Top 10 Places to Buy In The Algarve

1, Lagos

With its stunning beaches and fascinating history, Lagos is the place to be in the Algarve. Whatever you look for in your ideal location you can find it here.

For beach lovers, the 3km stretch of beach called Meia Praia is ideal. It is one of the longest open bays in Europe with white sand and calm seas. It`s perfect for sunbathing, snorkelling or enjoying watersports. There are also many cove beaches such as Praia da Batata, Praia Dona Ana and Praia da Camilo, which are surrounded by beautiful cliffs and rock formations.

Golfers in Lagos are spoiled for choice with Boavista, Espiche and Palmares golf courses literally on the doorstep and the fabulous courses at Penina and Morgado only around a 15 minute drive away.

In keeping with its history of Navigation and Naval exploration, Lagos still maintains very close maritime ties, with a thriving fishing industry and a beautiful marina area. Walking along the harbour side from the 12th Century fort to the new, modern marina building you will pass every type of boat imaginable!

Transport links from Faro are also very good with both bus and train routes taking you straight to the centre of town.

Property prices in Lagos are still at a very affordable level with 1 bedroom apartments starting at €120,000, 2 bed from €160,000, amazing penthouse apartments with panoramic views from €350,000 and stunning detached villas with pools from €400,000.

This beautiful penthouse apartment has stunning sea views and top quality, luxury finishings. They have 3 bedrooms, electric shutters, video entry, an underground parking garage and a rooftop pool. Priced at €550,000 this is a fabulous opportunity to own a top of the range, luxury property in a stunning location in the the most sought after area of the Algarve.

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/lagos-stunning-new-apartments/243

2, Cabanas

Cabanas de Tavira is a beautiful, little seaside resort just 5 minutes drive from the ancient city of Tavira. With a population of only 1100 inhabitants it is an unspoilt, traditional town built along a picturesque, working fishing harbour. Cabanas sits in the heart of the Ria Formosa nature reserve which has been UNESCO protected since 1997 due to its unique eco-systems and plethora of bird life.

Access to the beach, which is located on a sand bank island opposite the harbour, is via water taxi which is a service provided by local operators. The taxi ride is only around 3 minutes and is a unique and exciting way to travel to the beach! Also along the harbour you can find boat companies who provide eco tours of the nature reserve, which is very popular with bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.

There are many traditional Portuguese restaurants along the harbour and some very good fish restaurants. You can also watch the fishing boats come ashore with their catch and buy your dinner straight off the boat!

Access to Faro is also very easy by bus or by train as there is a train station at the top of the town.

For the golfers there is Benamor golf course which is literally across the road from the town.

Cabanas Beach Resort sits just 3 streets back from the harbour in a privilaged position with spectacular views of the Ria and harbour. 2 bedroom apartments start from just €116,000 for ground and 1st floor, and only €158,000 for the penthouse duplex apartments which have a private roof terrace affording you those fabulous views. Its like your very own piece of paradise sitting on the terrace, watching the sun set over the nature reserve and slowly sink into the ocean!

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/sea-view-apartments-with-up-to-85-financing/989

3,  Albufeira

Albufeira is the largest tourist resort in the Algarve. Popular with tourism all year round due to the sheer variety of things to do, it is also popular with expats relocating to the Algarve with more than 10% of the total population of the town being non Portuguese.

The town itself is split into 2 distinct areas, the new town, which incorporates The Strip, and the old town which is a myriad of cobbled streets emanating from the main square.

There are many beautiful beaches in the area but the 2 main ones are Praia da Oura in the new town and Praia dos Pescadores or Fishermans beach in the old town. these are both lovely, long stretches of golden sand. Praia da Oura is very good for watersports and Fishermans beach is enclosed on one side by beautiful sandstone cliffs.

Transport links to Faro are easy, there are regular bus and train services, most people arriving at Faro airport will either arrange a transfer in advance or take a taxi as its only a 35 minute journey.

Albufeira boasts 3 golf courses of its own and is also only 15 mins from Vilamoura where there are 6 championship standard courses.

One of the biggest attractions in the Algarve is the Aqua Theme Park at Zoomarine which is located in one of the suburbs of Albufeira called Guia. Zoomarine is great for all age groups and is famous for being the only place in mainland Europe you can swim with dolphins.

Albufeira really does have something for everyone, and, as you are travelling through on the main avenue, dont forget to look out for the themed roundabouts!

The Villa Branca complex is located on the outskirts of Albufeira in the village of Branqueira. These beautiful 2 bedroom townhouses are located on a secure complex with beautiful grounds. Popular with families and couples they are perfect for a holiday home close to, but not in the middle of the resort, and have great rental potential.

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/beautiful-2-bedroom-townhouses-for-sale-on-the-out-skirts-of-albufeira/1

4, Vilamoura

Vilamoura is the largest privately owned, purpose built sport and tourism resort in Europe. It also houses Europes largest single berth yacht marina.

Vilamoura is a golfers paradise with 6 championship standard courses which range in difficulty and price. The Portuguese Open has been held for the last 2 years on the Victoria Course.

The Vilamoura marina was opened in 1974 and is home to over 1000 yachts, it is shortly to undergo an expansion which will make it the largest overall marina in Europe.

There are 2 beaches in Vilamoura, one either side of the marina, Vilamoura beach leads to Quarteira which is a 15 minute walk and Falesia beach, which is backed by red sandstone cliffs, goes to Açoteias and is a walk of around an hour and a half.

As well as golf, Vilamoura is also host to annual rugby, equestrian, tennis and crown green bowling tournaments.

