With over 300 days of sunshine, some of the world’s best beaches and almost 50 highly regarded golf courses, the Algarve is a vibrant and popular tourist destination. Add to this its affordable cost of living and relaxed lifestyle, and it’s little wonder that Portugal’s southernmost region is also considered one of the best places to live, particularly for retirees.
The Algarve is an area of almost 5,000 square kilometres which has around 500,000 permanent residents, some 10% of which are expats. The region welcomes an average of 7 million foreign tourists each year, and is currently the third richest region in Portugal, after Lisbon and Madeira.
While tourism is hugely important, a large portion of the regional economy is based on agriculture, including that of oranges, almonds, figs, carob beans and cork oak, as well as the fishing industry.
Why Live in The Algarve?
The popularity of the Algarve is largely due to its stunning Atlantic beaches and quality golf resorts. Its central coastline between Lagos and Faro is bustling and popular, while less-developed are the western Atlantic coast and the rugged interior, which is home to charming villages, historic attractions and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Algarve offers friendly and hospitable people, and a thriving international community where English is widely spoken. Along with a high standard of education and healthcare, the overall crime rate is very low. But what else can you expect?
Incredible Climate
The Algarve enjoys one of the best climates in Europe, largely thanks to the southerly wind off the Atlantic that brings warm weather in from North Africa. The temperature fluctuates from 25°C to 40°C during the summer, rarely falling below 0°C in winter. Summer days enjoy over 10 hours of sunshine. The maximum rainfall in winter is about 100mm a month, and usually comes in short bursts.
Beautiful Beaches
The Algarve boasts over a hundred beaches, with Praia da Marinha near Carvoeiro widely considered one of the best beaches in the world. Whether you are looking for long and sandy family-friendly beaches, wild and windy surfing beaches, resort-style beaches or tiny bays nestled between rocks, there will be a beach in the Algarve for you.
The most pristine beaches can be found on the west coast’s Costa Vicentina, while in the central area between Lagos and Faro are the more cosmopolitan resort-style beaches. South of Faro, the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is a quiet area of calm waters dotted with islands. Praia de Vilamoura is Vilamoura’s fashionable main beach, while to the west of the marina, the Praia da Falésia is an 8km stretch of golden sands backed by distinctive orange clay cliffs.
Golf and Other Activities
While water sports, hiking and horseback riding are all popular on the Algarve, the region is arguably best known for its golf. With an ideal climate that allows enthusiasts to play throughout the year, the region is a golfers’ paradise, and there are almost 50 high standard courses. Most are located in protected areas and enjoy stunning views, while many are internationally recognised for the quality of their facilities.
Between Lagos, Sagres and Serra de Monchique are courses where the greens and fairways are framed by beautiful natural scenery. The central area between Vilamoura, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo has courses that combine links and fairways with cliffs, lakes and bunkers, while in Sotavento they are more level and studded with fig, olive, carob and oak trees.
Some of the Best Places to Live in Algarve
With over 200km of coastline, 25 different resort towns and countless small villages, there is much to choose from in the Algarve. Most popular are the areas between Lagos in the west and Vale do Lobo in the east.
From luxurious villas and affordable townhouses to rural cottages, the real estate options in the Algarve are varied, depending on your chosen lifestyle. Inland, Algarve boasts pretty castle towns and historic villages, with cork trees, flower-covered hillsides and abundant birdlife. These rural areas are cheaper and more authentic, while larger towns and cities offer more leisure opportunities and social connections.
The larger towns include cosmopolitan and bustling Portimão, Tavira, a showcase for traditional architecture, and the capital Faro, with its beautiful historic centre. The four largest resort towns are Albufeira, Lagos, Praia da Rocha and Vilamoura, all of which boast beautiful beaches, great nightlife and endless holiday activities.
In addition, the Golden Triangle is the name given to a mini region that encompasses the two most prestigious gated communities on the Algarve, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, with their decadent mansions, perfectly-manicured lawns and esteemed golf courses. The third point of the triangle is less defined, however, and ranges between Vilamoura and Almancil to the up-and-coming inland town of Loulé.
