We’re all craving some Portuguese sun. Hopefully, we can get back there soon, but in the meantime, we take a look at what’s been happening in Portugal recently…
Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo named Portugal’s cheapest municipality
Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo was the cheapest area to buy property in Portugal at the end of 2020, according to Portugal’s property market statistics. Average property prices in the area are just 161 €/m2, which is incredibly affordable when compared to Lisbon where average property prices are 3,375 €/m2.
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Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is within driving distance of the historical city of Guarda and the popular seaside city of Porto. It is also situated between two natural parks: Parque Natural do Douro Internacional and Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
Lynxes released into Portuguese countryside
The future is looking bright for the Iberian lynx after two kittens born in a captive breeding centre were released into the Guadiana Valley this week. This follows a positive 2020 for the critically endangered species, with 60 lynx kittens being born in their natural environment. According to the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), Guadiana Valley is now one of the “most successful reintroduction areas at Iberian level”.
60 lynx kittens were born in their natural environment in 2020
Since the conservation programme started six years ago, 150 lynxes have been reintroduced into the Portuguese countryside.
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Revamp for Albufeira town centre
Residents of Albufeira can look forward to smoother journeys in the town, as Estrada de Santa Eulália and nearby streets are to be resurfaced.
The project, costing more than €500,000, will involve upgrading the roads and paths, as well as improving telecommunications, street lighting and accessibility for people with reduced mobility and visual impairments.
The construction work is expected to be completed by the end of April.
Algarve ‘best place for investing and retiring’
The Algarve has been named as one of the most welcoming and desirable locations in Europe when it comes to investments and retirement, according to European Best Destinations.
Leading international schools, a large expat community and opportunities for ‘nomadic surfers’ (those who surf both the web and the waves), contributed to the Algarve’s high ranking.
The Algarve has been named as one of the most welcoming and desirable locations in Europe when it comes to investments and retirement
The popular coastal region scored highly for its “enviable quality of life”, gorgeous white sand beaches and year-round sunshine.
Other Portuguese high scorers included Braga for its business opportunities, and Azores, for its value for money in property.
Cleaner air for Lagoa
In a move to become more environmentally friendly, the municipality of Lagoa has introduced a further 17 electric vehicles to support a range of services in the area. These vehicles replace a number of diesel cars and mean Lagoa is a step closer to becoming a Cidade Sustentável (sustainable city).
More electric cars for Lagoa
Portugal to hold Formula 1 Grand Prix in May
The third formula 1 race of 2021 will be held at the Algarve International Racetrack (AIA) in Portimão on 2 May.
As Portugal is currently on the UK’s coronavirus ‘red list’ there was some uncertainty whether the race would be able to go ahead.
Any F1 personnel returning to the UK after the race will be required to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days.
