Useful Information

The Algarve’s international airport is at Faro. Throughout the country there are a number of small airports with limited facilities. It is possible to travel from the international airports to many of these smaller ones but it is important to first check, as these services are variable.

At Faro Airport a bus can be boarded outside the Terminal that will take you to the centre of the city. Taxis are also usually recommended.

LagosZoo - Barão São João - Tropical birds, monkeys, domestic animals
Water Slide Parks
Zoomarine - Aquarium/Seals/Dolphins
Krazy World - mini golf; reptile and animal parks.

There is the national network of Rodoviária Nacional (RN), and competing private operators who run quick non-stop services on the more popular routes and often to destinations not covered by trains. The RN tends to be slower but its prices are cheaper. Many private operators offer more facilities on longer runs such as toilet, video, air-conditioning and snacks. Prior to a long trip it is best to check what the coach facilities are before boarding. You will find that in major tourist areas or cities there are excellent local excursions by coach. In almost all cases tickets are purchased in advance.

The normal shopping hours are from 09.00 hrs. Until 19.00 hrs on Mondays to Fridays. Saturdays is from 09.00 hrs. Until 13.00 hrs. There are some shops that extend their hours and their days of opening.

Most European countries have Consulates in the Algarve - usually in Portimão or Faro. All major countries have Embassies in Lisbon. Addresses and telephone numbers can be supplied on request.

Euros. Travellers cheques and credit cards are generally accepted. Money can be changed at Banks, Bureau De Change (cambio). These facilities will offer a better rate than in Hotels and Receptions. Banks are open from Monday through to Friday, from 08.30 hrs. to 15.00 hrs. Numerous ATMs (Cashpoint).

There is a great a lack in past design and facilities to provide their needs. Happily, awareness is now showing and this is evident with the appearance of special parking spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centers of entertainment.

Daytime very casual.
Evenings smart casual - only a few very exclusive restaurants demand jackets/ties.
Ladies should not bring a lot of jewellery.

The current all over Portugal is 220 volts AC and connection is made by a two-pin plug. The plug today acts also as an earth except in older buildings that use older models of this two-pin plug.

By calling anywhere in Portugal on 112 you will be connected to Fire, Police and Ambulance services. Every Fire Brigade also maintains one or more ambulances for emergencies. Chemists can give advice on simple health problems and suggest appropriate treatment. They are also permitted to sell many medicines without a doctor's subscription. A green cross on white background denotes a chemist. A red cross on a white background denotes a Red Cross station. In most towns there are Emergency Treatment Centres (SAP) that will provide medical assistance 24 hours a day.

Security in cities and towns is handled by the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP), rural areas by the Guarda Nacional Republicana (GNR), and the traffic by Brigada de Trânsito. On motorways and several major roads there are SOS phone boxes for help in accidents or breakdowns.

You will not go hungry in the Algarve! Dining is earlier than in ?pain - normally 19.30 - 22.00.

There is an enormous selection of good restaurants throughout the region.

These range from very reasonably priced Portuguese restaurants specialising in excellent fresh grilled fish, wonderful salads and a wide range of seafood, to medium priced international restaurants and more expensive gourmet restaurants.

Some local specialties to look for:

Sardines - the staple dish of the Algarve, served in most restaurants. The most atmospheric place to enjoy them freshly grilled is on the quayside at Portimão.
Chicken Piri Piri - Piri Piri is a spicy condiment brought to Portugal from Africa. It comes in a variety of forms - paste, oil and powder - and is used to give zest to a number of dishes, the most popular being grilled chicken. Although available in most restaurants the best place to enjoy it is on the Monchique mountain.
Presunto - similar to Parma Ham. A Speciality of Monchique, served in most restaurants often with melon.
Caldeirada - delicious fish stew with tomatoes, onions and potatoes.
Cataplana - clams, chouriço (sausage), onions, tomatoes and herbs all steamed in a copper pot.
Arroz Doce - traditional rice pudding.
Molotoff - a traditional dessert made with egg whites and a caramel sauce.
Torta de Amendoa - Almond roll.
Tarte de Amendoa - Almond tart.

