Lisbon to the Algarve along the Atlantic

Route description

From Lisbon it is a short drive west to Sintra, where the red-and-yellow Palácio da Pena sits on a wooded hill. Parking is limited and the lanes are narrow, so leave the motorhome below and use the shuttle from Sintra.

Winding roads lead on to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, with a lighthouse above 140 m cliffs. From there, cross the Tagus and head south, either on the A2 motorway or on quieter roads along the Alentejo coast, to Sagres at the southwestern corner of Portugal.

Sagres has a fortress on a windswept headland, and nearby Cabo de São Vicente is famous for its sunsets; a seaside campsite makes a good base. The N125 then runs east to Lagos, where Ponta da Piedade’s golden cliffs, arches and grottoes are reached by stairs down to the water. A municipal motorhome stopover in Lagos is handy for an early visit.

Further east, the Algar de Benagil sea cave, with a hole in its roof, is seen on boat or kayak tours; landing rules have tightened, so check locally. The route ends in Faro, with its walled old town and the lagoons of the Ria Formosa. Overnight parking in motorhomes is restricted in Portugal outside campsites and designated areas, and some Algarve motorways use electronic-only tolls, so sort out payment in advance.