GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE ALGARVE

Fortresses/Castles/Palaces

• Sagres
• Cape St. Vincent
• Luz
• Lagos
• Aljezur
• Silves
• Loul
• Faro
• Estoi.

Roman Ruins

• Milreu (near Estoi)
• Cerro da Vila, Vilamoura.

Museums

• Silves (archaeological)
• Faro (archaeological and maritime)
• Lagos
• Aljezur
• Loul
• So Bras de Alportel (ethnic)

Churches

• Silves Cathedral
• Faro Cathedral
• Aljezur
• Bordeira
• Vila do Bispo
• Lagos
• Alte
• So Loureno
• Loul

Lighthouses

• Lagos
• Sagres.

Areas of scenic beauty

• Rio Formosa Nature Reserve (Almancil)
• Serra do Caldeiro (north of Loul)
• Serra do Monchique
• West Coast - Vila do Bispo, Carrapateira, Aljezur, Odeceixe
• Reservoirs - Barragem de Bravura, Odiaxere.
• Barragem de Santa Clara
• Barragem do Arade/Funcho, Silves.
• Ponte de Piedade, Lagos

Marinas

• Faro
• Vilamoura,
• Portimo
• Lagos.

Festivals

• Carnival, Loul (weekend before start of Lent)
• Senhora da Piedade, Loul (2nd Sunday after Easter)
• Beer Festival, Silves (usually in July)
• Sardine Festival, Portimo (usually in July)
• Fatacil, Lagoa - ethnic crafts (mid August)

LOCAL HANDICRAFTS

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

FOOD & DRINK

You will not go hungry in the Algarve! Dining is earlier than in Spain - normally 19.30 - 23.00.
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.
Restaurant recommendations are in the Villa Information Folder.

Some local specialities to look for:

Vegetarian meals are available in many restaurants.

Portugal is becoming better known internationally for its wide range of wine.
Try some of the following:

After Dinner Drinks :

MARKETS

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 colourful 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 specialities.

SUPERMARKETS

Generally open 09.00 - 19.00 Monday - Saturday,
09.00 - 13.00 on Sunday.
Longer hours in the peak season.

HIPERMARKETS

09.00 - 21.00 Monday - Saturday.
09.00 - 13.00 on Sunday.
Longer hours in the peak season.

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

BABY PRODUCTS

Disposable nappies, baby food and toiletries available.

DIABETIC PRODUCTS

A reasonable range of products is available in the better supermarkets, and there are also a number of health food shops in the main holiday centres.

DRIVING IN PORTUGAL

Driving is on the right side of the road. Except where indicated traffic from the right has priority. Traffic on a roundabout has right of way.

Any infringement of these regulations carry heavy on the spot fines.

The long awaited motorways are now open.

The A2 links the North of Portugal with the Algarve and the A22 runs West - East linking Portugal with Spain. Click HERE to see map showing exits from the A22 to the various Algarve resorts.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

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 refer to our insurance section.

CURRENCY

Euros. Travellers cheques and credit cards are generally accepted. Numerous ATMs (Cashpoint).

TIPPING

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

ELECTRICITY

220 volts; Plugs are Continental 2-pin.
 

DRESS CODE

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

CONSULATES/EMBASSIES

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

VISAS

Nationals of the EU (European Union), Australia and New Zealand, require only their passport or Identity Document for a stay of up to 90 days. American and Canadian nationals may stay for a period of 60 days with a valid passport. Other countries are subject to visa controls and it is recommended that you check with the Portuguese Consul in your country.

LOCAL MEDIA

Weekly English language newspapers:

Monthly German language publications:

Radio Stations:

Books and Maps:

Pre-holiday Reading:

Travel Guides:

RELIGION

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

Many other religions are represented such as: