Top reasons to live in the Algarve
The Algarve is one of the most popular destinations in Portugal but there’s more to it than just pristine beaches and charming resort towns.
This southern part of the country is packed to the brim with interesting history, mysterious natural beauty, and incredible people with an infectious love for life.
Living in a region such as the Algarve where there’s pleasant weather year round and a connection to nature is a dream come true.
But if you’re still on the edge wondering what the fuss is about, here are some of the top reasons that will make you fall in love with this part of the world.
Amazing weather
Algarve’s climate is the best not only in Portugal but also in Europe. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate – mild winters and pleasantly warm summers.
It boasts over 300 days of sunshine and a short period of rainfall, mostly between November and March.
With an average temperature of 84°F (29 °C) in the hottest months and 61° F (16°C) in the coldest months, Algarve is a paradise for lovers of sun.
The best months are September and October – when the summer holidaymakers have left but the sea temperatures and weather, in general, are still pleasant.
Great infrastructure
In recent years, Algarve has seen great improvements, as far as the infrastructure goes.
The region is well connected with highways and there’s an international airport in Faro with a lot of direct flights to most European countries.
Portugal is also among the most wired countries in Southern Europe, which makes Algarve a great choice for slow travellers, digital nomads, and internet entrepreneurs.
Attractive property market
Portugal’s property market has in recent years received a surge in attention and this presents an amazing investment opportunity.
In comparison to other European countries such as Spain, Ireland, and the UK, properties in Algarve are still pretty affordable.
Safety
Portugal has been ranked high on the Global Peace Index since 2007 and in 2020 it was third among the safest countries on the globe.
The country is politically stable, the crime rate is pretty low and the locals are quite hospitable.
Interesting history
With a history dating back over 3000 years, Algarve has hosted a lot of nationalities including Greeks, Romans, Celtic Lusitani, and Phoenicians.
All these settlers left a mark on the region and the influence is still traceable through cuisine, architecture, and even religion. This contributes to the unique charm and character of the Algarve.
Affordable cost of living
Due to the booming tourism and growing demand for property, Algarve is considered the second most expensive region after Lisbon. But, by European standards, it’s still relatively affordable.
The food is pretty cheap and if you consider staying outside the urban areas, your monthly expenses including rent will drastically reduce.
Traditional Food
Every region in Portugal has its own unique gastronomic scene and with Algarve being a host to 16 municipalities each with a unique identity, this region is a paradise for foodies.
In addition to meals prepared with indigenous ingredients, the wine produced in the Algarve stands side by side with the world’s best.
Great Golf Courses
If you are a golfer then the Algarve is one of the most desirable locations in the world. An incredible total of 42 9-hole or 18-hole courses can be played at 25 different golf clubs within the Algarve region.
With the Algarve weather being so kind, golfers can enjoy year-round playing on some of the best courses in Europe.
Google Local Guide for the Algarve. Been living in the Algarve for over 20 years and loving the experience. Now writing about and photographing the Algarve experience to share with others. Contributor to all that is Algarve on Wikipedia