Compare Algarve Airport car hire

Flying in? It makes sense to take advantage of the wide range of Algarve car rental options on offer at Faro Airport (FAO), the main international airport in the region. Well-known companies with bases at the terminal include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Goldcar.

You'll find some rental offices before in a 'car hire village' a short walk from the terminal building. Some local Algarve car hire organisations offer a drop-off service to the arrivals area.

Car hire companies that have desks at Faro Airport include:

• Avis, Budget and Payless (Tel: +351 289 810 120)
• Europcar (Tel: + 351 289 818 726)
• Hertz (Tel: +351 219 426 300)
• Guerin/Enterprise (Tel: + 351 289 800 883)
• Sixt (Tel: +351 289 247 595)
• Goldcar (Tel: +351 961 746 661)

If you want to spend a few days by the beach before exploring further afield, you might find it easier to hire a cheap car nearer to where you’re staying. You'll find rental outlets in several bigger towns and cities along the Algarve coastline: for example, Thrifty has a site in Albufeira, and Europcar and Avis are in Lagos and Praia da Rocha.

Like a lot of Europe, the Portuguese drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the average speed limit is 90km/hour (55mph). Most of the large towns along the Algarve coastline are connected by wide highways, which make driving a breeze if you’re resort hopping.

You’ll find roads in the region less busy compared to cities like Lisbon and Porto, but the occasional traffic jam is possible if you’re driving through Faro or larger towns during peak season. Local drivers can be aggressive and prone to tailgating, so be alert and cautious, and find a safe place to let them past if you need to.

One thing you’ll need to get your head around is the toll-road system along the A22 highway that runs from Faro to Lagos. There are no tollbooths, so you’ll need to pay later at a Payshop or check that your rental company has equipped your car with a Via Verde device. This pays the toll automatically – you'll hear it make a sound as you pass through toll gates

Carvoeiro

Driving time from Faro: 40 minutes

The Algarve coast is packed with great resorts, but few are as traditional or picturesque as Carvoeiro. It’s about an hour from Faro, and boasts a gorgeous golden beach fringed by dramatic cliffs. Carvoeiro is more low-key than the region’s other towns but you’ll find plenty of interest here, from boat tours and hiking routes to ocean view restaurants serving up local fare.

Alcoutim

Driving time from Faro: One hour 10 minutes

One of the few Algarve spots that stays relatively peaceful in peak season. This quaint cobblestoned village on the Guadiana River is located in the east of the region, and is split in two by the river – a pleasant ferry journey carries you between the two sides. There's a 14^th century castle and pretty 16^th century church, and the town is famous for traditional blankets and pottery, so it's a good shout for upmarket souvenirs.

South West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park

Driving time from Faro: One hour 40 minutes

Stretching out across 100km (60 miles) of coastline, the South West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park is one of the finest natural parks in Europe. Spectacular sheer cliffs drop into the sea, broken up by near-deserted golden beaches. At the southeastern tip is the wild Sagres Peninsula, home to the Cape Saint-Vincent Lighthouse, and the beautiful beach town of Sagres. An all-star cast of wildlife includes fishing eagles and otters. In all, it's a pretty good place for a scenic drive or a day hike.

1. The drink-driving limit in Portugal is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, which is significantly less than the UK limit of 80mg per 100ml.                                                                                               
   
2. Most petrol stations will have a small charge (starting at around €0.50) for customers who pay by credit card. Keep some cash handy while driving to avoid paying extra.                                                                                                      
   
3. If you want to avoid the A22 tolls, the free N125 follows broadly the same route – often closer to the coast. The downside? It's slower, and gets very busy in peak season.