Santa Maria da Feira stands midway from Porto and Aveira. Conveniently located just off the A1 freeway, it offers any visitor with great accommodations for a Portuguese retreat. Coupled with car rental at Sta M. da Feira, this is truly bound to become a memorable holiday.

The town draws its name from the colourful town fairs celebrated for about 500 years of tradition. During the right season, you can simply drive to the Rossio town square to take part in the Fogaceiras. You will notice that the streets are dotted with lovely merchant homes of the 1700’s and 1800’s.

Santa Maria da Feira boasts of a pretty castle built at the top of a knoll. Take car hire in Sta. M. da Feira to the southern outskirts of town. The castle itself is accessed through a 15-minute uphill climb. In the same area is a 17th century convent with its two identical belfries adorned with blue azulejo tiles.

The village’s location is best suited for daytrips in the surrounding area. Cheap car hire at Sta. M. da Feira could be maximized by driving to the towns of Arouca and Ovar. Arouca is home to a grand, 1352-note organ and the remains of Portuguese princess, Mafalda. Ovar is a seaside village with refreshing sandy beaches

Once you are beginning to miss the city’s upbeat rhythms, Aveira and Porto are just a short drive away.