Car Hire and Driving
All of the major car hire companies are present at Faro airport, although we have found one of the smaller independent companies to suit our needs best. We use a company called Drive4Fun. You e-mail them with your dates and car needs, they then respond with a price. If you are happy to accept, just e-mail your confirmation. They are located in Car Park 4, to the left as you exit the terminal building (no need to get a bus to an offsite rental lot).
Fuel is much cheaper in Spain (by about 20%), so if you happen to be there for a day trip, think about filling the car at the same time.
Always carry your car documents and driving license as they must be shown at police checks. There is an on the spot fine if you leave your documents behind or are not wearing your seat belt. Front and back seat belts are compulsory. There are also on the spot fines for parking your car the wrong way (i.e. car must be parked in the direction of travel). Yellow lines at the side of the road denote No Parking.
It is illegal to move any vehicle involved in an accident, until the police have attended and marked the positions. This can result in roads being blocked for a time, even if it is for nothing more than a broken tailgate light!!
You should note the accepted alcohol level when driving is very low, the basic rule is DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
Fuel is much cheaper in Spain (by about 20%), so if you happen to be there for a day trip, think about filling the car at the same time.
Always carry your car documents and driving license as they must be shown at police checks. There is an on the spot fine if you leave your documents behind or are not wearing your seat belt. Front and back seat belts are compulsory. There are also on the spot fines for parking your car the wrong way (i.e. car must be parked in the direction of travel). Yellow lines at the side of the road denote No Parking.
It is illegal to move any vehicle involved in an accident, until the police have attended and marked the positions. This can result in roads being blocked for a time, even if it is for nothing more than a broken tailgate light!!
You should note the accepted alcohol level when driving is very low, the basic rule is DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!
Medical Issues
There is a excellent pharmacy in Vila Nova de Cacela and some of the staff speak English. When you go in, take a number from machine just inside the entrance.
If you need more than a pharmacy and have a medical condition that needs a Doctor, then go to the clinic in Vila Real de Santo António. This is along the N125 towards Spain. Follow the signs for Centre de Saude. Take your European Health Care Card with you. When you arrive you will be asked for some details. You will be charged a fee for seeing a Doctor. You may see a nurse first who will assess you. In busy periods they will assign you an armband which denotes how serious your condition is and how quickly you will be seen.
There is also a big hospital at Faro with an Accident and Emergency Department.
If you need more than a pharmacy and have a medical condition that needs a Doctor, then go to the clinic in Vila Real de Santo António. This is along the N125 towards Spain. Follow the signs for Centre de Saude. Take your European Health Care Card with you. When you arrive you will be asked for some details. You will be charged a fee for seeing a Doctor. You may see a nurse first who will assess you. In busy periods they will assign you an armband which denotes how serious your condition is and how quickly you will be seen.
There is also a big hospital at Faro with an Accident and Emergency Department.
Weather
J |
F |
M |
A |
M |
J |
J |
A |
S |
O |
N |
D |
|
Max Temp. (°C) |
15 |
16 |
18 |
20 |
23 |
26 |
29 |
29 |
27 |
23 |
19 |
16 |
Min Temp. (°C) |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
15 |
17 |
19 |
19 |
18 |
15 |
11 |
8 |
Rain (mm) |
70 |
55 |
50 |
37 |
27 |
10 |
2 |
2 |
18 |
60 |
73 |
75 |
Electricity
The voltage is the same as in the UK (220-240). Electrical sockets (outlets) in Portugal are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. A European travel plug adapter is all you will need in order to connect your UK appliances and chargers.
Water
To avoid any possible stomach upsets you are advised to drink bottle water (widely available in the local supermarkets). The tap water is chlorinated to EU standards, just like the UK, but can have a higher mineral content that may upset you if you are not used to it.