In this video, we go over the best places we found to live in the Algarve, Portugal. If you’re looking to retire to Portugal or live as a digital nomad – we hope this video will help you decide on the perfect location or some of the top locations to start exploring. #portugal #algarveportugal #movetoportugal
We spent two months in the Algarve, exploring from the east to the west coast. Each city has something a bit different to offer and we wanted to not only break down the pros and cons we found for you but also for ourselves as we see this as a potential long-term retirement spot in the future. We will discuss what we liked best about each location and the things we would consider a negative.
While here we visited six different locations, each with its own unique charm. In the end, we will share with you our top three choices of where we could see returning.
Special Thanks to Juan Ruiz for providing some of the drone footage used!
Websites Mentioned:
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Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
10:48 Pros & Cons – Lagos
13:53 Pros & Cons – Portimao/ Ferragudo
15:57 Pros & Cons – Albufeira
19:22 Pros & Cons – Faro
21:13 Pros & Cons – Tavira/ Cabanas
24:05 Pros & Cons – Vila Real de Santo Antonio/ Monte Gordo
27:00 Pros & Cons – Top Three Picks
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After a 3-week trip to Portugal together we found ourselves with the #travelbug ! Soon after returning home, we started researching ways we could travel the world on a budget. A few short years later, we quit our jobs and now #traveltheworld full-time. We started this #travelvlog to share our experiences as a #travelcouple in hopes of inspiring others to do the same and follow their dream.
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Guys, I have lived permanently in the Algarve for 17 years now and I would congratulate you on producing a really great, and comprehensive coverage of where its at here. Good trip home and we'll see you back soon!
zero video of useless talkers !
Just purchased a home in Lagos …. I’m on Brian’s wavelength… 🙂
Fabulous. I am hoping to do a month this winter sometime between January and March. This is wonderful information. Thanks for the insights on the seasonal nature of the locations. Love your channel. Much appreciated.
Informative. Thank You !
Please don't comeback, we don't need racists Americans
I have been looking at properties online in the algarves and my realtor has really been pushing Lagos as a year round city for retirement. She mentioned some of the same pros that you stated.
Great take on the Algarve. I can understand the attraction of the coast to anyone visiting the Algarve. But there certainly is a lot for nature lovers and those looking for outdoor activities moving north from the coastline to the slightly more inland side of the Algarve. Places like for example Alcoutim if you're on the East coast, or Querença, Alte or Salir if you're closer to Loule. Granted these places will be picturesque, but a lot quieter; and there will be the need to drive to the next biggest town for many of the services required.
I thought your video was well-done and very informative. As a year-round Faro resident I thought your comment that the city was not beautiful was spot on. There are so many great things about living in Faro: location, affordability, dining, but there are prettier places to live. I guess like so many other things in life, it's a trade-off.
Great video – very helpful and informative!!! Cheers 🍻 😀
Thanks for this very helpful, comprehensive video! I have the impression from other videos I've seen elsewhere that Vila Real de Santo António has a fairly sizeable year-round expat population so the businesses don't shut down in winter like some other smaller towns may do. But I haven't been there in winter and could be mistaken.
Nice video! You are right about the trains in Algarve. It is a pity because the ride from Faro to Vila Real de Santo António is unique. However, the Alfa and IC from Faro to Lisbon-Porto are reasonably reliable.
Anything dog friendly here?
Great video thanks. Good extra insight before we retire to VRSA.
Great content, thank you! but $7 for a pizza is not really cheap!
How fukn fun to go back there guys!!! Beautiful weather too! 🤩😍🥰😘
Hey guys, great info! Sounds like Portugal would make a great home base, at least for the first year while we "test" the waters with slow travel. I don't remember you mentioning this, but did you guys sell everything back in the states, including your home, to do this full time? It seems a lot of people who do this, just up and sell all their possessions and jump in, a very bold move, IMO. I like knowing we would still have our home back here in the states in case things didn't work out, so we plan to give ourselves a one year test run and rent our home out while we're gone. Just wondering what you did and your thoughts. Thanks!
Really enjoyed the video! My wife & I visited all those places a couple months ago except Monte Gordo. We did visit nearby Altura however, and really liked it. It's difficult to decide which town we liked the best. We also liked Loulé very much.
Another great video guys! Not sure I’ve decided yet on where to go in the Algarve…everywhere looks so lovely. Thinking a week in Lagos and a week in Albufeira. Would the travel between the two be easy enough on moving day?
Have you announced where to go next?
Really appreciate your Portugal series. Sad you are moving on. Thank you both
In winter plenty of Dutch snowbirds are haeding to Monte Gordo. Flying or by campervan. Lots of things to do.
BTW, in Cabanas, the boat to the beach is free for hotelguests.
Like your content. Greetings from the Netherlands
Thank you for the insight! I am surprised at the cost for rentals in Lagos @$1500 for one bedroom. Is your plan to move around every few weeks/months or decide on one area? Also, are you considering a property purchase? Another video said long term rentals are difficult to find in PT, but not sure what area that was in reference to.
Thank you both for a well-balanced and comprehensive review (from your perspective) of cities in Algarve. We visited Tavira, VRSA, Faro and Olhao last November and loved the area. Your video reminds me there’s more to see and consider—of course. Your work is very much appreciated. 🙏🏻👍🏻
We had just returned from visiting Algarve. We found that the "Mer" cafe on top of the cliff in Lagos has the best tapas in the region. Highly recommend!
Not sure why Albufeira makes to the top 3, this place is full of drunk hooligans, your opinion