I-VII 09:00 – 13:00 and 14:30-18:30
EPI Rent a Car is one of the oldest and best-rated rental companies in the Algarve – family-run from Monte Gordo since 1968, with a 500-car fleet, a 4.36/5 customer rating across ~723 survey responses, vehicles under three years old and 24-hour roadside assistance included. Based in the eastern Algarve near Vila Real de Santo António and the Spanish border, it is the local pick for Monte Gordo, Tavira and Castro Marim – friendly service, clean cars and transparent terms rather than the deposit games of the cheapest brands.
Average daily rates at the eastern Algarve by season
Economy/compact, booked ~4 weeks ahead, EUR
| Season | Economy | Compact | Automatic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low (Nov–Feb) | €9–20 | €14–26 | €25–40 |
| Shoulder (Mar–May, Oct) | €18–35 | €25–45 | €40–65 |
| Peak (Jun–Sep) | €35–60 | €45–75 | €65–110 |
EPI is based in Monte Gordo, in the far eastern Algarve, with delivery options around Vila Real de Santo António and Faro Airport on request. As a family-run local it handles pickup personally; confirm whether you want airport delivery or to collect in Monte Gordo when you book.
A 4.36/5 rating across ~723 responses, a 500-car fleet kept under three years old, 24-hour roadside assistance and free tow truck included. Reviewers highlight punctual, good-English staff, clean cars and occasional free upgrades. Exactly the transparent local experience that avoids the budget-brand traps.
Airauto (9/10) and Guerin (8/10, Enterprise franchisee) are strong FAO options if you prefer to collect at the airport rather than in Monte Gordo. Avoid Goldcar (Trustpilot ~1.6/5).
EPI includes cover with a deposit blocked on your card; as a transparent local it is straightforward, but you can still add stand-alone excess insurance (€4–7/day) for full peace of mind. Confirm the deposit amount and fuel policy when booking.
The A22 Via do Infante is toll-free since January 2025, so day trips along the Algarve cost nothing in tolls; you only meet tolls on the A2 toward Lisbon. Fuel in May 2026 is about €1.85–2.01/L petrol and ~€1.95/L diesel, cheapest at supermarket pumps. Return the car full.
Monte Gordo sits beside the toll-free A22, so Tavira (25 min), Faro (50 min) and the Spanish border at Ayamonte (10 min by the bridge) are easy. The Ria Formosa, Castro Marim salt marshes and Cacela Velha are all short, scenic drives.
What a week really costs
Economy car, shoulder season
| Cost item | EPI (local, all-in) | Cheapest broker trap |
|---|---|---|
| Base rental (7 days) | €175 (€25/day) | €98 headline |
| Insurance | Included / small add-on | €120 forced cover |
| Deposit hold | Reasonable | €1,000–2,000 |
| Assistance | 24h incl. + free tow | Extra |
| Experience | Transparent, friendly | Stressful, hidden costs |
In Monte Gordo, in the far eastern Algarve near Vila Real de Santo António and the Spanish border. Delivery to Faro Airport and around the eastern Algarve is available on request.
Very – it is one of the oldest Algarve rental firms (operating since 1968), family-run, with a 4.36/5 rating across ~723 responses, a fleet kept under three years old and 24-hour roadside assistance included.
Yes, airport delivery is available on request. If you would rather collect in-terminal at Faro, Airauto (9/10) or Guerin (8/10) are good FAO alternatives.
Yes – 24-hour roadside assistance and a complimentary tow-truck service are included with every car.
No – the A22 is toll-free since January 2025, so Monte Gordo, Tavira and Faro trips cost nothing in tolls.
Generally yes within the EU, but tell EPI your plans when booking so the paperwork and insurance cover cross-border use; Ayamonte is just minutes away over the bridge.
Disclosure: Auto Jardim participates in the DiscoverCars affiliate program. Reviews are based on Trustpilot, Google Maps, traveller forums and direct experience. We only recommend companies we would use ourselves.
Last updated: May 2026. Prices and policies change – always verify directly with the rental company.
