Luz-Info.com - Praia da Luz Services, Facilities & Utilities

This is a more printer friendly page containing a collection of Services, Facilities and Utility information I have found for Praia da Luz. I generally review & update the entries on a pretty regular basis so it should be pretty much a complete list, but I know there must be something I've missed or probably just not found yet. Please let me know if there is anything you think should be included here. Some of the services that could be useful may not be present in Luz, so where possible I've given the nearest location ( which will usually be in the nearby town of Lagos ).
Any remarks included are my own views. So please let me know if you disagree or have any of your own you think I should include. Also, If you have found any of the content of this page useful please tell me so I can identify the areas to develop further. Thanks and I hope you enjoy your visit.

Emergency Services

In This Section - Ambulance, Consulate, Doctor, Emergency, Fire, Hospital, Police

Emergency Telephone Number
Dialling 112 from any phone box is the same as dialling 999 ( in the UK ) or 911 ( in the US ).
Just tell the operator which service you require. Police, Fire or Ambulance.

( British ) Consulate - ( Consulado )
In the event you have lost your passport. They are unable to issue passports but may be able to assist you on getting back home without one.
Office Opening Hours : Monday to Friday, 0900 - 1300 and 1400 - 1700
Public Opening Hours : Monday to Friday, 0930 - 1230 and 1430 - 1630
After 1700 hours, at the weekend and on public holidays, when the Consulate is closed, there is an emergency helpline to assist British and certain Commonwealth Nationals in the event of death, serious illness, accident or arrest.
Emergency Tel : (+351) 213 924 175 - This number is for emergencies only and should not to be used for general enquiries, particularly about visas, out of hours.
Note : There is a statutory fee for services performed out of hours. This fee is currently ( 2008 ) £121 ( €161 ) per hour and is payable in Euros only. It is not charged in the case of death, accident or serious injury.
Where : Portimão
Address : Largo Francisco A Maurício 7-1, 8500 Portimão
Directions : Turn off from A22 at Portimão Exit. Follow directions to centre Portimão. Pass four roundabouts: Monchique, Ladeira do Vau, Malheiro and Hospital. Pass TOTAL petrol station, keeping right on Cardosas lane. Come to 5th roundabout turning off at 3rd exit. Cross the level crossing and turn 1st left. Keep left straight through to old bridge. Consulate is above pharmacy "Arade".
Tel : (+351) 282 417 800
Fax : (+351) 282 490 758

24hrs Medic - ( Doutor )
Luzdoc - This is a modern surgery just off the town square.
Note: Medical insurance is advised, even though EU citizens can obtain a refund of most emergency medical costs by using form / card E111 ( forms available from Post Offices in the U.K. ).
Update ( 2006 )  : E111 is no longer valid you should have an EHIC replacement.
Note : The EHIC does not cover repatriation or ongoing medical treatment so ensure you have your own insurance to cover this.
Note : Remember to take your Passport with you when seeking medical attention.
Where : Up the hill from the square, past the Chinese Restaurant, on the right.
Address : Rua 25 de Abril, 12, Praia da Luz, 8600-174 Luz, Lagos.
Tel : (+351) 282 780 700.
Fax : (+351) 282 780 709.

Fire - ( Bombeiros )
There is no fire station in Luz, the nearest is in Lagos - 15 minutes.
Dial 112 from any phone box and the operator will connect you.
Emergency Tel : 117
Nearest Fire Station : Lagos
Coming from Luz go anti-clockwise on the ring road, on the left as you descend the hill toward the seafront.
Tel : (+351) 282 770 790.

Hospital - ( Hospital )
There are 24 hour hospitals at Faro, Loule, Albufeira, Portimao, Alvor and Lagos, all have some English speaking staff.
Note : The EHIC does not cover repatriation or ongoing medical treatment so ensure you have your own insurance to cover this.
Note : Remember to take your Passport with you.
Emergency Tel  : Lagos
Tel : (+351) 282 771 000.
Nearest Hospital : Lagos
Hospital de Lagos
Address : Rua Castelo dos Governadores, 8600-563 Lagos
Tel : (+351) 282 770 100.
Nearest ( Private ) Hospital : Lagos
Hospital Privado Sao Goncalo.
Tel : (+351) 282 760 181.

