The sporting success of the Portuguese Women's National Football Team is undeniable and the "Navigators" are an example of resilience and inspiration. Portugal has been showcasing its value in the world of women's football and with every match, the national team players move make us dream of great achievements.
As important as the success of the present is our heritage and, in this article, Hertz, as the official sponsor of the Portuguese Football Federation, invites you to take a tour of the regions in Portugal that inspire and where the players of the women's football team come from.
Madeira Island
Funchal
It was on Madeira Island that forward Telma Encarnação was born. If you love nature, Madeira will certainly not disappoint. With breathtaking natural landscapes, fantastic gastronomy and a mild climate Madeira is a pleasant destination to visit at any time of the year.
Explore Funchal with its colorful markets and venture out to walk a levada, where you’ll have direct contact with nature. The island has much to offer and with a Hertz vehicle, you can travel at your own pace and in comfort through the charming villages.
Northern Region
Guarda
The district of Guarda is home to Ana Borges and Beatriz Fonseca and is known for its mountain climate and medieval heritage.
Serra da Estrela is in Guarda district and for that reason there are plenty of natural landscapes and outdoor activities. In winter, you can also engage in snow sports. Be sure to visit the Guarda Castle, which offers a unique view, as well as the Sé Cathedral.
Braga
Braga offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity and is the district of Carole Costa and Rute Costa.
Visit the center of Braga city where you’ll find Braga Cathedral and several gardens. The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte is also a must-see. If you enjoy nature, explore the Peneda-Gerês National Park, where you can take pleasant walking or driving tours. Rent a Hertz car and discover the beauty of the Minho region.
Porto
Defenders Lúcia Alves and Diana Gomes were born in Porto district. Stroll along the Douro River, climb up to the Clérigos Tower and enjoy the panoramic view of the Porto city, one of the most touristy destinations in the country.
Rent a Hertz car and drive through the Douro wine region, where you’ll find breathtaking landscapes of vineyards that produce some of the best wines in the world.
Aveiro
The district of Aveiro is known for its canals and traditional moliceiro boats and is where four of the players of the Women’s National Football Team were born: Tatiana Pinto, Ana Dias, Bárbara Lopes and Andreia Norton.
Be sure to try the “ovos moles,” a traditional sweet from the city of Aveiro and take a tour along the ria. Rent a Hertz car and travel to Costa Nova, where you'll find colorful houses and stunning beaches.
Vila Real
Vila Real is the district of Andreia Faria and where the player Stephanie Ribeiro has strong ties, although she was not born in Portugal. This district is rich in cultural and natural heritage.
Don’t miss visiting the Mateus Palace, an incredible example of Baroque architecture, as well as the historic villages in the region.
Central Region
Lisbon
The Lisbon district is filled with culture and history and is where six of the players from the National Football Team were born: Patrícia Morais, Inês Pereira, Dolores Silva, Andreia Jacinto, Francisca Nazareth and Diana Silva.
Visit the iconic Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and typical neighborhoods like Alfama and Mouraria. Rent a Hertz car and explore Sintra and the Arrábida National Park.
Santarém
Santarém is the birthplace of defender Joana Marchão. This district is a great starting point for exploring the Ribatejo region, famous for its lush fields and vineyards.
With a Hertz car, you’ll have the chance to explore the picturesque villages and river beaches in the region with comfort and tranquility.
Coimbra
Coimbra, a historic and university district, is the birthplace of defenders Catarina Amado, Ana Seiça and Ana Rute. A must-see destination with a strong tradition, don’t miss strolling through the historic center of Coimbra city where you’ll find monuments like the Old Cathedral and the Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery.
Southern Region
Évora
The district of Évora is where Carolina Mendes, who plays as a forward for the National Football Team, was born.
The city of Évora is full of monuments from the Roman era, with must-visit sites including the Temple of Diana, the Chapel of Bones and the Évora Cathedral.
Beja
Players Jéssica Silva and Ana Capeta were born in Beja, a district of an incredibly beautiful plain.
Let yourself be carried away by the typically Alentejo tranquility and enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the Alentejo plain in Beja. Also, include the Menage Tower in your itinerary, where you can enjoy the landscape over the city.
Portugal is a country full of talent, history and natural beauty. The districts where the players of the National Women's Football Team come from are unmissable tourist destinations that are worth visiting on your next holiday. Rent a Hertz vehicle that best suits your needs and explore the places that inspired our women’s football stars.