Most people kick off in Porto, beautiful city with its riverside vibes and port wine. From there head south on the A28 or smaller N roads that stick closer to the ocean. First stretch to Aveiro is short, about 70 km, maybe 1 hour easy. Aveiro's got those colorful moliceiro boats and canals, nice quick stop.

Then keep going south past Figueira da Foz, nice sandy beaches and a bit more industrial feel in places. To Nazaré next, famous for monster waves in winter, around 100 km from Aveiro, 1.5 hours or so. The cliffs here are insane, and the town has that old fishing village charm.

From Nazaré you can hug the coast more on N242 or similar, heading toward Peniche and Óbidos (though Óbidos is a tiny detour inland, worth it for the medieval walls). This part to Lisbon area is maybe 150-200 km total, 2.5-4 hours depending how twisty you go. Near Lisbon you hit Cascais and Estoril, fancy coastal suburbs with nice promenades, then Sintra if you swing a bit inland for palaces and misty hills.

Crossing the Tagus river (either bridge or ferry vibe), you're into the Setúbal peninsula. Follow the N10 or A2 toward the Alentejo coast. Comporta and Troia are stunning, wild beaches and rice fields, very peaceful. From Lisbon area to Sines or Vila Nova de Milfontes, about 150-200 km, 2-3 hours.

Then the real rugged beauty starts in the southwest. Aljezur, Odeceixe, Zambujeira do Mar, tiny villages with dramatic cliffs dropping straight into the sea. This stretch through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is maybe 150 km of pure coastline, but the roads wind a lot, so 3-4 hours minimum with stops.

Finally you drop into the Algarve proper. Lagos, Ponta da Piedade with those golden cliffs and sea caves, then Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Faro if you want the airport end. From Sagres (westernmost point) to Faro is another 100-150 km, 2 hours-ish on faster roads, but take the slow scenic ones for the views.

All in, north-to-south coastal route is about 750 km give or take, pure driving time maybe 10-12 hours if you never stop. But that's impossible here, every turn tempts you with another beach, viewpoint or fresh seafood spot. Roads are mostly good, some narrow and cliff-hugging in the Alentejo parts, watch for tourists and cyclists.

Best time? Spring or fall for milder weather and fewer crowds, summer gets hot and packed in the Algarve. No need for 4x4, regular car is fine, just mind the occasional potholes on smaller N roads.

This drive is all about relaxed pace, windows down, ocean breeze, stopping whenever something catches your eye. From Porto's urban edge to the golden Algarve cliffs, it's Portugal showing off its best side mile after mile. Take it slow, enjoy the seafood, and don't rush the sunset views. Safe driving out their, the Atlantic waits!