Algarve News Guide

Practical guides and local knowledge

Everything you need to know about living in and visiting Algarve News. These guides are written with genuine local knowledge.

Transport

• Faro Airport Services
  Flights, transfers, and facilities at the Algarve's international gateway
• Driving Licence Exchange in Portugal
  How to swap a UK or EU licence for a Portuguese one
• Car Registration and Import in Portugal
  Registering a vehicle and importing a car from abroad
• Public Transport in the Algarve
  Buses, trains, and getting around without a car
• Taxis and Ride-Hailing in the Algarve
  Taxi services, Uber, Bolt, and transfer options
• Toll Roads in the Algarve
  Electronic tolls, payment methods, and the A22
• Parking Regulations in the Algarve
  Where and how to park legally across the region
• Speed Cameras and Road Safety in the Algarve
  Speed limits, enforcement, and driving safely in Portugal
• Cycling Infrastructure in the Algarve
  Bike lanes, routes, and the reality of cycling as transport
• Cycling Routes and Infrastructure in the Algarve
  The Ecovia, road cycling, and getting around by bike

Health

• Hospitals in the Algarve
  Public and private hospital services across the region
• Health Centres in the Algarve
  Centros de saude, GP registration, and primary healthcare
• Pharmacies in the Algarve
  Farmacias, duty rosters, and over-the-counter medication
• Dental Care in the Algarve
  Dentists, dental clinics, and costs for residents and visitors
• GP Registration in Portugal
  How to register with a family doctor in the Algarve

Education

• Portuguese Language Lessons in the Algarve
  Where and how to learn Portuguese as a resident
• The Portuguese School System in the Algarve
  State schools, structure, and what expat parents need to know
• International Schools in the Algarve
  English-medium schools and their curricula
• Nurseries and Childcare in the Algarve
  Creches, pre-schools, and early years provision

Shopping

• Supermarkets in the Algarve
  Where to do your weekly shop across the region
• Farmers Markets in the Algarve
  Fresh produce, fish, and local products at weekly markets

Food

• Restaurants in the Algarve
  Eating out across the region, from beach shacks to fine dining

Environment

• Recycling in the Algarve
  Waste separation, ecopontos, and recycling facilities
• Water Conservation in the Algarve
  Managing a precious resource in a semi-arid climate
• Forest Fires and Fire Prevention in the Algarve
  Understanding the annual fire risk and prevention measures
• Beaches in the Algarve
  A guide to the region's diverse coastline and beach types
• Swimming Safety in the Algarve
  Currents, flags, lifeguards, and staying safe in the water
• Beach Concessions in the Algarve
  Sunbeds, beach bars, and how the concession system works
• Forest Fires and Prevention in the Algarve
  Land clearance rules, fire season preparedness, and what property owners must know

Sport

• Golf and Its Impact on the Algarve
  Over 30 courses and their role in the regional economy
• Municipal Swimming Pools in the Algarve
  Public pools, opening times, and membership
• Sports Clubs and Associations in the Algarve
  Football, tennis, running, cycling, and community sport
• Gyms and Fitness Centres in the Algarve
  Where to work out across the region

Services

• Property Taxes (IMI) in the Algarve
  Understanding Imposto Municipal sobre Imoveis
• Waste Collection in the Algarve
  How household rubbish is collected and managed
• Banks and ATMs in the Algarve
  Banking services, account opening, and accessing cash
• Post Offices (CTT) in the Algarve
  Postal services, parcels, and the many other functions of CTT
• Internet Providers in the Algarve
  Broadband, fibre, and home internet options
• Mobile Phone Networks in the Algarve
  Providers, coverage, SIM cards, and contracts
• Electricity Tariffs and Supply in the Algarve
  Understanding your electricity bill and choosing a provider
• Gas Supply in the Algarve
  Bottled gas, piped gas, and cooking fuel options
• Water Supply and FAGAR in the Algarve
  How water reaches your tap and how billing works

Community

• Dog Registration and Ownership in the Algarve
  Licensing, microchipping, and rules for dog owners
• Veterinary Services in the Algarve
  Vets, animal hospitals, and pet care across the region
• Bombeiros: Volunteer Fire Brigades in the Algarve
  The community institution at the heart of emergency response
• GNR and PSP Police in the Algarve
  Understanding the two police forces and their roles
• Local Elections and Government in the Algarve
  How municipal and parish government works
• Parish Councils (Juntas de Freguesia) in the Algarve
  The most local level of Portuguese government

Culture

• Libraries in the Algarve
  Public library services and joining as a resident
• Museums and Free Entry Days in the Algarve
  Cultural venues and when to visit for free

Expat Life

• Consular Services in the Algarve
  British consulate, honorary consuls, and emergency assistance
• SEF, AIMA, and Immigration Services in the Algarve
  Residency permits, visa processing, and the new immigration agency
• Expat Community Life in the Algarve
  Social networks, clubs, and building a life among fellow foreigners

Business

• Co-Working Spaces in the Algarve
  Where to work remotely across the region
• Freelancer Tax and Recibos Verdes
  How the Portuguese system works for self-employed workers