Portugal is a country with a long running football tradition, and it seems more and more Portuguese natives are becoming fans of the sport, resulting in more superstars each season. But wouldn't it be interesting to see the origins of some of the greatest Portuguese footballers? Did you ever wonder where these sport icons came from?
As the official rent-a-car of the Portuguese Football Federation, Hertz highlights 5 Destinations in Portugal that were the birthplace for some of the best Portuguese football stars.
Madeira – Cristiano Ronaldo
The one and only Cristiano Ronaldo has his image so associated with the Island of Madeira, that he even has an airport named after him. If you’ve never been to Madeira you’ll be shocked by the sheer variety of spots and destinations the archipelago has for you.
The Miradouro dos Balcões is a hallmark of the island, offering a clear view over a beautifully green valley. We also recommend the Seixal beach, which is surrounded by mountains and bathed in black sand, making it completely unique from any other beach in Portugal.
We simply must mention the Monte Palace Museum Garden as well. Featuring a total area of 70,000 m² and housing an abundant collection of exotic plants from around the world, this is a truly singular venue in the country.
Travelling in Madeira without a car would make it difficult to visit all the points the island has for you. For this reason, our recommendation would be to rent a car in Madeira at the Hertz location most convenient for you.
Ilha de São Miguel – Pauleta
Moving now from one archipelago to the other, the island of São Miguel is a paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and where Pauleta spent his childhood. The former National Team player is mostly likely well acquainted with the famous São Miguel geysers which gave rise to the traditional regional stew.
You should also this opportunity to visit Ponta da Ferraria, where the hot, volcanic water meets the cold ocean, mixing, and creating a natural pool completely that is unlike anything you might be used to.
If you prefer a more relaxing atmosphere, you can spend a quiet afternoon enjoying the region's tea while visiting the Gorreana tea plantations. This is the oldest tea plantation in Europe, specializing in blends hailing from China, the same ones Portuguese navigators risked their lives when bringing them to Europe.
The island is infamous for its inconstant weather, with sunshine, rain, heat and cold constantly shifting. For this reason, we recommend renting a car in São Miguel at a Hertz location, so that the weather and travel time never become an issue.
Porto - Vitor Baía, Diogo Jota, Bruno Fernandes
The city of Porto is no stranger to seeing its players integrate the national team, featuring prominent Portuguese players like Vitor Baía, Diogo Jota and Bruno Fernandes.
Of course, any fan of the sport visiting the city cannot miss the iconic Estádio do Dragão which houses the famous Porto football team and has played host to numerous important matches at a national and European level.
But the city of Porto has much more to see and visit besides football, including a boat trip on the Douro River, a visit to the Torre dos Clérigos, or even a classical music concert at Casa da Música.
The options are numerous and geared towards all tastes, but we must highlight a trip through the city’s streets and its old, colorfully decorated houses, making Porto stand out from any other city in the country. However, if you want to enjoy all of these brightly colored houses and their streets, our recommendation is to rent a car in Porto.
Portimão – João Moutinho
João Moutinho is the third footballer who has played the most games for the Portuguese national team, only standing behind absolute giants like Cristiano Ronaldo and Figo.
For most Portuguese, Portimão is a city that dispenses any introductions, being one of the most popular summertime destinations in the country. In Portimão, we find the Praia da Rocha, famous for its long length, cafes and year-round special events including concerts and beach football championships.
But if you want more than simply going for a swim or playing ball with friends, how about a boat tour of the Benagil caves? Alternatively, you can simply drive around the city and enjoy its nightlife, though in this case, we’d recommend that you rent a car in Portimão at a Hertz location.
Lisbon - Bernardo Silva
Creating this list without mentioning Lisbon would simply be unfeasible. This is the city that houses two of the biggest teams in the country, Benfica and Sporting, as well as their respective stadiums. There is simply no city in the country with more history linked to sport than Lisbon, with the Benfica and Sporting Museums being in relatively close proximity.
But if your interest in the city encompasses more than just football, why not visit the Torel Garden? Inaugurated in 1930, the space has undergone several renovations over the years and today, it has a superb view over Lisbon.
If you’re aiming for something more historic, then we simply must recommend the Praça do Comércio which was the garden adjacent to the king's palace before being destroyed in 1755 by an earthquake. Today, the square features a Baroque aesthetic, a triumphal arch and the statue of D. José I.
Visiting all of Lisbon’s the tourist destinations becomes much easier at the wheel of a Hertz car, which is why we recommend you rent a car in Lisbon at the Hertz location that is most convenient for you.
Portugal has a long history associated with football, and during the last 20 years, its national team has won more titles than any other period, thus creating even more passionate fans of the sport. Who knows which city the next Golden Ball might come from?