One Way Car Hire - Spain / Algarve, Portugal

*****URGENT NEW COMMENT - 11th July 2009 *****

http://www.iberiacarhire.com has been the first site for which I have taken banners on this blog.

However, since starting a few weeks ago. it has become clear that the provider of the vehicles in Spain have no vehicles available for, at least, summer 2009 rental from Spain to Portugal.

The web site operator, who I have know for a long time is most annoyed as well. The issue is being taken up by the aforementioned car rental provider involved.

However, for the present, I will be changing the banner and apologise to all those who have been frustrated through this link and post.

Should the situation improve and/or resolve itself, I will announce it here.

Again my apologies.

*****URGENT NEW COMMENT - 11th July 2009 *****


Since my original post, in April 2009, a new website (www.iberiacarhire.com) has now been set to offer potential clients a one-stop shop for making bookings for one way car rental with economic drop-off prices between Spain and Portugal. At present this service is available via Faro Airport in the Algarve Region of Portugal.

For someone coming from Spain, they can pick up a vehicle at any of relevant depots in Spain and for a fee, drop it off at Faro Airport. They can then, if they wish, then pick up a vehicle from from another reputable agent at Faro Airport to continue the Portuguese side of their trip.

Equally, for someone starting their trip in Portugal, the system works the other way round as well.

The one-way drop off rates vary dependent on where the vehicle is picked up/ dropped off. If a vehicle is picked up at Gerona, its something like € 90 to drop-off at Faro, while a pick up in Seville and drop-off in Faro its something like € 30.00 This is still well below the drop-off fees quoted by the majors.

It is important to note that at present the vehicle drop-off/change-over can only be done at Faro Airport in the Algarve, Portugal. Nonetheless, this is a great improvement in car hire services for those wanting to do one way trips between Spain and Portugal.

www.iberiacarhire.com
Pick-up / Drop-off Points in Spain and Algarve, Portugal.(Faro Airport)

Alicante Airport	Almeria Airport	Faro Airport
Gerona Airport	Granada Airport	Jerez Airport
Malaga Airport	Murcia Airport	Reus Airport
Sevilla Airport	Valencia Airport	Chiclana De La Frontera
Fuengirola	Granada	Islantilla
La Linea	Malaga Central	Malaga Renfe
Marbella	Rota	Sevilla
Torremolinos

www.iberiacarhire.com
Pick-up / Drop-off Points in Portugal.(incl. Faro Airport)

Lisbon Airport	Porto Airport	Albufeira
Armação de Pera	Aveiro	Braga
Carvoeiro	Cascais	Coimbra
Faro Office	Figueira da Foz	Lagos office
Lisbon City office	Monte Gordo	Portimao
Porto City	Quarteira	Sesimbra
Viana do Castelo	Vilamoura

This service finally offers the promise of being able to reasonably priced car hire rentals with reasonable one-way drop-off fees between Spain and Portugal, albeit only via Faro Airport in the Algarve, Southern Portugal, at present.

Lisbon - Vila Galé Opera Location and Transport

Personally, I do not consider the location of the Vila Galé Opera ideal for Lisbon visits. There is no Metro nearby and it is located practically under the access ramps to the Ponte 25 de Abril. However, I suspect you will have a good view of the Tejo if you get a good room.

Google Maps / Satellite Image Here: (Just below the A marker) (I suggest you copy and paste url into web browser)

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Travessa+do+Conde+da+Ponte,+1300-141,+Lisbon,+Portugal&sll=38.711099,-9.174271&sspn=0.062152,0.154324&g=Alcantara,+Lisbon,+Portugal&ie=UTF8&ll=38.70137,-9.180837&spn=0.00777,0.01929&t=h&z=16

As regards transport:

The Carris Nº. 15E tram from Praça de Comercio to Alges via Belem & Jeronimos runs along Rua Junqueira which is near the hotel. If you take the tram to Praça de Comercio you can then walk up through the Baixa to Rossio and the Teatro.

See this link:

carris.pt/en/bus-line-details/15E/ascendente/

I would suggest being very careful using this service at night as it does pass through certain not so salubrious areas.

I would agree you should detrain at Sta. Apolonia. I would think the price will be € 10:00 upwards depending on number of persons and bags.

