Local Algarve News

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Luz Services, Luz Facilities, Praia da Luz

Larger Text size Smaller Text sizeServices, Facilities & Utilities in Praia da Luz

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Luz Services, Luz Facilities, Luz Utilities, Praia da Luz - 2008

Click for Faro, Portugal Forecast
Faro
Click for Sagres, Portugal Forecast
Sagres

This page is 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 contents of these pages useful please tell me so I can identify the areas to develop further. Thanks and I hope you enjoy your visit.

Map of Praia da Luz Services & Facilities

( Close )Help in using the Google Map
  • Use either the Zoom In or Zoom Out buttons at the top left of the map to to increase ( Zoom In ) or decrease ( Zoom Out ) the level of detail.
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  • The small inset map can be collapsed / expanded by clicking on the marker at its bottom right corner.
  • Positions on the map are approximate ( give or take a couple of hundred feet ).
  • Use the index, to the right of the map, for a link to the complete description of services offered.
  • Click on the index letter ( e.g. A: ) to jump to the location on the map and display brief details.
  • Click on the index name ( e.g. Doctor ) to go to more relevant details in the section below the map.
EXTENT ORANGE A UPPER
Luz Doc
24 Hr Medical Centre.
[ Details ]
B
Luz Dent
Dentist.
[ Details ]
AQUA C UPPER
O'Celeiro
Supermarket.
[ Details ]
BLUE D UPPER
Crédito Agricola
Bank &  (External) Cash Point
[ Details ]
ORANGE E UPPER
Main Taxi Rank
If there are taxis to be had you'll find them here.
[ Details ]
ORANGE F UPPER
Nossa Senhora da Luz
Main Church
[ Details ]
ORANGE G UPPER
Cine Estudio
Cinema
[ Details ]
Swimming Pool
Open to the Public.
[ Details ]
ORANGE H UPPER
Pharmacy
Open during normal business hours
[ Details ]
GREEN I UPPPER
Papelaria da Luz
Newsagent
[ Details ]
Public Telephones
[ Details ]
AQUA J UPPER
Baptista Supermarket
Supermarket
The largest in Luz
[ Details ]
GREEN K UPPER
Newsagent
Inside the arcade between the two cafes.
[ Details ]
Public Toilets
Inside the arcade between the two cafes.
[ Details ]
ORANGE L UPPER
Public Telephones
[ Details ]
ORANGE M UPPER
Car Park
Free to €1.50 All day depending on the season
[ Details ]
AQUA N UPPER
Ali Super
Supermarket
[ Details ]
ORANGE O UPPER
Post Office
Correios, Telegrafos e Telefones - C.T.T.
[ Details ]
BLUE P UPPER
Banco Espirito Santo
Lobby Service Cash point.
Rua 25 de Abril.
[ Details ]
AQUA R UPPER
Ali Super
Supermarket
7/11 style.
[ Details ]
BLUE S UPPER
Baptista Supermarket
Cash Point.
Not 24hrs.
[ Details ]
AQUA T UPPER
Cestinho
Mini Market
[ Details ]
ORANGE U UPPER
Public Telephones
[ Details ]
ORANGE V UPPER
Petrol Station
Nearest Petrol Station to Luz
[ Details ]
ORANGE W UPPER
Termoluz
Bottled Gas supplies.
[ Details]

Click on the letter for the map location or the name for the details

Bank / ATM Newsagents Services Supermarkets

Emergency Services

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.

AmbulanceAmbulance - ( Ambulância )
There is no station in Luz, the nearest being in Lagos - 10 to 20 minutes. However, see the 24Hr Medic ( below ).
Dial 112 from any phone box and the operator will connect you.
Note: Remember to take your Passport with you when seeking medical attention.
Nearest Hospital: Lagos
Tel: (+351) 282 760 115.

Consulate( 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.
Who : British Consul: Celia Edwards
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

Medical CentreGo to the Map24hrs Medic - ( Doutor )
Luzdoc - This is a modern surgery just off the town square. International medical services. General medicine consultations and specialists are available. Complementary diagnostic test and ambulance service provided.
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. or online here ).
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.

