Car Hire Portugal with

Car Hire Portugal

Portugal may be next-door neighbours with Spain, but it is a country very much secure in its own unique identity. The fact that it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south means its coastline is the perfect place to soak up the sunshine and enjoy world-class watersports. The best thing about car hire Portugal is that you have the option to explore whatever beaches, towns or cities take your fancy, whenever you like.

The sunny southern Algarve region is probably the country's most visited destination. Rather understandably, it is characterised by its holiday apartments and golden stretches of coastline.

While the bucket and spade brigade are drawn to the Algarve, it is Lisbon that attracts hordes of partygoers and culture vultures, not forgetting surfers who take advantage of the western Atlantic's prize waves.

The sea plays a huge role in Portuguese culture. In the age of exploration, it was the Portuguese who first led voyages of discovery to Africa and South America and carved out oriental trading routes.

Portugal has a fascinating colonial history, which carried through until the mid-20th century. This heritage is evident in the culture and architecture of many towns and villages. Even to this day, the African-inspired Fado music is still heard in the bars and cafés of Lisbon.

The country has invested heavily in its tourism industry in recent years. In terms of touring, Portugal car hire is the ideal way to see the country, as geographically it is nice and compact and offers all the essential ingredients for a relaxing, or action-packed holiday including sandy beaches, lush scenery, history and a mouth-watering cuisine.

When driving in Portugal, there are a few things that foreign travellers should consider before taking to the open road. In Portugal it is the law to drive on the right. Seatbelts are compulsory and it is the driver's responsibility to ensure that all passengers wear their seatbelts. Travellers with heavy luggage loads should note that suitcases and baggage must not exceed the vehicle's length by more than 45cm to the rear and 55cm to the front. Over-taking on the right hand side is illegal.

Portuguese motorways have the prefix A, as in A1 or A2. The majority of highways in Portugal carry tolls. If you are driving in Lisbon, you'll find tolls in operation on the south side of the 25 de Abril Bridge linking Lisbon to the Tagus River. Generally speaking, the standards of these toll roads are good. If you're looking to enjoy a picturesque drive, you'll find the E15 Mediterranean Coastal road to be especially scenic.