Confusion at Portugal and Spain border as Algarve motorway is now toll-free – but signs still tell tourists to pay

Louise Brown July 23, 2025 Travel Leave a comment

BRITISH holidaymakers, as well as Spanish day-trippers, heading to Portugal for the summer are told that they have to pay to drive on an motorway which is free.

Authorities in the Algarve have had to issue a public alert after outdated road signs on the Guadiana International Bridge, which links Ayamonte (Spain) with Castro Marim (Portugal), continue to urge drivers to register for a toll payment system – even though it’s no longer needed for the A22 motorway.

The A22 – also known as the Via do Infante – runs the full length of the Algarve from east to west and has been toll-free since early 2025. Signs at the border still urge motorists to sign-up to Portugal’s Easytoll, which charges foreign vehicles on toll road.

READ MORE

Tourism chiefs warn this confusing signage has already tricked many into paying unnecessarily – particularly for the stretch of road through Castro Marim, Vila Real de Santo António and Lagos, which no longer requires payment.

The Algarve received 845,000 overnight tourists from Spain last year. This does not include the hundreds of thousands of visitors who crossed the border to enjoy the beaches, shopping and food.

Turismo do Algarve officials stress that you don’t need to pay Easytoll if you drive into the Algarve through Ayamonte on the A22.

Only drivers using other Portuguese motorways – like the A2 to Lisbon – must still register at www.portugaltolls.com.

Click here to read the latest Spain News at The Olive Press.