Algarve from Faro Airport

Old May 19th, 2015, 10:59 PM
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Algarve from Faro Airport

I'm flying into Faro from Belgium. Will be in the Algarve for 3 days before taking the train to Lisbon to continue my vacation. Since I'm traveling alone, would you rent a car or do a home base and stay put for the three days. Would like to see Sagres and the coast, but don't love navigating and driving. Also, where should I base? Thanks!
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Old May 20th, 2015, 12:36 AM
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When are you going? With only three days on the Algarve you really do need to hire a car to get around more quickly, especially if you want to get to the extreme west end.

Where you base depends on your interests. Do you want quiet or nightlife?
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Old May 20th, 2015, 03:12 AM
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I suggest you rent a car. Outside of July-August, rental price is low and you can probably pick a small car for around 50-60 euro. Buy excess insurance in advance. Also load credit on in-car transponder to pay tolls on A22 motorway. Best way to travel along the coast, as N125 is slow and often congested.
As to where to base yourself, you can stay more-or-less anywhere with a car. If staying in towns, get one with parking space as street parking can be difficult. I'd suggest a resort-type hotel on the outskirts for ease of travel and parking. There are many along the coast, around Albufeira, Carvoeiro and Portimao.
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Old May 20th, 2015, 09:04 AM
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Thank you so much for the information. I will be there Sept 15-18. I like quiet and beauty over night life, but would love something to do in the evenings since I will be alone. Hope this help narrow it down.
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Old May 20th, 2015, 09:24 AM
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In that case I'd stay at Lagos. It's more to the west of the region and you'll be at Sagres and Caboose Sao Vicente a lot quicker. There's a good choice of hotels, restaurants and things to do in the evenings.
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Old May 20th, 2015, 09:25 AM
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Sorry, that's Cabo Sao Vicente. Damn auto correct!
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Old May 20th, 2015, 12:59 PM
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Thank you for the information!
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Old May 20th, 2015, 01:24 PM
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Make sure to do the city walk in Faro! Faro is much underrated, it's a very pretty town.
And yes, do rent a car. Driving is easy, even on the N125 coastal road which we never found really congested (we used to stay in the Algarve during the second half of June, year after year).
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Old May 20th, 2015, 02:00 PM
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Great tips MyriamC. Thank you!
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Old May 20th, 2015, 03:30 PM
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do you have a suggestion for a rental car company out of Faro?
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Old May 20th, 2015, 04:06 PM
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There are many. If you go to Auto Europe site, you get about a dozen. Watch out for rental companies without a desk in the terminal but meet you in one of the parking lots. You now have to pay a surcharge of 15 euro per rental, collected by the airport operator. Those that take you by a minibus to an off-site location don't charge. Other than Goldcar, which has poor reputation, there isn't much to choose as there is fierce competition and rates are kept low.
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Old May 20th, 2015, 04:41 PM
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Thank you all. Booked car through AutoEurope and am close to a Airbnb in the areas you mentioned.
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Old May 21st, 2015, 03:16 AM
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It's such a pity that you have only three days. But if you get the chance, try to see the Eastern Algarve, too. The scenery is totally different from the Western Algarve. For example, the beaches in Tavira, Cabanas de Tavira are on islands (you get there by small boat). These beaches are miles and miles long (I believe Ilha de Tavira's beach is 11 kms long) and of the finest white sand whereas in the Western part you'll have the rock formations on the beach, the creeks, and the sand is golden.
The old town of Tavira is very nice, too. Quiet and relaxed atmosphere, no loud disco's etc.
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Old May 21st, 2015, 03:16 AM
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And I forgot to say: ENJOY!!!
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Old May 22nd, 2015, 08:17 AM
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We just spent four days in the Algarve divided between 2 days in Tavira (eastern Algarve) and 2 days in Sagres (western tip), and while Sagres was fascinating to see, we much preferred Tavira. More to do and see and also less windy. We spent a day at the Ilha de Tavira (beach) and it was beautiful. Also, there are some very good restaurants in Tavira.
We drove through Lagos enroute to Sagres and thought it horribly built up and overrun with tourists. The towns near that stretch of the Algarve all seem similarly buildup and touristy. Personally, I would avoid!
I would definitely rent a car ( we bussed in from Sevilla to Faro airport to pick our car up, preferring to rent from a major instead of a lesser-known car rental agency in Tavira). Driving in the Algarve is easy, although narrow streets in places like Tavira make a small car preferable. It is a gorgeous area - enjoy all the fresh fish!
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Old May 22nd, 2015, 11:00 AM
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I agree with el13207 re Lagos. I, too, am a big fan of Tavira. But if I were to stay in the western Algarve, I'd choose Carvoeiro.
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Old May 25th, 2015, 05:40 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions about the Eastern Algarve. I definitely would prefer quiet and beauty over a touristy spot.

el13207 how was the bus from Sevilla?I am considering taking it from Lagos or Faro to Sevilla after my Algarve visit.
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