Portugal is known as a fantastic country to live and buy a property, because of the beautiful Atlantic ocean, the warm climate, the wonderful nature, and the relaxed way of living. With mountains, cliffs, and the blue sea it’s an absolute treasure. Furthermore, the quality of living in Portugal is excellent as Portugal is known for its low crime rate. Violent crime is extremely rare, and petty crime only happens during the busy summer months. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world! The education system and health care are well developed, and residents could get tax exemptions.
No matter if you want to go to Portugal with your family, for retirement, for work, or for study: Portugal can be an interesting place to live for everyone. For example, Portugal is a very popular place among expats as they will get special tax benefits (more about this later).
The Algarve is seen as one of the most popular places to live in Portugal. And why is this? Because it is the sunniest province of Portugal that’s located right next to Spain. With over 3000 hours of sun a year and clear blue skies most of the year, it’s a great destination to live and stay in during the winter. In the Algarve, you can enjoy the most beautiful beaches from the 150km of pristine coastline, fresh fish specialities, and the well-known Piri Piri dishes. And what do you think about a visit to lots of charming villages? Worth mentioning is that the Algarve is recognized as a top golfing destination in Europe, and for some in the world.
With more than 42 golf courses including famous ones, you have lots of possibilities to find your perfect swing. Additionally, the Algarve offers a lot of outdoor fun across the region, such as bodyboarding, rafting, surfing and more. What’s a better place to do this in Portugal than in the sunniest area? Furthermore, you have the fantastic wineries in the Algarve where you can spend a whole day on an interesting wine tour. And with a lot of excellent fine-dining restaurants, you have the chance to combine your favourite Portuguese dishes with spectacular views on the beautiful beaches and with a cliff-top view.
The Algarve has multiple peaceful resort towns which are both a fantastic choice for retirement as well as families. We will tell you more about the amazing villages in the Algarve where you can buy the best real estate. We even have properties that aren’t available on the open market, as we continuously strive for hidden gems.
Most people come to the Algarve for the fantastic weather, great golf courses, and beautiful beaches. But the Algarve is more than that. It is being pointed as the best destination for nature lovers! Besides the cliffs and wide beaches, you will find a different Algarve in the Barrocal region with its vast plains. Meet bright green mixed with shades of brown, orchards of fig, almond trees, orange trees, and even mountains. There are three mountain ranges in the Algarve. In the centre, there’s the Serra de Monchique which is the highest of the three, in the west the Serra de Espinhaco de Cao, and in the north the Serra de Caldeirao. This shows that besides walking on the beautiful coastline you can also follow multiple nature trails.
And what about visiting the caves at Praia de Benagil? These are breathtaking and an absolute must-see if you’re interested in one of the nicest places on earth. When you go to the Algarve for its beautiful coastline and caves, you can’t miss this.
For many years, the Algarve has been a popular destination for retirees. They come from all over the world: from Canada, Europe, and the U.S. This makes it a very friendly, welcoming and social place for those who seek contacts or someone with the same interests. There’s a high chance you will find someone else who wants to join a yoga class with you, play a round of golf, or go hiking and biking with you. Apart from the social aspect, the Algarve is also a great place for tranquillity and relaxation during your retirement. Enjoy the relaxing pace of life and the extremely pleasant weather. Remember, the Algarve is the part of Portugal that’s mostly sunny during the whole year!
When you retire in the Algarve, you don’t necessarily need a car as buses and taxis can drive you everywhere. Think about shopping, doctors’ appointments or getting to the beach. When it’s summertime there will be a good amount of tourists. Once they leave, life will return like it was before the tourists came. And if you’re planning to retire in a working city, then the shops, restaurants, and businesses won’t close during the quieter months so you can still enjoy these yourself. And most importantly: who doesn’t want a sea view whilst reading your favourite book? You deserve this.
Interesting: International retirees can get a 10-year tax exemption when living in the Algarve.
Are you looking for a fantastic destination as an expat? Then the Algarve can be your place to be! This sun-drenched part of Portugal provides an excellent quality of living with great amenities and facilities. The cost of living in the Algarve is relatively affordable, too. For example, a two-furnished bedroom apartment costs around 850 euros. And think about working close to the southern coastline of Portugal whilst you get one of the best climates in Europe.
The Algarve has low levels of rainfall and according to statistics, the temperature fluctuates between 25 and 40 degrees. During the winter season, it rarely falls below 0 degrees. And with a huge range of clubs, golf courses, bars, horseback riding, and watersports the area is fully packed with activities. And don’t forget hiking in the beautiful nature. At the end of our ultimate guide, we will talk about some of the tax benefits for expats in Portugal.
We will show you the most beautiful destinations to buy real estate in the Algarve – and of course also to travel to. After that, we will talk about 3 other places in Portugal that you shouldn’t skip when looking for a home in Portugal. What makes our real estate in the Algarve special? We only sell high-end residential properties, which means that they are built of the best quality materials and offer excellent facilities. We sell exclusive homes, villas, country houses, castles, apartments, and more. Depending on your aspirations and lifestyle we can help you to find the best real estate in the Algarve. With our rich network of more than 110 real estate agents, we have the specialists and the knowledge of every hotspot in Europe, including Portugal.
For luxury real estate, you need to be with a specialist. And that’s what we are! With our professionals, we can make the purchase of your dream property in the Algarve as carefree as possible. You can see us as the one-stop shop for buying a property in the Algarve as we offer more than the traditional real estate agents. This is because we can help with financing advice, taxation, legal matters, turn-key management in architecture, renovation, construction, interior design, landscaping or furnishing as well. With our unique approach, we save our clients more than three times our brokerage fee – on average. Let’s help you find the Algarve Portugal real estate!
