--- title: EVERYONE GOES TO LISBON AND PORTO - HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE MISSING IN BETWEEN description: Discover the towns between Lisbon and Porto, from medieval Óbidos and coastal Nazaré to the historic monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha. image: https://blog.tourtailors.com/hubfs/EVERYONE%20GOES%20TO%20LISBON%20AND%20PORTO%20-%20HERE%E2%80%99S%20WHAT%20THEY%E2%80%99RE%20MISSING%20IN%20BETWEEN/FEATURED%20-%20EVERYONE%20GOES%20TO%20LISBON%20AND%20PORTO%20-%20HERE%E2%80%99S%20WHAT%20THEY%E2%80%99RE%20MISSING%20IN%20BETWEEN.jpg --- [![Self-guided by Local Experts](https://blog.tourtailors.com/hubfs/tourtailors.svg)](https://www.tourtailors.com/) [![Self-guided by Local Experts](https://blog.tourtailors.com/hubfs/TourTailors_Logo_Cores.png)](https://www.tourtailors.com/) - [WHAT YOU WILL GET](https://tourtailors.com/what-you-will-get/) - [HOW IT WORKS](https://tourtailors.com/how-it-works/) - [TOUR IDEAS](https://tourtailors.com/tours/) - [TRAVEL GUIDE](https://tourtailors.com/travel-guide/) - [ABOUT US](https://tourtailors.com/our-purpose/) - [BLOG](https://blog.tourtailors.com) - [WHAT YOU WILL GET](https://tourtailors.com/what-you-will-get/) - [HOW IT WORKS](https://tourtailors.com/how-it-works/) - [TOUR IDEAS](https://tourtailors.com/tours/) - [TRAVEL GUIDE](https://tourtailors.com/travel-guide/) - [ABOUT US](https://tourtailors.com/our-purpose/) - [BLOG](https://blog.tourtailors.com) - [CONTACT US](https://tourtailors.com/contact-us/) [CONTACT US](https://tourtailors.com/contact-us) Fall in love with Portugal\![![Start discovering](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8685489/8d227d14-d867-421f-b002-d68acea83986.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8685489/8d227d14-d867-421f-b002-d68acea83986) # EVERYONE GOES TO LISBON AND PORTO - HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE MISSING IN BETWEEN 20 October 2026 For first-time travelers visiting Portugal, Lisbon and Porto tend to take center stage as two vibrant cities with renowned landmarks. Yet the route between them deserves far more than a passing glance. Medieval towns, fishing ports, Atlantic scenery, and remarkable monuments invite you to slow down and discover a different side of the country. Along this coastline, Nazaré, Portugal, has gained worldwide attention for giant waves. What if you gave this region a few days of its own? Behind ancient walls, along fishing harbors, and inside extraordinary monasteries, you'll find places with stories to tell, all within easy reach of Lisbon and Porto. Taking the time to explore them could turn a simple transfer into an important part of your [Portugal itinerary](https://tourtailors.com/tours/portugal-tour/). ## 1. Óbidos - A Medieval Town Behind the Walls ![Medieval castle walls and red-tiled rooftops in Óbidos, Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EVERYONE%20GOES%20TO%20LISBON%20AND%20PORTO%20-%20HERE%E2%80%99S%20WHAT%20THEY%E2%80%99RE%20MISSING%20IN%20BETWEEN/%C3%93bidos%201.jpg?width=690&height=460&name=%C3%93bidos%201.jpg)   About 52 miles from Lisbon, [Óbidos invites you to explore](https://tourtailors.com/tours/portugal-northern-spain/) one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval towns. Behind stone walls, whitewashed houses with blue and yellow trim, and narrow cobblestone streets lead to a castle that rises above the rooftops. Óbidos has a rich royal past dating back to the 13th century, when King Dinis gifted the town to Queen Isabel. From then on, Óbidos became part of the crown’s royal estates. Much of the medieval layout from those centuries remains visible today.   ![Narrow cobblestone street lined with whitewashed houses in Óbidos, Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EVERYONE%20GOES%20TO%20LISBON%20AND%20PORTO%20-%20HERE%E2%80%99S%20WHAT%20THEY%E2%80%99RE%20MISSING%20IN%20BETWEEN/%C3%93bidos%202.jpg?width=690&height=460&name=%C3%93bidos%202.jpg)   A wander along Rua Direita is one of the best ways to soak in the local atmosphere. As the town’s main street, this is the ideal place to visit traditional shops and sample *ginjinha*, a Portuguese sour cherry liqueur often served in a small chocolate cup. If time allows, take the opportunity to explore the quieter lanes, admire the architecture, and enjoy the views from the walls.   ## 2. Peniche - Where the Fishing Traditions Meet the Atlantic ![Aerial view of Cabo Carvoeiro and its lighthouse in Peniche, Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EVERYONE%20GOES%20TO%20LISBON%20AND%20PORTO%20-%20HERE%E2%80%99S%20WHAT%20THEY%E2%80%99RE%20MISSING%20IN%20BETWEEN/Peniche.jpg?width=690&height=460&name=Peniche.jpg)   Further west, in Peniche, the Atlantic plays a central role in everyday life. This town, with a long fishing tradition, captivates with its colorful fishing boats and flavorful gastronomy, including specialties such as *caldeirada*, a fish stew. But fishing and seafood are just one part of Peniche’s identity. Its coastline has also earned international recognition among surfers. Supertubos, famous for its powerful, hollow waves, and the nearby beaches of Baleal reflect the area’s growing surf culture. For a change of scenery, head to Cabo Carvoeiro, where dramatic rock formations and sweeping views reveal the area’s rugged beauty. Like other [seaside towns in Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/charming-seaside-towns-in-portugal-you-must-visit), Peniche offers maritime traditions and coastal landscapes.   ## 3. Nazaré - From Fishing Heritage to Atlantic Waves ![Traditional fishing boats on the sandy beach of Nazaré, Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EVERYONE%20GOES%20TO%20LISBON%20AND%20PORTO%20-%20HERE%E2%80%99S%20WHAT%20THEY%E2%80%99RE%20MISSING%20IN%20BETWEEN/Nazar%C3%A9%201.jpg?width=690&height=460&name=Nazar%C3%A9%201.jpg)   The Atlantic remains at the heart of our next stop, Nazaré. From traditional fish-drying racks to the seven-skirt costume worn by some local women and the giant waves, this Portuguese destination adds another layer to the country’s coastal identity. Take the historic funicular up to Sítio da Nazaré for sweeping views of the town before heading to Praia do Norte. This beach has made Nazaré, Portugal, famous among big-wave surfers. The nearby Nazaré Canyon, a deep underwater valley, helps amplify Atlantic swells into the [enormous waves](https://blog.tourtailors.com/the-sound-of-portugal-what-each-region-sounds-like) that draw athletes and visitors from around the world.   ![Giant Atlantic wave breaking off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EVERYONE%20GOES%20TO%20LISBON%20AND%20PORTO%20-%20HERE%E2%80%99S%20WHAT%20THEY%E2%80%99RE%20MISSING%20IN%20BETWEEN/Nazar%C3%A9%202.jpg?width=690&height=460&name=Nazar%C3%A9%202.jpg)   October marks the start of the big-wave season, when changing Atlantic weather can bring powerful swells. However, giant waves depend on specific sea and wind conditions. Even when the ocean is calm, Nazaré's fishing traditions and dramatic coastline make it worth exploring.    ## 4. Alcobaça - A Royal Love Story in Stone ![Imposing façade of the Monastery of Alcobaça, Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EVERYONE%20GOES%20TO%20LISBON%20AND%20PORTO%20-%20HERE%E2%80%99S%20WHAT%20THEY%E2%80%99RE%20MISSING%20IN%20BETWEEN/Alcoba%C3%A7a.jpg?width=690&height=460&name=Alcoba%C3%A7a.jpg)   Leaving the Atlantic coastline behind, Alcobaça reveals another side of [Portugal’s heritage](https://tourtailors.com/tours/best-of-portugal-at-pousadas/). Its Gothic monastery, founded in 1153 by the country’s first monarch, King D. Afonso Henriques, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, the soaring arches and simple interior reflect the austerity and religious ideals of the Cistercian monks. The elaborately carved tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro connect the site with one of Portugal’s most famous love stories, which ended with Inês’s murder in 1355. With its extraordinary architecture and royal history, Alcobaça is among the most fascinating places to visit in Portugal.   ## 5. Batalha - A Monument to Portugal’s Independence ![Intricate Gothic architecture of Batalha Monastery, Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EVERYONE%20GOES%20TO%20LISBON%20AND%20PORTO%20-%20HERE%E2%80%99S%20WHAT%20THEY%E2%80%99RE%20MISSING%20IN%20BETWEEN/Batalha.jpg?width=690&height=460&name=Batalha.jpg)   Batalha is another worthwhile stop on a [Lisbon to Porto itinerary](https://blog.tourtailors.com/best-ways-to-travel-from-lisbon-to-porto). It is home to a monastery built in the late 14th century to commemorate Portugal’s victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota. This UNESCO-listed site is a prime example of Portuguese Gothic architecture. Stepping inside, you can discover the tombs of King D. João I and his wife, Filipa de Lencastre, and the equally impressive Unfinished Chapels, featuring intricate stone carvings and a space open to the sky. Adding Batalha to your Portugal road trip offers a deeper understanding of the events that helped define the country's history.   ## Make Room for the Portugal in Between Lisbon and Porto deserve their popularity, but Portugal is more than just its two famous cities. From Óbidos’ medieval streets to Peniche’s fishing heritage, each stop reveals another layer of the country’s identity and culture. Throw in the giant waves of Nazaré, Portugal, and the remarkable monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha, and you have a fascinating collection of experiences. Our [Portugal Tour](https://tourtailors.com/tours/portugal-tour/) offers inspiration for your next trip, and our team of experts can help you shape an itinerary that fits your interests and pace. [Share your travel plans with us](https://tourtailors.com/multistep-lp) and discover what else Portugal has to offer beyond Lisbon and Porto.   ---   Topics: [portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/portugal), [portuguese travel agency](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/portuguese-travel-agency), [Visit Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/visit-portugal), [tourtailors](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/tourtailors), [Batalha](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/batalha), [Nazaré](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/nazaré), [obidos](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/obidos), [Alcobaça](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/alcobaça), [best places to visit in Portugal](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/best-places-to-visit-in-portugal), [portugal road trip](https://blog.tourtailors.com/tag/portugal-road-trip) ## We are a local tour operator specialized in custom Self-Guided Tours in Portugal, Spain, Italy & France. 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