The day when the Alpine scenery of Germany appears just as alluring to the Portuguese as the beaches of the Algarve do to the Germans will be a true triumph for the travel industry. Until then, travel agents must content themselves with the one-way traffic of sun-starved Germans (along with the rest of us) hitting the sizzling beaches of Praia da Rocha and Albufeira. As a travel destination, Germany is unfairly underestimated. It may not offer the guaranteed sunshine or the golden sands of Portugal, but Germany offers many wonderful attractions, all of which come to life with car hire.

Driving around the lakes and mountains of Bavaria, outdoorsy types are sure to fall under the spell of the spectacular landscape. Meanwhile, the cities teem with cultural and historical attractions. The old fashioned charm of Munich and frenetic energy of Berlin are reason enough to plan a city break in Germany. Portugal doesn’t fare too poorly either on the city break trail. With car hire Portugal, cultured Lisbon and Porto both make for excellent weekend getaways, proving there’s more to Portugal and sun, sand and sardines.