According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the earthquake was registered at 01:49, with an epicentre located 98 kilometres south-southwest of Faro.

The shock “was felt with maximum intensity III (modified Mercalli scale) in the Albufeira region”, added the institute.

The Modified Mercalli scale measures "degrees of intensity and respective description".

When there is intensity III, considered weak, the shock is "felt inside the house" and "hanging objects swing", feeling a "vibration similar to that caused by the passage of heavy vehicles".