The coastal delights of the Algarve provide some spectacular sights, with the additional bonus of a natural park running part way up the west coast of Portugal. It’s well worth hiring a car from Faro Airport if you wish to make the most of your time exploring the area, whether you’re visiting on business or for pleasure.

Faro Airport is close to the A-22 – the major road which runs along the country’s south coast. It gives tourists and locals alike convenient access to the resorts and landmarks that are dotted up and down the coastline. Once the A-22 crosses the eastern border of Portugal into Spain, it becomes the A-49 which continues east towards Seville.

The A-2 road runs north from Faro to Lisbon via some of the Algarve’s very best scenery. It also leads to the Guadiana Valley Natural Park, which sits in south-east Portugal. The A-2 and A-22 roads are subject to tolls and the costs can vary, but they’re generally based on the kind of vehicle you’re driving. Speak to our staff in-branch to find out how much you can expect to pay during your journey. You’ll find it good value for money though, especially as the majority of native drivers prefer to avoid using the tolled roads, so there can be a lot of traffic on alternative routes.

In Portugal, cars are driven on the right-hand side of the road and, except where indicated, drivers approaching from the right have priority. The national speed limit on motorways in Portugal is 120kph. On main roads, it’s 90kph and in built-up areas, the limit is 50kph. Seatbelts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers.

Many visitors to the Algarve are content with soaking up the weather from the comfort of a sun lounger. But for those who’d rather be on the road, there are some wonderful places to visit in and around Faro, which not only tell the story of this much-desired location but also provide some of the continent’s greatest scenery. Hop in your Faro Airport hire car and all it’s all within very easy reach.

From grapes to golf

As well as the favourable coastal climate providing spacious beaches and warm waters, further up you’ll find hills and valleys more akin to the wine regions of France. This Barrocal region is good for growing those much sought-after grapes, while the Algarve is justly famous for its culinary delights. But this is also somewhere known for its many excellent golf courses, which combine competitive terrain and amazing views of the coastline. Wherever you’re planning to stay during your trip you won’t be too far away from a scenic and sun-kissed round or two.

History, shopping and seafood

The city of Faro has preserved many surviving landmarks of its long history. The Palace of Estoi, built in the 19th century, gives visitors a glimpse of what life was like in the region back then. In nearby Milreu, you’ll also find the ruins of a Roman villa – proof of the Roman presence in the Algarve even as far back as the 1st century AD. At Faro’s Municipal Museum of Archaeology, you can find out more about these digs and discoveries.

At the Galeria de Faro shopping centre you’ll find a treasure trove of arts and crafts lovingly made by some dedicated creative minds, great as a souvenir of your journey and a fun insight into the local culture.

Seafood fans visiting the Algarve will be delighted by the menu on offer. Given its ideal location on the shore, Faro restaurants serve the finest selection of local seasonal catches - sardines are so popular in the area that they even get their own annual festival. They’re at their best simply grilled, with a squeeze of lemon, although more ambitious cooks have elevated this humble fish too.

Views, hiking and architecture

Further afar, you’ll find many desirable spots for spending some quality time away from the busy resorts. Cabo de Sao Vicente is the most south-western point of Europe and offers unrivalled views. From here you can admire a beautiful sunset and find out about the maritime history of the region from the old lighthouse which is still in use.

Via Algarviana is an old road which spans the length of the region’s coastline and serves as an exceedingly popular hiking trail full of fascinating flora and fauna. From here you’ll have access to some of the world’s best beaches – the Algarve is noted for its beautiful Mediterranean sands, with the bonus of the Atlantic conditions favoured by water-sports fans.

You must stop off to see the coastline at Lagoa - a highlight for many visitors and a chance to take in some more brilliant architecture. It’s known as much for its fantastic view off the coast as it is for the friendly hosts, while the sands of Praia de Marinha provide a spectacular beach experience perfect for lazing in the sun or taking a boat onto the waters.

Whether you’re in the Algarve for a couple of days or an extended break, hiring a car from Faro Airport will give you the means to explore its finest beaches alongside the region’s other delights – and so much more beyond.