The Algarve Travel Guide
The southern Portuguese province of the Algarve is divided from the rest of the country by a series of low-lying mountains. It is one of Europe's most popular coastal holiday destinations, catering for millions of tourists every year. The region's capital, Faro, is built around a charming harbour beside a wide lagoon. An international airport was opened near Faro in 1965 to cater for the incoming tourists, making the city the hub of the resort trade.
Most of the Algarve's trendy, modern holiday resorts were formerly little fishing villages. They still feature central areas with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and ancient churches, but it is the region's long sandy beaches which have ensured its place as a holiday Mecca. The coastline stretches 100 miles (161km) from Cape St. Vincent to Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the border with Spain, and much of it today is built up with high-rise hotels and holiday apartment blocks, particularly the area to the west of Faro.
A special feature of the Algarve is the myriad almond trees that are found throughout the region; in late January and early February, the countryside is blanketed with white almond blossom. There are also groves of lemons, oranges, carobs, pomegranates and figs growing inland in what is known as the 'garden of Portugal'. Also characteristic of the province are swathes of green golf courses, associated with real estate developments and major resorts, which have proliferated since the tourist boom began in the early 1960s.
If you ever get bored of lying around on the beautiful beaches of the Algarve, why not head inland to the timeless village of Guia, just three miles (about 5km) north of the coast. This small though bustling village is full of interesting things to see and makes for a great excursion from any of the coastal resorts.
Things to do in The Algarve
Faro
Faro is a lively city with attractive shopping precincts, good restaurants and a frenetic nightlife thanks to its student population. Thousands of travellers pass through en route to the popular resorts of the Algarve. The Old Town is entered through an 18th-century gate and enclosed by the remnants of medieval walls. Faro's most famous attraction is a chapel decorated with the bones of more than 1,200 disinterred monks, named the Igreja do Carmo. Ria Formosa Natural Park is nearby, as is peaceful Estoi, with a pink Rococo palace and 1st-century Roman ruins. Faro also enjoys a long stretch of golden sand with umbrellas, sun loungers and watersports. The nightlife is usually found in the Rua do Prior, Rua Conselheiro Bivar and Rua Infante Dom Henrique.
The Algarve Climate and Weather
The Algarve region has a Mediterranean sub-tropical climate with moderate rainfall and plenty of sun throughout the year. This makes it an ideal year-round destination. Summers are hot and sunny, but are often refreshed by cooling breezes off the coast; the farther west you go, the windier it becomes. July and August are the hottest months of the year and can be fairly unbearable inland. The weather in the autumn and winter months is mild, and January is the coolest month of the year. The Algarve gets most of its rainfall over the winter months with rain being rare between June and September. The Atlantic Ocean is cold but slightly warmer to the east, thanks to the influence of the Mediterranean.
Portugal travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Language
Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood.
Money
The official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. There are numerous banks, bureaux de change and ATMs available in main cities and tourist destinations. Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and automatic currency exchange machines. Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping
Service charges are not usually added to hotel and restaurant bills but it's customary to leave a 10 percent tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up the bill to the nearest Euro.
Health
There are no health risks when travelling to Portugal. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for entry for anyone travelling from an infected area and destined for the Azores or Madeira. Health facilities are good and reciprocal health agreements exist with most European countries. It's advisable that travellers obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before travel. Dental care and repatriation costs are not covered under this agreement, and travel insurance is therefore advised.
After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU.
Safety
Generally, safety is not a problem for travel in Portugal but reasonable care should be taken. Road maintenance is fairly poor so exercise caution and drive defensively when driving.
Local customs
Family is an important pillar of Portuguese society, with familial loyalty overriding everything, even in the corporate environment. Thus it's not uncommon for employers to hire family members as they feel comfortable around those they trust. Self-respect through appearance is also of high importance, with dressing smart for all occasions not a rare occurence. In terms of cuisine, the Portuguese love seafood as well as sweet treats like honey cakes and pasteis. As a nation which is predominately Roman Catholic and conservative, overly exuberant foreigners are frowned upon while lateness and informal etiquette is also considered rude.
Doing business
Business culture in Portugal observes a strict hierarchical top-down approach to management and leadership. Subordinate employees are expected to do as they are told. Strong business relationships are built on trust between colleagues, and personal connections are important.
Business etiquette is formal yet relaxed. Use titles such as 'Señhor' and 'Señhora' until strictly instructed not to do so, and show deference to those in obvious positions of authority. Business meetings in Portugal must be made by appointment.
The dress code in Portugal is strictly smart and formal - with a strong emphasis placed on presentation. Business hours in Portugal vary, but are generally from 8.30am to 1pm, and 3pm to 6pm, from Monday to Friday.
Duty free
Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarrilos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and 1 litre of spirits over 22% or 2 litres of liquor less than 22% volume; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers.
Communications
The international access code for Portugal is +351, and wifi is available in most hotels, cafes and restaurants throughout Portugal.
Passport & Visa
All visitors, except EEA member states, must hold tickets and documents for their return or onward journey, and proof of paid accommodation (equivalent in convertible currency accepted). The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
UK nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
Australian nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of intended stay, and a Schengen visa.
Irish nationals do not require a visa to visit Portugal. A passport valid on arrival is required.
New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. A passport valid for three months beyond period of intended stay is required.
Useful contacts
Institute of Portugal Tourism, Lisbon: +351 211 205 050 or www.visitportugal.com
112Embassies / consulates in other countries
Portuguese Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 350 5400.
Portuguese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 207 235 5331.
Portuguese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 729 0883
Consulate General of Portugal, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 9262 2199
Portuguese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 341 2340
Portuguese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 412 7040
Portuguese Consulate, Auckland, New Zealand: +64 9 255 2569
Embassies / consulates in Portugal
United States Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 727 3300
British Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 392 4000
Canadian Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 316 4600
Australian Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 310 1500
South African Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 319 2200
Irish Embassy, Lisbon: +351 21 330 8200
New Zealand Consulate, Lisbon: +351 21 314 0780