Portugal
Portugal's fascinating past as a maritime superpower is still present in every corner of the beaches-abundant country. Combined with the green landscapes, the olive groves, ancient cities and towns full of charm, it is one of the most interesting countries in Europe. Visiting some of its towns, hearing the Portuguese language spoken throughout the country, might make the tourist feel as if he is in faraway Brazil – and indeed, there's a lot of resemblance between these two countries, at least as regards a pampering vacation.
Like Brazil, Portugal offers a variety of festivals, parades and fares. In a nutshell we can include the traditional carnival that comes about before Easter, incorporating a masquerade and lively celebrations, and the Great Horses Fair that takes place in November.
It is recommended to commence a trip to Portugal in Lisbon, the mountainous capital city. Lisbon offers on the one hand a variety of monasteries, museums and cathedrals, similar to other European cities, but on the other hand – also beaches, fishing villages and rich nightlife, which grant the sensation of an attractive holiday destination. The Belem Quarter is Lisbon’s central quarter, comprising its main attractions such as the Carriages Museum, the Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Museum.
Car rental in Portugal is the most recommended way to tour the country and discover it, including all its landscapes and sites. Albar offers car rental services in Portugal through Dollar and Thrifty, the world’s leading international car rental companies, with attractive prices and high quality services. Through Dollar and Thrifty, Albar provides a rich supply of vehicles nationwide, for your choice and convenience, suitable for any purpose.
Lisbon constitutes a good starting point for daily excursions in the city’s surroundings. Through car rental in Portugal with Dollar and Thrifty represented by Albar, you can take short drives from Lisbon to fascinating towns. Such a place is, for example, Sintra, a beautiful town surrounded by forests, castles and palaces. The town of Óbidos is also very popular for tours between its picturesque alleyways, the opulent vegetation and pastoral sceneries.
Through car rental in Portugal with Albar it is also recommended to visit the historical city of Porto, the second largest in the country. In this city you can encounter ancient churches, spectacular squares and wide boulevards as well as a Museum of Modern Arts that attracts hordes of tourists from the nearby area. The Riviera on the boardwalk is the vibrant heart of the city, where you will find clubs, restaurants and cafes. Overall, Porto is considered the most vivacious city in Portugal and its nightlife would not have shamed any respected European capital. Wine lovers will find in Porto the praiseworthy port wine, as well as wineries inviting you on tours.
Another interesting town is Evora, while visiting it will make the tourist feel as if he has returned back in time to the middle ages. Ancient buildings, narrow alleys, baths and the remains of the Roman Temple adorn the city, alongside an abundance of cafes and restaurants which remind the visitor that he is still in the current century. Car rental in Portugal through Albar’s representatives in the country, Dollar and Thrifty, will allow you to reach the longest coastal strip in southern Portugal as well, which offers besides beautiful beaches, historical cities and hot springs. Through car rental you will be able to integrate neighboring Spain into your trip as well, with its landscapes, culture and culinary art.
Driving in Portugal is a pleasant experience for its visitors, and the country’s roads system is very good. Nevertheless, sometimes drivers tend to cross the speed limit and it is therefore recommended to drive carefully. The allowed speed limit in Portugal is 50km/h in urban areas, 90km/h on main roads outside the cities and 120km/h on highways. The local police carries out ambushes using undercover cars as well, and hands out traffic tickets to drivers breaking the law.
It is obligatory to wear safety belts also in the rear seats. Riding the front seat beside the driver is permitted from the age of 12 and above. Another rule that must be remembered in Portugal is to grant the right-of-way (yield) to the trams operating in the country.
