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The gem of the Algarve region of Southern Portugal, Faro is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in the country. From its sweeping coastlines to its world-famous golf courses and abundance of attractions, it’s no wonder the city sees a high footfall of tourists every year. With so much to see, and an abundance of road trip possibilities, Faro is a popular car hire destination. Some essential tips for car hire in Faro are:
Book in Advance: Booking in advance is the best way to ensure that the vehicle you want is available on the date of your travel and that you secure the vehicle. As Faro is a favoured holiday spot all year round, car hire in Faro city centre or Faro Airport is popular with both tourists and locals.
Opt for Airports: Hiring your car from Faro Airport can help you get better deals, meaning you can enjoy everything Faro and the Algarve has to offer without worrying about overspending.
No matter your reason for visiting Faro, whether planning a business trip with colleagues or planning a family holiday, Enjoy Travel offers an extensive range of vehicles to perfectly match your preferences. When you’re looking for efficient, reliable, and low-cost car hire in Portugal, choose Enjoy Travel.
We offer low-cost car hire for those days when public transport just isn’t an option for you. Exploring the Algarve by car is arguably the best way to appreciate everything the region has to offer, from its famous golf courses to its rich history and camera-worthy sights. Being strategic and well-organised with your car hire is imperative, especially during the months of June to August when tourist season is at its peak.
During peak summer months, Faro sees a higher demand for car rentals as the number of tourists increases. To avoid missing out on your ideal vehicle, ensure you book your hire car at least one month in advance, especially between June and August.
● The general speed limit in Portugal is 75 mph (120 km/ph) on motorways and 30 mph (48 km/ph) in inner city or built-up areas.
● All road signs are shown in kilometres.
● In Faro, as with the rest of Portugal, driving is on the right side of the road and overtaking is on the left.
● All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times.
● Faro’s car hire age requirements are the same as the country’s – to drive in Portugal, you must be 18 or older, and to hire a vehicle you must be 21 or over.
● You must have any relevant paperwork and a full valid driving licence to hand.
● It is illegal to use your phone when driving any vehicle.
● It is illegal to run a red light in Faro.
● Give way to the right when driving.
● Every occupant of the vehicle must wear a seatbelt.
● Using your phone while driving is illegal. If you absolutely have to use your phone, switch to hands-free mode so you’re not distracted.
● The busiest times trafficwise are from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
● Many rental cars in Faro may be fitted with an electronic transponder, depending on the supplier. This is used for toll roads, which are common in Faro and other areas across the country. The cost of the transponder will normally be added to the overall cost of the vehicle rental.
Parking in Faro is usually street parking, with various parking garages and parking zones available usually for a fee. Certain coloured zones may indicate the type of parking available, such as residential or permit holders only, free parking, or paid parking. There are usually also on-street parking meters available for drivers to pay for their parking.
If you park your car in the wrong designated area or on yellow lines, you may incur a fine of up to €200. You should ensure when parking on one-way or single-entry streets that you park facing the same direction as oncoming traffic.
For free parking, there are certain areas like Largo de São Francisco, a large car park close to the city that provides parking free of charge. For parking meters, ensure you have cash to hand in case card payments are not accepted.
As Faro is small, parking is usually easy to find, especially if you are in the city centre or in busier areas. During peak tourist season, large parking areas like Largo de São Francisco may be full, so ensure that you have backup options readily available if you struggle to find a parking space. Apps like EasyPark and other online platforms can help you find parking options in your area, so consider using them if you’re new to Faro and are wondering where to store your vehicle. For the most part, parking is signposted.
Faro and the Algarve provide locals and tourists with a variety of things to do– from wine tours to golf courses and cultural and historical hubs like museums. Faro and the Algarve are often cited together when talking about attractions or things to do, and as Faro is the capital of the Algarve region, you’ll surely find many exciting and fulfilling activities to make your trip memorable.
Some of the best things to do in Faro and the Algarve include:
Waterparks: Waterparks including Aqualand and Zoomarine are great for kids and adults alike. For more water-based activities, why not head on a boating tour around the Algarve?
Algarve Science Centre: Head to the fascinating Algarve Science Centre, which hosts an abundance of interactive activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained and occupied. Learn about science, nature, and interesting facts and information that’ll leave you in awe.
Golf Courses: The Algarve is known for its stunning and world-famous golf courses, where you can tee off and try your hand at one of the world’s most well-loved sports. Some of the most renowned golf courses in the region include Monte Rei, Quinta do Lago, and Vilamoura.
The mode of transport that’s right for you depends solely on your personal circumstances and preferences. If you want to access somewhere without having to worry about parking, opt for a bus. Taxi fares are usually reasonable, depending on the length of the journey– on average, you can expect a taxi to cost around €10-15 for around a 10-minute journey. Faro also has an efficient railway station to transport you quickly to other cities or regions and an airport for domestic or international travel.
Buses are one of Faro’s main modes of transport, with destinations including other cities and areas in the Algarve, such as Albufeira or Vilamoura, plus citywide areas. Payments on buses include contactless payments or cash. You can expect to find a bus to most small towns surrounding Faro. Bus stations are usually at their busiest between June and August.
Taxis around Faro are also popular ways of getting around the city, as fares tend to remain affordable and reasonable, and taxis are efficient and convenient ways of accessing attractions and other sights. Taxis are a good option for people who don’t want to rely on public transport.
