The city of Tomar is one of our favorites here at Honest Routes. Its history is astounding and absolutely worth a visit when you travel between Porto and Lisbon. We actually visit Tomar during our day trip from Lisbon on a Knights Templar tour. You should visit the Convent of Christ whilst there.

The route between Porto and Lisbon is packed with some of Portugal’s most stunning "hidden gems," making a direct 3-hour drive a missed opportunity. One of the top stops is Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal" due to its colorful canals and moliceiro boats. Moving south, you can visit Coimbra, home to one of the world's oldest universities and a breathtaking baroque library. For history lovers, the medieval walled town of Óbidos is a must-see; you can walk the ancient stone ramparts and try the local cherry liqueur, Ginjinha, served in a chocolate cup. If you prefer the coast, Nazaré offers dramatic cliffs and is world-famous for having some of the largest surfing waves on the planet. For a spiritual or architectural detour, the Sanctuary of Fátima or the massive monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça are located just off the main highway. Each of these stops provides a completely different look at Portuguese culture, from student traditions and religious history to world-class surfing and medieval fairytale charm, making the "Silver Coast" drive one of the best in Europe.