Place Guides

An Overview of International Schools in the Algarve

Are you considering making the Algarve your family’s new home? You’re in good company! The Algarve’s expat community in this stunning region is growing, and with it, the number of international schools has risen, offering a variety of educational options for families from the UK, USA, Canada, South Africa, Germany, the Netherlands, and all over. While the Portuguese education system is excellent and accommodating to foreign students, you might prefer an international education for your children. This is often the …

A scenic coastal view featuring a secluded beach surrounded by rocky cliffs and greenery. The calm ocean waves gently lap against the sandy shore under a bright blue sky with a few scattered clouds. Cliffside vegetation adds a touch of green to the landscape.

The Algarve is often split into three sections: the Eastern Algarve, the Central Algarve, and the Western Algarve. Every region of the Algarve has its areas of natural beauty, but the Western Algarve, and in particular the Western Coast of the Algarve, is considered to be the more scenic part of the Algarve. It’s made up of rugged cliffs, a national park, and numerous small, often empty, and incredibly beautiful beaches. One of the most appealing aspects of the Western Algarve is its …

A scenic coastal view featuring rugged cliffs with layers of reddish-brown rock, lush green vegetation near the edges, and the expansive blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky. The horizon stretches, seamlessly blending water and sky in the distance.

The Algarve has earned a fantastic international reputation: sunshine, beaches, and an global community that makes moving abroad feel less like jumping off a cliff and more like stepping onto something almost familiar. But it’s also Portugal—which means you get the good (safety, lifestyle, pastéis de nata) and the frustrating (bureaucracy, housing quirks, healthcare bottlenecks). And because so much of the Algarve runs on tourism, the experience can change dramatically depending on where you live and what month it is. …

A wide, sandy beach under a clear blue sky with gentle waves breaking onshore. In the background, there’s a rocky hill with numerous buildings perched on top, and more buildings spread along the coastline, giving a picturesque coastal town view.

Imagine waking up to the sound of Atlantic waves, strolling along golden sandy beaches, and immersing yourself in authentic Portuguese culture. This is the essence of life on Portugal’s Silver Coast, or Costa de Prata. Stretching roughly 150 kilometres (93 miles) north from Lisbon, this picturesque region offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities. The Silver Coast is home to a diverse array of towns and cities, each with its own unique character. From the …

A charming street scene in Lisbon, Portugal, with a vintage yellow tram labeled "28" traveling along cobblestone tracks. The backdrop features colorful buildings, including a red one, trees with autumn foliage, parked vehicles, and a quaint urban atmosphere.

Thinking about making Portugal’s capital your new home? From stunning views to startup culture, ancient trams to artisanal coffee shops, Lisbon has a lot to offer. But is it right for you? I’ve spent years helping people relocate to Portugal, and Lisbon remains one of the most popular choices – especially for young professionals and digital nomads. But like any city, it’s got its quirks, charms, and challenges. Let’s dive into what makes Lisbon tick – and whether it might …

A brown decorative wallet lies partly open on a white surface, displaying various Euro banknotes and several scattered Euro coins in different denominations. The wallet features a colorful and intricate pattern with a small metal zipper pull.

Living in Lisbon is no longer as cheap as it once was, particularly when it comes to rental costs. Although there are more expensive restaurants and coffee shops than there were a few years ago, most of the other living costs have risen in a much less dramatic fashion. It’s still possible to find a lunch menu for less than €10 if you look hard, a glass of wine for €1-2, a coffee for 50-60 cents, and to keep your …

Panoramic view of a coastal landscape in Portugal with shallow water and boats anchored in the distance. Green patches of seaweed and sandbeds are visible at low tide. Houses with yellow roofs and a clear blue sky can be seen in the background.

The Eastern Algarve, starting from the charming town of Olhão and stretching to the Spanish-Portuguese border, offers a unique and enchanting lifestyle for those seeking a more laid-back and authentic Portuguese experience. While it may not be as crowded as the Central Algarve, the Eastern Algarve still boasts a fair share of tourists, striking a perfect balance between tranquility and vibrancy. Living in the Eastern Algarve means having access to a wide array of stunning beaches, although some may require …

A picturesque coastal scene shows a sandy beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and clear blue waters. White-washed buildings with red and yellow roofs overlook the beach from the cliffs above. People are sunbathing and enjoying the beach. Small plants are in the foreground.

The Algarve is often split into three sections: the Eastern Algarve, the Central Algarve, and the Western Algarve. The Central Algarve is the vibrant heart of the Algarve region, offering a perfect blend of stunning beaches, world-class amenities, and easy access to both the eastern and western parts of the Algarve. With the majority of the population, including a significant expat community, residing in this area, the Central Algarve provides a diverse and dynamic lifestyle. One of the main draws of the Central Algarve …

Two people sit on a park bench facing a circular fountain in a city square. The park is surrounded by bare trees and colorful buildings with a blue and white facade, reminiscent of Portugal's charming architecture. It's a clear day with a few people walking in the background.

Lisbon is a city that captures the hearts of both visitors and residents alike. With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to call Lisbon their home or spend their holidays exploring its charming streets. However, with so many diverse neighbourhoods to choose from, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. Whether you’re looking for a lively area to stay during …

A green felt book cover with a button closure lies on a soft beige surface. A folded 100 euro banknote is placed on top of the cover. A small black tag with white text is visible on the book cover's side.

Porto is one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities, and some would say its most beautiful. Although smaller than Lisbon, it has plenty of great bars, restaurants, shops, and cafés. Most importantly, the cost of living in Porto is much more affordable than Lisbon particularly when it comes to rental and property prices. Porto’s proximity to the beach makes it popular with surfers and those that want to be by the coast, and it’s just one the many reasons that many …

An Overview of International Schools in the Algarve

A Guide to Living in the Western Algarve

The Pros & Cons of Living in the Algarve

Silver Coast Guide: What It’s Like to Live on Portugal’s Costa da Prata

The Pros & Cons of Living in Lisbon

Cost of Living in Lisbon: The Breakdown

A Guide to Living in the Eastern Algarve

A Guide to Living in the Central Algarve

A Guide to Lisbon’s Best Neighbourhoods

Cost of Living in Porto: The Breakdown