Faro, Portugal, Implements Permanent Tourist Tax
Key Points
1. Faro now applies a tourist tax during both low and high seasons.
2. Visitors will pay €1 per night from November to February and €2 per night from March to October.
3. The tax applies to stays up to seven consecutive nights at various accommodations.
The picturesque Algarve city of Faro has introduced a year-round tourist tax for all adult visitors staying in local hotels, guesthouses, campsites, and caravan parks.
During the low season, from November 1 to February 28, tourists pay €1 per night. In the high season (March to October), this fee doubles to €2 per night for stays up to seven nights.
Exemptions from Faro’s Tourist Tax
Certain groups are exempt, including:
- Local and international students at the University of Algarve during the academic year.
- Patients receiving medical treatment in Faro, including one companion.
- Those evacuated for public safety reasons, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies.
- Faro residents.
- Essential workers in education, healthcare, and security.
These exempted groups must provide documentation, such as student IDs or proof of medical appointments.
Tourist Taxes in Portugal
Many popular Portuguese destinations, especially in the Algarve, now impose tourist taxes. These funds are directed towards infrastructure improvements, sustainability efforts, and cultural preservation. For instance, Albufeira implemented a tourist tax in May 2024, and other Algarve municipalities, including Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Olhão, and Portimão, have followed suit.
As tourism booms—with 13.1 million visitors between January and August 2024, marking a 6.7% increase—the tourist tax revenue supports these destinations’ sustainable growth and upkeep.