Algarve property - property in Algarve

Algarve property

The property markey in Portugal has been stable and solid for at least the last 20 years and continues to be a good long term investment. The Algarve property market in particular also has good rental potential and Villas and apartments always in demand.

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.

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.