Car Hire Portugal

Portugal is on the western tip of Europe, bordering Spain and on the Atlantic coastline. Most of Portugal’s visitors head for the Algarve region, famous for its golden sandy beaches and golf courses. Portugal is over 900 years old and plays a very important part in world history and the discoveries of the new world. In 1415, new ocean routes were navigated and new continents found. The islands of the Azores and Madeira are also part of Portugal.

The capital city, Lisbon is a city with huge charm attracting many visitors, especially for short city breaks. The Barrio Alta is famous for its nightlife and ‘fado’ singing and by day you can shop in Baixa. The city has many old attractions such as the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery but it also a very modern city with the 25 de Abril Bridge and Monument to the Discoveries as well as the statue of Cristo Rei. Porto is Portugal’s 2nd city and most famous for its production of port wine but the riverside area is worth visiting for the colourful houses and the 6 bridges. From Porto, with your car hire Portugal you can also explore the Vinho Verde wine region.

If you are here for the beaches, the best are in the Algarve and a favourite is the Praia da Rocha. Near Porto, Espinho is popular with the locals and just outside of Lisbon, Estoril has the best beaches and is visited by locals and holidaymakers alike. Should you be staying centrally, Figueira da Foz near Coimbra is the beach to head for. If you are visiting Portugal for a golfing holiday, Monte Rei in the north is one of the best courses in the country. Just outside of Lisbon, you can play at Troia and if you are Algarve bound, Oceanico at Villamoura is one of the most well known golf courses in Portugal.

Surprisingly, Portugal’s countryside has much to offer if you can drag yourself away from the beach or the golf course. Evora is like an open air museum with ancient ruins on every corner. Visit Braga for the beautiful churches and Bom Jesus Sanctuary and the National Park of Peneda Gerez is a short drive away. Barcelos is an attractive market town within medieval walls and famous for its cockerel, the symbol of Portugal. Finally, the coastal town of Cascais is cosmopolitan and known for being the ‘place to be’ in previous years and had many famous residents.