Expert Info

Posted by laurawilmington
on 10 Dec 2016
Hi,
My partner and I are interested in visiting the Algarve area in order to learn more about the area to think about relocating there from the USA. Can anyone suggest a place to stay as our base while exploring the area?. We live on the NC coast now, love the beach, kayaking, snorkeling, cafes, good food and wine, and the chance to make new friends. He's 66, I'm 58. Thanks for any ideas for our first trip which we're planning for April. Thanks!
Laura
Anonymous (not verified) on 12 Dec 2016 - 10:04
Hi Laura,

I'm sure you'll love the Algarve. Where exactly you stay will depend on your personal preferences so I advise you to do lots of research online before making a decision. 

A good place to start is with the Expat Guides to Portugal and the Algarve

Alijezur is a popular choice on the coast and it already has a fairly large expat community. 

Do you have any contacts in Portugal already? Why did you pick Portgual over other destinations?

Regards.

Shantalie



theladypamela2… on 21 Jan 2019 - 14:55

Thank you Shantalie for your reply.  This is my first post on Expat Arrivals, we are a retiring couple from the mountains of Colorado and would love to know more about the Algarve.  We visited once about 2 years ago in the Spring and were entranced by the area.  After traveling extensively through Portugal and loving it, I must say, we found the the biggest roadblock was language.  Therefore we are seeking out places with lots of Expats in order to communicate while we work on Portugese. I understand it is a difficult language to learn and would love to know your thoughts on this fact. Such as, are there immersion courses available?

I will take your advice and read more of the Expat Guides, but any further info you could provide would be welcomed.

We chose Portugal because of our love of Europe and the coast.  After visiting other coastlines in France, Spain, and of course, Portugal, we find this area most beautiful with fairly good weather most of the time.

Thank you for your help and attention, John and Pamela Bryan

 

 

Anonymous (not verified) on 13 Dec 2016 - 12:50
Thank you both for reaching out. I'm doing my research at the same time I'm asking these questions so I'll know more soon. We chose to visit Algarve first because of the many positive comments on the climate, affordability , large expat community, the friendliness of the area, and it seemed like a good place to find out more about. I realize we have to visit to get a feel for the area so I was trying to figure out a base point to stay so we can drive around to and from various areas and get a sense of what feels like a good match for us. We like access to activities (he dances, I'm one to meet new girlfriend and enjoy female friendships) so we want enough choices fairly nearby to have variety. We like privacy but not remoteness. We ride bikes, love the beach, having good medical facilities fairly near by,. We're friendly and eager to plan this trip. Yes, I will keep learning more via the Web but we don't know anyone there so a suggestion or two on a central place to stay that is safe and convenient would be wonderful. . I've spent time in northern Portugal but don't know the south at all. I'll read the guides but figured it couldn't hurt to post here for feedback from those that live there giving me their thoughts. Thank you! Laura
Anonymous (not verified) on 12 Dec 2016 - 14:20
Hello, I was searching something about NZ and I found this ... I live in Algarve. What do you want to know?
Anonymous (not verified) on 26 Apr 2017 - 08:00
I would like to become an expat and retire in the Algarve area. I still want to work. I am a licensed professional Clinical Counseling with 10 years experience with people who have disabilities or mental health issues. Can I find a job here?

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