Driving the EN125

Transport

The EN125, or Estrada Nacional 125, is the Algarve's historic main road, running for approximately 155 kilometres from Vila do Bispo in the far west to Vila Real de Santo Antonio on the Spanish border. For decades before the construction of the A22 motorway, the EN125 was the only significant east-west road in the Algarve, and it remains the primary route through the region's towns and villages.

The EN125 passes through or near virtually every significant Algarve settlement, including Lagos, Portimao, Lagoa, Silves, Albufeira, Loule, Faro, Olhao, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo Antonio. This makes it the route of choice for visitors wanting to explore the region by car, stopping at towns and attractions along the way. However, it is also the route most likely to test the patience of drivers unfamiliar with Portuguese driving conditions.

Traffic on the EN125 can be heavy, particularly during the summer months and around the larger towns. The road passes through built-up areas with traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings and commercial frontages, which means that average speeds are significantly lower than on the motorway. The stretch between Faro and Albufeira is typically the most congested.

The road has been progressively upgraded over the years, with sections widened to dual carriageway and junctions improved, but it remains a single carriageway in many places. Road surfaces are generally good, though some sections show wear. Speed limits vary between 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on open sections.

The EN125 has historically had a poor safety record, largely due to the combination of high traffic volumes, mixed-speed traffic (including tractors, cyclists and pedestrians in some sections), frequent junctions and the frustration-driven overtaking that heavy traffic encourages. The opening of the A22 motorway has reduced some of this pressure, but care is still needed.

For visitors arriving at Faro Airport and heading to the western Algarve, the A22 motorway provides a much faster alternative to the EN125. However, the EN125 has the advantage of passing directly through towns, making it the natural route for a touring itinerary or for accessing specific destinations without the detour to motorway junctions.

Notable landmarks and attractions accessible directly from the EN125 include the Zoomarine theme park (between Albufeira and Lagoa), the Porches Pottery, the Apolonia supermarket near Almancil, and the entrances to numerous beach access roads. Petrol stations, supermarkets, restaurants and shops line much of the route.

For drivers new to the Algarve, the EN125 provides a good introduction to Portuguese driving culture. Roundabouts are frequent and priority rules apply (give way to traffic already on the roundabout). Parking in the towns along the route varies from free roadside spaces to paid car parks.