DoctorDoctor - ( Doutor )
Otto Johannsen
Established GP available 24 hours.
Where : Estrada Espiche Quinta Caliços, Praia da Luz.
Tel : (+351) 282 789 416
Tel ( Mobile ) :(+351) 919 049 923

Fire StationFire - ( 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.

HospitalHospital - ( 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 (GDR)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

AirportAirport - ( 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.
Web site  : Click Here

Baby FoodsBaby 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 SizesClothing 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.
Click Here to Men's and Women's Clothes sizes chart.
Click Here to Men's and Women's Shoes sizes chart.
Click Here to Children's Clothes sizes chart.
Click Here to Children's Shoe sizes chart.

Women's Coats, Dresses and Suits Men's Suits and Coats

UK

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

UK

36

38

40

42

44

46

48

US

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

US

36

38

40

42

44

46

48

Europe

32

34

36

38

40

42

44

46

Europe

46

48

50

52

54

56

58

Women's Shoes Men's Shoes

UK

4.5

5

5.5

6

6.5

7

UK

7

7.5

8.5

9.5

10.5

11

US

6

6.5

7

7.5

8

8.5

US

8

8.5

9.5

10.5

11.5

12

Europe

38

38

39

39

40

41

Europe

41

42

43

44

45

46

Children's Clothes

Height (cm)

56

62

68

74

80

86

92

98

104

110

116

122

128

134

140

Age (mths / yrs)

0-3m

3-6m

6-9m

9-12m

12-18m

18-24m

2-3

3-4

4-5

5-6

6-7

7-8

8-9

9-10

10-11

Children's Shoes

UK

0

1

2

3

4

4.5

5

6

7

8

8.5

9

10

11

12

12.5

US

0.5-1

1.5-2

2.5-3

3.5-4

4.5-5

5.5

6-6.5

7-7.5

8

8.5-9

9.5

10-10.5

11

11.5

12-12.5

13-13.5

Europe

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Smoking notesSmoking
As of January 1st 2008, Portugal introduced its No Smoking Policy. There are options to allow smoking in some places but due to the vagueness of the new law at this time ( 01/08 ), 99% of bars and 100% of restaurants in Luz are now non-smoking ( at least inside the premises ) in order to avoid the hefty fines. However two bars in Luz have complied with the regulations and have opted to be smoking bars ( The Bull and Cafe Jasmin ). Fortunately with the generally good weather for the majority of the year and the number of places with terraces the 'problem' does not impact quite as much as it does in the U.K. All premises are required to display signs denoting whether they are Smoking or Non-Smoking establishments.
Cigarettes and Tobacco: If you are a smoker, don't bother stocking up at the airport when you arrive as prices, unlike the U.K., are fixed throughout the country. You can buy as you need to without looking for 'cut price' outlets. Even though tobacco has gone up in price by over 200% in the last couple of years it is still a bit cheaper than the U.K.

Telephone ServiceGo to the MapGo to the MapGo to the MapTelephones - ( 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 / GratuitiesTipping / 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 ZonesTime 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 OfficeTourist 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
See here for other Algarve tourist offices.
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 HallTown 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 & MeasuresWeights and Measures - ( Pesos e Medidas )
Metric, so bring your calculator or a conversion table if you think you may have a problem.
Alternatively Click here for printable conversion tables in Acrobat ( .pdf ) format.

Local Services & Facilities

BanksGo to the MapBank - ( 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

BanksGo to the MapBank - ( Banco )
Banco Espirito Santo - Lobby Cash point ( ATM ), accessible at night using your bank card for entry.
Where : 500m Up the hill ( Rua 2nd Abril ) from the square, on the right hand side of the road.

BanksGo to the MapBank - ( Banco )
Barclays Bank - ATM.
Where : On the St James Apartment complex.
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
Email : barclays (luz)

CashpointGo to the MapCash 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.

Car ParksGo to the MapCar Parking - ( Parque De Carro )
There is one main car park located by the Lazuli / Habana bars on the seafront. It costs €1.50 for as long as you want during the summer months, otherwise its free. Another place to park is at the other end of the seafront on the waste ground just below the church ( access from the square ). Also there are spaces by the Baptista supermarket. However parking is generally free most everywhere in town, if you can find it.

