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Plenty of families dream of moving abroad – usually after happy, relaxed holidays with long days spent enjoying the sunshine. And moving overseas can certainly deliver a wide range of lifestyle benefits. After a wonderful break in Portugal’s Algarve recently, we chatted to Alda Filipe, Sales and Marketing Director at Kronos Homes, about what families can gain from relocating to the Algarve.
She advised:
“The Algarve offers a climate that is perfect for enjoying an active, outdoor lifestyle all year long. That means plenty of exercise outdoors and fresh, sea air for growing children, as well as the chance to explore a superb local gastronomy, which is increasingly being recognised both within Portugal and beyond its borders.”
Alda is referring to Portugal’s rising culinary prowess on the international stage. Michelin is about to launch its first-ever guide dedicated to Portugal, with a gala launch celebration in the Algarve. The region, which lies at the southern tip of Portugal, is home to eight Michelin-star restaurants, which is more than any other region in the country. One of these – Al Sud, located at the stunning Palmares Ocean Living & Golf – earned its first Michelin star within just months of opening back in 2021 and has retained it ever since, as Executive Chef Louis Anjos and his team create culinary masterpieces based on traditional flavours.
While Michelin-star eateries provide gastronomic delights for parents, youngsters are also well catered to by Portuguese restaurants. Little adventurers who can’t sit still are likely to earn smiles and hair tousles rather than tuts from staff in this family-focused destination, where traditional dishes range from simple grilled meats to rich seafood stews. A selection of mini starters – known as ‘couvert’ – are usually provided, meaning youngsters can nibble on fresh bread, local cheeses, sardine pate and olives while they wait for their meal to arrive.
The Algarve is, of course, also well known for its sunshine and its beaches. The region enjoys 300 sunny days per year on average and is home to over 100 beaches – both key points for families considering a move there. Beaches range from tiny coves to huge, windswept stretches of sand, meaning that a huge variety of water sports can be enjoyed, as well as simply relaxing on a lounger while the little ones build sandcastles. For older children, there are high-octane rides at the waterparks dotted along the coast, while the annual Fiesa sand sculpture exhibition can delight visitors of any age.
The sunny weather means that land-based sports are just as popular as water sports in the Algarve. Golf, in particular, is a draw from many of those who choose to settle in this region. Far from being just for retirees, Portugal’s courses welcome players of all ages. The courses at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf and Vale de Lobo are particularly notable for their stunning scenery, with the sparkling Atlantic Ocean providing an impressive backdrop.
In terms of infrastructure, the Algarve is home to a wide selection of schools (state, private and international), hospitals (again, both state and private) and the third busiest airport in the country. Connections to 63 different destinations means it’s easy to keep in touch with folk back home while also enjoying travel to other countries in Europe and beyond. The Algarve’s land border with Spain means that eco-friendly travel into the rest of Europe is also easy.
Given the current cost of living in the UK and the country’s property market turbulence, a move to Portugal holds other appeals too. Numbeo collects data on the cost of living in a wide range of countries, from thousands of different contributors. Its latest figures show that life in Portugal is, on average, 27.2% lower than life in the UK, while renting a home there is 28.6% lower. Excluding rent, estimated monthly costs for a family of four living in Portugal are £1,845.20 (€2,144.70).
Property prices are impressive too. At Palmares, Signature Apartments cost from €600,000, with beautiful ocean views, outdoor terraces and plenty of space to relax in peace. The homes come fully furnished, making it easy to settle straight into a new life in the Algarve. It’s certainly tempting…
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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