Want a culture filled city break? Then Lisbon or Porto - with their stunning architecture such as the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and São Francisco Church - will not disappoint. Alternatively, you may prefer to venture into the interior of the country. Take a road trip and explore the traditional villages and soak up the beautiful Portuguese countryside in all its glory.
Reasons to book through Zest Car Rental
Zest Car Rental provides a fresh approach to hiring a car in Portugal. Our booking process is simple and hassle-free. We know that when you are planning your trip, the last thing you want to worry about is the small print. So we don’t charge any amendment or credit card fees.
We only work with carefully selected and trusted car rental providers in Portugal who care as much about reputation as we do. We have won awards and receive regular testimonials for our customer service which is why our UK based head office is open 6 days a week and we also operate a 24/7 emergency phone service to help with any problems you may have when you’re on the road.
For those rare occasions when the unexpected happens, we give you total peace of mind with breakdown assistance throughout Portugal as well as optional top-up insurance to ensure you’re completely covered. We’re also highly competitive! When it comes to car rental in Portugal we’ve cut out the jargon so you can focus on planning a great holiday which is hassle free.
Rest assured, whichever car rental provider you book with, a fair fuel policy is available, meaning you don’t have to worry about unused fuel when you return the hire vehicle. You really will get the best value car hire in Portugal with us!
Portuguese Toll Roads
In Portugal, especially when visiting the Algarve or Lisbon you may need to use a toll road during your travels. If this is the case, most of the car rental providers that we work with can provide you with a transponder for an additional charge payable locally.
Visit step one of the booking process where you can see if a transponder is available. There you can find out more information about them and add it to your booking if you wish.
Which Portuguese airports can I hire a car at?
The gateway to the Algarve, Faro Airport is the most popular airport in Portugal and as a consequence, the busiest. Arrive here and drive west to enjoy the Algarve and its ever popular resorts such as Vale do Lobo, Albufeira, Portimão, and Lagos. Alternatively journey east, close to the Spanish border and discover a combination of golf courses, stunning beaches, and wondrous scenery accessible in large quantities.
Lisbon Airport is often used by those wishing to explore the city limits of Lisbon itself before heading further afield. Surrounded by beaches both to the north and south, Lisbon is also home to many excellent golf courses which will challenge even the best players.
Should you intend to explore the north of Portugal, Porto Airport will no doubt be your best bet. Some of the highlights include the Douro Valley to the east of the city and Braga to the north. Climb the numerous, zigzag stairways to Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga before sampling a selection of Port to recover!
There are of course a number of Portuguese islands to visit including Madeira, Porto Santo and Sao Miguel of the Azores islands. We provide car hire at all the major airports on these islands including Funchal, Porto Santo, and Ponta Delgada.
Portuguese golf breaks
Many tourists are attracted to Portugal by the variety of golf courses available. Widely considered one of the best courses in the country, Monte Rei is located in Tavira. This lovely course has endless charm, excellent bunkers, and a gorgeous backdrop of rolling hills that make strolling down the fairways a real pleasure.
Alternatively, San Lorenzo hand is well-known among golfers both on the Algarve and throughout the world. Situated next to the Ria Formosa bird sanctuary, it offers wide fairways and a wonderful atmosphere. The first five holes are played through a lovely pine forest whilst water hazards are a major feature throughout. For more tips, check out our guide to golfing in Portugal.
Places to visit in Portugal
If you crave some sunshine and swimming, make the most of Portugal’s many fantastic beaches. If you’re in Lisbon, the Praia da Adraga near Sintra offers wonderful breakers and views from Europe’s most westerly beach.
On the Algarve and looking for somewhere a little quieter? Head to Praia da Rocha in Portimão where you’ll find an excellent beach and a number of caves to explore.
South of Porto you’ll find the gorgeous beach of Miramar with the famous Capela do Senhor da Pedra sat on a rock by the water’s edge.
If you’re looking for fabulous architecture, the Torre de Belem in Lisbon is the place for you. Found on the banks of the Tagus River, this fortified tower played an important role in the Age of Discoveries. Alternatively, visit Sintra and explore the two vast palaces found here that were a summer residence for Portugal’s royalty.
Religious architecture is well catered for. The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Convento do Cristo, Monastery of Batalha, and Igreja de Santo Antonio are amongst the numerous beautiful churches and cathedrals on offer.
Drive through the Côa Valley Archaeological Park and explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site in more detail. Fine examples of rock carvings situated here from the Palaeolithic period are truly fascinating and date back to around 20,000 B.C.
