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Departure
Today you deliberately tackle the longest drive of the trip, so the following legs stay shorter.
In the evening in Lyon, it's worth a wander through Vieux-Lyon with its typical bouchons.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
This is where your trip begins. It's worth setting off early, as today brings the longest leg heading south-west.
A green, well-equipped campsite on the outskirts of Lyon with a pool and restaurant, ideal for a stopover. Bus and tram get you into the old town for dinner in the evening with ease. A good base for splitting up the first long drive.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Departure
A late-afternoon dip in the Atlantic makes for a great arrival.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
A family-friendly campsite near the long Atlantic beaches of Labenne-Océan, surrounded by pine forest. Your first real taste of sea and waves on the south-west coast of France. The beach is just a few minutes' drive or a walk away.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Departure
Today you deliberately book an apartment/hotel instead of the tent, to make the long drive more bearable.
In the evening, be sure to see the illuminated Plaza Mayor.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
A golden sandstone city with one of Europe's oldest universities and one of Spain's most beautiful squares, the Plaza Mayor. Perfect for an evening of tapas and a stroll after the long drive. The sandstone glows especially warm in the evening sun.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
A simple, central hotel just a few steps from the Plaza Mayor, ideal after a long driving day without having to pitch the tent. Restaurants and the old town are within easy walking distance. A night with a proper bed does you good after two nights of camping.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
City & arrival
A shorter driving day so you arrive in Lisbon with time to soak up first impressions.
Best to leave the car parked and explore the city on foot and by tram.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
Portugal's capital spread across seven hills, with trams, viewpoints and the narrow lanes of Alfama. Here begins the more indulgent part of the trip, with good food and lively evenings. Take your time for pastéis de nata and a sundowner with a view over the city.
A holiday apartment in the lively Alcântara district, near the LX Factory area, with good parking options at the edge of the city centre. From here, tram and foot get you into the centre without staying right in the middle of the bustle. Two nights, to combine city and sea.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
City & food
A whole day without a long drive, to settle into the city.
Get a day pass for the trams — it saves both money and hassle.
A large market hall with stalls from well-known chefs and classic Portuguese dishes all under one roof. Ideal for sampling lots of small plates. Right next door, the historic Mercado da Ribeira with fresh produce.
Lisbon's oldest district, with winding lanes, washing lines and fado bars. From the Senhora do Monte viewpoint you get the widest view over the rooftops and the Tagus. In the evening, the perfect backdrop for fado and a late dinner.
The Alentejo coast begins
Short legs with a swimming break; today the sea takes centre stage.
In Porto Covo, enjoy fresh fish for dinner.
A wide, white sandy beach with dunes and a relaxed feel, popular with people from Lisbon for long beach days. The little town of Comporta is chic yet laid-back, surrounded by rice fields. A great first stop on the Alentejo coast to arrive and swim.
A natural campsite near the small island of Ilha do Pessegueiro and beautiful coves. From here, the Rota Vicentina coastal path sets off with spectacular cliffs. The village of Porto Covo is within walking distance and has cosy restaurants.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Beach & walking
A rest day with swimming and a short walk; hardly any driving needed.
Small, sheltered coves with clear water right by the pretty white-and-blue village. Ideal for a beach day without travelling far. From the water you can see Ilha do Pessegueiro.
A stretch of the famous Trilho dos Pescadores leads over sandy paths and cliffs with wide Atlantic views. Even a short section is worth it for the dramatic views. Bring sturdy shoes and water.
River meets sea
A very short drive, leaving plenty of time for swimming in both river and sea.
A lively coastal town at the mouth of the Rio Mira, with beaches on the river and on the open sea. The combination of calm river swimming and Atlantic waves makes the place special. In the evening, plenty of restaurants and bars around the small town centre.
A beach at the river mouth with usually calmer water, good for relaxed swimming. From here you get a great view of the sunset over the sea.
A shaded campsite near the town centre and beaches, with a short walk to restaurants and bars. Handy for being by the water during the day and going out on foot in the evening.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Beach & waves
Little driving, lots of beach; the current here is strong, so take care when swimming.
A beach beneath tall cliffs with powerful waves, popular with surfers and wave lovers. The path down and the view from above are an experience in themselves. A small, relaxed village sits right above it.
A slightly hidden natural beach reached via a path, with a calmer atmosphere. Clear water and sheltered spots among the rocks. A favourite for a long beach day.
A quiet site near the village and the cliff beaches. In the evening, you can walk to the bars and restaurants in the small centre. A great base for the most beautiful beaches of the Costa Vicentina.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Beach & evening in town
A switch to a holiday apartment with its own kitchen for two nights.
In the evening, stroll through quiet Aljezur and enjoy some regional food.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the coast, set at the mouth of the Seixe river, with both river and sea sides for swimming. The crescent-shaped bay lies picturesquely beneath green hillsides. An ideal spot for a long, lazy beach day.
A holiday apartment in the pretty little town of Aljezur, with its Moorish castle ruins and good restaurants. After several nights of camping, a welcome fixed base with its own kitchen. From here you can reach the most beautiful beaches of the western Algarve.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Waves & water
If you fancy it, you can take a taster lesson with a surf school.
Short drives between beaches, plenty of time in the water.
A wide bay beneath cliffs, known as a surf beach with steady waves. From the viewing platform above, you get a fantastic view over the curving coastline. Up in the village there are several spots with sea views.
A huge, open beach with wide dunes and a river winding through the sand. Perfect for long walks and swimming in the waves away from the crowds. The wooden boardwalk over the dunes is a lovely start to the beach.
Western tip & city
Enjoy the wind and the wide-open views at the cape, then arrive in Lagos.
In the evening, wander through the old town lanes and down to the water.
The south-westernmost point of Europe, with a striking lighthouse high above the cliffs. The view over the open Atlantic is immense, especially at sunset. A landmark point before the coast turns eastward.
A lively coastal town with a historic old town, a pretty harbour and the famous rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. Here, beach days meet buzzing nightlife and plenty of restaurants. Ideal for the final days of swimming and going out.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
A central holiday apartment in Lagos, within walking distance of the old town, bars and nearby beaches. A comfortable, well-located finish to the trip for evenings out. Two nights, to combine town and coast.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Beach & city
A last full day of beach and city, hardly any driving needed.
A boat tour is best done in the morning, when it's quieter.
Spectacular golden rock formations, grottoes and turquoise water south of Lagos. A boat tour or kayak lets you explore the caves from below. Steps lead up to small viewpoints from above.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
A postcard beach between rocks with clear, calm water, great for swimming and snorkelling. Despite its popularity, a beautiful spot for a long beach day. From here you can walk to Ponta da Piedade.
Farewell
The trip deliberately ends here in the Algarve; you plan the journey home individually.
One more chance to enjoy the market, the sea and the town before it all comes to an end.
A town market hall with fresh fish, fruit and regional produce, a great last taste of Portuguese market culture. Upstairs there are small food stalls for a farewell breakfast. Perfect for picking up a little something for the road.
A long, open sandy beach on the edge of Lagos, ideal for a final quiet morning by the sea. Plenty of space, an easy entry into the water and beach bars for a farewell drink. A relaxed close to the trip.
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