1. The main A22 highway that runs across southern Portugal and connects cities such as Faro and Lagos is a toll road. Confusingly for visitors, though, there are no tollbooths. Instead, you’ll either need to pay at a Payshop or – and this is far more convenient – ask your Algarve car rental company for an electronic device that automatically pays the toll. Don’t be tempted to skip payment, as you’ll find a fine waiting for you when you return to the UK along with extra administrative charges from your car hire provider.
2. Bear in mind that 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. If in doubt, it’s probably best to abstain from the booze completely.
3. Most petrol stations will level a small charge (usually around €0.50) for customers who pay by credit card. Keep some cash handy while driving to avoid shelling out extra.
Search for the best car hire deals in the Algarve
You can get by on public transport if you are only planning the odd trip out of your resort, but there’s no doubt that it’s far more convenient to book Algarve car hire in 2016 and 2017.
Once you have your head around the toll-road system (more on that later), the highways and byways of the Algarve are surprisingly easy to navigate.
Once you have your head around the toll-road system (more on that later), the highways and byways of the Algarve are surprisingly easy to navigate.
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The freedom of the road as soon as you land
Flying in? It makes sense to take advantage of the wide range of Algarve car rental options on offer at Faro Airport (FAO).
International companies with bases at the terminal include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and Goldcar.
Some local Algarve car hire organisations also offer a drop-off service, delivering your vehicle to the arrivals area.
Resort car hire
The bigger towns and cities of the Algarve coastline have their fair share of rental outlets: Luzcar operates out of Lagos, and Europcar has bases in Lagos and Albufeira. Again, local Algarve car hire companies are on hand to fill in the gap if there are no international options near you.
Whether you opt to pick up your wheels in a resort or when you land in the Algarve, rent a car on the spur of the moment and you are likely to face higher prices and limited availability of vehicle types. Compare and book online in advance for the best rates, the widest choice and the chance to go through the terms and conditions without standing at a hot rental desk with a queue forming behind you.
Beaches, theme parks and off-the-beaten-track villages
So why rent a car in the Algarve? Aside from the convenience of getting to and from the shops, the major plus is the freedom you’ll have to explore.
For families, that might mean visiting major attractions such as Aqualand Water Park, Zoomarine and Lagos Zoo.
Couples can ramp up the romance by getting off the beaten track and discovering some of the Algarve’s most romantic and secluded spots – Alcoutim’s glorious river beach, for instance, or the secret beaches near the Ria Formosa nature reserve.
Then there are the different coastal towns, each one with its own unique flavour. Soak up the atmosphere at Lagos’s famous fish market, let your hair down in party-ready Albufeira or tour the historic churches of Tavira.
Rent a car in the Algarve to resort hop to your heart’s content, exploring everywhere from hip-and-happening Faro to charming Carvoeiro.
Take advantage of Algarve car rental in 2016 and you’ll also be able to uncover the area’s scenic treasures.
The wild, west coast of the Algarve should definitely be on your bucket list, particularly the rugged Atlantic scenery of Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina and the pretty villages of Carrapateira, Aljezur and Odeceixe. It’s worth heading inland as well, venturing up into the hills to sample a more traditional side of Portugal.
Top tips for car hire in...
Algarve
Find out about other forms of transport on our page dedicated to getting around the Algarve.