Car rental in Algarve
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* The prices were calculated on 06/09/2023 for a 4 days prepaid rental at Seville Airport starting on 06/16/2023. Our prices fluctuate daily and this offer is not guaranteed.
Our services at Algarve
Algarve Car Rental Deals
Rent a car in the Algarve region with SIXT for a premium and reliable service. The southernmost part of Portugal, it's home to a dramatic coastline and beautiful inland areas. A car rental road trip in the Algarve means experiencing the dramatic seacliffs and golden beaches, plus rolling hills and picturesque villages with whitewashed houses. Take a look at our branch menu to see which pick up location suits your trip and read on to get helpful tips on how to make the most out of your vacation with our car rental deals in the Algarve.
On this page we will give our suggestions on what to do in Faro, Silves and Lagos, our recommend Top 3 cities. You can also gather useful tips on traveling with children and insights into the region's cuisine and climate. More details about our car rental in the Algarve services are provided as well.
Our Service
Our excellent fleet features a diverse variety of models from leading brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. No matter your mobility needs we have a rental car to meet you budget and plans. You can customize your car rental in the Algarve with our affordable add-ons. All of our rental cars come equipped with air conditioning for your comfort and we offer affordable rates on numerous useful extras. In addition you can rest assured you will be behind the wheel of a rental vehicle that is well maintained and subject to frequent safety checks.
Which vehicle class is right for my trip?
- Compact cars are ideal for city breaks making it easy to park and tour around.
- Sedans can be a great choice when driving for longer stretches thanks to their premium comforts and amenities.
- SUVs and minivans are ideal for family vacations and group trips as they provide ample leg and luggage room.
Recommended extra features
- Loss Damage Waiver and Personal Accident Protection
- Tire and windscreen coverage
- Roadside Protection
- Additional drivers
- E-Toll service
- Baby, child and booster seats.
- GPS
Rental Regulations
Driving License
Driving licenses printed in a non-Roman alphabet need to be accompanied by an International Driving License. Licenses from non-EU countries (except Switzerland) are accepted if no visa is in their passport at time of hire or they have been in Europe for less than 6 months, otherwise a license issued from an EU country will be required.
Minimum age and additional drivers
The minimum age to rent a car in the Algarve is 19 and drivers must be in possession of a valid driving license for a year. Please remember if you have additional drivers they must also show their valid, original driver's license when you pick up your rental vehicle.
Refueling
When you rent a car in the Algarve with Sixt you will receive a vehicle with a full tank of gas. The rental vehicle needs to be returned with a full tank as well to avoid additional costs. However, if you book our prepaid fuel option which offers the possibility to buy a complete filling of the tank at a cost often on par with local prices you are allowed to return your rental car with less than a full tank of gas.
Accidents
In the event of an accident please contact the police immediately and report damages directly to Sixt. You can reach emergency services by dialing 112.
If you need some tips on driving in the Algarve and the rest of Portugal, check out our article on driving tips for Europe.
Tips for the Region
The Algarve is an extremely popular tourist destination and its population swells in the summer months. Drive your rental car inland to the many villages where the traditional Algarvian way of life is still going strong. A stunning example is the picturesque village of Alte thirty miles northwest of Loule. The village is famous for its flowers, whitewashed buildings and numerous cafes and restaurants serving the best in Algarvian cuisine. While the east and central coast are populated with many resorts, for more of a wild experience go west where you will find unspoiled nature and a dramatic coastline shaped by the rough Atlantic Ocean. The windswept Cabo de Sao Vicente at the southwestern most tip of Europe is a spectacular spot, be sure to visit the small Museo dos Farois house in a red lighthouse set out on the cape.
- From Faro to Cabo de Sao Vicente: 75 miles via A22 in 1hr 29 minutes
- From Lagos to Cabo de Sao Vicente: 23 miles via N125 and N268 in 43 minutes
Important Cities
Lagos
Lagos is the ideal city break in the Algarve with its tourist friendly beaches, vibrant nightlife and superb rocky coastline. Local traditions are celebrated in the town with markets selling handicrafts and restaurants serving traditional cuisine. It is an ancient town with more than 2000 years of history reflected in its architecture. Be sure to see the city walls that encircled the old city of Lagos, parts are still standing and are excellently preserved.
