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Car Hire Portugal
Portugal is a coastal country in Southern Europe and is bordered only by Spain. Most of its architecture dates back to as early as the 1500’s where the country had a powerful maritime empire. It is a beautiful country with much to see. So, you will want an uncomplicated way to get around and Portugal car hire is the perfect way to do this. The roads are well made and maintained, so you can use your Portugal rental car to see the stunning landscape and scenery. Book early and your Portugal rent a car is a handy way to get around.
There are places of interest for the visitor to see in Portugal. Car hire Portugal lets you take in the culture and history that the country has to offer. From the capital Lisbon to Sintra, a mountain town which is home to the Pene National Palace, rental car Portugal is a popular and convenient method for you to see the sites. You will need to book your rent a car Portugal well in advance to get the dates and the type of car you desire.
A desire to explore the country you are visiting is really important so rent a car Portugal lets you take it easy along the roads of the country and also get from place to place in comfort and style. There are many options for car hire Portugal that you will want to decide early and get the most from your trip. It is easy to make a booking and the cars are modern and well-maintained, so don’t worry about your Portugal rental car experience – it will be just like driving your own car!
The Country
Portugal is located in Southern Europe and is a country surrounded mostly by The North Atlantic Ocean but is also bordered with Spain. Its biggest attraction is the capital city itself. But first visit places such as –
- Belém Tower
- Pena Palace
- São Jorge Castle
There are other cities and sights, as we will see later in this guide.
The country is home to approximately 10.32 million people, the official language spoken is Portuguese, although Castilian Spanish is a similar language and is spoken near the borders with Spain. It covers a total land area of 92,212 square kilometres.
The summer months are June to September. The weather in the country is temperate, with four distinct seasons, with the summers being hot and popular with tourists.
The nations sporting obsession is football with players such as Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo having reached the top of the global game. Basketball and athletics are also popular in Portugal.
Popular Cities in Portugal
The capital of Portugal is Lisbon, and this is the largest city in Portugal. With rent a car Lisbon you will gain the freedom to explore this city. The coastal city is full of sights from São Jorge Castle to the old city’s pastel buildings and museum with 5 centuries of ceramic tiles. Get your Lisbon car hire and get ready to dive into the city’s history and modern-day life!
Porto
Porto is a city along the North West coast of Portugal. The city is known for its production of Port wine which is named after the city. Don’t drink and drive with your Porto car hire as this can be quite a moreish drink. The city is also home to narrow cobbled streets with merchants, houses and cafes. A place to visit is São Francisco Church which is known for its interior with ornate gilded carvings. The best rent a car Porto can be had by booking early.
Sintra
Sintra is a resort town at the bottom of the Sintra mountains, near to Lisbon, the capital. For a long time, the town has been a royal sanctuary, amongst the forests there are pastel villas and palaces. Sintra rental car can make you feel like royalty if you get it right. There are different palaces that stand out such as; Sintra National Palace which is known for its twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. Sintra car hire will help you traverse the potentially tricky
Guimarães
Guimarães a city in the North Portugal with well-preserved medieval architecture dating as far back as the 10th century like the Guimarães castle. A place to visit is the restored Dukes of Bragança Palace which is now a museum showcasing furniture, weapons and tapestries. If you enjoy architecture and history use Guimarães rent a car to get around. This is a great base to see the rest of this wonderful nation so look for your car hire Guimarães now.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a city in the centre of the country and was formerly the capital before Lisbon had that title. Rent a car Coimbra lets you work, rest and play here if you need. One of Europe’s oldest universities is based in the city and it is based on the grounds of a former palace with a famous baroque library and 18th century bell tower. Visit the old town and cathedrals with car hire Coimbra today.
Braga
Braga is a Northern city in the country with a lot of religious heritage and events. The centre of the town is home to the medieval Braga cathedral with its own sacred art museum and a gothic style kings’ chapel. Braga car hire lets you see all of this at your own pace. Close to the centre is the Archbishops Palace which overlooks the Santa Barbara garden. Take in all these sights with you rent a car Braga vehicle.
Funchal
Funchal is the capital city of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago which is a small island on its own in the Atlantic Ocean but still part of Portugal. The city is known for its harbour, gardens and Madeira wine cellars, as well as its fortress at the harbour which was built in the 1600s. Car hire Funchal lets you get around easily. See the Cristiano Ronaldo museum here, as your Funchal rent a car lets you travel in comfort.
Cascais
Cascais is a coastal resort town in the West of Portugal with sandy beaches and a busy marina. And a car hire Cascais lets you get to the beach in style. The city’s old town is where the medieval Nossa Senhora da Luz Fort is along with the Citadel Palace which used to be a royal retreat. See all the beauty with rent a car Cascais on your trip.
