My brother, my cousin, and I decided to go on a road trip through Spain and Portugal. The goal was simple: start from Faro, at the very south of Portugal, and slowly make our way up the coast, exploring the Algarve, the Portuguese coastline, then northern Spain, surfing and discovering hidden spots, all the way to Anglet, our final destination in the Basque Country. This van trip wasn’t a planned adventure, but rather an improvised road trip, in search of freedom, nature, and great waves.
In this article, I share our itinerary, our favorite surf spots, and all my tips for organizing a road trip from Faro to Anglet by van across southern Europe.
Road Trip Spain Portugal: Practical Tips for a Successful Van Journey
Want to embark on an adventure from Faro to Anglet? Here are all my tips to make your van road trip a true break of freedom.
When to go?
The best period for a road trip along this Atlantic coast is from April to October.
- Spring and autumn: perfect for surfers, with great waves and fewer people on the beaches.
- Summer: ideal for those mainly seeking sun, long days, and the summer vibes.
How long to plan for a Spain–Portugal road trip?
We did this journey in 8 days, but if I were to do it again, I’d take at least 10 to 12 days. Even better, two weeks allow you to truly soak in each place, enjoy longer stops where your heart desires, and never feel rushed. In a van, freedom is exactly the ability to change plans as you go.
Tip for making the most of your road trip
One key lesson from this experience: give yourself time. Spending an extra night or two in a place you love makes all the difference. Don’t rush—savor the landscapes, sunsets, and tranquility… that’s where the magic happens.
Bonus tips
- Prefer visiting tourist spots like Benagil or Nazaré at the start or end of the day: fewer crowds and amazing light.
- Keep some flexibility in your itinerary: weather, sudden discoveries, or good waves can change your route.
- Use apps like Park4Night to easily find great spots for overnight stays, often in nature or near the beach—a real plus for a hassle-free road trip.
- Respect nature: leave no trace, especially in wild and protected areas. These spots are what make the experience unique.
Spain–Portugal Road Trip: Our Day-by-Day Adventure from Faro to Anglet
Day 1: Heading to Faro, with an overnight stop in Aznalcóllar
We left Anglet in the morning, excited to start our road trip. The first kilometers passed under our wheels with a beautiful blue sky and the thrill of the open road. Far from the Atlantic beaches, we headed south, crossing the lush landscapes of the Basque Country. The road stretched ahead, lined with fields and small villages where time seemed to slow down.
As the hours went by, fatigue started to set in. We took a few breaks to stretch our legs and grab a coffee, but our goal remained clear: reach Aznalcóllar before nightfall. This small Spanish village seemed perfect to park our vans and enjoy a quiet evening before hitting the road again. Finally, we covered the last kilometers and found our overnight spot.
Day 2: From Praia do Rocha Baixinha to Benagil – A Day of Escape
In the morning, after making a quick stop for provisions, we headed towards Faro, but the beach didn’t really captivate us. A little disappointed, we continued our journey until Praia do Rocha Baixinha, a calmer, wilder spot. There, we found the perfect place to picnic under the trees, right by the ocean. The view from the cliffside was breathtaking.
Later, we decided to explore Marinha Beach. After a short walk along the coast, we were rewarded with a stunning panorama. But the day wasn’t over yet – next stop: Benagil to explore its famous cave.
We took the paddleboard to explore the surroundings, struggling a little against the swell. Along the way, we paused on a small cove to snack and enjoy a beer while watching the sun cast golden hues across the water. Then we continued to reach Benagil Cave. The place was beautiful, though busy during the day; fortunately, by this later hour, there were hardly any people left. After this adventure, we returned to shore, packed up the paddleboard, and drove to Lagoa, where we found a quiet spot to spend the night.
Day 3: Kiteboarding, Cliffs, and Sunset
We started the day heading to Ria Alvor, a lagoon near Alvor known as a prime kiteboarding spot. After a first stop, we finally found the perfect spot near the Algarve Site Center. Clémence enjoyed some kiteboarding while Max and I relaxed on the beach.
Later, we hit the road toward Ponta da Piedade, an impressive location along the coast. We enjoyed a scenic walk from Praia do Camilo to Praia do Barranco do Martinho, following the trail along the famous cliffs of Ponta da Piedade. The views were stunning, with small beaches along the way perfect for a quick swim.
