When you are thinking about relocating to somewhere in Europe from the UK, one thing is for sure: you will want to make sure that your new home is everything that you hope it will be.
This means carefully considering every option and ensuring your pick is perfect.
If you are considering moving to the Algarve, the good news is that there are plenty of great reasons to choose it as your next home. However, just so you can make an informed decision, we have put together some pros and cons of living there.
Pro- the sunshine
Whilst it may not be the only reason to move abroad, many people who choose to move away from the UK will say that the increase in warmth and sunshine is one of the many plus points to this change.
The Algarve is certainly no different. The climate here is famously pleasant and there are more than 300 days a year which can be classed as being particularly sunny. Whilst there is a winter in the area and it is cooler, it is certainly warmer than we would see in the UK.
Con- You will need to learn Portuguese
While plenty of people speak English, you may not always be able to rely on this as an option when it comes to the government services that you will need to access. It's essential to learn Portuguese to allow yourself to adapt to the country entirely.
Pro- the cost of living
When you compare the Algarve to other popular European relocation places, it is actually able to offer you a relatively low cost of living. This includes some of the main considerations that you will have such as rent, eating out and general bills and facilities.
The majority of properties in the Algarve cost somewhere in the region of €2,200 (£1832) and €3,500 (£2915) per square metre, which is a low figure when you compare it to other areas in Europe, such as €4,672 (£3891) for some areas of France.
Con- limited public transport options
Compared to other European countries, the public transport network in the Algarve is definitely not up to as high a standard. Which means that you may find it harder to move around from place to place.
In fact, there are very little in the way of buses and there are a limited number of trains, which means that if you are going to need to get around, then you are going to need to have access to a car.
Pro- a beautiful world around you
As well as loving where you immediately choose to live, many of us also want to make sure that the wider area is somewhere that we want to explore and spend our time in. The Algarve is able to offer a wide variety of picture-perfect scenery.
This includes golden beaches, clear waters and towering mountains. All of which are perfect for those people who just want to get out and explore.
The Algarve is also on the west which means that the clean air from the Atlantic Ocean blows into the region and ensures that everyone is able to take a deep cleansing breath.
Con- a limited health system
If you are registered as a resident in Portugal, then you will get a state-provided level of public healthcare. However, these hospitals are known to be somewhat problematic, compared to the healthcare systems in other countries; particularly when it comes to administration and waiting lists.
A way around this is to pay out for private healthcare, but you may find that this adds an extra expense to living there that you may not have already budgeted for.
Pro- a growing community of expats
Whilst you may be excited to immerse yourself in the culture and life in your new home, there are likely to be times when you feel more than just a little bit lost and homesick.
If this is true for you then you will find that the Algarve is home to a growing community of ex-pats, all of which will be there to help you to feel more connected and welcomed.
Aside from this, many of the people who are born and raised in the area, are likely to speak at least some English, which means that you should find it easier to communicate whilst you too try and pick up the language.
Con- work can be seasonal
Much like many countries in Europe, in the Algarve, the economy (and in turn the employment opportunities) are largely based on tourism. This can mean that it is hard to secure work that could end up being more permanent and long-term.
However, this doesn’t mean that it is impossible to find a job, you might find that you have to spend more time focused on the search and broaden your horizons on the type of work that you are happy to do.
This may include roles in agriculture or in some of the more year-round tourist locations.
The takeaway
If you have decided that the Algarve is the right choice for you, you will want to use the services of a trusted removal and storage company.
Here at Pinnacle Removals & Storage, our service is dedicated to making any move as easy as possible, from the first moment to the last.
So, why not get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help you move to the Algarve? If you would like us to provide you
We can help you make the move and settle into your new home in no time at all.