Transfer from Seville Airport to Ayamonte / Vila Real Stª. Antonio

There is no direct bus from Seville Airport to either Ayamonte or Vila Real Stª. Antonio.

There is a regular bus service from Seville Airport to Seville stopping at Estacion Sta. Justa and El Prado Bus Station. From El Prado you would have to get another local bus to the Estacion das Armas Bus Station.

Mondays to Saturdays the first bus leaves the airport at: 05:45 Sundays at 06:45.

There are buses every 30 minutes until after midnight, 23:45 on Sundays.

Timetable here:

http://www.tussam.es/index.php?id=200

From El Prado to Estacion das Armas I would recommend the C4 Bus in which runs from just after 6 in the morning till 23:30.

From there there are twice daily services to Vila Real Stª. Antonio. operated by Damas/Eva. See: http://www.eva-bus.com

The current Seville to Vila Real Stª. Antonio timetable is as follows:

Seville 07:30 Vila Real S António 08:55 Daily Portuguese Time
Sevilha 16:15 Vila Real S António 17:40 Daily Portuguese Time

Damas also operates several services a day to Ayamonte from this bus station. You can find their site here:

http://www.damas-sa.es/

The current Seville to Ayamonte timetable is as follows:

Monday to Saturdays (Work Days) - 09:30
Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays - 11:00
Mondays to Fridays - 11:30
Mondays to Fridays - 12:30
Daily - 15:30
Sundays and Public Holidays - 19:00
Monday to Saturdays (Work Days) - 19:30

Transit Time takes about 2 hours.

Finally, be aware that taxis are expensive from the airport into Seville.

Lisbon to Lagos

You can get down from Lisbon by either long distance bus or train.

Cost will be between € 16:00 and € 23:00 per person each way dependent on which service you chose.

Buses:

Eva Transportes/Rede Expressos operate several daily services leaving Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station / Metro Jardim Zoologico Bus Station and taking approx 3hrs45min to Lagos.

Renex operate several daily services from Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station to Lagos. Transit time circa 4hrs30mins.

Trains

Take between 4hrs and 4hrs:30mins. Note you have to changre trains at Tunes Junction and take an Algarve Line train to Lagos.

If you visit my blog:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

»» Scroll down on the right hand side until you come to the panel entitled "Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links"

»» Click on:

- Porto - Lisbon - Faro Train Timetable
- Algarve Regional Line Train Timetable for connections along the Algarve.
- RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Algarve timetable
- Rede-Expressos - National Bus Timetable - Updated. (National Coach Operator) - Portuguese only.
- Eva Bus Service - Lisbon Sete Rios to Lagos

Also see Cubsur's excellent site here, complete with the Lisbon to Lagos Timetable.

http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/006.htm#times

Bus is cheaper but train is more scenic and at least you can walk around.

Cafe Odeon - Lagos - English Breakfast

Just to let all Cafe Odeon fans know that following completion of the grill upgrade, Tom and Adrian are again serving Full English Breakfasts.

I've just eaten there this morning....Things are back to normal.

Foz da Ria, Odiaxere

Odiaxere halt which is now closed and in any case would be at lest 1000 metres from the complex.

You would have to take a train to Lagos and then a cab from there the 8km or so to Foz da Ria.

You will be very isolated there without a Car. The complex is situated on a hillside overlooking the Alvor estuary. There is no public transport there. Taxis will be expensive. Shopping will be a real pain.

I live on Meia Praia about 4km away as the fly crows but by road from Lagos its a lot longer.

See this link on Owners Direct for an apartment in the same complex:

http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/portugal/P5937.htm

It states: " Car hire is essential."

Also have a look at this google map reference which shows where it is:

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Foz%20da%20Ria%2C%20Odiaxere&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl

If you click on Satellite and zoom out using the navigation bar on the left you will see where the site is in relation to Lagos etc.

Lagos - New School/College- Parque do moinho

Saw it yesterday when I was driving around there. There is a board up now but far back from the road. It is definitely an educational establishment/school.

There is an article in Correio de Lagos here:(in Portuguese)

http://www.correiodelagos.pt/index.php?lop=n_artigo&op=a87ff679a2f3e71d9181a67b7542122c&id=30192e936ba11d0a202097fed8f44b2d

It appears to be what is called an Escola Basica - a type of Primary School. However, the Council is making land available in the same are for what they are calling "TECNOPOLIS de Lagos". This which appears to be making provision for construction of other education institutions such as a Tech college in the same area.

