Patchwork

Hi I am new to this forum. My husband and I are looking for somewhere to spend our wintersnow and eventually live full time. I have just taken very early retirement and he can work from home anywhere in Europe. We like Malta but it appears that the weather is better in PT, especially the Algarve. We would probably intitially rent but any advice is really welcome.

brodev

I would suggest that you try both also possibly Costa del Sol as I believe it has the best weather. Everybody has there preferences but one of the attractions of mainland Europe for me is that I can drive here. That means I can bring more luggage and my dog and it also means that I have my nice big car here instead of a small hired car. Also on my return to UK I can usually find space for 3-4 boxes of wine. (for my wife)

Mattiespeople

Ola Patchwork
Check out www.valedatelha.com
Does not suit everyone but if you want Fabby beaches & unspoilt countryside, protected natural park - almost no tourists except Aug - very low priced Villa's great weather, good mix of Brits & locals. come and check us out. We are about 30 mins drive north of Lagos.

gazz

lagos is a good area to be within reach of , with great beaches , golf courses and friendly peeps

Cleri

Yeah but there are a few weird brit estate agents around there

gazz

"DOH!"

Patchwork

Thanks everyone for the advice. Lagos sounds nice and a mix of locals and Brits sounds just what we are looking for. Is it easy to rent a property out of season for about a month just to get an idea of what the area is like? What are property prices like?

Patchwork

Another area that has caught our eye (husband has been to a number of meetings in Lisbon recently) is the Silver Coast. What are the pros and cons of this area?

gazz

renting is not always as simple as people think, but i,m sure you may be able to find something via the internet.If you find the lagos area of interest , then pm me , i may be able to help with more information.

gazz

beautiful, windswept, generally unspoilt
can be somewhat isolated, less english speaking, less infrastructure than more established areas.

Cleri

Nice area,not as manic as the Algarve,property much cheaper in some areas,coastal prices are still rising and can be expensive.
Weather not quite as good as Algarve,but a huge improvement on Uk.
Lisbon,fabulous,lots and lots of historical places to visit all over the area,huge wine producing area,lovely beaches,prices for drinks,food etc much lower than Algarve,BUT its getting much more popular,and no doubt the prices will rise along with all the expats.

Patchwork

Clri, looked at your classified ad - sounds good! How do I PM you?

Cleri

click on my name above the betty pic,and you will get a drop down menu,click on send private message

gazz

or alternatively run and hide from the venemous snake

TaviraTrog

Asp?