Portugal - amazing country on the very edge of Europe, famous for its unique views and its special atmosphere, which you can fully enjoy only by getting to know the local color on your own, without a guide and a noisy crowd, having time to feel every moment and consider every detail. The easiest and most convenient way to do this is to travel around Portugal by car. After all, this country is rich in all kinds of beauty and entertainment, located not only near major cities but also in secluded places where public transport often does not go, and a taxi is very expensive. Therefore, have time to stroll through the beautiful lemon and orange gardens, relax on the best beaches, you can visit popular water parks and admire the picturesque cliffs in one trip, only by choosing your own route in Portugal and renting a car.

Traveling around Portugal by car will help you save a lot of energy, time and money, as well as get the most out of your experience. The territory of this country is small. If you have a car, it is easy to drive it from north to south in 6-7 hours, so you can safely plan a difficult route in Portugal, including several cities and even regions, and for a relatively short vacation. Also, a car can be useful when relaxing within the same city, because it allows you to comfortably get anywhere at any time, regardless of the schedule of public transport.

Car rental in Portugal

The most convenient and profitable way to rent a car in Portugal is to find a good rental company in one of largest airports such as the airports of Lisbon, Faro and Porto. Here, the choice of rental companies and offers is especially wide, so finding the perfect option is easy. Also, the advantage of renting a car at airports in Portugal was the convenient location of offices.

Many of them are located directly in the terminal, which greatly simplifies the search and saves time. Parking at such companies, as a rule, is located at the terminal itself, so a tourist can leave the airport in a rented car immediately after filling out the necessary documents. However, the cheapest cars in Portugal usually offer rentals, whose offices are 5-10 minutes away on a free branded bus. Since this location is less expensive than maintaining an office at the airport, such companies are generally very moderately priced, especially in winter. At the same time, it is not necessary to start traveling around Portugal by car with walking from office to office in the hope of finding the best conditions. On our website you can find and book a suitable option in advance in Russian.

In Portugal, as well as throughout Europe, all you need to get a car is a foreign passport, a plastic-based driver's license and credit card in the name of the driver with the amount required to pay the deposit. The deposit is frozen in the account for the duration of the rental. If

Everything for independent routes in Portugal: driving features and roads

Car traffic in Portugal is practically no different from Russian. The Portuguese driving style is quite calm, not aggressive. Traveling around Portugal by car is easy and pleasant, and many tourists prefer to explore the country by car. Often in the high season there are even more vacationers on the roads than the Portuguese. However, this does not prevent you from enjoying driving around Portugal by car. After all, the network highways well developed in this country. Its length is about 80,000 km. Road surfaces are of high quality, regardless of whether they are paid or not.

When thinking about the routes of an independent tour before leaving for Portugal, especially near Lisbon, it is important to remember that not everywhere you can travel for free. In addition to the usual roads with free passage, there are also autobahns or highways, designated in Portugal as autoestradas or simply A. These high-speed tracks with perfectly even surface are well equipped. Clear signs, clear markings, reflectors, dividing barriers and numerous roadside cafes, gas stations and shops make getting around Portugal by car simple and comfortable, but at the same time fast. Speed ​​limits of up to 120 km/h are allowed on motorways.

Like everything convenient and modern, highways cost money. Fares are mostly moderate and vary depending on the specific road and vehicle class. You can pay for the use of the motorway both in cash and by card. Nevertheless, we recommend taking on a trip not only virtual, but also real money. No one is immune from the failures of plastic cards. In this case, the motorist receives a check that will need to be paid at the post office. For long trips around Portugal by car, it is best to use Via Verde, a compact device for instant contactless fare payment, which is rented at a number of car rental companies and at some technical service stations, and is sold in specialized centers. The device allows you to drive along a dedicated lane without stops and barriers, because the payment is read automatically at the entrance to the Electronic Toll gate marked with a green V sign.

Also, getting acquainted with Portugal by car, you should pay attention to the roundabouts. Here, priority is given to those who drive in a circle. Thanks to this rule, the intersection is regulated without the participation of a traffic light.

Portugal by car: where to stay

The choice of accommodation in Portugal is great, and the cost is varied. In winter, prices for apartments with a kitchen start from 10 euros per night. In summer, accommodation in guest apartments and hotels is somewhat more expensive, but thanks to the variety of options, there is a good offer in any season if you start your search in advance.

