Why The Algarve Is The Best Place To Retire To Abroad

After decades stressing in the corporate world, following schedules, getting up early, going to bed late, and putting your personal life second, retirement is a welcomed chapter. It’s no surprise that many people choose to settle where the living is easy and the weather is beautiful – Portugal has become one of the most popular retirement destinations. In particular, retirees (especially English-speakers) are flocking to the Algarve where they find a pension-friendly cost-of-living, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, shopping opportunities, and other English-speakers.

The vote is pretty much unanimous and according to sources like Forbes to CBS News, the Algarve has gained a reputation on social media as the number one spot to retire overseas. The benefits just keep stacking in the region’s favour and at the top is the cost of living. The Algarve, like the rest of Portugal, has a very reasonable cost of living and residents can get by comfortably on as little as €1,300 per month, which is easier when living with a partner. This is only an average amount, however, and can increase or decrease based on where you choose to live; for example, rents in Albufeira may be higher than in Tavira or north near Alentejo.

You can get more for less in the Algarve

In addition to lower costs than many other European regions, international pensions stretch further in the Algarve due to the qualification of a 10-year tax exemption.

Another benefit is the weather. The Algarve enjoys year-round sunshine and a mild climate, and even in winter the air temperature rarely drops below 12°C or 54°F.

Another obvious reasons retirees leave their homes for the Algarve is the ocean and the beaches. Southern Portugal is lined with stunning coasts fringed with cliffs and dotted with caves. The proximity to the ocean also means fresh seafood and many restaurants serve fish freshly caught the same day. There’s no doubt that the Algarve is a fantastic place to eat fresh, heart-healthy, and delicious seafood.

The Algarve is covered in dramatic beaches

Though there are plenty of sleepy fishing villages the Algarve has many other things to see and do. From medieval towns to fish markets, open-air flea and gypsy markets, and sports like golf, there’s a wealth of opportunities to keep busy and active. Golf is extremely popular and there are dozens of amazing courses across the area. The region thrives on socializing and there is a diverse range of cafés, bars, and restaurants that stay busy, especially at peak hours.

It’s a great place to practice your golf swing

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.