Portugal has a great history as a seafaring country, and throughout history has had the benefit of a large trading empire. The first travellers in the age of discovery founded an Empire which has left its mark in many ways, not just in terms of language but also in terms of culture. From Brazil to Africa and the Far East the Portuguese legacy remains in language, religion and culture.

Portugal its’ self, with its long Atlantic coastline, has become a favourite tourist destination with millions of visitors every year, many of whom are keen to spend longer in this beautiful country. Quite a few of these visitors like it so much that they decide to buy property here. There is a terrific choice of locations, depending upon the lifestyle that suites you.

In many parts of Portugal property
can still be bought very cheaply, and with the increasing use of the internet for many people, allowing work from home, rather than from an office, an lot of people have taken this opportunity to move from their home country and live in Portugal all year round. Portugal as a place to retire to has attracted many people, not only for the more favourable weather but also for the unhurried way of life and the beauty of the countryside and coasts.

For a lot of people visiting Portugal property is cheaper than at home and indeed than similar mediterranean properties in other countries, whilst travel is very much easier too, particularly with local airports all over Europe greatly increasing their traffic. It is now very possible to travel from your local airport to one of the provincial airports in Portugal with the minimum of fuss, making long weekends increasingly possible for many western europeans.

The beaches of the Algarve are famous, be they large or small, whilst the countryside inland varies enormously from the lush northern and mountainous north to the dryer southern areas where the rolling plains dotted with villages and farmhouses seem to live a timeless existence.

In Portugal property
varies from the resort type of apartment, studio, flat or villa, to the rustic farmhouse with its own land or the fabulously appointed villa overlooking the Atlantic, and there is always something there for everyone, be it for full time occupation or as a weekend and holiday retreat.

The Duoro valley is especially popular for its beauty as well as its wines, and many ex-pats have made this their new home. The Algarve has long been popular for its beaches and climate, particularly with the British, whilst there is a large choice of property in quiet villages an in the countryside.

The easiest way to find property nowadays is by using the internet so if your looking to come to Portugal property can be located before you arrive to save time and trouble looking locally. It is also much easier to actually carry out the transaction with a minimum of delay nowadays, and many people are following the ex-pats example and moving to Portugal for some or all of the year.