The southernmost region of Portugal, the Algarve includes miles of soft, sandy beaches and the cities of Faro, Albufeira, Lagos, Olhão, Tavira, Portimão and Silves. The Algarve is a very popular tourist destination, with tourism making up the bulk of the economy. Many people in the Algarve are used to English visitors, which might make those wishing to buy real estate in the Algarve feel more at home.
The Algarve is a fairly hilly area, but has plenty of lush valleys. The Algarve has relatively low living costs, which is part of the reason why so many tourists find it an excellent holiday destination. For those who enjoy the quiet life, buying property in another part of Portugal may be a better choice; each year the Algarve’s population swells, and there are numerous tourist attractions available to visit.
Like all of Portugal, the Algarve has a warm, Mediterranean climate, with more sunshine each year than California. With its long stretches of exquisite coastline and lengthy summers, it’s no wonder so many sun worshippers flock to the Algarve each year. Those who buy property in the Algarve in order to rent to holidaymakers should see a swift return on their investment. Even in the winter months, the temperature never drops below 0C, and the average temperature is between 15C and 31C.
The easiest way to get to the Algarve is via Faro Airport, which is located approximately 4.5 miles west of the city of Faro. A variety of airlines, including easyJet and British Airways offer regular flights from popular British airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Glasgow. From there, a decent rail system can take you whichever property in the Algarve you wish to visit; or you can choose to rent a car. If you plan to stay in Portugal or the Algarve for an extended amount of time, it may be worthwhile to travel to Spain by ferry before driving your own vehicle into Portugal.
Property throughout the Algarve varies in price. In some areas, a two bedroom house might cost around £150,000, while a four bedroom townhouse might be closer to £190,000. A two bedroom apartment near the beach might also cost as much as £150,000, while a two bedroom apartment in a four star golf resort would be closer to £235,000. Before choosing your ideal Portuguese property to purchase, it’s worth shopping around.