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.
Travel (3)
COVID Measures Implemented in Portugal, updated on 27 April 2025
With the Algarve tourism industry back to somewhere near normal and visitors planning to visit the region this year, we thought it a good idea to clarify the latest rules and regulations regarding entry into Portugal concerning the Covid measures currently in force for visitors wanting to enter the country.
The Latest Good News for Visitors to Portugal
Great news if you’re planning to visit Portugal, including the Algarve, Azores and Madeira! You’ll be happy to know that you no longer need to provide a negative COVID test or present a COVID-EU digital or vaccination/recovery certificate from a third country accepted or recognised in Portugal. Learn More about the Covid situation in Portugal here.
Getting around the Algarve is very easy and also inexpensive whichever mode you choose. We find the easiest and most convenient way to get around the Algarve is by car. This is the quickest way to travel between towns and cities.
If you don’t have your own car there are plenty of hire companies across the region. They are quite expensive during the summer months but out of peak season, you can find cheap deals.
There are three main bus companies operating in the Algarve region, You can buy tickets at the bus stations online, or pay the driver. You can catch a bus to all the main towns and cities in the Algarve. Ubers are cheap and in abundance, there are also lots of normal taxis but tend to be a little more expensive.
The train line runs between Lagos and Vila Real de Santo António, so it’s quite easy to get from the west of the Algarve to the east.
Obviously, the first and easiest way to reach the Algarve is by plane. With regular flights from the UK and most European cities, the Algarve is very accessible to everyone. The best airport to fly to is Faro, alternatives within a 2-hour drive include Lisbon other options include Seville and Jerez de la Frontera in Spain.
There are direct flights to Faro from most UK airports with Ryanair, Easyjet, British Airways, Tui, BA City Flyer, Wizz Air UK and Qatar Airways. Most are reasonably priced apart from during the school holidays of course! In winter flights can be picked up for as little as £10 with Ryanair!
Other modes of transport include driving, again there are many routes for ferry crossings and of course the channel tunnel route. The ferry from Dover to Calais only takes 90 minutes, whereas from Southampton or Plymouth down to Santander or Bilbao it takes between 20-30 hours depending on the operator and starting point. The most popular carrier would be Brittany Ferries and prices range from £240-400 depending on the season.