Car & Van Hire - Perafita

Perafita is a village on the outskirts of Porto, a good choice if you want to enjoy both the sights of the city and a bit of peace and quiet. Perafita forms part of the Matosinhos area, known for its laid-back, seaside vibe. This area is popular with surfers, thanks to its wild Atlantic waves. There are several surf schools dotted around Praia de Matosinhos for newcomers to the sport. If you're not interested in catching a wave, then keep your feet on dry land and head for the Farol de Leça. This lighthouse stretches 46 m into the air and offers great views of the coast.

For calmer waters, try the Piscina das Marés. This saltwater pool was designed to celebrate nature, built on rocks overlooking the sea. It's extremely popular with locals in the summer months. There's a separate paddling pool for very young kids to enjoy. Those who don't feel like going in the water can just relax, spread a towel out on the surrounding rocks and soak up the warm Portuguese sun.

Car hire in Perafita allows you to drive into Porto, a beautiful city with a long, rich history. Start with the main monuments. There are 225 steps leading up to the Torre dos Clérigos, the 18th-century tower that has become an enduring symbol of the city. From the top, you'll enjoy dizzying views across the rooftops of Porto and the River Douro. After seeing the top of the city, it's time to see the bottom: head to the Church of São Francisco, which has eerily atmospheric catacombs that are open to visitors. The best sight of all is the Sé cathedral, with its stunning, intricate decorations throughout. This cathedral has played an important role in the country's history: Prince Henry the Navigator, the father of Portuguese exploration, was baptised here, and King John I chose it for his wedding.

Around the cathedral, it's easy to lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets of Porto's old town. Wandering the city streets is a great way to work up an appetite, so treat yourself to a francesinha, Porto's most famous dish. This is a sandwich like no other, a giant slab of bread and meat covered in a rich cheese sauce. For something lighter, try caldo verde, a delicate soup with green vegetables, potatoes and spicy sausage.

Car or van hire in Perafita is a great way to see more of the north of Portugal. Try a day trip to the Douro Valley, known for its spectacular beauty and rolling vineyards. Alternatively, head for Aveiro, a city with canals and colourful boats that has earned the nickname of the Venice of Portugal. This part of the country is ripe with places to explore!

You shouldn't have problems with traffic or parking in Perafita. There is ample free parking, with many car parks close to the beaches and other main attractions. In the summer months, you'll find more cars on the roads. As such, you might want to set off early in the morning, particularly if you're heading for a popular area.

You'll generally find free parking almost everywhere in Portugal, with the exception of big cities like Porto and Lisbon. Parking prices vary significantly in Porto, depending on where you leave your car; in many car parks, weekends are free, but you'll need to pay on weekdays. The historic centre of the city is not great for drivers. The narrow streets were built long before motorised transport, and they can be a real headache. It's better to park your car and explore the area on foot.

If you're planning a longer road trip, you'll need to be prepared for Portugal's toll roads. There are two different types: in the north, you'll find more electronic toll roads, while around Lisbon and the south, there are traditional toll booths where you can pay with cash or a card. A transponder device is useful, but if your car does not have one, you can pay for electronic tolls at the post office. There is a specific window of opportunity to do this, which starts 48 hours after you pass the toll zone and closes after five days.

Find the Portuguese toll system confusing? You're not alone! There are always alternative routes that will take you along country roads. It may take you longer to reach your destination, and the roads are not as well-maintained as the highways. Here in the north of Portugal, you will also have to be attentive and watch out for pedestrians. There are several routes of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in the area and pilgrims with backpacks walking north along the road is a very common sight. Often there is no footpath, so you will be sharing the road with these walkers. Drive carefully, giving them plenty of space.