Self Drive Tours & Trips in Portugal
4.5 stars on(8,174 reviews)- Choose from 41 Portugal tours
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10 best Self Drive Portugal tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaPortugal travel expert at TourRadar
- Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
- Discover Madeira, Self-drive
- Azores: Wild Volcanic Islands of the Atlantic (10 destinations)
- The Great Bustard Adventure
- Portugal's north: Road Trip Into the Outback (6 destinations)
- Portugal North and South, Self-drive
- Short Break in Azores, Terceira Island, Self-drive
- Hidden Secrets of Algarve & Alentejo, Self-drive
- The Pearls of the North of Portugal, Self-drive
- The Healing waters of the North Portugal, Self-drive
Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The locations and hotels selected were excellent. Once I mentioned it to the check-in staff they went above and beyond to accommodate our needs.”
Becky, traveled in September
The open roads of Portugal await in a VW Polo with unlimited mileage. The route winds along coastal paths from Espinho to Figueira da Foz, through medieval towns like Tomar and Castelo de Vide. Your stay includes daily breakfast at Vila Galé properties.
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Evora, Castelo De Vide, Tomar, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes, Espinho, Aveiro, Figueira da FozSee all destinations Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Destination Services Portugal From $1,696
15% Off- NZ$1,442You save $254
Discover Madeira, Self-drive
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were very good. The only improvement would be either to include GPS in the rental car or a proper detailed map.”
Michael, traveled in March
Duration 8 days Destinations Madeira Island, Santo da Serra, Ponta Do Sol, Funchal Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Destination Services Portugal From $1,820
15% Off- NZ$1,547You save $273
Duration 14 days Destinations Ponta Delgada, Sete Cidades, Furnas, Vila Franca do Campo, Nordeste, Lajes, Madalena, Pico Island, Horta Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator journaway From $2,852
19% Off- NZ$2,301You save $551
A Class A vehicle takes you through Portugal's diverse ecosystems. From Monte Gordo, the route leads to Castro Marim's salt pans, São Lourenço Lagoon's waterfowl, and Castro Verde's bustard habitat. Eight days with Hotel Baía accommodation and unlimited mileage.
Duration 8 days Destinations Faro, Castro Marim, Almancil, Olhao, Tavira, Marismas de Isla Cristina, Castro Verde Age Range 21 to 99 year olds Operator Be Cool From
19% Off- NZ$1,513
Duration 8 days Destinations Lisbon, Castelo Branco, Porto, Lousã, Peniche Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator journaway From $1,444
13% Off- NZ$1,254You save $190
Portugal North and South, Self-drive
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hotels are way above my expectations. I totally recommend this tour to my friends.”
Jay, traveled in October
Your Portuguese adventure unfolds in a VW Polo with unlimited mileage. The route stretches from Porto's Ribeira district to Algarve's coastline, with stays at Vila Galé hotels and stops at medieval towns and hidden beaches.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Fatima, Batalha, Alcobaca, Obidos, Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril, EvoraSee all destinations Age Range 10 to 99 year olds Operator Destination Services Portugal From $2,095
15% Off- NZ$1,781You save $314
A Seat Ibiza takes you through Terceira's highlights, from UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroismo to Serra do Cume viewpoints. Package includes stays at Hotel Caracol, guided whale watching, and visits to Biscoitos Wine Museum. Costs approx. $180 per day with unlimited mileage and 24-hour assistance.
Duration 4 days Destinations Terceira Island, Angra do Heroismo, Praia da Vitoria Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Portuguese Operator Destination Services Portugal From $1,605
15% Off- NZ$1,365You save $240
Your VW Polo winds through Portugal's scenic roads, from Porto's historic center to Douro Valley's vineyards. The route includes Caves Ferreira and Churchill's cellars, UNESCO-listed Guimarães, and stays at carefully selected 4-star hotels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Porto, Guimaraes, Peso da Regua Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Destination Services Portugal From $2,013
15% Off- NZ$1,712You save $302
An 820km route in a VW Polo winds through Portugal's northern landscapes. Stops include Castelo de Penafiel, São Pedro do Sul's thermal region, and Porto's historic sites. Accommodations at Hotel Pena Park and Hotel Turim Porto.
