48% of Tourists Would Still Visit Portugal in 2020 If Restrictions Were Lifted

visit portugal

Please find below the results of a survey done by the Portugalist, a leading blog about Portugal.

Almost half (48.3%) of tourists who had planned to visit Portugal in 2020 would still visit if travel restrictions were lifted. Of those that plan to visit this year, 52.7% hope to visit Portugal in the autumn or winter compared to 30.4% who hope to visit in the summer.

Questions and Answers about Coronavirus in Portugal

coronavirus

The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a new virus for the human species, therefore we have no immunity against it. It is likely that all of us will have contact with this virus in the future.
However, it is the transmissibility that is worrisome. Only a minority of people require hospitalization and, in the most extreme cases, ventilator support (respirators). Now, if many of us get sick at the same time, there may not be resources to treat everyone.

Time for an update, time to give some answers to questions about the Coronavirus. What is the situation in Portugal and in the Algarve? Algarve Housing will do the best they can to help you!

What do you know about Portugal?

 

holiday in Portugal

Portugal is the hidden gem of Europe and the Algarve is the hidden gem of Portugal. We know by now, the Algarve has a breath-taking coastline, best beaches of Europe, best golf courses of Europe… but what do you actually know of this beautiful country?

You have made the decision to spend your holidays to Portugal, or maybe even a longer period, or you live in Portugal?

Algarve Housing has put some social and geographical facts of Portugal, for you in a row.

Christmas and New Year in Portugal

Xmas Portugal

 

Slowly, the shops are changing their assortment, lights appear here and there, supermarkets start to promote presents heavily and the first Father Christmas dolls make their glorious entrance in the shop windows…Christmas in the Algarve is approaching! Algarve Housing has put some facts of this universal celebration in Portugal in a row.

Christmas in Portugal

Christmas in Portugal

Christmas In the Algarve is in the first place, about spending time with family. And about traditions. On Christmas Eve, families will come together and have their Christmas dinner, the “Consoada”, consisting of “bacalhau”, the famous codfish, with boiled potatoes, cabbage and eggs.

Treat yourself during your Holiday in the Algarve?

holiday Algarve

Holiday in the Algarve

There you are, in the Algarve in Portugal. You have one week (or maybe more, lucky you…) to recharge all batteries during your holiday in the Algarve, so you can go home after your holidays feeling ten years younger, ready to lift the world all by yourself. Now is the time to really give yourself some sweet treats, and here are some of the most regenerative possibilities in the Algarve:

Things to do in the Algarve in August

Algarve and August

August in the Algarve, is a month full of entertainment, so many things to do in the Algarve. The Algarve is alive and kicking! Most beaches are crowded, you see the children’s air castles popping up everywhere, the nets to play ball games, massages at the beach, live music, happy, laughing and dancing people everywhere. Gin tonics and ‘sex’ on the beach….That is the Algarve in August!

Some highlights of entertainment in the Algarve in August not to be missed and minor detail (wink, wink) a nice private holiday villa!

February in the Algarve

February in the Algarve

February in the Algarve

February is a bit like January, nature is unfolding with many nice flowers blooming, and spreading nice smells like the Mimosa, the poppies and the daisies. Weather can be nice, very nice, with lots of sunshine, BUT it can be stormy and rainy too. Be aware!

February is the perfect month if you like hiking and biking (watch our next blog!) and playing golf.

What else can you do in February in the Algarve?

Algarve Housing like to share a few events in February with YOU!

January in the Algarve

january in the Algarve

January in the Algarve

Happy New Year!

‘Algarve host 150 events in January’ I just read at the front page of the Algarve Resident…who think January is a dull and boring month in the Algarve, is completely wrong. Today it is 3 January, and up until today I had every day breakfast and lunch in the sun! Lovely temperatures, and plenty to do in January in the Algarve. Music, art, gastronomy, a variety of cultural events in January. Algarve Housing like to share with you a few events in the Algarve for this month!

Things to do in September in the Algarve

September in the algarve portugal

Things to do in the Algarve

We survived the busy summer!  Gosh it was busy! Busy in many ways, but with September ahead, we can look back at a successful summer in the Algarve. Personally, I really like September in the Algarve, why?