Quarteira is a Portuguese resort town in the municipality of Loulé. It started as a simple and sleeping fishing village but it’s now one of the most attractive areas for tourists in the Algarve. Holiday apartments and hotels are situated straight next to the sea and therefore offer a spectacular view and easy access to the beach and restaurants. But Quarteira is more than just a tourist location. Quarteira has developed at a rapid pace in the past years. Therefore, you will spot high buildings in and outside of the city. The resort town is a very convenient place to live where you can get a high quality of life. Quarteira is also more affordable compared to other glamourous areas in the Algarve.
Quarteira lies central in the Algarve, meaning that you will have easy accessibility to other destinations in the Algarve. For example, you can take a walk along the beach where you will be in Vilamoura within 20 minutes! It was one of the first resorts that were established on the coasts. The coastline is beautiful and it’s made very easy to relax, as sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented for a small fee. This can save you some work of bringing your own.
The resort town Quarteira is a lesser-known gem that features everything you need to maintain a happy life. Think about pharmacies, supermarkets, hair salons, hardware stores, clinics, and much more.
There’s less wind in Quarteira than in other resorts located in the west of Portugal. This won’t be the best for windsurfers but if you prefer to lay on the beach with a calmer wind then this will be beneficial. Know that it’s not a cold wind as you might know from other places in Europe. No, still it’s a pleasant wind that doesn’t change the pleasant weather and temperatures. Furthermore, Quarteira did a good job of maintaining the Portuguese character. Even inhabitants of other areas in Portugal come to Quarteira to escape from their bustling lives and enjoy the golden and stone-free beaches. Within a short walk on the beach, you can find shining marinas, more tranquil beach resorts, and also party towns if you’re in for that.
Even though Quarteira is a resort, it’s still a working town at the same time. To this day, fishermen ensure that savvy locals can pick up the freshest fish at the Mercado do Peixe. Attached to this fish market there’s also a produce market with locally grown vegetables and fruits. Moreover, there’s enough off-season action that makes the town feel alive. The town will feel like less of a tourist destination and more of a working-class, livable Portuguese city. Quarteira as a whole is maybe not as glamorous and shiny compared to its neighbours, but there are still plenty of amazing high-end properties. You just need to look at the right places. Luckily, we have already done this for you.
And for those who’d like to travel to other places from Quarteira, this is easily possible as the airport of Faro is only a 30-minute drive away. You can also take one of the frequent buses which take you to the airport within 40 minutes. The town is less provided with trains as the closest train station is about 8 miles away in Loulé.
Amenities in Quarteira are abundant. And within quieter periods you will have these largely to yourself – including the stone-free beaches! Within a short drive, you will be at high-end attractions around Almancil and Loulé. These include golf courses, a modern designer outlet mall, and luxury stores. Everything you need to complete your everyday life will be in easy reach. If you want huge supermarkets, for example, you can head to Guia where you’ll be by car within 30 minutes. In Guia, there are also lots of DIY stores and a concentration of garden centres. Alternatively, for more activity, you can visit the popular water park Aquashow which is just a few kilometres away.
There’s still a local fishing community that work on the western part of the beach. In the morning, their caught fish is being sold on the nearby fishing market. Quarteira offers a wide variety of culinary experiences. As said before, their fish is of the highest quality and the place is loved for that. This means that you can choose from fantastic dishes with fresh fish and shellfish, such as grilled sardines and shrimp. People agree that the best part of Quarteira is the amazing promenade called Avenida Infante de Sagres. This promenade is known by the locals as the ‘’marginale”, where you can stroll along with the palm trees and the beautiful sea. At night, lots of families enjoy walking here with their children. Quarteira also uses typical wood from the umbrella pines, which is a tree from the pine family.
Choosing a dining terrace at one of the bars or cafes to eat typical Portuguese food is very easy. You will find terraces everywhere you go at the 2km long boulevard. At the end of the boulevard, there’s a market where you can buy fish, vegetables, and fruits with more shopping streets nearby. The centre of Quarteira has a nice atmosphere with the cafes hidden in small streets that all lead to the sea. They make fantastic local sandwiches and pastries. Alternatively, the ‘Passeio das Dunas’ is a lit street that’s worth going to on a summer evening. This new Dunas Walk Way connects Quarteira with the nearby village Vilamoura. Quarteira has a relaxing nightlife with gentle music in various places.
Quarteira Beach is one of the golden beaches we were talking about. Here it’s just soft sand, no stones, and there are lots of little cafes where you can get a refreshing drink. This is because the Avenida Infante de Sagres lies next to it. The beach is very safe and family-friendly, as the water is usually calm and there are several breakwaters. There’s a place for everyone on the beach and there are plenty of beds available for hire. A big part of the boulevard is car-free, meaning it will be more quiet compared to other beaches. Enjoy the wonderful climate, the views, and the sunset with a Mediterranean Climate.
In Quarteira and its surroundings, we have spectacular real estate. Think about beautiful villas with high-quality finishes, a swimming pool, and extensive terraces with landscaped gardens. When you’re planning to buy Quarteira real estate you will for sure live an entertained and relaxing life. Location is key when it comes to real estate, and therefore all our properties are located in the best areas. For example, they are near local amenities, international schools, and the beach. In the main town of Quarteira, you can get everything to maintain a happy and healthy life. Our properties in Quarteira offer all the space and comfort you need with absolute privacy.