Duration 6 days Destinations Porto, Penafiel, São Pedro do Sul Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Destination Services Portugal From $1,379
15% Off- NZ$1,173You save $206
What people love about Self Drive Tours in Portugal
- Portugal Discovery, Self-drive
The locations and hotels selected were excellent. At the last minute my husband ended up in a wheelchair for most of the trip. Once I mentioned it to the check-in staff they went above and beyond to accommodate our needs. Changing rooms so that he had a walk in shower, a room close to the elevator and assistance with luggage or whatever we needed. Thank you.
- Discover Madeira, Self-drive
The hotels were very good. The car rental was a little inconvenient as it was offsite from the airport. The only improvement would be either to include GPS in the rental car or a proper detailed map. We arrived on a rainy, foggy night and it was almost impossible to find our guest house the first night.
What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in Portugal
What are the must-see highlights on a Portugal Self Drive tour?
A Portugal Self Drive tour connects you with UNESCO sites coastal views and historic towns across the country. Key stops include the Benagil caves near Portimão the ancient Roman temple in Évora and Cabo de São Vicente's cliffs. In Porto the historic center and Vila Nova de Gaia's port wine cellars deserve dedicated time while Sintra's palaces need a full day to explore properly. A TourRadar traveler shared, "The highlight was driving along the Algarve coast and discovering hidden beaches like Praia do Beliche then ending the day at a local restaurant in Lagos." Accommodations range from the central Vila Gale Evora in Alentejo to the spa-focused Hotel Central Monchique.
How many hours of driving should I expect per day on a Portugal Self Drive tour?
Daily drives typically last between 1.5 to 3 hours letting you spend most of your time exploring sites. The route from Lisbon to Évora takes about 1.5 hours across 130 kilometers while the coastal journey from Monte Gordo to Lagos runs about 2 hours with beach and viewpoint breaks. A TourRadar traveler noted "The driving distances were very manageable leaving plenty of time to explore places like Óbidos and Fátima along the way." Routes include regular stops at natural attractions like Ria Formosa Natural Park and cultural sites such as Coimbra's historic university.
Which regions are best for a Self Drive tour in Portugal?
Each Portuguese region offers unique driving experiences. The Algarve stretches from Lagos to Monte Gordo with routes passing Praia da Marinha and Praia da Falésia. Alentejo's roads wind through cork forests and vineyards near Évora. One TourRadar traveler shared "The variety was incredible - from the rugged Costa Vicentina to the historic streets of Coimbra." Porto and the Douro Valley appeal to wine enthusiasts while Madeira's mountain roads provide dramatic views with stays at properties like Hotel Central Monchique.
What documents do I need for a Self Drive tour in Portugal?
Requirements include a valid driver's license held for 2+ years a passport or ID and a credit card for car rental deposit. Drivers must be 23 or older with companies like Europcar charging extra for drivers under 25. Hotels such as The Noble House in Évora and Vila Gale Porto require passports at check-in. A TourRadar traveler advised "Make sure to have both a physical and digital copy of your driver's license and request the rental car documents in English if needed." While recommended International Driving Permits aren't mandatory for licenses using Latin alphabet.
When is the best time to go on a Self Drive tour in Portugal?
Portugal's Self Drive season peaks from April through October with regional variations. The Algarve region shines June through September ideal for combining drives with stops at beaches like Praia da Falésia. Spring (April-May) offers pleasant temperatures for inland exploration around Évora and Coimbra plus blooming wildflowers. One TourRadar traveler noted "The weather in May was perfect for driving through the Alentejo region not too hot and all the countryside was in full bloom." Winter drives along Costa Vicentina offer solitude though mountain roads need careful navigation.
What type of vehicle is typically provided for Portugal Self Drive tours?
Standard vehicles include mid-size cars like VW Polo or equivalent with unlimited mileage and full insurance coverage. Pickup locations often include Hotel Vila Gale Collection Douro and Hotel Turim Porto. Cars come with air conditioning optional GPS navigation and required safety equipment. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The car rental was straightforward though having GPS was essential for navigating Portugal's winding roads through the Douro Valley."