Life’s a beach: where Portugal meets Spain

April 18, 2017

In place since 1297, the border between the two countries of Iberia is one of the oldest in the world. Locals and tourists travel back and forth daily across the Guadiana Bridge that connects Castro Marim on Portugal’s Algarve with Andalusia’s Huelva province. Alternatively, a 10-minute ferry journey facilitates a quick aperitivo and tapas in Spain followed by a seafood lunch at Pezinhos N’Areia on the beach at Praia Verde.

These are two relatively affordable regions, although life is generally a little more rustic on the Portuguese side, where the authenticity of the Eastern Algarve has been increasingly attracting French, British and Scandinavian buyers. The Moorish-style town of Tavira and the beach village of Cabanas de Tavira are the sought-after spots.

Prices went up 7.5 per cent on the Algarve last year and they are going up quickest in the east,” says Angela Worrall of Ideal Homes Portugal. “The typical purchase is a two-bedroom apartment for €150,000 or a three-bedroom villa for up to €350,000.”

On the Spanish side, Miguel Martinez Mariño of Isla Canela Marina, an island resort behind four miles of Blue Flag beaches, says that many Portuguese people come to this under-the-radar area. “Spain is now a little cheaper [than Portugal] for property and supermarket shopping and most owners will drive across to Spain and load up with supplies each week.” Isla Canela homes start from €93,000.

Property attached:

Reduced from €1.625 million, this villa in Portugal boasts an infinity pool within a huge garden of fruit trees and olive groves. It has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The price is €1.495 million through Ideal Homes (00351 289 513 434; idealhomesportugal.com)