Portugal Expedition: SUV Challenges in Lisbon & Beyond

[joxeph]

My family thinks about going to Portugal next year and wants to spend some days in Lisbon, Sintra, Algarve. Maybe we visit Porto too if we have enough time. We plan to rent a Ford Expedition or a similar SUV. However, I've heard Lisbon has some very narrow, hilly streets that can be challenging, especially to tourists.

For those who have driven in Lisbon, will a larger SUV like the Expedition present any issues navigating the tight turns and steep inclines? I'm wondering if we'd spend more time trying to squeeze down side streets than enjoying the sights. Are there any areas particularly tough to drive in that might be better explored on foot? Any tips for parking in the city as well?

We'd also love any recommendations for must-see neighborhoods, views, or day trips outside Lisbon. Our kid is comfortable walking a few miles each day, so hike-able spots are welcome too.

Any insights would be greatly appreciated as we start planning our Portugal adventure. Looking forward to hearing from others who have experience driving and exploring Lisbon.

 

[Trail Talk]

We just returned from a 6900km road trip so clearly we're not averse to auto touring. But some destinations are better experienced in a slower, more intimate fashion and I'd urge you to consider Portugal as one such.

We hiked the Fisherman's Trail a few years ago then spent several weeks touring Portugal afterwards without a vehicle. Lisbon and Porto are must-see locales but I fear you won't enjoy either from inside a car. Very walkable if you select a central base and head out a few hours on foot in each direction. The trolleys and trains will get you to further destinations with less stress, no road tolls or parking hassles, and you can enjoy listening to the locals. Other tips: try to visit Conimbriga Roman ruins, eat many pastel de nata, don't be afraid of fish eyes they taste nutty.

Some views of Lisboa:

 

[joxeph]

Thank you for sharing your insightful experience and recommendations, @Trail Talk! Exploring Portugal more slowly and immersing ourselves in the local culture sounds like a fantastic way to truly appreciate the beauty of the country. Your suggestions on walking, using trolleys and trains, and savoring local delights like pastel de nata are invaluable.

I stumbled upon this online resource, https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism-in-portugal-statistics-2023-the-ultimate-guide-5600, and you were right - Portugal has a very extensive public transportation system, and some towns and cities are best explored on foot allowing for a more intimate and enriching experience.

Your tips on visiting Conimbriga Roman ruins and embracing local cuisine are noted with gratitude. We're excited to plan our Portugal adventure with these valuable insights in mind! The photos you shared make us even more excited about what we will see, especially the last photo where you really need to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.

 

[mog]

Lisbon is not as tight as a lot of European city. And once you are in the true downtown area you will want to walk and take the trollies/cable cars anyway to go up the hills (they are very very steep). Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça is 2 hours east in Elvas. Depending on you kids ages they will love to explorer as it is very interesting with lots of walkways and inside exploring. National Palace of Pena is 30 minutes west and also a must see. Get there early as parking is very limited. And Quinta da Regaleira which is 10 minutes from the Palace of Pena is awesome. Lot of weird and wonderful stuff including the Poço Iniciático, (Initiation Well). You can go down that and take a tunnel out to a lagoon. If you go up to Porto (highly recommended), an hour east is Parque Pena Aventura which has a zip line from mountain to mountain. You fly like superman, and you could go so fast they add different size drone wings depending on your weight to keep you under 70 kph (although it felt like 70 mph). You fly over the highway.




If you can spread out from Lisbon, I have a whole bunch more suggestions. We spent 3 weeks there and loved every minute. Great people, beautiful country, the cork trees are cool/crazy, and beautiful beaches in the south.

BUT be very careful as they are known to catch unwary tourists and perform horrible experiments on them

 

[DiploStrat]

We are heading back to our camper, stored in UK, this week. Haven't driven to Portugal (been with a tour group), but would offer this advice for Lisbon or ANY European city.

DON'T!

Find a hotel/campsite out of town and use public transport. In our case, our old Mercedes Benz can't pass any emission limits anyway. But as a rule, traffic and parking in any major EU city is simply impossible. Take a train/tram/bus and have a great time.

 

[Johnboyy]

What everyone else said, park and ride.

Also you might struggle to rent something like an expedition unless your pockets are very deep. Big SUVs aren't common from rental companies over here so expect to pay a premium. Defender 110 or Merc GLE will probably be as close as you'll get.

 

[alanymarce]

As others have said, park somewhere sensible and use public transport/walk. Lisbon, and other cities in Portugal has some narrow streets however most are OK. Be careful with navigation guidance - google tried to send us down a stairway (we didn't take it). It's handy to have your own transport outside the cities, however the country is relatively small and you don't need an Expedition, unless actually going on an "expedition", or carrying more than five people.