Vilamoura: A prime Algarve tourist hotspot, this resort town is known for its world-famous golf courses, large marina where you can take boat tours to neighbouring towns or cities, and its entertainment scene which includes a casino and several bars/restaurants. A short distance away, you can relax and soak up the sun at Praia de Vilamoura, a well-loved beach that is lined with clubs and bars.ç
Distance from Faro: 15,4 miles
Albufeira: Complete with a lively marina, bustling nightlife and entertainment scene, and even more sand and sea, Albufeira is also a short distance from Faro and is certainly worth the journey. Why not take a boat trip to go dolphin watching, or explore the Algarve’s waters?
Distance from Faro: 28,4 miles
Tavira: Complete with medieval buildings, beaches, and lagoons, Tavira is a hidden gem of the Algarve. And with flamingos and other bird species often setting up home here, Tavira is the perfect place for birdwatching.
Distance from Faro: 23,7 miles
The Algarve is filled to the brim with must-see sights, so it’s a good idea to have an itinerary and plan the places you want to visit, and how you will get to them. Use a sat-nav, Google Maps, or additional navigation tools to help make your journey easier and more convenient.
Much like the UK, Faro has certain times of day where traffic is heavier than normal, such as rush hour. Avoid driving between 7-9 am and 4-7 pm on weekdays, if you can.
Driving gives you much more freedom to explore your destination based on your own timings and preferences. However, car hire is not for everyone.
The advantages of driving in Faro and the Algarve include the ability to access places that might not be reached by public transport or that are a little further away. Additionally, you have the freedom to access places in your own time. Public transport can be unreliable, as delays or cancellations may occur.
Driving in Portugal can be hard, especially if you’re unfamiliar with roads or regulations, and when driving on toll roads, which are common in Portugal.
From downtown Faro or Faro Airport (FAO), you can find a large selection of vehicles supplied by some of the most trusted and well-known car hire suppliers in Europe. Select from a compact Volkswagen Polo, a spacious Volvo V60, or for larger groups or families, a 7-seater Mercedes V-Class.
Enjoy Travel sources and provide low-cost and exceptionally reliable vehicles from well-known and well-loved companies: Airauto, Alamo, Avis, Best Deals, Budget, Centauro, Dollar Europe, Drive on Holidays, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, GoldCar, Guerin, Hertz, Keddy, Key-n-Go, KlassWagen, Luz Ocean Drive, Million Car Hire, Movyng, National, Ok Mobility, PAA, SurPrice, Tangerine, Thrifty, Yes Car Hire.
The best way to ensure the company you hire from is reputable and reliable is to read previous reviews about the services offered and assess whether they align with your expectations and requirements.
Name | Review | Rating |
---|---|---|
Sophie Webster | Booked a Fiat 500 for our weekend trip. It was super easy to drive and perfect for squeezing into tight parking spots. Pick-up and return were both quick. | |
James Thomas | Rented a Volkswagen Golf for a lads’ golf weekend. Plenty of space for our gear and a smooth ride along the coast. Would definitely book again. | |
Elena R. | My partner and I hired a Renault Clio. It was in great condition, really fuel-efficient, and ideal for the two of us exploring Algarve. | |
David Morgen | Got a BMW 3 Series for a work trip. The car looked sharp, drove beautifully, and made a great impression at my meetings. | |
Rachel & Dan | Hired a Peugeot 2008 for our family holiday. Loads of space for our two kids and all our beach bags. Seats were comfy and air con was a lifesaver. | |
Tom King | The Seat Ibiza I rented did the job fine, but the air conditioning wasn’t great and it took a bit longer than expected to collect the car. | |
Lucia F. | I loved our Nissan Juke, it looked great and handled really well on the coastal roads. Staff were super helpful too. | |
Chris Nolen | Rented a Citroën C3 Aircross, loads of room for three of us and our bags. The car was clean and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. | |
Anna Garvey | I was traveling solo and booked a Toyota Aygo. It was tiny but super convenient for city driving and parking. Cheap on fuel too! | |
Paul Hughes | I rented a Mercedes A-Class for a few days and it was honestly one of the nicest cars I’ve driven on holiday. Very smooth and well maintained. | |
Claire Dunne | We needed a family-sized vehicle and the Ford Focus Estate was perfect. Fit all our luggage, the pram, and still had space to spare. No complaints. | |
Andre S. | Opted for an Opel Corsa; it was very clean and reliable. No issues at all and would hire again. | |
Ben & Laura | We picked up a Skoda Fabia at Faro Airport. Everything went to plan and the car was spotless. Good value for money. | |
Yasmin Evora | The Hyundai i10 was easy to drive and perfect for day trips from Faro. The rental team was friendly and efficient. | |
Mark Johnson | Rented a Kia Ceed, plenty of space and super smooth to drive. Great choice for our road trip up the coast. | |
Natalie Cambell | I got a Dacia Sandero for a long weekend with friends. It was basic but did exactly what we needed. Pick-up was quick and stress-free. | |
Jonas Beaufort | Booked a Volvo XC40 for a business trip. Really comfortable ride and loads of safety features, which I appreciated. Would definitely recommend. | |
Emma Tumlin | We had a Citroën C4. The car itself was fine, but the collection desk at Faro was really slow. Took nearly 45 minutes to get the keys. | |
Holly Pratt | Took a Fiat Panda for a spin around Algarve. Not the most powerful car, but super easy to park and very economical. | |
Matt Rickford | We hired a Mazda CX-5 for a week with the family. Great car, plenty of room, and very comfortable for long drives. No issues at all. |