Relocating to the Algarve offers more than just sunshine and scenic beaches, it also provides access to a modern lifestyle with reliable services and infrastructure. Whether you’re moving into a holiday home, setting up a full-time residence, or planning a remote-working retreat, understanding how essential services work in Portugal will help you settle in with ease.

Here’s everything you need to know about the most important amenities in the Algarve, including internet, utilities, and everyday services.

Internet Providers in the Algarve

Portugal has one of the most advanced broadband infrastructures in Southern Europe. Fibre-optic internet is available in most urban areas and many rural locations, especially throughout the Algarve.

Major providers:

MEO – Offers fibre internet, TV, mobile and landline bundles with nationwide coverage.

NOS – Another leading provider with fibre and cable packages, ideal for homes with high streaming or remote work needs.

Vodafone Portugal – Known for fast fibre connections and reliable mobile service.

NOWO – A more affordable option available in some locations.

Most plans include unlimited data and speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Expect to pay between €30–€60/month, depending on the bundle and speed. Installation is usually quick, especially if fibre is already available at the property.

Mobile and SIM Cards

For mobile phones, the same main providers (MEO, NOS, Vodafone) offer both contract and prepaid options. SIM cards are easy to purchase at shops or kiosks and require only ID (passport or residency card). 5G coverage is expanding and already available in many parts of the Algarve.

Utility Providers in Portugal

When moving into a property, one of your first steps is to register or transfer utilities into your name. This can often be handled with the help of a property manager or estate agent like ICON Property that can guide you.

Electricity

EDP Comercial is the largest electricity provider in Portugal, serving the majority of homes.

Other providers include Galp Energia and Endesa, offering competitive prices and green energy options.

Electricity costs can vary but are generally in line with the European average. Portugal uses a two-rate system (standard and off-peak), which can help reduce costs with careful usage.

Gas

Natural gas is available in urban areas and is supplied by companies such as Galp, Endesa, or Goldenergy.

In rural locations, bottled gas (butane/propane) is more common and can be delivered or picked up from local suppliers.

Water and Sewage

Water services are managed at the municipal level. Your local Câmara Municipal or water utility (for example, Águas do Algarve or Inframoura in the Loulé area) will handle supply, billing, and maintenance. Water bills are typically modest, though they may vary depending on usage and seasonal needs like pool maintenance or garden irrigation.

Waste Collection and Recycling

Each municipality has its own waste management service, with regular rubbish and recycling pickups. Most areas have:

Household waste collected weekly

Paper, plastic, and glass collected from roadside recycling bins

Green waste and bulky items collected on request

Portugal places a strong emphasis on recycling, and collection points are widely available.

TV and Streaming

TV is often bundled with internet and mobile plans. Portuguese packages include local channels and can be expanded with international add-ons or streaming services. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max are all available and widely used in Portugal.

Most TVs can be switched to original-language audio for foreign programming, which is useful for English-speaking residents.

Home Essentials and Shopping

From daily groceries to furniture and home décor, Portugal has a good mix of local shops and international brands.

Groceries: Pingo Doce, Continente, Lidl, Aldi, and Intermarché are among the most popular supermarkets.

Home goods: IKEA, Leroy Merlin, and Conforama offer a wide range of furniture, appliances, and homeware.

Pharmacies and healthcare products are available throughout the Algarve, often with English-speaking staff.

When buying a property with ICON Property, we offer assistance not only with the transaction but also with your transition. From setting up utilities to helping you find the best internet plan for your needs, our local network and expertise make settling in easy and stress-free.

Contact us for tailored relocation support and property solutions that include every comfort of home.