Faro to Porto, portugal

You have two options - train or bus.

Train:

There are two fast through trains per day and several intercity trains.

I have posted an extract from the current timetable on Scribd. Click on or copy and paste the url below:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/12889011/Faro-Porto-Train-Timetable-2009-

Bus:

There are two bus companies RENEX and REDE Expressos operating the Faro to Porto route via Lisbon.

The Rede Expressos Timetable can be found here:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/12889183/Faro-Porto-Rede-Expressos-Bus-Timetable

The RENEX timetables are downloadable via my blog:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com

Scroll down on the right and you will find at panel entitled:

»» Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

In this panel look for:

>>> RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Algarve (including Lagos) timetable

and

>>> RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Porto timetable

Click on each to download the relevant timetable in pdf

Algarve Digital - Free wifi access in the Algarve

There is a publicly sponsored free wifi access programme available at certain points in certain towns throughout the Algarve

Project website here:

http://www.algarvedigital.pt

List of most free Algarve wifi access points listed below. Red Pointer indicates free. Click on ipaper link below to save or on link below to go to Scribd for larger version or to download:

Algarve Digital Free Wifi 0209

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Informational Brochures & Catalogs digital wireless

Algarve - Lagos - Surfing

Lagos would be ideal for you!

For information on surfing contact the Surf Experience.

http://www.surf-experience.com/

These guys have been in business for years and can help. When you email them tell Toby M that Computer Chris referred you.

Lisbon Airport from Madrid to Lisbon Train

You want to get of the train at Gare Oriente not Stª Apolonia. Train gets in at +-07.30

Descend to the ground floor level and head to the West Exit of the Station where you will find taxis. At that hour of the morning should take about 5 to 10 minutes to the Airport at a price of around € 8 to 10 + bag surcharge.

Near the taxi stand you will also find the departure point for the Carris Aeroshuttle bus. This leaves every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 23:00 and goes directly to the airport for a cost of +- € 3.00

See this page for more details:

www.carris.pt/en/index.php…

Lisbon Metro operating hours & early morning taxi

See this page:

http://www.metrolisboa.pt/Default.aspx?tabid=533

First trains depart respective terminals at 06.30

Last trains depart respective terminals at 01:00

Weekend trains times depend on which line/lines you are using. They vary between 08:00 minutes and 11:00 minutes between trains, according to the site .

Early morning taxi from Hotel to Airport - Get the Hotel to get one for you and confirm the price, and write it down. There may be surcharges for bags and night surcharge. If any problem at the airport, call a policeman...there are usually a lot on duty outside arrivals and they have been cracking down on taxis recently.

Albufeira to Lagos

It is possible to get a train from Albufeira STATION to Lagos. However, Albufeira STATION is situated in Figueiras, a village about 7km from Albufeira itself. While there are some buses between the two it is a bit of a drag.

You would be much better getting the bus between Albufeira and Lagos.

Eva Transport bus timetable from Albufeira Bus Station to Lagos:

http://www.eva-bus.com/home_pesquisa2008.php?lang=PT&servico=0&origem=Albufeira%28T.Cali%E7os%29&destino=Lagos&Procurar=Ok

Also on the right hand side of this blog you will find a panel entitled

»» Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

There you will find an entry entitled:

»» Algarve Regional Line Train Timetable

Click on it for the latest railway Timetable for the Algarve line which includes Albufeira STATION to Lagos.

Meia Praia Developments - Update

1) Work on the Vila Galé Hotel is moving towards completion with a projected opening date of 25th April 2009.

2) Together with the Vila Galé project, the IberHotel project half way along Meia Praia and the massive earthworks associated with the expansion of the Palmares Golf Course at the other end of Meia Praia, the main Meia Praia road has become a race track for large dump trucks spewing dirt everywhere. Not Nice!

3) The access road to and through Palmares golf course has been so damaged by heavy vehicles at both the Meia Praia end and the Vale da Lama end, that it reminds me of rural roads in the poorest developing countries. Not conducive to a quiet day at the links.

In Summary, avoid Palmares till the work's done.

Lagos Taxis

All the taxis in Lagos are part of a co-operative which has a monopoly.