Santander (Spain) to the Algarve by train

It is will be difficult to get from Santander to the Algarve by train.

According to Renfe.es, the Spanish Train operator, there is only one through route:

This will involve travelling Santander to Madrid and then night train to Lisbon. Thereafter, a Portuguese Railways train ( http://www.cp.pt ) to the Algarve

There is currently a train departure from Santander at 14:05 arriving in Madrid at 18:33, There may be a station change in Madrid but this not clear from the renfe website. The night train to Lisbon Gare Orient departing at 22:25 and arriving at 07:30 the next day. This will connect with the 08:40 departure for the Algarve.

Alternatively, there is a daily regional service leaving Santander for Valladolid at 16:55 arrivng 21:00. Sunday to Friday there is a service departing 19:20 arriving Valladolid at 22:35. The Paris to Lisbon Express passes through Valladolid and departs at 03:20 arriving Lisbon Gare Oriente at 10:54. There is a departure for the Algarve at 13:20 from Lisbon Gare Oriente.

Please note that this is not shown as a through route on any timetables and I suspect one would have difficulty buying through tickets.

If you visit my blog:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

»» Scroll down on the right hand side until you come to the panel entitled "Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links"

You will find links to certain Portuguese Railways Timetables.

Lisbon Airport to Albufeira

There is no train station at Lisbon Airport. A metro link is being constructed but will only open within the next couple of years. Furthermore the train station at Albufeira is located 8kms from the town of Albufeira.

Depending on time of year there are 5 to 6 long distance trains daily between Lisbon and Albufeira.

If you visit my blog:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

»» Scroll down on the right hand side until you come to the panel entitled "Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links"

»» Click on:

- Porto - Lisbon - Faro Train Timetable for the return train timetable.
- Algarve Regional Line Train Timetable for connections along the Algarve.
- RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Algarve timetable
- Rede-Expressos - National Bus Timetable - Updated. (National Coach Operator) - Portuguese only.

There are three main ways to get from Lisbon Airport to Albufeira by public transport:

Train: This would involve taking a taxi or bus (Aeroshuttle in direction Gare Oriente Train Station - see note below) to Gare Oriente Train Station about 10 minutes from the Airport. You would then take a train to Albufeira Station. From Albufeira Station you would need to take a bus or taxi to your final destination. For buses see the following page on Cubsur's site:

http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/042.htm

(Aeroshuttle - Copy of note from current Lisbon Airport website.

- Aeroshuttle (CARRIS Nº96) - Available everyday, every 30 minutes between 7am and 11pm, the aeroshuttle connects Gare Oriente - Airport - Entrecampos - Sete Rios - Praça de Espanha.

Tickets (3,50€) can be purchased onboard and also in the Tourism Office at arrivals (public area).

Tel. +351 213 582 334)

Bus: There are two operators on this route:

Renex: Departs from Gare Oriente Bus Station (below/alongside the Gare Oriente train station) Travel by Aeroshuttle or taxi from Airport.

Website: www.renex.pt

Timetables: Download timetables via my blog as indicated above. (RENEX Bus Service - Lisbon to Algarve timetable)

Note: Ask for a ticket for Albufeira. There may be a bus change at Vale Paraiso, the stop before Albufeira.

Rede-Expressos: Departs from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station. Ask for a ticket to Albufeira Centro. To get to Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station take the Aeroshuttle in the direction of Praça de Espanha. Descend at Sete Rios.

website: http://www.rede-expressos.pt/ (Only in Portuguese)

The current schedule for buses from Lisbon Sete Rios to Albufeira Centro is as follows:

Depart Arrive Operates Frequency
08:15 10:55 Daily
10:30 13:10 Daily
12:30 15:10 01/06 to 15/09 Daily except Sundays/Public Holidays
15:15 17:55 Daily
18:30 21:10 Daily
20:30 23:10 01/06 to 15/09 Sunday to Friday

Pedestrian access to Meia Praia - Latest

Some late breaking not so good news.

Following the completion of the Vila Gale Hotel, I noticed last week that earthworks had started in the area behind Dunas and stretching to the Meia Praia Petrol Station.

