THE ALGARVE

A Pousada is a hotel that is owned and partly managed by the state. Many Pousadas are interesting historic buildings such as castles or monasteries that have been restored. Many have prime locations and excellent views and they generally offer 4-5 star accommodation and associated facilities.

The first regional Pousada was created in Portugal in 1940 when the state owned Portugal Pousadas Group began- the concept was to restore and preserve national heritage and to increase the supply of first class accommodation. The Pousadas are classified into 4 groups being Historic, Historic Design, Nature and Charm.

The Hotel Pousada de Sao Bras de Alportel has magnificent views of the surrounding Algarve mountains and is near the Atlantic Ocean and the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. This Pousada offers the best of both worlds. It is set in peaceful countryside away from the crowded Algarve resorts and only thirty minute drive from the coastal resorts.Click here for properties for sale in Sao Bras

The Alentejo area is commonly known as the “bread basket” of Portugal. A fitting title for this vast open countryside with undulating plains and rich fertile soil. With very few exceptions all the major towns are mainly reliant on agriculture, livestock and wood. Typical products from this area are grain, sunflower, carthame, fruit, vegetables, olives, wines, cork, eucalyptus, lamb, pigs, kid, granite, schist and marble. This richness of produce has been taken from the land for thousands of years as visitors may encounter throughout most of the region signs of human existence from thousands of years ago

Topographically the countryside varies considerably, from the open rolling plains of the south of the Alentejo to the granite hills that border Spain in the north-east. To feed the water needs of this considerable area a number of public dams have been constructed. In the heart of the productive agriculture zone of Moura, there is the largest dam in Portugal named “Alqueva”, and also and one of the largest water surface areas in Europe.

Click here for properties for sale in the Alentejo region

Beja

This city is the capital of the Baixa Alentejo District and maintains attractive visible evidence of its historic background. It is recorded as existing in 48 AC after the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar gave it the name of Pax Julia and declared it as a regional capital. However, there is evidence that the location was inhabited since the Bronze Age. The Town Square was originally the site of its Roman Forum. The Moors renamed the town when they occupied it, and but for a brief time in 715, they were firmly entrenched from 711 to 1162.

The city with about 22.000 population has a number of ancient buildings and the name Beja as used today was given to it by the occupying Moors in the 6th Century. The Convento da Nossa Senhora da Conceição dating from 1459 is both visually interesting and enjoys international fame from the 1669 French publication of the celebrated “Lettres Portugaises”. These were five lyric love letters by a 26 year-old nun named Mariana Alcoforado to her lover the Comte de Saint-Léger after he deserted her.

Click here for properties for sale in Beja

Vale da Telha is situated in the Costa Vicentina National Park on the Western Atlantic coast of the Algarve. It is 6 kilometers from the charming white-washed hillside town of Aljezur, and is between the beautiful beaches of Monte Clerigo and Arrifana.

Vale da Telha is served by a small number of bars and restaurants plus a few shops, The town of Aljezur provides a daily market offering fresh produce including fresh fish, flowers and a host of locally grown vegetables. There are a range of banks, a post office, small supermarkets and shops plus local government offices and a good choice of restaurants in Aljezur.

Vale da Telha offers tranquility and amazing value compared to most areas along the south coast of the Algarve. If you feel tempted to find out more, why not come and check it out for yourself?

Click here for properties for sale in Vale da Telha

 Aljezur

The river that divides Aljezur was once navigable but today is just picturesque in spring and autumn and dry in summer. The ‘Old Town’ is built on a hill that leads up to the castle. The castle was built by the Moors in the 10th Centuary.

There are an array of small museums and galleries dotted along the narrow winding medieval streets & alleyways leading up to the castle. Crossing the river past the local ’strip faming area’ leads to the ‘New Town’. This is dominated by the new Church ‘Igreja Nova’ which has given its name to this part of the town.

Click here for properties for sale in Aljezur

If you are looking to purchase a property in Portugal then you will be aware that the majority of properties for sale here are priced in euros. Therefore, in order to make a purchase you will need to exchange your sterling funds for euros. The rate of exchange has fluctuated quite a lot within the last year with rates varying from highs of around 1.5 euros to the pound and lows of around 1.25 euros to the pound. It is thought that the higher rates were an extreme and current rates are around 1.3 euros to the pound.

