This year’s European Mobility Week is being celebrated this week until Sunday, September 22, in five towns across the Algarve; Lagos, Portimão, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Faro.
The initiative is to encourage locals and visitors to choose public transport and eco-friendly alternatives such as cycling or walking as a means of transportation. Apart from helping with the carbon footprint the idea is also to advocate a healthy lifestyle where people exercise more without making an effort.
Various events are taking place throughout the week in all five towns that include public talks, fairs, planned walks and bicycle rides.
Western Algarve – Lagos
In Lagos there will be discounts when renting bicycles on September 22, European Car-Free Day, from Lagos Bike Tours and Rent a Bike – Passes do Sudoeste. Every day at 3.30pm, starting from Praça Gil Eanes, there are planned walks and also a Sunset Walk on Sunday at Ponta da Piedade, starting at 5pm.
The Lagos buses, A Onda, will be free to use all week with the local tourist “train” free on Sunday. For more information on events and more in Lagos over this week click here.
Portimão and Alvor
In Portimão, together with events such as mentioned above, there is also the possibility of a trip on board a solar-powered boat. The town’s network of buses, Vai e Vem, will be free over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Take a bus to Alvor on Sunday where all traffic will be stopped through the village from 10am through to 8pm. However, you are invited to use bicycles and scooters free of charge throughout the day.
The Sunday morning market will still take place on the riverfront with entertainment for children taking place in São João gardensand also a handicraft fair on Rua 25 de Abril.
For more information on Portimão and its environs’ events click here.
The Algarve capital and environs
São Brás de Alportel, Loulé and Faro are hosting events such as demonstrations of eco-friendly transport on September 20 in Praça da República (Loulé) and will also be closing their streets to traffic and offering entertainment for children and adults alike.
For information on all that is going on click here.