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The Algarve is regarded as Europe’s secret, and for a good reason. Located in southern Portugal, the Algarve is home to plenty of beaches and 300 days of sunshine. It is also known for its history, delicious cuisine, boating, and restaurants. Aside from these, it is known for its culture and love of life. What better way to see a city with so much going on than by car?
The Algarve region is home to two airports: Faro International Airport and Portimao Airport. The latter operates in a limited capacity, whereas the former is a full-fledged hub with a record of ferrying 9 million passengers in 2019. Sevenair is the only airline which services Portimao’s passengers to Lisbon. In comparison, Ryanair, British Airways, EasyJet, and Lufthansa are major carriers that serve Faro. They carry passengers to destinations like Luxembourg, Vienna, Dublin, and Paris.
Once you arrive at either of the airports, follow the ‘car hire’ signs around the airport to take you to the desks of the car hire agencies. The major car hire agencies serving the Algarve region include Goldcar, Guerin, Hertz, Inter Rent, National, Sixt, and Thrifty. Depending on your budget, requirements, and the number of people you are with, you can book any kind of car you desire, from a compact mini to a full-size SUV. Do note that manual cars are usually the norm in the region. So, if you require an automatic car, it is best to reserve it ahead of time.
In the Algarve, trains and buses are the two most common forms of public transit. However, it still does not compare to driving in your own hired car, especially if you are on your honeymoon or with your closest friends! If you did not rent a car at the airport, do not worry. There are car rental firms located all across the Algarve. Hiring a car is beneficial as it gives you the freedom to go anywhere you want at any time. What’s more, it is highly affordable!
People drive on the right and overtake on the left. Do not overtake on the right as you may be fined 1000 euros.
Driving around the Algarve region and exploring it with peace of mind is fun with a hired car. Algarve's major car hire agencies include Goldcar, Guerin, Hertz, Inter Rent, National, Sixt, and Thrifty. You can choose from a variety of cars. Depending on how many people you are with and what you require, you may hire a mini, a sedan, or an SUV for as long as you need. The Algarve region's most popular hire car brands are Volkswagen, Opel, Renault, Citroen, and Seat.
One of the best ways to get to know the area is by hiring a vehicle and hitting the road. The Algarve is known for its beautiful coastline, as well as its classic farmland, deep-blue lakes that reflect the sky, and green mountains. From the luxury of your air-conditioned car, see ancient ruins, dams, and hidden natural wonders, as well as settlements that have withstood the test of time.
If you want to spend some enjoyable time on the beach, consider travelling down the coast to visit some of its charming villages. Swing by the old fishing hamlet of Ferragudo, located on the Rio Arade, and take a break from the beach in its winding alleys. Bypass Albufeira's busy beaches farther west and stop at Praia do Ninho das Andorinhas, a secluded cove. If time permits, try to fit in a trip to the undiscovered attractions south of the city, such as Ponta de Piedade.
The winding road up to the charming mountain village of Monchique offers some unexpectedly magnificent vistas as you leave Portimao. The Algarve's most spectacular castle is located in the riverbank town of Silves, where you can also find the waterfront Mercado municipal, where you can buy market-fresh fruit and vegetables for the day's picnic. Travel further west, and as you go, you will pass through Alte and Salir, two communities with plenty of fountains and flowers that are tucked into the Serra do Caldeiro's highland landscape. You will arrive at vivacious Loulé at the end of the journey, which is known for its architecturally stunning market, which is busiest on Saturdays.
The eastern Algarve, which is less travelled, offers a variety of attractions, from ancient monuments and great animal viewing to relaxing oceanfront villas. Begin your journey on the long, sandy island of Ilha de Faro. Later, backtrack through the city and reach Milreu. Here, you can view the 2000-year-old remains of a villa, a temple, a mausoleum, and other structures from the most significant Roman site in the Algarve. On the way back to the shore, stop for lunch at Olhao, a fishing village with a market. Next, travel to Tavira to overlook the riverbank from the top of the Castelo, a castle of Roman ancestry, before driving back.
