We are picking up a car at Faro Airport in the evening. Only have few days on the coast and want to do a boat ride to the caves. Weather permitting. Looks like the best and closest place would be near Benagil Beach to depart. Will that be a hard drive after 6pn or should we stay near Faro? Would really like to get away from the tourist areas if possible but don't want to drive far in the dark. Any recommendations where we would still have a good selection of eats and nightlife?
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
When? It makes a big difference in the time of sunset.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
The Algarve is one huge tourist area! The only place you can avoid tourists is to stay in Faro, which is a regular working city of 120,000 people. It wouldn’t be my choice of where to stay, so accept that you are a tourist and stay with other tourists. I prefer Lagos and Tavira, but Tavira is at the opposite end of the Algarve to the caves.
I hope you aren’t arriving after a long transatlantic flight and hiring a car, as driving standards leave a lot to be desired there and you need to have your wits about you! Take the transponder option for the toll roads from your hire company, as it’s easier than trying to pay yourselves.
I haven’t taken a boat trip at Benagil, but I have from Lagos. Benagil is about an hour’s drive by toll road from the airport. Check the opening hours of the car rental places, as some close at 7-8pm and if your flight is delayed, they will have closed before you are through passport control. Another good reason to stay in Faro for the first night.
Posted by
OP
cincinnati, ohio, usa
14 posts
We are taking the bus from Seville on March 14. Arriving in Faro about 6pm. Was thinking of driving to Olhos de Aqua. Looks like a fairly nice area but not as busy as Lagos. Don't want to be driving too late. Then next day drive to the caves ,etc.