# Algarve News: Full Reference > Local news and community guide for the Algarve, southern Portugal. Covering Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, Tavira, Portimao, and the wider Algarve region. ## Areas ### Central Algarve: Faro and Loule The central Algarve, anchored by the regional capital Faro and the inland market town of Loule, forms the administrative and commercial heart of the region. Faro is home to the international airport, the University of the Algarve, the regional hospital, and most government offices. The old town (Cid... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/central-algarve-faro-and-loule ### Western Algarve: Lagos and Portimao The western Algarve's two main towns offer distinct characters. Lagos, with its compact old town, dramatic cliff coastline, and strong historical identity as the departure point for the Age of Discovery, attracts a younger and more independent-minded visitor and resident population. The marina, the ... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/western-algarve-lagos-and-portimao ### Eastern Algarve: Tavira and Vila Real The eastern Algarve, stretching from Tavira to the Spanish border at Vila Real de Santo Antonio, is the least developed and most traditionally Portuguese part of the coast. Tavira is widely regarded as the most beautiful town in the Algarve, with its Roman bridge, riverside setting, dozens of church... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/eastern-algarve-tavira-and-vila-real ### Albufeira Albufeira is the Algarve's largest tourist resort and its most divisive. The old town, tumbling down a hillside to a beach enclosed by cliffs, retains some charm, with narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and a handful of restaurants that predate the tourist boom. But it is the Strip (Rua Diogo Ca... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/albufeira ### Vilamoura and Quarteira Vilamoura and its neighbour Quarteira represent two contrasting approaches to Algarve development. Vilamoura is a purpose-built resort centred on a large marina, with five golf courses, luxury hotels, a casino, and manicured residential developments. The marina promenade, lined with restaurants, bar... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/vilamoura-and-quarteira ### Silves and the Interior Silves, the former Moorish capital of the Algarve, sits on the Arade river inland from Portimao. The red sandstone castle dominates the town and is the best-preserved Moorish fortification in the region. Below it, the old town retains narrow streets, a Gothic cathedral built on the site of a mosque,... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/silves-and-the-interior ### Monchique and the Serra The Serra de Monchique, the mountainous spine of the western Algarve, rises to 902 metres at Foia, the highest point in the region. The town of Monchique sits on the forested slopes below the peak, a small, traditional settlement known for its medronho (strawberry tree spirit) distilleries, wooden f... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/monchique-and-the-serra ### Sagres and the Costa Vicentina The southwestern corner of the Algarve, from Sagres along the Costa Vicentina to Aljezur and beyond, is the wildest and most protected stretch of the Portuguese coast. The Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina restricts development, preserving dramatic cliffs, empty beaches, and a ... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/sagres-and-the-costa-vicentina ### Olhao and Fuseta Olhao is a working fishing town eight kilometres east of Faro, known for its two waterfront market halls (one for fish, one for fruit and vegetables), its Moorish-influenced cubic architecture, and its connections by ferry to the barrier islands of Armona, Culatra, and Farol. The town has the larges... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/olhao-and-fuseta ### Lagoa and Carvoeiro Lagoa municipality, between Portimao and Albufeira, contains some of the Algarve's most photogenic coastline. Carvoeiro, the main coastal settlement, is a small resort built around a sandy cove enclosed by low cliffs. It has a village feel that larger resorts have lost, with a concentration of resta... URL: https://www.algarve.news/areas/lagoa-and-carvoeiro ## Guides ### Faro Airport Services Faro Airport (Aeroporto de Faro, IATA code FAO) is the sole commercial airport serving the Algarve and the primary point of entry for the millions of tourists and residents who travel to the region ea... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/faro-airport-services ### Hospitals in the Algarve The Algarve's hospital provision is centred on two main public facilities: the Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Algarve (CHUA) Faro unit in the regional capital, and the CHUA Portimao unit (formerly... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/algarve-hospitals ### Health Centres in the Algarve Health centres (centros de saude) form the backbone of primary healthcare in the Algarve, as they do across Portugal. Each municipality has at least one centro de saude, and the larger councils have s... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/health-centres ### Pharmacies in the Algarve Pharmacies (farmacias) are a central part of daily life in the Algarve and across Portugal. They are found in every town and most villages, identified by their green cross signs. Portuguese pharmacies... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/pharmacies ### Dental Care in the Algarve Dental care in Portugal operates predominantly in the private sector. The national health service (SNS) provides very limited dental coverage, restricted mainly to emergency extractions and basic care... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/dental-care ### GP Registration in Portugal Registering with a family doctor (medico de familia) is the essential first step for accessing the Portuguese national health service (SNS) as a resident of the Algarve. The process is administered th... