With summer in full swing and World Cup fever sweeping across the land thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s heroics, let’s find out the latest news from Portugal.
Set on either side of the Rio Gilão, Tavira is easy to fall in love with, having managed to retain the feel of an authentic Portuguese working town. Its location in the eastern Algarve means its popularity with tourists is growing, but it is by no means taken over by them. Unlike some of its contemporaries in the region’s central belt.
The archipelago of Madeira has long been one of the most popular places in Portugal with British and other international buyers, as well as those from the Portuguese mainland itself. This is mainly due to the all year around good weather, and the islands are particularly popular with those taking retirement – in part thanks to the wide range or leisure facilities and laidback lifestyle here. The islands are also popular with those who wish to start their own business, particularly in the tourist industry – given its mass appeal.
Life in Portugal is very much one lived outdoors. Most people who move here permanently or buy a holiday home look forward to long warm summers, year-round sun, low levels of precipitation and the opportunity this brings to spend far more time outside than back home. This often includes continuing their passion for that Great British pastime, pottering in the gardening.
British expats in Portugal who are completely fluent in Portuguese are rather thin on the ground. Portuguese is a tricky language, and friendly locals who are willing to speak English (especially in the Algarve) can reduce the need and motivation to learn the lingo.
Even though Portugal is blessed with hundreds of days of annual sunshine, the seasons are still distinct. Spring in particular is a great time to take a viewing trip here, when temperatures are still comfortable, the summer crowds are yet to arrive and the countryside is in bloom.
