LIS:
Portugal’s Bridge to Freedom Just Got Free – Here’s Why It Matters

The 25 de Abril Bridge—Lisbon’s rusty-red Golden Gate lookalike—has long been a symbol of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution. Now, it’s becoming a beacon for road-trippers too. As of today, the Vasco da Gama Bridge’s tolls are abolished, a move that’s set off car horns honking in celebration across the city.

For travelers, this means cheaper escapes to the Alentejo’s cork forests or beach-hopping south to Comporta. The change cuts €12 off a roundtrip—enough for two bifanas (pork sandwiches) and a Super Bock at a roadside tasca. Locals whisper it’s a political ploy ahead of elections, but tourists are too busy plotting routes:

• 30 minutes to Costa da Caparica’s surf breaks (no more dodgy detours to avoid fees)
• 90 minutes to Évora’s Roman ruins (pack a picnic from Mercado da Ribeira)

The irony? The bridge’s namesake, explorer Vasco da Gama, famously sought cheaper routes too.

Cross Portugal in Comfort

Rent a convertible (or a vintage Renault 4) and explore toll-free. PrestigeFly.com books business class flights with free checked bags for your road trip gear.