We'll be in Portugal in October, spending 11 or 12 days on a driving tour. We'll be stopping in some larger cities -- for example Evora, Porto, Coimbra -- but also seeing smaller towns. A friend who was in Portugal recently told me I "have to" have a good GPS system with me. I usually get by just fine with paper maps and smart planning -- and my friend is something of a nervous type.

So, do I really "need" a GPS system with me to tour Portugal?

Some people rely on a GPS, which has its problems (not being up to date on road changes, etc.), but like you, I prefer a good Michelin map, although I have found the mapping function on the iPhone works well in locating your position, and can be helpful if walking around a city like Porto or Lisbon, and even Evora.

IMO paper maps, diligent planning will do...better than an annoying voice that sounds like your Algebra teacher (and makes mistakes). We did a sizeable bit of mileage with no problems (avoided drivng in Lisbon)..and my wife's voice was sweet and sexy.

I think you will be fine with a good map as it is a small country with good highways. You might want to get good maps/directions for hotels in the cities you plan to visit. I find viamichelin.com good for point to point directions or try mappy.com

I drove in Portugal w/o a GPS - just had a Michelin map and followed the signs. It wasn't difficult except for a bit of trouble getting to the airport to return the rental car.

Of course a GPS is not necessary buy they are awefully handy. If you decide to get one, learn how to use it before you go. And an "annoying voice"? You can choose one that is not annoying and you can also turn the volume off.

I love maps and have driven extensively in Europe with them.... but I never go anywhere without my TomTom.

The app on the iPhone is an excellent GPS, and much more useful that a stand alone system.

Thanks, all. It looks like I'll once again go "old school," with the addition of my wife's sweet and sexy voice.

Bought a Europe Tom Tom on Ebay, last summer was or fifth trip with it, after the second trip never looked at a map again, just tour books to see where we wanted to go, worked out great!