There’s no doubt about it, more and more people are discovering the Algarve and are making the monumental decision to up sticks and move to the sunshine. In our survey of expats some time back, over 71% of people who made the move to the Algarve cited the great climate as one of their primary reasons for moving here.
However, there are 16 counties that make up the Algarve and each one has something different to offer in the way of lifestyle. It depends on whether you want an idyllic rural and peaceful lifestyle in the heart of nature, or a more urban option with lots of activities nearby.
Another reason people choose to move to the Algarve is the low crime rate. According to statistics, the UK, Germany and France rank in the top ten for highest crime rates in Europe, while Portugal is way on down that ladder at #35. That’s not to say that the region is crime free – but if you are considering a move, we offer some good tips on security here.
Singles living in the Algarve
Many young people are attracted to the Algarve for a more carefree lifestyle filled with sunshine and sports. There are plenty of lively places for them to settle, find work and meet lots of like-minded folks.
Albufeira is known as a party town, while many young Algarveans make their way to the larger cities of Faro and Portimão, simply because that is where they are more likely to be able to build a career. Of course if the career focus is in the tourism industry, then the entire Algarve is their oyster.
Family life in the Algarve
It’s a big decision to sell up and move to a foreign country with a family but thousands are doing just that. There are excellent International schools to choose from and our article on education in the Algarve gives you ample information on what your options are.
There’s also a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy together, and they needn’t cost you a fortune either. In fact it’s quite amazing just how much you can do here completely free of charge.
Shopping is well covered from markets to malls and everything in between. With every town and village holding regular fresh produce markets, you can pretty much count on an overall healthier set of choices here compared to ‘back home’. In fact the Algarve is renowned for providing a unique and relaxedlifestyle.
Retirement in the Algarve
With the tax breaks the Portuguese Government is offering retirees, and the host of recent accolades heaped on the Algarve, not to mention the region’s inexpensive cost of living, more and more retirees are making the Algarve their home. They’re snapping up properties for a good price and settling down to enjoy their tax-free pensions in the sun. With so much to do and so many places to explore, they lead a full and exciting life, often filled with laughter – older folks know how to have fun!
Golden Visa attracts non-EU residents to the Algarve
The Golden Visa programme is yet another incentive to attract those who live outside of the EU and its working! Just buying a property in the Algarve, or setting up a business here, can offer eligibility to obtain a residence visa here, and ensure you a place in the sunshine. Since it’s inception, people from all over the world have been taking advantage of this ‘golden’ opportunity.
Invest in semi-permanent living
Not all expatriates in the Algarve have a permanent home: many come just to escape the harsh weather of their homeland and buy a second home to enjoy sunny winters. Often they rent out their Algarve home during the lucrative summer months.
Of course golfers love to spend their winters playing golf and exploring without freezing, and it’s quite possible to achieve this with summer rental income covering the year-round costs of maintaining your property. With that type of investment opportunity, why wouldn’t you escape to the sun? As a lifestyle choice, with summers at ‘home’ and winters in the Algarve, it really is the best of both worlds.
Clearly, it’s not just us that think so. The popularity of the Algarve’s lifestyle is demonstrated by the renewed influx of people moving here. While a number of people choose to rent a place to stay, the overwhelming majority are taking advantage of the low property prices.
The Algarve is just coming out of the recession and there are still some excellent investment opportunities, not to mention that the current strength of the Euro means that the benefits are even greater if you're bringing your money from another currency.
If you’re considering buying property in the Algarve, you will find over 21,000 Algarve properties for sale on Meravista.com. Use our easy interactive map to browse for your personal favourites.
We look forward to seeing you here in the Algarve!
*The properties featured in this article were listed for sale on Meravista.com at the time of publication, but may have since been sold or removed from the website
What makes the Algarve lifestyle so attractive to foreigners?
By Sun’s Dragon
There’s no doubt about it, more and more people are discovering the Algarve and are making the monumental decision to up sticks and move to the sunshine. In our survey of expats some time back, over 71% of people who made the move to the Algarve cited the great climate as one of their primary reasons for moving here.
Why not read about the different counties and and see which suits you the most?
Another reason people choose to move to the Algarve is the low crime rate. According to statistics, the UK, Germany and France rank in the top ten for highest crime rates in Europe, while Portugal is way on down that ladder at #35. That’s not to say that the region is crime free – but if you are considering a move, we offer some good tips on security here.
Singles living in the Algarve
Many young people are attracted to the Algarve for a more carefree lifestyle filled with sunshine and sports. There are plenty of lively places for them to settle, find work and meet lots of like-minded folks.
Albufeira is known as a party town, while many young Algarveans make their way to the larger cities of Faro and Portimão, simply because that is where they are more likely to be able to build a career. Of course if the career focus is in the tourism industry, then the entire Algarve is their oyster.
Family life in the Algarve
It’s a big decision to sell up and move to a foreign country with a family but thousands are doing just that. There are excellent International schools to choose from and our article on education in the Algarve gives you ample information on what your options are.
There’s also a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy together, and they needn’t cost you a fortune either. In fact it’s quite amazing just how much you can do here completely free of charge.
Shopping is well covered from markets to malls and everything in between. With every town and village holding regular fresh produce markets, you can pretty much count on an overall healthier set of choices here compared to ‘back home’. In fact the Algarve is renowned for providing a unique and relaxed lifestyle.
With the tax breaks the Portuguese Government is offering retirees, and the host of recent accolades heaped on the Algarve, not to mention the region’s inexpensive cost of living, more and more retirees are making the Algarve their home. They’re snapping up properties for a good price and settling down to enjoy their tax-free pensions in the sun. With so much to do and so many places to explore, they lead a full and exciting life, often filled with laughter – older folks know how to have fun!
The Golden Visa programme is yet another incentive to attract those who live outside of the EU and its working! Just buying a property in the Algarve, or setting up a business here, can offer eligibility to obtain a residence visa here, and ensure you a place in the sunshine. Since it’s inception, people from all over the world have been taking advantage of this ‘golden’ opportunity.
Invest in semi-permanent living
Not all expatriates in the Algarve have a permanent home: many come just to escape the harsh weather of their homeland and buy a second home to enjoy sunny winters. Often they rent out their Algarve home during the lucrative summer months.
Of course golfers love to spend their winters playing golf and exploring without freezing, and it’s quite possible to achieve this with summer rental income covering the year-round costs of maintaining your property. With that type of investment opportunity, why wouldn’t you escape to the sun? As a lifestyle choice, with summers at ‘home’ and winters in the Algarve, it really is the best of both worlds.
Clearly, it’s not just us that think so. The popularity of the Algarve’s lifestyle is demonstrated by the renewed influx of people moving here. While a number of people choose to rent a place to stay, the overwhelming majority are taking advantage of the low property prices.
The Algarve is just coming out of the recession and there are still some excellent investment opportunities, not to mention that the current strength of the Euro means that the benefits are even greater if you're bringing your money from another currency.
If you’re considering buying property in the Algarve, you will find over 21,000 Algarve properties for sale on Meravista.com. Use our easy interactive map to browse for your personal favourites.
We look forward to seeing you here in the Algarve!
*The properties featured in this article were listed for sale on Meravista.com at the time of publication, but may have since been sold or removed from the website
Brought to you by Meravista.com – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale. Contact Meravista.com