Automatic vs. Stick Shift Car in Portugal
 

We are wondering whether an automatic car would be better than a stick shift in Portugal as I understand there are lots of hills. We have been used to driving an automatic for 30 years although we have driven a stick shift before that. We will be driving from the Algarve to the Portuguese Riveira and doing a fair bit of driving.<BR>What are your recommendations?

Have you checked the price difference? I have found an automatic is A LOT more expensive than a stick. (not specifically in Portugal, but in several other European countries.)

In Portugal you need to have your wits about you so I'd get whatever you are most used to. Portugal has the highest accident rate in Europe.

My reccomendation is. If you are used to drive in automatic transmission, it is advisable to rent a automatic transmission car here in Portugal.<BR>Sadly, Portuguese drivers are sometimes very little responsible, and hazardous driving is sadly a common place.<BR>Portugal is not, the best place to drive a manual transmission car without enough experience of doing it.<BR>Also, I would like to remind, to always use safety belt, not to use cell phones, and to respect the speed limits, of 120km\h on the highway, 90km\h on national roads, and if you are planning to drive on the Algarve (on EN 125), 50 km\h as speed limit.<BR>Don't drink and drive, and always use a defensive driving style.<BR>Don't also forget that traffic inside the roundabouts has priority.<BR>Highways have tolls, and the same for crossing the Bridges in Lisbon.<BR><BR>Have a safe holiday<BR>

Thank you all for your kind advice regarding driving safely in Portugal.