If you’re planning to spend an extended period in Faro, Portugal, whether for work, leisure, or anything in between, one of the best ways to explore the area is by renting a car. As someone who's been combining remote work with traveling around Portugal, I can say that long-term car hire in Faro not only gives you freedom but it’s also more budget-friendly than short-term rentals.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about renting a car for the long haul in Faro. I’ll cover everything you need to know from how it works to the benefits, costs, and my recommendations, so let’s get started!
| Languages: Portuguese | Currency: EUR |
| Drive on: Right-hand side | Country code: +351 |
| Rental length: 11 days | Rental price: €17/day |
| Speed in town: 20–50 km/h or 12–31 mph | Speed out of town: 90–120 km/h or 56–75 mph |
| Alcohol limit (BAC): 0.05% | Rating: 9.3 / 10 |
| Avg gas price: €1.71/l or €6.47/gal | Lowest gas price: €1.63/l or €6.17/gal |
| Highest gas price: €1.81/l or €6.85/gal |
When I first arrived in Faro, I had the usual options in mind—taxi, public transport, and maybe a short-term car rental. But, as soon as I looked into the options available for long-term car hire, I quickly realized how much more convenient, cost-effective, and flexible it was.
I’m not the only one who’s discovered the perks of long-term car hire. Here are some common reasons travelers opt for extended rentals in Faro:
If you're planning on staying in Faro for a few weeks or months, long-term car hire is often the best solution. Not only do you get the freedom to travel around at your own pace, but it also makes the logistics of daily life easier. Think of all the time you’ll save not having to rely on public transport, or the cost of constantly hiring a taxi or renting a car for short bursts.
When it comes to renting a car for a longer period, there are a ton of benefits. I’ve personally found these to be the most significant:
One of the main reasons I turned to long-term car hire was cost. Renting a car for a month or more can often be much cheaper than renting a car by the day or week. Many rental companies offer discounted rates for longer rental periods, which can make a huge difference to your travel budget.
Unlike buying a car or committing to a long-term lease, a long-term car hire gives you the flexibility to change your plans. You’re not tied down to a car, but you still get the convenience of having your own wheels when you need them. Plus, maintenance and insurance are usually included, which means one less thing to worry about.
One of the best things about having a car in Faro is the freedom it gives you to explore the Algarve at your own pace. From Faro’s historic old town to the stunning beaches along the coast, there’s so much to see, and a car makes it easy to do so. Want to take a day trip to Lagos or visit the natural parks near Albufeira? No problem. With a car, you can go wherever you like, whenever you like. I’ve compiled a guide to Faro’s attractions by car to make your planning easier.
Now that we’ve covered the benefits of long-term car rental in Faro, let me explain how it all works. As with most car rental services in Portugal, renting a car long-term in Faro is pretty straightforward.
For a long-term rental, expect a minimum rental period of about one month. If you’re planning to stay longer, most companies are happy to extend the rental agreement, and some even offer special discounts for rentals that go beyond the 30-day mark.
To rent a car for an extended period in Faro, you'll need:
Insurance is one of those things that can make or break your car rental experience. Most long-term car hire services in Faro offer:
Before you sign anything, make sure you fully understand what the insurance covers. I’ve had a few occasions where I ended up paying for extra coverage simply because I didn’t ask the right questions upfront.
There are a number of reputable rental companies in Faro, so you won't run out of options. Here are some of the main ones:
If you're looking to save some time and energy comparing prices, I highly recommend using DiscoverCars. It’s a comparison tool I’ve used during my travels and it’s saved me hours of research. You can quickly compare the prices, availability, and reviews of different companies, all in one place. It’s super user-friendly, and I found some great deals that I wouldn’t have come across otherwise.
Now, let’s talk about cost. The price for a long-term car rental in Faro can vary based on the time of year, the type of car, and the rental company. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between €400 to €800 per month for a standard car. However, this price can fluctuate, especially in peak season (June to September).
