Surfer's Paradise Road Trip

Discover the beautiful surfers' paradise of Portugal on the Surfer's Paradise Road Trip! This two-day road trip takes you from Cascais to Figueira da Foz, a distance of ca. 262 km, and is best taken during the warmer months. Along the way, you'll discover some of the country's most stunning landscapes and beaches, as well as some UNESCO Heritage Monuments. The roads are in good condition, although some are curvy and narrow in some places. This road trip will provide you with an unforgettable experience, with plenty of memories to take away. It's suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget. So, if you're looking for an adventure in one of Portugal's most beautiful areas, the Surfer's Paradise Road Trip is the perfect choice!

The picturesque town of Cascais in Portugal is the ideal starting point for the "Surfer's Paradise Road Trip". Located in the Estoril Coast, it provides a perfect gateway to explore the nearby beaches and coastal towns. Cascais is an old fishing village which is now a vibrant city with a rich culture, great cuisine and breathtaking landscape. The historical center of Cascais has many interesting sights to explore. The old town is filled with charming narrow streets, traditional shops and cafes. Make sure to visit the Cascais Castle, the old fishing harbor, the old defense towers and the beautiful beaches. The nearby beaches of Guincho and Carcavelos are great for surfing and windsurfing. The closest international airport to Cascais is the Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), located less than 40 kilometers away. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip. Cascais is a great starting point for the "Surfer's Paradise Road Trip". With its picturesque streets and stunning coastline, it is a great way to begin your journey. From here, you can explore the nearby beaches and coastal towns, and discover the natural beauty of Portugal.

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Cascais to Peniche, taking in the stunning 109km route in fewer than 3 hours. Start your journey in Cascais and pass through Azenhas do Mar, a picturesque fishing village with a stunning view over the Atlantic Ocean. Continue to Ericeira, a charming fishing town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire its beautiful cobbled streets and colorful houses. As you drive along the winding roads, keep your eyes peeled for the breathtaking landscapes and take in the stunning scenery. You'll also find some narrow roads and interesting historical sites along the way. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive in Peniche, a beautiful fishing town with its own unique charm. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, visit the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Embark on a thrilling road trip from Peniche to Nazaré, a 69 km journey that will take less than two hours. Get ready to be mesmerized by the captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush countryside. As you drive, you will pass through charming villages and historical sites. Keep an eye out for picturesque landscapes and scenic roads, as some sections can be very winding and narrow. This is just one of the many stages of a larger journey, so don't forget to check the "Itinerary" for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. In Peniche, visit the 16th century fortress and the stunning beaches. As you make your way to Nazaré, take a break in the quaint fishing village of Foz do Arelho and explore the medieval castle of Óbidos. Finally, arrive in Nazaré and marvel at the majestic cliffs, the iconic lighthouse, and the beautiful beaches. For more information, check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Embark on an exciting road trip from Nazaré to Figueira da Foz! This 84 km journey will take you less than 2 hours, so you can take your time and explore the amazing attractions along the way. Start your journey in Nazaré, where you can admire the beautiful beach, the iconic lighthouse, and the old town. As you drive through the countryside, you'll find plenty of historical sites to explore. Keep an eye out for narrow sections of the road as you make your way to Figueira da Foz, a coastal city known for its stunning beaches and charming old town. Here, you can explore the city's impressive monuments, take a stroll along the promenade, and sample some of the delicious local cuisine. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

Figueira da Foz is a city in Portugal with a rich cultural heritage and a great variety of activities to enjoy. Located at the mouth of the Mondego River, Figueira da Foz is the perfect ending point of the "Surfer's Paradise Road Trip", a journey through the best beaches and surf spots of the country. Visitors can explore the old city center and the many historical monuments, like the Main Church and the Figueira da Foz Castle. The city is also home to beautiful parks and gardens, such as the Rosa Mota Park. For a unique experience, visitors can take a boat ride along the Mondego River and admire the stunning landscapes of the region. For those who love outdoor activities, Figueira da Foz is the perfect place to explore with its many beaches, such as the Buarcos Beach and the Cabedelo Beach. Here, visitors can take part in various watersports, including surfing, diving, and kayaking. For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is the Dr. Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport (OPO) in Porto, located about 120 kilometers from Figueira da Foz. So, if you are planning an unforgettable road trip through Portugal and want to finish it in style, then Figueira da Foz is the perfect destination for you. With its stunning landscapes, historical monuments, and amazing beaches, this city is sure to offer you a truly unique experience.

Before you set off

Embark on the Surfer's Paradise Road Trip, a captivating journey along the sun-kissed coast of Portugal. Spanning two days and approximately 262 kilometers, this coastal odyssey takes you from the sophisticated town of Cascais to the surf haven of Figueira da Foz. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking cliffs, golden beaches, and rich cultural tapestries that make up Portugal's maritime soul.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Cascais: An elegant seaside resort town that combines natural beauty with a cosmopolitan vibe. Its golden beaches, lavish villas, and the cobbled streets of the old town are a perfect introduction to your Road Trip.
• UNESCO Heritage Monuments: Encounter the storied past of Portugal with visits to World Heritage Sites such as the Monastery of Batalha, a Gothic masterpiece, and the iconic Tower of Belém in Lisbon, a monument to maritime exploration.
• Surf Spots: Ride the Atlantic waves at renowned surf spots like Ericeira, a World Surfing Reserve, and Nazaré, famous for its colossal waves and the annual Big Wave Surfing competitions.

Best Time to Go:

The prime time for this coastal escape is from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the warm climate offers idyllic beach weather and the perfect conditions for surfing, sunbathing, and coastal hikes.

Potential Risks:

• Some stretches feature curvy and narrow Roads, demanding attentive driving and respect for local speed limits.
• During the high season, iconic surf breaks and beaches can become congested, possibly requiring early arrival to secure a spot.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

• Portugal features one of the longest coastlines in Europe, graced with over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it an ideal locale for Road Trips and beach enthusiasts.
• Portuguese cuisine along the coast is dominated by fresh seafood, with dishes like `bacalhau` (codfish) and `sardinhas assadas` (grilled sardines), providing an authentic taste of the local culture.
• The coastal Road offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, punctuated by historic lighthouses such as the Santa Marta Lighthouse in Cascais and the Cabo Carvoeiro Lighthouse in Peniche.

A good choice for:

The Surfer's Paradise Road Trip is a quintessential Portuguese experience for those who yearn to marry their love for surfing with an appetite for cultural exploration. This coastal excursion not only promises the thrill of the surf but also immerses you in the historical and scenic wonders of Portugal's celebrated shores.