When I embarked on my journey to the picturesque resort town of Carvoeiro in Lagoa, Algarve, I discovered that the best way to uncover its hidden gems was by renting a car. While public transport might pose complexities, renting a car provides the easiest mode of exploration, particularly in the lesser-visited areas. Notably, some of Carvoeiro's mesmerizing beaches and untouched scenic spots can only be accessed by car, enhancing the allure of this mode of travel.
To make the most of my time in this enchanting destination, I found that navigating car rentals was an essential step. In our guide, we delve into the intricacies of securing the ideal vehicle for your trip. Whether you're planning a beach getaway or an immersive expedition, our insights will steer you through the process, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Let's unravel the secrets to effortlessly unlock the roads of Carvoeiro, paving the way for an unforgettable adventure in this captivating Portuguese town.
Wondering how I navigated car hire in Carvoeiro? Choosing the perfect car for my trip wasn’t easy, involving browsing through various car rental websites to find the best fit. Alternatively, you can save time by visiting the Auto Jardim website, where a comprehensive comparison of pricing, discounts, and perks from various car rental companies awaits. This centralized platform simplifies the process, ensuring you swiftly secure a suitable vehicle for your memorable journey in Portugal.
I found several renowned car hire companies in Carvoeiro, Portugal, that offered a range of options. to suit your preferences and budget, ensuring you have the means to explore this picturesque destination with ease and convenience.
Expedia: Expedia offers a wide range of car rental options in Carvoeiro, Portugal, catering to different budgets and preferences. Their user-friendly interface allows you to compare prices and features easily, making it convenient to find the perfect vehicle for your needs.
Carflexi: Carflexi provides a platform to search for and book car rentals in Carvoeiro. With various vehicle choices and rental options, they offer flexibility to suit different travel plans, ensuring you find a car that aligns with your itinerary.
Rent A Star: Rent A Star specializes in offering premium and luxury car rentals, allowing you to cruise around Carvoeiro in style and comfort. Whether you're seeking a sleek sedan or a spacious SUV, Rent-A-Star provides an array of high-end vehicles to choose from.
Kayak: Kayak's car rental search feature allows you to find and compare car rental deals from different providers in Carvoeiro. By consolidating options from various sources, Kayak helps you secure the best rates and rental conditions for your trip.
Sixt: Sixt is a well-known car rental company with a presence in Carvoeiro, offering a diverse selection of vehicles, from compact cars to larger SUVs. With their reputable services, you can expect reliable vehicles and straightforward rental procedures.
However the best would be to check and compare each of them automatically using our comparison tool below.
Choosing the right type of car was important for me, making it easier to drive during my trip. The size of the car will depend on the number of people traveling as well as amount of luggage. However, remember that if you are going to travel to villages then a wide car would be difficult to park and while taking turns. Mostly, cars with manual transmission are the ones that are rented more often than automatic ones. So, if you are planning to rent an automatic car then be prepared to pay additional charges.
I made sure to check my vehicle thoroughly during pick-up and drop-off. You should click several pictures and make a video of the car so that there isn’t any kind of confusion at the time of returning your rented car. Note down all dents and scratches in the exterior of the car as well as check for any kind of damages in the interior. Keep a record of the gas level and mileage. Ensure that the spare tire as well as other vital things like warning triangle, reflective jacket, and tool kit is provided.
Drive on the right side and do not attempt to overtake on the right as it is illegal. Do not make use of headphones and mobile phones without a hand-free system. It is compulsory to wear seat belts for drivers as well as passengers. The speed limits are 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 50 km/h in residential roads.
The closest airport to Carvoeiro is Faro (FAO), which is about 62 km away. There aren’t any direct buses from Faro to Carvoeiro. You will have to change three buses to reach your destination.
So, I found that renting a car and picking it up from the airport was the most suitable option. This will not only make your conveyance easier but would also save a lot of time that was otherwise wasted in waiting for buses.
During my visit in July, I noticed it was the peak tourist season, with hot and dry weather making it perfect for a beach holiday. Carvoeiro is mostly visited for its vast number of calm beaches, so if you want to stay away from crowds and explore the town then plan your trip during spring season. The climate during spring is perfect for boat rides, hikes, and short strolls along the beach.
Praia de Carvoeiro Beach: This calm and vibrant beach is a major attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. During the summer season, the beach can get crowded, so arriving early is recommended to secure a parking slot in Carvoeiro.
Algar Seco and Carvoeiro Boardwalk: For breathtaking natural beauty, head to Algar Seco and the Carvoeiro Boardwalk. These areas provide picturesque views perfect for capturing stunning photos.
Castelo de Silves: Overlooking the town of Silves, this red sandstone castle offers stunning views. As you climb the narrow roads leading to the castle, you'll be surrounded by captivating architecture. Below the castle, you can explore Silves Cathedral.
Slide & Splash Water Park: Considered one of the best and largest water parks in the Algarve, Slide & Splash offers a fun-filled day of water rides and activities.
Benagil Sea Cave: This iconic sea cave features a natural skylight that lets in sunlight, creating a mesmerizing play of light and shadow. You can visit by taking a boat tour from Carvoeiro or rent a kayak to paddle your way.
Alfanzina Lighthouse: Located on the coastline near Carvoeiro, this lighthouse offers panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. It's an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
There are several cities and towns that are close to Carvoeiro, which can be explored during your Portugal trip.
Lagos: Located about 42 km from Carvoeiro, Lagos is known for its historic charm, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the old town's cobbled streets, visit the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, and enjoy the beautiful coastline.
Albufeira: Just 35 km away, Albufeira is a popular resort town with golden beaches, bustling markets, and a lively atmosphere. Stroll along the promenade, visit the historic center, and enjoy the bustling marina.
Alvor: Approximately 20 km from Carvoeiro, Alvor is a quaint fishing village known for its picturesque waterfront, narrow streets, and relaxed ambiance. Discover its old charm, visit the historic church, and enjoy seafood in local restaurants.
Silves: About 20 km away, Silves is known for its red sandstone castle and ancient Moorish history. Explore the medieval castle, visit Silves Cathedral, and wander through the charming town with its narrow streets.
Portimão: Situated around 18 km from Carvoeiro, Portimão is a bustling town known for its vibrant riverside promenade, shops, and restaurants. Visit the museum, enjoy the beautiful Praia da Rocha beach, and experience the local culture.
At the time of renting a car, inquire about the V-Tag, which stands for Via Verde. The V-Tag will be linked to your credit card and will help you to cross the tolls without stopping as it will automatically scan your car. It can be used for paying tolls throughout the Portuguese toll road network and the Spanish highway network.
The emergency contact number of Portugal is 112, so save the number just in case of an accident or conflict. Also, contact your car rental provider as well as the police. Another tip is to avoid driving at night as many roads are not very well lit.
Car parking is always an issue especially during peak tourist season. So, it is better to use pay-and-park services that are available in a few areas. If you park your car anywhere then you will surely get fined for it.
On average a hire car in Praia does Carvoeiro costs 25$ per day. However, prices sometimes start just from 5$/day depending on the season and peak times.
Just like the majority of Portugal cities, the most popular cars for a single traveler are small and compact ones such as Toyota Yaris, Corolla, VW Polo, etc. For families usually, it’s estate or minivans.
The weekly price starts from 100$ without insurance and coverage. Also it highly depends on the season and car type.
Paull says:
Thank you so much for this guide, I was able to get the best price comparing all the car providers, it was smooth and convenient. Also thanks for the tips traveling in carvoeiro!