Explore Portugal on a Shoestring—with Epic Stops, Smart Tips, and Real Local Flavor
Portugal is a dream for travelers: scenic coastlines, medieval towns, world-class wine, and friendly locals. But can you do a proper road trip across the country for under €300? The answer is yes—with a bit of planning, smart driving, and eating like a local.
This 7-day Portugal road trip itinerary is crafted for budget travelers who want freedom, flavor, and flexibility. You’ll hit coastal gems, wine regions, historic cities, and hidden countryside spots—all without blowing your budget.
What’s Covered in the Budget?
Here’s what your €300 could realistically cover per person (for two people sharing costs):
| Expense | Estimate (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Car rental (manual) | €70 |
| Fuel (~900 km) | €45 |
| Budget stays (hostels, B&Bs) | €105 |
| Food (cheap eats) | €50 |
| Attractions & tours | €30 |
Total: ~€300 per person
Tip: Book your car rental early and opt for pickup at Lisbon Airport for the best rates.
Compare the cheapest deals here
Day 1: Lisbon to Évora—Into the Alentejo
Distance: 130 km—~1.5 hours
Budget Stay: Hostel Raymundo or HI Évora—from €18/night
What to Do
- Explore Évora’s UNESCO-listed historic center
- See the Chapel of Bones—creepy and fascinating
- Grab local cheese and wine from a corner deli and picnic in Jardim Diana
Where to Eat
- Try Piparoza or O Templo for €10–€12 set menus with Alentejo wine.
Day 2: Évora to Monsaraz—Medieval Views and Lake Life
Distance: 60 km—~1 hour
Budget Stay: Rural guesthouse or camping options from €20
What to Do
- Visit the hilltop fortress village of Monsaraz
- Dip your toes in the Alqueva Lake (Europe’s largest man-made lake)
- Watch the sunset from the castle walls—completely free, and unforgettable
Where to Eat
- Snack on local açorda (garlic bread soup) at Taverna Os Templários
Optional wine tasting in Alentejo
Day 3: Monsaraz to Elvas to Marvão—Castles & Quiet Roads
Distance: 150 km—~2 hours
Budget Stay: Pousada Youth Hostel Marvão—from €20/night
What to Do
- Stop in Elvas, a star-shaped fortress town
- Continue to Marvão, perched on a granite peak
- Wander cobbled alleys and take in jaw-dropping views over Spain
Tip: These are some of the quietest, most scenic driving roads in Portugal.
Day 4: Marvão to Tomar—Templar Town on the River
Distance: 130 km—~2 hours
Budget Stay: N1 Hostel Tomar—from €17/night
What to Do
- Explore the Convent of Christ, a Knights Templar stronghold
- Chill by the river or take a walk through the old Jewish Quarter
Where to Eat
- Try Café Parreirinha for grilled fish and local beer—lunch under €10
Day 5: Tomar to Nazaré to Óbidos—Surf and Storybooks
Distance: 140 km—~2.5 hours total
Morning in Nazaré
- Watch surfers at Praia do Norte (big wave capital of the world)
- Walk the lighthouse cliffs for iconic views
Afternoon in Óbidos
Budget Stay: Hostel Argonauta or a guesthouse outside town from €20
What to Do
- Stroll along the castle walls
- Sip Ginja liqueur in chocolate cups from street vendors
Day 6: Óbidos to Peniche to Sintra
Distance: 110 km—~2 hours
Budget Stay: HI Hostel or budget pension near Sintra—from €22/night
What to Do
- Stop in Peniche for lunch and a coastal walk
- Arrive in Sintra by late afternoon
- Explore Quinta da Regaleira or Palácio da Pena (choose one to stay on budget)
Where to Eat
- Eat in São Pedro de Sintra for cheaper prices away from the palace zones
Day 7: Sintra to Lisbon—Scenic Return and Final Treats
Distance: 35 km—~45 minutes
Morning
- Wake early to catch sunrise views over Moorish Castle
- Optional drive to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe
Afternoon
- Return to Lisbon and fill up gas before drop-off
- Reward yourself with a plate of pastéis de bacalhau or a glass of Ginja
Reserve lunch at a hidden gem in Lisbon.
Pro Budget Tips for Your Portugal Road Trip
Go manual: Automatic rentals cost way more
Travel off-peak: March–May or September–October = lower prices
Shop local: Grab meals from bakeries or supermarkets—Portuguese bread + cheese = elite lunch
Use gas apps: Find the cheapest fuel stations with apps like Mais Gasolina
Free walking tours: Available in almost every town (donation-based)
Map Your Trip
Create a Google Map with pinned stops, restaurants, fuel stations, and scenic detours.
Embed it in your blog or offer a free download in exchange for email signups.
Final Thoughts: Portugal at €300? Absolutely Possible
This budget-friendly 7-day road trip in Portugal demonstrates that adventure doesn’t require a large budget. You’ll taste Alentejo wine, stand in castle towers, swim in quiet lakes, and still come home under budget.
All you need is a small car, a relaxing playlist, and a big appetite—for landscapes and local eats.