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Portugal is found on the western side of the Iberian Peninsula in south west between Spain to the east and the Atlantic Ocean. The country can be roughly divided in two along the Tagus river with the capital Lisbon at the mouth, with the more mountainous lusher north and the drier lowlands to the south. Portugal also consists of the nine islands of the Azores found in the mid Atlantic 1,200 kilometers (750- miles) west of Lisbon as well as the small archipelago of Madeira 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) south west of Portugal (both tourist destinations).
The road system covers the entire country and is being improved through a public private partnership with many new motorways improving driving times and conditions. Most motorways charge tolls paid at toll booths on your exit from the motorway. Take a ticket on your entrance to the motorway and hand it at the booth on your exit with charges applicable to the distance traveled. As many different private companies are involved in the motorway structure prices vary but are clearly shown on your approach.
Do not go through the automated green routes with your hire car when entering the motorway as this is for frequent preregistered users. If you try to exit without a ticket you will be charged a fine and the fee for the full length of the motorway which will prove expensive.
Car hire prices in Portugal are low like Spain with high competition in place especially at the major airports like Faro Airport the gateway to the Algarve. Excess fees are in place and insurance is heavily pushed, if you have taken a third party insurance before going make sure you decline all insurances offered to you. Hire cars can travel into Spain in most circumstances for free but please check your terms and conditions. Due to the geographical location of Portugal at the end of Europe international one ways are normally not allowed or heavily charged due to the costs of repatriating the rental car.
What to see in your hire car
Lisbon
the largest and capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is an affluent city which attracts over two million tourist per year making it the sixth most visited city in southern Europe. A huge earthquake in 1755 destroyed around 85% of city including many of the old Moorish buildings but the city still has an old world feel. Excellent museums, shopping and eating make the city a must see trip in your hire car.
The Algarve
The tourist hub of Portugal is found on the south coast with excellent golfing (some of largest courses in Europe), beaches and resorts bathed in sunshine. Fishing and water sports are a specialty but it can get crowded in high season but with a hire car you can escape to the mountains covering the coastal strip for some rest.
Porto
The earliest name of the city "Portucale" gave rise to the name of the country and is the hub of the largest wine producing region in the country as well as the spirit Port. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with narrow medieval streets like the Avenida dos Aliados with a black and white mosaic pavement. Take a tram along the river banks, the restored Roman Temple "Cedofeita" or see the Clerigos Church still the tallest building in Portugal.
Coimbra
The oldest seat of learning in Portugal, Coimbra is a 12th century town with a university founded in 1290 by King Dinis. Listen to traditional Fado music in one of the many bars found throughout the city or walk around the botanical gardens. Drive to the nearby Roman ruins at Conimbriga which is an excellent day out in your hire car.
Sintra
Another UNESCO world heritage site the town sits on a plain edged by hills and pine forests was the tourist resort for nobility of old for centuries. Magnificent castles overlook the town including the Moorish 8th century stronghold and the fairytale Palacio Nacional da Pena built in 1840. An enchanting town and easily reached in a rental car.
Evora
The walled medieval city boasts narrow cobble streets with beautiful historic architecture right from the Roman period through history. Many of the buildings are covered in glazed tiles and designs famous in Portugal. Look out for the Se cathedral, Roman temple and the church of Sao Francisco fashioned by the skulls and bones of 5,000 monks!
With 64 locations across Portugal from Porto to Faro we have Car Hire Portugal covered. Search and select from every car on offer from multiple car hire brokers and suppliers from Holiday Autos to Sixt you can easily see the best deal in our price sorted three step booking engine.
So if you are looking for the cheapest fully inclusive car rental deal for your upcoming trip to Portugal then choose Carhire.net
PORTUGAL - Quick Facts
Land area 91,951 sq km (35,493 square miles)
Major physical features:
Highest points:
(Mainland) Estrela (Serra de Estrela) 1,991 m (6,532 ft)
(Azores) Ponta do Pico 2,351 m (7,713 ft)
Longest river:
Tagus (part) 1,007 km (626 mi)
Population (2006 est.) 10,605,870
Form of government multiparty republic with one legislative house
Armed forces army 26,700; navy 10,950; air force 7,250
Largest cities Lisbon (capital - 1,977,000); Porto (1,303,000)
Official language Portuguese
Ethnic composition Portuguese 91.9%; African 1.6%; Brazilian 1.4%, others 5.1%
Religious affiliations Roman Catholic 87.4%; other Christian 3.7%; Protestant 1.3%; others 11%; nonreligious 6.5%
Currency 1 euro (EUR) = 100 euro cent
Gross domestic product (2006) U.S.$203.1 billion Gross domestic product per capita (2006) U.S.$19,100
Life expectancy at birth male 74.43 years; female 81.2 years
Major resources fish, cork, iron ore, copper, zinc, tin, tungsten, silver, gold, uranium, marble, clay, gypsum, salt, hydropower, cereals, citrus fruits, figs, vegetables, fish, grapes/wine, olives, rice, timber, tourism