As Quarteira itself is generally speaking not as glamourous as its neighbours, you will still find first-class properties which are more affordable with the beach as your garden. Wouldn’t this be a huge trade-off? Properties in Quarteira might not be as attractive on the outside, and you will find the best options on the outskirts of Quarteira and in the surrounding villages. We only choose the best places for our properties and most of our properties are very close to or within the high end ‘’Golden Triangle’’. The Golden Triangle stands for the most affluent communities in Algarve.
Are you looking for an upscale, glittery beach with a focus on golf courses? Vilamoura is a leisure resort that belongs to the Freguesia of Quarteira. It has a beautiful marina that’s designed by a wealthy banker from Lissabon. Nowadays, the place is still expanding and this makes it one of the biggest European tourist destinations as it covers about 20km of land. Still, it’s a lesser-known resort but it truly deserves your attention when you’re in Quarteira. What about a walk along the beach and the marina from Quarteira to Vilamoura to get dinner? Usually, you will get more for your money in Vilamoura which makes it worth the enjoyable walk.
You can tell that Vilamoura is excellent for golf fanatics as there are 6 golf courses. One of them named the Oceânico Victoria Clube de Golfe organizes annual golfing competitions, such as the Portugal Masters. This golf course has been announced as the best Portuguese golfing course in 2006 by the annual Publituris Awards. You will also find a tennis club and a diving centre in Vilamoura which attracts lots of people who love to be active and to participate in an active community.
Nestled between the upscale Vilamoura and the luxurious Vale do Lobo (which is a golf resort that we will describe later), Quarteira is a beautiful resort town with an authentic Portuguese feel. Even though it’s less well-known, it’s still a highly favoured area by many tourists and residents with more than 300 sunny days each year. Quarteira has its charm and you’ll find the best high-end properties close to the sea where the beach is lined with restaurants and bars. Good to know is that Quarteira lies in the heart of the Algarve, which means that you will live extremely close to other destinations. Within a 20 minute walk along the beach, you will end up in Vilamoura.
Quarteira feels less like a tourist destination and more of a working-class, liveable Portuguese city. If you’re looking to buy the best property in Quarteira that suits your aspirations and lifestyle, all you need is to contact us and we’ll help you to find your dream property. Our experts of Baerz & Co constantly strive to find the ‘needle in the haystack’ for you with properties that aren’t out there on the open market, so you’ll only find those exclusive properties in Quarteira on our platform.
Almancil is a small and relatively unknown village, but this makes it an excellent place to live if you’re looking for peace and tranquillity. It is close to some of the world’s most celebrated golf courses in the Golden Triangle. Holiday seekers who enjoy peace and luxury love to go to Almancil because of the beautiful coastline and the good accessibility. The upmarket town of Almancil keeps good company, and it’s concentrated around an intersection of two major ‘’N’’ roads that cross the Algarve. Almancil is only 7 minutes away from the wonderful Nature Park Formosa. And Almancil has many stylish boutiques and high-end fashion houses.
To fulfil all your golfing wishes and get your perfect swing at world-class golf courses, you can get your gear at the Pro Golf Shops of San Lorenzo and Pinheiros Altos. Additionally, when you’re looking to get a great meal in Almancil, it’s easy. You will be spoilt with the number of opportunities for fine dining and a wide array of international and Portuguese cuisine. Furthermore, Almancil is a family-friendly area as the village offers a wide range of leisure activities for children of all ages. And dining is made extra enjoyable as the majority of restaurants possess spacious play areas.
The Apolonia Supermarket offers a wide range of international cuisines, wines & spirits, fresh fruit & vegetables. Even vegans and vegetarians can get here everything they want. One of the highlights in Almancil is the Sao Lourenco de Matos, which is a small church on a hill. The church is built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Saint Laurentius of Rome, who was martyred in 258 for distributing money from the Catholic Church to the poor. Inside the church, you will spot depicting stories of Saint Laurentius, and ”azulejo” tiles. Azulejo tiles are a form of Spanish and Portuguese painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework.
Close to Almancil, you can visit the stadium Estádio Algarve which was used during the European Football Championship in 2004. Next to the church, you will find the São Lourenço Cultural Centre which consists of 6 exhibition years. Throughout the year they host multiple exhibitions from international artists and several musical performances.
And are you in for a more active experience? Then you could go to the Karting Almancil and choose from a safari or a tour option. Children would love this exciting off-road experience, where you drive your buggy through the countryside of Algarve. Besides, there’s an option to discover the countryside on a horse at the Pinetrees Riding Centre. All the equipment that you’ll need will be right there. Children above the age of 4 can participate in this.
Would you like to escape the business of the Algarve and dive into wonderful nature? The coastline of Almancil belongs to the Nature Reserve Ria Formosa, which has the longest continuous coastline in the world – 60km, to be precise. This coastline is situated in between the beaches Praia da Manta Rota and Praia do Garrão. It’s a protected area where a wide variety of fauna and flora have free rein. The Nature Reserve is a humid area that’s of great international importance. It consists of earthly paradises in the form of islets, canals, floodplains, and sandbanks. It is a fantastic place to go for a walk and spot a wide variety of birds. The purple coot stands symbol for the Natura Reserve Ria Formosa. Don’t be surprised when you suddenly meet a chameleon or a flamingo.
The best way to increase your chance of spotting the special birds is to start your visit with the information centre. Multiple tours in old traditional boats used to fish tuna, run through the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve where you can learn about the region’s diverse and rich ecosystems.
One of the most sympathetic species is the Portuguese water dog which helped the fishermen during their work by catching fish. Other traditional activities of people around the Ria Formosa are the fishing of shellfish and salt extraction. With great knowledge, they created delicious gastronomic specialities. You can try these specialities along the coast in the restaurants. At the Almancil’s Nature Reserve you can explore the Roman ruins and an old Roman windmill in good condition.
