Flight infomation
Faro Airport is the main point of entry for most visitors to the
Algarve. The following airlines operate regular services.
Scheduled Airlines
British Airways
Lufthansa
British Midland Airways
Charter Airlines
Airtours
EasyJet
BMIBaby
Monarch Airlines
Flight Booking Agencies
Jetsetters - Tel: 0990-168-226
Direct Flights - Tel: 0208-246-6060
www.lastminute.com
www.flynow.com
www.dialaflight.com
www.bargainflights.com
www.expedia.com
Airport
Faro International airport is less than an hour away from the complex.
If you are hirng a car, you can pick it up from here. Taxis are also
available at your own arrangement. However, transfers can be arranged
by us. The taxi driver will meet your party in the arrivals hall, with
a name board. Please state if you require this service in the booking form.
Prices for Taxi Transfers:
1-4 Persons - Euros 90,00
4-6 Persons - Euros 105,00
back to topTaxis
Taxis in urban areas usaully charge according to the taximeter.
Outside these areas the charge is per kilometre and this includes
the cost of the drivers return trip. Luggage over 30 kilos
is charged at a fixed rate. All taxis drivers have in their
possession printed rates in two languages.
Disabled facilities
Special parking spaces are available in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations,
and centres of entertainment. In the Foz da ria complex, we have lift access to all floors.
Driving
- You must always carry documents, licence & passport.
- Portugal drives on the right side.
- All vehicles approaching from the right have priority.
- The driver already on a roundabout has the right of way.
- Safety-belts are compulsory in all circumstances.
- Drinking and driving is limited to a restriction of 0.5 g/l.
- Children under 12 are prohibited from sitting in the front.
- Child seats are required up to age five.
- Unless otherwise indicated urban limit is 50 km/h.
- Rural roads are limited to 90 km/h.
- Motorways are limited to 120 km/h.
contsulates/Embassies
Most European countries have contsulates in the Algarve -
usually in Portimão or Faro.
Currency
Euros. Travellers cheques and credit cards are generally
accepted. Money can be changed at Banks, Bureau De Change
(cambio). These facilities will offer a better rate than
in Hotels and Receptions. Banks are open from Monday through
to Friday, from 08.30 hrs. to 15.00 hrs. Numerous ATMs (Cashpoint).
Tax (IVA)
This tax that is the same as VAT is known as IVA in Portugal,
and is at present 5% on hotel accommodation, 12% on restaurant
services and 21% on other services and goods. Persons from
outside the European Union (EU) and visiting for less than
180 days, can reclaim this tax for goods bought at selected
shops (please look for the “TAX FREE” sign) by
requesting a form named Isenção de IVA. This
form is presented to customs when leaving the country.
Electrical current
The current all over Portugal is 220 volts AC and contnection
is made by a two-pin plug. A European Travel Plug is advised.
Emergency
By calling anywhere in Portugal on 112 you will be contnected
to Fire, Police and Ambulance services. Every Fire Brigade
also maintains one or more ambulances for emergencies.
Chemists can give advice on simple health problems and
suggest appropriate treatment. They are also permitted
to sell many medicines without a doctor's subscription.
A green cross on white background denotes a chemist. A
red cross on a white background denotes a Red Cross station.
In most towns there are Emergency Treatment Centres (SAP)
that will provide medical assistance 24 hours a day.
There are numerous chemists in all main resorts and a notice on the door will indicate which chemist has emergency night/weekend service.
Medical facilities
Private medical facilities throughout the Algarve are excellent.
There are many English 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
contsidered essential.
You can claim back most of your treatment and medication costs if you fall ill or have an accident during your stay if you carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). However, please note: only state-provided emergency treatment is covered. You generally won't be covered for private treatment.
You can obtain the EHIC Card by picking up an application form from your post office - please allow at least 21 days for delivery. Or Online by visiting www.dh.gov.uk/travellers - your application should be processed within 7 days.