Where to go in Portugal. Lisbon on your own

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, where the bulk of tourists arrive. A modern city with a centuries-old history will be of interest to both connoisseurs of architecture and ancient artifacts, as well as lovers of shopping, stormy nightlife and lazy rest on the beach. After all, there are ancient castles, cathedrals, museums and archaeological excavations harmonize with shopping malls, famous boutiques, markets, atmospheric bars, clubs and beaches. To see all these popular places in Lisbon on your own, you will undoubtedly need a car. Especially when this city is only part of the route through Portugal.

However, staying in Lisbon for just a few days, you can do without it. If you need a car just to get from the airport, a transfer can easily replace it. This service includes a meeting upon arrival and delivery of a tourist to the door of the hotel. The asking price is literally 10 euros.

Itinerary in Portugal from Lisbon to the Algarve

The best self-guided routes to the north of Portugal

After a holiday in the Algarve, it's time to head to the northern regions. This is the longest route in Portugal, which means that it will not be superfluous to relax, which is also a wine house and a famous restaurant. The store at this curious establishment sells locally produced wine, which will be a great gift for family and friends.

North of Portugal attracts travelers the most beautiful cities. Porto, Coimbra and others significant places tourism and recreation will not leave anyone indifferent. Staying at ancient cities, remember that their center is rather cramped and not rich in parking lots. By visiting these settlements Portugal by car is more convenient to settle on the outskirts of the city. If you want to really touch the nature and traditions of winemaking, you should go to the Dauro Valley - the wine "capital" of Portugal, a region spread over a vast territory.

Traveling by car in Portugal will give you many interesting moments, luxurious beaches where it is pleasant to see off the sunset, opportunities to discover new cities and unexplored corners of this wonderful country. . Mark your favorite types of vacations and comfortable weather, get acquainted with suitable regions and relax in Portugal on your own along your own itinerary.

Travel by car along the Atlantic coast of Portugal, following the western wind of change
Portugal has an endless variety of holiday destinations. You can bask in southern beaches or spend hours in art galleries Lisbon. You can grow a liver by pouring yourself with collection wines, ports, muscatel and green wine in the Douro Valley or enjoy endless fields and simple cuisine Alentejo. You can climb the mountain Serra da Estrela, where they make delicious sheep cheese, and then ski or snowboard down its snowy peak. But there is another great option: take a trip along the west coast from Cascais to Nazare.
This route is for those who love to admire the ocean waves, high cliffs, wild beaches and lighthouses - solemn symbols of romance and purpose.
Route: Cascais - Magoita - Ericeira - Santa Cruz - Peniche - Nazare - Mafra - 469 km
Duration: 3 days

The journey starts in Lisbon. Stay in this city for a couple of days:

Now you can get into the car and drive along the scenic freeway to Cascais. The freeway was named by the locals "Marginal"(from the Portuguese word margem - translated as "edge", "fields of the book" or, in this case, "shore")- due to the fact that it runs along the very edge of the water: first along the banks of the Tagus River, to the place where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, and then, towards interesting discoveries.

Cascais

It is worth spending half an hour and seeing the rock known as Boca do Inferno(can be loosely translated as "Mouth of Hell"). It is very close to the Cascais Yacht Club, less than a kilometer from Santa Marta Lighthouse. Waves roar into a hole in a sheer cliff. Hitting the rocks, the salt water whips into white foam, spins in whirlpools and rushes back into the ocean. Looking at this violence of the elements, you don’t understand why the rocks have not yet been torn apart by oncoming waves, why the collapsed stones have not filled up this hellish throat. There are many signs in the city directing the way to this impressive creation of nature. Parking is free, and for those who are especially hungry, there are a couple of restaurants and cafes nearby.
If you follow the route, you can see the majestic lighthouse Farol da Guia- one of the first, built in the XVIII century with public money. Now the buildings adjacent to the lighthouse house the services of the Ministry of National Defense, so whether you can get through the fence and touch the warm stones of the brown and cream tower is a big question.
Then the road leads straight to Guincho beach and will begin to wind in a mountain serpentine, climbing higher and higher. Lighthouse on the left Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the continent. Here is an article to help you plan your trip:

Further extends Praia das Maçãs - "Beach of Apples". By local legend, the name appeared due to the fact that a river flowing into the ocean, flowing among orchards, often brings apples that have fallen into the water to the ocean. It is difficult to vouch for the veracity of this legend, because the local apple groves are no longer the same as before, and are reluctant to share their harvest with the ocean, but I want to believe in this fairy tale, because the analogy with apples - strong, juicy, ruddy, healthy - is very suitable this beach. It is spacious, with a very wide line of sand and easy access to the water. High hills protect from the wind, the waves roll on the shore gently and slowly - in a word, an almost perfect picture for relaxation.