When you’re looking for Almancil real estate you will be able to get an amazing and unique property, at least at Baerz & Co. Our real estate lies in perfect locations where you will be close to all kinds of amenities, including the golf courses and beaches. And if you choose so, you will be a walking distance away from the restaurants. We have villas within fully fenced private plots and automatic gates. This gives you a great feeling of safety. Or think about villas that are located in an elevated position with breathtaking views of the beach of Quinta do Lago, for example. With typical Mediterranean elements, you will find an extra southern charm to the Almancil real estate.
Almancil has a few villa parks and districts such as Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, where people from different nationalities live. The inhabitants here are English, Irish, Germans, and Swiss inhabitants. The glamorous resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo are part of the Algarve’s ‘Golden Triangle’, which stands for the most affluent communities in Algarve. We will now talk a little more about Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.
Vale do Lobo is a golf resort in Almancil that attracts lots of sports fanatics worldwide, and you will understand why. It is a golf resort located in Almancil in the Algarve. Besides its golf resort, Vale do Lobo has an international tennis academy. It hosted ITF tournaments held there from 2001 to 2012. Vale do Lobo still regularly hosts major golf tournaments and provides accommodation and training facilities to Manchester United or national teams from Germany or the Netherlands. These are of course major football clubs. Still, Vale do Lobo is an excellent destination for those who search for a home in a luxurious location. You can buy wonderful real estate with a sea view in the peaceful and charming golf resort Vale do Lobo.
Quinta do Lago is a golf resort as well and a gated community in Almancil, which had been founded 8 years later than Vale do Lobo. It compromises one of the three corners of the Golden Triangle, which stands for Algarve’s most affluent communities. An annual professional golf tournament called the Portuguese Open was hosted here, which was a part of the PGA European Tour. It was founded in 1971 by a Polish-Brazilian property developer named André Jordan. Near Quinta do Lago there’s the Lago Watersports Center that provides endless ways to explore the water. Think about sailing and windsurfing on the lake of the resort. Additionally, you can head to the beach and ride the waves on banana boats or jet skis.
In both Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago we have sensational modern villas in perfect locations, with spectacular views and within a short distance to amenities, the beach, and golf courses. On our website, you will find all the information with high-quality photos of these properties. Let our experts help you to find your dream house.
Almancil is a place in the Algarve that suits those who search for peace and tranquillity. With close proximity to the best golf courses in the world, a stunning coastline and a nature park nearby it is a dream place to live. The dining opportunities are endless and Almancil is excellent for families. There’s a wide range of leisure activities for children of all ages. The facilities and amenities in Almancil offer you anything you need including all your golf gear, whilst you can admire the interesting architecture for sights such as the Sao Lourenco de Matos.
The vila districts Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, which are two family-friendly golf resorts, offer a great beach with watersport activities and excellent dining and shopping opportunities. We regularly find amazing high-end properties in these districts. Contact the experts of Baerz & Co to help you find your dream property in or close to Almancil.
Now we’re done in the Algarve, let’s have a look at some other places in Portugal that are excellent places for living your best life. We arrived in the westernmost part of Portugal where we’ll explore several fantastic and welcoming places to live and to visit. These include the capital and the wealthiest municipality of Portugal. These places are all nearby the beautiful crystal blue Atlantic ocean. It’s the area with the best beaches of Portugal, mountains, nature parks, and excellent infrastructure. Not to forget that living in these areas means a high quality of life. Living near the coast affects your health and well-being: it is healthier than living inland. Let’s bring you to this higher quality level of life!
Did you know that Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world? After Athens, it’s also the second-oldest European capital city. We can’t of course miss this city and capital of Portugal, also known as the sunshine capital. It belongs to the most populous urban areas in the European Union, and it’s the only westernmost capital city along the Atlantic coasts. It lies in the western Iberian Peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean and the river Tagus which gives you extraordinary views. Lisbon is a beautiful old city with amazing food, good weather, and nice buildings with cute colourful tiles. These tiles are also known as ”azulejos”: patterns of beautifully painted ceramic tiles. One of the things that Portugal is famous for!
Lisbon has won the hearts of many travellers and culture-lovers over the past decades. With its many parks, museums, and old neighbourhoods it’s a great experience to be here. And do you need to be somewhere far from Lisbon? Then go to the Lisbon Portela International Airport. You won’t necessarily need a car in Lisbon. This is because most districts in Lisbon are very small. Even though Lisbon is a hilly area, it’s easy to get around by walking. Within 10-15 minutes you can walk through a district. You can also make use of Lisbon’s network of metro trains and trams. These are beautiful and convenient at the same time.
These metros and trains also move through the city’s interesting and famous sites, so it’s worth a ride! We recommend visiting Alfama, which is the oldest neighbourhood in the capital for more historical vibes. A bright yellow tram named Tram 28 goes through some of Lisbon’s old towns, including Alfama but also Baixa and Graça. The infrastructure of Lisbon is excellent and links Lisbon to all kinds of important places in Portugal.
If you decide to walk the beautiful streets in Lisbon, get a drink of ”ginginha”. This is a typical small drink in Lisbon in a chocolate glass with typical cherry liquor. You want a pure Lisbon experience, don’t you? With this drink, you will enjoy your walk much more. High chance you will come across the traditional Portuguese pavement called Calçada which you will also find in other Portuguese cities. By the way, did you know that Lisbon is known for its happy vibe? Maybe this is because it’s such a healthy place to live with a pleasant, sunny climate all year round. Once you get to Lisbon there’s a high chance you will notice more happy and smiling people than somewhere else. This works uplifting, especially if you just had a bad time and want to recover.
