Car hire Portugal: search your car for your dream trip

Car hires in Portugal: practical information

Where to rent a car in Portugal

Portugal is a popular holiday destination for travellers from all over Europe thanks for its wonderful Algarve coast line, its interesting colonial history and its cities full of art and culture. If you've never spent your summer holidays in Portugal before, now is the time to do it! While it may seem that Portugal is divided between north and south, there is little more than 300km separating Lisbon from the beautiful southern coast. The best way to see this country is with a discount car hire Portugal. Once you've booked your flight tickets to Portugal, check out what's available for car hire Portugal airports.

You'll be able to find all the major international car rental companies at the airports as well as many low cost ones. It's important to compare the car hire prices before you secure anything. Portugal, since joining the Euro zone, has developed a ton in terms of industry and tourism. There is no 70,000+ km of highway, making it easy to explore!

Driving in Portugal: parking and other tips

If you're travelling to Portugal and you plan to pick up a one way car hire in Portugal make sure you have your UK driver's license. It's even better if you have an international driver's permit if you're from outside the EU. It is recommended to bring both your passport and a power of attorney if the vehicle belongs to a third party.

Speed limits in Portugal are the same as those in Spain. Urban roads are 50km/h, rural roads are 90km/h and highways are set to 120km/h. These speed limits apply to light-weight vehicles and are reduced in foul weather. As for regulations, blood alcohol levels can be no higher than 0.5 g/l. If you're caught with more than 1.2g/l you can face up to 1 year in prison. Always have a designated driver to take you and your friends back to your hotel in Portugal before you start to party.

Road trips in Portugal: what to do, what to see

Lisbon

Lisbon is the historic and cultural centre of Portugal, whose architecture shows the traces of its colonial history. Start your tour in Belém, tasting the famous Pastel de Nata at a local bakery. For a taste of local culture, head to Alfama, the heart of the city and catch a late-night fado show in a dark tavern. Lisbon is again and again recommended as one of the best "undiscovered" European capitals.

Porto

Porto is probably the most authentic Portuguese city. It's proud, very hot and overrun by visitors. It's not as beautiful as Lisbon (architecturally speaking) but the banks of the Douro River really grow on you. Matosinhos in particular is a beautiful area. The views from Vila Nova de Gaia are sure to win you over. What better place than this to try a fleet of port wine to find your favourite?

Algarve Coast

If there's one reason to book flights to Portugal, it's to visit the beautiful Algarve Coast. It will be the highlight of your trip! During peak summer season it can get over-crowded so visit in May/June or September/October. While Faro attracts the most attention, don't miss Monte Gordo, Portimao or Praia da Marinha for the perfect beach holiday. The Algarve Coast is anything but ordinary which cultural surprises around every corner like the church made completely out of bones and skulls.