Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Serra
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Serra
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Serra
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Serra
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Serra is a picturesque town offering stunning landscapes and historical sites. While local transport is available, renting a car allows you to explore the surrounding Serra da Estrela Natural Park and charming nearby villages at your own pace.
Explore Serra da Estrela. A rental car provides easy access to the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal's largest protected area, known for its mountains, hiking trails, and scenic views.
Visit Historical Villages. Drive to the historic villages of Piódão and Linhares da Beira, where you can experience traditional Portuguese culture and architecture.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. With a rental car, you can travel on your own schedule, without being constrained by bus timetables or tour schedules.
Before booking a rental car in Serra, ensure you meet the standard requirements. These include age, licensing, and understanding the rental agreement's details.
Area
Approximately 552 square kilometers
Population
Around 12,500 residents
Time Zone
Western European Time (WET) / GMT+0
Ideal for
Exploring natural parks and historical sites
Rush Hours
Minimal traffic congestion
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsGenerally, the minimum age to rent a car in Portugal is 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25, especially for certain vehicle types. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically required, held on a credit card, and refunded upon the car's return, provided there is no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can be either unlimited or limited. Fuel policies usually require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up (full-to-full) to avoid refueling charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, GPS navigation systems, child seats, or out-of-hours pickups and drop-offs.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand from tourists visiting the Serra da Estrela region.
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts and lower rates as the tourist influx decreases.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare offers, choose a vehicle based on your needs, and carefully check rental terms. Booking early helps secure better prices, especially during peak seasons. Ensure you have all necessary documents for vehicle pickup.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals from different rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that suits your travel needs, considering factors like size and fuel efficiency.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, particularly during peak travel periods.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documents when collecting your rental car.
Serra is a serene location perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Understanding local traffic and parking will enhance your experience, especially if you plan to explore the natural park and surrounding villages.
Located in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, Serra offers a tranquil escape with stunning mountain scenery and historical landmarks. While the town is relatively small, having a car provides the flexibility to explore the broader region. Driving in Serra is generally straightforward, but it's essential to be aware of local regulations and road conditions, especially in mountainous areas. Familiarize yourself with parking options and fuel availability to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Serra da Estrela Natural Park
Explore Portugal's largest protected area, featuring breathtaking landscapes and hiking trails.
Piódão
Visit this unique historical village with its traditional schist stone houses.
Linhares da Beira
Discover this medieval village with its impressive castle and historic architecture.
Where to Find Parking
On-Street Parking
Available in town, but be mindful of time limits and payment requirements.
Designated Parking Areas
Look for specific parking areas indicated by signs; these are usually the most convenient options.
Hotel Parking
Some hotels offer parking facilities for their guests.
Gas Stations in Serra
Limited Availability
Gas stations are less frequent in mountainous areas, so plan accordingly.
Major Brands
Find Repsol and Galp stations along main roads.
Check Opening Hours
Be aware that some stations may have limited hours, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
Useful Tips for Visiting Serra
Drive Carefully in Mountainous Areas
Roads can be narrow and winding, so drive cautiously and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
Check Weather Conditions
Mountain weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before heading out.
Carry Snacks and Water
Especially when hiking or exploring remote areas, bring essential supplies.
Learn Basic Portuguese Phrases
While many people speak English, knowing a few basic phrases will enhance your interactions.
Major Bus Stations
Serra Bus Terminal
The main bus terminal in Serra provides connections to nearby towns and cities.
Railway Stations
Nearest Railway Station (Covilhã)
The closest railway station is located in Covilhã, offering regional train services.
Airports
Lisbon Airport (LIS)
The closest major international airport is Lisbon Airport, approximately 300 kilometers away.
Porto Airport (OPO)
Another international airport option is Porto Airport, about 200 kilometers from Serra.
Renting a car in Portugal is generally straightforward. Here’s what you'll need to meet the requirements before you start your journey.
Ensure your license is valid in Portugal. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification is usually required, particularly for international renters.
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Serra as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Exploring Serra was a breeze with a rental car; it made everything so much simpler. The beaches were stunning, though the local cafe we tried was a bit underwhelming.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 07.07.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 19.08.2024
Summer in Serra was amazing! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 20.11.2024
Serra was fun for a weekend getaway. Having a car was helpful, though the local bakery had a surprisingly long line.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Serra felt like coming home after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much easier, and I rediscovered hidden gems. Highly recommend!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 07.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Maya Lee
Reviewed: 04.01.2025
Serra charmed me! Getting around independently was a breeze, and I saw so much more.
Mia Thompson
Reviewed: 21.07.2025
Low-key pleasant.
Liam Brown
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
Serra was delightful! Having a car made exploring so much easier, and I loved the relaxed pace.
Noah Evans
Reviewed: 16.03.2025
Pretty chill, really.
Benjamin Martinez
Reviewed: 13.10.2024
© 2025 RentyCars All Rights Reserved.
Serra was wonderful! Getting around with a rental car was so easy, perfect for visiting friends. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 18.04.2025