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The Algarve is known for its rugged caves and cliffs, gold sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid back vibe. It’s become one of Europe’s top holiday destinations, and for good reason. The capital of the region, Faro, has a distinctly Portuguese feel. The city is bursting with history and culture, and the perfect place to start your Portuguese adventure before heading further south towards the beach towns.
The region’s only airport is Faro Airport, which is very well connected to the rest of the Algarve and just a short drive to the centre of Faro. The Algarve has so much to offer, including picturesque cities and historical sites, that hiring a car is a great way to get around and see it all. At Faro Airport, you’ll find plenty of globally recognised car hire firms. There’s loads to choose from, including Enterprise, Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National, and SixT. Popular on a budget, but still widely recognised, car hire companies are available too, including Alamo and Budget. Alternatively, you could opt for a local and smaller Portuguese car hire company. These are typically priced at much lower than multinational agencies and while they operate out of the terminal, they don’t have a designated desk. Brands like Guerin, Autorent, Visacar, Airauto, and Luzcar, are just some examples of the Portuguese suppliers available.
Given the vast selection of car hire choices at Faro Airport, we think that’s the best place to find a hire car. That’s where you’ll find most of the big, global names. To explore even more local, Portuguese car hire companies, there are several located in the city. Given that hiring a car at the airport tends to come with extra charges, finding a car in the city might be more preferable for those on a budget. Locally owned Enjoy Car Hire Faro is just a bit further than the airport, and offers great deals on a wide range of cars. When you get into Faro, you’ll also find Drive4Miles in the city centre.
Driving around this beautiful city is relatively quiet compared to larger cities in Portugal, like Lisbon or Porto. With low levels of traffic, smooth roads, and clear signage, driving around Faro is a breeze. Despite the dramatic and rugged landscape, the Algarve roads are relatively smooth, too. You might find windy, narrow, unkept roads in rural areas, but that’s all part of the fun. Just make sure to slow down around these bits. There’s nothing like driving down the open road, windows down, with the Atlantic Ocean to your side.
Road tripping around the Algarve is the best way to explore the region. While there isn’t designated road trip routes, we think you can comfortably see it all in 7 days. Glide through sleepy fishing villages and surfer towns, stopping off at one of the regions 150 beaches and exploring the golden limestone caves. Wander around the picturesque village of Ponta Ruiva, go surfing in Sagres, bar-hop in the lively Albuferia. Explore rural towns with minimal tourist influence, like São Brás de Alportel.
If a 7 day road trip isn’t up your street, you can take day trips to visit the area’s beaches, surfing hotspots, and historical attractions with Faro as your base. You could even drive to Spain and back within a day! The beautiful, vibrant city of Seville is just a two hour drive away. Spend the day marvelling at the unique architecture and the enchanting flamenco dancers. It's a special city, well worth the visit.
Our customers rated Faro airport with an average of 9.1 based on 120 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.