Roadtrips

Route information

When hearing the words "road trip" you may think of Californian landscapes with sunsets over the sea and waves perfect for surfing.

Well, you do not exactly need to go that far to enjoy an epic car trip that's got a bit of everything: good food, friendly and sensible people and panoramic views of the Atlantic that will steal your heart.

We're talking about Portugal.

This European country has many surprises hidden for travellers especially for those who prefer to travel around a place looking out a car window.

From Porto to Faro you'll find a road trip that can become one of the most beautiful experiences of your life.

Departure point: Porto
Point of arrival: Faro
Duration: 15 days
Route: 590 km

To get to Porto you can either arrive by car from anywhere in the continent or book a flight. Some airlines with direct flights to this Portuguese city are: Ryanair, Air Europa or Tap Portugal.

Take advantage of our promotion from 15 to 29 June 2017 to rent a car with a 15% discount! Book your car now using the promo code "15JUNEEDEN".

See the Terms and Conditions.

Places to stop

Porto

The second most important city in Portugal is the starting point for the trip.

Before you hit the road though, how about some tourism? The best plan in Porto is to have no plan. Stroll amongst the many colourful tiled buildings, take a walk along the banks of the Douro, you really can’t go wrong!

Of course, reserve some time to see some of the most important monuments of the city such as La Torre de los Clérigos, in which you will have to climb more than 200 steps but you will see Porto from a unique bird’s eye view, or the Lello Library, a few meters from the tower and known throughout the world for its appearance in Harry Potter films.

Finally, if you spend the night in this city, it is advisable to visit some of the wineries where the famous Porto wine is made and go for a tasting.

Nazaré

About 100km from Lisbon you will find this villa on the Costa de la Plata where modernity and tradition blend perfectly.

Its beaches are very popular among surfers because of the size of its waves, so much so that in 2011, Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara surfed a 23.77 meter wave at Praia do Norte beating the Guinness World Record. If you are looking to start surfing this is a good opportunity to test your skills on the board.

If you’re more relaxed, do not worry! Nazaré will take you back to the times when fishermen worked with their hands and the women mended the nets with surprising ability. There are no excuses not to climb the cliff at Sítio da Nazaré: the panoramic views of the beach are worth it.

Peniche

Beyond the sixteenth-century murals that surround part of the city, the beaches of Peniche, famous for decades among surfers, really cover a lot of territory.

In fact in Peniche annual surfing competitions are common and it is easy to see impressive waves (higher than 4 meters) in beaches like Supertubos or Lagide. If you get bitten by the surf bug you can always ask at one of the numerous surf camps on the island to take some lessons.

Apart from water sports, certainly one of the main attractions of Peniche are the Berlengas Islands. Getting to this nature reserve from Peniche is easy, just take the ferry (Viamar), it will be impossible to forget the landscapes that make up what is considered the first ever Biosphere Reserve.

Casccais

Cascais’ motto is “Come for one reason, stay for many”. With a promise like that, who can resist stopping in this Portuguese village only 25km from Lisbon?

Cascais was, at the beginning of the last century a refuge for the Portuguese jet-set and still today is considered one of the most expensive areas of the country.

If you want to treat yourself on the trip by eating at luxury restaurants, playing golf, watching Moto GP or taking a shot at the casino, this is the place.

Lisbon

Welcome to the capital! Lisbon not only marks the half-way point of your road trip, but is the perfect stop and recharge your batteries for at least a couple of nights.

A practical way to get to know the city is to get on the tram: Elétrico 28 is a monument in itself and will show you many of the emblematic places of the city. It is also interesting to visit the Tower of Belem, one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, the Jeronimos Monsastery, and Nations Park, where Expo ’98 was held.

When it gets dark, it’s time to head to the Barrio Alto, its streets full of bars and people are the perfect place to meet locals and have a beer. Ah! And before you go you have to go up to the Castle of San Jorge: from here you’ll have Lisbon at your feet.

Sagres

Before arriving to this small town, you will pass by some beaches that deserve a stop: Praia da Amoreira, Praia da Arrifana and Praia do Amado. Charge your batteries because the reddish landscapes of the latter are unique!

