Discover our favorite spots to eat, enjoy a drink, sightsee and stay during our road trip from Lisbon to Porto!
My grandmother and I in front of a tiled azulejo building in Averio, PT.
The drive from Lisbon to Porto is only a short 3 hours away via car. We love to take the scenic route to make some stops at these hidden gems! This past summer I traveled with my aunt and my grandmother to head over from Lisbon to Porto. My grandmother is from a small town near Porto called Oliveira de Azeméis. While driving she told us about her amazingly colorful youth and the places she would holiday to as a child including Aveiro!
Each one of these little towns have such different personalities. We hope you enjoy our little road trip! Download the Google maps at the bottom!
An “altar" at the Grande Livraria de Santiago in Obidos.
📍ÓBIDOS
This town is only a little over an hour outside of Lisbon, this little town is the perfect first stop to your Road Trip. Obidos has one of the oldest medieval castles in Portugal and was built as a gift to the queen in 1282. Walk these traditional cobblestone streets and limewashed cottages. This town is also a booklovers dream named in 2015 as a “City of Literature” by UNESCO because of its robust literary heritage.
Medieval Village - I loved walking around this book loving, walled and beautiful village. It's one of the oldest medieval towns in Portugal.
Estr. da Cerca, Óbidos, Portugal
Pátio Shop - Grab locally made ceramics and drink a shot of homemade cherry liquor, ginjinhja, in a chocolate cup!
R. Josefa de Óbidos 8, 2510-001 Óbidos, Portugal
The History Man - An inviting restaurant filled with books, with friendly and efficient service and a variety of delicious dishes.
Praça de Santa Maria, 2510-001 Óbidos, Portugal
Casa da Buganvília - Shop and stay at this adorable boutique guest house in the middle of town surrounded by bougainvillea.
Tv. de Baltazar Gomes Figueira S/N, 2510-001 Óbidos, Portugal
📍 CALDAS DA RAINHA
Only 30 mins further past Obidos is this beautiful town. Caldas da Rainha is home to some of the most beautiful ceramics in Portugal. Stop to shop the many local ceramic shops from kitchenware to tiles. The name of the town literally translates to “ Queens Spa” In the 15th century Eleanor of Viseu discovered locals bathing in the sulfur springs, and so began Europe’s first hydrotherapy resort since Roman times. People descended on the town from far and wide in the 1800s, when it was furnished with a tasteful park and spa complex, now restored as a museum. Keep an eye out for the electric and fun ceramic sculptures all over town!
Museu da Cerâmica - Visit this museum exhibiting ceramics from Portugal and around the world in a 19th-century manor. You can find tiles from the 16th century as well as statuary and architectural ceramics.
R. Dr. Ilídio Amado, Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
Vicara - We are so excited to be collaborating with these Portuguese designers! They work with multiple materials and a variety of local makers!
R. Francisco Sá Carneiro 10, 2500-206 Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
Open Air Markets - Caldas da Rainha has one of the oldest open-air farmers markets in Portugal.
Rua Casal do Cabeço do Queijo 1, 2500-295 Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
Bordallo Pinheiro - One of my favorite ceramic shops in Portugal, they make traditional Portuguese pottery -- my favorite and their most renowned is their realistic cabbage!
R. Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 53, 2500-246 Caldas da Rainha, Portugal
📍 AVEIRO
This adorable town is about 2 hours away from Lisbon and an hour south from Porto. Famed for it's canals, beautiful Nouveau architecture and colorfully painted Moliceiros boats. Take a short trip 20 mins south of that to Costa Nova do praia, where you can see the fun striped buildings that used to be fishermen's shelters for their equipment called palheiros.
Confeitaria Peixinho - Founded in 1856, they are one of the oldest confectionarie shops that make ovos-moles, a regional pastry made from egg yolks and sugar.
R. de Coimbra 9, 3810-086 Aveiro, Portugal
The Canals - Aveiro is known to be the Venice of Portugal! Visit the canals and watch the colorful boats that go through the city.
3810-164 Aveiro, Portugal
Praia da Costa Nova - Walk along these adorable striped houses right off the beach.
R. da Quinta do Cravo 17, Gafanha da Encarnação, Portugal
Taberna do Canal - It's the perfect place for lunch, dinner, or just a snack. The outside terrace overlooks the Canal Sao Roque and the Carcavelos Bridge.
Cais de Sao Roque 55 3800-151 Aveiro, Aveiro 3800-256 Portugal
Belle View Apartment - It's a beautiful apartment with a fantastic view of the lagoon. And only a two minute walk from the beach!
Avenida da Bela Vista nº 54 2º direito, 3830-451 Costa Nova, Portugal
Baga de Sal Wine Guesthouse - The hotel has spacious rooms, an open breakfast area, an incredible kitchen, and a beautiful backyard.
Rua do Gravito, 11 - 3800 Aveiro, 3810-196 Aveiro, Portugal
Montebelo Vista Alegre Ílhavo Hotel - Viewing the Ria from its terrace, Vista Alegre's restaurant maintains the hotel's unique décor and ambience.
Lugar da Vista Alegre, 3830-292 Ílhavo, Portugal
SAVE THIS: VIEW MAPS
Want to explore more? See our collection of vases inspired by my childhood trips to Portugal!