Located just a few kilometres south of the Portugal-Spain border, Chaves is a historic Roman city, popular among religious visitors, due to the proximity to several famous pilgrimage sights. Due to limited public transportation options, car hire at Chaves is the easiest and most economical option for exploring this area.

Chaves is located just off the A24/IP3 motorway, which leads straight to the Spanish border. With cheap car hire at Chaves, is a great way to make a day trip to Spain. The border-crossing is near Vila Verde Da Raia. South on the A24/IP3, visitors will arrive at the Vila Pouca de Aguiar and the Parque Natural da Serra do Alvao nature reserve.

This region is home to some of the best natural attractions in Portugal. To the east of the border crossing is the Parque Natural de Montesinho and to the west the Parque Nacional da Peneda Geres. The Parque Natural de Montesinho is Portugal’s only national park. Other nature attractions include two lakes, the large of which being the Albufeira do Alto Rabagao.

If interested in religious pilgrimage sites, then use car rental at Chaves to explore them. The three important pilgrimage sites near Chaves are: Sao Caetano, Senhora de Aparecida and Senhora do Engaranho. These three sites attract thousands of European pilgrims during the summer months.

Food is also a major attraction in Chaves, home to some of the best food specialties of Portugal. A must-try are the Chavas Pastel, a stuffed fluffy pastry; the traditional ham of Chaves; and Folar bread.