Below is a look in more detail at some of the best places to live in the Algarve:
Towns and Cities
Faro is the capital city of Algarve, steeped in history and culture, with cobbled streets and historic walls and its Arabic heritage pervading the food, architecture and culture. With attractive parks and plenty of international shops, it’s also home to the airport, with excellent international connections.
Portimão is Algarve’s second largest city, packed with high-end resorts, luxury apartments, bars, restaurants and cafes, as well as breathtaking sights of the Arade River and the popular Praia Da Rocha beach. Its architecture is a distinctive blend of the old and new, and includes several sports and exhibition centres.
Tavira boasts traditional Portuguese houses, cobblestone streets and pretty churches. As a former Roman seaport run by the Moors, it became famous for its tuna fish and carpet trade, and today is popular with those seeking a quieter life. To the south are protected waterways, bird sanctuaries and the Natural Park of Ria Formosa.
Coastal Resort Towns
Albufeira is the largest, liveliest and most exciting of all of the resort towns that line Algarve’s coastline. Once a peaceful fishing village, its classic Portuguese elegance, stunning beaches, beautiful waterfront promenade and busy nightlife and restaurants make it a popular choice for tourists and residents alike.
Lagos is an historic and characterful city that is home to a 4km stretch of sheltered beach. Boasting a rich seafaring heritage and a coastline of dramatic natural scenery, it has retained its Portuguese character and charm. Within the historic centre are cobbled streets, authentic restaurants and a relaxed atmosphere. The region surrounding Lagos offers varied and exciting activities, from great hiking to water parks.
Vilamoura is arguably the most refined of all the Algarve resort towns, developed around its spectacular marina, where restaurants and chic bars overlook gleaming yachts. This modern and sophisticated holiday destination was constructed in the 1980s as an elite golfing centre, and today boasts five exceptional golf courses.
Quinta do Lago enjoys glorious views and excellent golf courses that forms part of the Algarve’s upmarket Golden Triangle, popular with golfers, celebrities and expats. Here, elegant villas and high-end restaurants lie amid the olive groves and pine trees that border the fairways of three world-class golf courses. A long wooden bridge spans the wetlands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, connecting Quinta do Lago with its namesake beach.
Vale de Lobo was developed in 1962 as an iconic beachfront resort with villas, townhouses and apartments set within soft golden sands and lush green pine forests. It offers both residents and holiday-makers alike golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, shops and restaurants.
Praia da Rocha was formerly a minor fishing village, but since the 1980s has developed into a modern beach town, with gleaming apartments and hotels lining its golden cliffs. This lively spot boasts a wide selection of boat tours, water parks and scenic hiking trails, as well as an exciting nightlife.
Carvoeiro is a picturesque and traditional resort town, famous for its fabulous beaches, lush gardens and beautiful hiking trails.
Sagres is an attractive but quieter and less touristy town with a population of less than 2,000, located on Portugal’s most south-western tip.
Inland Towns and Villages
Silves is steeped in the region’s rich history, with a cathedral and the Algarve’s best-preserved castle. It is located on the banks of the Arade river surrounded by rolling hills studded with lemon and orange groves, and offers a quieter, more authentic way of life.
Porches is a small town with stunning sea views, best known for its pottery, local wine and high end restaurants. Just a short drive away lies Aqualand, one of the most popular water parks in the Algarve.
Loulé was originally founded as a Roman fort, but is today a quaint market town with an historic centre, a castle and a vibrant annual carnival.
Monchique, surrounded by the Serra mountain range, is ideal for nature-lovers looking for a quieter way of life. This pretty market town with cobbled streets and picturesque white houses lies 450 metres above sea level, and is a perfect base for hiking, cycling and climbing.
Castro Marim, lyingjust across the natural border with Spain has been strategically important throughout history. Set in rolling green landscape overlooking the river Guadiana, this pretty fortress town offers a slower pace of life.
Whatever your chosen lifestyle, there is sure to be somewhere that suits you on The Algarve, where you can enjoy the glorious weather, stunning beaches, beautiful interior landscapes and relaxed way of life.
