Driving in the Algarve: Roads, Parking & Tips
Driving in the Algarve — is it worth it?
Short answer: yes. A car is the best way to explore the Algarve freely. The best beaches, interior villages, and local restaurants are often beyond public transport routes. If staying in a major town like Faro or Albufeira without plans to explore widely, you can manage without a car using taxis and transfers.
Roads and conditions
Two main routes run along the coast:
- A22 (Via do Infante) — Motorway from the Spanish border to Lagos. Fast and direct. Free since January 2025 — electronic tolls were abolished under Law 37/2024.
- EN125 — National road, same route but through every town. Slower with roundabouts and local traffic.
A22 — toll-free motorway
Great news for visitors: the A22 (Via do Infante) is completely toll-free since 1 January 2025. The old electronic tolls were abolished along with other former SCUT motorways across Portugal.
This means no Easy Toll, no Via Verde Visitors device, no payment system needed to drive on the A22. You can use the motorway freely, making getting around the Algarve much simpler and cheaper.
Note: Other Portuguese motorways (A2 Lisbon-Algarve, A1, etc.) still have normal tolls with payment booths or Via Verde.
Parking
- Town centres (summer) — Difficult in Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura. Use paid car parks. €0.50-1.50/hour.
- Popular beaches — Many have free or paid dirt car parks (€2-5/day summer). Arrive before 10am.
- Off-peak — Rarely a problem anywhere.
Fuel
Fuel in Portugal is pricier than most European countries. Petrol ~€1.65-1.80/litre, diesel ~€1.55-1.70/litre. Supermarket stations (Intermarché, Continente) are cheapest.
Road rules
- Drive on the right
- Speed limits: 50 km/h towns, 90 km/h national roads, 120 km/h motorways
- Alcohol: 0.5 g/l limit
- Phone: Hands-free only. Fine €120+
- Roundabouts: Priority to traffic inside
Car rental tips
- All major companies at Faro airport. Book online in advance.
- Basic insurance (CDW) included, but excess can be high (€800-1500). Consider extra cover.
- Most cars are manual. Book automatic early — limited and pricier.
- The A22 in the Algarve is toll-free, but if driving to Lisbon (A2), ask about Via Verde at the counter — the A2 still has tolls.
- Prices: €20-50/day peak, €10-25 off-peak.
See also: Lisbon to Algarve | Algarve regions
FAQ
Do I need a car in the Algarve?
Highly recommended. Without one, you’re limited to main towns and walkable beaches. With a car, you can explore isolated beaches, interior villages, and take day trips.
Does the A22 have tolls?
No. Since 1 January 2025, the A22 (Via do Infante) is completely toll-free. You can drive it without any payment device. Other Portuguese motorways still have tolls.
Is it easy to drive in the Algarve?
Yes. Good roads, moderate traffic (except August), good signage. Only challenges: narrow roads to some beaches and summer parking in tourist towns.
Can I drive with a foreign licence?
EU licences valid without restriction. Non-EU licences accepted for stays up to 6 months, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended.