If you would like to purchase a property in Portugal and are concerned about fluctuating rates then it is possible to purchase a property in
pounds sterling and avoid having to exchange monies into euros. There are a number of property owners in the Algarve who set their property prices in sterling and are happy to recieve payment in this currency.

For details of a selection of properties priced for sale in pounds sterling, please click the link below.

Click here.

There are also property owners who will accept euros or sterling and have reduced their sterling price substantially to attract potential buyers from the UK.

The first such property is a fantastic 2 bedroom townhouse on a small condominium with just 12 houses and a large communal swimming pool. The house is located in the area of Vale Formoso which is less than a 10 minute drive from the popular beach resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. The house benefits from air conditioning, underfloor heating and is being sold fully furnished. The asking price is 345,000 euros which at a rate of 1.3 is the equivalent of approximately 265,000 pounds sterling. However- the owner will also accept 250,000 sterling for the property thus a saving of 15,000 pounds sterling.

Click here for further details and pictures

Another great value property currently available for sale in pounds sterling is this spacious 4 bedroom detached villa close to Almancil just a 15 minutes drive from Faro airport.The villa is set on a plot of 1000m2 with around 300m2 build size making it a comfortable property for either permanent living or for a holiday home. The single storey property has air conditioning,
double glazing, underfloor heating, alarm system and a heated swimming pool. The property is being sold for 725,000 euros which equates to approximately 557,000 sterling. The owner is also prepared to accept 500,000 sterling hence a saving of 57,000 pounds.

Click here for further details and pictures     

If you are considering a permanent move to Portugal and want to bring your dog or cat with you, there are certain procedures to follow. ‘PETS’ (Pet Travel Scheme) is the system that allows pet dogs and cats to travel amongst EU and certain non-EU countries. To enter EU countries with pets from the UK you should get your pet micro chipped, (although some countries accept tattoos) and vaccinated against rabies. You should then obtain an EU pet passport. This will allow you to import your pet into most other EU countries.

A non-commercial pet importer may bring up to 5 pets into Portugal. If you have more, contact the Portuguese DGV (Direcção-Geral Veterinária) for advice. Animals under three months old can only enter Portugal from an EU country if the owner can prove that an animal not yet weaned is accompanied by its mother. If the rabies vaccination was the pet’s first vaccine then 21 days must pass before the pet may enter Portugal. There is no time delay with booster injections providing there is proof that the booster was given before the last vaccine had expired.

 Step by step procedures for importing your pet into Portugal:

 1.      Have your pet micro-chipped.

2.      Have your pet vaccinated against rabies after the micro-chipping,     even if the last vaccine is still current.

3.      Arrange a blood test to confirm satisfactory level of protection against rabies.

4.      Arrange ‘PETS’ documentation. For animals travelling to countries within the EU, such as Portugal, an EU passport is required.

5.      Arrange for your pet to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

6.      If you intend to return to the UK with your pet, he/she must be treated against ticks and tape worms no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours before he/she is checked in with an approved company for the journey into the UK.

Not all transport companies are registered as animal transporters. If you want to bring your pets from the UK to Portugal by air you can use one of the following companies:

Thomsonfly; GB Airways; Monarch Airlines; My Travel; British Airways World Cargo.

They fly to and from the below airports:

 To                      From

 Faro Airport   Doncaster

                          Gatwick

                          Heathrow

                          Manchester

Lisbon Airport  Gatwick

                           Heathrow

                          Manchester

Funchal Airport           Gatwick

(Madeira)                 Manchester

If you choose to travel by sea, Brittany Ferries sail to Santander, Spain, from Portsmouth and Plymouth.

And if you prefer rail travel, the Euro Tunnel Shuttle Service allows pets to travel from Folkestone to Calais.

There are of course many issues to consider before putting your pet through an overseas journey, such as the state of the pet’s health, whether or not it will take to its new life in a foreign land with different temperatures, and if your pet will be able to learn a new language to fit in with the locals!

Click here to see a selection of properties for sale in Portugal

This luxury villa in the Golden Triangle is located only a short distance away from the premier Algarve resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, where you will find some of the Algarve’s finest beaches, top golf courses, as well as tennis and sports clubs.

As you walk through the front door of this villa close to Quinta do Lago, you are will immediately appreciate its luxurious, light and airy interior. Continue into the large open plan living/dining room and make your way to the large doors leading outside.

