The travel advice on this page is for the Algarve. For the latest general travel advice for Portugal, please see FCO travel advice.

Crime

A number of British nationals have been the victim of a serious sexual offence in the Algarve this summer.

• female travellers in particular should maintain a high state of personal awareness during their time in the Algarve. Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit. 

• you should be careful about taking drinks from strangers and be wary at clubs and parties. Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK.

• reports of sexual assaults against women have become particularly prevalent in  Albufeira, but there have also been reports of similar incidents in other towns. Women travellers are, therefore, advised to take particular care. For more guidance about this see Rape and Sexual Assault Overseas..

• the summer of 2008 saw an increase in violent attacks and muggings in the Vilamoura area of the Algarve. One of these attacks led to the death of a British national. You are advised to be extra vigilant, especially in the early hours of the morning

• there has also been an increase in the number of villa break ins in the Algarve. Please make sure that your villa has adequate security measures in place and ensure that all doors and windows are locked at night or when you are not in the villa. It is also advisable to keep all your personal belongings, money and passports locked in the security safe, if your villa has one. If you are worried about security at your villa, you should speak to your tour operator or the villa owner. You should familiarise yourself with the contact details of the local emergency services and the location of the nearest police station.

General

• holiday Clubs - the Consulate has received complaints from British tourists about the activities of companies trying to sell memberships of holiday Clubs. Visitors to the Algarve are advised to be very careful when dealing with representatives of these companies.

Health and Safety

• always exercise caution when using swimming pools. Check the depth of the pool before diving in. Make sure you know which is the shallow and the deep end as this may not always be marked. Watch your children at all times, especially if you are staying in a villa or apartment with no lifeguard.