Private car transfer
from Albufeira to Lisbon

Bacalhôa Winery

Bacalhôa Winery is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts, and easy to get to thanks to Daytrip's private car service. Situated at the Bacalhôa Palace, this winery is a gem for those who appreciate fine wine. Dating back to the 15th century, it is one of Portugal's oldest wineries. Having a private driver allows you to savor a couple of glasses during the wine tasting before continuing your journey.

Silves Castle

Another uniquely Portuguese site is Silves Castle, constructed in the 8th century by the Moors. This sandstone fortress stands upon the remnants of an ancient Lusitanian stronghold, documented as early as 201 BCE. Inside its crimson sandstone walls, you can see the excellent construction of the ancient towers, ramparts, and archaeological relics that have stood the test of time. Perched atop a hill, the castle offers sweeping vistas (perfect for family photos!) and a place to reflect on the various conquests that shaped modern Portugal.

Take your time on this part of your journey, and at the end, you’ll be able to enjoy all Lisbon has to offer!

Lisbon in a Nutshell

Lisbon's rich cultural tapestry spans over 3,000 years, characterized by a succession of conquests by major European powers and religions. Initially established by the Phoenicians around 1200 BC, it thrived as the Roman outpost Olissippo before centuries of Moorish rule. The Christian conquest in the 12th century brought an era of maritime exploration and global influence during the Age of Discovery.

This Age of Discovery unfolded during the 15th and 16th centuries, marked by unparalleled prosperity and influence driven by maritime expeditions. Portugal colonized vast distances, reaching as far as modern-day India, Africa, and Brazil. This period propelled Lisbon’s wealth and turned Lisbon into a pivotal trade hub where products from all around the world entered its ports. While this feels like the distant past, the result of Portugal’s Age of Discovery is felt today. For example, Brazil, which boasts a population of 210 million Portuguese speakers, dwarfs Portugal's 10 million speakers today.

Lisbon Today

Modern Lisbon is a living city with endless possibilities and things to do. Historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto stand frozen in time with their winding cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and architectural marvels like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. They are symbols of Lisbon's imperial past, but there are plenty of modern examples of the future too.

Lisbon has a dynamic art scene with galleries, street art, and avant-garde theaters. Modern architectural icons like the MAAT museum and Vasco da Gama Bridge underscore Lisbon's progressive outlook and position as a beacon of modernity.

Take your Time to Explore

Your ride from Albufeira to Lisbon will bring you through the heart of southern Portugal. When you ride with Daytrip, you have the chance to break up the travel time and enrich your trip with sightseeing stops at some of the best destinations in Portugal!

Don't miss the ancient walled city of Évora. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built around an ancient Roman temple! Because of its compact size, you can easily add to your Portuguese adventure by walking between examples of Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Hire a Private Driver for Convenience

A private driver with Daytrip will upgrade your travel day to an integral part of your vacation. The flexibility and convenience of Daytrip outweigh a regular rental car service, and you can see sites in southern Portugal that you may otherwise miss. Your driver will speak English and Portuguese and help you with your luggage.

Albufeira to Lisbon via Bus

Rede Expressos operates direct bus services from Albufeira to Lisbon multiple times a day. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. Buses are a great option if you are concerned about price. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus station in Albufeira. The arrival point in Lisbon is the Sete Rios bus terminal.

Albufeira to Lisbon via Train

You can take a high-speed train from Albufeira to Lisbon several times a day via the Alfa Pendular service. Portugal’s southern countryside will whizz by your window for about 2.5 hours until you arrive at one of Lisbon’s two train stations: the Santa Apolónia (old town) or Oriente (city center).

Albufeira to Lisbon via Plane

TAP has direct 50-minute flights from Albufeira’s Faro airport to Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado airport at least once a day. Flights on weekdays cost about 80-100 EUR, and weekend flights can jump to 200-300 EUR before adding luggage. Once you arrive in Lisbon, you can easily access the city center via taxi, metro, or bus.

Lisbon’s Old Town- The Alfama District

Explore Lisbon's Alfama District by boarding the iconic Tram 28 after settling into your accommodation. This is a quintessential Lisbon experience, so have your camera ready. This tram route winds through historic streets and is a tour guide of sorts. It will take you straight to the Estrela Basilica's doorstep, a magnificent example of Lisbon's architectural grandeur.

From there, wander through Alfama's maze-like streets, imagining the district's rich history since Moorish times. Discover historic landmarks like Lisbon Cathedral and remnants of ancient city walls. Stop by a boutique for Portuguese tiles and a bakery for the classic dessert pasteis de nata, or Portuguese custard tarts. Once you’ve had a snack, find St. George's Castle. This castle dates back over two millennia to Roman origins. Witnessing the city's cultural evolution, from Berber conquerors to Reconquista knights, the castle's ramparts offer stunning views of Lisbon's urban sprawl below.

Lisbon’s Promenade- The Belem District

Next, walk down from Alfama towards the shores of the Belem district, with serene beaches to rest your feet after walking over all those hills. You can also see the Torre de Belem, an imposing fortress that has watched over the Tagus River's entrance since the 16th century. It truly represents all Lisbon has stood for over the centuries. Its architecture encompasses Roman, Moorish, Mudejar, and Gothic influences, and it is a symbol of the city's maritime might.

Lisbon’s Artistic Legacy

Remember those beautiful tiles you saw all over the old town and for sale in little shops? These wonderful mementos of your stay in Portugal are a part of the national cultural heritage. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the National Tile Museum, which celebrates Portugal's expertise in ceramic craftsmanship. Here, you'll encounter stunning azulejos and discover the rich history of tile-making, tracing its roots back to Moorish influences.

Art lovers will find plenty to admire at the National Museum of Ancient Art, featuring Renaissance paintings, Baroque decorations, and ancient Roman relics, offering a glimpse into Portugal's vibrant artistic legacy. Similarly, the Museu do Oriente stands as a poignant testament to Portugal's imperial history, showcasing artifacts from its former colonies and trading outposts.

Many events in Lisbon are bi-annual. In spring, enjoy the IndieLisboa- International Independent Film Festival and the Lisbon Half Marathon. If you’re visiting in the fall, you can participate in very similar events like the DocLisboa Documentary Film Festival and the full Lisbon Marathon.