The Portuguese institute said the earthquake had its epicentre about 75 kilometres southwest of Tetouan, Morocco.

In Portugal, it was felt in areas of the Algarve with maximum intensity III (modified Mercalli scale), without "causing personal or material damage".

It was felt in the municipalities of Albufeira, Faro, Loulé, Olhão and Silves, IPMA stressed, adding that “if the situation justifies it, new statements will be issued”.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake had a magnitude of 5.1 and was recorded at 10:48 pm last night, 26 kilometres northeast of Alcácer Quibir and ten kilometres deep.

In posts on the social network Facebook, several users in the Algarve said they felt the earthquake.

The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) also reported on social media that the tremor was felt in Portugal.