Are There Any Safety Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting the Algarve?

Before you embark on a holiday to the Algarve, are there any important safety tips that you should be aware of?

The Algarve is generally a safe travel destination and it is very unlikely that you will be in danger during your visit. However, before visiting any foreign country it is always a good idea to educate yourself about the specific safety advice for that region. Knowing what to watch out for will help you to protect yourself and ensure that your holiday goes safely and smoothly.

Dona Ana Beach, Algarve, Portugal by Lacobrigo

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying your holiday in the Algarve.

Watch Out for Crazy Drivers

If you will be renting a car to explore this region of Portugal, watch out for locals who tend to not stick to the speed limit and attempt to overtake at impossible places. Perhaps this is why Portugal has the highest accident rate in Europe! Driving along the rugged rural roads can be quite challenging as there will be plenty of potholes and perhaps even a goat wandering into your path.

Even though the locals can be crazy drivers, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get in big trouble if you are caught breaking the local driving laws. The fines for traffic offences such as using your mobile while driving or driving under the influence are very heavy. When driving in the Algarve, always follow the road rules and be vigilant of other drivers.

Beware of Pickpockets

Petty theft is a problem which affects tourists to the Algarve, especially when congregated in large crowds at the main tourist attractions. The skilled thieves blend into the crowd and can sneak your valuables right out of your pockets.

However, avoiding pickpocket theft is very easy. First of all, try not to dress in a manner which shows off your wealth, such as wearing expensive jewellery or designer brands. It advertises that you are likely to have a healthy wad of cash in your wallet, so go for an understated look instead. Keep your cash and valuables in your front trouser pocket and never in your back pocket. If you have a zippered or a buttoned pocket this is also ideal. Get out of the habit of “patting” your pocket to check if your wallet is still there, as it gives a watching criminal a clue to where you keep your valuables.

Praia da Marinha, Algarve, Portugal by Had01

Sun-Related Hazards

One of the dangers that might not have crossed your mind is the effects of the sun. Of course, the warm sunshine is what makes a holiday to the Algarve so enjoyable, but too much of it can be a very bad thing. Because of the cooling breezes from the ocean, many people will not realize how hot the sun is until they have a severe sunburn or start showing symptoms of heat stroke or heat exhaustion. These conditions can be dangerous and can require hospitalization, so make sure that you keep an eye on each other while out in the sunshine.

Wear an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen and some sunglasses to protect your eyes from the UVA rays. You might also want to wear a wide brimmed hat which will keep your head cool and shield your face from the sun. Avoid sitting out for extended periods of time in the hottest part of the day, which is during the early afternoon.

The Algarve is generally a safe place, but these are just a few of the tips you should keep in mind to make sure that you don’t run into trouble on your trip. Enjoy your holiday!

Here are some helpful safety tips to remember while on a holiday to Vale do Lobo resort in the Algarve, Portugal.

Tags: accident rate, algarve, algarve portugal, designer brands, driving laws, driving under the influence, impossible places, petty theft, potholes, renting a car, road rules, rural roads, safe travel, safety advice, speed limit, traffic offences, travel destination, valuables

Category: Portugal, Travel Tips