sadsyndrome,
If the "couple of beaches" you mention are local ones in Albufeira, I don't think you'll need a car at all.
Reading reviews of your apartments, it appears that they have a courtesy bus to the Old Town where you'll be fairly close to beaches.The waterparks have their own buses which pick up all over town, and you can pre-book private taxi transfers for approx.€45 - €47 return.If you want an e-mail address for transfers, just shout.

Hi Sadsyndrome,

We stayed in CPO which was right on the beach but we still hired a car for the whole holiday. We like to be mobile and get around and dont like to be limited to when we can shoot off somewhere to explore. Depends on the cost but I always hire a car no matter where I stay.

Personally I cant sit at the pool or on a beach all day but like to explore the area, try lunch at small village restuarants/cafes and absolutley love finding secluded, quiet beaches rather than the busier ones. Also like a wander around Algarve shopping (well the wife does) and the supermarket there is in my opinion the best by a mile. Its a shame to go to the Algarve and not explore it a bit as thers is plenty to "find".

I have never found parking in and around the Strip a problem or at Albufeira but then again I usually go in late June or September!

We always collect from the airport as well although once had to drop off at the bottom of the strip.

The tropical sol is very central so you may not need it. We hire as we like the freedom and the choice, simple as that. It probably doesn't suit everybody. The waterpark buses limit when you get there and when you have to leave. You are also close to the Modelo and the supermarket at the Strip Xroads is okay as well.

I have always used http://www.economycarhire.co.uk and never had a problem. Collection at Faro airport very efficient. Easy drop off as well.

See ya

PS: We saw a great deal for the Tropical Sol a few days ago, only heard good things about it and still thinking about going there,

thanks lummie

I agree, we always have a car, ever since we went on a mobile home camping holiday a few years back when kids were younger. Like you we thought the freedom was great, although I don't mind sitting by the pool all day

Parking was my only concern, apart from the cost which is about £300 for 2 weeks. I hate parking, I struggle at work every day so the last thing I want on hols is hassle. I guess I'm just wayyyy too stressed I must need a holday