CinemaGo to the MapCinema - ( Cinema )
Cine Estúdio
English and Portuguese language films. Original language films with Portuguese sub-titles.
What's On now. This external site is in Portuguese but you should be able to work it out. There is also an advertising billboard on the sea front by the semi-permanent tourist stall opposite the Habana / Lazuli cafes that will tell you what's currently on and when ( normally at least one show at 21.00 / 22.00 nightly ). Limited parking.
Where : Edificio Luztur ( Commercial Center ) accessible / visible from the Rua Primeiro do Maio ( the long long steep road road leading to the town square ).
Tel : (+351) 282 703 332.

Churches & ReligionGo to the MapChurches - ( 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.
Who : Father Haynes Hubbard SSC ( Senior Chaplain )
Address : Casa do Jardim, Rua Jose de Concelçao Conde, Parque da Praia, Praia da Luz. Algarve 8600-169.
Tel : (+351) 282 789 660.
Tel ( Mobile ) : (+351) 914 477 785.
Email : fr.hqhubbard@gmail.com
Web : Stvincentsalgarve

DentistGo to the MapDentist - ( 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.

DentistDentist - ( 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.

FloristFlorists
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

MuseumsMuseums - ( 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.  ( for a few more details see Museum on the Things to do page )
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

NewspapersGo to the MapGo to the MapGo to the MapNewspapers - ( 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 : In the Commercial Centre by the Pharmacy. ( I )
Where : In the Baptista Supermarket. ( J )
Where : In the arcade between the two cafes on the seafront. ( K )

GaragesGo to the MapPetrol - ( 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

PharmacyGo to the MapPharmacy - ( 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. ( See the Algarve Towns ( A - L ) page, Lagos section for addresses ).
Where : Up the hill past the bank in the town square. Inside the Commercial Centre.

Post OfficeGo to the MapPost Office - ( Estação de Correios )
The Post Office, Telegrafos e Telefones - C.T.T.
It can be used for telephone calls and stamps.
Click on here to vist C.T.T. Web SiteStamps 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 ToiletsGo to the MapPublic 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 StationsRadio 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.

ShoppingShopping: - ( Lojas )
Also see my Luz Shopping Page for more details of the Supermarkets listed here.
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.
Other Markets : See the foot of the Miscellaneous page for other town's market days.

Swimming PoolGo to the MapSwimming Pool - ( Pescine )
A handy find. A fair sized swimming pool with a separate children's pool. Loungers, Children's toys etc. Light snacks and bar. Plenty of sunshine on the open terrace.
Cost : Adults: €5.00. Children: €2.50 for the day. ( 2007 / 8 )
Open : from 09.00 to 23.00 ( peak season ), but varies other times. Closed September / October to March.
Where : Access from the ground floor of the Commercial Centre through a small doorway marked Pescine ( opposite the entrance to Soozeys bar ), and up the stairs as it is located on the first floor ( directly above the cinema! ).

Utilities Information

Electric ServiceElectricity - ( Electricidade )
The national electricity company in Portugal is EDP 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.

FirewoodFirewood - ( 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.

Bottled GasGo to the MapGas - ( 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.

Waste RemovalRubbish - ( 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 .

WaterWater - ( 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'.
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 ServicesInternet - ( 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
Email : Eureka.services
Only residents ( or property owners ) can subscribe to an Internet service in Portugal. Below are links to the main Internet suppliers in Portugal.
Netcabo - Part of Portugal Telecom's PT Multimedia TV cable company TV Cabo
Sapo - Also part of the Portugal Telecom PT Multimedia Group
Telepac
Claranet

Local Transport

BusesBuses - ( 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. Bus Timetable.
EVA coaches / buses
Address : 5 Av. da Republica, Faro
Tel : (+351) 289 899 700.
Web : Eva-bus.com

TaxisGo to the MapTaxis - ( 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.

TrainsTrains - ( 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. Train Timetable.