Enterprise

Car & Van Hire in Viseu

Enterprise car hire locations in Viseu

Viseu has a small airport, with only domestic flights. You will need to connect through another Portuguese city. When you land, head straight to the Enterprise Rent-a-Car desk to collect your car.

What to do and see in Viseu

With most visitors to Portugal heading straight for the beach, the inland city of Viseu is a hidden gem. This city has a storybook quality, with its ancient buildings and historic centre. it's ideal for anyone with an interest in architecture. Start your adventure with a trip to the city's cathedral. The oldest parts of this mighty stone building date back to the 12th century, when construction was started by Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. It has been renovated many times over the years, so as you walk around the interior, you'll find an eclectic mix of styles, from the dramatic 18th-century altar to the elegant 14th-century statue of the Virgin Mary.

Take a stroll around the city's old town, built high on a hill. Although this is a small city, it's easy to get lost in the maze of narrow, twisting alleys set with old flagstones. This is truly a walk back in time as you admire the old, whitewashed houses with their iron balconies. At the centre of this labyrinth is the charming Praça Dom Duarte, one of the city's main squares. It is named after King Edward (Duarte in Portuguese), who was born here in 1391. A statue of the king still stands in the square today.

Car hire in Viseu allows you to enjoy an interesting historical mystery. To the north of the city is a site known as Cava de Viriato, an enormous foundation that was once intended to be a fortress. It's a fascinating place to visit, but historians still can't agree on who actually built it. Some say it was the Ancient Romans, while others say it was the Moors during the time when they held the Iberian Peninsula. Still, others insist that it was the Christians during the Reconquista. The puzzle may never be solved, but the site is an exciting place to visit, with an evocative air.

You can also use a car or van hire in Viseu to go on day trips around the country. Braga and Coimbra are both within easy driving distance, each with its own historical charms. The coastal city of Porto, with its steep hills and world-class cuisine, is about 90 minutes' drive away, making it an ideal destination for a road trip. You can take a drive through the Douro Valley, known for its fine wines. This is one of the most beautiful parts of Portugal, with rolling green hills and stunning landscapes everywhere you look.

Driving in Viseu

Around the city of Viseu, you'll find plentiful parking and little traffic. Free parking is widely available, but make sure that you choose designated spaces. You'll often see locals happily parking wherever they like - including on the edge of roundabouts and other risky locations. Don't be tempted to join in. The old town is not driveable, so park on the outskirts and go around on foot.

If you are planning a road trip across Portugal, you'll need to watch out for the toll roads. Tolls are now commonplace on all Portuguese motorways. Unfortunately, they are not standard across the country. Instead, you'll find two different types of toll. Traditional toll booths are more common in the Lisbon area and the south and can be paid for with cash or a card. Electronic tolls are more widespread in the north. You'll need to either fit your car with a transponder to pay automatically or pay after driving by going to any post office. This process can be tricky, as you have a particular window: it starts 48 hours after you cross a toll zone and ends after five days. It may be best to set an alert on your phone!

There are always alternative routes to get around the tolls if you prefer. It may take you far longer to reach your destination, though. What's more, while Portugal's highways are modern and well-maintained, the back roads can be a bit more of an adventure. If you are driving in the Douro Valley, there are no lights on the road by night, so go slowly and carefully.

In the north of Portugal, you may see an unusual number of pedestrians, even in rural areas. This is because several routes of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage can be found in this area. Many of the routes do not have designated footpaths, so pilgrims walk along the side of the road. Watch out for specific pilgrimage road signs showing a walker holding a staff. On smaller roads, these signs may not even appear - but the walkers will still be there. Country roads in Portugal are quite narrow. Drivers will need to be extra careful, particularly on curves.

Petrol stations in rural Portugal usually close at night, with opening hours from 07:00 to 22:00. Keep this in mind if you plan to be out on the road after dark.

Car and van hire in Portugal with Enterprise

Enterprise Portugal offers a range of car and van hire services including one-way, long-term and short-term vehicle hire. Commercial clients can speak to our award-winning business rental team who will tailor a mobility solution for your needs and budget.

We are part of the Enterprise group, the largest transportation solutions provider in the world. Our global network covers more than 90 countries and over 9,500 locations, allowing us to serve your mobility needs, wherever you’re going.

We are committed to providing the best service possible and exceeding our customers’ expectations for quality and value.

Car hire in Viseu

If you are travelling with your family or in a big group, you may find a 7-seater or a people carrier will give you more space to travel comfortably with your luggage. For a city trip, a handy hatchback that’s easy to park may suit you better. For business trips or long drives an executive car will combine comfort and performance.

Whether you prefer automatic to manual transmission, no problem. If you want a petrol, diesel or hybrid engine, we’ve got you covered. You may also need GPS, a child seat or want to add another driver to the contract, let us know and we’ll arrange it for you.

Van hire in Viseu

Should you need to hire a van while you’re in Viseu, all our vans can be driven on a standard licence and are modern, clean and easy to drive. Just ask and one of our branch team will happily show you around your hire van to make sure you are comfortable with it before you head off.