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Faro Car Hire
Find the best deals in Faro
With a massive choice from the biggest brands, Enjoy the best way to find the best prices for car hire in Faro.
- Huge choice of cars to suit every budget
- Save up to 70% compared to buying on the day
- 10 years experience in car hire
Compare car hire in Faro
- There are dozens of car hire companies in and around Faro airport and some real bargains can be found, especially with our local partners.
- Prices start from as low as £2 per day depending on the time of year and type of vehicle. For example, a Peugeot 108 or similar in November time will be around £2.50 per day whereas a Ford Focus in summer might be closer to £30.
- With such a wide range of car hire companies in the area it’s vital you choose a reputable and reliable provider. We carefully select our local partners and you’ll have the chance to see customer ratings for each company when you are making your booking through Enjoy Car Hire.
- It’s important to have a good idea of what you want from your hire vehicle, particularly in terms of size. Think carefully about how much luggage you’ll have and what type of journeys you plan to make.
- It’s a good idea to book extras in advance so your rental is ready to go the moment you collect it. You can add things like infant and child seats, Sat-Nav when you make your booking through Enjoy Car Hire.
Guide to Faro
A Potted History
The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans all had settlements in the Algarve region and form part of its rich and varied history. It was from the 8th Century the region began to develop into size and shape we know today. In this period, it was a Moorish kingdom, and formed the Western most point of their Iberian empire. In fact, the word Algarve comes from the Arabic name Al Gharb, meaning ‘the West’. Traces of Moorish culture can be seen in the Algarve today, most notably in the architecture such as the flat roofs and tall chimneys.
In the 12th Century, the Christians began to capture parts of the Algarve and expelled the Moors. The region was eventually incorporated into the Kingdom of Portugal and by the 15th century was contributing to the strong seafaring tradition of the nation, including shipbuilding in Lagos. Sagres was the home of Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in the early days of the Portuguese Empire and initiator of the age of discoveries.
About the Algarve
The Algarve sits at the southern end of Portugal and is an extremely popular destination for tourists from all corners of Europe and beyond. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure holiday, or days of bliss by the pool there is something for you here. With plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, towns such as Albufeira, Faro and Lagos serve as excellent base locations. From one of these you can explore everything the region has to offer.
The sea, and exploration has contributed enormously to the essence and identity of Portugal. The Algarve is no exception, with over 155km of coastline, you will find the spirit of the sea wherever you go in the region. Technically the sea along the Algarve coast is the Atlantic Ocean (the Mediterranean really starts at the Strait of Gibraltar) but the two bodies of water meet and mingle all along the Iberian coast.
Getting to and from Faro
The main airport serving the Algarve is Faro airport (FAO), an international airport and the 2nd largest in Portugal.
Things to do in and around Faro
This region of Portugal is synonymous with golfing, there are hundreds of top-courses attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. You may not be Tiger Woods, but it would be a shame to miss out on this fun Algarve past-time. There are some excellent, family-friendly courses for golfers of all skill levels, including Laguna Golf Course, Vilamoura.
The Algarve has become increasingly known for its high-quality wine output. Some of the best Portuguese growing conditions are in this region. British pop-legend Sir Cliff Richard has a vineyard in Guia, which you can visit for tastings. Speaking of wine, let’s talk about cork. Almost half of the world’s cork is produced in Portugal, travel north to the Evora region for a cork farm tour, a fascinating and unique experience.
For family groups there is no end to the fun on offer. Waterparks including Aqualand and Zoomarine are great for kids and adults alike. Don’t restrict yourself to inland water-fun though, get out to sea on one of the many boat trips available throughout the Algarve. From dolphin watching to fishing trips, most harbourfront areas of Algarve towns offer a wealth of affordable options. If you’re feeling more adventurous you’ll be interested in the many watersport opportunities available, for beginners and the more advanced alike. Check out Algarve Watersport based in Lagos for some great opportunities.
Eating out in Faro
Quinta da Saudade, Guia, Albufeira. It’s worth the effort of travelling little outside main-town Albufeira to visit this charmingly authentic restaurant. Serving high quality local and Mediterranean cuisine and wines at medium-range prices. Perfect for adult groups and couples. Address: Vale de Parra, Guia, 8200-423 Phone: +351 968 842 700
La Forchetta, Faro. When looking for somewhere to eat with the kids you won’t go far wrong with simple but delicious Italian food. La Forchetta sells a range of pizza and pasta dishes which will go down a treat with the whole family. Address: Largo de São Pedro nº 54 8000-381 Faro Phone: +351 912 980 617
São Gabriel If you want something really special, look no further than São Gabriel. Half way between Faro and Vilamoura this Michelin star awarded restaurant is a treat for the serious foodies out there. Especially recommended is the delicious and not unaffordable Sunday lunch menu. Address: Estrada Vale do Lobo Quinta do Lago 8135 Almancil Phone: +351 289 394 521
Where to stay in Faro
Faro is a small town that many travellers often bypass for other locations around the Algarve where they can play golf or have the choice of amazing hotels. Faro town is however a great place to explore and one night in one of the very few hotels can be a great way to relax.
Hotel Faro: The name says it all, it is right in the centre of the town and linked to the bustling side streets that host numerous bars, clubs and restaurants in the evening. Directly facing the harbour the hotel has a great restaurant that serves local classics and great wine.
Hotel Eva: This hotel is a favourite because of its view of the harbour and the boats that have moored up. With not only a great restaurant overlooking these views it also has a rooftop bar with a swimming pool which makes it very popular with guests in the summertime.
Hotel Ibis: Montenegro area, This one is the budget option, just outside of town and right next to the airport and is used for travellers who may want to fly in late or fly our early. A short drive to the town centre no more than five minutes and close to the big shopping Mall in Faro it is a great cheaper option to stay. The added advantage here is that it has a large swimming pool area out the back where you can quietly relax before exploring further afield.