Postal Services and Mail

Practical Info

Portugal's postal service, CTT (Correios de Portugal), operates a reliable network of post offices and postal services across the Algarve. Whether you need to send postcards, post parcels, receive mail at a holiday address or access other postal services, the system is straightforward and generally efficient.

CTT post offices (estacoes de correios) are found in every Algarve town and in many larger villages. The main offices in Faro, Lagos, Portimao, Albufeira, Tavira, Olhao and Loule offer a full range of services including standard and registered mail, parcels, express delivery (EMS), money orders and bill payment. Smaller offices in villages may have more limited hours and services.

Post office opening hours are typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00, with some larger branches open during the lunch period and on Saturday mornings. During peak tourist season, some offices in resort areas may extend their hours.

Postcards and standard letters sent within Portugal cost around 0.65 euros. Mail to other EU countries costs approximately 1.00 to 1.20 euros, and mail to destinations outside Europe costs around 1.30 to 1.50 euros. Stamps (selos) can be purchased at post offices, and some newsagents and souvenir shops also sell stamps.

Delivery times for standard mail from the Algarve are typically 1 to 2 days within Portugal, 3 to 5 working days to other EU countries, and 5 to 10 working days to destinations outside Europe. Registered mail (correio registado) provides tracking and proof of delivery for an additional fee.

For parcels, CTT offers domestic and international services at various speed and price levels. The CTT website and app allow you to calculate postage, track parcels and find your nearest post office. International courier services including DHL, FedEx and UPS also operate in the Algarve, with drop-off points and collection services available in the larger towns.

Residents and long-term visitors should be aware that mail delivery in the Algarve can be inconsistent in rural areas and in some residential developments. Many Portuguese addresses, particularly in newer developments and rural areas, can be confusing, and delivery to the correct address is not always guaranteed. Using the post office's posta restante (general delivery) service or a PO box (apartado) can be more reliable for important correspondence.

The bright red CTT postboxes (marcos de correio) are found throughout the Algarve, typically outside post offices, in town centres and near tourist areas. They are emptied daily in urban areas and less frequently in rural locations.