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.
Next – eastern Algarve towards Spain.
Travel Broadly - Marlene & Steve 
You’re back! Thrilled to pieces that you returned to the blog scene! Beautiful first blog with countless adventures to explore in your new backyard! Love all your snaps! The coastlines are my favorites! May need to have a pizza picnic at the coast to watch the sunset!
Excited to show you around soon!
Hi there, I’m so excited to follow the posts from Portugal. Eu falla português E morava no Brasil. I would really love to see the sites there and I guess it will have to be through your eyes. Enjoy every moment. 🥰
Oh, Diane! I am delighted to hear from you again. I remember that you lived in Brazil with your husband – and your babies, at the time. We signed up for Portuguese classes starting in October. Should be able to double my vocabulary from 4 words to 8. Thank you for reaching out!
I love this. Beautiful pics, as usual. Nicely organized and presented. Glad to see you’re back in posting mode!