Magoytu

A tiny beach located away from all big and even small cities. Despite its remoteness, it enjoys the warm and strong love of tourists and local residents. The Portuguese love to hold surfing competitions here, especially bodyboarding (a type of surfing when the athlete does not stand on the board, but rolls, lying on it with his chest and stomach). For tourists, a beautiful boardwalk has been arranged here, leading over sand dunes between low pines. You can walk along this comfortable path under spreading trees.
Be sure to give credit to the dishes in the local restaurant Dunamar (Ramp Beach Magoito), clinging to a high rock: its terrace offers a beautiful view of the ocean, the dishes are worthy of the most flattering reviews, and the prices are quite democratic. You can also try rare shellfish here. percebes, and any snacks from marine reptiles, and grilled fish, and finish all the coffee with sweets.

One of the most picturesque and famous places on the west coast of Portugal, has existed for nearly 800 years. Now it is a popular Portuguese resort. Lisboners and residents of other surrounding cities flock here for weekends and holidays to sunbathe on excellent beaches. Total in Ericeira 10 official beaches best suited for swimming Praia dos Pescadores (in the very center of the city) And Praia da Sul (just south of downtown), and Foz do Lizandro- probably the most convenient, although it is not located in Ericeira itself. It is about 3 km away, which you can drive in 2-3 minutes by car, 5-7 minutes by bike, and spend no more than half an hour on foot. There are cafes, restaurants, a surf school, and a huge beach, but the most interesting thing is that a river flows into the ocean here, and lovers of calm water can spend time on its banks without approaching the ocean waves.
Fans of admiring the ocean are advised to take a walk in Ericeira along the beaches Algodio And São Sebastiao, and then spend the evening in one of the restaurants that Ericeira is so famous for - thanks to the excellent quality of food, solid portions and quite affordable prices that you will not find in the capital. For example, in Ribas (Rua Mendes, 32)- seafood, Tik Tapas (Rua 5 de Outubro n.7)– be sure to pay attention to the local lamb or El Rei (Rua Capitão João Lopes, nº 14)- fish, meat, drinks, excellent service and a wonderful view of the sunset ocean.
Ericeira gained world fame thanks to surfing. The city received the title of World Surfing Reserve (“World Surfing Reserve”), it is considered the main surf resort in Europe and the second in the world, behind only California. The main surf beaches of Ericeira for professionals are Ribeira da Ilhas And coxos, and beginners and "continuing" souls are fond of Foz do Lizandro. Therefore, if you want to stare at muscular guys and flexible girls cutting through the waves on light boards, you should definitely look into Ericeira.
If you are planning to spend the night in Ericeira, keep in mind that the city is a resort filled with people, so it is better to book a room in advance. The best hotel is 4 * Vila Gale Ericeira, but also quite a few hostels, surf camps and 2* hotels. For example, you can try your luck in a guest house opened just a year ago blue ocean- it has numbers for any wallet.

Santa Cruz

Moving further west, we find ourselves in the absolutely amazing town of Santa Cruz. There are several beautiful beaches for swimming here: white sand, waves that are quite calm for the ocean, the sun and a beautiful view of the boundless waters and picturesque rocks. Choose any of the beaches: they smoothly transition from one to another, so you can treat this as choosing a place for your towel on a huge expanse of white sand. Residents of all surrounding cities come to relax on this beach, and this is really the right choice.
The most surprising thing is that, apart from the locals, almost no one knows about Santa Cruz. In addition to the beaches, here you can enjoy views of the picturesque cliffs, a tall white tower above the embankment, or turn into the local museum of local lore, which operates in the premises of an old water mill. Also, very close to Santa Cruz there is an airfield for small 1-2-seater planes, and you can admire their takeoffs and landings.

