Algarve

tbo1

Hoping to make a trip with my partner to Portugal/Algarve in August this year and looking at Albufeira (Old Town) or Lagos.

Would love to hear people’s experiences of either of these places - the good and not so good! Also I’ve heard the Algarve can be windy, is that so and out of these two places would one be windier over the other in August? Any tips on where to stay as well would be great 😊

finbarrk

Would recommend Albuferia old town anyway. get an apartment on booking.com.

horse7

Also considering the Algarve, is it best to use a taxi pre-book service or just get a taxi at the airport, also if just getting taxi at Faro airport is it best to use cash?

endofrainbow

I used Freenow app at Faro. Cards or cash are acceptable if using a regular taxi.

Marcusm

Uber in Faro is generally cheaper except at periods of high use. Freenow is no longer available there.

piptypibe

Wondering the same re transfer from Faro airport to Albuferia? I see vast majority of private transfers are €40. Would an uber be same price or cheaper? Thanks!

Marcusm

You can always check on Uber app even if you are not there. As I post this, Uber from Faro airport to edge of Okd Town Albufeira was €33, €40 or €69 depending on type of car.

slystallone

Anyone know if Faro airport has those scanners that mean you don't have to do the whole 100ml container baggy thing.

Marcusm

most of them don’t require you to remove liquids or electronics but the one just at the top of the escalator (generally fast track) does and so do the ones down the far end. Basically the middle ones are the golden ones for not having to remove anything.

BoardsMember

Salema is a beautiful little town

sibersha

Have been a few times to Algarve in last few years. We usually booked a private transfer via Hoppa or similar and never had any issues. Traveled last September and the queues to get through Passport control in Faro were enormous. (If the queue is backed up to the stairs -take the lift and you will skip about 40% of it)

Albuferia is a great spot, but do make sure you book the old town as the strip is stag/hen party central and very lively (unless your into that thing). Had food a couple of times on the strip and it was very poor, much better standard in old town or surrounding areas.

Praia da Rocha / Portimão is another nice town with some of the nicest beaches I've ever seen and short taxi ride to Alvor which has a nice harbor with restaurants dotted along it.

Generally found food and drink not as cheap as Spain / Canaries but still very reasonable.