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Lagoa, with a population of 26,000, is both a city and municipality in the Faro district of southern Portugal. A typical Portuguese village of white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets, and tiled plazas that glow with sunshine year-round. The existence of man in Lagoa dates to pre-historic times, evident by the standing stones...
We have traveled through much of Portugal, visiting castles in medieval villages, exploring the bustling city of Lisbon on foot, and strolling along the Atlantic coastline’s golden beaches. Never have we felt unsafe in any way. But everyone knows that there is no perfect place to live so let’s take a realistic look at Portugal with regards to safety.
Often, I get asked why we left Panama and which country is better. Comparing two, totally different countries is like comparing night and day, but I will attempt to give a brief rundown of each, according to my opinion…
A career as an electrical engineer in the oil industry whisked Rafael Ferreira, age 67, and his wife Claudia, 63, around the world. But when it came time to settle down and find a happy ever after, this adventurous two-some chose Portugal. “We have been expats for 40 years," Claudia explains.
The couple's home is a six-bedroom, three-bathroom townhome in Old Town Albufeira, in the central Algarve. It features double kitchens, two terraces, and is less than 100 yards from the beach. They paid $333,775. With a home so big, they have room to spare. In fact, the house features an upstairs apartment that they rent out on Airbnb...
Portugal is a country rich in fruits and vegetables grown locally in the fertile farmland throughout the country. Orchards, vineyards, and crops of healthy delights like kale, cabbage, and chard are abundant and make it easy to eat healthily. Local markets offer a platform for farmers to sell their wares at discounted prices, putting a smile on the faces of those who buy them.
It was a cool winter day in the bustling city of Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the bridge from Porto, Portugal’s second largest metropolitan area. New expats Debbie, 57, and David Billings, 70, were out eagerly exploring their newly adopted country. It had only been three months since they landed in Portugal to begin the next chapter of their lives.
Susan, 60, and her husband, Tom Englehart, 71, have immersed themselves in the culture of Portugal’s Silver Coast for over three years now. But Susan and Tom are no strangers to expat life since Portugal is not where their expat story begins. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Susan worked in the healthcare industry before giving it up to pursue...
Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe for retirees from North America, and for good reason. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine each year, affordable living and heath care, a large expat network, stunning scenery and beaches, an easy visa process and English is widely spoken. But where is the best place to live in Portugal?
“We decided to sell our Lisbon apartment and look for a house with some land, but we ended up buying a farm,” Bill says. In central Portugal, the quaint village of Figueiró dos Vinhos is where they found their dream home, casa da lomba. Situated on a large plot of land with fruit trees, vegetation, and even a bio pool, the property offers the couple...