Lurked here for a little while now & gleaned lots of useful info, thank you to all who contribute.

We are a couple fast approaching the ripe old age of 60, and have decided to have a change of lifestyle before bits start falling off. We have sold our UK house and intend moving over to the Algarve in early January. We lived in the Algarve for a few years, but left six years ago. We still own a small apartment in Vila Real de Sto Antonio & our intention is to use the apartment as a base while we try and find a villa.

Our only problem is deciding where to look. We quite like the idea of Loule or Moncarapacho, although would not like to be too isolated. On the other hand we quite like the look of Lagos or Carveiro & being in the thick of it.

It's a bit of a dilemma really and we have no idea which way to lean. Any insights from existing residents would be very gratefully received.

Many thanks

In our opinion and we admit to being biased, Lagos and Carvoeiro are the two best places in the Algarve if you are consider permanent living.
Neither are out and out tourist resorts compared lets say to Praia Da Rocha, ALbufeira or Villamoura.
Carvoeiro busiset months and July and August and mosr residents just leave it to the tourists as we have the remaining 10 months to enjoy it.
Lagos with its history, and as a commercial centre has somethimg happening even in the quietest weeks of the year.
Both place of course have a good population of expats permanent or long stayers.
As the saying says, " Go West Young Man "

Thank you so much for replying, it's good to get a perspective from exisiting residents. Think we will probably be lookng in Lagos first of all, there seems to be a wider choice of properties at the moment, close to toown and out a bit at Luz, Almadena etc....choices choices

Don't really want to travel from VRSA every day, so will look for a cheap hotel while we are house hunting, how exciting

I live in Portimao since June and looooove it!
Perhaps Lagos is a bit more lively in winter time, whereas Portimao is a bit dead after October, but considering winter only lasts 2 or 3 months, I think is not that bad

Houses are affordable here, but affordable also depends on your budget. I know a wonderful lady who could help you with looking for a house as well, she did a great job with mine. Very helpful!

I rent a room in my home in Portimao as well if you are looking to stay while you are hunting, send me a private message so I can give you info

At the end of the day you will settle where you find the house you feel at home in I started hunting in Albufeira and "ended up" in Portimao because I found the perfect spot for me.

Good luck!

Praia da Luz may be where to start looking for your perfect spot. Depending on your budget

I am in Praia da Luz and I love it. Peace and quiet yet quick access to a bit more life in Lagos. The only downside is that it is a little bit cooler and windier in the west than it is in the east where you are. Great in summer but a bit chillier in winter.

Almancil is a lovely place. Driving distance to all the Algarve.

I would agree that Almancil is a lovely place and if my memory is correct has the only place in Europe with a natural fluvial beach

To my mind you shouldn't be too hasty to dismiss Loulé and the area of hills between there and Montecarapcho (back from the coast a little). Fantastic sea views, quick access to the culture and night-life of Faro. Quick journey to the Airport and an area that is very much up and coming in terms of values. Many people from the high value central coast (Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo) seem to be discovering they can have peace and tranquilly, a large private plot and still have access to all facilities within ten minutes and are investing big time.

My question is a bit off topic - but I got curious when you mentioned you lived in Portugal before (for a few years). What was it that made you return to the UK ? And how strange/difficult was it when you got back - did you find that you slotted straight back in (as if you'd never left) or was it a case "uh oh..why did we come back ?" There is a whole forum in BritishExats where people who have moved back to the UK after a long(ish) spell abroad relate their experiences, but there probably aren't that many who then move out again a second time. Just curious - in case I ever return to the UK.

I had a business in VRSA that was a lot of fun, but not a lot of money Divorced & single in those days, then I was kidnapped by my now wife & dragged back to the UK. Was lucky enough to walk back into a corporate job, something I had sworn I would never do. But love conquers all, or something like that

I had previously left the UK in 1990, and spent 13 years in France and 4 or so in Portugal, so the UK was a bit of a shock. Never intended to stay there long, and this move is our opportunity to retire early. I would never have a business again in PT, some of the legislative absurdities still hurt, a stressful time.

Thank you to all have replied, now sufferring from too much choice. Signed contracts for our house sale today, so expect we will move over to the apartment in early Jan and start looking. Maybe starting in the east and working west. Busy packing all non essentials, and already starting to miss stuff that's been packed

Exciting times

Don't forget Fuzeta

Good luck with your move over and hope you find what you want and where you want

Hi Jan - that's a coincidence, just been looking online at properties in Fuzeta and thereabouts. If you're amenable, we could be up for a coffee in the rock cafe one day

Don't know what it's called but was always playing hard rock music when I've been there before.

I know the one you mean.

Shout (pm) when you're in the area, we can tell you all about Fuzeta, best places to eat etc.

Will do Jan - thank you