Originally Posted by Scuffer

Lucky sod.
Been advised to keep away from the Algarve though. QUOTE]

Why would you keep away from the Algarve?
My Mum and Dad retired there and it is beautiful.
They are in a very small Portuguese village with a lovely view, and wonderful neighbours. It's quiet and peaceful, yet just a 15 minute car ride to a major town / beach and Faro airport is only 35 mins away. Perfect.
They love it. The cost of living is low, the weather is very temperate (although it does get very hot in the summer sometimes - what a bummer )
My Dad recently bought a telescope as the skies are so clear there, he's taken up star / planet gazing as a hobby.
They have lots of ex-pat activities ie: car boot sales, BBQ';s, Portuguese classes etc etc. Give it a try, but I would stay away from the major towns and visit the smaller towns and villages that still have all the olde worlde Portuguese charm.
There are loads of great little authentic restaurants (cheap), good supermarkets, nice bars, great walks / hiking trails, world class golf (if you're into that) and even an English radio station.
What a lot of people do who move there is buy a home/villa that comes with a 'granny flat' or apartment and then rent that out during the summer for extra income.
One last thing - do yourself a favour and at least try to learn some Portuguese - they will respect you for that.
Just my tuppence.
-Trace

Originally Posted by Pete W

The Algarve is definitley a beautiful area , as Tracy said.It just depends on where you go. We went to the western Algarve( about 9 miles from Lagos) and stayed in a small village unspoilt by tourism. It was about 30 mins on the bus to Lagos. If, like us , you don't like battling through hordes of tourists , then you're going at the right time of year. It just depends on how much you like to embrace other cultures.Some folk just want sun & sand and a pint of Carling , so could go anywhere! I'd recommend doing a jeep safari , as the guides are extremely informative and are happy to answer any questions you may have about Portugal in general 9 and they'll propbably be interested to know about the UK. If you go down to the Algarve , its worth taking the train from Lagos towards the east.The trains are spacious , comfortable and cheap - and you can just 'let the train take the strain' and enjoy the scenery.Tracy's absolutely right in what she says about the Algarve , and it's definitely a good idea to learn even just a little Portuguese (maybe buy a cheap English-Portuguese dictionary before you go). I found it fun to have a go , and just being able to greet someone is nice , as the Portuguese are extremely friendly. Don't be surprised if a random passer-by greets you in the street - it's alien to us , but absolutley natural to them! The Portuguese we met were only too happy to stop and chat ( in English when they realise that your Portuguese is limited) , and even when you've greeted someone who doesn't speak English , they're still up for a chat. Not wanting to sound preachy but just offering some general advice. Sagres and Superbok are two really nice beers , and I'd recommend a 'green wine' called Casa Garcia;it's a dry , lightly sparkling white made from young grapes. Most importantly...enjoys and relax! Have a great time , and let us know how it went!

Originally Posted by scanman

Didn't ask how many wrinkles you had either, did it.

Originally Posted by Iginla

I'm a half of 69.