Among the many beautiful destinations in Portugal, Faro is often overlooked and thought of only for its airport. However, if you choose to spend some time in Faro, you’ll discover that this city has a charm all its own. Faro is full of vibrant culture and interesting historical landmarks. It’s also surrounded by beautiful beaches as well as lagoons that are teeming with wildlife. If you’re looking to take a souvenir home from your trip to Portugal, look no further than Faro’s many shopping plazas. With so much to do in Faro, the best way to experience all that the city has to offer is by renting a motorcycle and exploring at your own pace.
The southernmost city in all of Portugal and the capital of southern Portugal’s Algarve region, Faro has a rather hot climate and seems to be sunny almost every day of the year. If you’re looking to get a tan on your European vacation, Faro is a great place to do it. The city’s history dates back all the way to the 4th century when the region was colonized by the Phoenicians, and remnants of the ancient society can still be found throughout the city. By renting a motorcycle, you’ll be able to hop from the historical sites to the shopping malls and then to the beach, quickly and easily.
This post will cover:
- Safety issues related to driving a motorcycle in Faro
- The locations of motorcycle rental shops in Faro
- The typical cost of motorcycle rental in Faro
- Whether you need an international driving permit to drive a motorcycle in Faro
- The best places to visit by motorcycle in Faro
Is it safe to drive a motorcycle in Faro, Portugal?
Portugal as a country is known for having rather reckless and aggressive drivers. However, driving in Faro can be much more manageable than driving in the larger cities of Porto and Lisbon. The roads in Faro are typically pretty quiet with very little traffic, and the pace of life in Faro seems slower than in the larger cities, so drivers are more relaxed.
They drive on the right side of the road in Portugal and the speed limit within the city of Faro is 50 kilometers per hour just about everywhere. Many Portuguese drivers choose to drive way over the speed limit, so you should always be vigilant while driving in Faro.
One traffic rule that typically trips up foreign drives is that in Faro, and the region of Algarve in general, a driver joining a lane from the right side has priority over the drivers already in the lane. So, if you see a driver trying to join your lane from the right, you should yield or stop for them.
Where can you rent a motorcycle in Faro, Portugal?
Options for motorcycle rental are more scarce in Faro than in Lisbon or Porto, but they’re still fairly easy to find. If you’re flying into Faro Airport, there are several rental services located right outside the airport terminals. You can book your motorcycle online or in-person and drive it directly to your accommodation in Faro.
If you’re looking for a motorcycle rental shop closer after entering the city of Faro, there are several shops scattered around the city center. It’s probably better to search for a shop online or ask a local rather than walking around aimlessly searching for one.
What will you pay to rent a motorcycle in Faro, Portugal?
The price of renting a motorcycle in Faro is on par with the prices in the rest of Portugal. A low-power motorcycle will cost you around €65 per day to rent. The roads in Faro are pretty flat, so there’s really no need to get a super powerful motorcycle. However, if you’d prefer a more powerful bike, you can expect to pay €100 to €150 per day.
You should always verify with your rental shop that your rental agreement includes the cost of renting a helmet as well as insurance. Shadier rental shops may try to tack on hefty fees to your bill upon returning your motorcycle if you don’t ask them beforehand.
Do you need an international driving permit to drive a motorcycle in Portugal?
Unlike most of the neighboring European countries, United States citizens with legal driver’s licenses from their home country are not required to carry an international driving permit while operating a motor vehicle in Portugal. However, if you have an encounter with Portuguese police, it may be helpful to carry an international driving permit, as it includes a translation to Portuguese.
If you want to get an international driving permit, you should apply at least two weeks prior to arriving in Portugal, as that’s how long it usually takes to process. You can apply here, and there is a $20 application fee. International driving permits are valid for one year.
Where are the best places to go by motorcycle in Faro, Portugal?
Now that you’re aware of everything you need to know to rent a motorcycle in Faro, here are some of the best places that your two wheels can take you:
- Located right in the heart of Faro’s city center is one of the must-see sites in the city, the Cathedral of Faro. This Roman Catholic cathedral was consecrated in the name of the Virgin Mary in the 13th century and is one of the most culturally significant places in Faro. The monument was built just two years after Faro was reconquered from the Moors, and it seems as if the city was anticipating another siege, as the cathedral looks more like a fortress than a religious building. There is free parking just outside the cathedral, which can get crowded during the high season, and the entry fee is €3,50.
- Another majorly important historical site in Faro that you should absolutely visit is the Arco da Vila, located just a 3 minute drive north from the Cathedral of Faro. This arch, designed by Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri, embodies the welcoming spirit of Faro. It was built in 1812 as a way to welcome visitors to the city, and its beautiful Neoclassical design is truly a sight to behold. You can ride your motorcycle right up to it and admire the beautiful balustrades, or drive your motorcycle right through it if you like!
- If you want to experience the beautiful beaches of southern Portugal, take a 35 minute drive west out of the city to Albufeira, one of the best beach destinations in the region. Albufeira features a vibrant nightlife scene, gorgeous beaches, a town with many restaurants, and Pine Cliffs Golf Course, one of the best places to golf in Portugal.
While Faro is often overlooked as a vacation destination in Portugal, it offers visitors a more laid-back experience than larger cities like Porto and Lisbon. There are endless things to do in the city, from the nearby beaches to the historical monuments to the classy shopping plazas. And the best way to see all that Faro has to offer is by renting a motorcycle!
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