Daily Car Hire Rates in Guarda
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*daily rates in Guarda based on a 1 day rental (24hr period) and for guidance purposes only.
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for todays best prices.
Guarda Car Hire - Did You Know?
- Guarda has a Gothic cathedral that was built between the 14th and 16th centuries, that has a stunning interior embellished with intricate pillars and archways.
- It used to be nicknamed the city of “4 Fs” – "Fria, Farta, Forte e Feia" (cold, well-supplied, strong and ugly).
- There is an ancient Jewish district (The Judiaria) which has a plaque to confirm the positive relationship between Portugal and Israel.
- There is a town museum which is actually housed in the old bishop's palace.
- The nearby Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in Portugal.
Guarda Mini Guide
What is There in Guarda for me to See?
Guarda is the biggest city and capital of the region of Portugal known as Beiras. It’s also the country’s highest city at an altitude of 3,200ft and within sight of Portugal’s highest mountain, the Serra da Estrela or 'mountain of stars'. The city was founded in the 12th century by the then king, Sancho I. Today it is a quiet city with a little tourism which comes to see the mountains and the Douro Valley, close by, where the grapes that make the famous port wine are grown.
How do I get to Guarda?
It’s not easy to reach, being fairly isolated. The city is over 100 miles from the nearest international airport in
Porto but high speed trains make the journey quick and relatively painless. You can also drive the route as the city is served by two major highways. Flights land at Porto from all over Europe and North Africa with many flights offered from
UK airports including several by budget carriers.
What is There to See and Do in Guarda?
There’s not too much to see in the city itself as most of its attractions lie in the surrounding area. In the city it’s worth spending a little time at the Se da Guarda which is the city’s imposing 15th century cathedral. It’s the third such building to stand on the spot. Inside, it’s austere but beautiful in its simplicity. There are also plenty of signs of how well fortified the city was when relations with Spain were a little frostier! Outside the city you can drive close to the summit of Portugal’s highest mountain, the Serra da Estrella and look out over the rugged countryside of this part of Iberia. If you like fortified wine, you can also spend time touring the nearby Douro valley where the grapes for port are grown.
Latest Update from Guarda:
28/04/12 - Thrill junkies amongst you will love the region around Guarda. There's a parasailing club nearby that you can join temporarily and then jump from some of the high peaks for a bird's eye view of the Douro Valley.
17/02/13 - Guarda's beautiful cathedral is the setting for the city's Easter celebrations. If there on Easter Sunday, 31st March, join the mass for a solemn way of celebrating the occasion then join the very secular party outside it.