Private car transfer from Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon

There are so many neat stops to make that this transfer will be the highlight of your vacation. As you travel down the western coast of the Iberian peninsula, you will see rugged cliffs and limestone shores carved out by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Take your time to stop by seaside towns like Pontevedra for lunch and shopping, or take a boat along the canals of Aveiro.

A private driver from Daytrip will help you go off of the beaten path to admire Portugal’s religious history at Braga, which is home to 30 churches and is the religious capital of Portugal - a Vatican city of sorts. The Monastery of Batalha is another stop to make on your trip. This UNESCO World Heritage Site took 200 years to complete and is a cornerstone of Portuguese architectural and religious culture.

A customized road trip is the perfect way to see the best parts of Spain and Portugal you might otherwise miss!

3,000 Years of Lisbon

Lisbon’s legacy is a series of conquests of major European forces and religions. Founded by the Phoenicians around 1200 BC, it later became a prosperous Roman outpost known as Olissipo. Following centuries of Moorish rule, Lisbon was reconquered by Christian forces in the 12th century, ushering in a period of maritime exploration and global influence during the Age of Discovery.

The golden era of exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries brought untold riches to Lisbon, making it a hub of trade. In order to build their wealth, the Portuguese colonized resource-rich lands in India and portions of the African coast, including modern-day Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde. Brazil was Portugal’s biggest colony. Today, Brazil has 210 million Portuguese speakers, compared to Portugal’s 10 million population.

Lisbon Today

Today, Lisbon stands as a vibrant metropolis. The city's historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, are a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, adorned with colorful tiles and full of little cafes and shops. Amidst this backdrop from a bygone era, you can visit architectural religious marvels like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Cathedral of Saint Mary Major. Or visit the iconic Belém Tower, which pays homage to Lisbon's past as an empire and maritime power. But at the same time, Lisbon is full of contemporary culture and innovation. The city's dynamic arts scene is evident in its numerous galleries, street art displays, and avant-garde theaters. Modern architectural masterpieces, like the MAAT museum and the Vasco da Gama Bridge, stand as symbols of Lisbon's forward-thinking mindset.

Plan around siesta

In Spain, most businesses, including shops and restaurants, take a siesta and close for a few hours from after lunch until about 4:00 PM. Of the restaurants that stay open, many only serve drinks between meals.

Have snacks and water for the road trip, and plan your stops with the siesta in mind. Portugal doesn't take a siesta, so try to cross the border before lunch. Your Daytrip driver is a local and will be able to advise you as well. The days in Spain and Portugal are longer and warmer than you may be used to. Due to the intense heat, these countries have a culture of doing more activities in the evening and nighttime. Dinner is around 9-11 PM, and you can expect restaurants to open later and serve meals later.

Cool off at the Mira de Aire Caves

Speaking of the heat, if you are visiting in the warmer months, you can cool down in a cave. The Mira de Aire Caves were discovered in 1947 and are part of a 7-mile (11 km) cave system. Step into cathedral-like chambers full of stunning natural features and enjoy the constant 65 F (18 C) temperature. You can only visit with a guided tour, so make sure to book ahead and bring sturdy shoes for the slippery floors!

Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon by Private Car with Daytrip

Traveling from Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon via a private driver offers the flexibility and convenience of door-to-door transportation, allowing you to tailor the journey according to your preferences and schedule. Customize your itinerary with Daytrip to get the most out of your transfer. Add sightseeings stops at destinations like Braga and Coimbra that you wouldn’t be able to visit if you take public transportation.

The best part, though? Your private driver will take you directly to your accommodation within Lisbon, and help with your luggage. No need to return a rental car or worry about parking on Lisbon’s hilly streets. Let Daytrip provide a seamless and comfortable travel experience from start to finish.

Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon by Bus

While it's slower than other modes of transportation, the bus is a cost-effective option for budget-conscious travelers. Begin your journey by taking a bus from Santiago de Compostela to Porto, Portugal. The part of the journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Upon reaching Porto, you'll need to transfer to another bus that travels from Porto to Lisbon. This leg of the journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. You'll then just need to get from the bus station to your accommodation.

Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon by Train

Similar to the bus routes, the train also requires a transfer to Porto. Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, operates high-speed and regional trains on this route. This half of the journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. Once in Porto, you'll need to transfer to another train that travels from Porto to Lisbon. Portugal's national railway company, CP - Comboios de Portugal, operates regular train services between Porto and Lisbon. This half of the journey typically takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Your train will arrive at one of Lisbon's main railway stations, such as Santa Apolónia or Oriente.

Flights from Santiago de Compostela to Lisbon

There are no direct flights between these cities. Any flight would require a transfer to a major Spanish city, so skip looking for flights for this trip!

Lisbon’s Historic Alfama District

Welcome to Lisbon's Alfama District! Once you've unpacked and settled in, it's time to start the adventure aboard Tram 28, an absolute must-do for any visitor to the city. This charming tram ride promises a thrilling glimpse into Lisbon's soul. This iconic tram winds its way through the narrow streets and colorful neighborhoods, eventually leading you to the heart of Alfama.

Picture-perfect views await as you're dropped off right at the doorsteps of crown jewels of Lisbon’s architectural heritage, like the Estrela Basilica, St. George's Castle, and the Lisbon Cathedral. Visit the remnants of the city's ancient walls to see just how old Lisbon really is.

Lisbon’s Coastal Belem District

Once you’ve seen all of Alfama, follow the shore of the Tagus River west to the Belem District. It is the perfect place to rest from all that walking on Lisbon’s hilly, cobblestone streets. Admire the iconic Torre de Belem, a monumental fortress that has stood sentinel at the mouth of the Tagus River since the 16th century. Then head to the beach to relax and catch some sun.

The Lisbon Oceanarium

If you still can’t get enough of the ocean, make sure to stop by the Lisbon Oceanarium. As one of Europe's largest indoor aquariums, the Lisbon Oceanarium is a must-visit destination for any marine enthusiast. Prepare to be amazed as you encounter a mesmerizing array of sea creatures and the cycling of short-term exhibitions from all over the world.

Portugal's National Tile Museum

You probably noticed an artistic theme of stunning hand-painted tiles as you walked around Lisbon. Portugal has a rich heritage in tile-making, and the National Tile Museum offers a captivating journey through centuries of craftsmanship and creativity. Don't miss the chance to take a piece of Portugal home with you! Explore the museum's collection and discover the perfect souvenir to commemorate your time in this enchanting country.

Temperatures during spring and autumn hover comfortably between the mid-60s and low 70s Fahrenheit (approximately 18-24°C). During spring, you can enjoy the blossoming flowers and festivals. In autumn, the tree-lined streets become vibrant shades of red and yellow.