Since 1147, Lisbon has been the cultural, economic and political centre of Portugal. And since the 15th century, the port of Lisbon became one of the most important worldwide. But you can imagine that Lisbon has a long history, filled with rebuilding, tragedies, discoveries, and kings. We will give you a glimpse of the rich history of Lisbon. As one of the oldest cities in western Europe, it was originally settled by the Celts. Then it was founded by the Phoenicians, and their settlement called Ulissipo then was conquered by the Carthaginians and the Greeks in 205 BC. Later, the Romans won the Second Punic War against the Carthaginians which made them occupy the city.
The Romans named it Olissipo and integrated it into the Roman province of Lusitania. Once the Roman Empire collapsed, it was invaded by Germanic tribes and controlled by the Kingdom of the Suebi till 585. In 711, Islamic Moors invaded Lisbon and renamed it al-Usbuma. As you can see, Lisbon has had plenty of names in the past. After many conquests, the city finally began to flourish. This was in the 14th century when the city was under the reign of the House of Aviz which is the second dynasty of kings in Portugal. Since 1986, Portugal became a member of the European Union and the beautiful city hosted the World Expo in 1998.
Nowadays, Lisbon has high importance when it comes to international trade, finance, entertainment, arts, commerce, education, tourism and more. Lisbon is one of the two Portuguese cities (alongside Porto) that’s recognized as a global city.
Lisbon is especially interesting for those who earn their money somewhere else. This is because the average salary in Lisbon lies around 800 euros. It’s known that Portugal has some of the lowest salaries in the European Union. Generally speaking, the cost of living in Lisbon is not that high – and it’s not cheap, either. In Lisbon, basic amenities such as the grocery store and the supermarket are very affordable, You can find restaurants where you can have a 3-course lunch menu with wine for less than 10 euros. The average price of a meal lies around 14 euros. Furthermore, there are affordable prices for alcohol (depending on where you buy it): you can get a beer for 1 euro at the Bairro Alto, for example.
Then the costs of utilities and electricity can be expensive in Lisbon. A small apartment pays in-between 100-150 euros per month for utilities. Internet costs between 20 and 60 euros per month, and for 30-40 euros you can get a monthly pass for public transport. One ticket costs about 1 euro and 50 cents. Usually, it’s more cost-effective to buy books, electronics, and appliances online because this can be quite expensive in Lisbon. What’s for sure is that the costs in Lisbon are higher than the living costs in the Algarve or Porto. It all depends on if you’d like to live in the beautiful Lisbon city.
Even though Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, you can still find both tranquillity and exclusivity. With our high-quality properties, you will only get the best of the best. Because that’s what you deserve: only the best. With excellent facilities and favourable locations, you will be able to enjoy the best of Lisbon. For example, you will have amazing views over the Tagus river, spacious lounge terraces, contemporary architecture, and more. The architecture of our properties in Portugal is usually modern, meaning that they will suit you perfectly when you’re looking for a modern lifestyle.
We even have penthouses for sale in Lisbon with stunning views over the river. Imagine waking up every morning with a stunning panoramic view. For example, Cais do Sodré is a beautiful district with a promenade that offers its residents a gym, pool, and a fully equipped sta. This is to support the residents who are immersed in the modern and fast-paced lifestyle. The district Cais do Sodré is known for its charm and vibrant lifestyle. With a mix of cultures and clashes, the district has its own character.
Would you like to investigate the extraordinary locations of the Promenade, where the Tagus seems to knock at your window? Let our experts help you to find your dream property in Lisbon.
Lisbon is a very popular place and attracts new residents and tourists every year. As it is known as the sunshine capital, you will get lots of sunny days throughout the year. With its beautiful old buildings and architecture, metro stations, tiled streets, cobbled streets, and museums, Lisbon is a delight to the eye. You can tell that Lisbon is a whole museum itself. The city is rich in history and thanks to its location on the river Tagus you will have the chance to get fantastic panoramic views. Multiple districts are very welcoming with a great community to live in. Let our experts of Baerz & Co easily help you find your dream property in Lisbon.
Cascais is a beautiful seaside resort that originated in the 1870s, located on the Portuguese Riviera in the Lisbon District of Portugal. It’s situated in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra mountains. Cascais is known as being one of the wealthiest in both Portugal and the Iberian Peninsula. Cascais is an important destination for tourists and its marina hosts events such as America’s Cup. Cascais has a Mediterranean climate, which means that there are mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The coastline of Cascais is home to 17 beaches which gives you plenty of room to choose from.
Cascais started as a simple fishing village and you can still see fishermen to this day. They catch all kinds of fish, including crabs, mussels, robalo, dorado, octopus, and sardines. This gives you endless opportunities for eating delicious and fresh fish.
The town brings together a multitude of attractions, and this makes Cascais:
When King Luís I of Portugal made Cascais their residence every year, they attracted other members of the Portuguese nobility which resulted in a summer community. A lot of royal people have lived in Cascais, including King Juan Carlos I of Spain and King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom. A highlight of Cascais is the Cidadela, which is a fortress built in the 15th century as a defence against invaders from Spain. This fortress became the summer residence of the royal family. Today, this Cidadela is a five-star hotel.
Before we mentioned that Cascais is one of the most recognized, pleasant, and desirable places to live and to invest. Here we’ll dive in a little bit further why that is the case. Cascais is blessed with a year-round moderate climate which makes it very pleasant to live here. Even the rain is tropically pleasant. The wind and sun conditions make it an excellent spot for windsurfing, kite surfing, and sailing. When you head to the north of Cascais you get to an excellent surfing beach called Guincho. The Guincho beach is characterized by its strong winds coming from the west, which is why it is one of the scenarios of the European Windsurf Championships. You can easily get around by car or by taxi from the centre of the town. Furthermore, Cascais offers lots of hiking and biking opportunities.
