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Decided to rent a car in Portugal? Here’s Everything You Need to Know:

If you have always dreamed of making a trip to this country, but the coverage of attractions in bus tours does not suit you, and the idea of moving around the country by public transport does not seem attractive, then a trip around Portugal in a rented car is a great option for you. Traveling in this format has a lot of advantages, but the main thing is that you can independently choose the route that suits you. Portugal is considered one of the most accessible countries for traveling by car. And all thanks to the fact that car rental prices in this country are significantly lower than in other European countries.

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One of the fastest and easiest route in Portugal is the route from Lisbon to the Algarve. Many tourists who have been to Portugal more than once note that this road is one of the most picturesque. The length of the route is less than 800 km. It is worth starting sightseeing from the capital itself, in which it is worth stopping at least for a few days. Lisbon is a modern bustling city that has retained some of its historic character. First of all, you should visit one of the largest squares in Europe - Commerce Square. In its place, there used to be a royal palace, but an earthquake that occurred in the 18th century completely destroyed the building. Lisbon. One of the best is Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. From here you will have the opportunity to see most of the capital, the river and the bridge.

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Following the route, it is worth visiting the two main attractions of Portugal - Cape Roca and ancient buildings in the city of Sintra.

If you are very limited in time, then the fastest way to get to the Algarve is on the toll highway. It will cost you almost 20 euros, but you will be able to save a lot of time, since you will get from the capital to the southernmost region in just two hours. If you are not in a hurry, then feel free to take the free road, which will take you twice as long, but which runs through many small towns, in one of which you may want to stop.

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When you get to Algarve, you can admire the white sandy beaches, green hills and orange groves. Due to the mild climate, this region of the country is the most popular holiday destination for tourists who come here at any time of the year. The southern province has everything for a comfortable stay. In addition to the beaches, there are many cozy restaurants with local cuisine, markets, cafes, clothing stores, water parks and sports centers. In addition to relaxing on the beaches, in the Algarve you can see many historical sights and monuments of Moorish culture. At the website, which was created especially for tourists, you can learn more about the must-see places in Portugal.

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Explore Portugal on Wheels: Road Trips for Every Adventure Seeker

Portugal, with its stunning coastlines, historic cities, and picturesque countryside, is a dream destination for road trip enthusiasts. By exploring the country by a rented car, you can uncover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories at your own pace. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Portugal has something for everyone.

The Algarve Coast: Sun, Sea, and Scenery

Begin your journey in the southernmost region of Portugal, the Algarve. Drive along the coast, stopping at charming fishing villages and breathtaking beaches. Don't miss the iconic Benagil Cave or the historic town of Lagos. Your rental car allows you to easily access secluded coves and scenic viewpoints that are off the beaten path.

The Douro Valley: Wine and Wonder

Head north to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its terraced vineyards and world-class Port wine. Wind your way through the serpentine roads, taking in the stunning landscapes and stopping at quintas (wine estates) for tastings and tours.

The Historic Center: Lisbon to Porto

Embark on a journey through Portugal's rich history by driving from Lisbon to Porto. Along the way, visit these must-see destinations:

Sintra: Explore fairy-tale palaces and lush gardens
Óbidos: Wander through a medieval walled town
Nazaré: Witness massive waves and traditional fishing culture
Coimbra: Discover one of Europe's oldest universities

End your trip in Porto, where you can explore the colorful Ribeira district and sample the city's namesake wine.

Tips for Your Portuguese Road Trip

Book your car rental in advance to ensure availability and the best rates
Familiarize yourself with Portuguese road signs and driving laws
Consider renting a car with GPS navigation for easier route planning
Don't forget to pack a camera to capture the stunning landscapes

With the freedom of your own vehicle, you can truly immerse yourself in Portugal's diverse culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Portugal's scenic roads!

Ready to start your Portuguese road trip adventure? Book your rental car today and begin exploring!

Peculiarities of driving in Portugal

There are toll roads in Portugal, which are divided into standard ones (they can be paid both in cash and by card) and those that can only be paid electronically way. Of course, if you are a tourist, then it is easier for you to choose the first type of roads than to bother with paying Electronic Toll roads. Payment for standard autobahns is the same as in many other countries: at the entrance to the motorway you take a ticket, and at the exit you pay it in cash or with a bank card. The fare on toll roads ranges from 0.50 to 4 euros.

Portugal is among the top Europe countries with the most expensive fuel, so you should be prepared for this. And since the rental company usually gives you a car with a full tank, you should also return it with a full tank.

The following speed limits apply in Portugal:

In cities - 50 km/h;
In rural areas - 90 km/h;
On freeways - 12 km/h

You can be fined up to 600 euros for exceeding the specified speed limit.

Parking.

Portugal has a lot of public and paid parking lots. If you plan to stop somewhere for a short time, then you can park your car near the curb. The main thing is that there is no Estacionamento Probido sign in this place, which means that parking is prohibited here. Paid parking is a better option for you if you want to leave your rental car somewhere for a few hours or more. Payment is made in cash or by credit card. At the entrance to paid parking, you will need to take a ticket so that the barrier opens, after which you drive in and leave the car. And when you leave the parking lot, you need to show the ticket to the employee and pay for the actual time the car stays in the parking lot.