Outside this luxury villa close to Quinta do Lago, you can relax on one of the many terraces, have a splash in the stunning salt water swimming pool or take the time to appreciate the private landscaped gardens. It is a wonderful place for ‘al fresco’ dining whilst gazing out at the beautiful views over the hills of Alte and Loule!!

This luxury villa in the Golden Triangle consists of four comfortable, modern bedrooms and four bathrooms. You have the added advantage of both air-conditioning and under floor heating in all of the bedrooms, ensuring your comfort at all times. Three of the bedrooms are on the ground floor. There is a large double room with double doors leading you straight onto the terrace and swimming pool. The other two bedrooms are twin rooms.

As you go upstairs, you will find the master bedroom with its Jacuzzi bath and shower and doors leading onto a large terrace with spectacular views!

Downstairs, there is a large basement which is ideal for use as a games room. Furthermore, there is a self contained flat which could comfortably sleep four people.

If you are looking for somewhere close to Quinta do Lago, but don’t want to pay Quinta do lago prices, this villa will prove an excellent choice. It’s ideal to relax, unwind and enjoy yourself in luxurious surroundings, be it as a holiday home or something more permanent, then this luxury villa in the Golden Triangle, which includes Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Almancil, is exactly what you are looking for! Click here for more details.

Gatehouse International have a number of Luxury villas for sale in Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and within the Golden Triangle.

Portugal: 00351 289 356395

UK: 0044 (0)1480 477773

If you are looking for a country villa in the Algarve then the area of Loule in the Central Algarve region is a fantastic choice. This market town is just 15 minutes from Faro airport and has lots of character with narrow cobbled streets, lots of history and traditional restaurants offering local dishes at good prices. Loule has supermarkets, shops and a food market offering fresh produce including fish, vegetables, fruit, cheese and home made bread and cakes.

In the town of Loule itself the properties are mostly apartments and townhouses but on the outskirts there a number of beautiful areas with country villas for sale at all different price levels. Many of these areas offer
fantastic views towards the coast and have the convenience of being just a short drive from Loule and all of it’s amenities. Loule is a popular area for people looking for a holiday home away from the busy tourist resorts and also a good choice for those looking to relocate to the Algarve and settle in a quiet area close to the airport and facilities such as medical centres,
shops and restaurants. Loule is just minutes from the A22 motorway which makes access to the airport and other areas convenient and it is just 20 minutes drive from the coast and the beautiful Algarve beaches.

A country villa in Loule can cost anything from around 300,000 euros to 2 million euros depending on it’s location, size and finishings. Below are details of 3 very different country villas for sale in Loule and surrounding areas to demonstrate what you can get for your money there.

The first is a 3 bedroom detached villa with pool and separate annex around 10 minutes drive from Loule. The villa is in a quiet location in the village of Salir and is very well priced at 280,000 euros. The villa is on a good sized plot of just over 1000m2 and benefits from lovely views of the countryside. The property provides the perfect opportunity to purchase a ‘bolt hole’ away from it all with the convenience of the town’s amenities close at hand.

More details of this property

For 675,000 euros you can buy this fantastic 3 bedroom farmhouse on a plot of 5000m2 with sea views. The house is set in an elevated position and has fantastic landscaped gardens and a private swimming pool. The house is just a short drive from Loule and benefits from a garage and central heating.

More details of this property

If you are looking for a property in a fantastic setting with sea and country views and luxury finishings then the next property could be for you! This country villa is just 8 minutes drive from the centre of Loule and is set on 3 floors with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and guest cloakroom. The 4th bedroom is on the lower floor and is set in a self contained apartment with lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom and direct access to the pool area. The villa has underfloor heating, air conditioning, newly fitted kitchen and bathrooms, large games room with bar area and a spacious lounge with fireplace. The villa has many terraces from which you can enjoy the fabulous views and there is also a room next to the bbq area with kitchen, bathroom and shower which makes outdoor dining easy. The villa is priced at 1.5 million euros and has to be viewed to be appreciated. Click here for further details.

Contact us for further details of these country villas in Loule or for a range of alternative properties. Tel 01480 477773 from the UK or (00351) 289 356395 from other areas.

