London sends many visitors to Aljezur for good reason: direct Faro flights in about two and a half hours, then roughly ninety minutes by car to town or coast. Add a rental car and you can chase swell along the Costa Vicentina for a full week.
Flights: London to Faro
Multiple airports in the London area fly non-stop to Faro (FAO) in season, often year-round on at least one route:
| Airline (examples) | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | Stansted, Luton, sometimes others | Often cheapest; watch baggage |
| easyJet | Gatwick, Luton, Bristol (regional) | Good frequency spring–autumn |
| British Airways | Gatwick / Heathrow (seasonal) | Sometimes pricier; includes hold bag on some fares |
| Jet2 | Regional bases | Strong in school holidays |
Block 2h 30m in the air; allow 3 hours before departure at Gatwick/Stansted in July.
London to Lisbon as Plan B
easyJet, TAP, BA, and others run London → Lisbon all year. If Faro is expensive, Lisbon can win — but budget ~3 hours’ drive to Aljezur plus higher toll/time than from Faro. Worth it if you want Lisbon nights first or the fare difference is large.
Car rental at Faro (or Lisbon)
Same playbook as every surf visitor:
- Book early for half-term and summer.
- Via Verde for A22 electronic tolls.
- Compact is fine for two; longboards need roof carry or a big estate — we offer roof rack pads on Premium; say so when you contact us.
Without a car, you are tied to one beach and infrequent buses via Lagos — fine for a chill week, frustrating if you want to match conditions. Getting to Aljezur spells out bus reality.
Driving Faro Airport to Aljezur
A22 west, exit toward Aljezur / N120, then north on the N120. First-time drivers in Portugal: keep right, speed cameras exist on motorways, and roundabouts are common — yield to traffic already on the circle.
Sample budget from London (rough)
Not a quote — just planning anchors:
| Item | Shoulder season idea | Peak summer idea |
|---|---|---|
| Return flights (1 person) | £80–200 | £180–400+ |
| Car (7 days) | £150–280 | £280–500+ |
| Airport parking / trains to airport | £40–100+ | Same |
| Our rental (Full, 7 days) | €120 | €120 |
Accommodation swings wildly — where to stay Aljezur compares Arrifana, Monte Clérigo, Vale da Telha, and town. For more line items, Aljezur surf trip cost.
One-week idea
If you want a simple structure, one week Aljezur itinerary maps days between beaches and rest. We deliver gear to your door — Board Only, Full (board + wetsuit + leash + wax), or Premium (adds roof pads and extras) — 3-day minimum, WhatsApp/email only, reply within 24 hours.
Airport practicalities: bags, parking, and timing
Bags: Budget fares to Faro often exclude a hold bag. Surf boots, a second wetsuit, and a towel pile add up fast — check both directions before you assume the headline price. If you are not bringing a board, renting board + wetsuit here usually beats airline sports fees and the risk of a snapped stick on the carousel.
Parking at London airports: Pre-book meet-and-greet or long-stay for a week — drive-up rates hurt. Gatwick and Stansted have decent rail links if you prefer train + hand luggage only; add the Overground/tube time when comparing “cheap” flights from awkward airports.
Timing: Half-term and Easter fill Aljezur’s guesthouses early — align car + accommodation + our gear in one pass so you are not messaging us from a fully booked town. If you want to extend the trip, surf road trip Algarve is a natural add-on after a week on the west coast.
FAQ
Which London airport is cheapest to Faro?
It changes weekly. Compare Stansted, Luton, Gatwick on the same dates and include bags — Ryanair/easyJet “headline” fares rarely tell the full story.
How long from Faro to Aljezur?
About 1 hour 30 minutes by car under normal conditions.
Do I need a GB sticker or extra documents post-Brexit?
Check current UK government travel to Portugal guidance before you go — rules evolve. Carry insurance proof and your licence; an IDP is recommended for some licence types.
Is surf gear cheaper to rent than fly with a board?
Often yes — and much less hassle at the airport. We stock 6'6, 7'0, 7'8, 8'6 soft-tops; see what surfboard should I rent.
Can I book online?
No — pricing is on the site; to reserve, message us and we confirm within 24 hours.
London to Aljezur is a well-worn path. Check packages, then send your dates and address — we will sort delivery to your accommodation.