The Algarve once again stood out as the “best place in the world to retire”. According to Condé Nast Traveller, a British travel magazine, the Portuguese region was chosen, for the third consecutive year, as the ideal destination for those looking for quality of life, safety and an enviable climate.
Between villages with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and lacy chimneys, the south of Portugal continues to enchant those who discover it. Surrounded by fig, olive, almond and carob trees, the Algarve maintains a peaceful pace of life, with a charm that mixes the sea and tradition.
Sun, sea and good life
The climate is one of the great assets. According to the same source, the Algarve receives more than 3,300 hours of sunshine per year, a number that surpasses almost all regions in Europe. The mild temperatures and the Atlantic breeze guarantee long, pleasant days, even in winter.
Along approximately 160 kilometers of Atlantic coast, there are numerous golden sand beaches, jagged cliffs and tranquil lagoons.
Many have received the Blue Flag, a distinction awarded by the European Blue Flag Association, and coexist side by side with 42 golf courses, a number that places the Algarve among the most prestigious golf destinations in the world.
Furthermore, the region is sought after by both Europeans looking for sun in the summer and those who want to escape the cold of northern Europe in the winter.
Living (and aging) comfortably
Condé Nast Traveler also highlights the quality of healthcare, considered to be of international standard, which has boosted medical tourism. The Algarve is now home to more than 100,000 foreign retirees, attracted by its security, affordable cost of living and local hospitality.
Expatriate communities are spread across several cities, and there is no shortage of activities to integrate into. According to the publication, it is common to see groups of retirees playing tennis in Carvoeiro, participating in reading clubs or getting involved in social and cultural projects. “Integration is quick, and friendships with locals and foreigners emerge naturally”, explains the website.
The charm of Sotavento
Although the area between Faro and Lagos concentrates the majority of visitors, the eastern Algarve remains more authentic and peaceful. Here, prices are lower and the way of life is simple, with emphasis on Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.
In Olhão, the largest fishing port in the Algarve, the Saturday market is an attraction in itself: fruit, vegetables, cheese and fresh fish next to the Ria Formosa are part of the local routine. By boat, you can easily reach the islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol, perfect for those who appreciate nature and silence.
Tavira, one of the most picturesque cities in the country, maintains its historic charm with Roman bridges, centuries-old churches and the iconic anchor cemetery at Praia do Barril. It is a place where time seems to slow down, ideal for those who value gastronomy, history and the sea.
In Vila Real de Santo António, the Guadiana River marks the border with Spain. The city, planned after the 1755 earthquake, stands out for its neoclassical architecture and beaches with warmer waters, such as Praia Verde and Praia de Monte Gordo.
Quality of life and affordable cost
According to , the Algarve is “the best retirement option in Western Europe for those looking to live well on a controlled budget”.
Living costs are, on average, 30% lower than in other European countries. A retired couple can live comfortably on 1,100 euros per month, and with around 1,800 euros it is possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle, with meals out and short trips.
The weather also helps. The region benefits from constant winds and balanced, rarely extreme temperatures. January and February are the coolest months, while July and August bring the heat, but without the discomfort of other Mediterranean areas.
Culture, art and active life
Cities such as Lagoa and Loulé have established themselves as cultural hubs. In Lagoa, the congress center hosts international events, and open-air jazz and classical music concerts are a regular feature.
The region also offers a variety of fairs, festivals and seasonal markets, which reinforce the sense of community and contact with local culture.
With an enviable climate, a competitive cost of living and a quality of life that is difficult to match, the Algarve continues to be, discreetly, one of Europe’s best secrets for living in retirement.
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