Porto Airport Car Rental: Explore Porto and Northern Portugal at Your Own Pace with MEX Rent a Car

Porto wins you over at first sight: colorful houses tumbling down to the Douro River, tiled facades, iron bridges and centuries-old cellars where the world-famous port wine is aged. But its charm doesn't end at the city limits. Just a short drive away lie the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães, the canals of Aveiro and the wild landscapes of Peneda-Gerês. To discover it all without relying on trains or tours, a car rental in Porto is your best ally. With MEX Rent a Car, you can pick up your vehicle the moment you land, right at Porto Airport.

Why rent a car at Porto Airport?

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is in Maia, about 15 km (9 miles) from downtown Porto, with direct highway access to the Douro Valley, Braga, Aveiro and Galicia in Spain. Renting your car right at the airport lets you start exploring immediately. Here's why driving makes sense:

• Total freedom. Tour the Douro wine estates at your own pace, stop at every viewpoint and change plans whenever you like.

• More destinations in one trip. Porto, the Douro Valley, Braga, Guimarães and Aveiro all fit into a single itinerary.

• Reach vineyards and villages off the beaten path. Many wine estates, villages and natural parks have limited or no public transport.

• Great value for families and groups. One rental car is often cheaper than multiple train tickets, private transfers or per-person tours.

• Room for your shopping. Bring home bottles of port, tinned fish and local crafts without juggling bags on public transport.

• Your trip starts at the terminal. With MEX Rent a Car's office at the airport, you land, grab your keys and hit the road.

Things to do in Porto: the must-sees

Ribeira and the Dom Luís I Bridge. Porto's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll along the riverside Ribeira and walk across the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge for one of the best views of the city.

Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Across the river are the cellars where port wine is aged. Take a tour with a tasting and, if you like, hop on a traditional rabelo boat cruise to see the city's six bridges.

São Bento Station and Carmo Church. São Bento Station has one of the most beautiful entrance halls in the world, covered with around 20,000 azulejo tiles that tell the story of Portugal. The side facade of Carmo Church is another stunning example of tile art.

Clérigos Tower and Livraria Lello. Climb more than 200 steps up Clérigos Tower for a bird's-eye view of Porto. Nearby, Livraria Lello is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world; buy your ticket in advance.

Stock Exchange Palace and the Cathedral. The Palácio da Bolsa impresses with its spectacular Arab Room. The Sé Cathedral is a Romanesque fortress overlooking the rooftops of the historic center.

Bolhão Market and Rua de Santa Catarina. The renovated Bolhão Market is ideal for tasting local products. On Rua de Santa Catarina, you'll find shops and the historic Art Nouveau Café Majestic.

Foz do Douro, Matosinhos and Serralves. By car, you'll reach the mouth of the Douro in minutes, with seaside promenades and sunsets over the Atlantic. Matosinhos serves some of the best grilled fish in the country, and on the way you can visit the Serralves museum and gardens.

Tip: central Porto has steep, narrow streets shared with trams. Leave your car in a parking garage and explore the historic area on foot.

Day trips from Porto by car

Douro Valley. The Alto Douro wine region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful drives in Europe. Visit Peso da Régua and Pinhão, drive the N222 road between terraced vineyards and enjoy a tasting at a family-run quinta. If you're tasting wine, choose a designated driver.

Guimarães. About 45 minutes away, the “birthplace of Portugal” preserves its medieval castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and a UNESCO-listed historic center.

Braga. About an hour away, it's one of the country's oldest cities. Don't miss the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, with its monumental Baroque stairway and a water-powered funicular.

Aveiro and Costa Nova. Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro invites you to ride a moliceiro boat along its canals and try ovos moles, a traditional egg sweet. Nearby, Costa Nova is famous for its striped beach houses.

Peneda-Gerês National Park. Portugal's only national park offers waterfalls, lakes, stone villages and wild horses. It's perfect for a day of nature and hiking.

Arouca and the Paiva Walkways. About an hour away, walk the wooden boardwalks along the Paiva River and cross the 516 Arouca suspension bridge, one of the longest of its kind in the world.

Flavors worth the trip

Porto's cuisine is hearty and delicious. Try the francesinha, the city's famous sandwich smothered in cheese and sauce; tripas à moda do Porto, the tripe stew that earned locals the nickname “tripeiros”; bacalhau; and caldo verde soup. To toast, nothing beats a glass of port or a vinho verde from the Minho region.

Suggested 5-day itinerary from the airport

1. Day 1: Land in Porto, pick up your car at MEX Rent a Car and head to Foz do Douro and Matosinhos for a seafood dinner by the ocean.

2. Day 2: Explore the historic center: São Bento, Clérigos, Livraria Lello, Ribeira and the Dom Luís I Bridge. End with a tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia.

3. Day 3: Drive the Douro Valley: Peso da Régua, the N222 road and Pinhão.

4. Day 4: Visit Guimarães in the morning and Braga in the afternoon.

5. Day 5: Discover Aveiro and Costa Nova, then drive back to the airport to return your car.

Tips for driving in Portugal

• Electronic tolls: some northern highways accept electronic payment only; ask whether your car includes a Via Verde device when you pick it up.

• Roundabouts: they're very common; give way to vehicles already circulating inside them.

• Historic center: avoid driving through Ribeira; its streets are narrow and steep.

• Parking: most streets in Porto are paid parking; use public garages.

• Alcohol: if you're visiting wineries, choose a designated driver; alcohol limits are strict.

• License: depending on your country, you may need an International Driving Permit; check when you book.