Police - ( Polícia )
There are none based in Praia da Luz, but there are fairly regular mobile patrols that cover the Luz area.
Dial 112 from any phone box and the operator will connect you.
Nearest Police Station : Lagos
Lagos Police Station
Tel : (+351) 282 762 930.
Vila do Bispo Police Station
Tel : (+351) 282 639 184.

General Information

In This Section - Airport, Baby Food, Clothing, Telephones, Tipping, Time Zone, Tourism, Town Hall, Weights

Airport - ( Aeroporto )
Faro is the nearest to / most convenient for Praia da Luz.
The distance to Luz is approximately 70km ( 45Mins using the motorway )
Information  : (+351) 289 818 982.
Lost & Found  : (+351) 289 818 302.

Baby Food - ( Comida para bebé )
I've had a couple of emails asking which baby foods are available in Portugal. These days this isn't likely to be a problem as most are available at the larger supermarkets, with the more popular brands even available in the 'mini mercados' ( 7-11 type stores such as Ali-Super ). However some brands are marketed under different brand names.
Nutrica who makes Cow and Gate is marketed as Nutrilon.
Nutrilon 1, 2 and 3 are equivalent to Premium, Plus and Step-up respectively.
Nutrilon Omneo 1 and 2 are equivalent to Comfort ( also known as Milupa Comformil ) 1 and 2.
Nutrilon AR 1 and 2 are for babies with reflux.
Nutrilon HA 1 and 2 are for babies allergic to dairy products.
( Milupa ) Aptamil milks are under the same name but are marginally different. These are numbered in type rather than named.
Aptamil 1, 2 and 3, being equivalent to First, Extra Hungry and 'the other one'.
Huggies are under the same name.
Proctor & Gamble ( P&G ) who make Pampers are marketed under the name Dodot.
Johnsons products, baby wipes, lotions and sunscreens are under the same name.
Bleding, Hero and Nestle products are available under their own names.
Be warned you may have to shop around ( head for the larger supermarkets ) during the summer months / tourist season as stocks can run low.

Clothing Sizes - ( Tamanos da roupa )
Buying clothing whilst in Portugal? If you've travelled from the United Kingdom (UK), the United States (US) or other regions of the world outside of Europe, you will need to convert your 'normal' home size into European sizes. Click below for some ( hopefully ) useful size conversion tables.

Telephones - ( Telefone )
Mobile phone calls to the U.K. can be hideously expensive, you are much better off using the public telephones especially with a phone card ( see below ).
Where : Public telephones are located by the Habana / Lazuli cafes on the Av. dos Pescadores, by the Dolphin Restaurant on the Rua da Calheta and also up by the Commercial Centre ( opposite the Baptista supermarket ).
To the U.K : Dial 0044 for the United Kingdom from Portugal (don't forget to drop the zero from the home area code).
From the U.K : Calls can be made direct and the dialling code for Portugal is '351'.
You will also need to use this prefix when using a non-Portuguese mobile phone in Portugal. International calls must first dial "00", then the country dialling code, then the area code without the prefix "0", and lastly the subscribers' number.
An Example:
00 + ( Country Code ) + ( Town / Area Code ) + ( Telephone Number )
00 + 351 + 282 + 770 790
Within Portugal you can call direct to any subscriber first dialling the area code ( if the destination of the call is outside the area in which the call is being made ) then the telephone number.
An Example:
( Town / Area Code ) + ( Telephone Number )
289 + 818 982
Area Codes : For an idea of where you're ringing, the area codes in the Algarve are;
• 281 = East Algarve,  • 289 = Central Algarve,  • 282 = West Algarve.
Calls made from bars, restaurants and hotels are usually much more expensive than the public phones in the street.
Phone Cards : These can be bought at many places ( e.g. from the newsagent in the arcade between the two cafes on the beach front ) and is recommended not only for the substantial savings that can be made it also allows you to monitor your expenditure and only charges what you use .
Phone calls are cheaper at the weekends, holidays and from 21.00 – 09.00.
Operator : Dial 099.
Emergency : Dial 112 ( the equivalent of 999 in the U.K. ).