Once in Sagres, besides surfing on its beaches, the most interesting thing is to go to Cabo de São Vicente. This is where the Gulf of Cadiz ends and where you will see the famous lighthouse, in the time of the Romans there was a sanctuary for the god Saturn.

Faro

The perfect place to say goodbye to Portugal. Although the Algarve is one of the most touristy areas of the country, nobody can deny the beauty of its landscapes and especially its beaches. In addition, after having traveled more than 500km, you deserve a few days of doing nothing.

The plan can be to visit La Praia da Marinha, one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world according to the Michelin Guide: spend the day there snorkeling. Then cool down with a crisp Superbock.

If you want to escape the tourists and can keep a secret, Praia da Barreta is one of the least frequented spaces in all of the Algarve and therefore one of the best preserved.

Fueling up

Francesinha

This is certainly the fuel that your body needs to start an adventure.

The Francesinha is a typical dish from Porto and is a kind of sandwich with several types of sausage, a steak, fried egg, and grated cheese dunked in a spicy sauce made with beer and tomato. Try this delicious calorie bomb at Café Santiago or Side B Café.

Ovos Moles de Aveiro

If you need energy in small doses do not hesitate to get this local delicacy of egg yolks and sugar in the region of Aveiro.

Bacalhau à brás

On your way through Lisbon hit up Café Martinho da Arcada, in 3 Praça do Comércio. It was here that Fernando Pessoa wrote poetry with his feather pen and absinthe. Founded in 1782, it is the oldest café in Lisbon and the perfect place to try this traditional Portuguese dish.

Sardines and other grilled fish

From sea to table. This is how fish is eaten in Peniche, one of the best places in Portugal to taste fresh grilled fish.

Açorda

Okay, so being at the Alentejo beaches does not really call for a soup does it? But if after so much time on the road you need to settle your stomach this simple garlic based soup will do the trick.

Cataplana

This traditional Algarve seafood stew is the perfect end to a beach day.

Important travel information

To drive in Portugal the most important thing is to have a driver's license and remember to put it in your suitcase! EU citizens can use their driver's licenses in Portugal with only those outside of the European Union having to carry an international driving license, which must be issued by their country of origin.
Speed limits in Portugal are quite similar to those of the UK. The speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h, on conventional roads it's 90 km/h, and speeds in cities do not exceed 50 km/h.
It is important that you take turns driving and that if you stop for a beer you do it in moderation, since the allowed alcohol limit is 0.05%.
If you're fined by the police keep in mind that they can demand immediate payment of the fine.
In Portugal there are tolls without barriers that require an electronic device to make payment. If you are driving in Portugal and see a sign saying electronic toll only, it means that you are about to enter a motorway granting access to eletronic toll pass holders only.
If you go to Portugal by car from Spain, it is advisable to gas up before crossing the border since a liter of gasoline is on average 30 cents more expensive in Portugal.

Map

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When to go

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Route Information

Imagine the perfect road trip.

It's sure to have roads winding through landscapes straight out of a National Geographic documentary, stops with panoramic views and experiences in hidden away places that can only be reached by car.

That's what road trips are like in Ireland! On this route you will see cliffs falling into the Atlantic, cross cow and sheep speckled green valleys, and see castles that will take you back in time.

This and more awaits you along the line that separates Donegal and Cork counties and borders the wild Atlantic coast, the route known as the "Wild Atlantic Way."

Departure point: Donegal
Point of arrival: Kinsale
Duration: 10/12 days
Travel: 530 km

To get to Ireland you have four main airport choices: Dublin, Cork, Ireland West Airport Knock, and Shannon, to west of the island.

To start the trip, we recommend the Dublin airport, since it is the one that has the best connections and best value flights. For the return, when finishing the route in Kinsale, the best option is to fly out from Cork.

Some airlines with direct flights to Dublin are: Ryanair, Iberia and AerLingus.

Take advantage of our promotion from 15 to 29 June 2017 to rent a car with a 15% discount! Book your car now using the promo code "15JUNEEDEN".

See the Terms and Conditions.

Places to stop

Donegal Town

Did you know that Donegal, ‘Dun na nGall’ in Gaelic, means “fort of the foreigners”?