Commercial hours
The normal shopping hours are from 09.00 hrs. until 19.00
hrs on Mondays to Fridays. Saturdays is from 09.00 hrs.
until 13.00 hrs. There are some shops that extend their
hours and their days of opening.
Food & Drink
You will not go hungry in the Algarve! Dining is earlier
than in Spain - normally 19.30 - 22.00.
Some local specialities to look for:
Sardines - the staple dish of the Algarve,
served in most restaurants. The most atmospheric place to enjoy them freshly
grilled is on the quayside at Portimão.
Chicken Piri Piri - Piri Piri is a spicy contdiment brought
to Portugal from Africa. It comes in a variety of forms -
paste, oil and powder - and is used to give zest to a number
of dishes, the most popular being grilled chicken. Although
available in most restaurants the best place to enjoy it
is on the Monchique mountain.
Presunto - similar to Parma Ham. A Speciality of Monchique, served in most restaurants often with melon.
Caldeirada - delicious fish stew with tomatoes, onions and potatoes.
Cataplana - clams, chouriço (sausage), onions, tomatoes and herbs all steamed in a copper pot.
Arroz Doce - traditional rice pudding.
Molotoff - a traditional dessert made with egg whites and a caramel sauce.
Torta de Amendoa - Almond roll.
Tarte de Amendoa - Almond tart.
Vegetarian meals are available in many restaurants.
Portugal is becoming better known internationally for its wide range of wine.
Try some of the following:
Aperitifs - white port
Vinho Verde - "Green" wine from northwest Portugal
Casal Garcia, Gatão, Alveleda.
Vinho Rosé - "Pink" wine - light and refreshing
Lancers, Casal Mendes.
Vinho Branco (White wine) - BSE, Planalto, Monte Velho, Porto da Ravessa, João Pires, Topazio.
Vinho Tinto (Red wine) Angelus, Periquita, Porto da Ravessa, Redonda, Reguengos, Colares.
Sparkling - cheaper than Champagne and very pleasant.
Markets
Even the smallest villages usually have a daily morning market
for fresh fruit, 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.
Tipping
A tip of 10% for good service is normal in restaurants, for
taxis and similar services.
Holiday periods
The peak season is mid-July to end August when everywhere
is very busy. March/April/May are ideal months for sports
enthusiasts and the countryside is in full flower.
June is still relatively quiet, warmer and very suitable for small children or the elderly.
September/October - pleasant temperature, warm sea and balmy evenings.
November - February - some heavy rain can be expected but otherwise predominantly sunny with daytime temperatures averaging 10-15ºC but dropping to 3-5ºC at night. Frosts are rare.
National holidays
1st January
25th April
Good Friday
1st May
Corpus Christi (Early June)
10th June
15th August
5th October
1st November
1st December
8th December
25th December
Museums
Although the majority of the museums and art galleries are
State owned there are a number of private Foundations and
individually owned exhibition places. This fact is particularly
evident when wishing to see contemporary art where they tend
to reflect the taste of the owner. State Museums charge a
small entrance fee that is usually waived on Sundays and
Public Holidays. They are open from Tuesday through to Sunday
and pensioners receive a 40% discount on the entrance fee.
Sometimes there is no charge at all for pensioners on showing
your ID. Opening times are normally from 10.00 hours to 17.00
hours, but sometimes closed during lunchtime.
Art galleries
Throughout the country there are many galleries exhibiting
contemporary art for sale for all tastes and pockets. There
is normally no charge to enter these galleries or their exhibitions.
Historic sites
Unfortunately the major earthquake of 1755 destroyed many
of the historical sites but the following are still worth a visit:
Lagos - old city walls; slave market, "Golden Church", Fortress.
Sagres – Light house; Fortress and Navigation School of Prince Henry the Navigator.
Silves - 13th Century Cathedral & 9th Century Castle
Old Town of Faro - Numerous beautiful churches.
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