Joe G. Says:
Hello, I am thinking of going to the Algarve region in Portugal the last week of April to see if I might like to move there.
Do you know of any US expats in the Algarve region that would be willing to give me their insights on the area?
IL Contributor in Portugal Terry Coles Says:
Hello Joe,
Thank you so much for contacting International Living and for your interest in Portugal, my adopted country.
April is the perfect time to visit the Algarve since the weather should be perfect, not too hot and not too cold. And since this is before the summer tourist season, you’ll be able to explore freely without too many tourists.
The best way to explore the Algarve is to rent a car at Faro International Airport. Portugal has an excellent highway system that’s easy to navigate.
The Algarve is packed with US expats like me and my husband, who’ve called the Algarve home for several years now and love it. There are so many places to visit, explore, and enjoy in the Algarve, including gorgeous beaches, water parks, golf courses, and more.
Three places I recommend are Lagos, a picturesque coastal village… Tavira, a charming historic town… and the large marina complex at Vilamoura.
Ask any expats what they love about the Algarve, and they’ll surely mention the weather—it’s the best in Portugal and all of Europe.
Summers are hot and dry with little to no rain. Daytime temperatures range from 80 to 90 F, with coastal breezes that cool it off a tad. Nights cool off to the 70s, the perfect weather for nightlife with friends… and sleeping.
During the winter, the Algarve receives far less rain than the rest of Portugal, while temperatures range from the 50s to 70s during the day, but cool off to the 40s or 50s overnight.
Facebook has many groups about the Algarve, like Expats in the Algarve, Expats Living in the Algarve, Albufeira Expats, and more. Lagos, Tavira, Albufeira, and Portimao all have regular expat meetups that might be fun for you to check out while you’re visiting, if time permits.
I do hope you fall in love with the Algarve like so many of us have… and one day you too will call it home.
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