Private car transfer
from Lisbon to Quarteira

You'll know your road trip is up and running once you speed by the towering Christ the King monument and make your way to sprawling woodlands in the distance. Green may be the primary color from your window, but the further you drive south, the more the landscape transports in shades of rustic burnt browns.

Alentejo's cork oak forest provides the postcard backdrop for your travel scrapbook, while the rich woody aromas will unleash your thirst for adventure. A glass of homemade wine from one of the dozens of traditional villages will fuel your wanderlust over the desert-like hills to the border of Portugal's southernmost province, the Algarve.

The final leg of your surreal voyage involves weaving through whitewashed towns with glimpses of the glimmering Atlantic Ocean. Once you arrive at Quarteira's tree-lined promenade, you'll feel refreshed and in the spirit of vacation—that is if you've chosen the best mode of transport for your journey.

To uncover which one you should spend your hard-earned cash on, read our exclusive Lisbon to Quartiera travel guide below!

Early Quarteira

Life in the region began over 2,000 years ago after the Roman Empire established a cluster of villas along the Algarve's sunny coastline. However, it always remained a quiet fishing village until King John I of Portugal established a sugar cane plantation in the town in the 1400s.

With the town growing and the population rising, Quarteira became useful for supplying food to neighboring cities due to its rich fishing waters and fertile fields on its outskirts. Only six months before the turn of the millennia, Quarteira earned its city status, attracting more business and tourists in the following years.

Modern Quarteira

Today, Quarteira hides its rustic charm within its brightly bleached walls. The historical quarter bubbles with energy, with locals sipping coffee at alfresco cafes and travelers poking in and out of independent stores selling anything from chic straw sun hats to bright and shiny souvenirs. Vibrant canopies swinging from home to home protect you from the heat but trap the mouth-watering aromas from traditional kitchens lining the streets.

However, the light, sandy beaches spanning the coast are the centerpiece of Quarteira. You can watch the rainbow of umbrellas lining the shores from the adored brick promenade at one of the panoramic cafes overlooking the setting. Or you can get stuck in the heart of the action by purchasing an ice-cold beverage from locals selling goods from freezer boxes while bronzing your skin in the Mediterranean sunshine.

• Language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Time zone: GMT
• Plug types: C and F

Opt for comfort

The drive from Libson to Quarteira can take up to three hours through a harsh Mediterranean climate. So be sure to opt for a comfortable mode of transport. Otherwise, the picturesque tour may feel like a never-ending nightmare.

No matter how you travel, pack a light bag with essentials like water, snacks, entertainment outlets, and a travel pillow for the ultimate relaxing experience.

Wander the wine country

Portugal's wine country is scenic and delicious, and the car journey from Lisbon to Quarteira flows right through its heart.

A stop at the gorgeous hilltop town of Palema allows you to roam through traditional Portuguese architecture, unspoiled by tourists. But if you want the finest of wines in the land, visiting the Bacalhoa Winery for delicious tastings must be a priority on your travel itinerary!

Know the Portuguese way of life

Very few locals speak English outside of Portugal's capital or significant cities. So you should brush up on your Portuguese and learn a few basic phrases to help make your life easier, especially if you plan to stop at sights or villages en route.

Food is also a vital aspect of life here, which might differ from your norm. The main meal of the day is at lunch, and dinner usually comes late in the evening between 7:30 PM and 10:30 PM.

Flights from Lisbon to Quarteira

On paper, a 55-minute flight from Lisbon to Quarteira seems like the quickest means of transport. However, several hidden factors will influence the overall journey time.

Firstly, you must take a 20–25-minute taxi from downtown to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport. Then, you'll spend 1.5-2 hours at the airport checking in luggage and doing security checks. Finally, Faro International Airport, the closest to Quarteira, is 40 minutes away by public transport.

However, if you're keen on air travel, you can purchase a ticket online with AirPortugal. As with all flights, remember to book early for a cheap seat.

• Overall travel duration: 4-5 hours
• Overall travel cost: $45-$80 (€42-€75)
• Direct flights: 3-5 daily

Buses from Lisbon to Quarteira

If you're traveling in Europe on a budget, the bus is the best way to travel from Lisbon to Quarteira. It's the most affordable option, with Rede Expressos and Flixbus offering rock-bottom seats.