Tonight, I noticed that the contractors have now started to put up panel fencing around this large area.

I took a drive around the area. All the parking behind the Petrol Station has been fenced off and in the direction of Dunas there are surveyors pegs and substantial earthworks.

I regret to say that it might be quite possible during the next weeks that the whole area may be closed off and that there will be no way to get to the beach by foot that way over the railway line.

It will then be back to either the Duna Beach Club Route or the Railway Station.

Linesur.com - Buses Seville - Algeciras

Tried Linesur's site in Opera, Google Chrome and Seamonkey browser.

No go.

I even tried it in a first 1990's Generation 1990 text Browser - Lynx - No go!

This is not about Spain, this is just about companies everywhere who don't understand the commercial importance of the web and the need for effetive web design/management.

Anyway, I've just whoised the linesur.com domain records through Google and it threw up the following urls which are accessible in Firefox 3, Opera etc.

Algeciras Timetable Page - Winter 2008 (Does not appear to have been superseded)
linesur.com/linesur/…HorariosAlgeciras.htm

Main Timetable Page - Winter 2008 (Does not appear to have been superseded)

linesur.com/linesur/Horarios_invierno.html

Also use this page in google to find other links on their site.

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&client=pub-1786816058072790&channel=8794109761&cof=FORID:11%3BGL:1%3BLBGC:336699%3BLC:%230000ff%3BVLC:%23663399%3BGFNT:%230000ff%3BGIMP:%230000ff%3BDIV:%23336699%3B&ad=w9&oe=ISO-8859-1&q=+site:linesur.com+linesur.com&ei=tS0_Sv_MJJCRjAfRtckC&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=more-results

I have just sent the following email to linesur.com though it probably will have no effect.

"

Buenos días,

Me gustaría señalar a su atención que muchos clientes tratando de ver su sitio web www.linesur.com están teniendo grandes dificultades como la página principal de su empresa o sitio web no funciona en muchos navegadores, como Firefox, Chrome, Opera y Safari (Apple).

Hay muchos turistas que deseen obtener información sobre sus servicios de autobús, sobre todo Sevilla a Algeciras. Sin embargo, no pueden tener acceso a su sitio web.

Se agradecería que se puede corregir esto.

Barlaventoexpert

Lagos

Algarve

Portugal

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

"
Reply to this post

Some Photos - Vila Galé Lagos - Opened April 2009

Part View of Pool Area



View of Hotel from Albadeira

Faro to Lagos

I can see why you are having problems.

Have just ran up a gazeteer entry for the route from Faro Airport and neither Google nor Viamichelin.com have updated their maps yet to take account of new roads.

The road onto the A22 motorway from Airport is reasonably straightforward.

1. Exit the Airport Car Park, follow the curve round to the right keeping in the right hand lane. Pass service station and roundabour on your left.

2. Proceed +- 3km down the N125-10 motor road till you come to a sign/slip road of to your right marked Portimão/Loulé/Lisboa.

3. Follow ramp round and carefully merge onto the IC4/N125. Continue along this dual carriageway for about 7km. After passing MSCAR showroom on your right (Just after traffic lights), get into the LEFT HAND Lane. Stay in that lane what ever happens.

After about a further 1500 metres, this lane will merge straight onto a stetch of motorway that after 3kms or so you will see the Algarve Footbal Stadium on your right.

Continue about another 2kms and you will see to your right, just after passing under a motorway bridge an off-ramp marked A22 Albufeira/Portimão/Lisboa. Take this ramp and merge onto the A22 and keep going till you get to the off-ramp marked "No. 1 - Vila do Bispo/Lagos"

From here there is a 8km motor road which will bring you to a roundabout on the N125. Turn left this will take you into the outskirts of Lagos.

From here follow your instructions to Porto de Mos.

Travel between lisbon and granada

Neither Granada nor Cordoba are directly accessible from Lisbon by public transport.

Apart from hiring a car which would be expensive, you best bet would be long distance bus.

Bus company www.alsa.es currently operates the following service between Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station and Granada:

LISBOA GRANADA 09:00 22:45 Until 08/09/2009
LISBOA GRANADA 21:30 11:00 next day

Note this service involves a bus change en route. Spanish Time 1 hour ahead of Portuguese Time.

The same company operates at least 9 services a day between Granada and Cordoba with a transit time of 2:hrs 40 mins.

