Faro, Algarve, Portugal

FARO : Overview

OVERVIEW

Faro is located in southern Portugal, and is the capital of the Algarve region. Faro can be accessed from Lisbon via high speed train, which is wheelchair accessible. The city can be difficult for the physically challenged traveler to navigate, as many sidewalks do not have curb cuts or wide access.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Portugal is the Euro.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

FARO : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Faro Airport: The Faro Airport serves the Faro region. We did not fly into the airport, so we do not have any experience with it.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

We were unable to locate any accessible taxi services in Faro.

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SHUTTLE

Shuttle Direct: Shuttle Direct can accommodate some types of physically challenged travelers, but it is highly dependant on the individual’s mobility, type of wheelchair/scooter, and availability of specialized vehicles. The company recommends contacting them ahead of time to check availability and accommodations.

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

Wheeling Around the Algarve: We used this company for a rental vehicle while in the South of Portugal. The vehicle we received was a “Kangoo,” and was much smaller than a typical wheelchair minivan, which was what we expected. It is equipped to only handle one wheelchair and two companions, with limited luggage space. While it worked out for us, make sure you know what vehicle you are getting so you are certain you can manage.

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BUS

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TRAIN

Faro has an accessible train station in the heart of the city. It hosts both high-speed and “regular” speed trains (which are very different in amenities and accessibility). We utilized the high-speed train that travels between Lisbon and the Algarve (southern region of Portugal), which has wheelchair access. While not all stops on the train are accessible, we were able to use the high-speed train to get to our southern destination with ease. I have a large, heavy power wheelchair, and was able to get on the train’s lift for access. It was a tight squeeze, so if you have a larger chair, check with the railroad prior to making reservations. Note that I was not able to get on the regular train to return from the South of Portugal to Lisbon, and was forced to wait several hours for the high-speed train (in the extreme heat, without air-conditioning). Make sure you thoroughly research the logistics of your trip with the railroad to ensure you have booked the correct train both ways.

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FARO : Accommodations

HOTELS

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LUXURY RESORTS

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FARO : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

On our visit in Faro, we ate a local café and a McDonalds, which are both near the train station. The café has outdoor seating, so as long as the weather is nice, there is definitely wheelchair accessible seating.

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FARO : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Algarve Mobility Rental Hire Service: Rents a variety of medical supplies, including wheelchairs, scooters, hoists, and shower related items.

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FARO : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Faro is located in a remote region of Portugal, and the physically challenged traveler must plan well to ensure a smooth trip. Unlike in Lisbon, many of the locals only speak Portuguese, so a language guide book is a must. Also, Faro can get extremely hot in the summer, and air conditioning was not available at the accessible areas we visited. If you are sensitive to high temperature, make sure to bring along plenty of fluids to stay hydrated as well as a spray bottle to stay cool.