SURVIVAL KIT
Welcome to the Algarve, a region with undeniable beauty that will easily captivate you! We’re certain you’ll be well-received by the people of the Algarve, a hospitable people with good suggestions to share. Did you know that Portugal is the oldest nation-state in Europe? Get ready for fantastic shopping, great food, fabulous beach days, and an extremely rich history. This will be an unforgettable trip.
GETTING TO THE ALGARVE
By plane. The Algarve has an airport in the city of Faro. It's called Faro International Airport, and it makes connections with any part of the world. From here, you can rent a car or use public transport to reach the city or village where you'll live this adventure. At the airport, you'll find companies that will help you reach your destination, whatever option you prefer.
By train. The Algarve region has several train stations. If you choose this means of transport, know that there's a train station with excellent national connections in Faro, but also in other areas of the Algarve (Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos and Tavira are some options). Outside the station, when appropriate, you'll find bus stops and taxis that can take you anywhere in the city.
FROM ONE SIDE OF THE REGION TO THE OTHER
Bus. The Algarve has a quite extensive and well organized bus network that allows you to access any area of the region. Rates vary depending on the area of the city. On the other hand, there are also tourist buses (hop ON/hop OFF), valid for 24 hours after the first validation, which travel to the most interesting tourist points.
Táxi. Taxi companies work 24 hours a day and are ready to take you anywhere in any city. At the bottom of the page you’ll find some useful contacts.
On foot. We believe that the best way to get to know the Algarve is on foot. You can explore a significant part of the cities without resorting to any kind of transportation, although it can be a little tiring. The beaches are wonderful, but there are also many monuments and streets to explore!
Uber.Uber is available in the Algarve. You can call your driver through the app, which makes it easier to travel.
TIPS
In Portugal, tipping is up to the customer and is not included in the bill. If you want to leave a bonus for the service provided, know that it depends only on your will and availability.
WI-FI
In some areas of the Algarve, an unlimited and free WI-FI connection is available, but this is not the rule. However, most establishments have a network accessible to everyone - you'll have internet access in hotels, museums, restaurants and cafés.
LANGUAGE
Locals speak Portuguese, but the vast majority of the population can communicate in English. In some restaurants, menus are also available in other languages, such as French, English and even Spanish.
ELECTRICITY
In Portugal, the electric current is 220 volts with a round, two-pin socket. If in your country of residence the electricity characteristics are different, you’ll need an adapter and/or transformer.
CURRENCY
Portugal joined the European Union in 1986 and started using the Euro in 2002. No other currency is accepted in the country, but there are exchange points at the airport and in many cities of the region, and some establishments also offer this service.
Cool Tip: If you use a different currency, calculate conversions with the help of this site.
WEATHER
The weather in the Algarve, considering that it's located in the south of Portugal, is quite pleasant. The winter months (November to February) are the coldest months of the year, with temperatures between 9ºC and 16ºC (48.2ºF and 60.8ºF), with occasional periods of rain. In January and February, the fields of the Algarve transform and cover themselves with a magnificent white and pink cloak, as a result of the many almond trees in bloom to be found throughout the region. The summer months (from June to September) are the hottest of the year in the Algarve, you'll be able to enjoy an average 12 hours of sun a day and almost no rain. Temperatures in the Algarve in the summer months can reach 35ºC (95ºF), but, fortunately, the coastal breezes tend to make the high temperatures much more tolerable. Night temperatures are also above 20ºC (68ºF).
DISCOUNTS & SAVINGS
Some museums are free or have reduced rates on special days and times. On some Sundays, there are several museums with free entrance until 2 PM.
USEFUL CONTACTS/TELEPHONE NUMBERS
National Emergency Number (Fire Brigade, Police and Ambulance): 112
Police Department: 289 822 022
Airport: 289 800 800
Taxi in Faro: 915 191 911
Taxi in Albufeira: 289 583 230
Taxi in Carvoeiro: 965 400 510
Tourist Information in Albuefeira: 289 585 279
Tourist Information in Faro: 289 800 400
Tourist Information in Tavira: 281 322 511
Hospitals and Health Centers:
Loulé Hospital: 289 249 750
Portimão Hospital: 282 450 300
Armação de Pêra Health Centre: 282 312 572
Faro Health Centre: 289 830 300
Pharmacies:
Farmácia Algarve: 289 314 884
Farmácia Albufeira: 289 512 254
Farmácia da Ria (Olhão): 289 705 555
Faro Fire Department: 289 803 066
Albufeira Fire Department: 289 586 333
Portuguese Red Cross (Faro's Delegation): 289 899 903