Peniche

The city of Peniche is located on a promontory protruding into the ocean, so it is always windy and fresh here. Climb the rock with the lighthouse, make a circle around the cape to admire the beaches. By the way, there are also many surfers here, and the beach Supertubes has long been a venue for international competitions. It is huge, stretches for several kilometers, and with a good wind, the waves here really curl up into large pipes, inside which skillful surfers love to fly so much.
However, even if a person is not inclined to surf, he should pay attention to this city. Especially if you find yourself here in February, during the carnival period: in Peniche, the street procession is one of the most colorful in this part of Portugal.

Admire the old fortress and an active fishing port, or even go by ship to a nearby Berlengas Island– wild and picturesque, with a special natural world, in which Portuguese scientists constantly find a breeding ground for new discoveries. Cruise ship companies Julius And Nevada as well as the ferry Viamar depart from the port of Peniche three times a day in summer (at 9.30, 11.30 and 17.30), the rest of the navigation (from September 15 to May 15)– only once a day, at 10.00, and returns at 16.30 on the same day. The cost of the cruise is from 18 euros in summer and 10-15 euros in the low season. If you wish, you can stay and spend the night on the island in a fort converted into a hotel - this will probably be a special and very unusual pastime, given the seclusion of the island.

Perhaps Nazaré is one of the most beautiful cities Portugal. If it had not been separated from the capital by 130 km, it would have become the main tourist center of the country long ago, and so far it remains a place for the knowledgeable and the elite.
Inspection of the city should begin with the so-called Sitio- places on a high cliff with stunning views of the city, the beach and the boundless ocean. The Nazare lighthouse is also located here, and it was from here that the surfers filmed the feat of the Hawaiian Garrett McNamara, who conquered a record wave almost 30 meters high in Nazare. Then go down on the funicular, take a walk along the embankment, buy dried fish from the fishermen, and nuts, the main delicacy of Nazaré, from grandmothers with baskets.
If you want to have lunch, go to one of the many cafes or restaurants on the huge promenade, or turn into a small square, where, among other restaurants, is located famous for its seafood dishes. About Casalinho (Praca Sousa Oliveira, 6). Both the interior and the kitchen in it are beyond praise.
Stay overnight in Nazaré to watch one of nature's most scenic rides as the hot sun hisses into the ocean, bathing the surface of the water and sky with liquid red gold. Seagulls cry out for the day gone by, but even they, foolish ones, know: tomorrow the sun will rise again over Portugal, and again thousands of eyes will look at the restless waves of the entire western coast of Portugal, from Cascais to Nazare.
If you want to spend the night in Nazaré, then you should pay attention to the design hotel Magic or eclectic Pensao-Restaurante Ribamar .

Returning to Lisbon, be sure to spend time in its suburbs, at least Mafra. The only and main attraction in the city is a huge Royal Palace built at the beginning of the 18th century. The palace was built, literally, by the whole world. Pink marble was transported 12 kilometers from Lameiras, Peru Pinheiro, Montelavara; 92 bells, the largest selection in the world, were cast in Antwerp; the statues of the saints were made by Italian sculptors from Carrara marble, and the 6 Brazilian wood organs on the antiphons of the palace church were built by the French military during the occupation of Mafra from 1792 to 1807. For a long time, restoration work was carried out on musical instruments, and on June 2, 2012 they again played together, like two centuries ago. The famous tenor Placido Domingo attended the opening concert as a sponsor.
The huge royal library, located right there in the palace, is said to be guarded from harmful insects by bats. And that's not all... The palace has 1,200 halls, 4,700 doors and windows, and about 160 stairs. In a word, Mafra Royal Palace is a huge outstanding marvel not to be missed. The palace is open from Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 to 16:45, in winter (from November 1) a break from 13:00 to 14:00.
By the way, on the way back from Portugal to Russia, we advise you to read the work of the Nobel laureate José Saramago "Memories of a Monastery" to refresh memories of a wonderful journey and a magnificent palace.