Tipping / Gratuities - ( Gratuities )
Generally 10-15%. First check if a service charge has already been included in your bill as some of the more tourist orientated restaurants have started to adopt this practice and as a result you may wish to adjust any tip you may have thought of leaving, accordingly.

Time Zone - ( Zona de Tempo )
Greenwich Mean Time; same as the UK. So do not adjust your watches ( unless you're coming from elsewhere ).
Daylight Saving : The EU's version of Daylight Saving Time runs from 03:00 on the last Sunday in March (when the clocks go forward by an hour) through to 03:00 on the last Sunday in October (when they go back by an hour).
For 2008 clocks go forward by one hour on the night of 29-30 March.
They go back again on the night of 25-26 October.

Tourist Office - ( Turista Escritório )
There is none based in Luz, the nearest ones being in Lagos.
Open : July & Aug daily 10am–10pm, Sept-June Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 10am–2pm
Posto de Informação Municipal de Lagos
Where : Largo Marquês de Pombal. Rua Vasco da Gama. Lagos 8600-670 Lagos
Tel : (+351) 282 764 111
Email : informacao@rtalgarve.pt
Web : http://www.cm-lagos.pt
Posto de Turismo de Lagos
Address : Rua Belchior Moreira de Barbudo (S. João), 8600-722 Lagos
Tel : Tel. +351 282 763 031
Email : turismo.lagos@rtalgarve.pt
Web : http://www.visitalgarve.pt

Town Hall / City Council
Junta de Freguesia da Luz
Where: The long low tan coloured building on the left coming from the square.
Address Rua de 25 de Abril, 35. Praia da Luz. 8600-174 LUZ LAGOS.
Tel: (+351) 282 789 722

Weights and Measures - ( Pesos e Medidas )
Metric, so bring your calculator or a conversion table if you think you may have a problem.

Local Services

This Section - Banks, Cashpoint, Car Park, Churches, Dentist, Florist, Museums

Newspapers, Petrol, Post, Radio, Shopping, W.C.

Bank - ( Banco )
Crédito Agricola - English speaking staff. Commission is charged on exchanges. No credit card transactions over the counter so use the outside Cash point ( ATM ). As it is the most central / convenient it has been known to empty on / during national / bank holidays.
Where : On the corner of square about 100m north of the Church.
Address : Praça República 2, Praia Luz 8600-149 LUZ LGS
Tel : (+351) 282 790 770

Bank - ( Banco )
Banco Espirito Santo - Lobby Cash point ( ATM ), accessible at night using your bank card for entry.
Where : 500m Up the hill ( Rua 25 d'Abril ) from the square, on the right hand side of the road.

Bank - ( Banco )
Barclays Bank - ATM.
Where : On the St James Apartment complex. Up the hill ( R. 25 d'Abril ) on the right past the Espirito Bank.
Address : Urbanização de St. James, Lote 5, Cave, Montes da Luz. 8600-128 Luz-Lagos
Tel : (+351) 282 002 180.
Fax : (+351) 282 002 181.

Cash Point - ( ATM ) - ( Ponto do dinheiro )
Baptista Supermarket - Located just inside the Baptista supermarket lobby. Maximum withdrawal ( all ATMs' ) is €200.
Open : During Supermarket opening hours.
Where : Up the hill ( Rua Primeiro do Maio ) from the town square, take the first turning to the right.

