Why Portugal & the Algarve?
The Algarve - always been a place of inspiration for many writers and authors - has enchanted us, and we decided to embark for this inspiring place and on this lifestyle. Feeling somehow emotionally caught between the lights of Cornwall and the shores of the North Sea - but indeed on the Atlantic Ocean - with sunnier weather, good food and a “strange” language.
The writers Dani and Ralph have found their home in the Algarve since 2021.
Quality of life
Portugal is one of the most peaceful countries in Europe and the world, and it has a low crime rate.
Cost
The cost of living is about 15% lower than in the UK - even in tourist areas. In the hinterland of the Algarve, there is an even bigger price difference to the United Kingdom.
Nature
Especially the southernmost region of Portugal – the green Algarve of the hinterland and the mountains is rich in biodiversity, and it is the perfect place for people who look for peace and nature.
Language
People in Portugal are very accommodating and helpful to foreigners language-wise (using English).
Some facts about the Algarve and Portugal
Geography & Administration
The Algarve has been a destination for British tourists for years, and it is being discovered more and more by British emigrants looking for peace and nature.
Portugal is divided into 18 mainland districts and two autonomous island regions, Madeira and the Azores. The districts' names are based on the capitals or largest cities of the respective district. The Algarve belongs to the district of Faro.
To the west of the city of Faro stretches the so-called rocky Algarve which is heavily influenced by tourism. The sandy Algarve adjoins the east of Faro - it is lined with dunes and is less touristic.
The Algarve also has three mountain ranges: "Serra de Monchique", "Serra de Espinhaço de Cão" and "Serra do Caldeirão". These are still unspoiled and are rarely visited by tourists.
Portugal is not Spain!
Portugal is often "overlooked in the shadow" of much larger Spain. The Portuguese have a certain sense of national pride and do not want to be mistaken for Spanish.
As a relatively small country, Portugal offers a variety of landscapes - from Central European to Mediterranean. The sea is never really far away, giving the feeling of living on an island.
Portuguese people have a relatively calm and relaxed attitude and manner. They like to celebrate, at weekends they often spend time outside in nature and organise e.g. barbecues. Accordingly, there are many barbecue and picnic sites.
National language
Knowing Spanish or another Romance language is an advantage, especially in writing. Portuguese grammar and many words are relatively similar to other Romance languages. However, Portuguese has a divergent pronunciation that can be difficult.
In the Algarve, around 80% of Portuguese people speak a very good English as most tourists come from the United Kingdom and Ireland. On Portuguese television, non-Portuguese films are shown in the original language version (mostly in English!) with Portuguese subtitles. An exception are programmes for children which are dubbed into Portuguese.
People in Portugal are very accommodating to foreigners language-wise. They are helpful and are also delighted when you try to speak Portuguese.
Quality of life
Portugal is one of the most peaceful countries in Europe and the world, and it has a low crime rate.
The cost of living is about 15% lower than in the UK - even in tourist areas. In the hinterland of the Algarve, there is an even bigger price difference to the United Kingdom.
One thing we keep noticing is that fruit and vegetables are particularly flavoursome here. In addition, meat contains less water and sweets are less sweetened than in the UK. Food can be purchased at a good price, especially at markets.
When walking through the streets of the Algarve, you will see Portuguese senior citizens walking relatively fast and always without a rollator. They might use a walking stick as a support.
Cover photo: © My/Fraser Hall/web.de
Image arcade: © My/HarriesAD/web.de
Image beach below: © My/zoomstudio/web.de
Other images: © Team Authors Algarve
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