IN A SUN-DRENCHED COUNTRY

With dramatic cliff-backed beaches and lush vineyards, sleepy mountain villages and buzzing seaside metropolises, fresh-caught fish stews and truly exceptional sausages, there's no question that Portugal has something for everyone. The best way to see and taste it all? Rent a car and hit the road

- MIGUEL ANDRADE

Portugal is a compact country—roughly the size of Indiana—with no two mainland destinations more than a half-day’s drive apart. It’s also a treasure trove of gorgeous landscapes, fascinating cultures, and delicious food. And did I mention it gets 3,000 hours of sunshine per year? As a Lisbon native who has spent the past decade covering the country’s restaurant scene, I may be a bit biased, but what I can say is this: You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place for a meal-driven road trip than Portugal. Here I offer you my ultimate guide.

Do like I do and start in the capital city of Lisbon, where you can get acquainted with the country, rent a car (convertible optional but highly recommended!) and prepare to uncover Portugal’s endless varieties of unique regional cooking, including all the fresh-caught seafood and fluffy egg tarts you could ever hope for.

Drive along cliff-backed beaches and quiet fishing villages in the Algarve, through gently undulating landscapes dotted with cork trees in Alentejo, across rugged mountaintops in the Centro region, and over vineyard-covered hills in the Douro Valley. Along the way try the country’s famous convent sweets (pastries made by nuns since the 15th century), fish stews, juicy pork dishes, and wine—so much wine. My best advice? Take your time and don’t be afraid of getting lost: Each wrong turn and detour can bring you to another breathtaking village, always with a heavenly place to eat nearby.

LISBON