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Portugal boasts good quality roads, although toll roads can be quite expensive. At three-way intersections, you'll often find solid white lines, and it's worth noting that Portuguese drivers may not consistently use turn signals or warning triangles. Roundabouts are common, and exits from main roads in cities tend to be short and steep, requiring prompt deceleration for a smooth turn.
Aside from national and municipal roads, Portugal has numerous unnumbered rural roads, identifiable on maps by street or settlement names. Adhering to traffic regulations is crucial as hefty fines are imposed for violations. For instance, using a mobile phone while driving incurs fines ranging from 250 to 1,250 euros, while speeding can cost you between 60 to 250 euros. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries even steeper fines, from 250 to 2,500 euros. In the event of a breakdown or accident, wearing a reflective vest is mandatory, and failure to do so will result in a fine.
Parking in the center of major cities in Portugal often comes at a cost, with free parking being rare. However, in smaller towns and villages, street parking is usually available. Be prepared for high rates in underground parking facilities, where fees can reach 2-3 euros per hour or more.
The Portuguese Ministry of Transport indicates that many gas stations are self-service. At these stations, you'll fuel your vehicle and pay with a card at a machine or directly to an attendant. The country is well-equipped with radars and both mobile and stationary speed cameras, and drivers are typically warned of their presence by road signs.
While exploring the iconic city of Lisbon, don't miss the opportunity to see the Belém Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery, both recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Belém Tower is not only a monument to Vasco de Gama's pioneering sea route to India but also served as a fortification.
Families will enjoy the Lisbon Puppet Museum, where a playroom allows children to interact with puppets and even participate in performances. Another must-see is the Lisbon Oceanarium, the largest in Europe, home to over 16,000 sea creatures from 450 species. It's a popular attraction, drawing around 1 million visitors annually.
While driving around Lisbon, make time to see the imposing statue of Christ. Erected in response to a perceived military threat, it was funded largely through donations, many from women hoping to protect their loved ones from the dangers of war.
Near Lisbon lies the quaint town of Mafra, home to the country's most impressive and expansive palace, the Mafra Palace. This grand complex, which includes a monastery and a stunning basilica, is surrounded by a park that was once a haven for wild animals.
Travel to the spiritual heart of Portugal, the city of Braga. Here you can visit the revered site of Bom Jesus do Monte, with its Church of Christ on Calvary, the "Holy Road" staircase, and expansive park. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore these sacred grounds at your own pace.
For the more adventurous, consider visiting the world-renowned volcanic caves with their underground springs, the ancient Laurisilva rainforest, and the breathtaking views from the Paul da Serra plateau. A cable car ride to Cabo Girao will take you to the highest cape in Europe.
Don't overlook the Abbey in the town of Alcobaça, which is the country's largest church and the final resting place of Portuguese kings such as Alfonso II and Pedro I. The city of Porto, with its beautiful maze of streets and blend of architectural styles, is another destination worth visiting. In Cascais, make sure to check out Palmela Park for its events and the Palacio de Conde de Castro Guimarães with its extensive library of 25,000 books.
In the suburb of Vila Nova de Gaia, you'll find that winemaking is a cherished tradition, with numerous cellars for storing port wine and the unique Museum of Port Wine.
In Portugal, as in many European countries, car rental companies typically require a deposit. This deposit usually ranges from 200-300 EUR and is based on the category of the car you choose. It's important to note that this deposit is fully refundable upon the return of the undamaged car to the rental company.
When making a reservation, it's crucial to check if insurance is included in the price. Some rental companies allow you to rent a car without a deposit if you purchase their full insurance. Essentially, the standard car rental insurance includes a deductible (franchise), and the deposit serves as a security for the rental company to cover any damages, traffic violations, or breaches of rental terms within that deductible amount.
Tourists can opt to rent a car without a deposit by purchasing full insurance directly from the rental firm. With full insurance, there is no deductible. There are two primary types of full insurance:
Only insurance bought directly from a reputable rental company will eliminate the deductible entirely. If you choose third-party insurance, you would need to pay the rental company for any damages first and then seek reimbursement from your insurer. Notably, international companies such as Sixt, Avis, Hertz, and Europcar have offices in Portugal and other European countries.
When you rent a car, the rental company may offer you TPL (Third Party Liability) and CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) insurance. TPL generally covers the entire car except for the undercarriage, headlights, and glass. CDW sets a fixed maximum amount that you would be liable for in case of damage, ensuring that you won't pay more than this predetermined limit regardless of the circumstances.