Would you like interesting cultural experiences? There are more than ten museums in Cascais. The Museum of the Sea, called Museo do Mar, has an interesting collection of artefacts related to maritime history. Besides, there are vestiges of nearby shipwrecks and the ‘’Sea and the Origin of Life’’ exhibit. It’s dedicated to the works of the Lisbon-born artist Paula Rego, and the museum is filled with great works of art. Another important museum you don’t want to miss is the Museu da Música Portuguesa. In this place, you will find out what hurdy-gurdy looks like and what Portuguese bagpipes are. It’s located in Estoril nearby the casino which you can reach in about 15 minutes by car.
Walking is made easy in Cascais as well thanks to the great walking zones. With its pleasant climate, accessible culture, and lovely natural surroundings it is an ideal place for both holiday seekers and property buyers. There are so many free, inexpensive, and fascinating things to do and see in Cascais. It will feel like you are on holiday every day, with many different languages around you such as German, French, Chinese, Italian, and Spanish.
Our real estate in Cascais only consists of the highest quality materials. Situated in perfect locations, you will be close to important amenities and make use of excellent facilities. For example. Take Marinha Guincho which is a luxurious touristic resort in Cascais. From here, you will get breathtaking views over the Guincho beach. The area is easily reached as it is 20 minutes away from Lisbon and 25 minutes away from the airport. Besides, Marinha Guincho is beautifully located between the sea and the mountains, in the heart of the Sintra-Cascais natural park. In the early days, people thought that it was where the land ended and the sea began. This protected area is a mountainside that slopes into the sea. It’s home to many rare species of flowers and animals.
Isn’t living in Cascais very expensive, as it is one of the wealthiest municipalities? No, it’s still not too expensive living there. But you understand that the town has to show its pride that it’s one of the wealthiest places in Portugal. The streets are spotless and the roundabouts are nicely decorated with flowers, whilst red, purple, and yellow blooms burst from streetlamp baskets. The supermercado Jumbo offers you your everyday groceries for decent prices. Utilities cost on average 60 euros per month, whereas the internet costs 80 euros per month. Dining and entertainment are a bit more expensive here. To make sure you understand all costs associated with real estate in Cascais, contact our professionals to help you out.
What exactly is the Portuguese riviera? Before, we mentioned that Cascais is located on the Portuguese Riviera. This is the affluent coastal region of the west of Lisbon, centred on the coastal municipalities of Cascais. The Portuguese Riviera unfolds white sandy beaches, a beautiful promenade with lots of restaurants and bars along the water’s edge, and stunning vistas. Cascais and Estoril are two neighbouring beach towns that capture the beauty of the sea perfectly. The Portuguese Riviera is coterminous with the Estoril Coast and occasionally it’s known as the Costa do Sol, which stands for Sun Coast. Worldwide, the Portuguese Riviera is known as a luxury destination. This is because of its history of being a home for royal, famous, and wealthy people.
If you’re looking for the most pleasant places to live in Portugal, then Cascais is one of them. The seaside resort is known to be home to a lot of royal people in the past. Therefore, the resort is also one of the wealthiest municipalities in Portugal. You will see its pride everywhere you go in Cascais. The spotless streets, the decorated roundabouts, and the excellent dining and entertainment opportunities are just a few examples. Cascais is located on the Portuguese Riviera and it captures the beauty of the sea perfectly. Our real estate in Cascais offers you the highest quality of life combined with tranquillity. The amenities, resources, and comfort leave no wish unfulfilled. And it’s only 25km away from Lisbon.
How does it sound to live in a historic town that’s still thriving? Setubal is known as the country’s third seaport, with an important shipbuilding industry. This will be noticeable because of the very functioning harbour. Additionally, Setubal is the heart of the Portuguese sardine industry and is famed for its muscatel wine. Setubal is located in the Arrábida Mountains which gives the city a wonderful blend of mountains covered by preserved vegetation, beautiful beaches, and natural landscapes. The gardens, fountains, and pedestrian streets are beautiful to admire.
Setubal is located about 50km away from the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, which makes it interesting for those who still want to work there or visit the capital. The good infrastructure has strengthened over the past years. The city has much to offer and it feels more like a working-class city with an industrial feel, instead of a tourist holiday resort. The quality of living in Setubal is high, as there are multiple public and private hospitals along with clinics available. For the population of more than 122.000, you can tell this is necessary.
Furthermore, there’s a large shopping mall with over 100 stores. You can find anything from a gym, cinema, a designer outlet-mall, an extensive, indoor market with fresh fruits, fish, vegetables, handicrafts and baked goods. Then there’s also public and private schools, international schools, higher education, and a polytechnic institute. This shows that you don’t have to leave the town to fulfil your daily needs. And then you have the bonus of being surrounded by natural beauty with beaches, mountains and old-world charm whilst you stroll along the cobbled streets. This shows that Setubal is interesting for everyone, including retirees, families, and expats.
In the 19th century, the port was called Saint Ubes in English and Saint-Yves in French. King Pedro V of Portugal officially recognized Setubal as a city on 15 September 1860: the holiday of the city. In Setubal, you will find centuries-old buildings and constructions as it dates back to the Roman period. And because of this period, Setubal earned a very important cultural and historical legacy. When you walk through the Setubal Historic Centre, you can’t miss the city’s memory. It will be on each street, pavement or balcony, building, and façade.
