Live in Portugal blog Archives - Villa Feria

The 5 most sought-after places to invest in Portugal

Simone Barbosa — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:50:33 +0000

What were the most sought-after locations in Portugal in 2023? Over the years, Portugal has become a popular destination for foreign investors seeking attractive real estate opportunities. Whether for retirement, investment or simply to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, many Portuguese towns are attracting increasing numbers of foreigners.

In this article, we explore the most popular regions where foreigners have invested in Portugal. In 2023, 136,499 homes were sold for a total of 28 billion euros. These results represent reductions of 18.7% and 11.9% respectively in number and value compared to 2022, the lowest in seven years.

1. Algarve – 35% :

TheAlgarve, located in southern Portugal, is one of the most sought-after regions for foreign investors. Famous for its magnificent beaches, sunny climate and world-renowned golf courses, the Algarve attracts buyers from all over the world. Around 35% of foreign investment in Portugal is concentrated in this region, where luxury villas, sea-view apartments and traditional houses are particularly sought-after. In the Algarve , sales of homes to foreign buyers accounted for 27.2% and 38.5% respectively of the total number and value of transactions in the region. We’re property hunters, we’ll help you find what you’re looking for.

Algarve

2.Lisbon and the Metropolitan Region – 25% :

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, and its metropolitan region account for around 25% of foreign investment in the country. This dynamic region offers a unique combination of culture, history and modernity, making it an attractive choice for international investors. Neighborhoods such as Chiado, Alfama and Belém are particularly popular for property purchases, with strong demand for renovated apartments and character properties. Here are 10 sights to see in Lisbon. Villa Feria specializes in the area, so contact us and we’ll help you find the property that’s right for you.

Praça do Comercio, Lisbon

The Setúbal region, located in the south of Portugal, offers great potential with 5.1% of total insvestment em 2023. Known for its breathtaking coastal scenery, renowned vineyards and rich cultural heritage, Setúbal is increasingly attracting investors. Diversified investment opportunities are available, ranging from residential real estate to tourism and vineyard projects. With easy access to Lisbon and the surrounding area, Setúbal presents an ideal setting for investors seeking to benefit from the region’s economic and tourism dynamism. It’s one of the most popular areas for French speakers, so get in touch with us and we’ll help you not only with finding the property, but with the whole process and installation. We’ve written an article on investing in Costa da Caparica, which you can find here.

Fonte da Telha, South Lisbon

3. Porto and Northern Portugal – 15%:

The historic city of Porto and its surrounding region account for around 15% of foreign investment in Portugal. Famous for its port wine and iconic architecture, Porto attracts investors looking for charm and authenticity. Neighborhoods such as Ribeira and Foz do Douro are in high demand, as are the surrounding Douro wine regions. Dynamic university towns such as Braga and Guimarães are also attracting growing interest from foreign investors.

Don Louis I Bridge, Porto

4. Alentejo – 10% :

Alentejo, located in south-central Portugal, accounts for around 10% of foreign investment in the country. This picturesque rural region is appreciated for its rolling landscapes, historic villages and tranquil pace of life. More and more foreigners are attracted to the Alentejo to invest in charming properties, such as restored farmhouses, wine estates and country houses, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Villa Feria also works in this area and can help you with your investment project.

Porto Covo, Alentejo

5. Other Regions – 15% :

Apart from the main regions mentioned above, around 15% of foreign investment in Portugal is spread across other locations throughout the country. These include diverse destinations such as the island of Madeira, the coastal regions of central Portugal, as well as historic towns and unspoilt villages. These regions often offer unique investment opportunities, from coastal properties to rural estates and character properties.

Peniche

In conclusion: the curious Lisbon

Portugal clearly continues to attract a growing number of foreign investors, drawn by its favorable climate, high quality of life and attractive investment opportunities. While certain regions such as the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto remain popular choices, other locations across the country are also beginning to gain in popularity with international investors. By providing percentages, we’ve been able to highlight Portugal’s diverse appeal as a property investment destination for foreigners. Contact us, we’re property hunters who can help you with your investment in this wonderful country.

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Beaches in Portugal : my 10 favorite beaches

Dominique Rodrigues — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 10:25:18 +0000

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When we talk about Portugal, we often talk about its ideal quality of life ! This quality of life is associated to several factors. One of them is the beauty of the beach in Portugal. With a huge coastline, Portugal offers many awesome beaches. We couldn’t name all beaches in Portugal, but today, as summer is coming, I decided to share with you some of my favorite ones (this list is subjective). Beach in Portugal, there are so many that caught my attention by their beauty and their originality. Note to those who are cold-sensitive, although beautiful, the beaches in Portugal are from the Atlantic Ocean coast so the water is generally rather cold, ideal to firm up the skin ! Let’s go to discover my favorite beaches in Portugal !

1 – Praia de São Jacinto – Aveiro District

We begin with Aveiro, let me to introduce you top the São Jacinto beach. If you are in the mood for wild scenery, this is the beach to go. It gives the impression of being alone at the end of the world. This beach is characterized by its kilometers of white sand but also by its magnificent dunes. The latter are “protected” since they are part of the protected area of the dunes of São Jacinto. From Aveiro, the easiest way to reach this beach is to take the ferry from Gafanha da Nazaré.

2 – Praia da Nazaré – District of Leiria

The beach of Nazaré is one of the most famous beaches in the world. One of the reasons for its worldwide popularity is that many people go there to break a world record. That of the biggest wave ever surfed ! In 2011, the small town of 12,000 inhabitants became THE destination for wave hunters with surfer Garrett McNamara who surfed a wave of 23.77m and broke the world record. On November 8, 2017, Rodrigo Koxa, a Brazilian, beat this record by 61 cm by surfing a wave of 24.38m. The ocean is not permanently agitated, the waves are concentrated in Praia do norte because of a particular geological phenomenon in this place. A canyon goes down to 5000m deep and 200km long, this huge “hole” generates huge waves. The big waves are mainly visible in winter and especially in December.The beach also has the particularity of being overhung by a cliff of 110m high called “Sitio”, accessible by car, on foot or by funicular.

Nazaré beach is also a historical fishing port since the 17th century. The fish, mostly sardines and cod, are dried on the beach during the day.

3 – Praia São Martinho do Porto – District of Leiria

We continue to go south in Portugal to discover the beach of São Martinho do Porto. This beach is located 100 km north of Lisbon and 13 km south of Nazaré. In the past, the bay was used for boat building, fishing activities and salt production. Today it is a very popular place for family tourism. Besides, the Portuguese people rename this beach “Praia das Crianças” (Children’s Beach) because it is one of the safest beach in Portugal. Because of its shell shape, the ocean is calm, allowing children to splash around peacefully.

4 – Praia da Ursa – Lisbon District (Serra da Sintra)

50 mn north of Lisbon is the natural park of Sintra. It includes beautiful beaches : Praia da Adraga, Azenhas do Mar, Praia das Maças and the small and charming Praia da Ursa. Praia da Ursa, which means “the bear beach” (don’t worry, you won’t run into any bear) is a small beach hidden in the beautiful Serra da Sintra. For me, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Sintra Natural Park. Golden sand and imposing rocks characterize this small beach.Like many beautiful beaches in Portugal, its access is not easy and even a bit dangerous but that’s the price to pay to reach this little hidden treasure ! During the descent, don’t miss to take a look at the incredible views that are offered to you.

5 – Praia Ribeira do Cavalo in Sesimbra – Setubal District

After the Serra da Sintra, we enter in the Serra da Arrabida with the Praia do Ribeiro do Cavalo which is located about 50 mn south of Lisbon, in Sesimbra. Its white sand, its breathtaking cliffs and its turquoise waters make this beach sumptuous. The kind of beach with “wahouuu” effect guaranteed. To get there, you have to take a steep path that takes about 15 mn to reach the beach. Colored marks on the stones indicate the way. Here too, avoid flip-flops, the path is not easy, but it is worth it ! You won’t be disappointed once you arrive in this paradise.

