2026 brings several opportunities to escape the routine and discover Portugal behind the wheel of a Hertz car. Although not all holidays are ideal for long weekends, the calendar offers good windows for planning road trips without using up too many days of holiday. Whether it's a long weekend in February, a full week in June or a break in December, there's always a good excuse to hit the road, whether in a hire car or a Hertz Campers.
February: Winter Road Trip
In 2026, Carnival is celebrated on 17 February (Tuesday), so if you take the 16th (Monday) off, you can turn the weekend into a long four-day break. It's the perfect opportunity for a winter getaway behind the wheel of a Hertz car. Take advantage of the cold weather to discover Serra da Estrela, where the small villages are covered in snow.
You can also choose a more pleasant road trip through the Alentejo or along the Alentejo coast, where the shorter days call for landscapes, local cuisine and a good break. With Hertz, it's easier to adapt your plan to the weather. Just choose the ideal car and let the road take care of the rest of the trip. Discover the five best winter destinations in Portugal.
March and April: Easter and the first days of spring
Good Friday will be on April 3rd, automatically guaranteeing a long weekend. Shortly after comes 1st May (Friday), another ideal holiday for a break without using up your annual leave.
These periods are perfect for city breaks in cities such as Lisbon, Porto or Coimbra. To explore the coast, take a trip from Aveiro to Peniche, with spontaneous stops along the way. For those who prefer nature, a trip to Alentejo or Serra da Lousã offers trails and good food, all easier to reach with the comfort and autonomy of a Hertz car.
Need more ideas on what to do? We have an article with suggestions for an Easter mini-break.
June: The ideal month for a summer road trip
June is the most promising month of the year in terms of holidays. Corpus Christi falls on June 4th (Thursday) and Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal) on June 10th (Wednesday). By taking three days off (5th, 8th and 9th), you can enjoy seven consecutive days for a week-long road trip.
You can also plan a north-south crossing, starting in the Douro, continuing through Alentejo countryside and ending in Algarve. Or opt for a coastal route between Porto Covo and Lagos, with the freedom to stay wherever you want.
Enjoy accommodation and a car in the same rental with Campers by Hertz and make the most of your road trip.
October: Autumn is made for slowing down
The October 5th holiday (Monday) offers another long weekend. It's an excellent time to take a break after the summer and before the usual end-of-year rush.
When you rent a car with Hertz, you can venture into Douro, visit vineyards, take part in the grape harvest and enjoy the seasonal cuisine. Alternatively, inland Alentejo and Beira Baixa are ideal for relaxing in small rural establishments.
December: End the year on a high note
The last month of 2026 can be generous if you plan ahead. The 1st of December (Tuesday) and the 8th of December (Tuesday) create two opportunities for long weekends. Just take the day before (Monday) off to turn each of these periods into four consecutive days.
Christmas this year falls on a Friday, naturally guaranteeing a long weekend, ideal for travelling with the family or taking the last getaway of the year.
Ready to hit the road?
With ten public holidays on weekdays and well-placed long weekends, 2026 offers countless opportunities to discover Portugal from north to south. With each new public holiday, a new trip is on the horizon.
With Hertz, all you need is a destination. The rest? Freedom and memories that last much longer than a weekend.