Guerin® Blog
Tourism in Portugal
Looking for things to do with friends? Discover the best destinations for your next adventure.
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There are few things in life as rewarding as heading out with friends to explore the unknown. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a party-filled escape, a day of adventure, or a long road trip from north to south, travelling as a group is the perfect recipe for creating memories that last a lifetime (and laughing until your stomach hurts).
Portugal is the ideal setting for these kinds of adventures. But let’s be honest: for the experience to be perfect, flexibility and freedom are essential. No one wants to miss the sunset because the bus is late or because that "quick coffee stop” took longer than expected.
That’s where renting a car with Guerin makes all the difference when planning things to do with friends.
Where to stop? Destinations for every type of group vibe.
Depending on your group’s energy, Portugal always has the perfect spot waiting. Here are Guerin’s suggestions:
1. Fun and nightlife: for friends who don’t want to sleep.
If your idea of things to do with your friends includes music, energy and unforgettable nights, these destinations never disappoint:
- Lisbon: Perfect for starting with a sunset by the river and ending with a lively night in Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré. The hardest part is deciding where to go first and even harder is leaving.
- Porto: Combines culture during the day with bars and clubs at night. Between Ribeira and Galerias de Paris, there’s always somewhere to dance a little longer.
- Algarve: The classic friends’ getaway: beach by day, party by night, and non-stop energy. Having a car means you can stay somewhere quieter and still easily reach the nightlife whenever you want.
Guerin tip: The pace is yours, but remember: if you’re driving, don’t drink! To make sure everyone can enjoy the night on different days, you can add the Additional Driver service to your rental and share the responsibility behind the wheel.
2. Nature and adventure: for "all-terrain” friends.
For those who prefer fresh air over city lights, Portugal offers incredible options:
- Gerês: If the goal is to disconnect from the world or at least from Wi-Fi, Peneda-Gerês National Park is the place to go. Waterfalls, trails and breathtaking landscapes await.
- Serra da Estrela: Impressive in every season, whether for its fresh mountain air or winter snow.
- Costa Vicentina: Wild beaches and coastal trails for those who want to explore freely, without watching the clock.
Having a car allows you to reach remote spots where public transport simply doesn’t go. And if the destination is unfamiliar, don’t worry. All our cars include GPS, so your group won’t lose its way (or its patience).
3. Cultural routes: for friends who love a good story.
Portugal is like an open-air museum, where culture is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace:
- Coimbra: Walk up the iconic university hill and end the day listening to Fado while sharing a cheese board. The student atmosphere brings a unique energy to every historic corner.
- Évora: Walking past the Roman Temple feels like stepping back in time, but true Alentejo culture is best experienced at the table, with good wine and traditional dishes.
- Guimarães: Stroll through medieval streets in the "Birthplace of the Nation” and soak in its historic charm.
4. Food routes: because travelling also means eating.
Finding great food is always one of the best things to do with friends and it’s even better when shared.
- Douro: Drive along the curves of the N222, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world, with stops for wine tastings. A classic that never fails.
- Braga and Minho: Traditional dishes, generous portions and warm hospitality that makes you feel at home.
- Setúbal: Fresh fish, seafood and incredible views. Perfect for long meals and even longer conversations.
Why travel by car when planning things to do with friends?
Travelling by car is one of the most fun and flexible ways to explore Portugal with friends. Renting a vehicle suited to your group size comes with advantages no other transport can offer:
- Cost sharing: Travelling together makes everything more affordable. More savings means more budget for unforgettable group dinners.
- Total freedom: Stop at that hidden viewpoint, take a detour because someone spotted a sign for the "best local sandwich,” or simply change plans on the go.
- Comfort: From oversized suitcases to spontaneous shopping along the way, everyone travels without compromise.
- Shared moments and playlists: The journey starts the moment you get in the car. Conversations, music and laughter are all part of the experience.
Travel at your own pace.
When planning things to do with friends, plans are rarely set in stone and that’s exactly what makes it so fun. Renting a car ensures comfort, space and flexibility, especially for larger groups.
At Guerin, we make the experience simple and convenient. Our fleet includes everything from compact cars to 7- or 9-seater vehicles, so there’s always an option for your group.
For an even smoother experience, you can choose the Pack Premium Gold, which offers added peace of mind and convenience throughout your journey.
With a wide network of stations across mainland Portugal and the islands, you can pick up your car at an airport or city centre and start your adventure right away. Your only concern will be deciding who picks the next playlist and where to stop for your next snack.
More than destinations, it’s about memories.
At the end of the day, it’s not just the places that stay with you. It’s the laughter, the unexpected moments and the stories you’ll keep telling.
Finding things to do with friends is really about creating memories that start with a simple "let’s go?” and turn into an unforgettable journey. So gather your group, make a plan (or don’t), explore our available fleet and hit the road. Because the best part of any trip is the people you share it with.
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