Although all buses arrive at Quarteira Terminal Rodoviário, not all depart from the same location in Lisbon. Service leaves from three separate stops. So, discover which is closer to your hotel before you purchase a ticket.

• Cheapest bus ticket price: $5.50 (€5)
• Average bus ticket price: $10 (€9)
• Fastest bus duration: 2 hours and 55 minutes
• Average bus duration: 3 hours and 5 minutes
• First bus departure: 1:00 AM
• Last bus departure: 10:30 PM

Trains from Lisbon to Quarteira

The trains offer a balance between a budget and a convenient mode of transportation from Lisbon to Quarteira. Comboios de Portugal offers affordable and direct services between the cities, so it's the most popular option for locals and tourists.

On average, five daily direct trains run from Lisbon Entrecampos Station to Loule Station, about 7.5 miles (12 km) north of downtown Quarteira. You can buy tickets at the station or online at least 30 days before departing for the best deals.

• Cheapest train ticket price: $12 (€11)
• Average train ticket price: $25 (€23)
• Fastest train duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Average train duration: 3 hours and 13 minutes
• First bus departure: 8:31 AM
• Last bus departure: 6:40 PM

Daytrip from Lisbon to Quarteira

Daytrip is a fast, comfortable, and convenient travel method from Lisbon to Quarteira. A private door-to-door service can transport you from your hotel in the capital to your new one along the coast in only 2 hours and 30 minutes. But most importantly, you'll travel in a sanitized vehicle with modern cons and no noisy passengers to spoil the experience.

Daytrip is also an adventurous way to travel between the two cities. It's not just a taxi service from A to B. It can be a sightseeing tour where you can view and explore landmarks en route. You don't need to worry about finding storage lockers for your bags, as you'll safely store them in the trunk of your vehicle.

You can kick your expedition off from the offset by stopping at Christ the King, almost replicating one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Or if you want to roam the historical alleys of a whitewashed town without tourists, call on Algrave's quintessential village of Alte!

• Seats from: $66 (€61)
• English-speaking driver
• Flexible schedule
• Complimentary bottled water
• Equipped for pets, kids, groups, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer service
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing

Dive into Aquashow Park

Aquashow Park is the most complete waterpark in Portugal. From rollercoasters to waterslides and wave pools to lazy rivers, you can spend the day here relaxing and adrenaline-pumping!

Due to its popularity, the setting can get crowded during the peak summer months. So try to arrive as early as possible to have the park almost to yourself during the opening hours!

Hit the greens

Golf enthusiasts recognize Quarteira for its panoramic fairways and quality greens. At least 16 18-hole courses are within touching distance of the town. Some of the most in-demand with locals and tourists are Quinta do Lago, Dom Pedro Golf, and Pine Cliffs Resort.

However, Family Golf Park is for you if you want a more laid-back experience. A mini golf course littered with obstacles is sure to put smiles on your face while enjoying activities under the sun.

Step back in time at Cerro da Vila

Few people know that fascinating Roman ruins sit less than a 20-minute walk from Quarteira's beautiful beaches. This region was a hotspot for Roman villas. Over time, luxurious fountains, public bathhouses, and fish production factories were built to serve the royalty residing here.

For only $4.50 (€4), you can step back in time, learning about the regional history while admiring the Algarve's beauty in the background.

Unwind on Praia de Quarteira

Praia de Quarteira is the main beach, with stretching shores of golden sand bordered by clear, calm waters. It's ideal when traveling as a family and with sun-seekers, offering much space for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports.

The beach is backed by a promenade lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants, providing a perfect spot for a stroll or a meal with an ocean view. The promenade also has a vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evenings when it becomes a hub of social activity.

From April to May and September to October, you'll receive slightly cooler temperatures, which are more pleasant for lounging on the beach from dusk until dawn. You also won't have trouble finding a spot to relax with fewer tourist groups in town during these periods.

The lower prices are another significant reason to travel in the spring or fall. Hotels, transportation outlets, tours, and restaurants offer attractive deals to entice customers after the quiet winter season. Just remember, you should still book in advance for your accommodation!