6 – Praia dos Galapinhos – District of Setubal (Serra da Arrábida)

We stay in the Serra da Arrábida that stretches from Sesimbra to Setubal. The magnificent Serra da Arrábida offers beaches that are in my opinion among the most beautiful in Portugal. I would even say that they can challenge those of the Algarve. Beaches with white sand and crystal clear water that could be compared to Thai beaches (although the water temperature is not the same). These beautiful beaches are part of the Serra de Arrábida nature reserve, a protected area since 1976, which explains their wild side. Most of them are coves: Galapos, Galapinhos, Coelhos, and the most famous Portinho da Arrabida. All of them are more beautiful than the others. I chose to tell you about Praia dos Galapinhos but its description is similar to its neighbors mentioned above. To reach it you have to take a small sloping path in the middle of a luxuriant vegetation. The beach is protected by cliffs, so the water is quite calm and the beach is not very windy. It is a paradise on earth for snorkeling lovers. The turquoise water offers perfect conditions to explore the underwater fauna and flora. Beware, from mid-June to mid-September, the road to access it is blocked. So you have to park your car at Praia da Figueirinha and then walk 3km for the most sportive ones or take a bus. Another ideal way to discover these beaches of the Serra da Arrábida is to rent a boat from Setubal or Sesimbra (I recommend Pierre Sousa from the agency A Vela Passeios) or to rent a kayak from the praia da Figueirinha or Portinho da Arrábida.

7 – Praia da Comporta – Setubal District

We stay in the south of Lisbon, we cross the estuary of the Sado and we arrive in Troia. We go south a little more and we are now in Comporta. Located at about 100 km south of Lisbon and in the north of the region of Alentejo, the Comporta’s beach is at the limit of the natural reserve of the estuary of the Sado, a preserved natural space. This beach offers endless stretches of white sand. Here you will not find big buildings or hotels, the beach is lined with a few wooden houses. Old fishermen’s houses that have been renovated for those who want a Robinson Crusoe experience. You will find also many rice fields. A rice culture active since 1925 !

8 – Praia da Samoqueira – Porto Covo – District of Setubal (Alentejo)

About beaches, we often talk about Lisbon and Algarve regions, but a little less often about the beautiful region in between : Alentejo. The fishing village of Porto Covo is part of this region and is composed of a series of charming beaches. So, if you plan to travel between Lisbon and the Algarve during your stay in Portugal, I advise you not to take the highway but rather the coastal road of the Alentejo. You won’t be disappointed ! Once on this road, make a stop at the Samoqueira beach in Porto Covo. This beach is made up of many rocks and little sand, but this is precisely what makes it its main asset! This layout creates small stretches of sand, sort of private mini coves where you can rest in peace. The contrast between the black rocks, the golden sand and the turquoise water will seduce you for sure.

8 – Praia do Camilo – Lagos – District of Faro (Algarve)

When we talk about Lagos, we often talk about Praia Dona Ana, but there are obviously other beaches, including the charming Praia do Camilo. It is very small, its sand is fine and golden, it is located in the middle of huge orange cliffs and its water is awesome, looks like swimming pool water. The access to the beach is a long wooden staircase. Its reputation and its small size make that in summer time it is quickly crowded, so you have to go early if you want to enjoy quietly.

Also, what is interesting with this beach, it is that you have after 10 mn walking one of the most beautiful place of Algarve : Ponta da Piedade. When you arrive at this place, you will be eager to take out your camera to immortalize the magnificent view you will have in front of your eyes. You can either stay at the top of the cliff and admire the different views that are offered to you, or go down the stairs and once at the bottom take a small fisherman’s boat to walk in the middle of its impressive cliffs. Finally, it is quite rare that I recommend beach restaurants, as I am more of a “tasca” rather than tourist restaurant-lover but near the praia do Camilo and Ponte da Piedade is the restaurant “O Camilo” whose reputation is not to be made anymore. I recommend you to taste a good grilled fish there, it is delicious.

9 – Praia da Marinha – Lagoa – Faro District (Algarve)

Cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Praia de Marinha in Lagoa in the Algarve is beautiful. It is often the photo of this beach that is used by tour operators to promote the Algarve. The beauty of the Praia de Marinha will jump out at you from the parking lot. The parking lot is located on top of the cliffs of this beach, which offers a magnificent panorama. Moreover, even if the mad desire to go down on the beach invades you, I advise you to take some time to walk on the cliffs. The views are magnificent. The beach offers a beautiful fine golden sand that characterizes the beaches of the Algarve. This sand combines perfectly with the beautiful orange cliffs, which, with erosion, have particular cuts. An erosion that causes the retreat of the cliffs of 2mm to 2cm per year.

10 – Benagil Cave – Carvoeiro – District of Faro (Algarve)

Benagil ! This name is often mentioned in blog posts about Portugal and it’s not surprising, this place is “wahouuuu”. The kind of place where you take 15000 pictures ! You will say to me: “Where is this place ?The cave of Benagil is located near the praia da marinha of which we spoke just before. The bay of Benagil offers a small beach located in the middle of high cliffs (until then it is a bit like all the beaches of the Algarve). But, what is surprising is not there. You will have to take a boat, a kayak, or for the more athletic, swim for 10 mn and reach the spectacular Benagil cave. This place is a natural geological wonder. A small lagoon with transparent waters and a hole in the rock in which you can see the sky and the sun’s rays that pierce it. A must-see if you are in the Algarve !

Conclusion

That’s it, we finished this little tour of the beaches in Portugal and I hope you enjoyed it ! There is something for everyone with beautiful beaches from the north to the south of Portugal. We talk a lot about the beaches of the Algarve which are, it is true, sublime, but there are also a lot of others with various charms everywhere in Portugal. Don’t forget to enjoy the river beaches which are also very nice, especially in the Gerês. What about you? What are your favorite beaches in Portugal?

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8 Portuguese villages and towns to visit during your vacation in Portugal

Dominique Rodrigues — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:35:10 +0000

Looking for a vacation in Portugal ? You have all heard of Porto, Lisbon and the Algarve but there are many other small Portuguese cities waiting for you to visit which will most definitely seduce you. Today, I’m highlighting some cities in Portugal that are less known. It is not possible to make an exhaustive list but here are some Portuguese cities and villages to go visit during your vacation in Portugal.

1 – Ferreira do Zêzere

Ferreira do Zêzere is located 1h30 from Lisbon and 2h00 from Porto, in the center of Portugal, at the same level as Coimbra and Leiria. A place out of time, in the middle of nature, a kind of oasis in the middle of mountains and green valleys. It is the best destination for those who want to enjoy a wild and quiet place. It is still not very known and visited and this village has immense treasures to explore. Don’t miss the beautiful Lago Azul lake with its many water sports activities and the Torre Templária de Dornes : a tower built over the Zêzere river whose outdoor terrace offers an awesome view of the village and the river beaches.

2 – Monsanto

Monsanto is a small charming village located in the east of Portugal, near the Spanish border, near Coimbra. Away from all the tourist circuits, this authentic and amazing village is a good place for a break. The village of Monsanto stands on top of a hill. A village with a unique charm because the houses were built around and under huge rocks using them as walls or roofs. This is why this village is called “Village of Rocks”. These houses built in the rocks make this village completely atypical and it is a very nice place to explore to discover these strange structures.

3 – Comporta

Sophisticated and wild, Comporta, only 120 km south of Lisbon, is a small paradise where nature is omnipresent. Comporta offers a turquoise sea and immaculate white sand. Comporta is an ideal place for your vacation in Portugal to get a breath of fresh air away from the crowded beaches of Lisbon. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, consider scheduling a horseback ride on the beach, a great time for young and old.

4 – Evora

The charming city of Evora, located in the Alentejo region, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its historic center is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. You will see many buildings with gothic architecture but also medieval buildings, and breathtaking landscapes. On the other hand, the gastronomy of Alentejana will seduce you for sure. Take advantage of your stop in Évora to stroll through its narrow streets. The contrast between the exuberance of the historical monuments and the simplicity of the white houses with colorful details will charm you.

5 – Sagres

With its rugged landscapes, steep cliffs, rolling waves and natural forests, you will love the charming village of Sagres located in the Algarve and quieter in summer than some of the other Algarve seaside towns. This fishing port also offer incredible beaches. The name “Sagres” comes from “Promontorium Sacrum”, a designation given by Greek and Roman authors of the 4th century BC. Don’t miss a visit to the Fortaleza de Sagres and the cliffs of Cape São Vicente (the most south-westerly point in continental Europe). Sagres is a really good choice for your vacation in Portugal.

