Gardening in the Algarve

Gardening in the Algarve is a whole different ball game to gardening in the UK. The weather is unbelievably kind to tender tropical plants and as long as you remember to give plenty of water you will find that you can grow almost anything.

The Algarve has a wide selection of garden centres to tempt you and even if you are an inexperienced gardener you will soon be encouraged to take up the hobby with enthusiasm.

Natura Garden Centre is a fabulous place to visit and as well providing a good day out can supply everything you need for your Algarve garden. Located in Almancil near to Albufeira in the Central Algarve, Natura was first was established in 1993 by Jean-Claude Defrance, who is something of a celebrity gardener in France.

Gardening in the Algarve is such a growing past time that Natura opened a second branch in Porches a little further West from Albufeira, and both centres are thriving by all accounts!


By Stephanie Johnson

Tavira is currently Hosting the 6th Festival of Gastronomy of the Serra.

Tavira in the Eastern Algarve is known for its culture and history. It has many beautiful old buildings and monuments, probably the most famous of which is the Roman bridge built in the 12th century that traverses the river Gilao.

There is currently another reason to visit Tavira however, as this lovely town is hosting the 6th Festival of Gastronomy of the Serra. From 21st March until 10th April many of the restaurants in Tavira will be taking part in this gastronomic extravaganza celebrating the cuisine of the ‘Serra’ or mountains.

There are opportunities to sample typical dishes from the upland regions of the Algarve at special prices and also the chance to enter a competition to win a free weekend at a local hotel.

So visit Tavira soon and get a taste of the mountains in some of the best restaurants by the sea.


By Stephanie Johnson

World Superbike Championships to be Held in the Algarve

The 2010 World Superbike Championships starts next week and the first European round will be held at the new Motor Park at Portimao in the Algarve.

This glamorous international event is a real coop for the Algarve attracting motor sport fans to Portugal from all over the world and once again justifying the lavish investment of 195 million euros that the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve cost to build, reportedly the biggest investment in the Algarve ever.

The British team includes Leon Haslam and Jonathan Rea who will have plenty to think about when negotiating the hair raising undulating 4592 metre track, which was opened about 18 months ago.

The site extends to almost 300 hectares and in addition to the circuit also includes a karting track, technology park, a luxury five star hotel, sports complex and several apartments.

The track is located approximately an hour from the main airport in the Algarve at Faro and is expected to go from strength to strength now that it has been approved for Formula One racing.


By Stephanie Johnson

Prestige Portugal Property Will be at A Place in the Sun Live!

We all know that the Algarve region of Portugal is a beautiful place in the sun, well in honour of this fact Prestige Portugal Property are exhibiting at A Place in the Sun Live, the number one overseas property show in the UK.

Several of my colleagues have gone over to London and will be available to meet clients for a chat or more in depth conversation about all aspects of buying property in the Algarve.

The show should be a fantastic day out with loads of events taking place including interviews and advice from the presenters of the popular TV show A Place in the Sun: Home or Away? There will also be seminars on subjects such as mortgages, tax and banking in Portugal.

The show takes place this weekend, from 26th – 28th March, and we would love to meet you in person, so please contact me through the website and I would be delighted to email you some free tickets.

Buying a home overseas is a big decision and one that should be thoroughly researched so take advantage of this opportunity and come and visit us this weekend on stand E63 very close to the Portuguese Pavilion.


By Stephanie Johnson

A Lovely Restaurant in Olhos d'Agua, Algarve

The Algarve region of Portugal has many delightful restaurants and one such is O Licorne (The Unicorn) in Olhos d’Agua, near Albufeira.

A warm romantic atmosphere is created by the cosy but elegant décor lit by lots of candles and gentle low lighting. The friendly owner, Hilde is always on hand to welcome customers and ensure a smooth professional service from her efficient staff.

The varied menu includes vegetarian meals and a fabulous selection of expertly cooked meat and fish dishes and homemade desserts. The average price for dinner is around €25 per person and booking is essential.

Olhos d’Agua is a wonderful place to spend a holiday and O Licorne is yet another reason to visit soon.


By Stephanie Johnson

Ria Fuzeta Resort a Beautiful New Development in the Eastern Algarve

The Algarve region in the South of Portugal is known by many as a world class holiday destination, and with good reason as it has so much to offer visitors.

Fuzeta in the Eastern Algarve is a gem on the edge of the Ria Formosa National Park, a protected area teeming with wildlife. Leisure Launch, our favourite developer here in Portugal, has created a stunning complex of apartments and villas in this beautiful location.

Fuzeta Ria Resort is an extraordinary development of just thirty two bedroom and two bathroom luxury apartments and twenty three bedroom villas, all finished to the highest possible standard.
This lovely resort, which is nearing completion, will enjoy landscaped grounds with shady palm trees and lots of grassy areas. All the units will have fine sea and estuary views with balconies and terraces on which to enjoy the beautiful Algarve sunshine.

The imaginative design of the complex includes a roof top swimming pool which will cascade down to a larger pool at ground level. Where there will also be a café.

Leisure Launch really have thought of everything and this thoughtful planning has lead to a fantastic development in a fantastic location, and a great opportunity for investors.