The origin of the name goes back to the Viking age, which gives you a clue to what you will find here: landscapes and history. Donegal Castle and its Franciscan ruins are evidence of this.

If you have forgotten to put a jumper in your suitcase or you want to grab a souvenir, hit the city streets and get yourself some of the many modern and traditional crafts you will find in the shop windows.

Mullaghmore Head

Between the counties of Donegal and Sligo you will find countless beaches that break the wild waves of the Atlantic, but if you have to choose just one your place is in Mullaghmore Head.

Traveller tip: the best waves occur in March.

Achill Island

Already in County Mayo, cross the bridge to the island of Archill. Here you will find abandoned villages and incredible deserted beaches, (yes, really deserted!) where the green of the cliffs reaches all the way out to the sea.

Connemara National Park

Oscar Wilde described this natural park as a “wild beauty” so if after Westport you want to go back to landscapes and get in touch with nature, this is your stop.

Activities here are endless, ranging from pony rides to all the things you can do in Killary Bay like seeing dolphins, taking kayak tours, and eating mussels.

Acantilados de Moher

120 meters high, the sound of the waves, the Atlantic breeze… a stop at the Cliffs of Moher is mandatory! You have to pay admission, but it’s really worth it just to see the views from this UNESCO protected spot. Once here, you can do 2-3 hour tours by yourself or or hire a tour group.

Loop Head

Driving through this area is driving through contrasts. The grass stretches to the end of the cliffs and huge gray rocks take a beating from constant ocean waves. This is a good summary of what the Wild Atlantic Way is.

Traveller Tip: climb the lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views from Kerry to the Cliffs of Moher.

Old Head of Kinsale

Best of all are the stories that abound in this region. As a former Viking trading post, Kinsale played a key role in Irish history. In 1601 the area was sieged when Spanish troops entered the harbor.

And in 1915 there was the dramatic night when the transatlantic liner ‘Lusitania’ was sunk by a German U-Boat just off the Old Head of Kinsale.

Fueling up

Fresh seafood

If you are one of those people who can't get enough seafood then Donegal Bay will seem like paradise to you.

Westport Festival of Food and Music

Every year at the end of June this festival is held in which you can immerse yourself in an authentic Irish atmosphere. It takes place at the Westport House, an imposing 18th century residential house currently inhabited by the Marquess of Sligo.

Linnane's Lobster Bar

On the dock at New Quay, near the cliffs of Moher, is this restaurant that has no less than 300 years serving seafood and fresh fish.

Oysters

If you are in Galway in mid-September you will probably end up at the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival.

Prepare your bibs because all the culinary specialties made here with oysters and local seafood will make you drool..

Kinsale Gourmet Food Festival

It's held in October and it usually sells out. If you fancy sampling lobster, crab, prawns, artisan cheeses and meats, plus much more, it's best to book in advance.

If you consider yourself to be a bit of a 'foodie', this is a festival you really can not miss.

Important travel information

The first important question that arises when renting a car in Ireland is, will I be able to drive on the left? The answer (optimistic and sincere) is: yes!

Just keep in mind that only the location of the steering wheel and gearshift change: the pedals are in the same order so it's just a matter of getting used to it. You'll probably start with a few twitches in your right hand because you will instinctively want to change gears, but that will pass. Regarding changing gears with your left hand, if you think that it's too difficult to do, you can always rent an automatic car.

The only thing we recommend is that you take extra precautions at roundabouts and intersections, since in the beginning it is common to drift a bit to the left of the street. Practicing is part of the adventure!
Normally, the signage on both the road and in the car is in km/h, but you may find some in miles. Remember that 1 mile is 1.6 km.
In the Republic of Ireland, the names of the roads begin with letters. Thus, motorways start with the letter "M", national roads carry an "N", and the regional ones begin with "R".
The speed limits are similar to most European countries: on the motorway you can travel at 120 km/h or 75 miles an hour at the most. On national roads the maximum speed is 100 km/h or 60 miles an hour and on regional roads the limit is 80 km h or 45 miles an hour.
As for driver's licenses, to drive in Ireland you only need a valid driver's license from your country of origin. No special permit is required.
Ireland's rain is not a myth. Keep this in mind before organizing the route and have a few extra days in case the rain makes driving impossible.