Search for car hire in Algarve

Portugal’s standout region, the Algarve represents the country while also being distinctly different.

With golden sands, aqua waters and a year-round climate that makes everyday the perfect beach day, Portugal's southern coast has developed into a holidaymaker's paradise. Resort dedicated towns, golf courses and hotels have taken over most of the Algarve, though you can still find the occasional fishing village and mementos of the area’s Moorish roots.

From the Algarve’s capital, Faro, you can drive along the shoreline, stopping to explore the region’s famous coves and spectacular red-tinted rock formations. Search for the car hire that suits you best with easyCar and discover Portugal’s vacation hotspot.

The Algarve is the southern region of Portugal, spanning the whole of the south coast from Sagres in the west to Vila Real do Santo António in the east.

The main arterial highway is the A22 (also called the IP1 and the E1) travelling from east to west across the region.

Faro, almost in the middle, is the main city and the location of the international airport. East of Faro, towns like Olhao and Tavira offer traditional Portuguese lifestyles while the towns in the west, such as Albufeira, Portimao and Lagos, are almost as British and German as they are Portuguese.

Things to see

If you are looking for a golfing holiday, the most popular courses are Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, possibly because these are closest to Faro. Their closest town is Quarteira, just up the road from the popular marina of Vilamoura.

There are other golf courses though, such as the Faldo Amendoeira course near Vilamoura and the Oceanico Millennium course in Vilamoura.

In Albufeira you can enjoy some modern nightlife on The Strip or a daytime visit to Cliff Richard’s vineyard at Adega do Cantor (the singer’s wine cellar).

Everywhere you go, people will speak English. In some cases, many young Algarvians speak English more than they speak their own language.

Further afield

The town of Évora, further north in the Alentejo region, is a lively mix of history, tradition and culture. Here, you can visit the Roman Temple, the Romanesque-gothic Cathedral, Saint Francis Church with the Bones Chapel, and the University.

Drive on to Beja, where the town is dominated by the highest tower of all Portuguese medieval castles.

In the Algarve, visit Silves, dominated by its red sandstone castle which dates back to Moorish times. Silves is also famous historically for its cork industry.

Visit the fishing port of Sagres, the town that gave its name to the popular beer. The Sagres fortress is the mythical “navigation school” linked with Prince Henry the Navigator.