Answers to all Your Algarve Questions
Here are some of the most popular questions, along with the answers we are asked regarding living in the Algarve. Feel free to get in touch if you have any you would like added. Most of the topics are answered in full in our latest news section. However, you can find the links to the relevant articles in the answers below for more information.
Algarve Weather
From an overall perspective, the weather in the Algarve is one of the best in Europe if not the world. On average there are over 300 days producing 3,000 hours of sunshine in the Algarve making it one of the sunniest regions in Europe and comparable to California in the USA. The temperature begins to rise around the end of April and the sun can continue to shine right through to the end of November with very little rainfall during that time. Summer temperatures can hit heights of over 40°C in July and August. Although the daily average would be between 30-35°C.
The cold winter in the Algarve runs from the beginning of December to the end of January… it has been almost 20 years since it hit the coastal areas.
Buying Property
Fortunately, Portugal does have an outstanding record for welcoming ex-pats… fixed rates they are available at around 4.1% for up to 5 years based on loan-to-value ratios of up to 70%.
The length of time it takes to buy a house in the Algarve can vary… depending on the condition of the sale and any legal or bureaucratic obstacles.
In our humble opinion yes! … “Is now the right time to buy in the Algarve”.
Once you’ve found your dream home… complete guide to buying a property in the Algarve.
Living in the Algarve
If you are a family thinking of moving to the Algarve… There are 14 Algarve International Schools…
The Portuguese public education system provides schooling free of charge… Years 10 – 12 are for children aged 15 – 18.
The University of Algarve … If you are willing to go further afield, there are some excellent Universities in other areas.
Travel
Covid Measures Implemented in Portugal Updated on 27 April 2023
… Learn more about the Covid situation in Portugal.
Obviously, the first and easiest way to reach the Algarve is by plane… prices range from £240–400 depending on the season.
Mortgages
Portugal offers resident and non-resident mortgages with typical LTVs up to ~70% and terms commonly 20–30 years. Lenders assess income, debt ratios, and property valuation. You’ll need a Portuguese tax number, proof of income, bank statements and ID.
Step-by-step docs, timelines and tips: Ultimate guide to getting a mortgage in Portugal.
Rates vary by LTV, product, and profile. Variable products track Euribor; fixed and mixed options are widely available. See current ranges, examples and how banks price: Portugal mortgage rates 2025 guide.
Finance
A broker can compare multiple banks, pre-screen your profile, and negotiate terms—useful for non-residents or complex income. Learn how a broker can streamline approvals and what to expect: Independent mortgage broker advisory service.
Expect bank arrangement fees, valuation, life/property insurance, notary/registry, stamp duty and taxes. We break down typical ranges and examples: Mortgage costs & fees in Portugal (2025). See also rate context here: Portugal mortgage rates overview.
Visas
Portugal ended real-estate routes to the Golden Visa. Alternative residency options remain (e.g., D7/D8). Overview and timeline here: End of Portugal’s Golden Visa.
NHR offers a special tax regime for new residents who meet eligibility rules and register correctly. See requirements, deadlines and how to file: Applying for NHR in Portugal.
Routes include residency and naturalisation, marriage/heritage, and other special cases. See steps, timing and documents: Applying for Portuguese nationality & passport.
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for short tourism stays under Schengen rules. If you need a visa, here’s how to apply and what’s required: Short-term / tourist visa guide.
Activities
From waterparks to animal encounters, here are six big hitters with what to expect, who they suit, and planning tips: Top six Algarve theme parks.
Yes—multiple Algarve courses rank in Europe’s top 100. See standout tracks, locations and why golfers love the region: 12 Algarve golf courses in Europe’s Top 100.
Hop across to Spain for culture-packed weekends—here are five great picks with distance and highlights: Spanish city breaks near the Algarve.
Advice
Check zoning, build indices, access, utilities and licensing timelines before you commit. Full checklist and pitfalls: Advice for buying land plots.
It certifies a property meets legal standards for occupation. Know when it’s required, how to obtain it, and common issues: Habitation Licence guide.
A candid, step-by-step account—searching, offers, due diligence, surprises and lessons learned: Personal experience buying in the Algarve.
Retiring
Sun, healthcare access, safety and an active expat community make it a top retirement pick. Get a full overview of lifestyle, budgets and areas: Retiring to the Algarve.