I know a young Portuguese man who works a second job as a local taxi driver at night and I offered to put his own number on my blog to help him get business. He said he was not allowed to privately tout for work and all business had to come through the co-op.

It is an absolute rip off. I live in Meia Praia and when I need to get a cab into or out of town, not only are the prices ridiculous but often the taxis will not come here as they don't make enough on it!
When I have to get an early morning train to Faro or Lisbon, I have to make sure I travel with a suitcase I can wheel to Meia Praia Halt as dragging it all the way to Lagos Station is not on.

Unfortunately,neither the local Camara nor the regional tourism authorities appear to be aware or want to be aware of a problem that causes a lot of hassles for tourists.

Liberalisation of the local taxi system would reduce prices, would reduce costs of getting to and from Faro Airport, and would create jobs.

Prices here are also crazy when compared to the prices of taxis in Lisbon.

There may be a case for referring the taxi price monopoly in Lagos and other towns throughout the EU with similar problems through to the competition authorities in Brussels but that's beyond my competence to say.

That's also why it is usually much more cost effective to hire a car at Faro Airport on arrival and drive to, from and around Lagos.

Ryanair - Online Only Check-in

Europe's (rapidly becoming) unfavorite airline, Ryanair, announced today that, as from 2010, the only way to check-in for a Ryanair flight will be on-line over the Internet. Hencefifth, there will be no way to check-in at the airport. The Airline is also trying to screw people down on baggage.

For more information see:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7903656.stm

What this means for persons who are IT illiterate or otherwise disenfranchised, such as certain Senior Citizens, beggars belief!

Catholic Churches - Porto

I do not live anywhere near Porto so don't actually know specifically about services. However, have a look at this page (in Portuguese) which is about the Porto Cathedral.

http://www.diocese-porto.pt/catedral/igreja.htm

This is the link for the Diocese of Porto web site:

http://www.diocese-porto.pt/

If you click on the Links item at top left of the page you will come to a list of parishes with websites in the Diocese including Porto.

Luvaria Ulisses - Lisbon

Not sure about prices! I often walk past this shop when in Lisbon. It is one of those wonderful olde worlde remnants of Lisbon when it was a world capital of an empire.

They have a website here:

http://www.luvariaulisses.com/uk/pagina/1/home/

From the site it does not appear they do men's gloves.

Perhaps you could email them.

Ryanair - Liverpool - Faro cancelled

Ryanair announced yesterday that it is cutting its Liverpool to Faro route.

See:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/17cc6d3c-fe26-11dd-932e-000077b07658.html

Note this announcement is still not noted on the Ryanair News Site

Hip hotel in Lagos

We don't have any boutique hotels here in central Lagos yet.

The Villa Galé Lagos which is being built just down the road from me opens on April 25th, 2009.

See: http://www.vilagale.pt/pages/hoteis/?hotel=21

This group's hotels are usually very well appointed.

However, it is about 1500m from town.

Vivenda Miranda is also very nice and has great sea views.

http://www.vivendamiranda.com/

Again it a a way from town but the restaurants at Porto do Mós are in easy walking distance.

Within the city walls you could have a look at Casa da Moura and within easy walking distance of town.

http://www.casadamoura.com/_en/index.htm

Lagos to Lisbon - Buses - Rede Expressos/EVA

The following is the current Rede-Expressos/EVA Transportes Lagos to Lisbon Sete Rios Daily Bus Timetable: (Click on Image to enlarge.)

Lisbon to Albufeira by bus - Sunday afternoons

There are plenty of buses daily from Lisbon to Albufeira even on Sundays.

There is are 17:00 and 19:00 departures from Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station (ten minutes by cab from the Airport), operated by Renex, and arriving in Albufeira at 20:15 and 22:15 respectively.

There is a service operated by Rede Expressos from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station departing at 18:30 and arriving 21:10.

Lisbon to Ericeira

You could try these guys:

http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/lisbon-airport/

They are quoting €54.00 for 2 people from Lisbon airport to Ericeira direct.

