Situated in the far south of Portugal the Algarve is truly
a place of natural beauty with long beaches of sand shimmering
in the sunshine, tiny beaches framed by lace-like rocks and
unique coastlines with spectacular cliff formations. This
is a warm place where you will not only find a sunny and warm
climate but also an exceptional lifestyle. There are several
roads leading to the Quinta do Lago area but whichever one
you take you will know when you have arrived. In the center
of the big roundabout a large rainbow-colored "Q"
the logo of Quinta do Lago rotates inside a fountain. From
here the whole atmosphere changes. You are entering the unique
environment of Quinta do Lago that lies within the Natural
Park of Ria Formosa. This park is internationally known for
the variety of birds who live there or who stop off on their
regular migration between Northern Europe and Africa.
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Because of the unique location the overall level of construction is limited to 8% guaranteeing space, natural surroundings and quality of life to all who live there. Quinta do Lago comprises of 2,000 acres stretching inland from the Ria Formosa and the coast of the Atlantic. The Ria Formosa is a Laguna separated from the sea by a coastal dune system, broken by a series of natural and man made inlets.
Until Faro airport was built in the sixties, the Algarve was virtually unknown. Now to the west and east of Faro lies a region of highly developed tourist resorts but also get-away-from-it-all beaches.
To the west of Faro, and with easy driving distance of the airport, are several well-known resorts: Vilamoura, with its distinctive marina; Quinta do Lago and Vale del Lobo have good beaches and a sophisticated feel. This area in particular is a magnet for golfers, offering superb facilities.
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Going further west is the busy resort of Albufeira, which tends to cater more for the package holiday market. Although very developed, Albufeira’s former Moorish port still retains some of its previous character around Rua da Igreja Velha. It also benefits from one of the best beaches in the area.
Carvoeiro is smaller and less brash, retaining the look of a pretty fishing village, with a small beach of its own and larger ones nearby. Portimao boasts the famous rock formations of Praia da Rocha. Both of these suffer limited beach space in the season, so beach-lovers in search of space would do well to move on to the open spaces of Alvor beach. Alvor itself has conspicuously avoided tourist development.
Lagos is one of the smarter resort areas, a busy town that has retained much of its historic character. There is a smallish town beach, with more nearby, a modern marina, and attractive coves and grottos.
Remember you are not just buying a property in the Algarve you are also buying a wonderful lifestyle!
1. Together with Cyprus, the Algarve has the most sun hours per year.
2. Lowest criminality rate in Europe.
3. Lower building density and harder building restrictions than in other popular destination, i.e. France, Spain, Italy etc.
4. Most golf courses, in relation to area, in southern Europe.
5. Friendly English speaking local population.
6. Unspoiled, white, sandy beaches - clean
Atlantic water.
7. According to local real estate companies
last year's rental income on "good properties" was
between 8 - 12%
8. The stipulated demand for property in the Algarve should far outweigh the possible supply of product in the next many years to come, which should keep the price level up.
9. The Algarve is exclusive, small and cosy - everything one wants to do can be done within a 15 min drive. |
