Surfers love Lagos, golfers love Carvoeiro, we love it all

Many say that the west is best and its awesome surf spots, stunning beaches, laid-back lifestyle and chilled vibe certainly add weight to this statement. There is a great mix of stylish villas and luxury apartments and the region is full of charm and character as well as modernity and style. Surfers love Lagos, golfers love Carvoeiro, we love it all.

If you fancy buying property in Western Algarve, then you have fantastic taste. Stretching from Cape St. Vincent – also known as the end of the world – right through to the Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves, its stunning coastline, amazing properties and relaxed, chilled-out vibe make Western Algarve one of our favourite areas.

LAGOS

One of the Algarve’s most popular resorts with a seriously cool surfer vibe and fantastic beaches, Lagos is actually an ancient maritime town steeped in history with beautiful beaches, great restaurants, bars and a bohemian vibe. It attracts many holidaymakers from all walks of life and is a firm favourite for those wishing to relocate, own a holiday home or take advantage of the strong rental market. The historic centre is mainly pedestrianised and surrounded by ancient walls making it feel like a town within a town. There is plenty to see and do, with the large marina being a focal point for boat trips, water sports and hanging out with family and friends. Meia Praia is the main beach and forms one of the biggest bays in Europe. Serviced by numerous supermarkets, shops, and amenities and with all types of housing available, Lagos is a fabulous area to own property.

ALVOR

Set between Portimão and Lagos, Alvor is regarded by most to be a quaint fishing village well known for its long golden beach - Praia da Alvor which is almost 3 miles long with sandy dunes - fantastic golf courses and myriad restaurants nestling within its warren of narrow winding streets. However, take a closer look and you will find a bustling community thriving in today's modern Algarve. The town sits on a hillside leading down to the harbour on the estuary of the Ria Alvor and has a distinctly traditional feel. Its quayside has been modernised, we love to take a relaxing stroll along its promenade before deciding on which waterside bar to enjoy a coffee, beer, sangria or meal in some of the best fresh fish restaurants in the Algarve. Overlooked by the Monchique mountains, Alvor is serviced by both coast and country and its outskirts are home to numerous modern apartments and villas. A real favourite with ex-pats and locals, Alvor is certainly not to be overlooked when choosing your place in the sun.

MONCHIQUE

For those looking for a more holistic, back-to-nature lifestyle, the Monchique mountains that separate the Algarve from the Alentejo are certainly an area to consider. Only a 20-minute drive or so from both the rugged west coast and sunshine southern coast, Monchique is a world apart with its own distinctive lifestyle and culture. A paradise for nature lovers, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to hiking paths, mountain bike trails, meandering rivers, hidden waterfalls, and some pretty spectacular vistas. Famous for its natural springs the water from Monchique is the most alkaline in the country and is said to have properties that will boost your immune system. Monchique is the Algarve’s beating heart when it comes to nature and wellness.

PORTIMÃO

To those newly arrived in the Algarve, Portimão feels like a large town with crazy back streets and urban sprawl, initially, it doesn’t always tick the new life in the sun box. However, after a couple of visits, you realise that it has a great atmosphere, traditional vibe and more of a Portuguese feel than many of its Western neighbours. Still predominantly a Portuguese city, the atmosphere is much more in line with what you want if you are looking at relocating on a permanent basis rather than some of the more touristy areas. Portimão has a beautiful riverfront and marina with a chilled-out café and restaurant culture, numerous events are hosted here throughout the year, you also have a huge shopping mall in Aqua shopping and the Portimão racetrack is on the edge of the city for those petrol heads amongst us. We have fallen in love with Portimão and we are sure that you will too.

SILVES

As you wander around Silves you cannot escape its powerful past. With nods to its Moorish history around every corner, Silves is the place to be if you want to connect with Portugal’s bygone days. Set inland from the coast, Silves is a traditional town built on a fortified hill between the River Arade and its impressive sandstone castle. Make sure to take in the fantastic views from its battlements around sunset – the views over the countryside are just spectacular. However, some dangers in Silves have not been left in the past - the winding calçada streets through the town are super cute, but they are not to be tackled in high heels! Down by the riverfront, there are several restaurants to choose from, or you can enjoy a stroll and admire the Roman Bridge, go for a jog around the running track or hone your skateboarding skills at the skate park. Within a 15-minute drive to some of the best beaches and golf courses the Algarve has to offer Silves, and surrounding areas, are perfect for people who want to buy a property in a less hectic area of the Algarve and, with house prices being more affordable because they are not frontline to the coast, Silves is a popular destination for many ex-pats to call home.

CARVOEIRO

When you look at picture-perfect photos of the Algarve, more than likely you will be looking at snaps taken in and around Carvoeiro. Becoming a firm Instagram favourite Carvoeiro is probably one of the most recognised and photographed areas of the Algarve. At its heart it is a small fishing village and, in the winter, it still retains that feel. However, it is extremely popular with holidaymakers and when the sun is shining takes on a vibrant, party, social atmosphere. Situated between Albufeira and Portimão, Carvoeiro has a mix of traditional whitewashed houses, modern villas and low-rise apartment condominiums. The village itself is small, consisting of three main streets offering a huge selection of restaurants, shops, and bars. The main beach is right next to the square and is easily accessible, although parking can be a challenge in high season. Other beaches in the area tend to be smaller cove beaches, but they are really beautiful. Some require a walk down cliff steps, but the effort is certainly worth it!