Retirement in the Algarve brings you a glorious climate with endless sunshine, secluded beaches, whitewashed villages and rolling countryside scattered with olive, carob, cork and almond trees.
One of the warmest, sunniest places in Southern Europe, the Algarve’s mild winters give way to hot, dry summers.
Its pleasant year-round climate, beautiful coast and countryside, safe, low-cost living – not to mention its famous golf courses – makes the Algarve region a very attractive place to retire, and Portugal topped the International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index in 2020.
In the Algarve it is all about location and life-style. Monte Da Palhagueira ticks all the boxes and is close to:
Monte da Palhagueira is a Private English Retirement Village with a perfect location! You are living in peace and tranquility but are close to everything you may need and may like. Loule and Santa Barbara de Nexe are just minutes away. So is the MAR shopping centre, the largest one in the Algarve. It is 20 KM to the nearest beach with plenty of dining and sitting options. If you need more than the market hall in Loule, try the famous market hall in Olhao with its fresh fish directly from the fishing boats. You can combine that with a coffee directly at the water front or a boat tour. If you prefer the offerings of a larger city including a large hospital, go to Faro (15 KM). If you are into Golf, go to Almancil (12 KM). Monte da Palhagueira offers the perfect location for your retirement.
This traditional Portuguese town with Moorish heritage lies 9km west of Monte da Palhagueira and is famous for its lively Saturday morning gypsy and farmers markets. You will get the best fish with a wide selection of very fresh fish in the market hall every Saturday morning. Featuring shady tree-lined plazas and a labyrinth of charming cobbled alleyways, Loule is a pretty medieval town with a castle that is one of the best-preserved in the Algarve. There are plenty of options for a day out with a variety of dining options, from traditional Portuguese (try Restaurant Bocage) to all sorts of more International variations. You will get the best coffee at Bean17 in the market hall (Mercado de Loule).
Faro is not only the capital of the Algarve region, it is also the main hub for travel and medical care. It is just 20 minutes from Monte Da Palhagueira to the airport and the many things Faro has to offer. It is an authentic historic coastal city with a renowned medieval old town including a 13th century Cathedral. It combines a range of activities like taking a boat ride to the Ria Formosa Natural Park or to the beaches on one of the many little islands with a pleasant stroll along the water front and an outstanding dinner experience in one of many high quality restaurants. You can finish the day with a cocktail on a roof top bar. Or if you prefer a formal garden setting, combine your day in Faro with a visit of the Palácio de Estoi on the way back. It has an outstanding Restaurant and fantastic views across the formal gardens.
The traditional fishing village Olhao is the perfect destination for a Saturday morning. Having a coffee directly at the waterfront, enjoying a Pastela de Nata, buying fresh fish from the famous fish market or just strolling along the waterfront between the stalls of the Saturday market. Finishing the perfect morning with a tasty lunch in the old part of Olhao with its small streets and Cafes and Restaurants.
Monte da Palhagueira takes inspiration from the enchanting, flower-laden village of Alte. This lovely village of whitewashed houses with colourful windows and terracotta tiled roofs lining a maze of pretty cobbled streets is hidden away in the foothills of the Serra do Caldeirão and is one of the most typical and unspoilt villages in the Algarve. The village has a beautiful church dating from the 16th century, which contains elaborate chapels and rare 16th-century azulejo tiling from Seville, and two freshwater springs.
Imagine living in a place where you can see this combination of landscape beauty and history within an hour driving distance. To the west you have Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, to the east you have the historic and picturesque town of Seville in Spain.
Running 60km along the coast to the west and east of Faro, the Ria Formosa Natural Park has recently been elected one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. This maze of canals, islands, marshes and barrier islands has a thriving ecosystem, unspoilt beaches and rich fishing heritage.
To the East, Seville is a two hours drive away. It is the largest city in Spanish Andalusia. It is an amazing place: stunning historic buildings, beautiful walks, culture and cuisine. What a wonderful place for a day trip and what a privilege to live in a location where you can just do this.
Of course there is more to explore. Try Tavira, Lagos or the absolutely beautiful and stunning Evora. The list of options is virtually endless. One of our personal favourites is Evora, it is a bit further away with 2 hours 30 minutes of driving, but it is well worth it. You will find a traditional and historic Portuguese town with the typical Portuguese architecture and charm. Perfect for a weekend.
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