The Algarve is truly stunning. Think golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and charming local towns. If you are looking for the best way to get around, then you should definitely consider renting a scooter in Portugal. It’s an affordable, fun and flexible way to get around. Here’s how we did it and we totally recommend it!
Renting a Scooter in Portugal
We thought it would be helpful to quickly let you know what our experience of getting a bike in Portugal was like and share the requirements in case you are considering it. This is based on our experience, so you should do your own research and speak to the rental company, but hopefully this helps you out. Also, please make sure that you are confident and qualified to ride!
We rented a 125cc bike for the full day, which cost us £35. There was a £400 deposit which could be paid in cash or by card. It was a SYM Symphony 125cc, and was in good nic, no issues. We rented it from Daily Rent in the centre of Lagos which we would happily recommend. They were friendly, helpful and took the process seriously. When you rent the bike, take some photos or a video of any damage just to cover yourself.
So in Portugal we found you could rent a 125cc bike with a UK driving licence Category B if you are over 25. We also took an International Driving Permit (1968) as we already had it. You don’t usually need this in Portugal, but check with your rental company. If you have an A1 licence you will also be fine.
The roads across the Algarve were well maintained and easy to navigate. You can pretty much follow one main road which runs along the coast and come on and off to explore different places. We also found parking to be straightforward and didn’t pay to park anywhere. Though it’s always smart to double check signs and local rules.
Okay, that’s enough about the bike, let’s get on with the day!
Our Day Trip
We started our day in Lagos and decided to travel west towards Sagres as we had explored the eastern side of the Algarve before. Lagos is a must visit—check out our Lagos guide here! Here are the places we visited along the way when renting a scooter in Portugal.
Luz
From Lagos we drove about 15 minutes to our first stop. Luz was a peaceful, small town with a beautiful long beach and a laid back vibe. There was also a small supermarket where we stopped for some drinks and snacks. We probably only stopped for 20 minutes or so before heading off.
Burgau
Another 15 minute ride and we stopped in Burgau. We really liked Burgau, the little town was very picturesque and had small winding streets down to the beachfront. It had a lovely mix of locals and tourists and again a decent beach which we spent some time relaxing on. As it was Easter, the locals had put on an Easter egg hunt which made a warming atmosphere.
Forte de Almádena
10 minutes back on the scooter, and we arrived at Forte de Almádena, a 17th century fort. Even though the ruins could have been better maintained, it was well worth a quick stop off, especially for the coastal views. It had rained, so the dirt road down to the Fort was a little tricky, so you could always park up at the start of the road and walk down.
Salema
This is why renting a scooter in Portugal worked so well, just another 10 minutes and we were at our next stop, Salema. Another beautiful coastal town, and as the sun was starting to shine through, a perfect place for some snacks on the beach and a little rest. We must say, everywhere we stopped was so well maintained and had plenty of little restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
Sagres
Sagres was our final destination on our scooter trip, and it didn’t disappoint. We started at Sagres Fortress, but it was unfortunately closed. However, as it is situated right on the South-West coast of Portugal the views and scenery are stunning to explore.
We then cruised into town and down to Praia da Mareta, another stunning beach. Portugal seriously has some of the best beaches in Europe.
At around 4:00pm we headed back towards Lagos taking a more scenic route and stopping twice more on the way in some small villages. We kept the scooter for the evening and dropped it back off the next morning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about exploring the Algarve renting a scooter in Portugal is a fantastic option and we would really recommend exploring this way. We did stick to the South-West, though sure it would be a great option across the whole of the region. It allowed us to explore and see the places we wanted at our own pace and with lots of adventure. We’ve rented bikes lots before in South-East Asia, but will be doing it more across Europe after this trip!
