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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Good to see where you are. So glad everything is working out. Stay healthy & keep up the adventures. Sharon & Denny
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Thank you, Sharon. So far so good….(I must add that the itinerary you would have followed if you had come would have EXHAUSTED me!)
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What a beautiful first Portugal post! The map really helped me to know where you are and where you’ve been. So happy for your amazing adventures. Miss you! xo
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Thank you! Full moons are not the same without you.
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AGAIN I LOVE ALL YOUR ADVENTURES AS MUCH AS YOU DO BECAUSE YOU MAKE ME FEEL AS IF I WAS WITH YOU. WISH I WAS. CANT WAIT TO SEE MORE. MISS YOU BUT WILL FOLLOW YOU TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD AND ENJOY IT LIKE YOU ARE DOING. BEST OF ALL TO YOU BOTH. DOLORES
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Oh thank, you, Dolores! We are sticking together…and so far, so good.
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