Car Hire - a Guide to Driving in the Algarve
June 30th, 2008
Liam G asked:
Portugal’s most southern province is known as the Algarve, and with a coastline of roughly 100 miles its no surprise to hear that it is one of Europe’s most visited coastal regions.
Although the Algarve’s popularity has primarily sprouted from its countless coastal resorts, there is much more to the area than sea and sand. Taking to the road in your own car is an excellent way to discover some of the regions more untouched, rural gems.
The first obvious difference to driving in Portugal compared to the UK is that the Portuguese drive on the right hand side, with priority given to vehicles approaching from the right.
A certain degree of diligence is required when driving on the roads of the Algarve, with some drivers paying little attention to the law.
Over recent years though, the Portuguese government has responded to this by pushing their police force harder which has resulted in a considerable rise in clamp downs on bad drivers.
The main areas that carry the highest penalties are drink driving and speeding. It is recommended to avoid drinking all together when driving in the Algarve, as the legal limit throughout Portugal is lower than that exercised throughout the UK.
Breaking the rules of the road will usually result in a fine that must be paid on the spot and in some extreme cases you may have to serve time in jail!
If however, you drive with caution and obey the rules of the road, the Algarve can be a very enjoyable region of Portugal to explore.
The rural sleepy town of Alcoutim can be found in the North Eastern area, where you are able to take your own beautiful tour down the winding road that runs alongside the Algarve’s natural border with Spain - the Guadiana River.
Travelling south down to coast, you are able to take the newly built motorway that spans nearly the entire Algarvian coast. Alternatively, you can opt to take the area in at your own pace by passing through the many rural villages and towns.
Either way chances are you will end up in the town of Monchique, which has managed to escape much of the overwhelming tourism of the more popular towns. This showcases some of the regions most impressive architecture and craftsmanship, while the 17th century monastery provides stunning views of the peaceful surrounding countryside which contrast dramatically with the roaring seas of the Atlantic coast.
Car hire in the Algarve is easily achieved, with the main car hire agencies being situated in the regions capital – Faro. The internet is an excellent way to source and find cheap car hire quotes.
Carl
Portugal’s most southern province is known as the Algarve, and with a coastline of roughly 100 miles its no surprise to hear that it is one of Europe’s most visited coastal regions.
Although the Algarve’s popularity has primarily sprouted from its countless coastal resorts, there is much more to the area than sea and sand. Taking to the road in your own car is an excellent way to discover some of the regions more untouched, rural gems.
The first obvious difference to driving in Portugal compared to the UK is that the Portuguese drive on the right hand side, with priority given to vehicles approaching from the right.
A certain degree of diligence is required when driving on the roads of the Algarve, with some drivers paying little attention to the law.
Over recent years though, the Portuguese government has responded to this by pushing their police force harder which has resulted in a considerable rise in clamp downs on bad drivers.
The main areas that carry the highest penalties are drink driving and speeding. It is recommended to avoid drinking all together when driving in the Algarve, as the legal limit throughout Portugal is lower than that exercised throughout the UK.
Breaking the rules of the road will usually result in a fine that must be paid on the spot and in some extreme cases you may have to serve time in jail!
If however, you drive with caution and obey the rules of the road, the Algarve can be a very enjoyable region of Portugal to explore.
The rural sleepy town of Alcoutim can be found in the North Eastern area, where you are able to take your own beautiful tour down the winding road that runs alongside the Algarve’s natural border with Spain - the Guadiana River.
Travelling south down to coast, you are able to take the newly built motorway that spans nearly the entire Algarvian coast. Alternatively, you can opt to take the area in at your own pace by passing through the many rural villages and towns.
Either way chances are you will end up in the town of Monchique, which has managed to escape much of the overwhelming tourism of the more popular towns. This showcases some of the regions most impressive architecture and craftsmanship, while the 17th century monastery provides stunning views of the peaceful surrounding countryside which contrast dramatically with the roaring seas of the Atlantic coast.
Car hire in the Algarve is easily achieved, with the main car hire agencies being situated in the regions capital – Faro. The internet is an excellent way to source and find cheap car hire quotes.
Carl