Tap water is safe to drink, but most people prefer bottled mineral water. Community health standards are high, and there are no extraordinary diseases in the Portugal. Some beaches are polluted.
Digestive problems may occur for people unaccustomed to the cuisine. Wash all vegetables in a chlorine solution, peel fruits, and avoid uncooked food. Drink only pasteurized milk.
Should you need any medical attention you should contact your local health centre where there will be a 24 hour English speaking Doctor and Ambulance service:
Albufeira: Health Centre 289 588 923
Vilamoura: Health Centre 289 588 923
Vale do Lobo, Medical Centre 289 398 411
Quinta do Lago: Medical Centre 289 398 009
Carvoeiro Dr. Surgery 282 356 995
If you need to see a doctor you will be required to pay in advance. Please keep all your receipts for any medication, visits and transport to and from the clinics, as these will be required in support of any claim you wish to make under your travel insurance upon your return. If you do have to go to an International Health Centre for treatment you will be required to take your travel insurance documents, passports and flight tickets to provide proof of travel insurance. Should a visit be necessary while you are on holiday with us please advise one of our representatives who will happily provide any assistance you may need.
Chemists
Open 09:00 - 13:00; 15:00 - 19:00. One chemist stays open after hours on a rotating basis and the address of the open pharmacy is listed on all other chemists' doors. Chemists (farmácias) will advise on minor matters. There are reciprocal arrangements within the EU on free treatment in clinics and hospitals. When requesting treatment, show your passport, or an E111 or E112 form. Health clinics (centro de sáude) deal with less serious problems. For emergencies, there are 24-hour hospitals in Faro, Portimão and Lagos. Private doctors (British, German and Dutch as well as Portuguese) will give more personal treatment, but without insurance it can be expensive.
