Frequently Asked Questions

Candles

What are your candles made from?

Our candles are hand-poured in the Algarve using soy wax, fragrance oils and cotton wicks. They're clean-burning and vegan-friendly.

How long do they burn?

Our 20hr candles burn for approximately 20 hours, our 40hr candles for approximately 40 hours, and our XL Dalmatian candles for approximately 150 hours.

How big is the 3-wick candle?

The 700g 3-wick candle measures 12cm tall x 13cm wide.

How do I get the best burn?

On the first burn, let the wax melt all the way to the edge before blowing it out (usually 2–3 hours). Trim the wick to around 5mm before each burn. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and keep it away from draughts, children and pets.

Can you refill my own candle jar?

Possibly. We'd need to see the jar first to check the glass is thick enough and that we have wicks long enough for it. Send us a photo and the jar's dimensions at info@algarvecandleco.com.

Which is your strongest scent?

Lemongrass & Ginger is the most intense fragrance in our collection.

Is your Christmas range available?

Yes. Our Christmas range is available now online in Portugal, and it will be available in the UK very soon.

Diffusers & fragrance oils

Do I add water to the fragrance oils?

It depends on your diffuser. In an ultrasonic (water) diffuser, fill with water and add 3–4 drops per 100ml. In a waterless diffuser such as our Alchemist, use the oil neat — no water.

Which oils can I use in the Alchemist diffuser?

Any of our 10ml fragrance oils. Pour the oil straight into the reservoir, neat. Never add water.

How does the Alchemist diffuser work?

It's a rechargeable, wireless, waterless diffuser. Charge it fully, fill the reservoir with up to 30ml of fragrance oil (neat — never add water), switch on and choose a timer setting to suit your room.

Can I programme the Alchemist to switch on and off at set times?

No. It has no scheduling or automatic on/off function. You switch it on and off manually using the bronze nozzle.

How long do reed diffusers last?

Up to eight weeks. Turn the reeds every few days to refresh the scent. 100ml refills with new reeds are available.

How do I use the car diffuser?

Add a few drops of the 5ml fragrance oil to a scent stick, place it in the diffuser and clip it onto your car vent. Each set includes 3 scent sticks.

Wax melts & interior sprays

How do I use wax melts?

Place one cube in a wax melt burner. Each cube gives approximately 8 hours of fragrance.

How do I get the most from the interior spray?

Mist it lightly and directly onto soft furnishings — bedding, cushions, curtains, upholstery or your wardrobe. The fragrance clings to the fabric and lasts longer. It has an alcohol base, so it won't mark or stain.

Do you sell refills for the room sprays?

Yes. Our 500ml refill fills a 250ml spray bottle twice.

Are your products vegan?

Yes. Our candles, wax melts, sprays and soaps are vegan-friendly, and all the fragrance oils we use are vegan.

Our shop & stockists

Do you have a physical shop?

Yes. Our shop is at Algarve Candle Company, Quatro Estradas, N396, 8125-001 Quarteira, Portugal, about a 10-minute drive from Quinta do Lago (see on Google Maps). You can also collect online orders from here.

When is the shop open?

Monday to Friday: 10am–6pm
Saturday: 10am–4pm
Sunday: closed

Where else can I buy your products?

In Lagos, we're stocked at Lagos Moments (Rua Cândido dos Reis 52, 8600-681 Lagos) and Cobblestone Avenida (Edifício Antiga Fábrica da Ribeira, Loja F, Avenida dos Descobrimentos, 8600-584 Lagos). We're also in the gift shop at Vila Vita. If there's no stockist near you, we deliver across mainland Portugal.

Do you still have a stall at the Quinta market?

No. Our shop is only 10 minutes' drive from Quinta do Lago, so please visit us there.

Orders & delivery

Do you offer free delivery?

Yes. Delivery is free on orders of €60 or more within Portugal. It's applied automatically at checkout. It can't be combined with other discount codes, so if you enter a discount code the free delivery is removed. Choose whichever saves you more.

How long does delivery take?

Usually 2–3 days within Portugal and up to 2 weeks for international orders. You'll receive a tracking email when your parcel leaves us.

Can you guarantee delivery by a specific date?

Unfortunately not. The postal service isn't reliable enough for us to promise a specific delivery date.

Can I collect my order?

Yes. Choose click & collect at checkout and collect from our shop at Quatro Estradas, N396, 8125-001 Quarteira.

Do you deliver to the Azores or Madeira?

Unfortunately not. We had repeated problems with deliveries to these regions, with parcels not arriving, so we've had to stop shipping there.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Delivery costs are calculated at checkout. If your country doesn't appear, contact us. We don't currently ship to the USA because of customs and import taxes.

My parcel hasn't arrived. What should I do?

Message us with your order number and name. We'll check with the carrier and open a claim if needed.

Can I get an invoice with my VAT (NIF) number?

Yes. Email info@algarvecandleco.com with your order number, company name, address and VAT number.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Email us within 48 hours of delivery with a photo and we'll arrange a replacement or refund.

What is your returns policy?

You can request a return within 30 days of receiving your order (EU customers also have a 14-day right to cancel). Items must be unused and in their original packaging. Sale items and gift cards can't be returned. Email info@algarvecandleco.com to start a return.

Wholesale & contact

Do you sell wholesale or supply hotels and businesses?

Yes. See our wholesale brochure and order form for products and trade prices.

How can I contact you?

Email info@algarvecandleco.com or call +351 911 074 182. For business proposals, partnerships or job enquiries, please email us.