Portugal is the least affected European country from mass tourist development and its consequences. Here you will feel the national flavor, not yet strongly affected by globalization, you can enjoy your stay in hotels in old buildings, take a car and ride along the Atlantic coast, exploring the reserved bays.
Holidays in Portugal can be safely recommended to those who like to travel to Europe, who have been to many places and are waiting for new discoveries. Here and architecture, and seascapes, and a gastronomic holiday every day. Portugal is ideal for those who do not like big hotels, resorts, all inclusive and other elements of communism; Portugal is a country for free travelers. And if you prefer to start your travels with a visit to car rental This country is literally waiting for you. Our articles are written by Russian-speaking authors living in Portugal and will help you plan a trip to this country, based on competent opinion, and not on “tourist reviews”.

Comparison of prices for tickets to Lisbon and hotels on different sites - save up to 50%

5 reasons to go on holiday to Portugal

Scenes from everyday life and the bustling activity in Portugal's cities are attractions in their own right. Add to this a lot of historical and cultural monuments and you get a real tourist paradise.
For a relaxing holiday The beautiful beaches of the Algarve coast in the south of the country are best suited, they are considered one of the best in Europe and are very popular. Dotted with picturesque fishing villages and quaint towns such as Ashtoi, Faro and Monte Gordo, this region is the backbone of Portugal's tourism industry. On east coast Estoril is home to many casinos and luxury hotels - it is an exotic and expensive place
Lisbon- the capital and most modern city in Portugal, the perfect mixture of antiquity and multinational atmosphere. Since Lisbon was named the European Capital of Culture in 1994, the city has attracted increased attention. The former Expo grounds and nearby squares are home to many waterfront restaurants, concert halls, outdoor cafes, and the Lisbon Aquarium. In the central part of the city there is a Roman triumphal arch. The boundaries of the city smoothly merge with coastline and its wooden buildings, which only adds to the attractiveness of the city.
Narrow, cobbled streets of Porto- the second largest city in Portugal - leading to the famous vineyards where grapes are grown for port wine, also deserve your attention.
University city of Coimbra in the north of Portugal is very popular with young people, and its charming outdoor cafes are a great place to hang out here in the evening.

How to get to Portugal

There are so few direct flights from Moscow to Lisbon that we will assume that there are none. Enter different dates in the search form, if you suddenly find direct tickets - great. However, it is better to immediately tune in to a ticket with a transfer in some European city. Choose a short transfer, for example, in Zurich, if you are limited in time and want to quickly get to Lisbon. A long parking lot, on the contrary, gives a chance to visit the city you miss, but there is no time to go there on purpose. For example, there are 12-hour connections in Amsterdam. Those who travel around Portugal while driving sometimes fly to Malaga, take automobile and already on it go to Portugal.

Lisbon

Lisbon is the starting point of a trip to Portugal. Stop there for a couple of days on your way there and back. Although, there are lovers who come to Lisbon for the entire trip, and from there they travel around the country.

When is the best time to go to Portugal. bathing season

In most of the country tourist season lasts March to October, this is probably best time to visit Portugal in terms of weather conditions. Hotel prices in Lisbon are quite high all year round, so whenever you come here, the prices will be about the same. In other cities of the country, hotels offer discounts from November to February. If you want to visit the beaches of the Algarve, when there are no crowds of tourists, come in winter. In this region, the sun shines for at least 3,000 hours a year, so there is never a strong cold here, even in the so-called winter, from November to February.
Officially the swimming season starts on June 15 and ends on September 15. However, our people are already swimming with might and main May holidays. Here you need to understand one subtlety: the beaches of Portugal are not on the sea, but on the very ocean, with all the consequences. So if a warm and calm sea is critical for relaxation, it is better to choose another country, for example,. Portugal, on the other hand, is ideal for those who love the sea, but are not obsessed with swimming.

Where to stay. The best hotels in Portugal

One of the main tourist attractions of traveling in Portugal is to stay in historical buildings converted into hotels. Here, for example, opened in Cascais in 2012, it is a prominent representative of historical design pousadas. Pouzada is located in a fortress that served as an outpost in the 16th century to defend the entrance to the mouth of the Tagus and protect Lisbon from attack from the sea. Below is an overview of the most interesting places in Portugal, use it when planning your route:

If the goal is to plan an economical vacation in Portugal, when choosing a hotel, use our search on all booking sites: this is the maximum choice plus savings, since your favorite hotel booking site does not always give best price:

Routes in Portugal

The main route of the first trip to Portugal is to get to the westernmost point of Europe, to the cape of Cabo da Roca. In order to get there, it is not at all necessary to rent a car, you can simply buy a ticket from any tourist office in Lisbon. This route is detailed here:

However, even for this rather simple route, it is more comfortable to rent a car. Traffic in Portugal is right-handed, the intensity is low, only those who are on two wheels should be afraid. The traffic police in Portugal are lenient towards tourists, but it is better to try not to abuse this kindness. Take advantage of our comparison of car rental prices from different providers:

After the car is booked, you can plan the route. We have two good pre-made itineraries to travel in Portugal with a rental car, used by hundreds of SmartTrip readers every season:

Madeira

Somehow it happened that this island with unique nature, located in the Atlantic Ocean, for some reason is considered a "resort for wealthy pensioners." First, if you combine a trip to continental Portugal with beach holiday in Madeira (which in itself is a great idea), then the budget of the trip will not be cosmic at all: Lisbon-Funchal tickets cost standard money. And it’s not at all necessary to be a pensioner: there are enough bars and nightlife in Lisbon, and in Madeira you need to enjoy the silence and unique flora; staying in Madeira is like being in a big botanical garden.

Read the names and roll in hissing language, stop in small towns-villages, study the peculiarities of local life-cuisine, get out to the markets (live chicken-rabbits mixed with Chinese ten-euro sneakers), sit down at the table with the locals, deliciously eating grilled chicken with freshly baked rolls, drink port or green wine, in general, pour into Portugal.

Circular route: railway station Sintra - Museu do Brinquedo(Toy Museum_ - Centro historico, posto Turismo(Historic Center, Tourism Point) – Castelo dos Mouros(Castle of the Moors) - Palacio da Pena(Palace Pena) - Museu do Brinquedo(Toy Museum) - Sintra railway station.
Ticket price: there - up to the Pena Palace - 5 euros, back - down - 2.75 euros.

During the journey from the railway station of Sintra to the Pena Palace, you can get off the bus and then take the same one and go further up without additional payment, there is no such freebie on the way back.

Driving from Sintra to Lisbon on anything - less than 30 km, both buses and trains run all the time). The cost of a ticket from Lisbon to Porto by train is 20-25 euros, by a comfortable bus with coffee and TV - 14 euros.

1 option: Intercity train Intercidades (Intercidades). Travel time: 3 hours. Ticket price: tourist class - 24 euros, 1st class - 35.5 euros

Option 2: Intercity train Alfa Pendular (Alfa-pendular) is a modern high-speed train on a magnetic pad. Travel time: 2:34 - 2:42 depending on the departure time. Ticket price: tourist class - 30 euros, 1st class - 42 euros

Buses to Porto depart from Arco Sagou station (Saldanha metro - blue line) and from Oriente station (Oriente station - red line end station). Trains - from Santa Appolonia station - 10 min. walk from central square(Praça de Comércio).

6. On the road Lisbon - Porto you can devote a day or two to walks in small provincial towns.
Best place to stay in Leiria and from there, by minibuses or trains, go to Obidos, Batalha, With a small detour - Tomar (mast si) and Fatima.

From Lisbon to Leiria 119 km. The town is pretty, but you can not linger here, see the Castle, which in the 15th century was the residence of the Pope and go through Batalha to Tomar (easier by bus). From Tomar back to Leiria via Fatima, from which there are express minibuses: half an hour and in Leiria.

And we return to Lisbon, in love with Portugal forever.

And a good article about where to taste Portuguese wines: http://www.winestep.com/poprobovat-portugalskoe-vino/

You can use this route in one of our tours in Portugal.
Dates and duration may vary, for example:

Route: Moscow - Lisbon - Estoril (Cascais) - Sintra - Leiria - Porto - Vila Nova de Gaia - Lamego - Lisbon - Moscow
+ optional rides on the route described above

C The price is given depending on the chosen option.
a budget option/ rating hotels
Departure June 5 for 14 nights– 624 /987 euros
Departure September 5 for 14 nights–669/1032 euros upd 9.08, now from681/1042 euros
per person based on double occupancy

Tour program:

5-8 June / 5-8 September accommodation 3 nights in Lisbon at the Jardim da Amadora hostel (room with shared facilities, breakfast) / or at the Neya Lisboa 4* hotel (breakfast).