They can combine lifestyle with rental potential in prime resorts. Pros, cons and where to look: Investing in Algarve golf properties.
Yes—think agritourism, rentals, or small-scale production. What to evaluate and real-world examples: Making income from Algarve farms & quintas.
Algarve Resorts
Carvoeiro evolved from a modest fishing village into a lively, much-loved coastal destination, with roots stretching back to the Neolithic period. Dive into the full timeline and how it grew into today’s resort in Exploring the Vibrant History of Carvoeiro: From Past to Present.
From Vilamoura to Lagos, the Algarve is filled with incredible places to call home. Explore the region’s most sought-after residential areas and see why so many people choose to relocate here in Top 5 Most Desirable Residential Areas in The Algarve.
Vale do Lobo is synonymous with prestige. Over five decades, it has grown into one of Europe’s finest luxury resorts, combining world-class golf, fine dining, and elegant villas by the sea. Learn about its evolution and influence on Algarve real estate in Vale do Lobo: A Journey Through Luxury Property Sales and Resort Development.
From Vilamoura to Lagos, the Algarve is filled with incredible places to call home. Explore the region’s most sought-after residential areas and see why so many people choose to relocate here in Top 5 Most Desirable Residential Areas in The Algarve.
Algarve Investment Property
Property in the Algarve has shown resilient long-term performance with strong demand in prime areas and limited new supply. See why we rate it highly here: Algarve property as a long-term investment.
Nervous about buying abroad? Our team can guide you through the Portuguese purchase process step by step.
New to portfolio planning? Here’s a useful primer on building a long-term real-estate strategy.
Yes — short-let holiday homes and mid/long-let rentals can both work, depending on location, license and seasonality. Start with our guide to finding profitable rental property in the Algarve.
Browse current options: Algarve properties for sale. If you’d like help running numbers (yields, fees, licensing), we’re happy to assist.
Living in the Algarve (3)
If you are a family thinking of moving to the Algarve one of the most important criteria on your list of prerequisites may be finding an International School for the children.
Bearing in mind that Portuguese schools are free but pupils are expected to speak the native language which can be a barrier for most kids.
In International Schools, the first language is English with Portuguese taught as the second language. However, as with all things good, there is a price to pay.
The cost varies from school to school but if you can afford the fees it is a great option and comes without the difficulty of the language barrier.
Although some would argue it is far better to throw them in the deep end in thinking that they will learn the language much quicker.
There are 14 Algarve International Schools on offer at present across the Algarve region so you will find a nearby International School nearby whichever location you choose to relocate to you.
The Portuguese public education system provides schooling free of charge to all residents and is compulsory for children aged 6 to 18 years of age.
Basic School / Ensino Básico, 1º ciclo
Years 1 – 4 are for children aged 6 – 10.
Children are taught basic Portuguese, Maths, Science, and Art.
Basic English is generally taught from years 3 to 4. However, it is often available earlier as an after-school activity.
The school generally beings at 8:30 am and ends at 3.30 pm. Find out more about the Public School Education System in Portugal.
Basic School / Ensino básico 2º ciclo
Years 5 and 6 are for children aged 10 – 12.
Learning includes Portuguese, English, maths, PE, history, geography, sciences, visual & IT education and music.
Basic School / Ensino Básico 3º ciclo
Years 7 to 9 are for children aged 13 – 15.
Lessons include Portuguese, English, maths, a choice of second foreign language (Spanish, French, or German), history, geography, chemistry, physics and PE.
Secondary Education / High School
Years 10 – 12 are for children aged 15 – 18.
Moving to the Algarve with older children can throw up many problems, one being the higher education offered in the region for university courses.
With plenty of options for kids under 18, including international and Portuguese public schools, unfortunately, the choices do become limited after that age.
The University of Algarve is the only public university in the Algarve region of Portugal. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, tourism, marine biology, environmental science and more.
In addition, some private higher education institutions offer courses in various fields, including hospitality, business, and sciences.
Founded in 1979, it is a Portuguese public higher education institution located in 3 cities of the Algarve. It has its headquarters and two out of its three campuses in Faro (namely the Gambelas and Penha), another campus in Portimão and one in Lagos.
The university has four faculties Tourism and Maritime Technology, Science and Technology, Health Sciences and Economics.
However, if you are willing to go further afield, there are some excellent Universities in other areas.