Algarve
Population:
459,000
Money:
€ Euros. Banks and cash machines in the major towns and resorts are the best places to get cash. Many smaller places won't have such facilities so plan ahead, and also plan for the weekend as busy ATMs often run out of cash by Sunday. By choosing to eat fresh local fish dishes and buying from the markets you can make your money go further.
Language:
Portuguese. Many people in hotels and restaurants, particularly in the major resorts, will speak some English as well as some German, but this isn't necessarily the case in more remote parts. The people are friendly though and often a few Portuguese words is enough to get by.
Dialling codes:
+351 for Portugal, followed by 289 for Faro, 282 for Portimão, or 208 for Tavira
Entry:
Visitors from the UK only need a passport UK to enter Portugal . There is a maximum stay of three months for tourists, or you can register as a resident if you wish to stay longer.