Where Are We?
We are in the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region with HUNDREDS of beaches, scrublands, forests, and spectacular cliffs. Our villa is halfway between Lagos (pop 33,000) and Portimão (pop 49,000).
Why Portugal?
- The people are kind and tolerant.
- Residency allows permanent free entry and travel in the Schengen Region (26 EU countries).
How Does This Work?
Portugal’s residency requirements are manageable and affordable; however, the process is far from stress-free. It can be confusing, contradictory and change with little to no notice. Our lifeline was Americans & Friends in Portugal (link)– a Facebook Group with free and accurate “how to” files, which we followed to the letter.
What’s Up?
- Finding a one-year lease (D7 Visa requirement) was compounded by tourist season, but we found ONE and began paying rent in April.
- Arrived Lisbon June, 2022, with D7 visas and a lot of checked bags; then drove 3 hours, south, to the Algarve.
- December meeting with SEF (Security/Immigration) for residency approval.
A Look Around
Our villa is rural, a car is necessary which suits us because we love to GO.
Completely captivated, here is what we found near our two cities of Lagos and Portimão.
1. Home – Vale Da Ribeira – Storks All Over!
2. Vineyard Harvest in Nearby Odiáxere (oh dee ASHer)
3. Lagos: Forte da Bandeira (17th Century), Praia (Beach), and Old Town
4. Lagos: Ponta da Piedade (Piety Point)
AMAZING!!! Headland, clifftop walk. Amazing yellow-golden rock formations, 20 meters high, sea grottos.
5. Portimão: Praia da Roche (Stone Beach)
Portimão: 15th – 16th Century Ruins
6. Charming Ferragudo
Portuguese fishing village, population 1,969, opposite Portimão on the Arade river.
Retire Here!
We are content with a whole country to see.
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Thrilled and excited by your adventures! Great to see and read about all of it.
Love, Sandra
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Although, I have to say that I WAS hoping for a reenactment of the “I Love Lucy” episode and the grape harvest ;)
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There was opportunity for that in the sorting room! But when you are the only one who speaks English…the opportunity fades quickly.
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Thank you! We’ve been watching you enjoy the summer with the water-child. Part fish, she is.
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Favorite photo – Steve standing in front of a closed Starbucks!
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Oh, it was open to the side. That was the seating area/ “meet your driver here” spot. It was 7 am after an 8 hour flight from Miami.
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Why am I not surprised at your amazing pics and accurate and intriguing maps and travel log? Sounds like you will stay and you will retire (again) there! Keep on keeping on. Although we miss you…Glennie
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Why am I not surprised at you being the first to read and comment on our efforts? Thank you (Obrigada!) for your positive thoughts! We miss you to…so much I cannot delete the emails about Yoga classes!
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