Why should you rent a car in Portugal?
Diverse, historic, and picturesque, Portugal is one of the hottest travel destinations in Europe for a good reason. Some travelers come for the atmosphere and sophistication of its two largest cities.
Others are attracted by the beautiful beaches of the Algarve or the majestic palaces of Sintra. Or enjoy the rural charms of Alentejo, a famous winemaking region.
Getting a rental car will let you explore and experience as many of these amazing things as you like. As much as travel in Portugal is about its impressive landmarks. It is even more about sleepy villages, home-made meals, and scenic road trips.
The tourist season in Lisbon lasts roughly from April to October — the warmer half of the year. The number of visitors is especially high from June to early-September.
Lisbon can also be very nice to visit during the low season as the number of other tourists is smaller. And the city has some of the mildest winters in Europe (albeit with some increases in the amount of rain, especially in November and December).
Porto’s weather
Comparable to that of Lisbon — the city is only about 300 km (185 miles) to the north — but with temperatures usually a couple of degrees lower. Porto also receives nearly twice as much rain every year, with the amount of precipitation highest from October all the way to early April.
The southern region known as the Algarve is famous for its year-round good weather. Most travelers come from April until October. And the months of July and August are especially busy as that is when the ocean is the warmest.
And most Portuguese people take vacations coming down from Lisbon and the north. The Algarve has something of a rainy season every December and January. But overall the region’s winters are exceptionally mild and some travelers from colder parts of Europe have even compared it to their summers.
Some might find the ocean too cold from October to February in Portugal. If you’re visiting during the winter months, the Algarve might be your best bet. But during summer, even the northernmost part of the country is great for surfing.
On the other hand, Nazare. Which holds the global record as the place. Where the biggest wave ever surfed was gets the most impressive waves during the winter months.
How safe is it to travel around by car?
Overall, Portugal is a very safe country to travel – the crime rates are low and the police are trustworthy. The general emergency number in Portugal, like elsewhere in the European Union, is 112.
There are a few mountain ranges in Portugal where you’ll find some steep and narrow roads where you have to be extra cautious.
But the Portuguese mountains are considerably lower than, say, the Alps, Pyrenees, or the Sierra Nevada in Southern Spain, so even drivers with no prior experience with driving in the mountains usually manage it well.
The highest point of continental Portugal
Torre of Serra de Estrela, stands at 1,993 m (6,539 ft). Pickpocketing and other petty crimes occur in Lisbon, Porto, especially near popular tourist attractions. Keep your belongings close and do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it!
During the last decade, forest fires have become a serious issue in Portugal, particularly in the inland and southern parts of the country.
Often starting at eucalyptus plantations which are highly prone to wildfire during the hottest months of the year, the fires have destroyed a significant amount of farmland and entire villages.
Insider’s tip: If you’re visiting Portugal any time from April to October and plan to travel away from cities and especially to inland areas, make sure to get the latest wildfire forecast and follow the news of the area that you are visiting.
How easy is it to travel around independently?
Portugal is a great nation to explore on your own. Many travelers name it as their favorite destination in Europe, ahead of countries like France and Italy, mainly thanks to the country’s pleasant atmosphere and relaxed pace of life.
The road network in Portugal, while perhaps not as great as in some other Western European countries. The main highways are in great condition while secondary roads are catching up. Getting a GPS device for your vehicle is nonetheless advisable. It will help you to find your way both in more rural parts of the country and in Portugal’s historic cities and towns.
