz, and the exquisite Moorish architecture that remains.
The University of Coimbra is not only the oldest in Portugal but one of the oldest in the world. Since the city is primarily a college town, Coimbra comes alive during active school sessions. If you have the time to spare, stay for a weekend, and experience nightlife in a Portuguese bar with the local students. The medieval-era campus is open daily for tours. In the evenings, the plazas are filled with young people drinking beers, playing the guitar, and hanging out with friends. Coimbra is one of the best cities in Portugal to truly immerse in Portuguese culture and socialize with locals.