Travel to the Algarve, Portugal in just 3 hours

Here at SRGEurope we believe it’s important to work hard but also make some time to play hard. Our consultant, Ebony has just returned from a fabulous break on the Algarve in Portugal with her family. As a true recruiter she was still working but from the comfort of a sun lounger and with a cocktail or two in hand!

We asked Ebony a few questions that may help any of you considering planning a trip to Portugal…

How long did it take you to get there? It took us approx. 3.5hrs to reach the Portuguese border and then about 1 hour to reach our hotel based in Porches which is 2.5km from Armacao de Pera.

It’s a great trip with kids, as it’s not too long and there is no waiting around at airports.

Any travel advice to others planning a similar trip? We set off in the early morning in order to avoid traffic and it is also a lot cooler. Petrol is currently more expensive in Portugal so I would definitely suggest filling your petrol tank up in either Gibraltar or even Spain as it is considerably cheaper.

Another positive to driving to Portugal from Spain is that there is no passport control and you are free to drive straight over the border from Ayamonte into Portugal. Portugal and Spain signed the Schengen Agreement in June 1991 which came into effect on 26 March 1995, making Portugal and Spain part of the Schengen area and thus the border then became an Open border.

Once in Portugal we decided to stay on the motorway and pay the toll fees as this is a much quicker way of reaching your destination.

Can you recommend things to see and do? It’s no secret the beaches in Portugal are stunning but the sea is a lot colder than we are used to in Southern Spain. If water parks are your thing you will not be disappointed with the amount of different ones you can visit and all at very reasonable prices. Try and book online in order to receive online discounts/offers and also to avoid queuing at the venue in the heat.

How is the Portuguese Food? If you are a seafood lover you must try the Cataplana, although there are various versions of this stew I tried one with prawns, clams and white fish and it was delicious. Cod (Bacalhau) is also very popular and it is either dried or salted or Fresh (unsalted) - Bacalhau fresco. If you like a bit of spice then you will not want to miss out on the Chicken Piri Piri!

For the Sweet tooth, Pasteis de Nata (Portuguese Custard Tarts) will not disappoint. All to be washed down with a cocktail or two of course!

If you too fancy living and working in Gibraltar or Spain and having endless travel opportunities right on your doorstep please do not hesitate to get in touch with us here at SRGEurope. We have helped 100’s of candidates change their life and are ready and waiting to help you too.