Because:

  • It is after August
  • The temperatures are still nice, very nice!!!
  • The beaches are less crowded
  • Roads are much less crowded, ideal for a road trip
  • Airline tickets are cheaper
  • Villa rentals are cheaper
  • Amazing sunsets
  • And nice things to do!

West Algarve, worth a visit?

map Algarve POrtugal
Map Algarve Portugal

Algarve Housing rent villas in West, East and Central Algarve. Very often we get asked which part to go, what to do there, any kind of advice. We will make a nice article about each part of the Algarve, so you can read and make up your mind. It is all a matter of taste of course, but, with those articles, we hope to help you a bit to make the right choice.

Today we present The West Algarve. Enjoy, and do not hesitate to contact me for any further details regarding the Western Algarve.

Family Holiday in Algarve: Sun & Fun

Family Holiday in Algarve

Family Holiday in Algarve

Algarve is certainly one of the most famous regions in Portugal, especially for family holidays!

Every year thousands of tourists come to Algarve for the sun, the beaches, the food and the wide offer of activities. This makes the Algarve a great holiday destination for families. Play at the Beach and in the Sea – Southern Algarve is filled with either small secluded beaches or long rockless beaches, but they have one thing in common: the sea is calm and flat, ideal for swimming, playing at the water, making castles in the sand or just taking a walk by the sea.

Driving in the Algarve-How to handle the toll road A22

Toll road Algarve
Toll road Algarve

 

Driving in the Algarve-How to handle the toll road A22

We often get questions regarding the toll system in the Algarve. As it is complicated and confusing, the article below hopefully give you a bit more comprehension.

The main highway in the south of Portugal is the A22, also known as “Via do Infante”. It runs across the entire region and connects all the main cities, including Faro, Portimão and Lagos, reaching all the way to the Spanish border.

Originally, the A22 was not a toll road, but this changed in late 2011 when tolls were implemented. Because it was not originally meant as a toll-road, the A22 and the other former “SCUTs” in Portugal don’t have toll booths, making it remarkably easy to miss the fact that you’re using a toll road, and making it more than a little complicated to pay for the tolls even if you are inclined to do so.

In order to facilitate the process with rental cars, car hire suppliers give clients picking up their car in Portugal the option to acquire an electronic device that can be used to automatically pay for tolls. This device is associated with your credit card and the tolls are charged automatically every time you drive through a toll road. This device can be used both with the new automated system in more recent toll highways and with the existing system in traditional toll-roads, which have a fast lane for cars with automatic devices.

Please note that this device is optional and clients can refuse to take it if they so wish. Should you opt out of the device, you have two choices regarding the A22. On the one hand, you can simply pay for it the old-fashioned way, which means either at a Payshop or at the post-office. To pay for it in this manner, you must wait at least 48 hours after you have used the highway, but you have to pay for it no later than 5 days. If you go back to your country without paying for the tolls you’re due, the Portuguese police will issue a fine, which will be sent to your address on your rental information. On top of that, the car rental supplier will often charge an additional administrative fee on top of the fine.

Alternatively, you can simply choose not to use the highway A22. Contrary to popular belief, it’s perfectly possible to drive in the Algarve using only national roads. Please note, however, that unlike highways, national roads only have two lanes, one going in each direction. Furthermore, they tend to go through towns instead of around them, and traffic bottlenecks often occur on the roundabouts and traffic lights right before a town or city. It is also worth noting that Portuguese drivers usually avoid the highway, which is considered expensive by national standards, so you are likely to find more considerably more traffic in national roads than in highways. This is particularly true during the high season, since the Algarve is also a popular destination for Portuguese holidaymakers.

If instead of booking in Portugal you are holidaying in Spain but want to pop to the other side of the border for a quick getaway, fear not. Right across the border on the side of the highway there are vending machines where you can sort out everything you need to drive on the A22. And if you run into any difficulty using the machine, there’s a direct line to a help center, with agents usually speaking – besides Portuguese – Spanish and at least rudimentary English.

Algarve toll road
Algarve toll road

If you are a visitor, arriving at the Spanish Border in a foreign registered car
At the border on the A22 you will find an automatic vending machine. Here you can rent a transponder by entering your car registration number and your credit card. On your return you can drop off your ‘used’ transponder at the last service station (Olhao) where you will get part of the original cost refunded less a small rental fee. All tolls will be charged to your credit card. Should the vending machine be busy, you can also rent a transponder at the first service area on the motorway (Olhao).