Churches - ( Igreja )
The church of Nossa Senhora da Luz ( Our Lady of the Light ).
You will find Portugal is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic and its people are very religious.
Masses are held every morning in the Parish churches.
There are services in English in most principal tourist areas, the Nossa Senhora in Luz is no exception. Check at the Church for service times as they may vary depending on holidays and celebrations.
Where : Located in the center of the town, just off of the square. It can't be missed as it is yellow and white and beautifully maintained.

Dentist - ( Dentista )
Luz Dent.
Dr Peter Steinhausen. One of Luz's two dental practices.
Where : Rua 25 de Abril, Up the hill, past the Chinese restaurant, next to the O'Celeiro supermarket.
Tel : (+351) 282 788 820.

Dentist - ( Dentista )
Laboratorio Dentario.
The other of Luzs' two dental practices who speak fluent English.
Where : Rua 25 de Abril. Up the hill pass the Chinese restaurant, opposite Luzdoc medical centre.
Tel : (+351) 282 788 670.
Fax : (+351) 282 789 268.

Florists
I've not yet found a proper florist in Luz, however the Baptista supermarket has a limited selection. A better bet is the florists located in the super market in Lagos.
Pingo Doce
Where : On the other side of Lagos (from Luz). Follow the signs for the N125 to Portimao. Crossing the bridge by the marina the Supermarket is on the left, keep an eye out for the Penguin sign. Comercial Pingo Doce,
Address : Avenida da Republic.
Tel : (+351) 282 792 256

Museums - ( Museu )
Check with the local Tourist Office for the opening times for museums and churches in your area as they do tend vary across the country. Generally 'local' museums are normally closed on Mondays and public holidays. National museums are normally from Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00am to 6:00pm and on Tuesdays: 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
There isn't a museum in Luz, the nearest is located in Lagos.
Municipal Museum Dr José Formosinho
Items from Lagos' history are displayed including archaeological artefacts, minerals, paintings, Algarve ethnography and marine world.
Open : Tuesday to Friday 09:30-12:30 and 14:00-17:00.
Address : Rua Gen. Alberto Carlos de Silveira.
Tel : (+351) 282 762 301

Newspapers - ( Journais )
The main Portuguese newspaper in English, is The Resident. Published weekly. There are two versions depending on where you are located, Lisbon or Algarve. Essential Algarve is a bi-monthly magazine. The Portugal Post and The Portugal News are good online daily electronic papers. Versions of the Mail and Mail on Sunday are printed in Lisbon so will be available in newsagents fairly early in the morning. They are the same as the U.K. versions except for more localised advertising. Other English newspapers will arrive at anytime up to midday as they are flown in. You will pay a bit more for these as a result.
The following are not the only newsagents but these do have English newspapers (and cigarettes)
Where : Up the hill ( Rua 25 d'Abril ), a corner shop on the right.
Where : In the Baptista Supermarket.
Where : In the arcade between the two cafes on the seafront.

Petrol - ( Garagem )
There isn't a garage / petrol station in Luz. However, If you drive in the direction of Lagos / the motorway, there is a petrol station just off of the last roundabout ( the Lagos exit ) before you get on to the dual carriageway that leads to the motorway.
For an actual garage ( for repairs ) I was told of this one in Lagos. Fortunately, I've not had to try it yet.
Garagem Gil Vicente
Address : Lda Lagos - Santa Maria. R Lançarote Freitas 54, Lagos. 8600-605 LAGOS
Tel : (+351) 282 767 955

Pharmacy - ( Farmacias )
Look out for a green cross sign. Pharmacies are open during normal business hours, there is normally one pharmacy in every town that is on duty through the night, it's address is posted in the windows of every other chemist and in local newspapers. There is just one in Luz, alternatively there are several in Lagos.
Where : Up the hill past the bank in the town square. Inside the Commercial Centre.

