Planning a last-minute getaway with Hertz is the perfect way to end the year with new scenery, good food and total freedom. When you rent a car with Hertz, you gain the flexibility to escape the crowds, explore new paths and adapt your itinerary to your own pace. From the snow of Serra da Estrela to the Christmas atmosphere in Lisbon or Porto, there are still incredible road trips to take in Portugal until the end of the year.
1. Serra da Estrela
For those who dream of New Year's Eve in the snow, Serra da Estrela is always a classic. Rent a car with Hertz and, at your own pace, climb the mountain, stop at viewpoints, visit ski resorts and small villages such as Manteigas, Loriga or Sabugueiro. Many hotels in this area offer great dinners, open fireplaces and spas, ideal for recovering after a day in the snow.
2. Gerês and Minho
If you prefer a destination surrounded by nature, the Peneda Gerês National Park and Minho are perfect for a New Year's trip. The roads pass between rivers, waterfalls and small villages, allowing you to create an incredible itinerary between trails, thermal springs and viewpoints. If you are travelling by car, continue your journey to Braga, Viana do Castelo or Ponte de Lima to make the most of your end-of-year getaway.
3. Porto
Porto is one of the most popular destinations for New Year's Eve in Portugal, with concerts on Avenida dos Aliados and fireworks at midnight. If you rent a car with Hertz, you can stay in a hotel further away from the centre, park more easily and still get to the party areas quickly. During the day, take the opportunity to explore Foz do Douro, Matosinhos, Vila do Conde or the Gaia wine cellars, designing your own road trip through the northern region.
4. Lisbon and surroundings
In Lisbon, the riverfront and Terreiro do Paço are transformed into stages for shows, music and fireworks over the river. Despite the traffic, when travelling by car in Lisbon, you can combine the party in the city with a visit to Sintra, Cascais or Costa da Caparica, all in the same trip. With a rental car, it's easier to take your luggage, coats and gifts with you and, if you're feeling brave, continue your road trip to Évora, Óbidos or Nazaré, extending your New Year's getaway.
5. Algarve and Alentejo coast
For those who prefer warmer temperatures, the Algarve region is ideal for spending New Year's Eve in Portugal. Cities such as Albufeira, Portimão and Faro organise street parties, concerts and fireworks on the beach. By car, you can sleep in a quieter area and easily move between beaches and villages, creating a true New Year's road trip along the Algarve coast. If you prefer, further north is the Alentejo coast (Vila Nova de Milfontes, Porto Covo, Sines), which offers a quieter New Year's Eve, perfect for those who want good food, sea and peace and quiet.
Plan your end-of-year road trip with Hertz
When you choose to rent a car from Hertz for the end of the year, not only do you guarantee safety and 24-hour road assistance, but you can also choose from a wide fleet of different types and models, from city cars to SUVs, ideal for trips with family or friends. Discover our fleet of vehicles and start planning your end-of-year getaway. Which destination will you choose to toast the new year?