Albufeira
Albufeira is a coastal city in the South of Portugal. Originally the city was a fishing village but has now evolved into a major holiday destination with a busy nightlife strip along the beaches. Rental car Albufeira can be very poplar in the summer months so we recommend acting early. The coast now has a marina which the fishermen use but it’s also used for diving, dolphin watching and boat trips. Albufeira car rental will get you where you need to go.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia is the 3rd most populated city in the country and is a hub for the countries port export industry. Car hire Vila Nova de Gaia helps you get around this busy place. The city is full of cellars which offer tours and tastings as well as sandy beaches and the picturesque riverside road of Cais de Gaia. Use Vila Nova de Gaia rent a car to get around but think public transport if you are drinking.
Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a city in the West of Portugal and shares a border with Porto. Many people visit for business and rent a car Matosinhos is perfect for the corporate traveller. The city has one of the country’s biggest ports where you could see some large cruise ships, or you could visit the beach and catch some waves. Get around with Matosinhos car hire on your trip there.
Amadora
Amadora is a Southern city which is surrounded by land and is nearby to the city of Lisbon. And Amadora rental car is the ideal way to see both places on one trip. The city has an aqueduct going through the areas which was built in the 18th century. The city also hosts an annual comic festival which has been running since 1990. Visit historic locations with rent a car Amadora and you won’t be disappointed.
Maia
Maia is a city next to Porto and Matosinhos. It has a lot of old buildings and modern architecture such as museums to discover, a popular location in the city is Zoo Da Maia. Go where you want with Maia rental car when you visit. The fact of the matter is that car hire Maia will let you see this exciting city at your leisure – the only way to do it!
Lagos
Lagos is a city located close to the South West point of the country along the coast. It is known for walled old town, cliffs and beaches. There is plenty of parking for your Lagos rent a car on the beach. See the cliffs of Ponta De Piedade, the cove of Praia Do Camilo and other sights with car hire Lagos on your holiday.
Driving Tips
As with any new experience, you will need to know what you are letting yourself in for. Check all the rules of the road before you leave for Portugal to ensure you stay safe, do not draw attention to your hire car and making sure that nothing is left in the vehicle when it is un-occupied. Here are some of the more important ones –
- The driver is responsible to make sure all occupants of the car wear seat belts at all times.
- The legal limit for alcohol in the blood whilst driving is 50mg per 100ml of blood. If you are above 50mg heavy fines will be imposed and the potential loss of driving licence for up to 5 years.
- You must carry an international drivers’ licence with you at all times while on the road in
- The law insists that every occupant of a moving vehicle must wear a seat belt or appropriate restraint system for their age and height.
- Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to ride in the front seat. Those under 12 must also be secured in an age, height and weight appropriate seating system.
- They drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on left.
- The use of a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, unless using a hands-free kit.
- It is compulsory to have a warning triangle and a reflective vest to wear in the event of a breakdown or accident. A first-aid kit, fire extinguisher and a flickering lamp are optional.
- Mini age to drive in Portugal is 18 years, to hire a car its 23 years.
- Dipped headlights must be used during daylight hours from 01 November to 31 March.
- The Portugal police are authorised to issue on the spot fines for motoring offences.
- Winter tyres are not compulsory but advised between the dates of 01 December to 01 March.
- If you’re in an accident, you MUST notify the Police and the car rental supplier and get an accident report for insurance purposes. Failure to do so may result in you footing the whole bill.
- If you break down, you must put on your reflective jacket and place the reflective triangle behind the vehicle to warn other drivers. You must notify the rental car company and suppliers for advice and assistance.
- Speed limit on the motorway is 120 kph
- Speed limit on rural roads is 90 kph
- Speed limit in built up areas is 50 kph
Make sure you know what to do when driving in Portugal and be safe and stay on the right side of the law.
Airports in Portugal
As a country with links to the rest of the world, there are several airports to choose form when visiting Portugal. Here are the main ones that you might come across –
- Lisbon Airport
- Porto Airport
- Faro Airport
- Madeira Airport
- Ponta Delgada Airport
The best way to get the most from your car hire Portugal is to book from the airport so you know you have the transport you need. Do this in advance to get the best prices available.
When driving on the roads of Portugal you want to be safe. You should research the rules of the road, as said before, but also have the following numbers programmed in your phone in case of emergency. For the police, ambulance and fire brigade the number is 112.
Whatever reason you have to visit the country, your Portugal car hire is the top bet to see it all at your own pace. Book nice and early and get the best rental car Portugal for your needs. It is quite a simple process, so get stuck into it now!