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/gp-registration ### Portuguese Language Lessons in the Algarve Learning Portuguese is one of the most important investments a new resident of the Algarve can make. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, dealings with government offices, healthcare provi... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/portuguese-lessons ### Driving Licence Exchange in Portugal Residents of Portugal who hold a driving licence issued by an EU member state or the United Kingdom are required to exchange it for a Portuguese licence within a set period of becoming resident. For U... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/driving-licence-exchange ### Car Registration and Import in Portugal Registering a vehicle in Portugal, whether purchased locally or imported from another country, involves several administrative steps and costs that are higher than many new residents expect. Understan... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/car-registration ### Public Transport in the Algarve Public transport in the Algarve exists but is limited compared to northern European standards, and a car remains the most practical way to get around the region for most residents. That said, the bus ... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/public-transport ### Taxis and Ride-Hailing in the Algarve Taxis in the Algarve operate under a regulated system with metered fares set by national tariff schedules. Official taxis are cream-coloured (or black with a green roof in some areas) and display a ta... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/taxis ### Toll Roads in the Algarve The A22 motorway (Via do Infante), the main east-west route across the Algarve, operates an electronic toll system that differs from the physical toll booths found on most Portuguese motorways. Unders... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/toll-roads ### Supermarkets in the Algarve The Algarve is well served by supermarkets, with Portuguese chains providing the bulk of grocery shopping for residents. The main operators are Pingo Doce, Continente, Intermarche, Lidl, Aldi, and Min... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/supermarkets ### Farmers Markets in the Algarve Weekly markets are a central part of Algarve life, and for many residents, both Portuguese and foreign, the weekly trip to the market is a social occasion as much as a shopping one. The markets range ... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/farmers-markets ### Restaurants in the Algarve Eating out is one of the defining pleasures of Algarve life, and the region offers an enormous range of restaurants across every price point and cuisine. The foundations of Algarve cooking are simple:... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/restaurants ### The Portuguese School System in the Algarve The Portuguese state education system provides free schooling from the age of six to eighteen, divided into three cycles of basic education (ensino basico) and secondary education (ensino secundario).... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/school-system ### International Schools in the Algarve The Algarve has several international schools offering education in English, catering to the region's substantial expat community and to Portuguese families who want their children to have an English-... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/international-schools ### Nurseries and Childcare in the Algarve Childcare for children under school age in the Algarve is provided through a mix of state-supported creches, private nurseries, and childminders. The Portuguese system distinguishes between creches (f... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/nurseries ### Recycling in the Algarve Recycling in the Algarve operates through a system of communal collection points (ecopontos) rather than the doorstep kerbside collections familiar to UK residents. The system requires residents to se... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/recycling ### Water Conservation in the Algarve Water is one of the most pressing issues facing the Algarve. The region has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and rainfall concentrated in the winter months between October and M... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/water-conservation ### Forest Fires and Fire Prevention in the Algarve Forest fires are a serious and recurring threat in the Algarve, particularly during the hot, dry summer months from June to September. The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds,... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/fire-prevention ### Beaches in the Algarve The Algarve's coastline stretches approximately 150 kilometres from Sagres in the west to Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the Spanish border, and its beaches are the primary reason for the region's inte... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/beaches ### Swimming Safety in the Algarve The Algarve's warm waters and beautiful beaches attract millions of swimmers each year, but the sea demands respect. Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among tourists in Portuga... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/swimming-safety ### Golf and Its Impact on the Algarve The Algarve is one of Europe's premier golf destinations, with over 30 courses spread across the region from Lagos in the west to Tavira in the east. Golf tourism generates an estimated one billion eu... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/golf-tourism-impact ### Property Taxes (IMI) in the Algarve IMI (Imposto Municipal sobre Imoveis) is the annual property tax levied on all property owners in Portugal, broadly equivalent to council tax in the UK though calculated and applied differently. Under... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/property-taxes-imi ### Waste Collection in the Algarve Household waste collection in the Algarve is managed by individual municipal councils, each operating its own schedule and system. Unlike the UK's doorstep wheelie bin system, most Algarve waste colle... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/waste-collection ### Dog Registration and Ownership in the Algarve Dog ownership is common in the Algarve, both among Portuguese residents and the expat community. Portuguese law requires all dogs to be registered and microchipped, and there are specific rules around... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/dog-registration ### Veterinary Services in the Algarve Veterinary care in the Algarve is widely available, with private clinics and hospitals in all the main towns and many smaller settlements. The standard of care is generally good, with most vets traine... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/veterinary-services ### Parking Regulations in the Algarve Parking in the Algarve ranges from straightforward in smaller towns and rural areas to genuinely difficult in the busier coastal resorts during summer. Understanding the regulations and common pitfall... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/parking-regulations ### Speed Cameras and Road Safety in the Algarve Road safety in Portugal has improved significantly over the past two decades, but the country's road fatality rate remains above the EU average, and the Algarve's roads present particular challenges f... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/speed-cameras ### Banks and ATMs in the Algarve Banking in the Algarve is provided by Portuguese high-street banks, with branches in all the main towns and ATMs widely available. The main banks operating in the region include Caixa Geral de Deposit... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/banks-atms ### Post Offices (CTT) in the Algarve CTT (Correios de Portugal) is the national postal service, and its offices across the Algarve provide a wider range of services than many newcomers expect. Beyond sending letters and parcels, CTT offi... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/post-offices ### Internet Providers in the Algarve Internet connectivity in the Algarve has improved dramatically in recent years, with fibre-optic (FTTH) broadband now available in most urban areas and many suburban locations. The main providers are ... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/internet-providers ### Mobile Phone Networks in the Algarve Portugal has three main mobile network operators: MEO, NOS, and Vodafone. All three provide extensive 4G coverage across the Algarve, including most rural areas, and are rolling out 5G in urban centre... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/mobile-networks ### Electricity Tariffs and Supply in the Algarve Electricity in Portugal is supplied through a liberalised market, meaning consumers can choose their supplier from among several competing companies. The main providers in the Algarve include EDP Come... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/electricity-tariffs ### Gas Supply in the Algarve The Algarve does not have a widespread piped natural gas network comparable to the UK's gas grid. Most households rely on bottled gas (gas de garrafa) for cooking, and some also use it for water heati... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/gas-supply ### Municipal Swimming Pools in the Algarve Municipal swimming pools (piscinas municipais) provide affordable public swimming facilities across the Algarve. Most municipalities operate at least one indoor or outdoor pool complex, funded and man... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/municipal-swimming-pools ### Sports Clubs and Associations in the Algarve The Algarve has an active sports club scene covering a wide range of activities, from the dominant sport of football to tennis, running, cycling, swimming, sailing, martial arts, and more. Joining a s... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/sports-clubs ### Gyms and Fitness Centres in the Algarve The Algarve has a growing number of gyms and fitness centres serving both the resident population and the longer-stay visitor market. Options range from budget local gyms to international chain operat... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/gyms ### Libraries in the Algarve Public libraries (bibliotecas municipais) operate in most Algarve municipalities, providing free access to books, newspapers, internet, and study spaces. The library service in Portugal is less extens... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/libraries ### Museums and Free Entry Days in the Algarve The Algarve has a network of municipal and national museums covering archaeology, maritime history, ethnography, and art. While the region is not a major museum destination compared to Lisbon or Porto... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/museums-free-entry ### Bombeiros: Volunteer Fire Brigades in the Algarve The bombeiros voluntarios (volunteer fire brigades) are one of the most important and respected institutions in Portuguese civic life. In the Algarve, as across the country, they provide the frontline... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/bombeiros-volunteer-fire-brigades ### GNR and PSP Police in the Algarve Portugal has two main police forces that operate in the Algarve, and understanding which does what can avoid confusion when you need to contact them. The GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is a gendar... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/gnr-psp-police ### Consular Services in the Algarve The British Consulate in Portimao provides consular services to UK nationals living in and visiting the Algarve. The consulate handles emergency passport services, assistance to British nationals in d... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/consular-services ### SEF, AIMA, and Immigration Services in the Algarve Immigration and residency matters in Portugal are handled by AIMA (Agencia para a Integracao, Migracoes e Asilo), which replaced the former SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) in 2023. The tran... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/sef-aima-immigration ### Co-Working Spaces in the Algarve The Algarve has developed a growing network of co-working spaces catering to digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and small business owners. The combination of good weather, affordable living ... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/co-working-spaces ### Freelancer Tax and Recibos Verdes Portugal's tax system for self-employed workers and freelancers operates through a mechanism called recibos verdes (green receipts), which is the standard invoicing and tax framework for independent p... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/freelancer-tax-recibos-verdes ### Local Elections and Government in the Algarve Local government in the Algarve operates through a two-tier system of municipal councils (camaras municipais) and parish councils (juntas de freguesia). Understanding how this system works is useful f... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/local-elections ### Parish Councils (Juntas de Freguesia) in the Algarve The junta de freguesia (parish council) is the most local tier of government in Portugal, and in the Algarve it is often the first point of contact between residents and the public administration for ... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/parish-councils-juntas ### Cycling Infrastructure in the Algarve Cycling in the Algarve has grown in popularity both as a leisure activity and, to a more limited extent, as a means of daily transport. However, dedicated cycling infrastructure remains patchy, and th... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/cycling-infrastructure ### Beach Concessions in the Algarve Beach concessions (concessoes de praia) are a defining feature of the Algarve beach experience. The concession system grants private operators the right to manage a section of public beach, providing ... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/beach-concessions ### Water Supply and FAGAR in the Algarve Water supply in the Algarve is managed through a two-tier system. Aguas do Algarve, a public company, handles bulk water production and distribution from the region's reservoirs and treatment plants t... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/water-supply-fagar ### Forest Fires and Prevention in the Algarve Forest fires are an annual reality in the Algarve, driven by the hot, dry summers, flammable vegetation, and a landscape increasingly shaped by eucalyptus and pine monocultures. The fires of 2003, 201... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/forest-fires-prevention ### Cycling Routes and Infrastructure in the Algarve Cycling in the Algarve has grown considerably in recent years, both as a leisure pursuit and as a means of getting around. The region's terrain, climate, and quiet interior roads make it attractive to... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/algarve-cycling-infrastructure ### Expat Community Life in the Algarve The Algarve is home to one of the largest and most established expat communities in southern Europe. Estimates put the number of foreign residents at over 100,000, with British, German, Dutch, French,... URL: https://www.algarve.news/guide/expat-community-life ## History - 1 November 1755: The Great Earthquake and Tsunami Devastate the Algarve - 25 April 1974: The Carnation Revolution Ends the Dictatorship - c. 200 BC: Roman Conquest and the Province of Lusitania - 711: Moorish Conquest of the Algarve - c. 800 BC: Phoenician Traders Establish Coastal Settlements - 1189: Crusaders Capture Silves - 1249: Afonso III Completes the Reconquista in the Algarve - 1420: Prince Henry the Navigator Establishes His Base at Sagres - 1444: First European Slave Market Opens in Lagos - 1487: First Book Printed in Portugal Published in Faro - 1833: The Algarve in the Liberal Wars - 1889: The Railway Reaches the Algarve - 1900: The Fish Canning Industry Peaks - 1965: Faro Airport Opens to Commercial Traffic - 1970s: Vilamoura Resort Development Begins - 1986: Portugal Joins the European Community - August 2003: Devastating Forest Fires Sweep the Algarve Interior - 2012: Golden Visa Programme Launches - 2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Halts Tourism - 2023: Severe Drought Highlights Water Scarcity ## Streets - EN125 (Estrada Nacional 125) - A22 Via do Infante - Avenida da Republica, Faro - Rua 25 de Abril, Lagos - Rua da Liberdade, Tavira - Rua do Comercio, Loule - Avenida Tomas Cabreira, Portimao - Avenida Sa Carneiro, Faro - IC4 (Itinerario Complementar 4) - EN120 - Estrada de Quarteira - Rua de Santo Antonio, Faro - Praca Ferreira de Almeida, Portimao - Rua 5 de Outubro, Faro - Avenida dos Descobrimentos, Lagos - Rua Candido dos Reis, Faro - Largo da Se, Faro - Marina de Vilamoura Access Road - Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Portimao - Rua Conselheiro Bivar, Faro - EN2 Start Point, Faro - Rua da Barbaca, Silves - Avenida Zeca Afonso, Albufeira - Estrada do Farol, Faro - Estrada de Benagil ## Places - Faro Airport (Airport) - Centro Hospitalar Universitario do Algarve - Faro (Hospital) - Centro Hospitalar do Barlavento Algarvio - Portimao (Hospital) - Mercado Municipal de Loule (Market) - Mercado Municipal de Olhao (Market) - Silves Castle (Museum) - Faro Cathedral (Se de Faro) (Church) - Vilamoura Marina (Marina) - Forum Algarve (Shopping Centre) - Museu Municipal de Faro (Faro Municipal Museum) (Museum) - Milreu Roman Ruins (Museum) - Ria Formosa Natural Park (Nature) - Lagos Slave Market Museum (Museum) - Fortaleza de Sagres (Museum) - Aqua Shopping Centre, Portimao (Shopping Centre) - Praia da Marinha (Beach) - Cape St Vincent (Historic Site) - Caldas de Monchique (Historic Site) - Igreja de Santo Antonio, Lagos (Church) - Tavira Castle and Camera Obscura (Museum)