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Need help with car rental strategy in Portugal!

We are beginning our trip this May in Seville (Spain) and plan to then bus across the border into Portugal. Our plans call for 4 days in the Algarve before driving northward to Evora, Coimbra, Guimaraes, Porto and ultimately Lisbon (totalling 2+ weeks) where we plan to drop the car. All hotels and flights have been booked.
Our problem is that the single car rental agency located in Tavira, our first stop, gets very poor reviews online. We could potentially stay on the bus and get off at Faro, renting at the airport there from a major agency, and then backtrack to Tavira, but don't know if other options exist. Does anyone have any experience with this routing- I am finding virtually nothing helpful online! Thanks.

Posted by
15156 posts

Are you basing yourself in Tavira? Guerin seems to be the only rental option. It doesn't get good reviews. Stay on the bus and go to Faro. It's only 40 km (25 miles) further away.

You could try searching RentMama.com for car rental in Algarve, Faro or Lisbon. But better to drive to Faro - there are more car rental companies to choose from. But do not rent from Airport if possible. It will just be more expensive and you will have to wait in long queues.
But if You are dropping off in a different location, then the Large companies might be the only solution. Lisbon is quite far away.
But be aware - I'd not suggest renting from GoldCar or Guerin - They will rip you off. But if you rent from them make sure you buy THEIR Full insurance (Not 3rd Party). Then they will leave you alone. But better take pictures for every tiny dent and make sure they mark it on the Damage Sheet. Make sure You take your copy. Return your car Cleaner than you got it.