6 – Barcelos

Located on the road to Santiago de Compostela, Barcelos is a small town in the north of Portugal. This one is notably known for its famous legend of the rooster. The rooster which became besides one of the symbols of Portugal. The legend would tell that at the time, several crimes took place in Barcelos and nobody was arrested. One man, who was on his way to Santiago de Compostela, was found guilty without evidence by the court. He claimed his innocence and went to the judge. Seeing a rooster near him, the accused said to the judge: “It is just as true that I am innocent as that your rooster will rise and crow when I am hanged! On the day of the man’s execution, the rooster crowed and the judge realized that the accused was indeed innocent. The judge ran to the place where the man was hanged. As a result of the knot being tied incorrectly, the man escaped execution, and was thus found innocent and set free.Barcelos is also known for its handicrafts, especially ceramics, including roosters of all sizes with beautiful decorations like the one in the photo below, which echo the legend previously told.

7 – Tomar

The beautiful city of Tomar, located in the center of Portugal, is known as the “city of the Templars”. This former seat of the Templar order, is a charming city with an intense artistic and cultural wealth. A curiosity of this city is that its historical center is organized in a cross, with a convent in each of the cardinal points. To the north is the old Convent of the Anunciada; to the south is the Convent of São Francisco; to the east is the Convent of Santa Iria and to the west is the magnificent Convent of Christ (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is one of the most important works of the Renaissance in Portugal. In the center of this cross is the Republic Square (Praça da República).

8 – Aveiro

I couldn’t do this article about best small towns for your vacations in Portugal without talking about Aveiro. You know how much I appreciate this small town with great charm. Known as the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro is the second most important city of the central region of Portugal, just after Coimbra. Aveiro occupies a strategic position, on the Porto-Lisbon axis. It is a city to visit. Stroll along the quays, take a ride on the moliceiro, eat a delicious tripa or simply stroll by the beautiful palheiros of Costa Nova.

Conclusion

You have a lot of Portuguese cities and villages to discover during your vacation in Portugal. Portugal is full of beautiful landscapes, places, monuments and it will always surprise you.

Don’t hesitate to take a road trip and get lost by car or on foot in less touristy places to discover this beautiful country.

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Unusual holidays in Portugal : 12 place to go

Dominique Rodrigues — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 16:26:33 +0000

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Have you always dreamt of staying in an un-usual accommodation ? Like sleeping in a bus, inside a train station or a wine barrel, or a windmill… Well, it exists ! Today, in this blog post, I take you to discover these atypical places for unusual vacations in Portugal.

Experiences, which are sure to create indelible travel memories. If you are a nature lover and you dream of living an atypical experience, I am sure that one or more of these accommodations will arouse your curiosity. Let’s go !

1 : Sleeping in a barrel in the middle of the Douro vineyards

If you love nature and wine tourism, I have the perfect place for you ! Imagine falling asleep in a wine barrel in the middle of the vineyards of the famous Douro wine region. Of course, the barrel is empty, you will not be infused with wine in your bed but the experience remains “crazy” !

This crazy experience is at the famous Quinta da Pacheca. Known for its fine wines and magnificent vineyards, Quinta da Pacheca offers you this unusual experience of sleeping in one of its 10 giant wine barrels.

What you need to know ?

Little extra : wine tastings are offered at Quinta da Pacheca, how not to pay a visit ? Also, the magnificent Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is nearby and believe me … you need to go !
Price : from 200€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 2 people.
Link here to learn more about the Quinta da Pacheca‘s barrels.
Address : Rua do Relógio do Sol, 261, 5100-424 Lamego.

2 : Sleeping in a bus between Leiria and Fátima

It was one of my dream as a child, to sleep in a bus ! This is the curious adventure that Ricardo proposes with his bus of the 60’s. Located in Arrabal, in a rural area between Leiria and Fátima, this retro bus offers you an immersive experience in the nature. This bus was in operation in the 60’s, then it was transformed into a bar and now it is transformed into a comfortable accommodation. A place for an unusual vacation in Portugal that will delight young and old.

What you need to know ?

Little extra : swimming pool at disposal for the tenants of the bus, just to refresh a little in summer.
Price : from 110€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 4 people.
Link here to know more about the retro bus.
Address : Rua da padaria nº7, 2420-021 Arrabal, Leiria.

3 : Sleeping in a “box” in the middle of nature near Porto

In a farm in Valongo, 15km from Porto, spend a night in the middle of nature in the Natura Box. The Natura Box is based on an ecological concept of sustainability, non-waste and reuse of materials. In line with these principles, the “box” is made of large windows and metal plates recovered from South Korean boats. An atypical box in the middle of nature for a unique experience !

What you need to know ?

Little extra : the Suzão train station, 3 minutes away from the accommodation, has direct trains to the center of Porto, perfect for discovering Porto and taking a nature break for one or more nights.
Price : from 50€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 2 adults and 1 baby.
Link here to learn more about Natura Box
Address : Suzão train station, Valongo.

4 : Sleeping under a dome in Madeira

Soul Glamping is located in Prazeres on Madeira Island. Soul Glamping offers to sleep in one of its 5 domes overlooking the ocean. They are very spacious and bathed in natural light thanks to 180-degree windows that offer an extraordinary view of the ocean, mountains, sunrises and sunsets without even moving from your bed.

What you need to know ?

Little extra : private jacuzzi in front of the ocean, pretty cool … right ?
Price : from 120€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 2 adults and 2 children.
Link here to learn more about Soul Glamping
Address : Caminho do Jardim Pelado, 9370-630 Estreito da Calheta.

5 : Sleeping under a dome in Alentejo

Reserva Alecrim is located in Santiago do Cacém (130km south of Lisbon) and offers different types of accommodations including incredible domes. Each dome offers a large terrace overlooking the Alentejo coast. You will stay in the middle of olive trees and cork oaks, and you can discover hiking and biking trails in the mountains or by the sea. Also and always nearby, you will find incredible cliffs for paragliding, vast deserted beaches and the lakes of Santo André and Melides reserves, icons of the region.

What you need to know ?

Little extra : two beautiful pools are available to dome tenants : an infinity pool with an ocean view and a natural pool
Price : from 200€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 4 people.
Link here to learn more about Reserva Alecrim.
Address : Alentejo Litoral, Santiago do Cacém.

6 : Sleeping on the beach

Who has never dreamed of playing “Robinson Crusoe” ? It’s possible with this tastefully furnished beach hut on the great coast of Costa da Caparica, a few kilometers from Lisbon. Cabana Azul is a typical beach hut, its large windows offer you a privileged view of the ocean and the sound of the ocean will rock you (if that is not the ultimate luxury!). Finally, you can easily discover Lisbon, the Portuguese capital is located at about twenty minutes by car.

What you need to know ?

Little extra : regularly, traditional fishing boats bring back their nets on the beach not far from the hut, which allows you to live a nice local experience.
Price : from 310€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 8 persons.
Link here to learn more about Cabana Azul.
Address : Costa da Caparica Beach.

7 : Sleeping in a yurt in the Azores

Located in the heart of a plantation on the island of Faial, Azul Singular offers two comfortable yurts. These tents, inspired by the ancient shelters used by Central Asian nomads, are known for their circular shape. Built with a large skylight in the center, the yurts offer you a view of the stars. So romantic, isn’t it ? Each yurt has a private garden and a hammock for the inevitable nap.

What you need to know ?

Little extra : breakfast of regional products left in a basket at the door of the yurt every morning.
Price : from 80€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 2 people.
Link here to learn more about Azul Singular.
Address : Rua da Granja 61, 9900-361 Horta.

8 : Lodging with your feet in the sand even indoors

Casas Na Areia means “houses in the sand” and this perfectly translates the concept of these unusual accommodations since you will stay inside and outside with your feet in the white sand.

Located in Comporta (1h from Lisbon), Casas na areia offers 4 fishermen’s huts tastefully renovated by architect Manuel Aires Mateus in 2013. These wood and thatch huts with sandy floors blend perfectly with the backdrop of the long sandy beaches and rice fields that so characterize Comporta.

What you need to know ?

Little extra : small swimming pool facing the rice fields available to tenants.
Price : from 350€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 8 persons.
Link here to learn more about Casas na areia.
Address : Sítio da Carrasqueira, 7580-613 Comporta.

9 : Sleeping in a windmill

What could be more unusual than sleeping in a windmill ?

Moinho do Marco (Marco’s mill) is an old windmill from 1855 located in Setùbal (40min south of Lisbon). A 15-minute drive from the beautiful beaches of the Serra da Arrábida, this mill still retains its original wooden gears and offers you a breathtaking view.

What you need to know ?

