Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please confirm event/venue details in advance.
COUNTRY CODE:
Dial +351 for Portugal
FROM THE AIRPORT
Car Hire :
Take advantage of the special easyJet inflight rates. Visit the Europcar desk on arrival or call +351 289 818 726. Open from 6.30am-midnight seven days a week.
Airport Transfer :
Pre-book your door-to-door transfer online with easyJet's transfer partner ATS. From Faro airport to the city centre and major destinations on the Algarve, ATS operates a private taxi service.
Taxi :
As a rough guide, the fare to Faro is €8.50, Lagos €62.50, Albufeira and Tavira €33.50.
Bus :
Eva buses go to various destinations. It's a 20-minute journey to Faro.
(Praia Evaristo Albufeira. Tel. 289 591 666) Where the region’s glitterati meet, Evaristo offers fresh fish. This stylish beach bar has a beautiful location.
(Estrada de Pereiras, Almancil . Tel. 289 399 866) This renovated farm with a shady courtyard is the perfect place to spend an evening enjoying high-quality French cooking, impeccable service and a refined atmosphere.
(Bl A r/c Estrada Farol, Praia de Carvoiero. Tel. 282 359 274) Slightly off the beaten track, this relaxed, friendly bar has a good range of cool beers and cocktails.
(Rua des Goncalo, Lagos. Tel. 282 760 503) Popular old-style nightspot with an eclectic choice of music, from live DJs and rock to indie and hip hop. The crowd is friendly and the party keeps going till dawn.
(Areias de São João, Albufeira. Tel. 289 515 639) An unpretentious club packed with tourists and locals, all out for a good time. Kiss remains a tried and trusted favourite.
On the ground
Shop
Take a trip to fashionable Tavira, where bargain hunters should look out for painted tiles, lace tablecloths and shell art. There is also a crafts market on the waterfront.
Insider Tip
Take in dinner and a show at the five-star Algarve Casino in Praia da Rocha. Try your luck at blackjack, Portuguese dice, French and American roulette, or on one of the many slot machines (Rocha. Tel. 282 415 001).
Key Area
Lagos has a charming centre, stylish marina, quaint zoo, superb beaches and fantastic nightlife. The centre is a jumble of tiny streets lined with bars, cafés and interesting shops. Beach lovers flock to Praia de Dona Ana and Meia Praia, while the marina offers a cosmopolitan international scene.
This month
The annual Algarve Film Festival is based in Portimão, but films are shown at venues across the region. The focus is on the short film competition (10-18 May. www.algarvefilmfest.com).
Day Tripping
Tavira Island
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For a beach trip with a difference, visit Tavira Island. There are two ways to get here: via a short ferry ride from Tavira or across the footbridge from Santa Luzia. Enjoy mile after mile of sandy seashore, or relax in the simple beach restaurants and bars dotted under the pines.
No way!
Lots of Portuguese words—such as Portimão and Olhão—end in ‘ao’, dating back to Portugal’s long connection with Macão. The colony reverted to China in 1999 after 442 years of Portuguese rule.