By Stephanie Johnson

Algarve Property is a Wise Investment in More Ways Than One

I was having a quick look on the internet this afternoon and came across the Monarch website with some fantastic offers on flights to the Algarve for dates in April with prices from just £32 one way including taxes.

It just goes to show how easy it is to find and book cheap flights these days. Prices like these are often cheaper than travelling within the UK and therefore make holidaying abroad a very economical option.

If you were to already own your holiday home here on the Algarve you could find yourself in the enviable position of easily being able to afford two or three holidays per year, and know that your money has been wisely invested.

Prestige Portugal Property has some beautiful properties for sale in the Algarve including luxury apartments in Tavira in the Eastern Algarve and more in Albufeira in the Central Algarve region.
Now that’s something to think about while you are booking your holiday!


By Stephanie Johnson

Buying Property in the Algarve, Portugal

Buying a property in the Algarve is a straight forward process, but it always helps to be armed with as much information as possible before embarking on such a big step.

Obviously you will want to ensure that your hard earned cash has been invested wisely and that your property will appreciate in value as well as provide plenty of holidays for you and your family over the years. So here are few facts about buying a property here in Portugal.

The Algarve has been a popular tourist destination for many years now and as such is well established and a good safe place to invest. Planning regulations in Portugal were revised in 1993 and consequently new building declined causing prices to rise at a significant rate. The stricter rules have done much to ensure that new developments blend in with their surroundings and have given Portugal a more exclusive feel when compared to other countries attracting overseas buyers, such as Spain.

When buying a property from overseas it is always wise to engage a lawyer and clearly, if you do not speak Portuguese, he or she should speak English. There are certain taxes and fees that will need to be paid, including a transfer tax as well as your legal fees, these generally add up to approximately 5 or 6% of the purchase price of the property.

Should you consider taking out a mortgage you have a choice between remortgaging your home in the UK or borrowing from a Portuguese bank, Euro mortgages are currently very competitively priced and banks here are happy to lend to overseas buyers on good quality property.

We at Prestige Portugal can assist you with all the professional help you will need to complete your purchase in a straight forward manner, quickly and efficiently. We’ve done it before. . .


By Stephanie Johnson

Zoomarine is a Fantastic Marine Park in Albufeira on the Algarve

The Algarve in Portugal has much to offer visitors and local residents and one of the best attractions has to be Zoomarine in Albufeira, Central Algarve.

This fun aquatic park makes a great day out for every member of the family offering plenty of opportunity to interact with dolphins and other marine life.

The landscaped park extends to 8 hectares and is a perfect place to visit on a hot and sunny Algarve day. Don’t forget to take your swimming things as there are several swimming pools in lovely grassy areas where you might like to take a refreshing dip. There are also amusement rides which the kids will love (a lot of those seem to involve getting wet as well!) and once you have paid the entrance fee everything, apart from refreshments, is free.

The Zoomarine philosophy is based on conservation and environmental education, and as such offers more than just entertainment and is well worth a visit.

Next time you are in the Algarve why not enjoy a day out at Zoomarine in Albufeira, it sounds like a fun day out for everyone!


By Stephanie Johnson

A Taste of Portugal in the Algarve

Portugal is proud of its cuisine, especially in the Algarve where the freshest fish and locally grown produce are offered in the many restaurants catering for both visitors and locals. Although not regarded internationally as a gastronomic destination the food here is always a pleasant surprise once you arrive.

The Portuguese diet is, general speaking, extremely healthy, comprising very little processed food in comparison to the UK. Although Portuguese cooks are fairly liberal with the salt when cooking, it is probably no worse than you might find hidden in a packet or ready meal.

Something I have noticed since living in Portugal is that the everyday dishes enjoyed throughout the country would generally be classed as ‘peasant food’ in the UK, and as such make wonderful comfort food. Soup is a national favourite and served everyday in most homes, even in the hottest summer months.

In the Algarve, as in the rest of Portugal, you cannot fail to notice the popularity of barbecuing as an everyday method of cooking all year round. The Portuguese are experts at barbecuing both meat and fish and the flavour this adds to already fresh and flavoursome produce is outstanding.

Come and visit the Algarve soon for a true taste of Portugal.


By Stephanie Johnson

Lots of Good Reasons to Invest in Property on the Algarve

When taking your first steps into investing in property in the Algarve your first thoughts are likely to be of family holidays enjoyed on glorious sandy beaches and capital growth on your investment.

But there are just so many more reasons to consider buying an Algarve property, for instance. . .

Portugal enjoys one of the lowest costs of living in the EU.

The Algarve is a highly appealing tourist location therefore offering high rental returns.

The overseas property market has been tried and tested for many years, with stability and transparency in buying procedures for foreign purchasers.

Portugal has been a member of the European monetary union since 2002.

Restricted construction density limits, ensure preservation of the environment.

There is a large presence of fellow British residents, with around 50,000 properties in the Algarve British owned, and English is widely spoken.

Stunning and diverse natural beauty, with rivers, lakes, mountains and plenty of sandy beaches. There are also protected National Parks and a huge number of fabulous golf courses, making the Algarve popular with all kinds of visitor.

