Portugal

Portugal has been independent since 1143 and its continental borders remain practically unchanged since the 13th century. The country has about 10 million inhabitants. During the 15th and 16th centuries, with its global empire, it was one of the world's major economic, political, and cultural powers. Portugal is a developed country, a member of the European Union (since 1986) and the United Nations (since 1955); as well as a founding member of the Eurozone, OECD and NATO.

Portugal elected Best European Tourism Destination again!

Portugal has been elected the Best European Tourism Destination by the World Travel Awards for the third year running.
The award was announced at a ceremony on the Island of Madeira. The WTA Award was first attributed to Portugal in 2017, 2018 and again this year and consolidates international recognition of Portugal as a tourism destination and shows how the country is top of the list of international tourists’ preferences.

East Algarve

The East Algarve has miles of golden sandy beaches that are mostly flanked by the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, a natural park which is visited by a large number of migratory birds and is home to flocks of beautiful pink flamingos and spoonbills.  

Some of the most stunning golf courses can be found here including Benamor, Quinta da Ria, Quinta de Cima, Monte Rei, Castro Marim and Quinta do Vale. These are amongst the finest in Europe, located between the historic towns of Tavira and Castro Marim.

You will also still find traditional fishing villages, miles of old donkey tracks through the hillsides that are vibrant with wild flowers in the springtime. Orange and Olive groves thrive in this richly agricultural land. This makes the East Algarve a wonderful vacation and retirement destination.

The popular English television program A Place in the Sun voted the Algarve as the number one place worldwide to buy a home in the sun as the Algarve is politically stable, secure, has a wonderful climate, and where capital appreciates. They suggested that the best place to buy or invest in the Algarve was the eastern part, located east of Faro and west to the Spanish border. 

Even Forbes magazine from the USA has in 2015 ranked the Algarve as the best location for retirement in the world. The reasons given were, among others, the Algarve has one of the best climates in the world, fantastic restaurants, shops, beaches and golf courses, low living costs, reasonable property prices and most interesting tax advantages, among others, zero tax for ten years on private pension income.

Deloitte Portugal's associate partner Aline Almeida confirms: "Portugal offers a special regime for new residents (Non-Habitual Residents), which establishes a fantastic tax regime for pensioners and entrepreneurs of all nationalities."

Moving here is very simple, especially if moving from another country within the European Union. The crime rate is low and burglary is rare. The weather is good throughout the year. Springtime bursts with blossom, the summer is hot, but there is always a slight breeze from the Atlantic. Autumn is lovely, and the winters are pleasant with very little rain.

The way of life is good, with an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables which can be bought in the local markets. Fishing is a daily activity (except for Sunday!) and the fish is delivered to markets daily. There are many local markets to visit which are colourful and terrific value.

Portuguese life is traditional and abounds with religious pilgrimages, festivals and fairs that appear often in villages and towns. From carnivals, dances, riding contests and bullfights – the Portuguese way of life includes many celebrations and community events. 

The East Algarve is a popular retirement destination for people from all around the world. A mild climate, excellent golf courses, gorgeous coastline and plentiful sunny beaches combined with excellent food and inexpensive world-class wine have made it a haven for retirees. It is needless to say that the cost of living in the Algarve is only a fraction of most cities in northern Europe. Another reason Portugal is viewed as a desirable place to retire is the friendliness of its inhabitants. The Portuguese are kind and hospitable, welcoming foreign visitors into their homes with warmth and compassion. People are very helpful towards strangers and will point you in the right direction if lost. Family values are still very important to them."