Algarve Car Hire

The easiest way to explore the region is with Algarve car hire - or, if you prefer, Algarve car rental.

Selecting an Algarve hire car is easy and relatively cheap, with plenty of companies chasing your custom, wherever your holiday accommodation might be.

Since I'm an advocate of leaving the beaches behind (however occasionally) it makes sense to see more of wonderful Algarve via the comfort and flexibility offered by a suitable hire vehicle.
 

And, ecological considerations aside, exploring the obscure nooks and picturesque sights of the Algarve is best undertaken in a motor vehicle. (Let's be honest, when it comes to convenience, most of us opt for four wheels!)

When I'm at home, I cycle everywhere I can, for fitness and to do my bit for the planet. So I don't feel at all guilty about indulging in a spot of 'Algarve rent a car' when I'm on vacation. (Just check out that remark on your smug-ometer!)

So, relax and don't worry too much about the planet while you're enjoying your Algarve holiday. What should concern you instead is driving around in unfamiliar territory (and conditions).

Why? I hear you ask. What's it like, motoring around the Algarve?

Well, in brief...

Traffic density isn't too bad, except during the August peak. But you should be aware that , unless you live in Greece, road behaviour might not match what you're used to back home.

So, to err on the side of safety, and before you find out the 'how-and-where' of Algarve car rental, return here only after you've read...

Back from reading about how to stay alive on the Algarve's roads? Then it's 'eyes down' to find out more about...

No, that's not a space age aerial on the car's hood!     

Algarve Car Hire

Flash Update!

New kids on the block (this year) car hire company DailyRent are based in Lagos, and they're after your trade.  What's more, they've assured me that, if you contact them via their website and mention you've come from Algarve Beach Life, you'll receive a 10% discount off their regular prices!

Sounds good?  Well, I'm also assured that DailyRent offer 'all-inclusive' prices, with none of the omissions that sometimes creep in elsewhere.

Here's what the DailyRent deal is (according to the details I received):

Included are:
Unlimited mileage, all taxes (including IVA - Portuguese VAT), full insurance (including 'collision damage waiver', theft protection, airport service fee, unlimited mileage, wheels, tyres, glass), free delivery to hotels and airports, extra drivers, child seats, booster seats and roof racks (when pre-booked at the time of  reservation). 

Excluded are:
Drivers under the age of 23, rentals of less than 3 days, fuel (return vehicle with same level in tank as at pick-up), lost car keys, traffic fines (speeding, parking tickets etc.)

DailyRent assure me that their vehicle stock is virtually brand-new (this year's models). You need to confirm booking at least 72 hours before you're due to arrive.

Your car will be delivered to the airport (or hotel etc. should you choose) in time to meet your disembarking flight. (I used to wonder about that, but I was persuaded after the first few times I had this service, since I could see people queuing in a long line outside the car-hire franchise offices at Faro airport, while we sailed past to start our Algarve vacation in our personally-delivered vehicle). 

See what you think about the DailyRent offer.  Check out their website and (as always, no matter which car-hire company you choose), make sure you are happy that you understand exactly the conditions you are being offered including any exclusions or riders.

Algarve Car Hire - Other Franchises

Of course, there is still a wide choice of vehicles from the other various franchises, some of which will have offices near to where you're staying, should you be delivered to your holiday abode by airport transfer. (Remember, if you're dialling from outside Portugal, preface the telephone number with +351)

Europcar, Lagos: - Tel. 282 767 567
Guérin Rent-a-Car, Alvor: - Tel. 282 457 421
Rent-a-Car Lda, Armacao de Pera: - Tel. 282 315 700
Bolicar, Vilamoura - Tel. 289 322 949
Hertz, Quarteira:  - Tel. 289 313 665
Best Deal  Rent a Car, Almancil - Tel. 289 388 364
Auto Jardim, Faro: - Tel. 289 800 881
Avis, Faro: - Tel. 289 810 120
A. A. Castanheira, Monte Gordo: - Tel. 281 513 063
Alamo II, Monte Gordo - Tel. 281 513 960
Mudarent, Tavira - Tel. 281 326 815

Things you should know about Algarve Car Hire:

• Drivers of hire cars must be at least 21 years old, and some companies impose an even higher minimum age. Cost of hire should include 3rd party insurance as a minimum, but check anyway. Worthwhile optional upgrades (in a country with pretty appalling accident statistics) are: collision damage waiver and personal insurance - not forgetting theft insurance.

• Carry all relevant documents for your Algarve hire car (and for yourself) whenever you are in the vehicle. It's not unknown for traffic police to ask to inspect such documentation.

• You'll be safest if you assume (even when otherwise indicated) that vehicles approaching from the right have priority. A vehicle already on a roundabout should be given right of way.

And don't forget the other stuff you should know before you hit the roads in your Algarve hire car, especially for safe driving and self-protection. So, before you go ahead and select that Algarve car rental, here's another chance to read...

I hope you'll enjoy using your hire car to explore my favourite holiday region. Do let me know of your most interesting Algarve car hire experiences, (use the form on the Your Algarve Best page), and I'll update things with your topical information.
 

Meanwhile, why not subscribe to my free monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News, by clicking on the link below ("For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life") or on the button at top left ("Subscribe to ABLN") -- I'll keep you updated, every month, about the new information I have added about this fabulous area.

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