For the return you would have to take the bus or another company or train between Cordoba and Seville where you could pick up the return www.alsa.es service from Seville to Lisbon.

From Lisboa Airport to Sao Martinho do Porto

There are regular buses services between Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station and Sao Martinho do Porto operated by Rede Expressos as follows:(http://www.rede-expressos.pt/)

Rede Expressos - Current Timetable

LISBOA Sete Rios - São MARTINHO PORTO

Depart Arrive Frequency
09:00 10:30 Daily
10:00 11:30 Daily except Sundays and holidays
12:00 13:30 Daily
14:00 15:30 Sundays and Holidays
17:00 18:30 Daily
17:00 19:05 Sundays & Mondays if holiday
19:00 20:30 Daily except Saturdays and Sundays
20:00 21:30 Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays

I do not recommend the train as it takes longer and requires changes.

Take the Carris Aeroshuttle bus from the Airport to Jardim Zoologico/Sete Rios. Cross the Road and walk 100 metres to the Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station.

Travel from Rota to Portugal

From Rota near Cadiz the only effective route will be by bus or train to Seville, then:

1) Either the twice daily DAMAS/EVA bus from Seville Plaza das Armas Bus Station to Lagos, calling at Faro.

2) Or the twice daily Seville to Lisbon bus via Faro.

See this page on Cubsur's site for more info:

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

Once in Portugal, it depends where you want to go. Trains link several of the main centres but long distance buses are also a good option.

If you go to my blog at:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

Scroll down on the right hand side until you find the panel entitled:

>> Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

You will find a variety of links there to relevant timetables etc.

Crisis case study: The downturn in a Portuguese holiday region (Algarve)

Interesting Article by Boris Planer.

See: http://blog.emap.com/boris/2009/06/16/crisis-case-study-the-downturn-in-a-portuguese-holiday-region-algarve/

Hairdresser in Luz / Lagos area

The other half goes to Raul in Lagos:

Raul Milano

Rua Cabo Bojador Lt 33 cv lj C

Lagos

Tel: 282762915

Lisboa - Faro

There is a bus operated by Renex (www.renex.pt) that leaves Lisbon Gare Oriente bus station (10 minutes by taxi from the Airport) at 01:00 and arrives in Faro at 05:15.

Please note that this service operates every day except on Saturday to Sunday night.

From Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station there is a daily service operated by Rede Expressos as follows:

Dept: 01:00
Arr Faro: 04:50

Lisbon to Lagos to Faro

Sorry for the delay in reply.

There are various options for driving from Lisbon to Lagos and Faro.

The Coastal route. There are various variants via Setubal, Troia Peninsula, Sines, Vila Nova Milfontes, Odeceixe, Aljezur to Lagos.

The bulk of this route is 3 metre single lane each way asphalt. Transit time to Lisbon dependent on traffic 5 to 6 hours although I have done it in 3hrs30mins when pushing it.Speed is restricted to 90km/hr.

The route is scenic but with curves in many places.

The Motorway Option. There is a main Arterial Toll Motorway (A2) running from Lisbon to the Algarve (Paderne) where it joins the Via de Infante (A22) Algarve Spinal Motorway. Lisbon to Lagos by this route can be done in 2hrs:30mins.

Parallel to that route is the old main route from Lisbon to the Algarve. (IC1) The bulk of this route is 3 metre single lane each way asphalt with passing lanes. Speed is restricted to 90km/hr.

There are other longer routes through the Alentejo including via Beja to Alcoutim to Castro Marim and then back along the Algarve coast to Lagos.

Essentially, to recap there are probably about 20+ variants on this route. Recommending a single route would be dependent on your interests.

Finally, remember when hiring a car to specify automatic shift, as most hire cars this side of the pond are manual shift.

Porto to Lagos - Summer 2009

Both options are equally feasible.

My partner often goes up to Porto from Lagos to teach. She takes the train. The only problem is that the first 60kms from Lagos to Tunes Junction is on a local Algarve Line rattler.

The benefit of the train is that you can get up and walk around, go to the on-board cafe.

There are two Hi-Speed Alfa Pendular though trains per day from Porto to Tunes and vice versa.

If you go to my blog here,

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/porto-to-lagos-summer-2009.html



(Click on image to enlarge)


I have published an extract from the current Portuguese railways timetable for the run Porto to Lagos.