Here's one of our trips - I don't recall the vehicle we ended up with, but the booking was for a
"VW Golf Diesel or equivalent" - more than adequate.

 

[joxeph]

Lisbon is not as tight as a lot of European city. And once you are in the true downtown area you will want to walk and take the trollies/cable cars anyway to go up the hills (they are very very steep). Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça is 2 hours east in Elvas. Depending on you kids ages they will love to explorer as it is very interesting with lots of walkways and inside exploring. National Palace of Pena is 30 minutes west and also a must see. Get there early as parking is very limited. And Quinta da Regaleira which is 10 minutes from the Palace of Pena is awesome. Lot of weird and wonderful stuff including the Poço Iniciático, (Initiation Well). You can go down that and take a tunnel out to a lagoon. If you go up to Porto (highly recommended), an hour east is Parque Pena Aventura which has a zip line from mountain to mountain. You fly like superman, and you could go so fast they add different size drone wings depending on your weight to keep you under 70 kph (although it felt like 70 mph). You fly over the highway.

View attachment 831054
View attachment 831055

If you can spread out from Lisbon, I have a whole bunch more suggestions. We spent 3 weeks there and loved every minute. Great people, beautiful country, the cork trees are cool/crazy, and beautiful beaches in the south.

BUT be very careful as they are known to catch unwary tourists and perform horrible experiments on them

View attachment 831056

Thank you for sharing your detailed insights and recommendations for exploring Portugal, @mog! Your suggestions for must-see locations like Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça in Elvas, the National Palace of Pena, and Quinta da Regaleira offer a diverse range of experiences for families to enjoy. The advice on utilizing public transportation in Lisbon's downtown area to navigate the steep hills is practical and adds to the overall travel experience. Your enthusiasm for exploring Porto and the thrilling Parque Pena Aventura with its zip line adventure showcases the adventurous spirit of Portugal. Your firsthand experiences and recommendations provide valuable guidance for families planning a memorable trip to Portugal, ensuring a blend of cultural exploration and exciting adventures.

 

[joxeph]

We are heading back to our camper, stored in UK, this week. Haven't driven to Portugal (been with a tour group), but would offer this advice for Lisbon or ANY European city.

DON'T!

Find a hotel/campsite out of town and use public transport. In our case, our old Mercedes Benz can't pass any emission limits anyway. But as a rule, traffic and parking in any major EU city is simply impossible. Take a train/tram/bus and have a great time.

Thank you for sharing your advice on navigating European cities like Lisbon, @DiploStrat. Opting for public transport and finding accommodations outside the city center to avoid traffic and parking challenges is a practical suggestion. Utilizing trains, trams, or buses can enhance the overall experience and allow for a more relaxed exploration of the city. Your insight on emission limits and the convenience of public transportation aligns with the idea of enjoying the sights without the stress of driving in busy urban areas. It's a wise approach to prioritize ease of travel and enjoyment during our Portugal adventure.

 

[joxeph]

What everyone else said, park and ride.

Also you might struggle to rent something like an expedition unless your pockets are very deep. Big SUVs aren't common from rental companies over here so expect to pay a premium. Defender 110 or Merc GLE will probably be as close as you'll get.

I appreciate the valuable insights on renting SUVs in Portugal, @Johnboyy! Your suggestion to consider park-and-ride options and alternative vehicles like the Defender 110 or Merc GLE is a great tip, especially given the limited availability of larger SUVs. Knowing about potential premium costs for these vehicles is also helpful for trip budgeting.

I may have to tweak my plans of using public transport in major cities like Lisbon and Porto, then renting a smaller car for the countryside.

 

[joxeph]

As others have said, park somewhere sensible and use public transport/walk. Lisbon, and other cities in Portugal has some narrow streets however most are OK. Be careful with navigation guidance - google tried to send us down a stairway (we didn't take it). It's handy to have your own transport outside the cities, however the country is relatively small and you don't need an Expedition, unless actually going on an "expedition", or carrying more than five people.

Here's one of our trips - I don't recall the vehicle we ended up with, but the booking was for a
"VW Golf Diesel or equivalent" - more than adequate.

Thank you for sharing your experience and advice on navigating Lisbon and Portugal, @alanymarce. Using public transport and walking in cities like Lisbon can indeed be more convenient and enjoyable than dealing with narrow streets and parking hassles. It's wise to be cautious with a turn-by-turn navigation app like Google Maps, as the app can sometimes lead us astray. Having our own transport for exploring outside the cities is beneficial, and a vehicle like a VW Golf Diesel or equivalent can be more than sufficient for our travels. Your insights and trip example provide valuable tips for planning a smooth and memorable Portugal adventure.