It's well worth the visit to Spain especially for GV, I've done it a few times and made a day of it.
I go straight to Ayamonte and spend a few hours there and on the way back visit Vila Real, Monte Gordo, Tavira and Olhao etc. (not all on the same visit). Petrol is slightly cheaper in Spain as well if you need to fill up.
If it's a nice day (sunny), Isla Canela is worth a visit for the beach, close to Ayamonte on the Spanish side.
I think it's around 40 miles from Faro to Ayamonte, perhaps just a tad more. The driving is easy once on the motorway.

Robby
ps: The tabacs in Ayamonte would only take cash the last few times I've bought there. DON'T forget your passport.

Check that your car hire company allows travel over the border into Spain. Some do not.

If not, there is a little ferry from Vila Real de Santo Antonio over to Ayamonte in Spain. That's very popular with the locals who go over to Spain for their shopping, as VAT in Spain is lower.

Thanks,advice much appreciated!.

You're welcome, I'll be there myself in 8 weeks - hope the GV is still €35 per 10 pack.
As said, check your car hire. I always use TravelRent and never think about that as I know I'm covered.

Robby

Travelrent do cover you for trips to Spain, however reading teh small print I noitced the breakdown/accident recovery service does not cover anywhere outside Portugal.

That could be rather expensive!

Maybe drive to Vila Real and take the ferry across after all!

Make a day of it if you can.Dont just drive there buy and drive back,Ayamonte is a loverly town.

pipefitter is right. It's a lovely place to visit.

As an update there is a market on a Saturday in Ayamonte, so best to leave your visit till then if markets are your thing.Downside is parking can be a problem,and check times of closing of tobaco shops, normally 2pm.And some dont reopen in the afternoon.

As cubsur said earlier, park in VRSA and get the ferry across. If you haven't got a car you can also get the train to VRSA, it's about 10-15 minutes walk from the ferry to the station.