An Avis car hired in Lisbon Downtown plants you right in the heart of the capital. Take R. José Estêvão and in less than 10 minutes arrive at the city centre.

Lisbon has stunning gothic cathedrals, dramatic monasteries and several museums to peruse. Head to the top of Águas Livres Aqueduct – erected in the 18th century by King John V. From here you’ll see Monsanto Forest Park and the city in full panorama. Be sure to check out the Torre de Belem – a UNESCO World Heritage site with its famous gothic tower guarding the harbour entrance.

For museum lovers, the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian features a stunning collection of Islamic and Oriental art. The Centro de Arte Moderna is also worth a visit, showcasing Portuguese artists from the past century.

Wander the backstreets of the city, through Lisbon’s old quarters – known as Alfama. Visit one of the public baths or enjoy some traditional cuisine at a patio restaurant. Relax in a cafe in the Pessoa area or head for the upper parts of the city – the Bairro Alto district. This neighbourhood is overflowing with restaurants and bars, spilling jazz and reggae music into the streets. To end a perfect evening, watch the sunset from the Castle of the Moors.

With your Avis car rental, getting to know Lisbon is easy.

 

Lisbon provides the perfect starting point for your Portugal road trip.

Sintra

Drive on the A16 for 46 minutes and arrive in Sintra, a town once popular as a retreat for Portugal’s nobility. Visit the Palacio Nacional, the best-preserved medieval palace in the country, and also stop at the Castle of the Moors – a ruined fortress in the Serra de Sintra forest. Then there’s colourful Pena National Palace, built by an eccentric king who wanted the building to look like an opera.

Estoril

The drive to Estoril itself is worth the journey. Take the Linha de Cascais along the stunning coast for about 40 minutes and you’ll arrive in this beachfront town. When you’re not busy soaking up some sun on Tamariz beach or enjoying one of the many cafes around town, spend time in the Verdades-Faria Museum with its impressive collection of musical instruments.

Fátima

For the spiritual traveller, Fátima is the place to be. Take the A1 for 80 minutes and arrive at one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world. The focal point is the Cova da Iria – a massive plaza with a beautiful chapel where it’s believed the Virgin Mary appeared. The Basilica de Fatima is worth touring – with its special oddities, like the bullet removed from Pope John Paul II after a failed assassination attempt.

Portugal is a dream driving destination, with long winding roads leading to your next destination. Collect your Avis rental car from Lisbon Downtown and start exploring all that this city and beyond has to offer.