The idea of part ownership of an overseas property was borne out of the demand for the opportunity of investment for all level of investors. It also provides the chance of regular holidays in one’s own home but without the pressure of feeling one has to holiday there at every opportunity because of a large mortgage. For a relatively small investment, one can become part-owner of a freehold property, yours to enjoy for a part of the year, on a rotating basis, meaning that each owner will occupy the property at different times of the year. Many resorts also provide a full rental service with their part ownership scheme. Thus if you choose not to use your allocated time they will rent and manage your property for you, leaving you with a pay cheque to spend on a holiday somewhere else!

PESTANA

The ‘Four Owner Scheme’ at Pestana Golf Resort in Carvoeiro uses the wonderfully simple scheme of rotation. Along with three other independent parties you own a luxury freehold property at Pestana Golf Resort, each quarter secured by individual title deeds. This well proven system considerably reduces the cost of ownership as it is split into four equal parts, with each party using the property for thirteen weeks of the year. The convenient rotating system means that each owner will enjoy the property in different seasons each year. This golf resort will let your property for the periods that you don’t want to personally use, and of course you can sell your investment at any time. Every property is sold fully furnished and the professional management team takes care of the maintenance and administration of your property. As a freehold property owner you benefit from special golf rights during your ownership periods.

Prices start at €54.700 for an apartment and go up to €149.500 for an off plan 3 bedroom townhouse.

Click here for further information

PALM GARDENS

This peaceful resort consisting of only 80 townhouses is set on a stunning cliff top location just outside Carvoeiro. Many of the houses boast sea views, and all are sold fully furnished and with air conditioning, satellite T.V, and fitted kitchens. Communal facilities include tennis courts, swimming pool, gymnasium and health club, and owners benefit from discounts on nearby golf courses. The Four Owner Scheme on this development also operates on the simple and convenient rotating system that allows each owner to use the property for the different seasons. The resort team can let your property for the periods that you don’t want to make use of it, and an owner can sell their investment at any time.

Prices start at €59.500 for a two bedroom townhouse.

Click here for further information

AMENDOEIRA GOLF RESORT

This luxury golf resort set amidst the beautiful countryside east of the historic city of Silves, with 640 acres of golf, leisure, and accommodation facilities, is set to be one of the finest of its kind in Europe. The project will feature two 18 hole championship golf courses, hotel and spa, swimming pools, tennis courts, football pitches, bowling greens, and a family centre with crêche, activity club, restaurant and bar. The Stepping Stone Scheme consists of each property owner enjoying 13 weeks of the year, in rotation.

The scheme is available on 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with prices starting at €170.000, and there is one remaining 3 bedroom villa quarter share still available at €290.000.

VILA BAIA

This resort in the village of Luz provides two different part ownership schemes. Stepping Stones is the simple quarter share ownership scheme with each owner enjoying 13 weeks of the year, in rotation. The second scheme ivolves 12th share ownership of linked villas. This new approach to home ownership allows 12 unconnected buyers to collectively own 100% of a freehold property in the sun. This scheme meets the needs of many potential buyers and provides the steps to a dream home. This is a practical and appealing way to own property providing all the benefits of ownership without the burdens and responsibilites, and the price includes a quality furniture package. The property can be rented out to generate income, thus reducing the annual overheads considerably.

Prices for quarter share Stepping Stones start at €65.000 for a one bedroom apartment and €110.000 for a 2 bedroom apartment. The 12th Share Scheme has prices starting at €25.000 for a 3 bedroom linked villa.

VILA SOL

For a fraction of the normal purchase price the buyer can enjoy the full services and discounts of this luxury golf resort, and only pay a quarter of the fixed costs such as condominium fees. The rotational occupancy scheme ensures all co-owners enjoy an equal share of holiday time within the different holiday seasons. These apartments are within Vila Sol Village, near to the luxurious spa and brand new commercial centre of the resort. There are ample grassed areas, three main pools – one of which is heated – a children’s pool, jacuzzi, and a bar/restauarant. This much sought-after golf resort boasts a 27 hole golf course, tennis courts, and restaurants. The properties are fully furnished and equipped and feature fitted kitchens, air conditioning plus heating, and a T.V and stereo system.

Prices for this Seasonal Ownership Scheme start at €120.000 for an apartment.

Click below for further information

For more information on share ownership, contact Gatehouse International on either:
Portugal: 00351 289 356 395
UK: 01480 477773

Many of those who discover this up-and-coming coastal region go on to fall in love with it. The Silver Coast is rapidly becoming the most desirable part of Portugal for discerning property investors, and the price movements are beginning to reflect this growth in popularity. For those seeking property for sale in the Silver Coast (Costa Prata as it’s known), the advice would be to act sooner rather than later, before the prices soar to match the properties for sale in the Algarve.

