Portugal in August: a road trip from Porto to the Algarve

Porto and the wine region

Start in Porto. This port city on the Douro is full of narrow streets and blue tiles. The highlight: tasting port wine. The best place for that is Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river. You wander between old wine houses and taste different varieties. A glass costs around €5 to €10.

Want to go deeper into the wine? The Douro Valley is an hour and a half's drive away. There, the grapes grow on steep hillsides. You can taste and have lunch there too.

• •Taste port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia, right on the river.
• •Rent a car for your road trip: it gives you freedom and costs less than trains.
• •Compare flight prices before you book; they vary a lot.

Guimarães and the hidden north

Many travellers make the same mistake: they visit Guimarães as a day trip from Porto. But this town deserves more time. Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal. You walk through medieval streets, see the castle on the hill, and understand why this place matters. Plan two to three days here.

Fancy something quieter still? The Minho, in the far north, is barely known to tourists. Setúbal, further south, is less busy than the popular tourist spots. And if you like something out of the ordinary: in Évora you can sleep in a cork hotel - built entirely from cork.

• •Stay at least two days in Guimarães, not just one.
• •Sleep in a cork hotel in Évora for a night you won't forget.
• •Explore Setúbal or the Minho if you want to avoid crowds of tourists.

Beaches and cliffs in the Algarve

The south: the Algarve. This is where the beaches are. You can hop from beach to beach and swim everywhere. One of the best spots is Ponta da Piedade: red cliffs dropping into the sea, small coves below, water clear enough to see through. The best way to experience it is by boat from Lagos.

August is the busiest month, so go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Hotel Eva in Lagos is a solid choice for a place to stay.

• •Visit Ponta da Piedade by boat from Lagos.
• •Arrive early or late at the beach to avoid the crowds.
• •Book Hotel Eva ahead if you're staying longer in the Algarve.

Practical: time and money

How much time do you need? Eight days is ideal for this route. That's enough for Porto, the middle stretch, and a few days at the beach.

How much does it cost? Portugal is a good-value destination. A meal costs €8 to €15, a hotel room €50 to €100 a night, and tasting port wine starts from just €5. Many travellers choose adventure here on purpose: they rent a car, stay in simple places, and eat where the locals eat.

A few practical tips: compare flight prices a few weeks ahead. Book your parking spot at Schiphol in advance - that saves stress. And with an all-inclusive rental car, you're covered without any hassle.

• •Plan eight days for a comfortable pace.
• •Compare flight prices on several sites.
• •Book Schiphol parking in advance.
• •Rent a car with insurance included - simple, with no surprises.