Little extra : views of the ocean and the Sado that you can admire both from the mill’s private terrace and from the shared pool accessible to mill tenants.
Price : from 115€ per night
Number of guests : up to 2 persons.
Link here to learn more about Moinho do Marco.
Address : Estrada do Forte de Sao Filipe, 2900-300 Setúbal.

10 : Glamping in the Algarve

We hear more and more about “glamping”, a contraction of glamour and camping. This concept refers to “luxury camping” and this is what Casa Tuia offers in Carvoeiro (Algarve) with its tents that look like safari tents. They also offer a breathtaking view of the valley and the ocean.

What you need to know ?

A little extra : a communal swimming pool is at your disposal. The sleeping hut in the tent is sure to delight your youngest guests! I like it too but I’m not sure I’ll be able to get in it :))))
Price : from 120€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 4 to 6 people.
Link here to learn more about Casa Tuia.
Address : Casa Tuia, Poço partido, 8400-557, Carvoeiro – Lagoa.

11 : Sleeping in a train station

What if you tried the experience of sleeping in a train station ? This is what you can do in the old station of Marvão-Beirã in Alentejo. This trip is offered by Train Spot, which welcomes you to this historic station of the 19th century classified as Architectural Heritage. This station whose railroad line is no longer in operation (you’ll be in peace don’t worry) has been rearranged and offers several rooms to live an atypical experience.

What you need to know ?

Little extra : you’ll be a few kilometers from the Parque Natural da Serra de S. Mamede, the medieval village of Marvão and the Spanish border.
Price : from 40€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 4 people.
Link here to learn more about Train Spot.
Address : Estação ferroviária de Beirã/Marvão, Largo da Alfândega, 7330-012 Beirã.

12 : Sleep in a tepee

A Terra is located in São Teotónio, in the south of the Alentejo and 1.5 hours by car from Faro airport (Algarve). Nestled in a valley of fruit trees, A terra offers you a unique experience by sleeping in a tepee. Become for one night “an Indian in Portugal” ?

What you need to know ?

Little extra : the beach of Zambujeira and the “Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina” are less than 15 min away by car.
Price : from 80€ per night.
Number of guests : up to 4 people.
Link here to learn more about A Terra.
Address : Carvalhal Das Figueiras, Corgo Da Casca, 5707 7630-635 São Teotoni.

Conclusion

It was fun to write this blog post and sharing with you these incredible accommodations for an unusual vacation in Portugal.

What is the unusual accommodation that give you the most desire ?

For my part, the idea of sleeping in a bus intrigues me a lot so I think I will choose a night in the bus and I will invite my nephews because I think the kids will find this experience very cool too.

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10 Portuguese breads you’ll love when you visit Portugal

Simone Barbosa — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 14:05:17 +0000

Portuguese breads are ubiquitous on tables from the north to the south of the country, and even on the islands. The type of bread varies from region to region. Rye-based breads are more common in the northern half of Portugal, and wheat-based breads in the southern half.

Bread is the most widely consumed foodstuff in Portugal. At breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the Portuguese never go a meal without a slice of bread. There are many varieties to choose from. As you can imagine, I won’t be able to mention all the Portuguese breads that exist in this article, but I’m going to introduce you to 10 that you shouldn’t miss.

“Numa casa portuguesa fica bem. Pão e vinho sobre a mesa.” Amália Rodrigues – phrase from a song by the famous Portuguese fadista – (In a Portuguese house you feel good, there’s bread and wine on the table)

1- Pão Alentejano

Pão Alentejano is a wheat bread made in a wood-fired oven, with a hard, crisp crust and a compact crumb. It is commonly sliced thickly, and generously dipped in the region’s olive oil. It’s not all that surprising when you consider that the Alentejo is THE region of olive trees. You can easily find Pão Alentejano in Lisbon and Alentejo.

This Portuguese bread is also used to cook typical Alentejan dishes such as :

the açorda : slices of bread placed at the bottom of the dish and drizzled with water boiled with garlic, salt and olive oil, to which coriander is added, and cod or shrimp. Açorda is served with a poached egg.
the migas alentejanas: which use leftover hard bread moistened in water, olive oil or lard with garlic to form a porridge. In the Alentejo, this porridge is fried until it becomes thick and golden-brown.

2- Bolo Lêvedo

Even though it’s called “bolo” (cake) and not “pão” (bread), Bolo Lêvedo is indeed a Portuguese bread. It’s a little-known bread, and for good reason: it doesn’t come from the mainland, but is typical of the Azores archipelago, more specifically the Furnas region, a volcanic area on the island of São Miguel, the main island of the Açores.

This is one of Portugal’s soft, sweet breads, often served slightly warm with butter and garlic.

3- Bolo do Caco

It’s increasingly found on the mainland, but Bolo de Caco originated on the island of Madeira. It’s a Portuguese bread made from wheat flour and sweet potatoes, baked on a hot stone.

Like Bolo Lêvedo, Bolo do caco is traditionally served with garlic butter, and its slightly sweet taste is delicious.

4- Broa

Broa is a corn bread with a compact crumb and a very distinctive taste. It was voted 36 th best bread in the world in 2019 by CNN.

Along with bolo levêdo, this is my favorite Portuguese bread! Most often it has a yellowish color and a dark crust. But sometimes it includes rye as well as maize, in which case it’s less yellow and less sweet.

It is often served with sardines during the popular June festivals: Santo Antonio in Lisbon and São João in Porto.

One of the most famous variants is the broa d’Avintes (pictured below), originating in Vila Nova de Gaia near Porto. Broa de Avintes is a bread made from corn flour, rye and malt. It is dense like traditional broa, but dark brown and usually shaped like a bell tower.

This is one of Portugal’s most traditional breads, and is widely eaten in the north of the country. It is baked for five to six hours in the oven and generously dusted with flour. It is particularly appreciated with the famous Portuguese soup: caldo verde.

Every August since 1988, the town of Avintes has celebrated the “Festa da Broa”.

5- Pão de Mafra

This bread is only produced in the Lisbon region towns of Carvalhal, Barril and Encarnação, as all pão de Mafra sold in Portugal must be certified.

To be officially a pão de Mafra, it must follow certain specific instructions, namely: be produced in Mafra, be made with local ingredients, be baked in a traditional wood-fired oven and have a moisture content of over 80%.

Pão de Mafra comes in a variety of forms, mostly long or in a ball. It’s a Portuguese bread made from wheat and rye flour, much appreciated for its soft crumb and fine, hard crust.

It is said to be the descendant of Saloio bread, produced in the Lisbon suburbs (Saloia region) and dating back to the 19th century. In those days, when people traveled from the Saloia region to Lisbon for a day, the tough crust helped preserve the crumb.

At the time, pão de Mafra was considered the bread of the poor, the bread of country folk, since it was made with flour that still contained traces of bran, hence its dark color, unlike white bread, made with twice-sifted flour and consumed by the wealthier classes.

6- Bolo de azeite

In a country that produces some of the best olive oil in the world, you couldn’t do without a traditional olive oil bread. This bread is made from wheat flour and olive oil (as the name suggests).

Although it’s called a “cake” (bolo) in olive oil, it’s a bread and not a cake. It was given this name to differentiate it from the traditional bread eaten daily, as the bolo de azeite is much richer and reserved for special occasions.

Traditionally, bolo de azeite was eaten at Easter. Typical of inland Portugal, particularly in the Lamego, Guarda and Covilhã regions, it’s not an easy bread to find, but if you travel to these regions, you’ll find it easily.

7- Pão de alfarroba

You all know the Algarve for its oranges, but there’s another fruit that’s very present here: carob. Have you heard of it? Carob is a fruit found in Mediterranean climates and has many virtues: rich in calcium, iron, protein and fiber. Portugal is one of Europe’s biggest producers.

Pão de alfarroba, a traditional bread from Algarve uses carob flour (alfarroba in Portuguese) and wheat flour, giving it a sweet touch and a very dark color, so much so that it can be likened to a chocolate bread.

8- Bica de azeite

Bica de azeite is a little-known bread. It is easily recognizable as a flat bread. It is made with olive oil and has its origins in the Jewish “pita” bread.

Since 2005, this bread has been celebrated every September in the village of Monforte da Beira, in the municipality of Castelo Branco, where it is widely produced and consumed.

9- Papo seco, carcaça, molete, bijou

All these names for the same individual bread roll with a tear in the middle and two kinds of little nipples at the end. It’s a soft bread made from wheat flour, with a very light crust.