Faro
Faro is a beautiful city with a rich ecosystem due to its proximity to the Nature Park of Ria Forma. We highly recommend taking a walk around the pretty streets of the old quarter, a visit to the palace and gardens of the Estoi Palace and also the medieval Cathedral of Faro which is a national monument.
Silves
The peaceful town of Silves is dominated by a spectacular Moorish castle in its center and makes a great getaway from the busy coastline. For a quick car rental road trip in the Algarve take the 30 minute drive on the A22 from Lagos. Steeped in tradition there are hardly any signs of modern development here, especially noticeable while taking a walk over the Ponte Romana bridge and up into the hills opposite to get a stunning view of the town.
Climate, Cuisine & Travel with Children
Climate
Visitors will enjoy a trip to the Algarve year round. In summer temperatures can get as high as 48 degrees, which brings many visitors to its stunning beaches. The short and mild winter means temperatures rarely fall below zero.There are strong winds and rougher seas from the Atlantic in the west, while the central coast is more sheltered and can feel even hotter.
Cuisine
Fresh fish is the most common ingredient in Algarvian cuisine. Clams are extremely popular and served with rice and in many stew and casserole dishes. Skewered sardines have a strong reputation in Portimão while Santa Luzia is famous for its many ways of serving octopus. Clams in a cataplana is a highly sought after dish, cooked in an Arabian copper pan the clams retain their full flavor.
Traveling with Children
The Fiesa Sand Sculpture Festival runs annually from May to October, it is the largest festival of its kind in the world and a great day out for children. The Algarve's maritime past is well documented in museums in Lagos and Faro and many of the exhibitions have interactive elements that will entertain children as well. There are the countless fantastic beaches, be sure to mind the sun and heed the lifeguard's warnings and bathing advice. A country picnic during a scenic drive through the Algarvian countryside, especially along the River Arade which is a great spot for bird watching too.
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Good to know when renting in Algarve
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Algarve?
To rent a car with SIXT in Algarve you need to be at least 18 with a valid license. Some car categories have a higher minimum rental age, and an underage driver fee may apply.
Can I modify, extend, or cancel my reservation?
At SIXT you can either pay online or when you pick up your car at Algarve.
Can I choose a different drop-off location in Algarve?
It is possible to rent a car one way between stations for pick-ups in Algarve. A fee may apply.
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Customer reviews & feedback
4.7
Based on 3956 reviews
The way to Sixt
(4.9)
At the Sixt branch
(4.9)
Vehicle handover
(4.8)
Kim M.
(5.0)
We experienced a great customer service with Pepe - he was polite, great English skills and really friendly. He offered of course additional options, but didn’t try to force any upsells, like I’ve read in other experiences here.
Pick-up was effortless and car almost new ans clean. Top!
John A.
(5.0)
Francesca here was fantastic and ensured an excellent rental car experience. No issues with Sixt, their car, or their Staff at any point. Thank you!
julie b.
(5.0)
Quick, efficient service, clean practically new car. Great value for money.
b.
(5.0)
Thank you Sixt Sevilla! I've had a wonderful roundtrip with a clean and reliable car. All the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Only minor hiccup was that upon pickup and leaving the car park, the barrier didn't open and I had to return and speak to the staff again.
Cologne Lifestyle S.
(5.0)
Great upgrade at no extra cost!
Jacob P.
(5.0)
Francisco was very helpful and spoke perfect English
Alexandre G.
(5.0)
Great staff and great cars. Thanks to you all
alberto f.
(5.0)
The operators Francisco at the airport in Seville and Marta at the Sevilla Plaza de Armas were brilliant. Reassuring and highly professional: they immediately created trust in Sixt. Model employees who do their job very well.Good experience.
Monique V.
(5.0)
Good car, good service and nice personal!
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FAQs about rentals in Algarve
What do I need to rent a car in Algarve?
You need a valid driver’s license held for at least 1 year, depending on the car category. You might also need an International Driving Permit or official translation of the license.
Can I book a long-term car rental in Algarve?
Easily book a long-term rental at Algarve by entering trip dates and pick-up/drop-off locations.
Do I need to purchase insurance or protection packages with my rental in Algarve?
A damage waiver is included with your car rental. You can add other protection products to reduce your excess.
Can I add an additional driver to my rental?
You can add additional drivers to your booking as an optional extra.