As the day came to an end, we drove to Ponta Ruivo Beach and found a great spot on the cliffs to park our van. There were a few other vans around, but the area remained peaceful. We watched the sunset with a breathtaking view over the beach and cliffs. It was the perfect place to spend the night, away from the hustle and bustle.
Day 4: Surf Sessions and Spectacular Landscapes, from Praia do Amado to Cordoama
After a relaxed breakfast at our spot, we hit the road toward Praia do Amado for a surf session. The waves were perfect, and the spot was stunning—we really enjoyed the session. After a good surf, we returned to the vans for a quick lunch and some rest.
In the afternoon, we drove to the Miradouro do Cordoama, where Max and Cléclé went paragliding. The scenery was incredible, with breathtaking views of Praia do Cordoama below.
Later, we went back to Praia do Amado for a second surf session just before sunset. We ended the day enjoying a beautiful sunset on the beach, a perfect way to close an action-packed day.
Day 5: Relaxation and Surf Along the Coast
We started the day heading to Praia do Malhao Sul, a calm spot where we enjoyed breakfast facing the ocean. After a walk along the cliffs, we drove toward Carvoeira and Praia do São Julião, but the surf conditions weren’t ideal. We eventually found a beautiful spot in Ericeira, overlooking Praia de Ribeira d’Ilhas, to have lunch and soak in the view.
In the afternoon, we continued to Supertubos, but unfortunately, there were no waves that day. We then drove to Playa Baleal Sul, where I enjoyed a sunset surf session, despite the small waves and chilly water.
By the end of the day, we reached a peaceful spot above Praia do Estrela. After a slightly steep drive, we found a fantastic cliffside location, with the sound of waves in the background. We had dinner and ended the day surrounded by this serene setting before heading to bed.
Day 6: Nazaré and Praia Nova
In the morning, we took our time, enjoying a beautiful view of the sea. While Max and Clémence went kiteboarding at Praia do Estrela, I stayed in the van watching the waves. Later, we drove to Nazaré and parked the vans at Praia do Norte. We went for a scenic walk along the shore, then climbed up to the fort for panoramic views, before wandering through the village. Nazaré’s atmosphere is very pleasant, even when the famous giant waves aren’t breaking. We enjoyed a delicious fish meal at a local restaurant.
By the end of the day, we continued to Praia Nova. We freshened up with a shower in the public toilets, then had a drink at the Casablanca Lounge Bar, enjoying a stunning sunset. In the evening, we found a quiet parking spot behind Praia Nova where we spent the night.
Day 7: Surfing in Espinho and Discovering Porto
After a hearty breakfast, we admired the ocean before hitting the road toward Espinho. There, we surfed at Praia de Baia. The waves were quite big but perfectly shaped, offering long rights. The session was intense and physically demanding, but we loved every minute.
By late morning, we hopped back into the vans and drove to Porto. We parked in the São Nicolau neighborhood, explored the streets, and found a small restaurant to enjoy some fish and a good sangria. Despite the rain, we really enjoyed the atmosphere of this charming district.
In the afternoon, we continued driving under heavy rain. The roads were a bit challenging, especially as night fell. After several hours, we found a spot in Spain near a lake to spend the night.
Day 8: Exploring the Beaches of Northern Spain
We started our day at Playa de Los Locos, enjoying the spectacular waves rolling in. Surfers were out in full force, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. After exploring the surroundings, we continued our drive toward Playa de la Concha. The waves were smaller here, so we decided to move on to Playa de Usgo, another beautiful spot.
Later, we found an idyllic location between Playa de Valdearenas and Playa de Canallave, where we spent the afternoon soaking in the scenery and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Heading back toward the Basque Country in the late afternoon, we stopped at Zarautz, walked along the seaside, and savored a beer on a terrace. We then found a spot on the heights of Pasaia to spend the night.
Day 9: One Last Surf Before the End of the Trip
After a hearty breakfast, we hit the road and made a stop at Jaizkibel to admire the view. Then, we headed to Hendaye for one final surf session, which was amazing. The waves were small, but the water conditions were much better than in Portugal. We really enjoyed it!
Afterward, we drove back to Anglet, happy to have experienced such a beautiful last day of our trip.
Your Turn to Go on an Adventure!
This road trip from Faro to Anglet through Portugal and Spain was the perfect opportunity to disconnect and savor every moment. If you dream of freedom, surfing, and breathtaking landscapes, go for it! The road is waiting for you.
Feeling inspired by this article? Check out our other destination ideas and let them spark your next adventure!
Manon – Trip Taken in August 2023
