Where is Algarve, Portugal?

The Algarve is the southern region of Portugal stretching from the most South Westerly part of Europe to the Spanish border. It boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, is a golfer's paradise, offers delicious cuisine combining Spanish and African influences, and has golden beaches galore.

Why Algarve, Portugal?

There is something very special about the Algarve, something that is unique to all of Europe and many parts of the world. What is it? It seems timing and learning from the mistakes of other countries has put the Algarve in a unique position. Even six years ago you may not have even considered buying in Portugal, why? It hadno infrastructure, the roads were horrendous and it was a very backward place. However, this has served as a protection. While Spain and other countries went crazy with building that has seen the ruination of many towns and vast amounts of coastline, Portugal was just not in a position to do the same. Then came 2004! Portugal received its share of the EU funding for poorer countries but did good with the investment. They invested in fantastic motorways and services, and the most high tech banking system and internet services in Europe were just the beginning.

But the real benefit was that Portugal knew that as a result of this new infrastructure the developers would come! They immediately put restrictions on how close you can build to the sea and on how high you can build. They certified many of the beaches and claimed large parts of the country as national parks which has protected it from ruthless builders.

The result? Europe’s last ecologically clean and protected environment that is set to become one of the most sort after locations in Europe and the world. As people keep looking for places to retire and second homes in the sun the above elements are what is going to continue to drive the value of properties in this area. Already in the last few years we have seen increasing numbers of British, Irish, German, Dutch, Belgium and even the FRENCH coming to this region! Now that says something!

As of March 2009 Portugal became the number one searched for location for a second home in Europe!

Sun, sea and sand... some great relaxation!

Some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the entire world are to be found in the Algarve. It is hardly surprising then that the region is a favourite for sun‐seekers from all over. They come in search of the natural heritage that is now managed in a sustainable fashion, in order to provide quality recreational facilities able to meet all kinds of requirements. There are beaches to suit every taste with the majority having gained due recognition in the form of the EU "Blue Flag" for quality standards.

Along its 200‐kilometre coastline, the Algarve features all types of coves, cliffs and caves, its rocky beaches contrasting with broad expanses of sand. Equally attractive is the Algarve's mild climate all year round. From Odeceixe all the way to Vila Real de Santo António, the entire coast enjoys a Mediterranean‐style microclimate with temperatures that vary from 15º C in winter through to 30º C in summer. The beaches of the Algarve thus represent the ideal choice for some truly invigorating holidays!

The Western Algarve, the jewel of the Algarve

The Western Algarve is a place of unrivalled outstanding natural beauty. One of its main towns and tourist attractions is the historic walled town of Lagos. Lagos retains an unspoilt mix of tradition and modernity and consists of traditional cobbled streets lined with trendy shops, restaurants, bars and a lively nightlife. While guarded by an ancient fort, Lagos features a cosmopolitan marina holding opulent yachts and servicing over 407 berths. Visitors may enjoy Europe's finest beaches ranging from the small coves sheltered by cliffs and grottos to flat long sandy stretches with crystal clear waters. The rolling hills of the countryside and the unspoiled coastline create a diverse landscape well suited for a wide range of activities, sport and culture, bringing thousands of tourists to this region each year.

Key regional facts

The Western Algarve's main city, Portimão is a buzzing, vibrant, cosmopolitan town with a modern marina, wide sandy beaches and investment is being thrown at it from all over the sporting and financial arenas of the world! This region will become a major tourism hub with massive growth potential due to several factors:

New Racetrack

A new €200m Formula 1 circuit will no doubt attract the interest of Bernie Ecclestone in the hope of bringing the Grand Prix back to Portugal after Estoril lost it through safety concerns back in 1996. The Autódromo International Algarve is an integrated tourism and leisure development which will include racetrack, go cart track, sports centre and 5 star resort operated by The Radisson Group. The complex will house 100,000 spectators comfortably and inevitably attract the world's sporting media and racing fans from all around the world.

The Mclaren-Mercedes Formula 1 team carried out tests in 2008 and the Superbikes World Championship, the A1GP, the Algarve 1000km (Le Mans Championship Series) and the GP2 are scheduled for 2009 along with a whole host of product launches.

Golf

The Algarve is renowned as a golfing Mecca. The weather is glorious and the quality of courses, not forgetting the variety, is unsurpassed. Lagos is home to several world-class championship golf courses including Boavista, Penina, Palmares, and Parque da Floresta. A further 31 courses are available within a short drive.

New Airport

A new airport is expected to be finished in 2011 promising cheap flights from across Europe. The location for the new airport will be near the International Racing Circuit, at Sítio do Escampadinho, close to Mexilhoeira Grande, in Portimão. According to the project promoters, the proximity to the racing track is one of the main incentives to attract foreign investment. The airport is expected to have a longer and wider runway than Faro Airport and a passenger friendly arrival and departure area.
Regarded as an excellent opportunity for tourism it will allow more people to visit the area and ensure shorter transfers.

The Media

In a report published by The Telegraph, experts from the real estate sector say that Portugal will hold its position despite the impact of the international crisis. The housing boom that oversupplied other countries in recent years, like neighbours Spain and France, did not hit Portugal with the same intensity. Prices in the Algarve region have "risen faster" than in the rest of the Portugal in recent years. Anyone who buys now is getting in on a market where there is demand, affluence and affordability.

Portugal - key country facts

		Unique climate - more than 300 days of sunshine per year
		Healthy Mediterranean cuisine
		Excellent Leisure & sports facilities - golf, beach, wellness & spa
		Many Algarve beaches are environmental certified
		Friendly and relaxed atmosphere where English is widely spoken
		The British choose Algarve as one of their preferred destinations in Europe Approximately 40,000 British nationals live here permanently 11,000 Brits live here for part of the year
		It's just a two-and-a-half hour flight away from London
		The last three year average occupancy rate of 4 and 5 star resorts in the Algarve has been 66%
		Home to some of Europe's best golf courses
		Algarve World Cup & Portugal Masters (PGA European Circuit) held at Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura
		The Algarve was elected "Best Worldwide Golf Destination 2006" by International Association of Golf Tour Operators
		The Algarve gets close to one million golf rounds per year
		Portugal was voted best place to buy in the sun by A Place in the Sun
		Portugal came in at number three in the '20 best places to make money' by A Place in the Sun
		Portugal is set to boost its investment potential after receiving a €21bn EU grant to develop the country.

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