The Silver Coast stretches from north of Lisbon up the west coast to Porto. The most popular areas of the Silver Coast are currently the areas from Lourinhã up to Peniche, on to São Martinho do Porto and Nazaré on the coast, and a little inland to the town of Caldas da Rainha and the medieval walled city of Óbidos.

Property on the Silver Coast is currently in hot demand, and provides a fashionable alternative for those seeking an option away from the hustle and bustle of the Algarve. Of course, there are differences between the two regions. In the Silver Coast not so much English is spoken and in some inland areas it will be almost non-existent. One should be prepared for the adventure that comes with choosing a region, like the Silver Coast, that is untarnished by tourism. In fact, the Silver Coast remains the real Portugal, where traditions and culture abound. The beaches are incredibly popular in July and August with Portuguese holiday makers, thus maintaining a distinct Portuguese feel to the area, even since its recent discovery by foreign tourists searching for their bargain holiday beach home. There is also a marginal difference between the weather fronts of the Silver Coast and the Algarve. More marked though is the huge difference in weather fronts between anywhere in Portugal and the U.K! Central and Northern Portugal boast beautifully hot summers, blue skies and sunshine throughout the winter, and what maybe even be considered a bonus is that they don’t experience the fierce dry heat of the Algarve. However one looks at it, the weather will always be a joy compared to that of the U.K.

Another reason to choose the Silver Coast is that property prices are still a lot less than most other destinations in Southern Europe. However, with the recent trend to buy in this region, investors are hoping that the Silver Coast will see the sort of price hikes that the early investors of the Algarve enjoyed. Most are also hoping that further development will be controlled as the local authorities are promising so that the peaceful charm of the area won’t be swamped. But can there be hope for a rise in prices and yet coasts and towns remain unspoilt? Some say yes as the Portuguese have watched and learned from the rate of progresss in neighbouring Spain.

If you have not yet discovered this delightful region of Portugal, put it on the top of your list of destinations before you consider investing anywhere else. You won’t be disappointed.

For examples of properties for sale on the Silver Coast, go here.

There are a number of excellent restaurants in the Almancil area ranging from local chicken houses to top quality eateries.

Our office here in the Algarve is based in Almancil and our staff have good knowledge of the local restaurants and have taken the opportunity to share their favourite dining places with you.

‘A Quinta’ restaurant is a firm favourite and is located on the road from Loule to Almancil. The restaurant has a bar area for pre dinner drinks and an outdoor dining area with views towards the coast. The lunch menu features a daily special for just 10 euros including a drink and a coffee. The staff are very friendly and the cuisine is superb-the menu has something for everyone with fish and meat dishes and a good range of delicious desserts. For those with a sweet tooth try the four pots or ‘assiete’ which allows you to sample the creme brulee, chocolate pot, raspberries and home made vanilla ice cream.

‘Vaults’ restaurant is relatively new to Almancil but is already a popular choice with expats as it offers a monthly curry night buffet and sunday carvery! The restaurant is located in one of Almancil’s oldest buildings with lots of character. Lunch specials available from Wednesday to Friday.

For local cuisine at good prices try the ‘Almancil Churrasqueira’ located close to the Almancil GNR (police) station. Reservations area advisable as this place is always packed with locals and holidaymakers alike. The piri piri chicken is a favorite but the vast menu provides something for everyone.

The ‘Alambique’ restaurant is located on the road from Quinta do Lago to Vale do Lobo and is a friendly restaurant in a nice setting with interior and exterior dining available. The cuisine is Portuguese/international with many fish specialities.

‘O Malveiro’ is located just outside Almancil in the Vale d’Eguas area and is worth a visit to sample the special Mozambique chicken and prawn curries. The restaurant owner is friendly and welcoming and happy to show you a sample of his dishes. He also has a good selection of wines and is able to offer advice and suggestions in this regard. 

The Lemon Tree or ‘O Limeiro’ in the centre of Almancil is open for lunch and dinner witha small courtyard providing a pleasant outside dining experience. The menu changes often with daily specials available- the food is described as ‘portuguese food with a twist’

If you are looking for a property in close proximity to these wonderful restaurants then click the link below for some suggestions

  http://www.algarveprop.com/property-for-sale-Almancil.html