A Guide to Driving in the Algarve, Portugal

Driving a car in Portugal is a different experience to driving in the UK. Here are some tips which may enhance your experience of driving in the Algarve.

As a general rule, stay to the right initially, you will be in the slower lane

With the steering wheel on the left hand side, ensure that you allow enough room on the right hand side of the car to pass stationary/moving vehicles (it is easy to under-estimate the clearance on the passenger side)

Don´t assume that other drivers will give way to you. Chivalry on the roads isn´t common here

Remember that on roundabouts you have to give way to the left (the opposite to the UK)

Maximum motorway speed limit in Portugal is 120km/h

Multi-lane roads (dual carriage-ways) often have traffic lights to allow traffic to cross

Many roads have shops at the side with not much parking. Cars park anywhere and pull out from anywhere

When driving ensure that you have all the car hire paperwork with you in the car (including driving licence)

The heat in summer here is intense. Air conditioning from May to September is adviseable

Sun glasses are recommended for driving due to the light intensity, especially in summer

Always have a bottle of water in the car

The legal limit for alcohol is lower than in the UK (20mg per 100ml max)

If you rent a hire car, consider taking Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Insurance. The excesses can be very high