Place Guides

Retiring in The Azores

A scenic view of lush green farmland on Pico, Azores, divided by hedgerows on a sloping landscape leading to a coastline with deep blue ocean waters. A few scattered houses and farm buildings are nestled amidst the patchwork of fields, with hills in the background and a partly cloudy sky overhead.

Is Portugal better or is the grass just greener?

Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores offer a unique retirement destination for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. As an autonomous region of Portugal, these nine volcanic islands combine European charm with a remote, almost mystical atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes the Azores an appealing retirement choice and what you need to know before making the move. The Azores: An Overview The Azores archipelago, located about 1,500 kilometres …

Aerial view of a coastal area with a long sandy beach on the left, lined with sun umbrellas and calm blue water. On the right, there is a residential area with houses surrounded by greenery and trees. The scene extends to the horizon under a clear sky.

Nestled in the south of Portugal, the Algarve has long been a destination for those seeking sun, sea, and a touch of luxury. At the heart of this region lies the Golden Triangle, an unofficial term for the area encompassing the prestigious resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, along with the charming town of Almancil. The Golden Triangle is strategically located between Faro, the Algarve’s capital and home to the international airport, and Albufeira, known for its …

A person wearing a white shirt and a watch is holding and pointing at a large, detailed city map with yellow highlighted areas. The person is standing outdoors near a wall, with part of a car visible in the background.

Lisbon, the ever-popular capital of Portugal, has long been a magnet for those seeking a blend of historic charm, vibrant culture, and a laid-back lifestyle. However, as the city centre burgeons with popularity, it’s becoming increasingly expensive and competitive to secure a home within its narrow, cobbled streets. For many, the allure of Lisbon isn’t confined to its central districts. In fact, the towns near Lisbon and neighbourhoods on the outskirts offer a fantastic alternative for those wishing to be …

The Algarve VS The Silver Coast: Finding Your Paradise in Portugal

When dreaming of moving to Portugal, the sunny Algarve and the charming Silver Coast often top the list of potential new places to live. Each has its own unique appeal, from climate to community, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference. Let’s dive into what sets these two beautiful regions apart. The Algarve Let’s start with the Algarve, the most popular place for prospective expats considering a new life in Portugal. Best Weather The Algarve’s biggest draw …

6 of The Prettiest Towns on the Algarve

Are you dreaming of a sun-soaked getaway filled with stunning beaches, rich history, and authentic Portuguese charm? Look no further than the Algarve! While this beautiful region has seen its fair share of development, with modern resorts and bustling tourist spots, there are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Join us as we explore six of the prettiest and most authentic towns in the Algarve, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and fall in …

A detailed map of Porto, Portugal, showcases the city's intricate street network, with major roads and intersections highlighted. The map features a minimalistic, light green and cream color scheme and includes a scale indicator in the bottom left corner.

In recent years, Porto has emerged as a prime tourist destination in Portugal, drawing visitors and expats with its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes. However, this surge in popularity has also led to a significant increase in property prices and the overall cost of living within the city. Consequently, many individuals, including expats and students, are exploring alternative places to live near Porto, where they can enjoy a lower cost of living without sacrificing the conveniences and attractions …

A wooden boardwalk with railings leads down to a sandy beach with turquoise waters on a sunny day. The coastline stretches into the distance with cliffs and scattered beachgoers. Green shrubs and rocky terrain border the path. Fluffy white clouds dot the blue sky.

Many newspapers refer to Portugal’s Algarve region (and sometimes the whole of Portugal) as the California of Europe. There are definitely similarities between the two locations, particularly with regards to the beaches and weather, but there are also a considerable number of differences as well. There are some similarities and differences between the two regions but, generally speaking, ‘California of Europe’ is more of a marketing slogan than anything else (don’t forget to also visit Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal). …

A symmetrical facade of a building covered in blue and white tiles with 15 windows in a grid pattern. Each window has a blue wrought-iron balcony railing. The design is consistent across the entire surface, creating a harmonious and repetitive visual effect.

If you’re looking to live in a large Portuguese city, there are really only two options, Lisbon and Porto. Both cities offer a unique blend of tradition and modernity but come with their own distinct characteristics. So which should you pick? Lisbon, the larger of the two, is the political, economic, and cultural centre of Portugal. Situated along the Tagus River, it offers a mix of historic neighbourhoods and new developments, providing a broad range of living options. The city …

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair is wearing a gray tank top and holding two white pillows over both of her ears. Her facial expression appears frustrated or annoyed. She is indoors, with a neutral-colored background.

Lisbon, with its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, can sometimes be a noisy place, posing a challenge for light sleepers. It’s crucial to do your homework before settling on a rental space, whether it’s an apartment rental or an Airbnb, as adaptation to the city’s sound levels varies greatly among individuals. While some areas of Lisbon are tranquil, noise levels can fluctuate significantly even within quieter neighbourhoods, largely due to the unpredictability of neighbours. Unfortunately, it’s just one of the …

A display of beef jerky products labeled "Azores Beef Jerky," with one package of pork jerky in the center. Each packet is paired with a bowl of jerky pieces. The setup is decorated with a festive red and green plaid border on a burlap cloth.

In this interview, Tricia Alker explains how she moved from the US to the island of Pico in the Azores. She talks about how they had initially planned to start another business within the seafood industry, but life had other plans and they ended up starting Azores Jerky, a beef jerky company. What motivated you to move from California to Pico island in the Azores? In 1998 my husband was asked by a colleague/friend in California to help in a …

Retiring in The Azores

What It’s Like to Live in the Algarve’s Golden Triangle

15 Of the Best Places to Live Near Lisbon

The Algarve VS The Silver Coast: Finding Your Paradise in Portugal

6 of The Prettiest Towns on the Algarve

12 Of the Best Places to Live Near Porto

Is Portugal’s Algarve Really the California of Europe?

Lisbon VS Porto: Where Should Expats Choose to Live?

Is Lisbon Noisy? Where Are the Noisiest & Quietest Neighbourhoods

Interview: How Tricia & Griff Alker Started a Beef Jerky Business in the Azores