Portugal road trip: 8 days along the azulejos and porcelain route from Porto to Lisbon

Day 1: Departure to Porto

With plenty of eagerness, you kick off your Caractère trip. You pick up your rental car and spend two nights in impressive Porto in a hotel of your choice.

Day 2: Porto

In Porto, you will find traces of post-15th-century prosperity everywhere. Visit the Dom Luís I bridge, the cathedral and the Torre dos Clérigos. Apart from interesting contemporary architecture, like Rem Koolhaas's Casa da Música, you can also enjoy beautiful wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and picturesque streets like Rua das Flores with its many stalls. Most amazing is Porto's São Bento station, where impressive scenes can be seen on the white-and-blue tiling.

Day 3: Ovar - Valega - Ílhavo

You will pass through Ovar, where public buildings are also tiled with 'azulejos', to Válega, known for its beautiful colourful church. Then you will head to Ílhavo, where you will stay two nights at the Vista Alegre Hotel. Here you will get to know the town, where the Vista Alegre porcelain factory is a showpiece. The high-quality porcelain artifacts made here since 1824 are known worldwide and can still be admired at the factory.

Day 4: Aveiro

Discover the cosy university town of Aveiro, also known as the 'Venice of Portugal'. The numerous canals winding between houses and streets and the beautiful Art-nouveau houses give this coastal town a unique character. Don't forget to pass by the train station, which is decorated with beautiful white-and-blue azulejos.

Day 5: Luso - Coïmbra - Leiria - Alcobaça

From Luso, with its impressive Bussaco Palace, head to Coïmbra with its famous cathedral and old university. You will then travel to Alcobaça via Leiria.

Day 6: Alcobaça - Caldas da Rainha

Visit the historic monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then return via Caldas da Rainha. Stroll along the beautifully tiled facades of several public buildings and admire the life-size porcelain sculptures, such as the popular fountain with the frog.

Day 7: Nazaré - Óbidos - Peniche

Enjoy a day at the seaside, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and beaches. Peniche is known for its numerous seafood restaurants. Continue your journey towards Óbidos, a town with whitewashed and flower-decorated houses. One of the old city walls is beautifully decorated with typical azulejos. Also make a detour to the traditional fishing town of Nazaré.

Day 8: Going home

It's already time to go home. You'll hand in your rental car at Lisbon airport and fly back home with lots of great memories of Portuguese culture. Would you like to stay a few extra days? We will arrange an extension of your holiday.

Frequently asked questions about the porcelain and azulejos route

Do you need a rental car for this trip?

Yes. The route runs from Porto to Lisbon with several smaller towns along the way. With a rental car you can easily reach villages such as Ovar, Válega and Caldas da Rainha.

What is the best time to take this road trip?

April to June and September to October are ideal. Temperatures are pleasant for city walks, museum visits and stops along the coast.

What makes this road trip special?

This journey follows Portugal’s blue-and-white azulejo heritage. You see tile art in stations, churches and houses and discover porcelain production at Vista Alegre, one of the country’s best-known brands.

Is there also time for the coast during this trip?

Yes. The route runs along the Atlantic coast with stops in Nazaré and Peniche, where you will find beaches and seafood restaurants.