Despite all the different names, these breads are very similar, and what varies most is the name given to them in each region. In the north: Molete or Bijou, in the center: Papo seco and in Lisbon: Carcaça.

These are the most common Portuguese breads in Portugal. They are eaten for breakfast, or as a snack with ham or cheese.

Unlike many other countries, in Portugal individual loaves are less expensive per kg than large loaves. These Portuguese breads are the easiest to find, and can be found in any Portuguese bakery.

10- Regueifa

Regueifa is a very soft wheat bread. It’s easy to recognize because it’s shaped like a circle and interlaced. It is traditional in Minho and also found a lot in the seaside town of Aveiro. It’s not easy to find outside these areas.

The Portuguese used to buy Regueifa on Sundays. That’s why it was also called “Sunday bread”.

In conclusion

So, as you can see, there are plenty of Portuguese breads. And, as mentioned in the introduction, I’m only talking about 10 of them. There are many more varieties.

In particular, there are many breads with meat, such as the famous “pão de chouriço” with chouriço found at all Portuguese festivals, or the “folar” with meat found mainly in northern Portugal.

There are also many sweet breads (although they are more cakes) such as fogaça, a kind of sweet brioche originating from Santa Maria da Feira, the “pão de deus” with coconut (I love it) or the “pão de ló” which I talk about in my article on Portuguese desserts.

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Covid and Christmas in Portugal: what are the restrictions?

Simone Barbosa — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 19:05:33 +0000

Covid and Christmas in Portugal: a thorny issue for the Portuguese government at the end of the year. An extraordinary council of ministers was held on Tuesday December 21, 2021 to debate the subject. At the end of this council, António Costa, Portuguese Prime Minister, announced the new measures implemented in Portugal with the aim of dealing with the exponential increase in cases due to the Omicron. The announced measures will be in place from December 25, 00:01 to January 10, 2022 inclusive.

Covid and Christmas in Portugal: travel to Portugal ?

All passengers arriving in mainland Portugal by air must:.

present a negative test on arrival even for vaccinated travelers: a PCR test less than 72 h or an antigenic test less than 48 h.
complete individually, the Passenger Location Form (PLF).

By land or sea, border controls between Portugal and Spain are possible. For restrictions decided by the Spanish authorities, please consult the website of the French Embassy in Spain. Please note: disembarkation of cruise ship passengers is authorized in Portuguese ports and is subject to the same rules as air traffic.

In Portugal, isolation rules in the event of contact with a positive case are not the same as in France, and may be up to 14 days when it’s the Omicron variant.

Covid and Christmas in Portugal: General restrictions

From December 25, 2021, new measures will be introduced:

reducing the number of people in stores = 1 person per 5m2,
compulsory teleworking,
bars and nightclubs closed,
All schools will be closed, from nursery to high school, public or private,
6 Covid-19 tests per month subsidized by the Portuguese state in pharmacies (tests reimbursed for people with a utente number = Portuguese social security number). If you don’t have an utente number, antigenic tests are around €30 and PCR around €100. Note: some labs like Unilabs have set up prefabs in the heart of cities to offer free antigen tests.

Covid and Christmas in Portugal: Special restrictions for Christmas and New Year

Certain restrictions will be in place specifically for December 24 and 25 and January 30, 31 and 1:

ban on gatherings of more than 10 people on public roads
Ban on alcohol consumptionon public roads,
requirement to present a negative test even if vaccinated for:
1. restaurants,
2. hotels and seasonal rentals (alojamento local),
3. cultural shows.
4. sports venues
5. casinos,
6. events: weddings, christenings, company meetings…

Covid and Christmas in Portugal: Holiday vaccinations

For adults, the following can be vaccinated before the holiday season:

People over 65 who received the 2nd dose more than 5 months ago,
People who have a prescription for the 3rd dose.
People cured of Covid-19 more than 150 days ago.
People over 50 vaccinated more than 5 months ago with the single dose of Janssen.

No vaccinations between December 24 and 26 and January 31 and 1. On December 23, vaccination centers will be open exclusively to people aged 65 and over.

In conclusion

Covid and Christmas in Portugal are unfortunately intertwined again this year. Please continue to respect the rules set up by the country and make sure you are well informed if you have to travel. It’s important to keep abreast of developments and I invite you to visit the government and the site of the French Embassy in Portugal.

Finally, I’d like to remind you that if you have any symptoms on the spot, contact the SAUDE 24 number (Portuguese health service) at 808 24 24 24.

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Opening a bank account in Portugal: what you need to know

Simone Barbosa — Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:35:20 +0000

Comment ouvrir un compte en banque au Portugal ? C’est une question que vous êtes nombreux à vous poser dès lors que vous avez un projet au Portugal. Car avoir un compte en banque au Portugal facilitera votre quotidien. Les motivations pour ouvrir un compte en banque au Portugal sont multiples :

vous envisagez de vous installer au Portugal,
vous avez le projet d’acheter une maison au Portugal,
vous souhaitez passer votre retraite au Portugal,
vous allez créer une société au Portugal,
vous êtes déjà installé au Portugal et vous vous rendez compte qu’avoir un compte bancaire au Portugal est indispensable,
vous vivez une partie de l’année au Portugal,
vous avez besoin de faire un crédit au Portugal,
Etc.

1- Pourquoi ouvrir un compte en banque au Portugal ?

Ouvrir un compte en banque au Portugal, vous sera utile pour :

faciliter les démarches administratives : paiement du loyer, des assurances, paiement des impôts, réception de votre rémunération par une société portugaise, paiement de votre forfait internet, téléphone, de vos factures …
éviter certains frais : suivant la banque de votre pays d’origine, les retraits/paiements au sein de l’Union Européenne, peuvent être facturés par votre banque. Ainsi, si vous vivez au Portugal ou que vous y allez souvent, bénéficier d’un compte bancaire au Portugal permet d’éviter ces frais.
avoir une carte bancaire acceptée partout : je vous en parle un peu plus tard dans cet article mais les cartes bancaires habituelles (Visa, Mastercard) ne sont souvent pas acceptées au Portugal

2 – Quelle banque au Portugal choisir ?

Il existe de nombreuses banques au Portugal. Les offres et les prix sont très similaires d’une banque à l’autre. Pour choisir une banque au Portugal, il est important de comparer les frais demandés par les établissements bancaires. Il faut savoir que les frais bancaires sont plus élevés au Portugal qu’ailleurs. Voici une liste non-exhaustive de quelques banques portugaises :

Activo Bank (banque en ligne Millenium)
Banco CTT (banque de La Poste portugaise)
Millenium BCP, Banco Commercial Português
BPI, Banco Português de Investimento
Caixa Geral de Depósitos
Credito Agricola
Montepio
Novo Banco (ex Banco Espirito Santo)
Banco Santander Totta

3 – Quels sont les documents dont vous avez besoin pour ouvrir un compte en banque au Portugal ?

Comme dans toutes banques, vous aurez besoin de quelques documents “basiques” pour ouvrir votre compte en banque au Portugal. Les documents à fournir sont les suivants :

Une pièce d’identité valide,
Un justificatif de domicile ou une attestation d’hébergement. Le justificatif de domicile peut être une facture d’électricité, d’eau ou de téléphone par exemple,
Votre NIF « Número de Identificação Fiscal », si vous ne savez pas encore ce qu’est le fameux NIF ou comment l’obtenir, je vous invite à lire ou relire mon article NIF au Portugal : la première démarche à faire pour vivre au Portugal.
Un justificatif de revenus : si vous êtes salarié cela peut être votre contrat de travail ou un bulletin de salaire. Si vous êtes chef d’entreprise cela peut-être votre Kbis ou une déclaration fiscale de votre société,
Votre dernier avis d’imposition pour justifier de votre TIN (Tax Identification Number), qui correspond au numéro fiscal de votre pays de résidence si vous payez vos impôts hors du Portugal.

Il faudra donc vous rendre dans la banque que vous aurez choisie avec ces documents et le montant du dépôt minimum en espèces qui est généralement autour de 100€. Dans les banques portugaises, vous pourrez trouver un agent qui parle anglais, mais si vous n’êtes pas à l’aise ni avec l’anglais, ni avec le portugais, il est préférable d’être accompagné d’une personne qui maitrise l’une de ces deux langues.

