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A Weekend of Dreams: A 3-Day Jaguar E-Type Road Trip to Porto

Updated: Jun 19


A few weeks ago, I was given the chance to participate in the first national Jaguar E-Type meeting, set to take place in Porto on June 7th. I mentioned it to my girlfriend, Polli, and despite her typically packed weekend schedule, she enthusiastically carved out the time to join me. 


We would be driving a stunning 1968 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 FHC 2+2, a timeless classic that turned out to be the perfect companion for our journey—both in spirit and performance.



Day 1 – From Lisbon to Porto, Along the Atlantic Dreamline

Our adventure began early Friday morning. With the E-Type humming beneath us, we set off along the coastal roads, weaving through a little over 300 miles (500 kms) of some of Portugal’s most picturesque landscapes and seaside towns: Peniche, Cabo Carvoeiro, Baleal, Lagoa de Óbidos, Óbidos, Foz do Arelho, São Martinho do Porto, Nazaré, São Pedro de Moel, Figueira da Foz, Serra da Boa Viagem, Costa Nova, Barra, Aveiro—before finally arriving in Porto.


Our first stop was Peniche, where a walk along the fishing port greeted us with the salty breeze of the Atlantic. At Cabo Carvoeiro, we enjoyed a romantic picnic breakfast under the warming sun, perched on the cliffs with panoramic ocean views.


Next was Baleal, where we parked right on the island and took in its wild beauty and calm—a perfect pause from city life. From there, we drove along Lagoa de Óbidos, and Polli took the wheel for the first time, confidently navigating us to the medieval town of Óbidos. We strolled hand in hand through its cobbled streets, wrapped in its charm and centuries-old magic.


By lunchtime, we reached Nazaré, where we discovered a very nice restaurant: Fonte Mar. We ordered the "chocos com tinta"—tender cuttlefish in its own ink, paired with a chilled rosé. The dish was divine. The restaurant's simple, warm ambiance and fair pricing made it an experience to remember.


With the afternoon sun high, we hit the scenic Estrada Atlântica, driving through São Pedro de Moel and Figueira da Foz, climbing the forested roads of Serra da Boa Viagem. In Costa Nova, a place Polli had long wanted to visit, her joy was palpable. We admired the candy-striped houses, laughing, walking, and simply being.

As the sky turned golden, we arrived in Aveiro, where a sunset Moliceiro boat ride carried us through the city’s canals. Finally, we reached Porto, checking into the elegant Porto Palácio By The Editory, ready to rest and recharge.




Day 2 – The E-Type Gathering & Culinary Delights

Saturday was the event day. We crossed the Douro to Quinta do Jordão in Vila Nova de Gaia, joining 64 other E-Type Jaguars for a stunning display of design and passion. The welcome cocktail and lunch gave us a chance to mingle with other enthusiasts, all united by our love for this rolling piece of art.


Later that evening, we drove to Matosinhos, walked by beach and Castelo do Queijo, and ended our day with a memorable dinner at Marisqueira Antiga. The Jamon Joselito  and Paella de Lavagante were extraordinary—served in a cozy and refined ambiance with impeccable service.




Day 3 – Porto’s Charm & A Reflective Journey Home

Sunday was for exploration. We wandered from Avenida da Boavista to the Palácio de Cristal gardens, strolled along the riverside, and went up to Avenida dos Aliados. Lunch was at Ostras e Coisas—a feast of raw oysters and grilled zamburinhas, paired with a crisp Atlantic Coast sauvignon blanc. For dessert, Gelataria Sincelo offered a whimsical touch—its peach-colored room and delicious ice cream making it a sweet finale to our stay.


That afternoon, we started the 185-mile (300 kms) journey home. Despite the highway not being ideal for a classic car, the E-Type handled it with grace. Polli took the wheel first, and we shared the drive in a rhythm as smooth as the car’s purring engine. The road felt quieter, almost meditative—a time to reflect on everything we’d just experienced.



A Journey to Remember

This wasn’t just a road trip—it was a story we wrote together. Some of it is on video, some in Polaroids and phone photos, but the best parts live in our hearts. The nostalgic feeling of cruising in a Jaguar E-Type, the curated route, the meals, the unexpected finds, and the laughter—it all felt like a sequence of precious gems, adding to the treasure trove of our relationship.


As I sit down to recount this 3-day journey, I’m filled with nostalgia, joy, and love. But more than anything, I feel a certainty: I want to take many more road trips with Polli.


It was more than a weekend—it was a dream.

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