Post Office - ( Estação de Correios )
The Post Office, Telegrafos e Telefones - C.T.T.
It can be used for telephone calls and stamps.
Stamps can also be bought from news stands and tobacconists (e.g. on the beach front or in the Commercial Centre).
Normal (internal) post takes up to 3 days for delivery.
Registered Mail and Parcel services available in the Post Office.
Economy cheaper than Airmail but could take longer.
Airmail takes up to 5 days (Europe), 7 days (rest of the World)
Where : 5 minutes walk from the town square, along the Rue Directa ( the old road to Lagos ) on the right.
Open : 0900 -1800 but is closed at weekends and bank holidays.
Tel : (+351) 282 770 340.
Fax : (+351) 282 770 346.

Public Toilets - ( Toaletes Publicos )
These are the only ones I've found so far. On the seafront, in the arcade between the Habana and Lazuli cafes. Also a slightly dingy but serviceable outside block halfway up the Rua da Plage, from the beach bars, on the left. Otherwise in any bar, cafe or restaurant.

Radio Stations - ( Estações de Rádio )
There are plenty of stations available in the Algarve / Portugal. This is fortunate as whilst travelling along the coast they frequently and quite suddenly fade away. They play a variety of Portuguese and International music. Just a few listed below that seem to remain quite clear around the Luz / Lagos area.
104.9 - RFM, 104.3 - Nostalgia, 103.6 - Total FM, 94.0 - Solar FM, 88.1 - Radio Commercial.
101.2 - Kiss FM is an English Language radio station.
94.6 - Sagres FM is the 'Local' station,
National Radio stations are:
Antena 1 similar to the UK's BBC Radio 2, e.g. news, sport and middle-of-the road music.
Antena 2 similar to the UK's BBC Radio 4, e.g. mainly classical music and fado (Portugal's folk-music).
Antena 3 (101.9 FM) Radio 1.

Shopping: - ( Lojas )
Generally shops are open 0900-1300 and 1500-1900, Monday to Friday, closing lunchtime Saturday. These times may vary depending on how the season is faring. The siesta, enjoyed by nearby Spain is not observed here, but two hours for lunch is to be expected. Supermarkets may open 0800-2000 weekdays. There are five supermarkets in Luz, the biggest and probably the best being Baptista, there is also an Ali Super ( 7-11 type ) by the Church in the main square and another Ali Super on the hill Rua da Plage. The O'Celeiro supermarket up the hill in Rua 25 da Avril is not quite as extensive but it is open on Sundays. The Cestinho is a small shop that has the basic essentials a bit off the beaten track but its located to serve mainly the Estrela complex The larger 'superstores' are in nearby Lagos.
Daily Market : Fresh fruit and vegetables can be purchased at markets held daily in the market building of Lagos, by the Marina.
Monthly Market : Larger markets where you can buy clothes, shoes and handicrafts are held in Lagos on the first Saturday of the month.

Utilities Information

In This Section - Electricity, Firewood, Gas, Water, Internet

Electricity - ( Electricidade )
The national electricity company in Portugal is Energias de Portugal SA).
Electrical Emergency - Tel : 800 506 506
The electrical power is 230 volts / 50 Hz ( as in the U.K. ). Appliances use the standard European two pin round plugs ( type 'F', max rating 16 amps ). Adaptors are readily available as travel packs at airport shops in the U.K. or almost any electrical outlet in Europe.

Firewood - ( Lenha )
Some villas and apartments still have traditional open fireplaces. Whilst this may seem un-necessary in such a warm climate you will find there are evenings / nights when it will get quite chilly especially out of season. Smokeless fuels and wood only are permitted in the Algarve. You will find supplies of these ( and fire lighters ) available at the larger supermarkets or the bottled gas stores.

Gas - ( Gás )
Termoluz.
Bottled Gas ( Botijas / Garrafas ) supplies and delivery.
Where : Up from the beach on the right of the Rua de Praia.
Tel : (+351) 282 789 550.
Also the Ali Super supermarket in the town square by the church has limited supplies for collection.