OFFRE! Notre partenaire s’occupe d’ouvrir le compte pour vous à prix réduit avec la réduction Villa Feria

Si vous n’êtes pas sur place au Portugal, ou que vous n’êtes pas à l’aise avec avec la langue ou un peu perdu dans les papiers à fournir, Villa Feria propose à travers notre partenaire de s’occuper à 100% de l’ouverture de votre compte en banque au Portugal ainsi que de l’obtention de votre NIF. Il suffit de remplir le formulaire ci-dessous:

* indicates requiredPrénom Nom Email *Téléphone [tcb-script type=”text/javascript” src=”//s3.amazonaws.com/downloads.mailchimp.com/js/mc-validate.js”][/tcb-script][tcb-script type=”text/javascript”](function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[1]=’FNAME’;ftypes[1]=’text’;fnames[2]=’LNAME’;ftypes[2]=’text’;fnames[0]=’EMAIL’;ftypes[0]=’email’;fnames[4]=’PHONE’;ftypes[4]=’phone’;fnames[3]=’SOURCE’;ftypes[3]=’text’;}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true);[/tcb-script]

4 – Quels sont les différents types de comptes que vous pouvez ouvrir dans une banque au Portugal ?

Les banques portugaises proposent trois principaux types de comptes bancaires.

Compte courant (conta a ordem) : c’est le plus répandu au Portugal. Il peut être utilisé pour les achats quotidiens, les impôts et toutes les opérations bancaires de votre quotidien.
Compte épargne (conta poupança) : Pour mettre de côté. Ce type de compte propose des taux d’intérêt plus élevés que le compte courant, avec un accès facile aux fonds.
Comptes à terme (conta poupança deposito a prazo) : Ce type de compte d’épargne offre des taux d’intérêt plus élevés, mais les fonds sont bloqués sur le compte pendant un certain temps.

5 – Quelles sont les types de cartes bancaires ?

Il existe deux types de cartes bancaires :

Carte de crédit (cartão de crédito), c’est une carte plafonnée à un certain montant que vous rechargez via l’argent du compte courant que vous y aurez associé. Attention, des frais s’appliquent si vous retirez de l’argent au distributeur avec ce type de carte.
Carte de débit (cartão multibanco) : je vous le disais en début de cet article, au Portugal, avoir une carte bancaire de type Visa ou Mastercard ou Amex par exemple, peut vous freiner pour de nombreuses choses puisque ces cartes bancaires ne sont souvent pas acceptées. Car au Portugal, la carte Reine s’appelle “Multibanco”. Le système Multibanco, né en 1985, est l’un des plus avancés au monde. Avec la carte Multibanco et les distributeurs du même nom vous pouvez faire un tas de choses. Pour cela il vous suffit juste d’aller au distributeur Multibanco, muni de votre carte du même nom et vous pourrez faire plus de 60 opérations directement via le distributeur, ce qui peut parfois expliquer que vous attendiez longtemps derrière quelqu’un. En effet, il suffit que la personne devant vous soit en train de payer toutes ses factures pour que le temps d’attente soit relativement long. Parmi ces opérations on trouve les plus communes comme les plus surprenantes. Voici une liste non exhaustive :
retirer des espèces,
payer ses factures,
payer ses impôts,
recharger son forfait mobile,
faire des dons pour des associations,
faire des jeux d’argent,
acheter des titres de transports,
prendre des tickets de spectacles,
acheter une licence de pêche ou de chasse,
etc.

Attention, la carte Multibanco n’a pas de relief et donc c’est le type de carte que vous ne pourrez pas utiliser pour une location de voiture par exemple, car aucune empreinte ne peut être prise avec cette carte.

La carte Multibanco a aussi l’avantage de pouvoir être utilisée pour effectuer des achats même s’ils sont de faible montant et vous n’avez pas de frais lorsque vous retirez dans une autre banque vu que toutes les banques sont affiliées au même réseau : Multibanco.

Distributeur Multibanco

En conclusion

Vous l’aurez compris, ouvrir un compte en banque au Portugal est vivement conseillé si vous souhaitez vous installer dans ce joli pays. Vous pouvez faire les démarches seul ou accompagné, sur place ou à distance.

Toutefois, si vous ne parlez ni anglais, ni portugais, je vous recommande de vous faire accompagner afin de ne pas avoir de surprises ou de doutes. Après tout, on parle d’argent et il est important de bien s’occuper de son ouverture de compte en banque au Portugal.

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Covid-19 in Portugal: new rules from December 1?

Simone Barbosa — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 14:48:56 +0000

Portugal is the European country with the highest Covid-19 vaccination rate, with around 88.89% of people already vaccinated with at least one dose (data November 2021) . Broad vaccination coverage appears to be having an effect on preventing deaths caused by the disease, with Portugal ranking among the European countries with the lowest number of new daily deaths per million inhabitants. However, the virus is still spreading with this 5th wave. In order to contain it, measures against Covid-19 in Portugal have just been reinforced. These will take effect from December 1, 2021. Portugal goes into a state of emergency (state of calamity). What changes? We’ll find out in this article.

November 2021 data – Source: ourworldindata.com – % of people vaccinated at least 1 dose vs. number of daily deaths linked to covid-19

Travel to Portugal

Portugal requires a negative test on arrival even for vaccinated travelers: a PCR test less than 72 h or an antigenic test less than 48 h. A measure that applies not just to air travel, but also to land, sea and river routes. All airlines are required to provide this information when passengers check in. Prime Minister António Costa has announced that airlines that fail to check passengers’ covid-19-negative status will be fined €20,000 per passenger. For land, air and river passengers, the fine is set at between €300 and €800 for all those who fail to present a negative Covid-19 test.

Measures put in place in connection with Covid-19 in Portugal

From December 1, 2021, masks will once again be mandatory in all enclosed spaces.

A health pass must be presented for :

restaurants,
tourist and hotel establishments,
shows with numbered seats,
gyms.

The presentation of a test is mandatory (antigenic or PCR), including for vaccinated individuals for:

visits to retirement homes,
visits to patients interned in health establishments,
bars,
discotheques,
stadiums and other events without numbered seats.

Contactless week to be introduced in early 2022

In order to stem the growth of Covid-19 in Portugal after the festive season, the introduction of a so-called “contactless week” will see the light of day in early 2022. What does this mean? By “contactless”, the government means :

Extended school Christmas vacations. School will resume on January 10, 2022. All schools, from nursery to high school, public or private, will be closed from January 2 to January 9, 2022.
Mandatory teleworking.
Bars and nightclubs will be closed from January 2 to January 9, 2022.

This extra week of vacation will be offset by 2 days of vacation withdrawn from the Carnival vacation and 2 days of vacation withdrawn from the Easter vacation.

Vaccination

For adults, the following can be vaccinated before the festive season:

People over 65 who received the 2nd dose more than 5 months ago,
People who have a prescription for the 3rd dose.
People cured of Covid-19 more than 150 days ago.
People over 50 vaccinated more than 5 months ago with the single dose of Janssen.

For children, vaccination with Pfizer for children over 5 has just been authorized by the European Medicines Agency. The pediatric dose will be three times smaller than the adult dose, but with similar efficacy and protection against the strong symptoms of covid-19. The DGS (Portugal’s Department of Health) is in the process of approving this pediatric vaccine. If approved, the first vaccinations should take place from December 20, 2021, when these pediatric vaccines are due to arrive in Portugal.

In conclusion

Please continue to respect the rules set by the country. It is important to keep you informed of developments and I invite you to visit the government and the site of the French Embassy in Portugal.

Finally, I’d like to remind you that if you have any symptoms on the spot, contact the SAUDE 24 number (Portuguese health service) at 808 24 24 24.

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8 advantages and disadvantages of living in Portugal

Dominique Rodrigues — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 07:27:23 +0000

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You can have many fears in relation with living in Portugal. And they might well be legitimate! Going to live abroad is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are advantages and disadvantages.Yes, living in Portugal is great and that’s why I’ve been there for more than 8 years, but during these years I’ve seen many people come to Portugal and after 6 months, 1 year, 2 years … leave.

Keep in mind that spending holidays in Portugal is different from living there. When you spend holidays, you sometimes only see the good sides. Today, I will try to share with you some advantages and disadvantages of living in Portugal. Let’s go!

DISADVANTAGES of living in Portugal

1- Renting

Living in Portugal often starts with looking for a house / apartment and it is not easy to find a long-term rental in Portugal. Why is this ?

