Choosing the right car

Many roads in Portugal are quite narrow and towns and villages are even tighter. It’s best to hire a small hire car that will get you through everywhere. Before you finalise the booking, however, you should consider what luggage you want to take with you.

For example, if you want to play the beautiful golf courses of Portugal, you should still plan for the space for the golf bag. In this case, you will have to resort to a larger car.

Insurance

Since a minor accident can happen quickly, especially with someone else’s vehicle, you should take out comprehensive insurance without an excess. This is a little more expensive than an insurance with excess. But in case of an accident, the complete damage will be covered.

It is also important that they pay attention to the amount of coverage for liability. This can be significantly lower abroad than in this country. If the sum seems too low, you have the option of taking out an additional policy. Talk to your insurance company.

Accessories

If you need accessories such as child seats, you should clarify with your rental company in good time whether they also have the desired items in stock. It is also a good idea to compare prices for accessories and factor them into your hire car calculation.

Free kilometers

If you want to travel all over Portugal from Lisbon, you should make sure that your rental contract does not include a mileage limit. Otherwise, you will incur high additional costs if you exceed the mileage allowed.

If you only want to explore the area around Lisbon, you may be able to choose a cheaper contract with a mileage limit.

Safety hire car

Cars for hire in Portugal are usually roadworthy. However, they often have scratches and small dents. Get written confirmation of any defects to avoid being held liable for damage you didn’t cause when you return the car.

For your own safety, you should check the lights and also the brakes before your first drive. You can still do this in the parking lot of the hire car company.

Sights in Lisbon

Taking the elevator to the view
Whoever takes the elevator da Glória from the Baixa district – the center of Lisbon – up to the “upper city” can even see all seven hills on which Lisbon was built. On top of one of these hills is the Castelo Sao Jorge, a Visigothic castle with a magnificent garden.

Alfama: Discover diverse architecture
Lisbon’s “Alfama” district, located below the castle, attracts visitors not only with numerous restaurants, but also with small alleys full of colourful architecture.

The Tagus River: Admiring views from the other bank
Lisboa – as Lisbon is called in Portuguese – is framed by the Tagus River. This leads to the industrial and residential areas on the south bank of the Tagus and can be crossed by car over the 25th of April Bridge or by ferry. Especially when the sun is shining, this bank offers a fantastic view of Lisbon. In addition, there is the possibility to visit a 28 m statue of Christ there.

Torre de Belèm – Witness to the Past
The Tower of Belèm is witness to the times when Portugal was the world’s greatest naval power. Built in 1521 in the Manuelist style, the 35-metre-high structure is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower was one of the few monuments to survive the great earthquake that destroyed almost all of Lisbon in 1755. At the highest point of the tower is the famous viewing platform, which attracts tourists especially at sunset. The Torre de Belèm is located in the Santa Maria de Belèm district.

Tram 28 – Leisurely City Tour
A highlight of the Portuguese capital is a ride on Tram 28, whose cars date back to the 1930s. The train, which is completely made of wood inside, first winds its way through the narrow alleys of the old town, before it passes the city centre and goes up the city hill to the posh Chiado district. To enjoy the full length of the ride, it’s recommended that you board at one of the two final stops, Maritim Moniz and Capo Ourique.

Jardim das Amoreiras: Relaxing in the Park
The Jardim das Amoreiras is, according to many Lisbon residents, the most romantic park in the city. Via the blog “Spotted by locals” – a website by locals for locals – the hidden park became accessible to a wider audience. Situated by the Rato metro station, you walk along the many florists towards the park, which is also open at night.

As in any Portuguese park, there is a bistro where you can enjoy perhaps the most famous Portuguese pastry, Pasteies de Nata.

Suggestion for a small round trip

Oeiras: Relaxed town by the sea
It takes just half an hour to drive from Lisbon to Oeiras by hire car. There you can expect relaxed beach life and a typical Portuguese town with good restaurants and friendly residents.

Estoril: sophisticated seaside resort with casino
You will find another beautiful seaside resort in Estoril. From Oeiras you need a quarter of an hour by hire car. In Estoril the Portuguese Hautevolee spends the summer, which gives the place a sophisticated touch. In Estoril you can try your luck in the casino. It was founded back in 1931 and is considered the largest casino in Europe.

Sintra: City of Palaces
Before you go back to Lisbon, it is still worth a visit to Sintra. There, magnificent old palaces and mansions await you, which have earned the city a place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It is also only a short drive to Sintra. By hire car, you will only need a good ten minutes from Estoril.