Transit time is between 6hrs45mins and over 8 hours.

There are two bus operators on the route. Renex and Rede Expressos.
Only Renex neatly ties in with the train as its Lisbon Station is at Gare Oriente.

Rede Expressos may be the best bus option. However, at time of writing, their website was down. Transit time will be about 7:hrs + but one would have to change train in Lisbon.

Renex takes 3hrs:30mins from Porto to Lisbon and 4hrs:30mins from Lisbon to Lagos.

The bus stops en route between Lisbon and Lagos.

The bus route is not as scenic as the Train route and you can't move around.

Personally for not much more I would normally recommend the train.

Pedestrian access to Meia Praia

I live in Meia Praia.

I can confirm that the situation remains exactly as you state.

The crossing at Duna Beach Club operated by the Tivoli Hotel and the other way via the railway station are the only two official ways to cross the railway line.

People do wander over the tracks as these have not yet been fenced like the stretch along Meia Praia between Duna Beach Club and Meia Praia Halt.

This will probably change if and when the new hotel development planned for the area between Dunas do Mar and the Railway line is built.

If crossing the line at none official points look left, right and left again! :)))) Trains do have a habit of sneaking up when you least expect them.

Youth hostels?

The main Antipodean and US Backpackers scene in the Algarve is centred on Lagos.

We have at least three youth hostels and lots of bars.

These include:

http://www.risingcock.com/

http://3monkeys.me.uk/monkeyhouse/

http://www.goldcoasthostel.com/

The first two are presently full of folk and there we at least two beach parties last week.

If you want to party in the Algarve this is where it is at!

Lisbon to Badajoz

There is no train service currently operating between Lisbon and Badajoz.

There are several daily long distance bus lines departing from both Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station and Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station.

http://www.intercentro.pt operate three daily services departing Lisbon at:

09:30
14:30
21:30

Transit time is 3hrs:15mins.

Note arrival time is local time and Spanish time is one hour ahead of Portuguese Time.

If you go to the bottom of the following page on Cubsur's site you will find information on other services.

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

Tickets for International Services like these can only be purchased at the ticket offices up to 30 minutes prior to departure.

Lisbon - Oviedo

Regretably, this will not be an easy routing.

There are no easy direct train services.

Asla.es operate a daily coach service as follows:

Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station:19:30
La Coruna: 06:00 next day

La Coruna: 09:30
Ovideo: 14:00

Noise Pollution and Rental Property Licensing - Algarve

This is a bit of a complex subject and I should warn that not even local solicitors are likely to give you a full and correct answer.

1) As far as I know planning applications for entire developments (urbanizações) of the type you are describing would not have been required to have been declared whether they were to be used for tourism use when constructed.

I live in Lagos in a similar property and as far as I know from the escritura there were no restrictions on the full development being used for tourism rentals.

Several units on our block are rented out and it can be uncomfortable between 15th July and end of August but that is the price we pay for a great sea view.

2) As regards individual properties these do require licenses.

The law was introduced in the late 90's but not applied by many councils. A year or two ago several Camara's realised they needed new revenue streams and started applying the law. The result is that many people have taken their properties of the "official" rental market.

Have a look at this link which may explain things a bit more clearly.

http://www.expatfocus.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=17890

However, as far as I know the law does not cover things such as noise pollution.

Your only hope might be to check with the Camara to see if the properties in question have "Licença de Alojamento Local" and if not stir things up that way.

Alternatively, you might try raising the issue with the German Rental Agency.

I would point out that this is not restricted to just German tourists.

British, Irish and Dutch Tourists have a similiar reputation at this end of the Algarve.

Taxi or Private transfer Faro Airport to Burgau

The ANA Faro Airport airport winter 2008/2009 guide quotes a recommended price of between € 93.00 and € 144.00 for 4/6 persons from Faro to Burgau depending on time of travel.

I would suggest as Diskwizz has said that a private transfer may be more economical.

I used the following site in April to transfer 2 students from Faro to Lagos. Worked a dream.

http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/faro-airport/index.php

Lisbon to Lagos

Provided you travel down by public transport I would think Lagos would be ideal for you this summer.

I refer to the public transport issue as the town centre will be a disaster this summer owing to ongoing and delayed roadworks.

