Driving in a new and unfamiliar country can be unnerving for some, but there’s no need to stress. Get your head around the following info and you’ll be cruising your rental car along the roads and highways of Portugal in no time at all. Portugal is among the unique countries that make up Europe. Zoom into the map and the capital, Lisbon District, will jump out at you. If you’re looking to experience the country’s beating pulse, a visit here is a terrific idea.

You might find it a challenge scoring a parking spot right out the front of these iconic attractions, but believe us — they’re most definitely worth a short stroll. The very best thing about a trip to Portugal is finally ticking these off your bucket list:

• Rocha Beach (1 mile from the center of Portimao)
• Zoomarine (4 miles from the center of Albufeira)
• Castle of Sao Jorge (0.2 miles from the center of Lisbon District)

Boasting miles and miles of beautiful highways and tempting open roads, many travelers choose to turn their Portugal vacations into driving journeys. If you’re embarking on an epic road trip, you’ll want to know which destinations to add to your bucket list. Here are the most popular cities to visit in this extraordinary place:

• Lisbon District (population of 517,800)
• Porto (population of 249,600)
• Braga (population of 121,400)
• Coimbra (population of 106,600)

We’ve pulled together a list of our top tips and tricks to help you save on a rental car:

• Use our nifty filter tool to help steer you toward the cheapest car rental rates in town — and then compare the prices
• Set up an email Price Drop Alert for your next exciting vacation destination. You never know what fantastic deals will make a pit stop in your inbox
• Before you pick up your car keys and jump behind the wheel, check both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off outlets to make sure you’re scoring the best deal around
• If you’re not bothered about which day of the week you pick up the keys to your car and your schedule is flexible, play around with days and dates to find the best prices
• To avoid paying a late fee or an extra day, try to keep your pickup and drop-off times as similar as possible
• If you’re looking to save a few dollars, pay in advance and score some of the thriftiest rates around
• And finally, secure your wheels as soon as you can to score a load of savings!

If all you need is four wheels and an engine, choose an economy car. In fact, they’re the most popular rental vehicle category in Portugal. On top of all the standard features, they come with benefits like awesome fuel economy and cheaper rental fees. Hop behind the wheel of one and cruise around Lisbon District and Porto effortlessly.From bays to sandy shores and caves, Portugal offers some idyllic views. Why not hit the road and see a handful of them? Escape the city limits and plan some fun excursions. A full-size SUV is perfect for those longer rides. Built to handle all types of roads, these larger vehicles make it a pleasure to detour from the beaten path.

First of all, there’s a great range of luxury rental vehicles on offer in Portugal. What you end up going with will depend on how much you’re willing to spend and what you plan to do. Specialty vehicles offer the best in comfort and class. If you’re splurging, why not pick up a fully kitted-out SUV, or perhaps a slick medium-sized sedan? On the other hand, if you just need something to get from A to B as economically as possible, stick with an economy vehicle (or something else that won’t break the bank).

If it’s your first visit to Portugal, there are a couple of things to be aware of before you take the wheel and tear down the open road. Take a look at these tips and then journey around this country like the fearless globetrotter you are:

Motorists drive on the right side of the road in Portugal. Even though the conditions may be similar to home, we suggest driving a little more cautiously in new and unfamiliar destinations.

When driving around Portugal, it’s worth keeping in mind that the maximum speed limit is 120km/h. The minimum is 50km/h. Unless stated otherwise, residential zones are 50km/h.

One of two things will happen. Your rental car company may charge the amount stated on the fine to your credit card. This is the more common practice. Alternatively, it may pass on your contact details to local authorities so the fine is issued to you directly.

Seat belts are mandatory in Portugal. However, the rule may vary for some vehicles, such as those operated by public transportation systems.

Like many places, standard cell phone usage is prohibited while operating a vehicle in Portugal. An exception applies for hands-free or Bluetooth capabilities. Just make sure you stay focused on the road.

When behind the wheel in Portugal, it’s illegal to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of over 0.05%. Planning to have a glass or two of wine with lunch or dinner? Consider booking a taxi or using a ride-sharing service.

Turning on a red light is prohibited in Portugal. Always be on the alert for traffic lights and signs to make sure you don’t breach any traffic laws.