1. Because in the Algarve, even in Winter, the Sun Shines and Warms
It’s quite normal to see tourists walking around in shorts during the winter months. A sight that makes the locals shiver.
Our standards of cold are different than the ones from most European countries. In the Algarve you may enjoy a mild 20º Centigrades (68º Fanrenheit) during the day even in the colder months. In the Algarve, the rainless days can reach to 300 in a Year and the days where the sun shines most of the day can be just as many. The average rainfall can be high at some months but it is usually concentrated over a few days.
For a comfortable stay during the winter it is essential that the weather allows the possibility of doing outdoor activities unrestricted, this is the case of the Algarve. Staying home is optional, not mandatory. These good weather days can be put to good use to play golf in any of the over 30 international quality golf courses, practice horse riding, hiking, do any outdoor sports or quite simply feed the pigeons in the park. The possibilities are endless.
Live the winter with us and recharge your energies with the Algarve Sun.
2. At this Time of the Year, the Airfares are Cheaper
For those who choose to go away from their homes in winter time but still can’t disconnect entirely from their businesses or family affairs, Faro airport has hundreds of direct flights to the major European airports at low prices. Every passing Year, existing flights are reinforced and new routes are added, this tendency is prone to continue for the upcoming Years.
3. The Algarve is the Perfect Place to Live Retirement
It is not just us who say it. The huffington post and live and invest overseas chose the Algarve as the best place to live or retire in 2016 and 2015 respectively. The Telegraph positioned us in a silvery second place and Forbes, International Living and Time put us in a respectable ninth place. Whatever it is the website or publication, the Algarve and Portugal names are amongst the best in the world.
All the characteristics that are frequently spoken about of the Algarve, such as the good weather, gastronomy, traditions, medieval cities, the white sandy beaches, the Portuguese hospitality and the overall safety of the country, can be assessed by the already more than 100 thousand foreign retirees currently living here.
4. You Can Have Significant Fiscal Advantages by Becoming a Non-Habitual Resident in the Algarve
Apart from the already known health advantages, moving to the Algarve can bring you very significant fiscal advantages. If you live for at least 183 days in Portugal, and if you’ve never been taxed as a resident in Portugal in the last 5 Years, you are eligible to become a non-habitual resident. Doing so means that as a retiree you are IRS exempt for 10 Years and as a liberal worker you have a fixed IRS tax rate of 20% for the same 10 Years.
As you may have guessed, Portugal becomes a very attractive destination for those wishing to marry great quality of life with fiscal advantages. You can see the documentation here.
5. The Cost of Living is One of the Lowest in Western Europe
It’s no surprise that the cost of living in the Algarve and Portugal in general is about 30% lower than the rest of Western Europe. Contributing to this is the low cost of accommodation, fresh food, restaurants and entertainment (cinema, theatre, concerts, etc…) amongst many others. You can have a look at this website to compare the cost of living of your city versus Portugal.
6. Accommodation Costs are a Fraction of Summer Prices
The choice of the perfect property will depend a great deal on your budget and bedrooms needs but, in any case, the cost of a winter rental for a given month is about half that of the same month if you were renting it on a Yearly basis. This time of the Year is the best for those looking to get to know the Algarve, crowd free.
You get the same Algarve, at a superior level for an inferior price.
7. The Algarve is Just 2 to 3 Hours Away From Most of Europe’s cities
Faro airport is located in a central zone of the Algarve, it has more than 40 direct routes coming from the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and many other European countries. Flight times are from less than 2 hours away to around 3 for most of the destinations.
8. The Portuguese are Known to be Friendly
Although sometimes shy, the Portuguese people are as friendly as they come. According to some studies, such as this Internations website, the Portuguese are amongst the top 10 in the world when it comes to friendliness and ease of integration for foreigners.
Humble and welcoming, the Portuguese do pretty much everything to please their visitors and to make them feel welcome. These gestures can be seen, as an example, when you ask for driving directions, not only they are almost always willing to help but they also try to speak in the visitor’s language.
9. The Algarve has History and Activities for Everyone
Are you looking for something other than a roof over your head? Don’t worry, the Algarve has pretty much everything you may need. Along the coast, countless miles of white sandy beaches away you. Hidden amongst rocks and trails true salt water pools can be found. For those who enjoy hiking, there are natural trails that can be as challenging as you want them to be. Golf aficionado? Find out the best golf courses of Europe, hidden amongst pine trees and overlooking the Atlantic ocean.
For something more extraordinary, try sky diving, dolphin or bird watching in the Ria Formosa, enjoy a day in a desert island, or any of the many activities at your disposal.
10. Portugal is One of the Safest and Most Politically Stable Countries in the World
Portugal’s borders remain unchanged for over 800 Years. We’re one of the safest countries to be in according to a study made by the Institute for Economics and Peace which puts us in 5th place among 163 other countries. Ahead of countries such as Switzerland, Ireland and Canada.
The Portuguese are peaceful by nature, even when a revolution was necessary to overcome a dictatorial regime in 1974, this revolution was done without shedding a drop of blood or firing a single shot.