One of the main attractions in Setubal is the Livramento Market where you can find all your necessary goods. This building dates from 1930 and it’s built in the art deco style. The interior is decorated with a tile panel of more than 5000 tiles, which depict scenes from everyday life. It’s also worth exploring the Avenida Luísa Todi which is more than just a path. It’s the biggest and wides lane of Setubal that’s beautiful too. It’s situated in the centre close to the harbour, with a wide pedestrian lane with trees, statues, fountains, and benches. It brings you from one side of Setubal to the other. And during this walk, you will come across lots of interesting things, such as the Mercado do Livramento. This is an old fashioned market hall with lots of food and fresh fish.
A typical dish of Setubal is the breaded cuttlefish, accompanied by 1 quarter lemon and fried potatoes. With lemon coriander mayonnaise you will get the best experience. Perfect to take this during a break. In the Setubal centre, you can further explore the São Julião church, for instance. This church was built in the 13th century where you will find wonderful Manueline style portals and detailed tiles. Furthermore, the Fortress of São Filipe helped to protect Setubal against the attacks of pirates coming from Africa and northern Europe. The fortress was one of the most important bastions of the capital of the Sado River. The greatest part of this fortress is that once you reached the walls, you can see some of the most fantastic views of the bay and the town.
Once you’re done exploring the inner part of the town, don’t forget about the area around Setubal. Remember, Setubal is located in the Arrábida Mountains and is close to the best beaches in the region. Note that during the summer months, between June 15th and September 15th, you will have to use public transport to get to the most famous beaches as the traffic between Setubal and the main beaches of Arrábida is restricted. In the forested hills surrounding Setubal, you can go onto hiking trails that lead to breathtaking vistas. Think about standing on one of the towering cliffs with views of the coastal peninsula. And for a very active experience, you can go on an adrenaline-filled ocean kayaking trek.
What is this coastal peninsula? Well, across Setubal in the ocean there’s Tróia Peninsula which has some of the most alluring and exclusive beaches in Portugal. There’s a chance you can spot dolphins frolicking in the water when you hop aboard a ferry. It is a perfect day trip from Setubal where you will be secluded from the rest of the world. Find pine-forested dunes, crystal clear waters, and an 8-mile stretch of sand. You can reach this peninsula by car in about a 90-minute drive, too! And if you’re looking for a beach with a powerful Atlantic coast, a sixteen-mile stretch of sand, and wonderful natural beauty you can go from Setubal to Costa da Caparica in just a thirty-minute drive.
Setubal is a big town that offers all the amenities you could ever wish for. From international schools to an extensive indoor market, you can find anything in Setubal. It will feel like you live in a historic town that’s still thriving. You’ll get the bonus of the beautiful surrounding natural landscapes, a wonderful blend of mountains, and beautiful beaches. And how does it sound to have unlimited access to the famous muscatel wine and the sardine industry? The typical dish of Setubal, the breaded cuttlefish, is a must-try. Setubal lies in a unique position to the coast with a paradisaically peninsula named Tróia Peninsula which you can reach by car. Or reach the fantastic beach named Costa da Caparica which runs along the western side of the Setubal peninsula. The capital Lisbon is only 50km away from Setubal so you can easily visit it from there.
Portugal has paradisiacal beaches which make you enjoy a beach like never before. The beaches of the Algarve are the most popular in Portugal. Every year, more residents and tourists enjoy these great beaches and all their wonderful nature. The beaches in Portugal can be very different. Think about cafes, cliffs, rocky beaches, sandy beaches, and more. The following beaches are our best beaches in Portugal and one of the best regions of Portugal: the Algarve.
You can tell that Praia de Marinha belongs to the best beaches in Portugal. It is also on the list of the best beaches worldwide! What makes this beach, located in the Algarve, special? It has spectacular high rock formations which create a beautiful contrast with the crystal-blue waters. This makes you feel like you’re in another world. One sculptural rock formation is called Cathedral, which is now emblematic of Portugal’s beauty. Additionally, the small but sandy beach is surrounded by towering orange limestone cliffs. Praia da Marinha is one of the most emblematic beaches of Portugal, located in Caramujeira, part of the municipality of Lagoa.
What happens if you swap dunes for red bluffs? Exactly, you will get a completely new and stunning experience. Praia de Falésia is a 6km long, sandy beach that’s bordered by bluffs. These are deep red on top with streaks of white towards the bottom. You can divide the beach into two different parts. The one part on the east has shallower waters and shorter cliffs, whereas the other half on the west has higher and steeper cliffs. So if you want a special beach, Praia de Falésia is one of them. It’s located in Albufeira, which is a city located in the Faro district in the Algarve.
Are you looking for some of the best surfing beaches in the Algarve? The Algarve gives you excellent weather conditions which, in our opinion, is the best for surfing. However, the Atlantic waters can be cold at Praia da Bordeira so you’ll need a wetsuit to tackle these. The waves can get large and there are strong currents. This doesn’t make the beach family-friendly, but for the surf-lovers among us, it’s excellent. Praia da Bordeira is located in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, near the village of Carrapateira. Via a clifftop hike, you can get to another popular surf beach called Praia do Amado.
If you love both snorkelling and sunbathing, then Praia dos Arrifes can be your beach to go to. With three towering rock formations, it’s not only a wonderful and breathtaking location but also a great snorkelling destination. Make sure you protect your feet from submerged rocks with water shoes. The cliffs protect the people on the beach from the wind, which could make it more enjoyable to lie in the sand. The picturesque Praia dos Arrifes is located close to the village named Sesmarias in the municipality Albufeira. From the old city centre of Albufeira, it’s only 2.4 km away. Maybe an interesting day trip?
Arrábida like Figueirinha Beach, Galapos Beach, Galapinhos Beach, Portinho da Arrabida Beach, and much more.