The Portuguese driving style cannot be called aggressive, but they do not always follow the rules of the road. Therefore, on the road you need to be careful and look both ways. Local police can stop you even if you didn't break the rules. But do not worry, because this can be a simple document check. As a last resort, you may be asked to take a test for alcohol, the permissible level of which in the blood should not exceed 0.5 ppm.

Renting an electric car in Portugal

The electric car industry is actively developing in the country. Recently, many electric stations have been installed in cities, and rental companies are increasingly offering you to rent an electric car. Charging infrastructure in settlements is represented by AC stations, so for accelerated charging they will need a cable provided by the rental company. You may be offered to rent the following models of electric cars: Fiat 500e, BMW i3, Renault ZOE and, of course, different models of Tesla electric cars.

The cost of 1 kWh of electricity in the country is about 0.2 euros. This means that for 100 km you will pay less than 3 euros. Given the high cost of fuel in Portugal, an electric car can be a great choice to save money.

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Good to know

Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental

January

€86

February

€86

March

€108

April

€153

May

€149

June

€223

July

€301

August

€197

September

€97

October

€93

November

€79

December

€145

The most popular cars in Portugal

Fiat 500

€13 / Day

Citroen C1

€14 / Day

Ford Fiesta

€18 / Day

Ford Focus

€23 / Day

Opel Astra Estate

€28 / Day

Audi A4

€32 / Day

BMW X1

€33 / Day

Ford Foxus Estate

€33 / Day

Mercedes C Class

€43 / Day

BMW 5 series

€45 / Day

Ford Tourneo

€55 / Day

BMW 4 Cabrio

€65 / Day

Audi A6

€70 / Day

Audi A5 Cabrio

€75 / Day

Mercedes Vito

€80 / Day

Popular rental locations in Portugal

Faro airport

Lisbon airport

Porto airport

Funchal Airport (Madeira)

Ponta Delgada airport (Azores)

Ilha Terceira airport (Azores)

Horta airport (Azores)

Braga

Pico Airport

Flores Airport

Albufeira

Cascais

Ave Boavista Porto

Vilamoura

Lisbon

Porto

Coimbra

Setubal

Estoril

Tivoli Hotel Lisbon

Funchal

Faro

Madeira

Portalegre

Aveiro

Required documents for rental cars

Driving license

Credit card

Voucher

Passport

A valid international driver's license is required!

10 Key Tips for a Smooth Car Rental Experience

Download Google maps for offline access

Download the map in the Google Maps mobile app in advance. Select the desired area, type "OK MAPS" in the search box and start the search. Then wait for the map to save. Ready! Navigation will work even without an internet connection - thanks to the GPS function. It is present in all modern smartphones. You can not only find the desired address, but also build a route. And all this is free.

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Book in advance

Portugal is a popular holiday destination and the car rental service is in great demand here. Therefore, it is recommended to book a car in advance. When booking online, you know exactly which car, for what price and under what conditions you will get in Portugal. The main advantage of early booking is the cost savings. The less time left before the start of the rental, the higher the cost of the rental becomes. The optimal period for booking in rental companies is 6 weeks before receiving the car. If you book early, two days before receiving the car, you can cancel the order without any penalties.

Which car to choose

Tourists who expect to drive only around the city and its immediate surroundings prefer to rent compact cars, Ford Ka or Ford Fiesta. For trips to the mountains, you need a car with increased power. You should go on such a trip with a full tank, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases one and a half to two times. An all-wheel drive crossover would be the ideal car for this. Renting Audi A4 Estate in Portugal will cost €36 per day.

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance advice

Rental companies in Portugal may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:

Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged. Portugal 7

Check out the fuel policy

For trips over long distances, it is better to choose the option with the already included payment for a full tank. If you have a short trip, then this service is inappropriate. Be sure to read the fuel policy before making a booking:

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If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.

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Unlimited mileage

The rental company may set a daily mileage limit. You will have to pay extra for exceeding the limit. Please check this condition before booking. It is possible that a more expensive rental option will turn out to be more profitable in the end: it will not require any additional expenses. To filter cars with unlimited mileage - use the "Mileage" filter in the search results.

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Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Portugal, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

Which rental company to choose

When renting a car in Portugal, you should carefully read all the conditions offered by the rental company. Depending on the specific company, they may differ in mileage, insurance coverage, deposit amount, accompanying services and their cost. You should choose proven and reliable companies that offer new cars and stand out due to the well-thought-out organization of work with customers. Additionally, you can study the rating of distributors, which is also available on our website.

If we talk about the best companies in Portugal, then it is worth highlighting EUROPCAR with a rating 9.9 and SIXT, the average rating of which is 9 points.

Getting a car at a rental office

Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.

Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.

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4,7

Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!

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The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.

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Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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