The Allure of the Algarve

16th February 2010 - written by Jasmine Harman in association with Towergate Connect

Jasmine Harman looks at why The Algarve has become one of the most popular Holiday Home destinations in Europe, and where’s good to buy property.

Having lived in the southernmost region of Portugal for over 3 years, I have a great fondness for the place, and I’m not the only one!  Over 200,000 Brits already own property in Portugal, many of them in the Algarve so what’s the appeal? For many, it’s the fact that it has some of the most reliable weather in Western Europe.  You can bask on its glorious beaches, explore the hills and countryside, take in the rich culture and history or enjoy the wonderful cuisine.  It really is a location that has something for everyone, whether you want peace and quiet, or all night parties, the Algarve has it all.  So here is my guide to some of the most popular locations:

An explosion of property developments, new golf courses and improvements to infrastructures has fuelled growth on the Eastern Algarve and much of the development has been focussed around the charming town of Tavira.  The old town is quaint and authentic, perfect if you’re looking for a property with character.  You can pick up a recently restored 3-bedroom apartment for around €190,000.  Alternatively, a 2-bedroom new-build with a shared pool in Cabanas de Tavira will cost you around the same.  Make sure you visit the site in person as many developments are still unfinished and you don’t want your holiday ruined by building works on your doorstep.

If you want an authentic Portuguese town, check out Loulé.  Loulé has become popular with those seeking a quieter location for their holiday home, yet within easy reach of the coast and the airport at Faro.  Many properties on the outskirts of Loulé have wonderful views of the surrounding hills and you can buy a ruin outside the town from around €50,000.  In the town itself there are some great treats to be had; the markets are a highlight and leather goods and pottery are generally high quality. Here a renovated 3-bedroom townhouse will cost approximately €175,000.

Almancil is the nearest town to the exclusive resorts of Quinta da Lago & Vale do Lobo.  It has more than its fair share of restaurants and amenities, including the famously expensive supermarket, stocking products you can’t find elsewhere like Soya milk, Marmite or Porcini mushrooms.  Few people own holiday homes in Almancil, preferring the luxury resorts on the coast and golf courses, but many ex-pats live and work in Almancil and here you can buy a 1-bedroom apartment for under €100,000, half the price of that 10-minutes away in Quinta do Lago.

Further West, Vilamoura has it all.  World-class golf, fine dining, nightlife, a beautiful beach, excellent shopping, and of course the illustrious marina, ideal for strolling, people watching and taking in the scene.  A 2-bedroom apartment with a shared pool on one of the top golf courses will set you back around €240,000.

Without a doubt the most popular holiday hotspot on the Algarve is Albufeira.  The beaches are glorious, if a little crowed in high-season and there are plenty of wonderful restaurants, but the place really comes alive at night.  The old town is recently refurbished and very pretty, but also very touristy with lots of gimmicky bars and shops!!  The new town is famed for its “Strip”, with plenty of lively clubs and bars. There is so much supply when it comes to holiday properties, you can often negotiate on price.  A 2-bed apartment, just 2-minutes walk from the beach with a communal pool can cost less than €150,000. 

Lagos has something for everyone. Take a boat trip at Ponta da Piedade and see the incredible rock formations in the shape of an elephant, a witch and even a giant phallus!!  Street performers wow you with their dazzling acts and the old town is a maze of cobbled pedestrianised streets perfect for exploring. The town has lots of character and there are plenty of individual older homes as well as some plush new developments.  An off-plan, 2-bedroom apartment close to the marina will cost around €235,000, or you could purchase a 3-bed townhouse for €195,000.

If you want the beach but want to avoid the tourist traps, Aljezur on the West coast of the Algarve is less developed.  The wild and rugged coastline is popular with surfers, but you’ll find it is less sheltered, meaning blustery weather at times.  It is beautifully unspoilt and the Costa Vicentina national park means permission to build is difficult to obtain, and your views are unlikely to be spoilt by a high-rise hotel being built next door.  However, prices can be surprisingly high due to a lack of supply.  Here you can find a 4-bed villa outside the town for €250,000.

Wherever you decide to buy, remember that you holiday home is a little slice of paradise, a retreat where you can relax and unwind.  Make sure you protect it with appropriate holiday home insurance.  Towergate Connect offer quality Holiday Home Insurance, and all overseas policies come with their interpreting service, overseas assist as standard, to give you extra peace of mind in the event of an emergency.

Towergate Connect and Jasmine Harman

Towergate Connect has selected one of the UK's most high-profile travel celebrities, Jasmine Harman, who is best known for her work on Channel 4's 'A Place in the Sun - Home or Away', to contribute towards regular news and views articles to our website.