Is Portugal’s Algarve Region Paradise?
It has a mild, almost Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, a beautiful coastline with 150 great sandy beaches, and it’s in one of the safest countries in the world, with friendly locals, great cuisine, fine local wines, and a low cost of living with easy residency options.
There’s a reason this is Live And Invest Overseas’ most sought-after region of all time.
The Algarve enjoys one of the best climates in Europe, with maximum temperatures varying between 20°C and 38°C (68°F and 100°F) and long days of sunshine.
There are stunning beaches with soft golden sand, limestone caves and grottoes only reachable by boat, and sparkling
waters and tiny inlets with fishermen stood precariously on the edge of the cliff above, fishing for their dinner.
It’s not all beaches, though. For nature lovers, the protected nature reserve, the Ria Formosa lagoon, is over 170 square kms (66 square miles) in size and home to hundreds of different bird species.
For walkers, the Via Algarviana hiking trail covers over 300 kms (186 miles) of the Algarve, and there are beautiful mountain and coastal paths and walks to enjoy. You are never far from the open countryside either.
This part of the world has a sense of timelessness that you notice as soon as you step away from the beach-front tourist areas.
The Algarve is a golfer’s paradise boasting some of Europe’s finest championship golf courses, all set in magnificent surroundings. Many courses have breath-taking views of the coastline.
Beautiful historical villages with traditional old white-washed cottages, winding cobbled streets, and an unhurried pace of life are scattered across the region. Moorish influences prevail, from the chimney pots to the magnificent castles, churches, and ninth century
Roman remains.
You’ll find an abundance of quaint shops, stalls, and marketplaces to buy locally produced goods, including traditional arts and crafts. There are also purpose-built shopping centers with designer merchandise outlets and exclusive boutiques.
With many cafés and restaurants, fine dining, exclusive five-star venues, and a busy nightlife, you can plan a quiet night out or dine in style. For the family, there are theme parks, water parks, zoos, and a host of attractions and days out to enjoy.
The local cultural scene is vibrant, and Lisbon is less than three hours away for major concerts and events.
The local people are gentle, kind, and welcoming. Their lives march to a different pace of life, as they reflect an era long passed away in many other countries.
They are polite, reserved, proud of their culture and heritage, and always willing to help you. The Algarve is also home to many foreign retirees, entrepreneurs, and families all looking for a simpler life in the sunshine.
The local Mediterranean diet is based on fish, meat, and local organic fruit and vegetables, all of which you can buy at the daily market. Pollution rates are low, and there are many ways to exercise, including walking along the beach, to keep you fit and healthy.
The cost of living in Portugal is amongst the lowest in Western Europe. A retired couple can live comfortably on about 1,200 to 1,400 euros per month (excluding rent or mortgage costs).
The Algarve also has some of the most favorable price-to-rent ratios in Portugal. If you want to find an apartment or house to buy to invest in the rental market, the Algarve is the place to look
