{"id":7089,"date":"2021-07-22T17:41:52","date_gmt":"2021-07-22T16:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.economycarhire.com\/blog\/?p=7089"},"modified":"2025-03-19T11:10:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T11:10:19","slug":"how-to-explore-the-algarve-but-avoid-the-toll-roads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zestcarrental.com\/blog\/how-to-explore-the-algarve-but-avoid-the-toll-roads\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Avoid the Algarve Toll Roads"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Important changes to Algarve toll roads (2025)<\/h4>\n

As of the start of 2025, the A22 (the Algarve’s only motorway) is no longer tolled. You can find out more information, as well as see other affected motorways, by reading our blog here: What’s new with Portugal toll roads?<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There are still fantastic recommendations listed below, so we’ll keep this blog around, but please note some information may be out of date.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Loved in 2013, added Zest <\/strong>in 2021!<\/p>\n

If driving abroad is new to you, there’s a lot of information to remember. When you throw toll roads into the mix too, it becomes downright complicated and you might want to avoid the toll roads altogether. A toll system was introduced onto some of Portugal\u2019s motorways back in 2011. But with a lack of direction from the Government on the correct way to enforce and collect the toll fares, car rental companies have developed different methods to help tourists get around during their holiday there. The A22 is the main motorway in the Algarve and this road, along with A23, A24, A25, A28 and A29, are now all toll roads. More information relating to the tolls can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How do I explore the Algarve but avoid the toll roads?<\/h2>\n

The highways tend to be the quickest routes to get from A to B, but alternative routes allow you to see a bit more of the gorgeous Algarve! Many of the most popular tourist attractions and towns can be reached using different roads without having to pay the tolls. Here are some excellent examples with links to the routes and maps to help you out.<\/p>\n

\"ExploreAlbufeira beach. Photo by: TMAX\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Albufeira<\/a><\/h3>\n

Route: Albufeira <\/a><\/p>\n

Albufeira is undoubtedly the Algarve\u2019s sweetheart! With a spattering of sandy beaches, endless accommodation options and amenities, a great atmosphere and an exciting nightlife, it\u2019s appealing for people of all ages. The Old Town area is fascinating to explore and there are plenty of boat trips departing from the marina. Whilst the beaches are great for relaxing under the hot Portuguese sun. These factors make it one of the busiest towns in the Algarve which will likely be included in your plans, and it\u2019s easy to reach using the N125.<\/p>\n

Quarteira<\/a><\/h3>\n

Route: Quarteira<\/a><\/p>\n

Boasting yet another gorgeous beach, Quarteira is only 25 minutes by car using the N125 and then onto the N396. Nearby, Vilamoura<\/a> is worth a visit when you\u2019re in the area for its great shops and bustling marina.<\/p>\n

Sagres<\/a> & Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse<\/h3>\n

Route: Sagres<\/a><\/p>\n

Sagres is the most westerly town on the Algarve coast and the beaches here are a great contrast to the calm beaches elsewhere along the coast. Taking the brunt of the North Atlantic, the windswept coastline gives way to impressive coastal cliffs, capped by the distinct Cape St Vincent Lighthouse. Instead of the A22, take the N125 and follow it all the way before continuing onto the N268 into Sagres itself!<\/p>\n

Portimao<\/a><\/h3>\n

Route: Portimao<\/a><\/p>\n

Portimao offers a variety of attractions for visitors, making it another popular spot to visit during your time here. The dolphin spotting boat trips are great for all ages while the variety of boutiques, offering everything from clothes and shoes to perfume are ideal for finding souvenirs. Nearby, you can test your skills at one of the golf courses and when evening rolls around, the variety of restaurants and bars ensure a great night out.<\/p>\n

Zoomarine<\/h3>\n

Route: Zoomarine<\/a><\/p>\n

Zoomarine <\/a>is by far the most popular of Portugal\u2019s family friendly attractions and is found not far from Albufeira and is therefore easy to reach on the N125 road. The dolphin, sea lion and seal shows, theme park rides, aquarium, opportunity to swim with dolphins and the 4D cinema ensure a great day out.<\/p>\n

\"ExploreQuarteira. Photo by: sergojpg\/Adobe Stock<\/span><\/p>\n

Aqualand<\/h3>\n

Route: Aqualand Theme Park <\/a><\/p>\n

If you need to cool off but are looking for a location away from the beach, Aqualand is the top water park in the area, located in Alcantarilha. Again, you can use the N125 rather than the A22 to travel here and avoid the tolls. With rides like the Corkscrew and Kamikaze, plus plenty more, it\u2019s as much for adults as it is kids!<\/p>\n

Tavira<\/a><\/h3>\n

Route: Tavira<\/a><\/p>\n

The majority of visitors to the Algarve usually head west but Tavira bucks the trend in its location east of Faro Airport. It\u2019s around 45 minutes by car using the reliable N125 road and well worth the journey for a beautiful town with plenty of history and things to see do. From here, you can also visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park<\/a> which is not only a celebrated area of natural beauty but it\u2019s also home to a rich variety of bird life including flamingos and kingfishers plus plenty more.<\/p>\n

Avoiding the Algarve Toll Roads<\/h2>\n

As you can see, these routes have been calculated using Faro Airport as the starting point but it\u2019s easy to change the starting point of your journey and get directions to bypass highways and avoid the toll roads. Hiring a car in Portugal is the best way to get around, use our search below to find your perfect vehicle!<\/p>\n

Make sure you follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a> and\u00a0Facebook<\/a> for the latest travel tips and news.<\/p>\n

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Portugal car rental links you might find useful<\/h4>\n