By the time you get a bus or taxi to Lisbon Cais de Sodre Station, then a train to Cascais or a bus or taxi to Sete Rios and then a train to Sintra, and then a taxi to Ericeira, you will probably find it better to get a direct transfer especially if you have to be in Ericeira 11:30.

The bus company Mafrense have a service from Lisbon Campo Grande to Ericeira. The September 2008 timetable shows departures on Saturday Morning as follows:

07:35 Arr: 09:04
09:20 Arr: 10:34

You would need to get a taxi from Lisbon Airport to Campo Grande.

Downloadable here:

http://www.mafrense.pt/downloads/ericeira_lisboa_setembro_2008.pdf

Algarve - Lagos

Faro is 80kms from Lagos.

The Algarve is a region 180km wide by 40km deep. You will not be able to explore everything in 2 days.

I suggest that if Lagos interests you, you should here here. You can change from the Lisbon to Faro train at Tunes junction and take a local train to Lagos.

There are twice daily buses from Lagos to Seville.

See Cubsur's page on this here:

http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/001.htm

There are two or three moped rental agencies here:

There are a couple of places.

Luis of Sidecar 32 in Torraltinha,Lagos is one.

He can be contacted via the following address.

Side Car 32 - Motociclos de Aluguer, Lda.
R. St Casa Misericórdia
8600-621 LAGOS
email: filipe_bolota@hotmail.com

Tel: 282798383

He can deliver a bike to you in town at the Reposl Garage on the Avenida.
and

MotoRent

Rua Victor Costa Silva
Ed. Vasco da Gama
Loja 8/B
8600-764 Lagos

Tel: (+351)282769716

As regards good restaurants, the town is full of them. Depends where you staying. Canthinho Algarvio on Rua Alfonso Almeida just up from the yellow Camara Building is a good place to start.

Bus to Fatima from Lisbon

Please????????

You will need to get from Lisbon Airport to Lisbon Sete Rios Coach Station from where the buses depart.
This means either a cab or the Aerobus service.

See this link on my blog for more info:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/lisbon-airport-buses-to-centre.html

This means you probably will not get to the bus station until at least 17:30.

Rede Expressos do not yet have the timetable online for May, but based on the current timetable there are departures at 18:30, 19:15, 19:30 and 20:00.

Transit times are between 1,5 and 2,5 hours depending on the service.

Suggest that you check the times closer to the date on there website:

http://www.rede-expressos.pt/

Day Trip - Albufeira to Lisbon

A day trip by train is possible but it would be very rushed as the first train only gets in about 09:45 and the last departure southwards is at 18h51.

The other problem is that Albufeira station is at Figueiras about 8 kms from Albufeira itself. This means having your own hire car, using a local bus or a taxi.

Your better bet would be to take an EVA Transportes bus from Albufeira Bus Station (Rodoviario) which is much closer to the centre.

On weekdays there is a departure from Albufeira at 06:55 arriving Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station at 09:45.

There is a return trip leaving Lisboa Sete Rios Bus Station at 20:30 arriving Albufeira at 23:10.

These buses are fairly new and the drivers usually v. good. The trip is by motorway most of the way.

Additionally, the metro line from Sete Rios in direction of Stª Apolonia will take you straight to Rossio which is the centre of Lisbon.

Return Ticket would be about 34,20 €

There is another Bus company operating the route RENEX but their terminal is further out of Lisbon at Gare Oriente.

Lisbon to alvor

The nearest station to Alvor is Portimão.

There are regular trains from Lisbon Gare Oriente and Entrecampos Stations to Portimão. You would have to change however in Tunes.

There are regular Renex Buses from Lisbon Gare Oriente to Alvor.

If you go to my blog at:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

Scroll down on the right hand panel until you come to the section entitled:

»» Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

You will find links to the Renex Bus Timetables and Portuguese Railways - Lisbon/Faro and Algarve Lines Timetables.

Also have a look at Cubsur's site

http://www.algarvebus.info

You will find information there on local buses from Portimão to Alvor.

Lagos - Meia Praia - Palmares Development.

I think I mentioned in a previous post that some new earthworks had started down the Alvor end of Meia Praia.

