Portugal has been named Europe’s Leading Destination at the 2026 World Travel Awards, reinforcing its position as one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for travellers seeking culture, gastronomy, beaches and unforgettable scenery. And one of the best ways to discover everything Portugal has to offer is to hire a car and explore each region at your own pace.
By hiring a car with Hertz, you can enjoy greater flexibility throughout your trip, whether you’re planning a city break in Lisbon or a road trip through the Douro Valley or Algarve. Choose a vehicle to suit your needs and discover new destinations beyond the usual tourist routes.
Portugal: Europe’s leading destinations
Despite its relatively compact size, Portugal offers an impressive variety of experiences. In just a few days, you can visit historic cities, drive along scenic coastal roads, sample regional cuisine and discover villages surrounded by nature.
Some of the main reasons to visit Portugal include:
- Historic cities: Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and Évora combine heritage, architecture and a vibrant cultural scene.
- Beaches and coastal scenery: from the Alentejo coastline to the Algarve’s dramatic cliffs, there are landscapes to suit every type of trip.
- Portuguese gastronomy: discover regional specialities, traditional markets and local restaurants.
- Nature: explore the Douro Valley, mountain ranges and the scenic landscapes of Portugal’s interior.
- Mild climate: throughout the year, Portugal offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, short breaks and road trips.
The best way to make the most of this diversity is to plan an itinerary around your interests. With a hire car, it’s easier to visit several destinations and discover places beyond the usual tourist trails.
Explore Portugal by car, at your own pace
Lisbon, Sintra and the Portuguese coast
Lisbon is an excellent starting point for a road trip. After exploring the capital’s historic neighbourhoods, viewpoints and food scene, head towards Sintra to discover its palaces and gardens.
Continue to Cascais for a seaside stroll or follow the coast to discover other coastal towns. This combination of city life, heritage and coastal scenery is ideal for anyone looking to experience different sides of Portugal in a single trip.
Porto and the Douro Valley
In northern Portugal, Porto combines historic architecture, traditional streets and a celebrated food culture. After exploring the city, set off by car towards the Douro Valley, renowned for its vineyard-covered hillsides, scenic roads and riverside towns and villages.
Along the way, take time to stop at viewpoints, explore smaller villages and enjoy the scenery. Hiring a car allows you to plan stops around your interests and create an itinerary that suits you.
Algarve
Algarve is a popular holiday destination in Portugal, thanks to its beaches, dramatic cliffs and charming coastal towns. With a hire car, you can alternate between days on the beach and visits to different parts of the region, from Faro to Lagos and Sagres.
With Hertz, you can also explore the Algarve’s inland areas, where you’ll find traditional villages, local markets and landscapes that offer a different perspective on the region.
Hire a car at the airport
For many travellers, collecting a hire car at the airport is a convenient way to start exploring Portugal. Hertz has locations at Portuguese airports, including Lisbon, Porto and Faro, making it easy to search for car hire options based on your arrival destination.
Before booking, consider the length of your trip, the number of passengers, your luggage and the type of journey you’re planning. A compact car may be ideal for getting around cities, while a larger vehicle could be more suitable for family holidays or longer journeys.
With Hertz, you can explore car hire in Portugal options and check available locations in major cities and at airports.
Ready to explore Europe’s Leading Destination from behind the wheel? Browse our car hire options and start planning your next trip.
Read also: Porto and Lisbon as ideal destinations for a workcation.