Read some tips about how to get around in the Algarve by Nathalie, content and translations at SeaBookings, who lives in the Algarve herself.

How to get around in the Algarve

This is another post of our series: How to get from A to B in Portugal! Since the biggest part of tourism in Portugal happens in the Algarve, we thought it would be helpful to make a blog post about how to get around in the Algarve! This will be a big help for you if you’re planning your holiday or even if you’re already in the Algarve!

We’d like to help you plan your trip to the Algarve (picture by João Coelho)

Most of you probably fly into the cute little airport of Faro. But even though Faro is a great destination with a lot of things to see and some great boat tours, the majority of people arriving at Faro keep travelling to one of the more popular Algarve towns. To know how to get there, we will tell you how to get around in the Algarve!

If you’re just looking to get around in the Algarve to get from Faro to your hotel or accommodation, the easiest and most comfortable way is with a transfer. In the Algarve, there are some transfer companies like Yellowfish or Greenbus. You just need to book your transfer at least 24h in advance. This way, once you land, you just head straight to the stand of the company and off you go! During summer, waiting times can be longer though. However, this is a very easy way of getting from Faro to your accommodation!

The bus is a cheap option to travel around the Algarve

Other ways to get from the airport in Faro to the most popular destinations in the Algarve is by bus. After taking a taxi or bus into the city, you can catch the bus that takes you to Albufeira, Armação de Pêra, Lagoa, Portimão and Lagos. So pretty much all the top destination in the Algarve! This bus is the best way to get around in the Algarve with public transport! Here you can see the times of that bus.

If you want to visit the famous caves of Benagil, you’re best off going to Carvoeiro for a boat tour from there! Carvoeiro is a cute little town and definitely worth a visit. To get from any of the other main destinations to Carvoeiro, just catch the bus mentioned above and get off at Lagoa. In Lagos, you can catch another bus that’ll take you to Carvoeiro. For times and prices, check this website.

Benagil is surely a highlight in the Algarve!

Sagres is also a very popular destination in the Algarve. From Lagos, you can easily catch another bus to Sagres, also run by the same company. Check the website mentioned above for timetables and hours! The famous Cabo de São Vicente is an amazing artwork designed by nature that you shouldn’t miss!

The Southwest point of Europe, Sagres

However, the best way to get around in the Algarve is by rental car! There are so many little towns and hidden bays that are best discovered on a road trip! And for renting a car in Portugal you pay reasonable prices. During high season, prices per day for a rental car start at around 50-55€. In low season, you can rent cars a lot cheaper. Just be aware that a lot of car rental companies ask for a deposit of 1.000€ on your credit card.

To get around in the Algarve by car, you can always choose to go on the freeway or the National Road (N125). The National Road is quite nice, but can get rather busy during summer months! Also, get ready for the biggest amount of roundabouts you’ll ever experience!

A rental car is the most independent way how to get around in the Algarve

If you decide to go on the freeway, you have to pay the tolls. For that, you can either get a transponder in your rental car for a small extra free. That’s the easiest way, because you don’t have to worry about anything and just pay the toll with the rental car company. If you don’t get a transponder, you can pay the tolls 2 days after driving on the freeway in a payshop. For this, you just need to know your license plate and then you pay with your bank card in a payshop or at a post office.

Luckily, most of the towns in the Algarve are so small that you can get around just by walking. There’s nothing better than walking around the esplanade during summer, stopping here and there for a nice ice-cream right? If you get too hot, you can also always go for a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic!

We hope we could help you with how to get around in the Algarve with this post! Enjoy your holidays in the South of Portugal.

The amazing cover picture is taken by João Coelho. Many thanks!