Portugal’s Silver Coast: Mafra to the great monasteries
North from Lisbon to Mafra’s palace, the surf town of Ericeira, Peniche’s cape, walled Óbidos and the monasteries of Alcobaça and Batalha.
- Distance
- approx. 231 km (143 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 11 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Portugal
- Best time to go
- April–June and September–November
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ €10
- Updated
- July 30, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 231 km (143 mi) with 9 stops, from Lisbon to Tomar. About 3 h 11 min of driving in total. Best time to go: April–June and September–November. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €10 (Portugal).
More road trips in Portugal · More road trips from Lisbon
Photos along the route
Route description
Leave Lisbon north on the A8 and the A21 to Mafra, about 40 km. Its palace-convent was built by King João V with Brazilian gold; do not miss the library. Ericeira, 10 km west, is a fishing town and a World Surfing Reserve with whitewashed lanes above small beaches. The coast road then runs north past farmland and beaches to Peniche.
Peniche is a busy fishing port on a former island. Drive round the peninsula to Cabo Carvoeiro and its lighthouse, and visit the fortress, a political prison under the dictatorship and now a museum of resistance. Boats sail from the harbour to the Berlengas islands, a nature reserve with a fort; places are limited, so book ahead in summer. Supertubos beach is a well-known surf spot.
Óbidos is 25 km inland: a village enclosed by medieval walls you can walk on, with whitewashed houses, bougainvillea and cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups. The narrow streets inside the walls are not for vehicles; use the car parks outside the main gate. From Óbidos the A8 and N8 lead north to Alcobaça, passing near the coast at Nazaré and its giant winter waves.
At Alcobaça see the Cistercian abbey church with the tombs of Pedro and Inês. Batalha, 20 km further, has the Gothic monastery built after the battle of Aljubarrota; the battlefield interpretation centre is nearby. The sanctuary of Fátima is 20 km east. End in Tomar at the Convent of Christ, the old Templar headquarters. The A8 has tolls; most stages are short and the roads suit any vehicle.
Which stops are on Portugal’s Silver Coast?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Lisbon
Portugal - 236 km
Mafra National Palace
HistoryMafra, PortugalA huge 18th-century palace, basilica and convent with a rococo library of 36,000 books, a UNESCO site since 2019. Closed on Tuesdays; big car park on the square in front.
- 310 km
Ericeira
Portugal - 455 km
Peniche
Portugal - 53 km
Cabo Carvoeiro
ViewsPeniche, PortugalThe rocky tip of the Peniche peninsula with a lighthouse, eroded sea stacks and a view to the Berlengas islands. The road loops round the cape; park by the lighthouse.
- 627 km
Óbidos
Portugal - 732 km
Alcobaça Monastery
HistoryAlcobaça, PortugalA Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century, with a vast plain Gothic church holding the carved tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro. Parking around the square in front.
- 823 km
Batalha Monastery
HistoryBatalha, PortugalA flamboyant Gothic monastery built to celebrate the victory of Aljubarrota in 1385, with the roofless Unfinished Chapels. The church is free; tickets cover the cloisters and chapels.
- 945 km
Tomar
Portugal
How do you drive Portugal’s Silver Coast in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Lisbon → Peniche · 101 km · 1 h 24 minOn the way: Mafra National Palace, Ericeira.Overnight nearby, for example: Peniche Praia (2 km); Casa Azzurra (19 km).
- Day 2: Peniche → Alcobaça Monastery · 62 km · 0 h 52 minOn the way: Cabo Carvoeiro, Óbidos.Overnight nearby, for example: Litoral outdoor (6 km); Área de Serviço com Zona de Pernoita para Caravanas e Autocaravanas Alcobaça (< 1 km).
- Day 3: Alcobaça Monastery → Tomar · 67 km · 0 h 56 minOn the way: Batalha Monastery.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Pelinos (8 km); Camping Quinta da Cerejeira (16 km).
When is the best time for Portugal’s Silver Coast?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
What should you know before driving Portugal’s Silver Coast?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €10 (Portugal).
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
- Lisbon: Low-emission zone. Older vehicles may be banned, and foreign vehicles often have to register before entering.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
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Plan this route for your vehicle
Scout adapts this route to your vehicle, your days and your budget.
FAQs
How long is Portugal’s Silver Coast: Mafra to the great monasteries?
3-day road trip of about 231 km (143 mi) with 9 stops, from Lisbon to Tomar. About 3 h 11 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Portugal’s Silver Coast: Mafra to the great monasteries?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 11 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Portugal’s Silver Coast: Mafra to the great monasteries start and end?
It starts in Lisbon and ends in Tomar.
Which countries does Portugal’s Silver Coast: Mafra to the great monasteries pass through?
Portugal.
Where can you camp along Portugal’s Silver Coast: Mafra to the great monasteries?
OpenStreetMap lists 81 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Peniche Praia, Camping Pelinos and Casa Azzurra.
How much are the tolls on Portugal’s Silver Coast?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €10 (Portugal). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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