A 5-Day Family Road Trip Along Portugal's Silver Coast
Photo: Bernard Spragg (CC0) · Openverse
The secret to a family road trip is short driving days and a pool (or beach) at the end of each one. This five-day loop north of Lisbon keeps every drive under 90 minutes.
Day 1 — Lisbon to Ericeira
An hour up the coast to a laid-back surf town. Gentle beaches, great seafood, and a walkable centre for an easy first evening.
Day 2 — Ericeira to Nazaré
Stop at Óbidos on the way — a walled village kids love to explore. In Nazaré, ride the funicular up for the giant-wave viewpoint.
Day 3 — Nazaré & Alcobaça
A slow day: monastery in the morning (quick visit), beach in the afternoon. Build in nothing else.
Day 4 — Aveiro
The “Portuguese Venice” — colourful boats, a flat waterfront, and soft sweet ovos moles. Very pram-friendly.
Day 5 — Back to Lisbon
Break the drive at a roadside cherry stand and you’ll arrive home with everyone still smiling.
Road-trip rules that work
Rent the biggest boot you can justify, download offline maps and a few films, and stop the moment someone spots a castle. The detours are the trip.