Southern Portugal

Moving to the Algarve — sun, golf, and British expats

Portugal's southern coast is where retirees and sun-seekers go. 300+ days of sunshine, cheap living inland, and an established English-speaking infrastructure. Not for you if you need tech jobs or nightlife past midnight.

See the full cost of living breakdown →

Population

~450,000 region

Rent (1-bed)

€700-1,500 for a 1-bed (varies hugely by season and location)

Coffee

€0.80-1.50 for an espresso

Monthly transport

Car is effectively required — public transport is limited

Who Algarve is best for

●Retirees with guaranteed income
●Remote workers who want sun and peace
●Anyone with respiratory issues (dry, warm climate)
●Golfers

Where to live in Algarve

Lagos

Old town, cliffs, some of the best beaches in Europe. More touristy in summer. Popular with younger expats and nomads.

Tavira

Quieter, more authentic, eastern Algarve. Favored by retirees who want traditional Portugal. Cheaper.

Lagoa / Carvoeiro

Middle of the coast. Balanced — beaches, restaurants, some expat community. Good for families.

Faro

The regional capital. Airport, university, hospital, year-round life. Less 'holiday' feel, more real city.

Local bureaucracy in Algarve

AIMA Faro

The main AIMA office for the Algarve is in Faro. Generally less congested than Lisbon or Porto but appointments still require 2-3 months wait.

Health services

Main public hospital is in Faro (Hospital de Faro). Several private hospitals (HPA, Alvor) cater to expats. English-speaking GPs common.

Things locals know about Algarve

●Winter months (Nov-Feb) are much quieter and some restaurants close
●The heat July-August is extreme — 40°C+ inland, plan for air-conditioned housing
●Healthcare is good for a non-urban region, but specialists may require Lisbon
●English is spoken almost everywhere in tourist areas; less so inland
●Golden Visa restrictions no longer apply to Algarve real estate (changed in 2023)

Official portal actions for Algarve

AIMA

Review residency permit and renewal requirements for your location.

Open official portal

Portal das Financas

Confirm tax residency, filing windows, and local obligations.

Open official portal

ePortugal

Check official municipality and resident-service process guidance.

Open official portal

Sources & Review

Last reviewed: April 10, 2026

City guidance is based on official portal information and public publications. Independent service. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Portuguese government.

Get your Algarve move-to-Portugal checklist

Bem-vindo generates a step-by-step plan based on your visa type, city, and situation. Free to start.

Get your free personalized checklist See plans