Vegetarian meals are available in many restaurants.

Portugal is becoming better known internationally for its wide range of wine.

Try some of the following:

Aperitifs - white port
Vinho Verde - "green" wine from northwest Portugal - Casal Garcia, Gatão, Alveleda.
Vinho Rosé - "Pink" wine - light and refreshing - Lancers, Casal Mendes.
Vinho Branco (white wine) - BSE, Planalto, Monte Velho, Porta da Ravessa, João Pires, Topazio.
Vinho Tinto (Red wine) Angelus, Periquita, Porta da Ravessa, Redonda, Reguengos, Colares.
Sparkling - cheaper than Champagne and very pleasant.

After Dinner Drinks :

Ruby Port
Tawny Port
Vintage Port
Brandymel - brandy and honey liquor
Amendoa Amarga - almond liquor (sweet or bitter)
Licor Beirao - aromatic liquor
Medronho - local firewater made from the Arbutus "strawberry" tree
Bagaço and Bagaceira - made from the pips and skins of grapes
Setubal - Muscatel wine from the Lisbon area
Madeira - dessert wine from the island of Madeira.

09.00 - 21.00 Monday - Saturday.
09.00 - 13.00 on Sunday.

Most supermarkets stock a wide range of international foods as well as local products.

Unfortunately the major earthquake of 1755 destroyed many of the historical sites but the following are still worth a visit:

Lagos - old city walls; slave market, "Golden Church", Fortress.

Sagres – Light house; Fortress and Navigation School of Prince Henry the Navigator.

Silves - 13th Century Cathedral & 9th Century Castle

Old Town of Faro - Numerous beautiful churches.

The peak season is mid-July to end August when everywhere is very busy. March/April/May are ideal months for sports enthusiasts and the countryside is in full flower.

June is still relatively quiet, warmer and very suitable for small children or the elderly.

September/October - pleasant temperature, warm sea and balmy evenings.

November -February - some heavy rain can be expected but otherwise predominantly sunny with daytime temperatures averaging 10-15ºC but dropping to 3-5ºC at night. Frosts are rare.

When written the Portuguese language has a visual relationship to both Spanish and Italian. When spoken it takes on another character. Although today the language has been influenced by modern means of communication, the educated form can be likened to "Dickensian English" in its style. It is courteous in content and suitable flowery in description. Spoken Spanish can be understood by the Portuguese but is best avoided. Anybody with knowledge of some Portuguese history will be able to understand the reason. The inhabitants have a wonderful ability to learn foreign languages and you will find that the English language is normally readily understood. This has been helped by the fact that all foreign films on TV and Cinemas are shown in their original language with subtitles.

Ceramics, hand embroidered and crocheted products, knitwear, basketware, leather goods, copper.

Weekly English language newspapers:
Algarve Resident - www.algarveresident.com
The News - www.the-news.net

Monthly German language publications:
Entdecken Sie Algarve
Algarve Extrablatt www.xtrablatt.com

Radio Stations:
Kiss 101.2 FM broadcasts English News Bulletins at 8.30 and 9.30 daily
Nostalgia 107.5 FM broadcasts just music, mainly from the 50s - 90s.

The word Correio denotes a Post Office or services. First class mail is denoted by the words "correio azul" and normally associated with the color of blue. From Post Offices there is an express service named EMS that also records delivery. These offices are normally open from 08.30 hrs. until 18.30 hrs. from Monday to Friday.

Even the smallest villages usually have a daily morning market for fresh fruit and vegetables and, sometimes, fish.

The larger towns have fresh fish markets open mornings Monday - Saturday.

There are many colorful open-air peasant markets on Saturday mornings.

All the major towns have a large gypsy market once a month with clothing, leather goods, CDs and cassettes, ceramics and locally produced specialties.

Private medical facilities throughout the Algarve are excellent. There are many English, German and Dutch doctors and dentists as well as Private Clinics in Lagos, Carvoeiro and Albufeira, and a private hospital in Alvor. State-run medical facilities are very overburdened - particularly in the summer. Private medical insurance is thus considered essential.