Was down there again this afternoon and we have now no less that 15 scrapers and large mine type dump trucks hauling sand and dirt out of the land below the hill at Palmares.

They have created to enormous hillocks!

It appears that the earthworks are associated with an extension of the links at Palmares and which appears will include a large lake.

It appears that Lagos Camara has taken a leaf out of the Obama Administration's book with all the new construction going on. Don't worry about the economic crisis - Lagos says "Yes, we can!"

Will keep everyone posted.

Train travel-Malaga-Lisbon

There is no direct Rail line between Lisbon and Seville. You would need to route via Madrid.

There is only one daily overnight rail service between Lisbon and Madrid.

The following articles on my blog may be off interest.

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/search?q=Lisbon+Malaga

Zut Alors! Finalmente! Allelujah! Easyjet announces Paris - Faro

Finally, after years, it appears that Faro is to have a direct low cost summer link to Paris Orly three times a week as from 11th July 2009.

With the more than 2 million people in the Ile de France area having links with Portugal, a direct link to the Algarve Region of Portugal has been long overdue. It will also open a new market for French tourists and a great new destination for all those living in the Algarve!

See the links below for information:

http://www.presstur.com/site/news.asp?news=18652


http://www.easyjet.fr/fr/reserver/index.asp

http://www.tourmag.com/Easyjet-Dubrovnik,-Faro-au-depart-de-Paris-et-Lyon-Pise-cet-ete_a30394.html

Version Française:

Enfin, après des années, il semble que Faro aura un lien aerienne "low-cost" d'été en provenance direct de Paris Orly, trois fois par semaine à partir du 11 Juillet 2009.

Avec plus de 2 millions de personnes dans la région Ile de France ayant des liens avec le Portugal, un lien direct vers la région de l'Algarve au Portugal a été attendu depuis longtemps. Il permettra également d'ouvrir un nouveau marché pour les touristes français et une nouvelle destination pour tous ceux qui vivent dans l'Algarve!

Regardez les liens ci-dessous pour plus d'informations:

http://www.presstur.com/site/news.asp?news=18652


http://www.easyjet.fr/fr/reserver/index.asp

http://www.tourmag.com/Easyjet-Dubrovnik,-Faro-au-depart-de-Paris-et-Lyon-Pise-cet-ete_a30394.html

Finalmente, após anos, parece que Faro tera um vol baixo custo directo para Paris Orly três vezes por semana a partir de 11 julho 2009.

Com os mais de 2 milhões de pessoas na região de Ile de France quem ter ligações com Portugal, uma ligação directa ao Algarve Região de Portugal faltava há muito tempo. Também irá abrir um novo mercado para turistas franceses e um grande novo destino para todos os que vivem no Algarve!

Veja os links abaixo para obter informações:

http://www.presstur.com/site/news.asp?news=18652


http://www.easyjet.fr/fr/reserver/index.asp

http://www.tourmag.com/Easyjet-Dubrovnik,-Faro-au-depart-de-Paris-et-Lyon-Pise-cet-ete_a30394.html

Lagos to Lisbon (Overnight) by train or bus

The fastest route by public transport from Lagos to Lisbon is by bus operated by Eva Transportes taking 3hrs. 45min. Return Fare is € 34.20.

If you go to my blog at:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

Scroll down on the right hand panel until you come to the section entitled:

»» Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

You will find two entries -

>> Eva Bus Service - Lagos to Lisbon Sete Rios

>> Eva Bus Service - Lisbon Sete Rios to Lagos

These will give you direct access to the relevant timetables.

Renex also operate a service on this route - there is also a link in the panel to their timetables. However, this service takes longer - up to 5 hours if traffic in Lisbon is bad.

The train is pleasant but takes longer. Unless you get up very early and get the 6:11, you miss the best part of the day. However, the train trip is a great way to see Portugal and crossing the 25 de Abril bridge as you enter Lisbon on a sunny day is worth the extra effort.

The following is an extract from the current timetable.



Click on the image to enlarge.

Prices are currently up to € 21.00 per person each way.

