The municipality of Maia is just off to the north of Porto in northern Portugal and is home to around 35,000 people. It is its own city, yet still regarded by many as a satellite town to Porto. It is very close to Francisco Sa Carneiro (Porto’s airport) and can also be go to by train from Porto.

Tourists can secure cheap car hire at Maia by booking ahead of time online and doing a pick up in Maia. It is often a better alternative to having car hire in Maia as it is les busy than Porto and is half into the countryside already. In addition, there is much to see and do in northern Porto.

There is not much in the way of outstanding attractions in Maia and most people immediately head out of town to the coast or to the wineries of Porto District. A popular trip with car rental at Maia is to do a loop of the region, going by way of Pacos De Ferreira, Felgueiras, Guimaraes, Braga, and Barcelos and then coming back down via the coast.

It takes in many fascinating wine regions and these intriguing towns with car hire at Maia. They all come with some outstanding architecture, in particular Felgueiras and Braga, while Guimaraes Castle is stark and monumental.

You could also head up to Peneda Geres National Park with car rental at Maia, way up north and lying on the border with Spain. It has great horseback riding, mountain bike riding, and hiking.