Car Hire Portugal
The westernmost country in Europe, Portugal, is situated on the Iberian peninsula and borders the North Atlantic Ocean. The two volcanic Macaronesian archipelagos also belong to Portugal and are characterized by lush forests, rich flora and fauna, and complex geomorphological and geological features. Portugal is one of the oldest countries on the continent, and its territory has been continuously occupied, first by the Celtic tribes, the Phoenicians, and then by the Iberians. However, Portugal has also been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidence and excavations have revealed fossils dating from 400,000 years ago. Portugal was invaded by the Romans, and it was annexed to Rome during Caesar’s rule. An important time in Portugal’s history occurred in the 14th century, the well-known Age of Discovery, when Portugal became one of the most important maritime and commercial powers.
Portugal experienced centuries of glory and prosperity, but the 1755 earthquake, the Napoleonic Wars, and Brazil's independence led Portugal to its gradual decline. Portugal reestablished its power and prosperity at the end of the Portuguese Colonial War. It is now an advanced European country consisting of 18 regions and 308 municipalities. Every Portuguese region maintains its own traditions, culture, and character, making Portugal a diverse and complex palette of history, art, music, and civilization. If you're planning to explore Portugal, renting a car is an excellent option as it allows you to travel at your own pace and visit all the attractions, beaches, and villages the country offers. Imperial Car Rental services in Portugal offer several locations throughout the country, including major airports, beach resorts, bus stations, and train stations. We offer many vehicles, including economy cars, minivans, SUVs, and luxury cars.
Rent a Car Portugal
Portuguese culture and heritage are deeply linked to the geographical location of the country and its historical journey. Portugal is one of the oldest nations in Europe, and its openness to the sea and maritime power led it to the glorious Age of Discovery. Its cultural heritage, as well as the previous people who inhabited the country and the colonization eras, resulted in African, Islamic, and Asian influences on its culture and history. From centuries-old traditions to contemporary artistic expressions, you will be carried away in a total immersion in the heart of Portugal. The gentle melody of fado and the delicious flavors of local cuisine will immerse you in the soul of this captivating country. So, it makes sense to rent a car in Portugal and allow yourself to drive anywhere you want at any time of the day. It allows you to explore the country at your own pace and schedule. You can visit places that may not be accessible by public transportation and have the flexibility to change your itinerary as you go. Imperial Car Rental offers free car delivery and many pick-up and drop-off points in numerous areas so that you can limit travel distance and time.
Portugal has 19 world heritage sites, bringing together monuments, historic city centers, landscapes, and nature reserves. Portugal is renowned for its heritage and architecture. In addition to the cities classified as World Heritage sites, many other cities are worth mentioning, such as Viana do Castelo, Braga, Caminha, Aveiro, and Viseu, among others. Portugal introduced maritime-inspired elements and symbols of royal power, such as the armillary sphere, into architecture and sculpture to create a new style, the Manueline. Azulejos is another important architectural element and holds a constant presence in Portuguese architecture, as well as the decoration of the interiors and exteriors of houses, churches, palaces, etc. Discover the richness and glory of Portugal’s architecture, history, and captivating past through visits to museums, monuments, religious spaces or structures, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Best Rental Cars in Portugal
Some of Portugal's most typical and authentic elements include the saudade, the fado, the gastronomy, and the religious festivals. Saudade is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Portugal, resonating in every corner of the country. It is an integral part of the Portuguese national identity, influencing their way of living and perceiving the world. It evokes a combination of melancholy and hope linked to a person, a place, a thing, or a bygone era. Saudade is apparent in music, literature, and poetry. Portugal is known as a country of poets. The first steps of poetry made their appearance with the poetry of troubadours. However, it gained in splendor during the Renaissance with the publication of the Lusiads, in which Luís de Camões narrates the history of the Portuguese during the Great Discoveries. Fado is a traditional music, classified as an intangible heritage of humanity, and embodies an important part of Portuguese tradition. The poetic lyrics and melancholic melodies tell stories of everyday life, lost loves, and infinite hopes.
Moreover, religious festivals are essential to Portuguese life, with 80% of the population celebrating rites and traditions in most villages and cities of Portugal. Each region offers various customs, processions, masses, and pilgrimages, reflecting the deep attachment to ancestral beliefs. In Portugal, traditions and customs are important to the inhabitants' daily lives. During your trip to Portugal, you will immediately be seduced by the unique art of living in this country, starting with the hospitality of the Portuguese, deeply rooted in their traditions. Mainly in summer, Portugal is full of religious or traditional festivals and events, such as those of Viana do Castelo, Tomar, and Campo Maior. An hour’s drive away from Campo Maior, you can reach the sheltered city of Evora in the Alentejo region. The city of Evora charms with its numerous streets lined with white houses, nestled at the top of its hill. Evora, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has an important heritage from the Roman era and is an open-air history book.
Portugal Long Term Car Rental
There are many essential places to see in Portugal, a country with a mild and temperate climate almost all year round, exquisite and varied cuisine, renowned wines, charming cities and towns, and kilometers of Atlantic Ocean beaches. Portugal has a strong and marked personality that is renowned on a global scale. And it doesn't matter if you go to the north, the center, or the south... the tiled streets, notes of Fado, the peculiar Portuguese architecture, and the special charm of its towns await you to discover. Portugal has a tourist range suitable for all tastes, as it perfectly combines paradisiacal beaches, mountains, extensive valleys, and towns with a rich historical and cultural heritage. For example, the Alentejo region is a paradise for lovers of road trips and rural tourism or agrotourism. Nazaré is a small town known worldwide for its immense waves. Praia do Norte is especially famous, where giant waves make a heaven for the bravest surfers.
In Portugal, there is a place where more than 5 million pilgrims come every year: Fátima, where the Virgin appeared on various occasions, and her famous must-see Sanctuary. In the north of Lisbon, you will find Óbidos, one of the most beautiful towns in Europe, which, surrounded by 15th-century walls, enchants with its white houses and red roofs, the terraces full of flowers, and its narrow cobblestone streets. One of the most impressive places to see in Portugal is the entire stretch of Atlantic highway known as the Rota Vicentina, which crosses dozens of virgin beaches of impressive beauty, dramatic cliffs, and kilometer-long beaches.
Lastly, El Minho and the picturesque Braga municipality feature an impressive medieval cathedral and a beautiful historic center. Vineyard-covered valleys, mountainous areas, and picturesque riverside towns characterize the Minho River and surrounding villages. One of its most magical corners is the Peneda-Gerês National Park which is home to a rich natural heritage and many endemic flora and fauna species. Imperial Car Rental guarantees adequate insurance coverage for your rental car as well as 24/7 customer support. We offer additional insurance options, so ask us when you rent your vehicle. What’s more, we offer long-term or short-term car rentals all over Portugal. Familiarizing yourself with Portuguese driving laws before hitting the road is essential. For example, many highways in Portugal have tolls, and wearing a seatbelt is mandatory. Drive safe and enjoy your trips in Portugal with Imperial Car Rental!