Coimbra to Porto - Early Saturday morning

Firstly, you are travelling on a Saturday morning and need to allow yourself at least 30 minutes to get from central Porto to the Airport by Metro. This means you would need to get the 06:15 service from Metro Trinidade as there are only services every 30 minutes at this time on Saturday mornings.

The timetables for the trains between Coimbra and Porto for April are not online yet. However, according to www.cp.pt (Portuguese Railways) the first train at present on a Saturday morning leaves Coimba_B Station at 6h40 and arrives at Porto at 8h35. So this option is obviously not possible.

However, the bus operator Rede-Expressos (http://www.rede-expressos.pt) have a bus leaving Coimbra at 03:00 arriving Porto at 04:25. It would then probably be best to get a taxi to the Airport.

This is the only option that seems to work.

Alternatively, you will have to travel up to Porto the night before and overnight there.

Lisbon to Malaga

If you are on a budget there is a route via Beja and Seville taking about 8 hrs and which avoids most of the tolls.


View Larger Map

Lisbon Airport to Fatima

If you used are to driving an automatic shift Stateside, remember to specify an automatic when you book your hire care for Lisbon Airport.

Most cars this side of the pond are manual shift.

Some of the items on this page of my blog may be of interest:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/search?q=Fatima

Here is the gazeteer from Google Maps for the Route:

Driving directions to Fátima, Ourém, Portugal
120 km – about 1 hour 8 mins

Portela Airport Portugal

1. Head northeast 0.3 km
2. Turn left toward Av. de Berlim 0.1 km
3. Slight right at Av. de Berlim Go through 1 roundabout 0.4 km
4. Turn left at Av. Cidade do Porto (signs for Sul/A12/A1) 0.1 km
5. Take the ramp onto E01 2.9 km
6. Continue on A1 Partial toll road 113 km
7. Take exit 8 toward Ourém/Fátima/Batalha Toll road 0.4 km
8. Continue straight Toll road 0.8 km
9. Take the ramp to Ourém 0.2 km
10. Merge onto N360/Av. Papa João XXIII 1.6 km
11. At the roundabout, take the 1st exit onto Estr. de Minde/N360 0.4 km

Fátima,Ourém, Portugal

The link to the map is as follows:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Lisbon+Airport,Lisbon,+Portugal&daddr=Fatima,+Portugal&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=37.15781,-8.734502&sspn=0.25392,0.589828&g=Bensafrim,+Lagos,+Portugal&ie=UTF8&ll=39.113014,-9.20929&spn=0.988818,2.359314&z=9

Algarve (Lagos/Alvor/Portimão) to Valencia

There are no direct public transport links between the Algarve and Valencia. Further more there are no low cost airlinks between Lisbon and Valencia.

The distance is about 929kms.

The only realistic options are:


1) Air from Faro Airport.

Air Berlin have a regional hub in Palma de Mallorca. Their summer timetables may yet change. At present they are showing a flight Faro - Mallorca - Valencia (change in Palma) for a very reasonable price.

The only problem is that at present it only shows as operates as a through connection on Wednesdays.

site: http://www.airberlin.com

1) Bus/Air -

Renex Bus from Alvor to Lisbon Gare Oriente. Taxi/Airport Bus to Lisbon Airport

Then low cost airline Vueling/Easyjet to Madrid and then low cost airline Clickair/Spanair/Ryanir to Valencia.

2) Bus/Bus

Take the Daily EVA/DAMAS bus from Portimão to Seville and then connect with an alsa.es bus from Seville to Valencia.

Check Cubsur's site here for information on the Portimão to Seville Services:

http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/001.htm

Alsa schedule is below:

Current Daily Departure schedules : SEVILLA - VALENCIA

Seville Valencia
depart arrive € €
10:00 21:25 49,86 94,73
10:00 21:25 49,86 94,73
16:30 02:15 next day 56,79 107,90
16:30 02:15 next day 56,79 107,90
22:00 09:15 next day 53,20 101,08

See: www.alsa.es

It may also be possible to get a low cost flight from Seville to Valencia but I do not recommend it as getting to Seville Airport from the Algarve is a pain unless you have a car.

Train is not an option as there are no suitable cross Iberian Peninsula services.