Answers to all Your Algarve Questions
Here are some of the most popular questions, along with the answers we are asked regarding living in the Algarve. Feel free to get in touch if you have any you would like added. Most of the topics are answered in full in our latest news section. However, you can find the links to the relevant articles in the answers below for more information.
Travel
Covid Measures Implemented in Portugal Updated on 27 April 2023
With the Algarve tourism industry back to somewhere near normal and visitors planning to visit the region this year, we thought it a good idea to clarify the latest rules and regulations regarding entry into Portugal concerning the Covid measures currently in force for visitors wanting to enter the country.
The Latest Good News for Visitors to Portugal
Great news if you’re planning to visit Portugal, including the Algarve, Azores and Madeira! You’ll be happy to know that you no longer need to provide a negative COVID test or present a COVID-EU digital or vaccination/recovery certificate from a third country accepted or recognised in Portugal. Learn More about the Covid situation in Portugal here.
Getting around the Algarve is very easy and also inexpensive whichever mode you choose. We find the easiest and most convenient way to get around the Algarve is by car. This is the quickest way to travel between towns and cities.
If you don’t have your own car there are plenty of hire companies across the region. They are quite expensive during the summer months but out of peak season, you can find cheap deals.
There are three main bus companies operating in the Algarve region, You can buy tickets at the bus stations online, or pay the driver. You can catch a bus to all the main towns and cities in the Algarve. Ubers are cheap and in abundance, there are also lots of normal taxis but tend to be a little more expensive.
The train line runs between Lagos and Vila Real de Santo António, so it’s quite easy to get from the west of the Algarve to the east.
Obviously, the first and easiest way to reach the Algarve is by plane. With regular flights from the UK and most European cities, the Algarve is very accessible to everyone. The best airport to fly to is Faro, alternatives within a 2-hour drive include Lisbon other options include Seville and Jerez de la Frontera in Spain.
There are direct flights to Faro from most UK airports with Ryanair, Easyjet, British Airways, Tui, BA City Flyer, Wizz Air UK and Qatar Airways. Most are reasonably priced apart from during the school holidays of course! In winter flights can be picked up for as little as £10 with Ryanair!
Other modes of transport include driving, again there are many routes for ferry crossings and of course the channel tunnel route. The ferry from Dover to Calais only takes 90 minutes, whereas from Southampton or Plymouth down to Santander or Bilbao it takes between 20-30 hours depending on the operator and starting point. The most popular carrier would be Brittany Ferries and prices range from £240-400 depending on the season.