You can also rent a transponder at any Post Office and from Faro Airport (in the Post Office),

Option Two is to purchase a five day pass, again from any Post Office, The cost is Euros 10 initially (or more), tolls must be pre-paid, so deposit enough to cover your expected journeys. As far as we can ascertain, you can only buy one of these, and you pay the normal toll charge, based on your journey. Refunds of unused tolls are possible, but we don’t know anyone who has tried! You will get a receipt which you should display on your dashboard, and keep in a safe place thereafter. One reader has told us that he has been told that the unused part of his payment will be refunded to his Credit Card automatically once the toll road concessionaires have calculated what he has used in tolls.

Option Three

Easy Toll & Toll Card (introduced July 2012). The new system features two methods of payment called ‘Easy Toll’ and ‘Toll Card’, developed by the national road company Estradas de Portugal in cooperation with the CTT postal service and electronic payment company UNICRE. Easy Toll is available at border crossings into Portugal featuring or near a former SCUT motorway; Vila Formoso (A25), Vila Real de Santo António (A22), Chaves (A24) and Vila Nova de Cerveira (EN13). Machines have been installed for users to pay tolls and staff are available to provide information. The Easy Toll system enables drivers of foreign registered vehicles to associate their number plate to a bank card for a period of up to one month, with toll charges being debited directly from their account. Toll Card meanwhile is a method whereby users can buy a card that is prepaid with five, ten, 20 or 40 euros, and can be activated and linked to a vehicle license number by sending a text message. Toll cards can be bought online, at post offices and motorway services stations

Contact me if you have any questions.

Warm regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing for better holidays in the Algarve

 

 

 

Revolution Day in Portugal! What to do?

25 April- holiday in Portugal
25 April- holiday in Portugal

25 April, Revolution day in Portugal. In 1974 ended the dictatorship and started the Democracy. This day is a national holiday in Portugal. Almost every town celebrates this with festivities like music, markets, performances.

Algarve Housing  like to give you a few highlights to choose from:

26 April

Odeleite Fair – Feira do Campo
Odeleite Fair

 

Odeleite Fair – Feira do Campo

In and around the small village Furnazinhas

Countryside activities such as a 8km walk in the area to discover the copper mines, donkey rides, and lessons in how to cook bread in the bread oven.

23-26 April

Faro- Cheese and Wine Fair

Manuel Bivar Gardens

Many stalls will be selling local products, crafts, liqueurs, honey, tapas, cheese and wine!

 

24-26 April

Portimao- Praia Marina

 

Agua Bike Race Portimao
Agua Bike Race Portimao

Agua bike races

24-26 April

FIM Bike Championship

Autodrome International Portimao

Featuring Superbike, Moto 2 and 3, Kawazaki Z Cup.

 

Another highlight of things to do in the Algarve:

27 April

Classical Ballet Olhao
Classical Ballet Olhao

 

Classical Ballet

Olhao Municipal Auditorium

Performed by the Russian Classical Ballet

9.30 pm

 

Algarve Housing  rent unique villas in the Algarve!

Contact me  for any more information!

Enjoy your weekend!

Michele

Algarve Housing

Sunshine? Nice Villa in the Algarve?

Casa Lavender, now 950 euros for a week in July, sunshine guaranteed!!!
Lovely villa in the countryside, with 3 bedrooms all en-suite, private pool and gardens, wifi and air-conditioning. What else do you want? Beach? only 25 minutes drive. Shops and restaurants? 10 minutes drive you find historic Silves, worth a visit!
Sunshine? It’s the Algarve, lots of sun in July! AND August ofcourse!
Festival? and other entertainment? there is always something to do in the Algarve, music festival, jazz, pop and classical concerts, For the Children? Also! We have the zoo marine where you can swim with the dolphins and Slide and splash, there are zoo’s, but most important, Casa Lavender has its own pool! Children love this!!!!
https://www.algarvehousing.net/villas-for-rent-portugal/central-algarve/luxury-villa-villa-casa-lavender-silves/