There is plenty of interesting history and cultural heritage with buildings and monuments dating back centuries.

Portugal in general enjoys a low crime rate and a stable political climate.

Easy access via budget airlines with flight time just 2 ½ hours from the UK, and once you arrive the road infrastructure is excellent.

And of course, over 300 days of sunshine every year!


By Stephanie Johnson

A Cosy Little Restaurant in Tavira on the Algarve

There is beautiful restaurant you should try next time you are in Tavira in the Eastern Algarve. Vela 2 is a cosy little place run by enthusiastic staff that serves the freshest fish you will ever taste.

There is no menu, just a choice of fish or meat, accompanied by the standard Portuguese fair of boiled potatoes and salad. The fish is stunning, not just the quantity, but also the variety. Anything caught that day is cooked and offered to customers until they are unable to eat any more!

The excellent prices of around €15 per head for a three course meal ensure that the restaurant is full just about every day for both lunch and dinner, so you need to arrive early to be sure of a table.

Tavira is a great place to visit all year round and little restaurants like Vela 2 make your Algarve holiday a real Portuguese experience and become somewhere to which you will want to return over and over again.

Take a look at the beautiful apartments we have for sale in Tavira and start planning your regular trips to the Algarve.


By Stephanie Johnson

Almond Blossom in the Algarve

The Algarve is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but now, at the beginning of spring it is stunning. The almond trees that started flowering in January are now looking a picture covered in the white or pale pink blossom.

There are lots of almonds grown in the Algarve, due to the temperate climate which creates perfect growing conditions. The first trees were introduced to the Algarve by the Moors along with the citrus trees that we now all take for granted.

Portugal is a country full of myths and legends and one particularly touching tale is of a Nordic princess who married a prince from the Algarve and came to live in Portugal. Unfortunately, she missed her homeland so much that she became very melancholic. So the enterprising prince ordered thousands of almond trees to be planted throughout the Algarve creating a snow like effect in slightest breeze during the winter months.

Why not come and visit the Algarve soon and see the 'snow' for yourself?


By Stephanie Johnson

The Algarve is Not Just for Tourists

The Algarve in the South of Portugal is renowned throughout the world as a fabulous holiday destination, and with good reason. The legendary Algarve beaches are ideal for family holidays with so many to choose from and every one a gem.

Tourism is a growing industry in the Algarve and over the last twenty or thirty years has evolved into a major source of income for the previously rather poor region. Don’t however, be misled into thinking that the Algarve is only about tourism because nothing could be farther from the truth.

The little towns and villages along the Algarve coast and others further inland too are home to a Portuguese population with various occupations that include a lot more than just catering for visitors. There are still many families who rely on fishing as their livelihood, and then there are the farmers who spend their lives working on the land just as their fathers did before them growing fruit, almonds, olives and other crops for export throughout the world.

There are also vineyards of industrial proportions producing delicious wines, each bottle a little taste of Portugal.

So don’t think of the Algarve as being just for holidays, it is a part of the real Portugal, with a very Portuguese heart and soul.


By Stephanie Johnson

Historic Albufeira, a Holiday Destination with a Colourful Past

Albufeira in the Central Algarve region of Portugal is a popular holiday destination known by many throughout the world. The historic town dates back centuries and has been inhabited by the Romans who knew it as Baltum and the Moors who renamed it Al Buhera, meaning ‘sea castle’.

Albufeira has enjoyed a colourful history being the site of several sieges and battles over the years, but in more recent times was subject to poverty rather than attack. However, the flourishing tourist industry over the last thirty or forty years has changed the situation completely and now Albufeira is considered to be a town of great importance within the Faro administrative district.

Apartments and villas in the area have long proved to be good investments both financially and as a perfect family holiday home from where you can enjoy many years of happy holidays.

The many attractions of this lively town include a wide choice of restaurants, bars and cafes, many fabulous sandy beaches and an impressive marina full of yachts. There are interesting architectural features including churches, museums and a delightful old town with pretty houses and cobbled streets all of which add up to an enduring holiday destination on the beautiful Algarve.


By Stephanie Johnson

The Ilha de Tavira Adds a New Dimension to Your Algarve Holiday

Tavira in the Eastern Algarve is gaining a reputation as being a rather exclusive part of the Algarve.

It is true that the historic town has plenty of character and culture to offer visitors, and interesting features such as the ferry trip over to the Ilha de Tavira make a stay in Tavira a little different from other Algarve holiday destinations.

Ilha de Tavira is a beautiful beach situated on an island within the Ria Formosa National Park and can be reached by either ferry or aquataxi, in just five minutes.

The huge sandy beach is backed by sand dunes and during the summer comes alive with holiday makers enjoying the Algarve sunshine. There are umbrellas and pedalos for rent and several beach side cafes, bars and restaurants.

Avoiding the summer crowds however is easy, just take a 15 minute stroll along the beach and you will find the space you are looking for, and in the winter months you will probably have the whole place to yourself.

Tavira is a great place to own a holiday apartment, offering an interesting holiday for all the family all year round. Why not visit Tavira this year and see for yourself?


By Stephanie Johnson