June 8-10 / September 8-10 accommodation 2 nights at Estalagem Muchxo Hotel 4* (Cascais, breakfast) / or Alvorada 3* hotel (Estoril, breakfast).

Traveling around Portugal by car can be very exciting, the main thing is to prepare well and learn all the nuances. This section will answer the necessary questions and help you properly prepare for the trip.

Speed ​​Limit

Light passenger vehicles without a trailer:

• 50 km/h in built-up areas;
• 90 km/h outside the built-up area;
• 100 km/h on highways;
• 120 km/h on the motorway;

Gasoline in Portugal

Gasolina sem chumbo 95– gasoline with an octane rating of 95

Gasolina sem chumbo 98– gasoline with an octane rating of 98

Diesel/Gasoleo- diesel fuel

GPL– gas

In addition, there are many places to charge electric vehicles in Portugal. And in Lisbon, they are in almost every parking lot.

The cost of gasoline in Portugal

The cost of gasoline depends on the cost of oil. In January 2016, at a low oil price, the cost of 95th gasoline dropped to 1.2 euros per liter. In Madeira and the Azores, the cost of fuel is lower than on the continent.

You can find the current average prices for gasoline, diesel fuel and gas in

The table contains prices in all European countries.

You can see that petrol prices are higher in Portugal than in neighboring Spain and France. That is why many locals living near the Spanish border travel to their neighbors in Spain to refuel.

Road map of Portugal and navigation

It makes sense to connect yourself to the Internet and use Google maps. He calculates the route and travel time well. I have no complaints, I use it all the time. The map is current and does not require updates. Now it is possible to download a Google map in advance and use it without an Internet connection, but the accuracy of determining your location will be lower.

• Reflective vest (in the absence of a fine from 60 to 300 euros);
• Warning triangle;
• Identification document with a photo;
• current insurance;

The driver must have an international driver's license. The ideal option is to obtain an international driving licence.

This is not necessary, since Portugal, like the Russian Federation, signed the Vienna Convention, in particular annex number 6, which concerns driver's licenses. But maybe it’s worth playing it safe and issuing an additional international certificate? Since in the new, "pink" rights, the translation into French of the words: "Driver's license" disappeared.

International driving license

This is a booklet where national driving licenses are translated into different languages ​​of the world. In principle, if you don’t have it, then ordinary rights are suitable, both for rent and when checking documents. But they must be transcription and translation. These rights are an application and are not valid without the usual "plastic rights".

Getting them is no problem. It is enough to pay the fee, fill out an application and bring a photo. You can sign up through the State Services website.

But all this is for reinsurers. Most likely, you will need a license in Portugal only once - when renting a car.

The use of studded tires is prohibited.

Use of seat belts mandatory for the driver all passengers V vehicles in which the belts are provided by the design. The driver is not obliged to monitor adult passengers, since everyone pays the fine for himself. In the case of transporting children, the driver is responsible. The fine ranges from 120 to 600 euros.

The use of radar detectors is prohibited. The fine for this violation is from 500 to 2500 euros.

Rules for transporting children in a car in Portugal

Children under 12 and under 1.35 must ride in the back seat in a child seat appropriate for their height and weight. Exceptions are vehicles not equipped with seat belts.

Actions in the event of an accident or breakdown of the car

First of all, even before getting out of the car, you must put on a vest and only after that set the emergency triangle.

The use of a reflective vest and an emergency triangle is mandatory. This is very important as the penalties for these violations are high. Moreover, they are summed up if you have not met both requirements.

You will be fined both for the lack of a vest and for the badge. For each of these violations, a fine of 120 to 600 euros is imposed, respectively, you will pay from 240 to 1200 euros. Moreover, if the violation is committed on the freeway, then the amount of the fine will be maximum!

emergency numbers

Emergency number - 112

I want to draw your attention to the fact that in Portugal it is forbidden to talk on the phone while driving while driving, if you do not have a speakerphone or a headset. Stopping at a traffic light or in front of a stop sign is no exception.

There have been cases where drivers have been fined for speaking on the phone while stopped at the side of the road. Fine from 120 to 600 euros.

Here we have highlighted the main points you need to know for traveling around Portugal by car. We wish you a good trip!