There’s something magical about the idea of crossing Portugal from north to south, or more modestly, from Lisbon to Lagos. It’s a route of barely three hours, but anyone who’s ever taken the time to wander knows this isn’t about highways. It’s about unexpected stops, side roads clinging to cliffs, hidden cafés where coffee still costs one euro, and those moments when you turn off the music just to listen to the sea. And on trips like this, the car becomes more than transport, it’s your travel companion, your shelter, your balcony overlooking the ocean.

The quiet charm of the small city car

Let’s start with the practical types. If you travel light, want to wander through Lisbon’s narrow streets, or find parking without circling endlessly, a small city car is your best friend. A Fiat 500, a Renault Clio, a Peugeot 208… These cars go anywhere and sip fuel. Perfect if your trip focuses on the coast or includes stops in towns like Setúbal or Sagres.

But careful: small car doesn’t mean small comfort. Portuguese roads are well maintained, yes, but often hilly. If you’re traveling as a pair, it’s perfect. With four people, however, you’ll soon curse every extra suitcase and every detour to a hidden beach.

And let’s be honest, nothing is more frustrating than spotting a panoramic road and having to choose between your passengers and your camera bag.

The SUV, king of versatility

For many, the SUV is the logical choice. It combines comfort, a higher driving position, plenty of boot space, and that ready-for-anything look. On the road from Lisbon to Lagos, you’ll likely pass through the Alentejo, with its cork oak trees and hand-painted landscapes. That’s where an SUV really shines.

Imagine: you leave the main road to explore a hidden beach, drive down a dirt path, a bit of dust, a sharp turn, and there’s the sea. With a Dacia Duster, a Nissan Qashqai, or a Volkswagen T-Roc, you go without worry.

The only downside? A slightly higher rental price and fuel consumption. But for a few days on the road, it’s a luxury worth having. And honestly, arriving in Lagos with a dust-covered SUV fresh from the Alentejo has its own charm.

The convertible, the open-air dream

Ah, the convertible. There are those who rent it, and those who regret not doing so. It’s the choice of the heart, not the head. Driving with the wind in your hair along the Vicentine coast, stopping at Praia da Amoreira or Odeceixe, feeling the salt on your skin, and hitting the road again without a plan, that’s freedom.

A convertible is like a fine Portuguese wine: it’s meant to be savored slowly. You don’t rent it to do Lisbon to Lagos in one go, but to enjoy the journey, the quiet, the wind, and that warm evening light.

Let’s be honest though, it’s not the most practical choice for groups, nor the most economical. But for a couple or two friends, it’s a guaranteed memory. And if the weather cooperates (which, in Portugal, it usually does), you won’t regret it for a second.

The eco option: going electric down south

Electric cars are gaining ground, even on Portuguese roads. Between Lisbon and Lagos, there are plenty of charging stations, especially near major cities and along motorways. Renting an electric car is a great way to travel without leaving much of a trace, while enjoying a smooth and silent drive.

But be warned, it takes a bit of planning. You’ll need to organize your charges, check station availability, and sometimes adapt your route. If you’re the spontaneous type, it might get frustrating. But if you enjoy preparation and want to travel more sustainably, it’s an increasingly practical choice.

A Tesla Model 3 or a Hyundai Kona Electric, for instance, can easily handle the 300 km stretch. And between stops, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, responsive car perfectly suited to Portuguese roads.

The art of choosing your car based on your trip

Before you book, ask yourself the right question: what kind of trip do you really want?
If you want to wander through towns, stop often, and stay in varied places, the city car is perfect. If you dream of secluded beaches and endless roads, the SUV is the one. If your road trip is a romantic getaway, a convertible will turn every corner into a memory.

And if you want to try something different, to experience a new way of driving, the electric car is a great adventure.

Portugal suits every style: the roads are smooth, the scenery ever-changing, and the drivers patient. But the real secret is not to rush. From Lisbon to Lagos, it’s only a three-hour drive, but you could easily spend three days, or more, without getting bored.

A few tips before you hit the road

Before you hop in, check a few simple things: make sure your GPS is updated (or better yet, have an offline app), carry some coins for tolls, and fill up before leaving Lisbon, petrol stations down south can be scarce, especially off-season.

And here’s a friendly tip: skip the monotonous highways. Take the coastal road instead, stop in Sines, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar. That’s where you’ll find the real Portugal, far from traffic jams and crowded car parks.

Most importantly, let yourself be surprised. This country loves detours. You’ll set out for a beach and stumble upon a market. You’ll search for a restaurant and end up in front of a sunset. And in those moments, the car becomes almost a secondary character.

In conclusion

The perfect road trip from Lisbon to Lagos doesn’t exist. Or rather, there are a thousand versions of it. It all depends on the traveler you are, your desires, your rhythm. But one thing’s for sure: Portugal was made for slow driving. Its roads are an invitation to pause, to look, to listen.

So whether you go in a Clio, a Duster, a Mini Cabrio, or a Tesla, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is leaving with the will to get a little lost. Because between Lisbon and Lagos, the most beautiful journey is always the one you didn’t plan.