You can get down from Lisbon by either long distance bus or train.

Cost will be between € 16:00 and € 23:00 per person each way dependent on which service you chose.

Buses:

Eva Transportes/Rede Expressos operate several daily services leaving Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station / Metro Jardim Zoologico Bus Station and taking approx 3hrs45min to Lagos.

Renex operate several daily services from Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station to Lagos. Transit time circa 4hrs30mins.

Trains

See Cubsur's excellent site here, complete with the Lisbon to Lagos Timetable.

http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/006.htm#times

We have several great beaches here including the 5km long Meia Praia Beach. Lagos is on the world traveller/backpackers circuit and there are great bars, restaurants and hostels.

Lagos also retains the feel of a small Portuguese town thanks to its history, town walls and location.

If you want to get out for the day you can get by bus to places like Salema, Luz and Burgau where there are also nice beaches:

Seville Airport - Late night arrival

Be aware that there are no hotels really near Seville airport and that taxis charge an arm and a leg for the run even to the nearest hotel.

This is the Ibis Sevilla

http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-3207-ibis-sevilla/index.shtml

I have stayed there several times. The only problem is that it is not well served by public transport.

You might be better getting a bus from the Airport to town, staying in a hotel in town, and arranging to pick up your car from the town office of the car hire firm. Buses run till after midnight

The bus timetable from Seville airport to Sta. Justa and the terminus at El Prado can be found here:

http://www.tussam.es/index.php?id=200

Several firms have offices in the vicinity of the Sta. Justa Station at the end of Avda. Kansas City which runs in from the Airport. There are several hotels in that area as well.

Men's clothes store in Lagos

I'm not sure why you are posting this in the Lagos forum given your itinerary. Lagos is very small compared to the other cities you mentioned. We have none of the big names you mentioned here. In the Algarve you would be restricted primarily to the Algarve Shopping Centre near Guia/Albufeira. There is a Zara there, as well as a Bershka if I remember correctly.

Zara is actually Spanish owned and as VAT is lower in Spain than in Portugal, prices may be lower. However, be aware that design styles are for Spanish Tastes.

There are at least two Zara stores in downtown Seville.

In Lisbon, you should head to Centro Commercial Colombo - Metro Stop Colegio Militar / Luz. All the big names are there.

I'm not sure though if prices will be competitive in terms of the "Looney"

Train from Faro to Coimbra - Late Night

The last daily train North to Lisbon and direction Coimbra leaves Faro Station at 18:58.

You would be better to spend the night in Faro and the next morning catch the 06:55 from Faro which gets to Coimbra at 11:34.

You would need need to get a taxi from Faro Airport to Faro Station. About a 10 minute drive.

Lisbon - Lagos - Train

As regards the railway timetable, it is complicated because Lagos is not on a main line.

Go to my blog here:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

On the right hand side panel scroll down until you come to the section entitled:

Algarve & Portugal - Travel Transport Links

The first item is:

Algarve Regional Line Train Timetable

Click on it and you will be able to download in pdf format the Algarve Regional Rail line timetable.

It shows the times from Tunes to Lagos

From Lisbon you will have to change at Tunes for Lagos.

Further down the panel you will find an item:

Porto - Lisbon - Faro (Algarve) Train Timetable

Click on this to download the mainline timetable. Again you will be looking for trains from Lisboa to Tunes

As regards the buses I would concur that the train is more scenic but the EVA buses direct from Lisbon Sete Rios bus station to Lagos take only 3:45 minutes and are direct.

Strange Night Lights over Lagos - 8th June 2009

Last night while returning from dinner at the Aqualuz at 23:15, I noticed a triangular formation of 3, what appear to be, orange (halogen) lights in the sky above the Fortaleza area of Lagos. I pulled the car over , my partner and I got out and were surprised to see two more similar formations following these three lights. It was a full moon last night as well.

The following points were noticeable:

1) The three formations where almost the same trianglar shape and size. Total number of lights seen = 9.
2) They moved from appeared to be North to South before disappearing, not on the horizon but because they appear to bank.
3) There was not sign of navigation lights - flashing or other, only a strong orange light.
4) There was no sound of engines. This suggests that the formations were at a high altitude.