Remember Praia de Benagil, which we mentioned at the very beginning of this guide? People call this one of the most beautiful places in the world. Then, isn’t it a must-see? You can walk underneath the world’s most impressive sea caves and rock formations. It’s so breathtaking that the Benagil Sea Cave feels like an enormous cathedral. Two arches of this cave open to the sea with a circular opening in the roof that shows the sky. You can reach Praia de Benagil via one of the many boat tours, or you can make the trip yourself by a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard.
Note: Even though the beach is part of the small fishing village Benagil on the southern coast of the Algarve, we don’t recommend swimming there. Currents in this area can be very strong.
Are you done with those busy beaches in the Algarve? Then Praia do Barril can be the beach for you. This wide beach is usually very quiet, as most people stay at the bars and restaurants in the eastern part of the island. You can go to this beach by train which is a great experience. Or you can walk there from Santa Luzia for example, which is a small and beautiful town. When you plan to walk from a nearby town you’ll walk through some wonderful nature of the Ria Formosa – a nature reserve. The beach has excellent facilities, is clean, and you can easily hire sunbeds. You will always experience wind at this wide beach which can be nice for cooling off.
Praia da Adraga is truly a secret gem. It’s a family-friendly and magnificent beach with multiple dark rock formations. It’s great to walk here and explore the various tunnels and grottoes. It has scenic beauty, and the wild and sandy beach is protected by cliffs. Once, it was considered as one of the top 20 European beaches by the Sunday Times. But it’s still not as popular as other beaches around Sintra or in the Algarve. You can find Praia da Adraga just a few kilometres north of Cabo da Roca. Cabo do Roca is the westernmost point of Portugal and the whole of Europe! It’s also part of a national park, with a tourist office in a lighthouse.
Our experts can help you understand the benefits for expats and foreigners in Portugal as they can profit from a more favourable tax system. But to give you some thought about this, we’ll mention a few things that can be beneficial to you when you’re looking to live in Portugal as an expat or as a foreigner.
By the way, an expat is someone who lives outside his or her own country whereas a foreigner is a person from a foreign country.
This all depends on how long you plan to stay in Portugal. If you stay for a short period in Portugal then you’ll only need to pay tax on income that you earned within Portugal. But if you reside for 183 days or more in Portugal in a calendar year you will be considered as a resident. And as a resident, you’ll need to pay income tax on your worldwide income. The more you earn, the more tax you will pay as a resident as the tax system for residents is progressive. If you’re not a resident then you will pay tax at a flat rate of 25% of your income.
Firstly, there’s the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR), which gives expats substantial exemptions for the first 10 years of residence. You can get this NHR status when you work in a qualifying profession. It has the benefit that you can live as a Portuguese resident, without having to pay tax on your earnings somewhere else in the world. Another benefit is that you’ll pay an income tax on Portuguese earnings of 20%, instead of the standard progressive rates up to 48%. The foreign pension income is increased from 0% to 10% by the Portuguese government in 2020.
What is the Golden Visa? This is a faster way to become eligible for Portuguese citizenship, usually after as little as five years. Unlike other countries, you don’t have to live in Portugal during that period to acquire citizenship via the Golden Visa. But to get the Golden Visa, you have to do a serious investment. For example, if you purchase a property that costs more than 500.000 euros or 400.000 in a low-density area, you could be awarded a golden visa as a foreigner. But there are some criteria to this:
The reason why Portugal does this is that it enables investors to travel freely within the EU and obtain residency. In most cases, the Golden Visa is requested by someone who invests in real estate.
Besides investing in property worth 500.000 or 400.000 euros in low-density areas, you could do more to obtain the Golden Visa. Think about the following investments:
Maybe you’re thinking, what are the benefits of the Golden Visa apart from being a citizen? Well, if you have the Portugal Golden Visa you’re able to include a family member on the visa with you. For example, your spouse, children under the age of 18, and more. Another benefit is that you can travel visa-free to the Schengen Zone countries for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days. Additionally, you and your family can have access to education and healthcare in Portugal. And once you have the Golden Visa, you’ll only have to stay in Portugal for 7 days every year to renew it. The last benefit is that you can apply for a Portugal passport after 5 years, which gives you access to the EU free market and more than 100 countries around the world to travel to.
You can easily apply for the Golden Visa at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). With the SEF’s online portal for handling Golden Visa Applications, you can register yourself. When you attach the required documents and pay the relevant fees, you can wait for confirmation from the SEF. Once it’s confirmed, you can schedule an appointment to submit your Golden Visa application at one of the local branches of the SEF.
It can be complicated to deal with everything that is involved with buying a property in Portugal. Apart from the properties that we sell, our buying and selling advisory, and our brokerage services, there’s more. We can help you with taxation, financing advice, and legal matters as well! And to name the rest where we can help you with: turn-key management in architectural design, renovation, construction, interior design & decorating and landscaping. So we are functioning as a one-stop-shop for buying your dream property in Portugal, or anywhere in Europe.
Besides Portugal, we are active in multiple order countries across Europe. We only sell the best luxury homes in dream destinations. We do everything to ensure you can live your best life. To help you find your dream property in the perfect destination that suits your aspirations and lifestyle, have a look at our other detailed guides and discover the best places to live in these countries. You will get an insight into the kind of luxury properties as well as the quality of life, and much more. Let the experts of Baerz & Co help you with your journey of finding your next high-end home.
• Mallorca
• The Balaerics
• Greece
• Italy
Would you like to receive our free newsletters from now on? Then register here:
Dutch 
German 
Spanish 
French 
Arabic 
Chinese 
Russian 
Quarteira
