Best value car hire from top brands
Key facts for hiring a car in Faro
Car hire locations
There are 3 car hire locations in Faro, and the most popular is Faro Airport.
Average temperatures
Coldest month: January (12°C)
Warmest month: July (24°C)
Must trys
Cataplana de marisco – a traditional seafood stew
Time difference
GMT
Currency
Euro (EUR, €)
Hire a car in Faro
Faro is regarded as the gateway to the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost coastal region.
Easily reached by plane, many travellers pass through Faro on their way to coastal resorts. But there’s so much more to this Portuguese hub than just a stopover. While most of the city was destroyed by the Great Earthquake of 1755, a well preserved medieval centre still remains – making it all the more impressive.
The pedestrian-friendly streets will guide you to a wealth of museums and cathedrals, and whether you’re looking for secluded lagoons or lively beaches, there is a piece of sun-kissed scenery for everyone.
Car rental in Faro – the numbers
Frequently asked questions
Q. What is the most popular rental length in Faro?
A. Eight to nine days.
Q. When is the most popular time to rent a car in Faro?
A. August.
Q. What’s the best value car hire brand in Faro?
A. Drive On Holidays is the cheapest car rental brand in Faro, offering cars from just £3 per day.
*Based on easyCar real booking data.
Fast facts
Cheapest month / most expensive monthAverage cost per day of car hire in Faro
| November | £6.90 |
| July | £29.90 |
Car typeAverage cost per day of car hire in Faro
| Mini | £13.30 |
| Economy | £15.20 |
| Compact | £24.60 |
Discover the Algarve
The beauty of Benagil
If you’re looking for a beach adventure, Benagil is the place to start. Under an hour’s drive from Faro, Benagil is the quintessential postcard image of the Algarve. The beach is surrounded by orange and yellow limestone cliffs, which have been eroded into bizarre and spectacular shapes.
Of all the cliffside rock formations, the Algar de Benagil is regarded as one of the most remarkable. This otherworldly grotto is far from your usual dark and musty cavern. Tens of metres in height, the sun streams into the cave through an opening in the ceiling – called the eye – and illuminates the sand and water within.
This pristine sea cave is just around the corner from Benagil beach, however, it can only be reached by water. You can take a boat tour (there are plenty of local fishermen offering their services), rent a kayak, or swim (though this is only for experienced ocean swimmers).
Local knowledge
Tolls
The main toll road which you will come across in the Algarve is the A22. This wasn’t always a toll road, but fees were introduced in 2011. As this road was converted to a toll route, it’s useful to be aware that there are no toll booths for paying.
Don’t worry, there are a few other ways to pay these toll fines. The first is to get an electronic device from your car hire company which will charge your credit card when you use a toll road. Alternatively, you can pay at a post office 48 hours after using the route.
Use the N-125 if you want to avoid tolls altogether. This road runs adjacent to the A22 and can get you to all the popular stop offs along the coast, too.
Driving tips
- Remember to bring sunglasses with you, as the sun’s glare can be quite exhausting as a driver.
- You may find crossroads with traffic lights on dual carriageways.
- Go for a car with air conditioning in the summer, you’ll need it!
- Choosing a manual car if you can drive one will save you money.
easyCar customer reviews for car hire in Faro
“Found the site easy to use and price very competitive – also trust the name easyCar.”
“I spoke to 2 different people at easyCar and both were very helpful and answered all my questions satisfactorily.”
“Site was extremely easy to use, straightforward, and the pricing is excellent.”
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Head away from the coast
Discover the mountains
Strolling along the Algarve’s rugged cliffside offers spectacular views, but there is more to the region than its seaside. Serra de Monchique, is a mountain range located northwest of Faro and offers visitors an alternative view of southern Portugal.
At 902 metres, Fóia is the highest point in Monchique. You can get to the peak by foot, mountain bike or car. On a clear day, you’ll get superb views of blue sky and lush vegetation.
If you’ve spent hours trekking (or just want to relax), a visit to the Caldas de Monchique spa may be in order. Mountain spring water was discovered here by the Romans, and its healing properties have been used to treat the body and mind ever since.
It is the 17th century Franciscan convent, Convento Nossa Senhora de Desterro, that is perhaps the most intriguing site in Monchique. As long as you are willing to endure the steep climb up, you’ll be greeted with a forgotten piece of history.
The ultimate Faro road trip
Faro Airport FAO
The main airport in the south of Portugal, popular with tourists seeking sunshine.
Car hire pick up point
Car hire agents are located within the terminal or at car park P4.
Vilamoura – 26km
Popular holidaying area known for its beautiful marina and beach.
Portimão – 56km
Port town with good shopping facilities and an interesting selection of buildings to admire.
Lagos – 31km
Famed for the Ponta de Piedade rock formations – the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Sagres – 33km
At the south westerly tip of Portugal, visit Cape St. Vincent to feel like you’re visiting the end of the world.
Algarve road trips
N268 to Sagres
Although the Sagres Peninsula is on the other side of the Algarve to Faro, Portugal is actually pretty small so you can be there in a few hours.
Head out onto the N268, make the most of the refreshing sea breezes and take some epic photographs.
Albufeira to Ferragudo
Drive along the coast winding through the small villages and you’ll stumble upon the most wonderful view points to look out to sea, as well as cosy beach coves.
Some potential places to stop: Arrifes Beach, Nossa Senhora da Rocha, Marinha Beach and Arco Natural.
N122 from Castro Marim to Alcoutim
Head north along the hilly Spanish border and embrace the countryside.
Greenery, rivers and not a soul in sight – there may not be many stops along the way, but the drive itself is pretty delightful.