The luxury L’Orangerie development sits on the edge of the exclusive Victoria golf course in Vilamoura. Just a 5 minute taxi ride from the marina and beaches this beautifully designed, ultra modern complex really is a cut above the rest. 2 and 3 bed apartments and villas available.

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/3-bed-apartment-vilamoura/823

5, Vale de Lobo

Vale de Lobo is one of the most exclusive resorts in the Algarve. Located right in the centre of the prestigious Golden Triangle the resort oozes quality and good taste.

The resort boasts 2 golf courses, the Royal Course and The Ocean Course which are a combination of Links and Parkland golf and offer challenges to golfers of all abilities

As well as the golf courses there is also a Tennis Academy which hosts international competitions including the ATP Seniors tour and the Portuguese Ladies Open.

Vale de Lobo is known for its beautiful villas and this one is no exception. Located just a short walk from the golf courses and facilities it has 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms and a beautiful mature which can be enjoyed from the covered terrace.

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/3-bed-villa-for-sale-loule-near-vale-do-lobo-reduced/1331

6, Fuzeta

Fuzeta is a lovely little fishing village situated just to the east of Faro. It is a very traditional town with a fish market and local produce market just next to the quay.

The beach in Fuzeta is formed by an inlet in the nature reserve. This means not only is it sandy, but also there are no waves and the water warms up during the day making it lovely for an afternoon swim. There is also Fuzeta island which is accessible by water taxi and has a lovely long stretch of ocean beach.

There are 5 golf courses within a 20 minute drive of the town and shopping centres in both Olhao and Tavira, so something for everyone!

Public transport to Faro is by bus or train, Fuzeta being home to not one, but strangely two train stations!

Fuzeta Ria sits in a privileged position right on the edge of the nature reserve in Fuzeta. The beautiful 3 bedroomed townhouses have stunning views from the roof terrace which can be enjoyed whilst sitting in your own rooftop jacuzzi! There is also a fabulous infinity pool on the complex which also affords spectacular views out over the town and the Ria Formosa.

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/fuzeta-great-investment-opportunity/178

7, Gale´

Gale is an area to the west of the resort of Albufeira which is renowned for its beautiful beaches. As well as the main Gale beach, which is a huge expanse of golden sand stretching from the west side of the resort all the way to Armaçao de Pera, there are numerous smaller cove beaches dotted with beautiful rock formations.

The resort is within easy reach of most of the central Algarve golf courses and shopping centres and has some lovely bars and restaurants which specifically cater for the huge amount of tourism and large expat community in the area.

Vitismar is a fabulous complex situated near the heart of Vale de Parra in Gale. Its striking modern architecture and beautiful finishings put it a cut above the rest in the area. 2 and 3 bedroomed apartments are available.

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/2-bed-apartment-albufeira/996

8, Alvor

Alvor is a small fishing town in the west of the Algarve. Although popular with tourists in the summer months it manages to retain its traditional charm as the narrow, cobbled streets have prevented much development.

The main beach in Alvor is a long stretch of golden sand and there are also some beautiful little coves nestled amongst the cliffs.

The golf courses in the area appeal to golfers of all abilities, ranging from the not too taxing Alto course to the really challenging Alamos course with its tiered greens and deep, aggressive bunkers.

In the centre of this lovely sits an apartment complex with truly spectacular sea views. With fully equipped kitchens, pool, parking space and video entry included, these 1 and 2 bedroomed apartments are not only fabulous for personal and family use but also have a 9/10 rating for rental with booking.com so make a fabulous investment.

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/alvor-t2-magnificent-views/1329

9, Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is a picturesque fishing village towards the west of the Algarve. The beach sits in a small break in the rocky coastline and the village rises with the cliffs to either side.

The main town beach, along the numerous others along this stretch of coast, are small cove beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters.

The village itself comprises just 3 main roads, one in, one out, and the main street of restaurants and shops which goes up the hill to the side toward the beautiful caves and rock formations at Algar Seco and Benagil.

The Pinto and Gramacho golf courses are situated on the opposite of the village, with easy access from the main local town of Lagoa.

Public transport links to all areas of the Algarve are from the town of Lagoa and are frequent and reliable.

Carvoeiro is renowned for its beautiful villas with stunning views and this is one of the best. It comprises 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, spa, jacuzzi, heated pool and lots of other luxury features that really make it a stand out property. With views to die for it really is a bargain at only €790,000

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/7-bed-villa-for-sale-central-algarve/1055

10, Quinta do Lago

Quinta is the most exclusive, and therefore, most expensive resort in the Algarve. It is famous for being the location of choice for the rich and famous! Many celebrities, sports stars and extremely successful business people enjoy holiday homes there.

The golf courses are world famous. The  South course is regularly used for international championships including hosting the Portuguese open 8 times, the North course is set in beautiful woods with heather, gorse and wild flowers and the Laranjal, which is the newest course opened in 2009 and was voted Best Golf Course at the 2011 Portuguese Travel Awards.

There are also some lovely beaches in the area including the 3 km long Quinta do Lago beach which is accessed via the wooden bridge which crosses the tidal lagoon.

Property in Quinta do Lago exudes quality and has prices to match. Villa prices range between €500,000 and €35 million euros! This villa is a mid range, beautiful villa with 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms located just 4 minutes from the beach. It has a beautiful garden and private pool and even space for a games room on the lower ground floor.

http://www.idealhomesportugal.com/properties/quinta-do-lago-luxury-property/222

So there you have it, our guide to the top 10 places to buy in Portugal. I hope you find it useful when making your decision where to buy your property, and don’t forget, we are here to help in any way can!

Posted by Tammy                        

Account Manager

email: info@idealhomesportugal.com

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