Planning Your Trip

Planning Your Trip to Casa da Parra

Everything you need to know before you travel — from flights and visas to packing and local customs.

Getting to Faro Airport

Faro Airport (FAO) is the Algarve's only commercial airport, with direct flights from most major European cities.

Major airlines serving Faro:

• Ryanair — Widest route network, flights from UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Scandinavia, and more
• easyJet — London, Bristol, Manchester, Berlin, Paris, Geneva, and others
• TAP Air Portugal — Connects via Lisbon from worldwide destinations including the US, Brazil, and Africa
• British Airways — London Gatwick and Heathrow
• Wizz Air — Budget routes from central and eastern Europe

Flight times: 2.5–3 hours from the UK, 3–4 hours from central Europe, 8–9 hours from the US east coast (via Lisbon).

Driving to the Villa

Casa da Parra is approximately 40 minutes from Faro Airport by car.

Route: Take the A22 (Via do Infante) motorway west, exit at junction 6 (Albufeira/Guia), and follow signs to Guia. The villa has free private parking.

Toll road note: The A22 is a toll motorway. If your rental car doesn't have a Via Verde transponder, register your number plate at portotolls.com within 48 hours. Alternatively, use the free EN125 coast road (adds 15–20 minutes).

Car hire: We strongly recommend renting a car for your stay. All major companies operate from Faro Airport — Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and local operators like Guerin. Book in advance during June–September for the best rates.

Visa Information

Portugal is part of the Schengen Area. Here's what you need to know:

• EU/EEA citizens: No visa required. Freedom of movement applies — just bring your passport or national ID card
• UK citizens: No visa needed for stays up to 90 days. Valid passport required (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date)
• US, Canadian, Australian, and NZ citizens: No visa needed for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Valid passport required
• Other nationalities: Check the Portuguese immigration service (SEF) website or your nearest Portuguese consulate

ETIAS (from 2025): Non-EU visitors from visa-exempt countries (including UK, US, Canada, Australia) will need to register for ETIAS travel authorisation before arriving. This is a simple online process costing €7, valid for 3 years.

Currency & Money

• Currency: Euro (EUR / €)
• Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Contactless payments work almost everywhere. American Express is less commonly accepted
• Cash: Useful for small purchases, markets, and some beach bars. ATMs (called Multibanco) are widely available — avoid airport exchange bureaux, which offer poor rates
• Tipping: Not mandatory in Portugal, but appreciated. 5–10% at restaurants is generous. Rounding up the bill is common. No need to tip at bars or for coffee

What to Pack by Season

Summer (June–September)

• Light, breathable clothing — it regularly exceeds 30°C
• High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50) and a hat — the Algarve sun is strong
• Swimwear and beach shoes (some beaches have rocky access)
• A light cardigan for evenings — coastal breezes can be cool after sunset
• Comfortable walking shoes for cliff paths and cobbled old towns

Spring (March–May) & Autumn (October–November)

• Layers — warm days (20–25°C) but cooler mornings and evenings
• A light waterproof jacket — occasional rain showers
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear — the pool is pleasant from April, and brave swimmers enjoy the sea year-round

Winter (December–February)

• Warmer layers — daytime temperatures around 15–18°C, dropping to 8–10°C at night
• A proper rain jacket — winter brings the most rainfall
• The pool is unheated but the Algarve still averages 300+ sunny days per year

Useful Information

• Time zone: WET (GMT+0), same as the UK. Clocks go forward one hour in summer (WEST, GMT+1)
• Electricity: 230V, European two-pin plugs (Type F). UK and US visitors will need an adaptor
• Language: Portuguese. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning "obrigado/obrigada" (thank you) and "bom dia" (good morning) is always appreciated
• Emergency number: 112 (Europe-wide)
• Tap water: Safe to drink throughout the Algarve
• Driving: Drive on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on main roads, 120 km/h on motorways

Need help planning? We're happy to recommend flights, arrange airport transfers, or answer any questions about your trip. Just ask when you enquire about Casa da Parra.