Car rental in
Algarve

Driving License

Driving licenses printed in a non-Roman alphabet need to be accompanied by an International Driving License. Licenses from non-EU countries (except Switzerland) are accepted if no visa is in their passport at time of hire or they have been in Europe for less than 6 months, otherwise a license issued from an EU country will be required.

Minimum age and additional drivers

The minimum age to rent a car in the Algarve is 19 and drivers must be in possession of a valid driving license for a year. Please remember if you have additional drivers they must also show their valid, original driver's license when you pick up your rental vehicle.

Refueling

When you rent a car in the Algarve with Sixt you will receive a vehicle with a full tank of gas. The rental vehicle needs to be returned with a full tank as well to avoid additional costs. However, if you book our prepaid fuel option which offers the possibility to buy a complete filling of the tank at a cost often on par with local prices you are allowed to return your rental car with less than a full tank of gas.

Accidents

In the event of an accident please contact the police immediately and report damages directly to Sixt. You can reach emergency services by dialing 112.

If you need some tips on driving in the Algarve and the rest of Portugal, check out our article on driving tips for Europe.

The Algarve is an extremely popular tourist destination and its population swells in the summer months. Drive your rental car inland to the many villages where the traditional Algarvian way of life is still going strong. A stunning example is the picturesque village of Alte thirty miles northwest of Loule. The village is famous for its flowers, whitewashed buildings and numerous cafes and restaurants serving the best in Algarvian cuisine. While the east and central coast are populated with many resorts, for more of a wild experience go west where you will find unspoiled nature and a dramatic coastline shaped by the rough Atlantic Ocean. The windswept Cabo de Sao Vicente at the southwestern most tip of Europe is a spectacular spot, be sure to visit the small Museo dos Farois house in a red lighthouse set out on the cape.

• From Faro to Cabo de Sao Vicente: 75 miles via A22 in 1hr 29 minutes
• From Lagos to Cabo de Sao Vicente: 23 miles via N125 and N268 in 43 minutes

Lagos

Lagos is the ideal city break in the Algarve with its tourist friendly beaches, vibrant nightlife and superb rocky coastline. Local traditions are celebrated in the town with markets selling handicrafts and restaurants serving traditional cuisine. It is an ancient town with more than 2000 years of history reflected in its architecture. Be sure to see the city walls that encircled the old city of Lagos, parts are still standing and are excellently preserved.

Faro

Faro is a beautiful city with a rich ecosystem due to its proximity to the Nature Park of Ria Forma. We highly recommend taking a walk around the pretty streets of the old quarter, a visit to the palace and gardens of the Estoi Palace and also the medieval Cathedral of Faro which is a national monument.

Silves

The peaceful town of Silves is dominated by a spectacular Moorish castle in its center and makes a great getaway from the busy coastline. For a quick car rental road trip in the Algarve take the 30 minute drive on the A22 from Lagos. Steeped in tradition there are hardly any signs of modern development here, especially noticeable while taking a walk over the Ponte Romana bridge and up into the hills opposite to get a stunning view of the town.

Climate

Visitors will enjoy a trip to the Algarve year round. In summer temperatures can get as high as 48 degrees, which brings many visitors to its stunning beaches. The short and mild winter means temperatures rarely fall below zero.There are strong winds and rougher seas from the Atlantic in the west, while the central coast is more sheltered and can feel even hotter.

Cuisine

Fresh fish is the most common ingredient in Algarvian cuisine. Clams are extremely popular and served with rice and in many stew and casserole dishes. Skewered sardines have a strong reputation in Portimão while Santa Luzia is famous for its many ways of serving octopus. Clams in a cataplana is a highly sought after dish, cooked in an Arabian copper pan the clams retain their full flavor.

Traveling with Children

The Fiesa Sand Sculpture Festival runs annually from May to October, it is the largest festival of its kind in the world and a great day out for children. The Algarve's maritime past is well documented in museums in Lagos and Faro and many of the exhibitions have interactive elements that will entertain children as well. There are the countless fantastic beaches, be sure to mind the sun and heed the lifeguard's warnings and bathing advice. A country picnic during a scenic drive through the Algarvian countryside, especially along the River Arade which is a great spot for bird watching too.