Many families from all over the world are looking for a new home in the Algarve. If you are unfamiliar with the other city or country, it may be difficult to find a suitable space and someone to assist you with this transition. For this reason, we gather some essential information for those who want to live in the Algarve. Here is a list of reasons why living in the Algarve is perfect for families.

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The best places to live in the Algarve

After the pandemic, many have changed the way they work. Now that a large part of the population works from home, it is already possible to choose where to live. For many, the dream of living in the Algarve has come true, while many others are still longing for this change.

In the Algarve, it is still possible to buy a house by the sea at attractive prices that are lower than in other European countries. Let us look at the average value of properties transactioned in some towns in the western Algarve:

• Aljezur had an average value of €157,226 in 2019;

• Vila do Bispo had an average value of €135,919 in 2019;

• Lagos had an average value of €236,191 in 2019;

• Monchique had an average value of €140,921 in 2019;

• Portimão had an average value of €140,927 in 2019;

• Lagoa had an average value of €196,758 in 2019.

* Sources/Entities: INE, © PORDATA

The updated figures for 2022 could be higher due to the post-pandemic and war situation. However, based on this information, you can already get an idea of the cities where buying a house is most affordable. Even though these values always include several features that can increase or decrease the value of the properties. An example of this is the schools that are present in each municipality. If you decide to live in the Algarve with children, you need good schools close to your home. In Lagos, where the average is the highest compared to other cities, there are several schools, from kindergartens to secondary schools and even international schools. In Monchique and Vila do Bispo there are no high schools, therefore, students have to travel to Portimão or Lagos respectively. Read more about education in Portugal in this article.

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Access to health services is always easy, but each health area has some differences. In Portimão, for example, the public Barlavento Hospital has several medical specialities, more than the Lagos Hospital. However, in these two cities, you can also get treatment in private hospitals. The difference is clear: in the cost and waiting time for specialist treatment compared to the public service. In all cities, there are health centres where you can make an appointment. In this article, we will go into more detail about the health sector in Portugal.

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Houses for sale in the Algarve

Casas do Barlavento has a house for every family looking to buy a property in the Algarve. Every family has its own preferences, and the house should reflect these tastes for that reason, you should know the characteristics of each property we suggest in this list. If you can't find your ideal home, take a look at our online portfolio.

• 5-bedroom villa in Portimão - a villa for large families where space is not a problem, and there is outdoor entertainment for all ages. This three-storey house has four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms on the ground floor, the master bedroom on the first floor and the basement, which currently consists of two more bedrooms. Outside you can enjoy the countryside views, the infinity pool and the barbecue area.

• 2-bedroom apartment in Praia da Luz - in this apartment, you can enjoy the tranquillity and convenience of great resort holidays. This two-bedroom apartment is suitable for retirees who want to enjoy the mild weather of the Algarve and still accommodate some family members. It is just a few minutes from the centre of the village of Luz, with an indoor heated swimming pool, outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and gym.

• Plot with an approved project in Portimão - The size of this plot offers the ideal opportunity to build real estate there for residential purposes or for hotel activities. It is only a few minutes from the beach with few buildings nearby, ensuring a breathtaking view. The best beaches in Portimão, golf courses, and commercial areas are all close by. If your family is planning to invest in the Algarve, this is the perfect deal.

• Urban plot in Portimão - for families who want their dream home, there is nothing better than buying a plot and plan the property. The plot is located in a prestigious residential area, just minutes from the centre of Portimão, yet with enough space to have the privacy your family needs. Get to know this plot in Monte Canelas, in Portimão with 412 m².

The Algarve has earned a reputation as a perfect beach destination in recent decades by focusing on the quality and safety of many bathing spots. Blue flags fly at several beaches along 200 kilometres of coastline (find out about the top 10 beaches in the western Algarve), but there are so many other activities to spend your time with the family.

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An inclusive region must offer activities for all ages. People want to enjoy life to the fullest now that they are no longer burdened by work and responsibilities. Discover some activities for seniors to get in touch with other retirees, like leisure activities and interesting places to visit. If you are already retired and want to know what it's like to live in the Algarve, please read the article: "Retirement in the Algarve - Everything you need to know to live in this region".

Cultural visits for seniors in the Algarve:

1. Museums in the Algarve

Our first suggestion for a cultural visit is the Dr. José Formosinho Museum, located right in the centre of Lagos. It has been operating since 1930 but has recently been renovated to improve and enlarge the premises. A new hall will soon be opened, dedicated to archaeology and featuring temporary exhibitions. In this museum, there are exhibitions of sacred art, the altarpiece of the São Francisco church and the Naturalia collection, a non-scientific exhibition of objects that the inhabitants of the city thought were interesting and donated to the museum. An example is an eight-legged goat or the embryo of a two-headed cat. After visiting this museum full of curiosities, walk down the street and have a coffee at the Mar d'Estórias shop and get to know some of the products that have marked Portugal's history.

Near the Arade river is the Museum of Portimão, which in former times was a cannery, one of the city's most important activities. In 2008, this place took on a new dynamism as various exhibitions were held here. Permanent exhibitions include the canning activity, dried fruits and "fumeiro" (the warehouse where dried fruit was stored), and even the story of Manuel Teixeira Gomes, the famous former president of the Portuguese Republic. There is also a space for temporary art and photography exhibitions. Take a walk along the Arade River and stop at Casa Inglesa, a café that celebrated its centenary in 2022.

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2. Cultural Events

There are numerous cultural events in Lagos, especially during the summer nights, which take place on various city streets. In Winter, these events continue to take place but in closed spaces such as the Centro Cultural de Lagos. You can consult the monthly online calendar throughout the year to plan a visit to the theatre or a concert.

In Portimão, it is also possible to follow the cultural programme via the internet. The summer festivals are always held in the city's waterfront area or on Praia da Rocha. In Winter, you can attend concerts, plays or other events at TEMPO and the Pavilhão Arena.

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Although the Algarve has become known for its excellent beaches, it has gained even more from the quality of life it offers families who choose to live here. The weather, which is always mild, ensures many outdoors moments, and this fact appeals to more and more people who want to enjoy time with their loved ones. The activities in the region are many and varied, and we have compiled the most exciting of them. Plan a weekend of fun in the Algarve together with your family.

Fun activities in the Algarve for the whole family:

1. Karting

In the Algarve, there are not one but three karting tracks available for your family. We start with the first one in Almancil, the oldest karting track in the Algarve, inaugurated in 1992 by sponsor Ayrton Senna da Silva. At Karting Almancil Family Park-Algarve, you can bring your own kart, rent a two-seater kart or a suitable for the disabled on the main track, a replica of the Formula 1 circuit in Brazil. The junior track is entirely dedicated to fun and is proper for children between 6 and 12 years old. The youngest can also experience their adrenaline rush on the baby track, with completely safe electric cars for children aged 3 to 6.

The Electric Karting Marina Albufeira is the second karting track, where six people can race at the same time. The minimum age to race on this track is 12 years old. The track is 400 metres long, with curves and lots of adrenaline. Beat your opponents and try to beat the best time to write your name on the wall of fame. Races on this track last between 10 and 20 minutes.

Last but not least, there is the Portimão kart track. This kart track is located next to the famous Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, which is over 1.5 kilometres long and 8 metres wide. It is a dream for speed lovers who want to experience different courses on a professional track. The Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve has mini karts for children and faster versions of 270 cc karts for adults.

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2. Escape rooms

For those who don't know yet: Escape Rooms are team games played in one or more closed rooms. The main goal of this game is to solve a puzzle and escape from the room as quickly as possible. In doing so, the participants have to count on everyone's cooperation to be able to leave the room. Each Escape Room has its own theme and usually contains allusions to books or films.

In Lagos, you can experience some scary moments in the Holy Trap Escape Room. In Clarkson's house, no one knows what happened to the family. It's up to the team to solve the mystery and escape from the house. This game will give anyone goosebumps, so it is not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women and people who are sensitive or have heart problems.

In Portimão, there are five games and one hour to solve each puzzle. Each room of Escape One Algarve is dedicated to a science fiction theme, where you have to deal with zombies, mad scientists or the discovery of the legendary city of Atlantis. The room "Project Cyborg: The Youth Laboratory" is suitable for teenagers between 11 and 15 years old who want to celebrate their birthday with their friends.

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Life in the Algarve is perfect for families! Quality of life and time with the people you love most are two things many families seek, and the Algarve offers that and much more at an affordable price. When making this big move in your life, surround yourself with professionals. Living in the Algarve does not have to be complicated. For more information, please contact us!