There are numerous chemists in all main resorts and a notice on the door will indicate which chemist has emergency night/weekend service.

Please click HERE to buy your holiday insurance.

Although the majority of the museums and art galleries are State owned there are a number of private Foundations and individually owned exhibition places. This fact is particularly evident when wishing to see contemporary art where they tend to reflect the taste of the owner. State Museums charge a small entrance fee that is usually waived on Sundays and Public Holidays. They are open from Tuesday through to Sunday and pensioners receive a 40% discount on the entrance fee. Sometimes there is no charge at all for pensioners on showing your ID. Opening times are normally from 10.00 hours to 17.00 hours, but sometimes closed during lunchtime.

1st January
25th April
Good Friday
1st May
Corpus Christi (Early June)
10th June
15th August
5th October
1st November
1st December
8th December
25th December

It is traditional for each municipality (concelho), to reserve one annual day as a holiday for its commerce. This day is principally used as an excuse for celebration. You will find restaurants open but most shops closed.

Health and Fitness Centres
Flightseeing
Jeep Safaris
Karate/Judo
Folklore
Bird Watching
Boat trips
Cinemas
Casinos
Bull Fights

The coastline and hinterland afford ample opportunities for spectacular walking.

Throughout the country there are many galleries exhibiting contemporary art for sale for all tastes and pockets. There is normally no charge to enter these galleries or their exhibitions.

Portugal is a Roman Catholic country and there are numerous churches with regular services.

Many other religions are represented such as:

The Algarve is well known for its superb golf courses - please see click HERE to see separate section.

Other sports readily available:

Bicycle Tours
Bowling
Deep Sea Fishing
Escorted Walks
Hang Gliding
Lawn Bowls
Microlight
Paragliding
Riding
Sailing
Scuba Diving
Snorkelling
Squash
Surfing
Tennis
Water Skiing
Wind Surfing

Generally open 09.00 - 19.00 Monday - Saturday, 09.00 - 13.00 on Sunday.

Longer hours in the peak season.

This tax that is the same as VAT is known as IVA in Portugal, and is at present % on hotel accommodation, 12% on restaurant services and 21% on other services and goods. Persons from outside the European Union (EU) and visiting for less than 180 days, can reclaim this tax for goods bought at selected shops (please look for the “TAX FREE” sign) by requesting a form named Isenção de IVA. This form is presented to customs when leaving the country.

The Algarvians are friendly, honest and courteous people. They are extremely tolerant and hospitable and very child-friendly.

It is safe to suggest that the whole year is a good period to visit. Mainland Portugal has an attractive climate with long hot summers, and mild pleasant winters. In the north winters are obviously cool and wet, whilst in the Algarve temperatures seldom ever fall below freezing. Inland areas have hotter summers and cooler winters except for mountainous regions that even enjoy snow. Madeira Island and the Islands of the Azores enjoy a temperate climate the year around.

A tip of 10% for good service is normal in restaurants, for taxis and similar services.

The Portuguese railway system is State owned and has the name of Caminhos de Ferro Portuguese (CP). The system provides a very reasonably priced transport within the country. Major lines are fast, efficient and comfortable.

There are daily international connections as shown below.

Lisbon - Porto - Paris (Twice daily)
Lisbon - Madrid
Porto - Vigo (Spain)
Lisbon - Badajoz (Spain)

There are express trains (Alfa) between Lisbon and Porto, and in the tourist season also from Lisbon and Porto to the Algarve. A regional train system operates throughout the country joining up the main towns. This system (IC) is less comfortable than (Alfa) and is slower. There are two classes, 1st and 2nd with the exception for local trains where there is only one class. Special tourist tickets may be purchased valid for 7, 14 or 21 days.

In the towns of the Algarve there is limited means of transport. Taxis are mainly used and they are painted in a cream color. In urban areas they charge according to the taximeter. Outside these areas the charge is per kilometre and this includes the cost of the drivers return trip. Luggage over 30 kilos is charged at a fixed rate. All taxis drivers have in their possession their printed rates in two languages.