We did not see any black helicopters nor men in black suits with RayBans and silver pens. We did not experience loss of electrics nor halos nor a sense of being abducted.

At least one other couple stopped in the car park on the hill above the Fortaleza and watched the formations for at least three minutes.

Did any one else see this phenomenon?

Any idea what this was?

My thoughts -

1) Night time High Altitude Helicopter training?
2) Unmanned drone training - pehaps out of the US Air Force Base at Lajes in the Azores?
3) Problems with the eyesight of 4 people?
4) Three large top secret spook aircraft - (e.g. Aurora)
5) UFO's --- no can't be .... but then....

Please post any comments and ideas.

»»»»Update 24th June 2009««««««

See this latest comment by Woodentop on the following page:

http://algarve.angloinfo.com/forum/topic.asp?page=2&topic_id=2508

My musings following Woodentops comments as follows:

"Sounds very similar to my sighting...again not a drop of medronho passed my lips!

There is something going on here, especially if there are objects floating around without red and green navigation lights but in a fixed formation..

Timing is within 20 minutes of the ones I saw on 8th June 2009 over Lagos. Due South was the direction they were heading in as well.

Something just clicked in my mind and I have just done a check of United States Air Force Stations in Spain.

There is one at Moron de Frontera about 80kms SE of Seville. If you draw a straight line from there, over Lagos and continue West, you arrive practically dead over the Azores where the USAF use the base at Lajes. However, this is an East-West route and the path of the lights/orbs was North to South.

Me wonders if this a "Men in Black/Area 51" type USAF recon aircraft (Shades of the SR51 Blackbird - but much slower - perhaps a special reconaissance drone on a training op) operating from one of these two bases?

»»»»Update 25th June 2009««««««

What intrigues me is that the each of the three x three lights I saw were moving in relation to each other which suggests a craft of some type or three craft with very good guidance systems on board.

I am not into the Chinese Lantern option as these would be affected by wind/atmospheric conditions and in theory should move about a bit in relation to each other.

Overnight, I also wondered about he possibility that these lights are somehow generated from the ground or sea using laser technology. Maybe some mad Peter Sellers-type Dr. Strangelove sitting on his yacht offshore or in his villa and beaming the lights up.

Await more reports / sightings with interest.

N.B.: Now just seen this article! http://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/local/4455565._Orange_lights__in_Stourport_sky/


»»»»Update 10th July 2009««««««

Just seen this article from the US with some interesting recent reports of similiar sightings:

http://www.examiner.com/x-2363-UFO-Examiner~y2009m7d8-Multiple-fireballs-moved-with-purpose-over-Indiana-town

Carparking in Lagos

Regrettably, I concur.

I have to say that thanks to a complete lack of understanding of project planning and the necessities of a business/town whose economy is based on tourism, the local council has made the "mother of all dogs' breakfasts" with regards to the provision of easy private vehicular access to central Lagos this summer.

They themselves have finally admitted it by recently mounting dirty great big fluorescent signs at the ends of the Avenida advising people to look for alternative parking.

For someone who has mobility difficulties, I regret to say that the Marina option is probably the only reasonable one and then only if they have a electric powered wheelchair as the Marina is a good 800m from the centre of town.

Regret to have to say this as I live here but if you are coming by car stay well clear of downtown Lagos this summer.

Ryanair - Online Booking

Be very very wary of anything concerning Ryanair.

I understand that very soon they will be charging all passengers who are not named Michael O'Leary an extra € 5.00 per flight.(including crew....)

Recommended drive from Tavira to Lagos

I would suggest that you will see more staying on the bus to Lagos. Let the drive take the strain.

There are only two routes along the Algarve coast.

- the Old EN 125 (which the bus follows in parts)and which is not exactly scenic.

- the A22 Via de Infante arterial motorway.

When you arrive in Lagos, hire a car and explore from there.

Remember that the Algarve region is only 45km by 160kms wide and can easily be explored by day trips from Lagos.

Portugal - Spain - Car Hire

Sorry for the delay in commenting. I have been away for a couple of weeks.

There is one other possibility.

Have a look at this post on my blog:

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

You could make your way down to Faro Airport by bus/train from or hire a car at Lisbon Airport from some one like Auto Jardim, drive down to Faro Airport, drop it off and then pick up a Auriga car.

Web site here:

http://www.aurigacrown.com/