Rubbish - ( Desperdicio )
Your villa is unlikely to have its own rubbish bin(s). You will normally find outsized 'wheelie' bins at the end of most roads which you have to take your rubbish to. This is normal practice throughout the Algarve.
Most resort towns have pretty much converted over to the E.E.C street waste disposal guidelines. You will find blocks of four coloured rubbish bins each clearly marked as to what should be put in them.
Papel - Paper bins are coloured  Blue ,
Embalagens - Bottles, plastic or metal bins are coloured  Yellow ,
Vidro - Bottles, glass bins are coloured  Green ,
Lixo - Food, biodegradable bins are coloured  Brown .

Water - ( Agua )
Water is drinkable in the majority of places, but bottled water is available everywhere ( better for tea! ). For bottled water remember Carbonated ( fizzy ) is 'agua com gaz' and Non-Carbonated ( still ) 'agua sem gaz'.
http://portugal.angloinfo.com/r.asp?http://www.adp.pt/ - Aguas de Portual provides the names and contact information of local water boards in Portugal.
Water cuts : ( Falta de Agua ) - Tel: 800 222 425
Burst pipes : ( Roturas ) - Tel: 800 201 600

Internet - ( Internet )
Most Hotels are becoming 'connected' these days and also most towns and even the more sizeable villages should have an internet 'cafe' for public access. Luz has the Eureka a dedicated internet cafe located on the Rua Dirieta, also the Cafe Jasmin a bit further up the road by the Post Office has a couple machines in their cafe / bar.
The Eureka has a number of computers with fax, printing and Skype facilities. They also have facilities for connecting your own laptop which is unusual for Algarve internet cafes. Tariffs are modest and a variety of 'packages' are available. The weekly packages are the best value and are recommended for frequent users on holiday.
Open: Mon.- Thurs. 10am-10pm. Fri.-Sun. 10am-midnight.
Where : On the one way road leading out of Luz. Coming from the square on the right hand side before the Post Office. Opposite the Ocean resort complex.
Address : Rua Direita, 20. Praia da Luz.
Tel : (+351) 282 789 191
Only residents ( or property owners ) can subscribe to an Internet service in Portugal.

Local Transport

In This Section - Buses, Taxis, Trains

Buses - ( Barras-onibus )
The most convenient and cheapest way of travelling in the Algarve is by bus. The R N (orange and white buses) provide services to all major towns and resorts along the coast. Bus stops are identified by a sign reading "Paragem". The main bus stop in Luz is by the church. There is a regular bus service to Lagos bus station ( a block back from the main Avenida dos Descobrimentos ). It runs about 15 times a day, the last one ending about 19.00.
EVA coaches / buses
Address : 5 Av. da Republica, Faro
Tel : (+351) 289 899 700.

Taxis - ( Taxis )
Taxis are quite reasonably priced and can be extremely handy as alcohol tolerance is zero in Portugal. Taxis are quite easy to spot as they are normally a Mercedes and are beige coloured.
The taxis (generally) have no meters but follow a standard fare table based on mileage.
It is usually worthwhile to pre-book taxis especially in peak season.
Where : If there are any taxis 'waiting' ( rare ) they can normally be found in the town 'square' ( by the church ).
Jose Inacio ( 24hr service ). This seems to be the one that most bars or restaurants will use if you ask for a cab whilst in Luz.
Tel (mobile) : (+351) 914 700 476.
Tel (mobile) : (+351) 917 870 771.
Dario Amodor ( 24hr service ). Another firm located in nearby Burgau.
Tel (mobile) : (+351) 917 210 311.
Tel (mobile) : (+351) 919 796 695.

Trains - ( Trens )
The railway system links Faro with Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the east and Portimao and Lagos in the west. There is also a link from Faro to Lisbon, which is about a three hour journey. In general the trains are slow and pretty basic ( but they are getting better ) and do not connect the main coastal resorts. However there is a station at Lagos ( located across the river, fifteen minutes' walk from the centre via the swing bridge in the marina ), which is only 10 minutes away from Praia da Luz and takes about an hour and a half from Faro.