Majestic lighthouses

If there is one thing that immediately stands out in south-west Portugal, it is the many nostalgic lighthouses along the coast. A relic of the age of exploration. Now it is your turn to explore this delightful part of Portugal.

Your experience trip starts at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, at the Cabo da Roca, a lighthouse on a 140 m high cliff. Via Estoril and the impressive bridge over the Tagus River, you drive to Palmela, a picturesque white town. By ferry you will sail to Cabo Espichel, with stunning views over the ocean.

Next on the programme: the salt pans and rice fields of Alcácer do Sal, the 25 km long pristine sandy beach Praia do Comporta, a visit to Sines, the birthplace of Vasco da Gama, the lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente, the most powerful in Europe, and getting a breath of fresh air on the wild west coast, with its beautiful beaches and falaises.

Fancy enjoying southern Portugal a little longer? Then extend your stay with a few days in the Algarve. Feel free to contact us to discuss all your wishes and put together your experience trip exactly as you wish.

Day 1 : Departure to Lisbon - Cascais

You fly to Lisbon, where your rental car will be waiting for you. You will stay 2 nights in a unique Caractère hotel.

Day 2 : Praia do Guincho and Cabo da Roca

A few kilometres north lies the Cabo da Roca, a lighthouse atop an imposing 140m-high cliff, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. Optionally you can return via the Sintra palace complex.

Day 3 : Cascais - Palmela - Comporta/Santiago do Cacém

Pass through Estoril (with an optional stop), the impressive bridge over the Tagus to Palmela, a picturesque white town. You will stay here for 4 nights in one of our hotels.

Day 4 : Cabo Espichel - Setúbal

By ferry in Tróia, via the Serra da Arrábida and the fishing town of Sesimbra to Cabo Espichel, the second lighthouse with beautiful views over the ocean and coast. You will drive back via the port town of Setúbal, where tonnes of sardines are hoisted out of boats at the Doca dos Pescadores. Setúbal is also known for its oysters of which the sandbanks off the coast are full.

Day 5 : Alcácer do Sal and Praia de Comporta

Here everything revolves around salt, cork and rice, three products that have defined life in and around this town for centuries. The salt flats and rice fields surrounded by vast forests of cork oaks are still visible. The Reserva Natural do Estuário do Sado is an impressive nature reserve of more than 23,000 hectares. The Praia do Comporta, about 25 km long, is a beautiful sandy beach with a few cafes and restaurants.

Day 6 : Santiago do Cacém and the Costa Vicentina

Through the peaceful town of Santiago do Cacém to Sines, birthplace of Vasco da Gama, and Porto Covo, a fishing village with small white houses, on to Vila Nova de Milfontes (thousand fountains), a quiet seaside town at the mouth of the Riva River.

Day 7 : Comporta - Sagres

You will go to the protected coast to the Cabo de São Vicente and Ponta de Sagres. You will stay 3 nights in or around Sagres.

Day 8 : Sagres and Cabo São Vicente

Since the 15th century, the Cabo de São Vicente has been an important landmark for ships, and the current lighthouse, with its range of 95km, is said to be the most powerful in Europe.

Day 9 : The Western Algarve

The western coast from the cape is still rugged with cliffs and beautiful beaches, sometimes hidden in a small bay among the rocks. From Lagos, many sailors set off on their voyages to explore and there was even a slave market. Today, it is a fun town where enjoyment is key.

Day 10 : Going home

After a short drive, you will hand in your rental car at Faro airport and fly back home. Would you like to extend your holiday anyway? We'll take care of it!