Here’s what can affect your pricing:
The type of car you rent should depend on what you plan to do while you’re in Faro. Here are some of the most common types of vehicles I’d recommend for different needs:
Before you sign on the dotted line, here are a few tips I’ve picked up during my travels that will help you make the most of your long-term car hire in Faro:
If you're renting a car for an extended period in Faro, you're in for a treat! The Algarve is home to some of the most beautiful drives in Portugal, with stunning coastal views, charming villages, and vast landscapes to explore. Whether you're in the mood for a short day trip or a longer scenic drive, here are some of the best scenic drives from Faro.
One of the most popular routes is the drive along the southern coast, from Faro to Lagos. This scenic drive takes you along the EN125 road, with the ocean to your left and rolling hills to your right. You’ll pass through several picturesque towns like Albufeira, Portimão, and Praia da Rocha, where you can stop for a quick coffee or enjoy the beaches.
The highlight of this drive is the Ponta da Piedade, a series of dramatic cliffs and rock formations near Lagos. The view from the cliffs over the turquoise waters is truly breathtaking. If you have the time, I highly recommend taking a boat tour around the rocks to get a unique perspective of the coastline.
If you're up for a longer drive, head west from Faro to Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. Vincent), the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe. This drive will take you through some of the Algarve’s most rugged landscapes, with wild cliffs, isolated beaches, and dramatic coastal views along the way.
As you drive along the N125, you’ll pass through Aljezur and the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, known for its pristine, untouched beauty. The road offers plenty of opportunities to pull over and enjoy the views, with many scenic viewpoints along the cliffs. When you reach Cabo de São Vicente, the lighthouse and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean are unforgettable.
For a change of scenery, head inland to explore the Serra do Caldeirão, a mountain range just north of Faro. This route will take you through small rural villages like São Brás de Alportel and Tavira, where you can get a glimpse of the Algarve’s traditional countryside life.
The drive itself is peaceful and scenic, with winding roads offering views of the rolling hills and lush greenery, especially in the spring when the region is in full bloom. If you’re interested in hiking, you can stop at some of the natural parks along the way, such as Barrocal, for a break and some fresh air.
If you prefer to explore the quieter eastern part of the Algarve, take the road from Faro to Cacela Velha. This coastal route is less traveled than the western Algarve, and it offers a mix of stunning beaches and charming villages.
The highlight of this drive is Praia da Manta Rota, a peaceful beach surrounded by natural dunes and pine forests. Continue to Cacela Velha, a historic village perched on a hill with panoramic views of the coast and a beautiful, preserved fortress. The area is also known for its traditional Portuguese architecture, so be sure to explore the narrow streets of the village.
Another great route for nature lovers is the drive from Faro to Tavira, a beautiful town on the eastern Algarve coast. The journey along the N125 takes you through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a stunning coastal lagoon filled with wildlife and incredible bird-watching opportunities. Along the way, you can stop at various points to enjoy the wetlands, marshes, and dunes that make the area so unique. Tavira itself is a charming town with a mix of Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese influences. Be sure to visit Tavira Island for some of the region’s best beaches.
Long-term car hire in Faro is a fantastic option for anyone looking to explore the Algarve at their own pace. It offers affordability, flexibility, and the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want. If you’re planning to stay for a while, I highly recommend considering it.
Ready to start your adventure? DiscoverCars is the tool I’ve personally used and it’s been a game-changer in finding great deals. Compare prices now and enjoy a hassle-free rental experience during your time in Faro. Safe travels and I hope your time in Faro is as amazing as mine was!
Yes, long-term car hire is often cheaper than daily or weekly rentals, especially if you’re staying for a month or more.
Yes, most companies will allow you to extend your rental period. It’s always best to confirm this in advance.
If you're from the EU, a regular driver’s license should be fine. If you're from outside the EU, you may need an International Driving Permit, so check with the rental company beforehand.