There are few properties available for long-term rental. There is a lot of demand for few offers, so rents are high and first come, first served,
Long-term rental properties are sometimes dilapidated : insulation problems, humidity and no heating. Yes, there are renovated properties, but these are often used for short-term rentals,
There are very few furnished properties and those that are furnished often have a rather old fashioned decoration and furniture,

It is difficult to find a “good” long-term rental for less than 600€ per month in Portugal. On the other hand, be reactive and have some money aside because you will probably be asked for at least 6 months worth of rent in advance if you do not have a guarantor in Portugal.

2 : Health

The Portuguese social security system only covers expenses incurred in the public sector and not those incurred in the private sector. The public and private sectors are totally independent from each other. The private sector is only accessible with private health insurance. Private health insurance allows access to private health care services in Portugal, which can be very interesting when you know the waiting times in the public sector. Indeed, except for major emergencies, waiting times in the public sector are extremely long whereas those in the private sector are almost immediate. Waiting times to get an appointment with a specialist or to have an operation are so long that many people opt for private health insurance in order to benefit from faster care in the private sector. This insurance reduces the cost of consultations and examinations. The rates of a private insurance are variable and depend on your profile : 70€ in average.

3 : Work

Living in Portugal also means finding a job there. There are a few things to keep in mind :

Portuguese salaries are low and are among the lowest in Europe. The minimum wage is 740€ per month (source: Eurostat),
Working hours are longer than in many European countries. In Portugal, people work 40 hours per week.
In terms of holidays, there are 22 days of paid vacations per year, in addition to the national vacations which are around 13 days per year.

4 : Cost of living

People often talk about the low cost of living in Portugal but .. Be careful ! Yes, some things are cheaper in Portugal than in other European countries but many things are the same price as the neighbours or even more expensive. Also, let’s not forget the previous point: Portuguese salaries are much lower so be careful with the ratio of Portuguese salaries to the cost of living in Portugal which can be tricky. Here are some examples of daily costs to keep in mind when deciding to live in Portugal :

Energy bills : in Portugal, electricity is about 20% more expensive than in France. And it is important to keep in mind that many homes include electric heaters or reversible air conditioning because the majority of homes in Portugal have no heating system at all.
Health insurance : as previously mentioned, you must budget for health insurance because it is essential, even indispensable, to have health insurance in Portugal.
Internet & Telephones : the national average for an internet + landline telephone package is 40€. On average, count 60€ for internet and phone.
Shopping : obviously, everything related to imported products is more expensive, especially all products related to hygiene, the majority of which are French brands.
Gasoline : the rates in Portugal are high. In mid-October 2021, the price of gasoline in Portugal even reached 2€ per liter.
Rent : let’s finish with what will be your main expense : rent. As you can imagine, rents are very different from one place to another in Portugal. Rents have increased a lot in the cities of Lisbon and Porto over the last few years and for this reason I would say that the cost of living in Portugal is not that low (at least in the big cities).

ADVANTAGES of living in Portugal

1 : Security

The feeling of security when living in Portugal is omnipresent. I am a young woman and I have never had any fears or worries in Portugal. I’m not hung up on my phone in the metro, I’m not afraid to leave my computer on a coffee table when I have to pay, or I never have any fears when I’m walking in the streets alone after midnight. It is not perfect, and crime also exists in Portugal. There have been a lot of worries about rival gangs in Porto and Lisbon in the last few weeks. However, crime in Portugal is relative and lower than in many countries. In 2021, according to the Global Peace Index, Portugal is considered the 4th most peaceful country in the world, just behind Iceland, New Zealand and Denmark.

2 : Weather

As Portugal is located in the south of Europe, the temperatures are much milder than in the rest of Europe. It is often said that there are 300 days of sunshine per year and it is true ! From Lisbon to the Algarve, rain and gray skies are very rare ! In the north of the country, the sun is a little less present, but the temperatures are mild almost all year round.In winter, temperatures are often around 15º during the day and rarely drop below 5º. In summer, temperatures often exceed 30º during the day and drop to 15º in the evening.At the end of October this year, it was again 28 degrees during the day. An Indian summer that allows you to enjoy Portugal, its beaches, its landscapes, its monuments, its villages, its cities…

3 : Gastronomy

In Portugal, the cuisine has a very important place and the know-how is transmitted from generation to generation. Portuguese cuisine is a “no-fuss”, family-style, tasty, made “with love” and generous cuisine. As you may have noticed, the dishes served are often large portions. The further north you go, the more your plates will be filled. In fact, in many restaurants, you have the choice to order a “dose” or a “meia-dose”.Even if the Portuguese like to cook, going to a restaurant is an integral part of their habits. Even in the morning, it is customary to have breakfast at the local café, whereas in France it is very rare to have this meal outside. This craze for restaurants can be partly explained by their very affordable prices.Each region has its specialties. It is, in my opinion, interesting to taste them during your escapades in the different regions of Portugal.

4 : The quality of life

If you ask an expatriate what he likes most here in Portugal, one of his answers will most likely be: the quality of life. This quality of life is highlighted in every report on Portugal and seduces a large number of people. What is quality of life ? It is the points previously mentioned: the sun, the temperatures, the security, the gastronomy… but also the traditions, the landscapes, the beaches, the architecture, the activities, the warm welcoming of the locals… which contribute unquestionably to this Portuguese quality of life.

Conclusion

I don’t know if I already told you but I did not come to Portugal “by choice”. I didn’t know Portugal at all, I had never been there, I didn’t know its culture, its gastronomy, nor its architecture before to live there. I followed my boyfriend who was in Portugal for professional reasons. Today, I consider this country as my adopted country. I feel like home here.But be careful, living in Portugal is not only advantages and you have to be aware of this if you decide to live there. My advice: take time to weigh the pros and cons, get informed before your departure … Don’t do as I did ? Before your departure, go to Portugal several times and discover the region. Be curious, get off the beaten track, be open, discover the real Portugal. Discover the culture and adapt yourself as much as possible to the country and its inhabitants.

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5 ways to pay your tolls in Portugal during your stay

Simone Barbosa — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:04:37 +0000

Portugal’s electronic tollgate system is a recent development. It has only been in place since 2011.

I chose to write this article because I regularly see questions about it on the Amoureux du Portugal Facebook group and the Vivre au Portugal Facebook page. And no wonder! The toll system in Portugal may seem a little complex, since there are two types of toll. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different options for paying tolls in Portugal.

1 – Tolls in Portugal: what are the different types?

There are 2 types of toll in Portugal, which can sometimes be confusing. You’ll find :

classic” tolls: with a toll station and barriers. You stop to pay.
electronic” toll booths (SCUT): these are gantries installed on freeways which take a photo of your license plate. They are indicated at freeway entrances by one of the signs below. They are often referred to as SCUT (a name given when freeways were still free), and although this is no longer the case, the name has stuck in Portugal for these electronic toll gates.

Signs indicating the presence of electronic toll gates (porticos)

2 – What are the options for paying tolls in Portugal?

There are several ways to pay tolls in Portugal. Here are 4 options:

EASYTOLL : payment via automatic debit on your bank card – only for “electronic” tolls,
TOLLCARD: payment by prepaid card – only for “electronic” tolls,
VIA VERDE: payment via automatic debit from your bank card – for conventional and electronic tolls,
TOP EUROP and BIP AND GO: payment via automatic debit from your bank card – for conventional and electronic tolls – Multi-Country (not only Portugal)

Easy Toll

Easy Toll can be a good solution if you’re coming from abroad with your car and staying in Portugal for 3 weeks or 1 month. Payment is made via automatic debit to your bank card as you pass through. Easy Toll allows you to pay electronic tolls automatically, but not conventional tolls. So you’ll need to stop at conventional toll booths and pay with your bank card. You have 2 options for joining Easy Toll:

register at the followingPortuguese borders: A28 – Viana do Castelo rest area // A24 – 3.5 km from the Chaves/Verin border // A25 – Alto Leomil rest area // A22 – near the Castro Marim / Ayamonte border. Once you’ve reached one of these borders, you’ll see a large Easy Toll sign (see photo below). Follow the sign to the Easy Toll terminal. It’s valid for 30 days, and once you’ve registered you can drive on Portugal’s electronic toll freeways, since your license plate and credit card will be registered in the system.
register on portugaltolls.com before you leave. In this case, there’s no need to stop at the border. Go to the site and give your bank card. You will then be debited automatically as you pass through.

