Getting around Portugal

There are many ways to get around Portugal to see what the country has to offer.

Portugal is one of the most beautiful places to visit and for good reason. Breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, incredible architecture and delectable cuisine make it one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

With so much to do and see, one of the most important things for visitors to do once they arrive is figure out the best way to get around. Whether you choose to rent a vehicle, use public transportation or see the sights on foot, here are a few tips to help you get around Portugal safely.

Driving

There are plenty of places to rent a vehicle in Portugal and it's quite commonplace to do so. But if you chose to go this route there are several things to take note of in order to ensure that your driving adventures are uneventful.

First and foremost, drive defensively.

Portuguese drivers often follow extremely close and overtake dangerously, even around bends and up hills where visibility of oncoming traffic is slim to none.

You should also be prepared for vehicles turning out of side streets suddenly and without warning. Parked cars can also be a problem, as some people will leave their vehicles parked haphazardly in the road. This can be particularly challenging when you're coming around a corner, so again be alert (and ready to swerve) at all times. Many travelers who have experienced driving in Portugal first hand suggest never renting a vehicle that doesn't have a loud, working horn.

By most accounts, driving in Portugal can be quite dangerous and even prove deadly, particularly on the IP5 and the N125, the main route to the Algarve.

In fact, when it comes to road safety Portugal has one of the worst records in all of Europe. There are lots of windy, narrow roads, and many are poorly kept.

Watch for huge potholes and, of course, oncoming traffic.

Some roads are also poorly lit so driving at night can be especially hazardous.

Street signs can also often be missing, so be sure to have a map or good directions with you to avoid getting lost.

Another thing to prepare for is the possibility of pedestrians in the road. A lot of streets don't have sidewalks so it's not uncommon to see people walking, sometimes four deep, in the road.

And if you're in some of the more rural areas, you may even come across livestock crossing the road. Be extremely cautious when coming around bends and be prepared to stop quickly if necessary.

Watch your speed when you're driving in Portugal (the limits are pretty well posted). Police are very vigilant and will issue a fine (payable on the spot) if they catch you driving too fast.

The same goes for driving while using a mobile phone. It's a finable offense.

Drinking and driving is also something you want to stay away from. The legal limit in Portugal is lower than many other countries - anything over 0.5 mg/ml and you could end up with a hefty fine, the loss of your license, or jail time.

On Foot or by Bicycle

Portugal offers some of the most scenic landscapes in the world, with vineyards, valleys and endless coastline to explore.

One of the best ways to truly experience all of the beauty that Portugal has to offer is by exploring it on foot or by bicycle. There are countless tours available, both guided and self-guided, which allow visitors to see Portugal the old fashioned way. And chances are, even if you also plan to rent a car or take public transportation, you'll still find yourself doing a great deal of sightseeing on foot during your stay. So there are a few safety tips to take note of beforehand.

Pedestrians and cyclists should be extremely careful when traveling on roads that don't have sidewalks.