PORTUGAL

Summer's come and took you by surprise, for  you still have no plans what so ever where to spend your vacation? We recommend you this beautiful, historically and culturally diverse country by the Atlantic sea. You've guessed it, it's Portugal.

With majority of its population located on the seaside, this country has many things to offer. Rent a car in Portugal and this time  make your vacation relaxation and exploration all in one!

Hilly on the North, low on the South, Portugal, will surely not leave you indifferent. The beauties of the Atlantic Ocean sea have been, with a good reason, attracting many tourists for decades. As another vital part of Portugal,  we must mention the slightly isolated Madeira Island and the Azores, located  further in the Atlantic ocean.

Portugal has been established in the 12th century though populated since prehistoric times. From Pre-Celtes, Visigoths, Moors and Alan settlements,  Portugal is architecturally very diverse, and colourful.  With the vast colonisation expansion,  already in the 15th century it was obviously becoming one of the worlds' most influential countries.  From the mid 20th century its colonised territory gained independance and so reducing the the surface of Portugal drastically.

You might want to begin your trip in in Porto. The near located airport where you can easily rent a car is less crowded than the one in Lisbon, for Portugal can be overwhelmed by tourist in the summer.

Rent a car, find a nice, charming hotel in the city-centre and do not waste a second of your time spent in this amazing city. See the famous Portus Cale, built in the Roman times, the main Avenida dos Aliados and Praca de Liberdade. A must see is a famous tower Torre dos Clerigos with an amazing view on the top if you ever get the time to climb on it. Santa Clara, Misericordia. Ribeira, Museo do Vinho Porto and many other  touristic spots are quite incredible. Do not forget to try the famous wine, see one of many museums, go to the riviera Ribeira, a fishermen's town.

Well rested, continue your travel more towards the center of the state, the city Guarda is the highest city in Portugal! Easily accesible by car, you can explore this ancient military base of Julius Caesar. See the amazing gothic chatredal, the town museum and enjoy the peace of this beautiful city. Most of all, this city is perfect for more adventureous of us, being an excellent starting position to explore the highlands of Portugal named Serra de Estrella.

Continue your way South and make a stop at the National Parc Tajo before you reach the city Evora. Here is where you just might find something more than you'd expect! The incredibly preserved old city centre will surely make some great impressions on you. Spend some days here, with your car you can explore the near by charming and less known towns  like Valverde or  S.Mancos.  Making your way to the South be sure to make a stop at Markadia, where you can put up a nice tent in the Markadia  Camp and enjoy in the beauties of the near-by lake.

Make your next stop Albufeira,  though highly visited by tourist, you will find there all you wish for. This amazing city has an incredible architectural sights, from aqueducts, to old city centre.

The amazing beach, the rich night life, big choice of hotels makes this city perfect for younger as well as older generation. The city will surely leave an impression on you with its african touch, for there have found home  many  North African immigrants whose culture mixed beautifully with the European. With your car rental you can see the whole beauty of the  South of Portugal.

Move up to the capital and finish your trip in one of the most beautiful capitals in the , Lisbon.

Visit the old district in Lisbon named Alfama,  the Moorish fortress Sao Jorge,  the ancient Roman walls,  the Pena palace,  the Tower Belem and many other hot-spots of Lisbona. This city is marked by Romanesque,m Gothic, Manueline and Postmodern constructions.  For art lovers a number of museums can be found in Lisbon like the Fernando Pessoa Museum.  Music lovers should visit a fado concert, a genre typical for Portugal.

Take the car and go visit Estoril, castles of Cintra,  Cabo Da Rocca to move away a bit from the crowded city, only to find it in the night when its most beautiful. Surely you will find a place just for you; bars, clubs, cafes, night walks, all this you must experience if anywhere in Lisbon!

This is our suggestion how to make a Tour de Portugal with your car rental. Portugal is without a doubt a beautiful country, so rent a car and be sure to see exacly what you will attract you most.