Sign to follow at the border to register for the Easy Toll

Toll Card

If you don’t want your credit card to be debited automatically, you can opt for the Toll Card, a prepaid toll card. You can choose from card amounts of €5, €10, €20 or €40. You can buy it :

at post offices in Portugal (CTT),
at freeway service areas,
on the tollcard.pt website

Table summarizing the differences between Easy Toll and Toll Card

Via Verde Visitors or Via Verde Normale

The Via Verde box is probably THE best-known and most widely used solution for paying tolls in Portugal. This box allows you to pass both electronic tolls (those with gantries) and conventional tolls via specific Via Verde lanes, without barriers. So you pass all tolls with this box. Via Verde is similar to Télépéage in France (although in France you have a barrier even on the electronic toll lanes).

This Via Verde box is placed on your dashboard. Each time you pay a toll, the amount due is debited from your associated bank account. There’s the “classic” Via Verde (for those who live in Portugal) and the Via Verde Visitors if you’re only in Portugal for a short stay.

Via Verde Visitors is available for vehicles with a foreign license plate (French, Belgian, etc.) associated with a Visa / Mastercard from a non-Portuguese bank account. You can receive the Via Verde Visitors box at home (€2.50) or at an address in Portugal (hotel, apartment, etc.). Shipment to Portugal is free, but may take up to 10 days. For 2-day delivery, the cost is €5. The cost is €4.99 for the first month, then €1.25/month used (plus tolls). Unused months are free. To get your Via Verde Visitors box, click here.

IMPORTANT: If you’re renting a vehicle, remember to ask at the rental counter for the Via Verde box, although the rental agency will almost always offer it to you. This option is subject to a charge of around €1.5/day from the rental company, in addition to any tolls you may have to pay.

Lane reserved for cars on the Via Verde

Top Europ and Bip and Go

Top Europe and Bip and Go are boxes like the Via Verde, and like the Via Verde they allow you to pay all tolls in Portugal: electronic tolls and traditional tolls. The difference is that they can cover tolls in several countries: France, Italy, Spain and Portugal, and not just tolls in Portugal, which can be useful and simpler when your trip to Portugal takes you through several countries.

The Top Europ box: the activation fee for the France – Spain – Portugal badge is 11€, and for France – Spain – Portugal – Italy, 15€. Once you’ve received the box at home (shipping costs €4 (pr France) and €10 (outside France)), you pay €2.40/month to drive on freeways in Italy, Spain or Portugal. This cost is added to the tolls. In the months when you don’t use the freeways, you pay nothing. To order your Top Europ box, click here.
The Bip and Go box: the activation fee for the France – Spain – Portugal badge is €10, and for France – Spain – Portugal – Italy, it’s €14. Once the box has been delivered to your home (shipping costs €6 in France and €10 outside France), you pay €2.50/month. In the months when you don’t use the freeways, you pay nothing. To order your Bip and Go box, click here.

Table summarizing the differences between Top Europ and Bip and Go

3 – I forgot to take one of these options to pay my tolls in Portugal: what can I do?

If you haven’t opted for one of the above solutions, the gantries will memorize your passages by photographing your vehicle’s license plate. And, of course, you’ll have to pay them, or face penalties. Penalties for non-payment are quite dissuasive. Fines for non-payment of tolls in Portugal can multiply up to 25 times the amount due. And the bills even arrive abroad now 🙂

To pay your tolls in Portugal “after passage”, this must be done between the 2nd and 5th working day after your passage. If you wish to pay the day after you pass through, it will be too early. For example, if you pass through an electronic toll gate on a Sunday, you can only pay from Tuesday until Monday of the following week. You have 2 options for payment:

1 – Make a PayShop at the counter of a CTT post office (equivalent to La Poste in Portugal). You’ll be asked for the vehicle registration number, and then you can pay. However, I’d advise you not to choose this option, as there are far more constraints than with the options previously mentioned in this article:

you are dependent on the CTT’s opening hours,
waiting times at the CTT can be long,
you need to remember to go between 2 and 5 days after passing the tollgate,
a fee of €0.32 is added to the price you pay.

2 – Pay via a Multibanco cash dispenser. Before you go, you’ll need the CTT application. Using this application, you enter your license plate and this will generate a payment reference and code. You then need to go to the Multibanco and enter these data to pay your toll.

In conclusion

There are several options for paying tolls in Portugal during your stay. I strongly advise you to take one of the 5 options listed before your stay, so that you don’t have to pay your tolls after you’ve passed through, as it’s more complicated to do this, as you’ve already noticed.

Here are two other articles about cars in Portugal that might interest you:

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Live in Portugal blog Archives - Villa Feria

The 5 most sought-after places to invest in Portugal

1. Algarve – 35% :

2.Lisbon and the Metropolitan Region – 25% :

3. Porto and Northern Portugal – 15%:

4. Alentejo – 10% :

5. Other Regions – 15% :

In conclusion: the curious Lisbon

Beaches in Portugal : my 10 favorite beaches

1 – Praia de São Jacinto – Aveiro District

2 – Praia da Nazaré – District of Leiria

3 – Praia São Martinho do Porto – District of Leiria

4 – Praia da Ursa – Lisbon District (Serra da Sintra)

5 – Praia Ribeira do Cavalo in Sesimbra – Setubal District

6 – Praia dos Galapinhos – District of Setubal (Serra da Arrábida)

7 – Praia da Comporta – Setubal District

8 – Praia da Samoqueira – Porto Covo – District of Setubal (Alentejo)

8 – Praia do Camilo – Lagos – District of Faro (Algarve)

9 – Praia da Marinha – Lagoa – Faro District (Algarve)

10 – Benagil Cave – Carvoeiro – District of Faro (Algarve)

Conclusion

2 bedroom apartment with sea view, 10km from Lisbon and 2km from the beaches

Duplex apartment with sea view 15 minutes from Lisbon

Single-storey house with swimming pool

Condominium apartments facing the sea

Villa already finished and ready to move in: 4-suite bungalow on 750m2 plot in a quiet area of Azeitão

Magnificent house with basement, indoor and outdoor pool in Verdizela/Aroeira

House T3 1 10 min from Lisbon and 5 min from the beaches

4 bedroom villa with pool and jacuzzi in Aroeira

House with pool ready to move into

Villa already finished and ready to move in: 4-suite bungalow on 750m2 plot in a quiet area of Azeitão

8 Portuguese villages and towns to visit during your vacation in Portugal

1 – Ferreira do Zêzere

2 – Monsanto

3 – Comporta

4 – Evora

5 – Sagres

6 – Barcelos

7 – Tomar

8 – Aveiro

Conclusion

2 bedroom apartment with sea view, 10km from Lisbon and 2km from the beaches

Duplex apartment with sea view 15 minutes from Lisbon

Single-storey house with swimming pool

Condominium apartments facing the sea

Villa already finished and ready to move in: 4-suite bungalow on 750m2 plot in a quiet area of Azeitão

Magnificent house with basement, indoor and outdoor pool in Verdizela/Aroeira

House T3 1 10 min from Lisbon and 5 min from the beaches

4 bedroom villa with pool and jacuzzi in Aroeira

House with pool ready to move into

Villa already finished and ready to move in: 4-suite bungalow on 750m2 plot in a quiet area of Azeitão

Unusual holidays in Portugal : 12 place to go

1 : Sleeping in a barrel in the middle of the Douro vineyards

2 : Sleeping in a bus between Leiria and Fátima

3 : Sleeping in a “box” in the middle of nature near Porto

4 : Sleeping under a dome in Madeira

5 : Sleeping under a dome in Alentejo

6 : Sleeping on the beach

7 : Sleeping in a yurt in the Azores

8 : Lodging with your feet in the sand even indoors

9 : Sleeping in a windmill

10 : Glamping in the Algarve

11 : Sleeping in a train station

12 : Sleep in a tepee

Conclusion

2 bedroom apartment with sea view, 10km from Lisbon and 2km from the beaches

Duplex apartment with sea view 15 minutes from Lisbon

Single-storey house with swimming pool

Condominium apartments facing the sea

Villa already finished and ready to move in: 4-suite bungalow on 750m2 plot in a quiet area of Azeitão

Magnificent house with basement, indoor and outdoor pool in Verdizela/Aroeira

House T3 1 10 min from Lisbon and 5 min from the beaches

4 bedroom villa with pool and jacuzzi in Aroeira

House with pool ready to move into

Villa already finished and ready to move in: 4-suite bungalow on 750m2 plot in a quiet area of Azeitão

10 Portuguese breads you’ll love when you visit Portugal

1- Pão Alentejano

2- Bolo Lêvedo

3- Bolo do Caco

4- Broa