Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Portugal Trip 2023

HOTELS

Star Inn, Lisbon (350m from airport). Amazing bar with food service including buffet that served until 2:00am. Breakfast began at 2:00am.

Casinha Faro (Sylvie’s Place), Rua do Bocage Nr. 19, Faro (Two bedroom, AC, full kitchen)

Marsuites, Armação de Pêra - excellent little hotel with super friendly staff (Anna) but no mini frig.

RESTAURANTS

Adão restaurant, Ave. da República 1, Faro (Great "tuna salad")

Cantinho da Ronha, Rua do Bocage 55, Faro (Great Portuguese "gazpacho")

Pastelaria Coelho, Rua Brites de Almeida 2, Faro (Whole fish, cooked perfectly)

Jony’s Restaurant, Largo da Fortaleza, Armação de Pêra (Excellent fresh sardines)

LISBON

Where to try Port in Lisbon (city region): Wine Rooms Lisboa (Ajuda), Chafariz do Vinho (Príncipe Real), Lisbon Winery (Bairro Alto) & Taylor’s (Alfama)

Where to try Ginjinha (also check Rick Steves video): A Ginjinha, Ginjinha Rubi, Ginjinha do Carmo

FARO AIRPORT HOTEL

Norm & Tina of This Is Our Retirement recommend the Hotel 3K Faro Airport.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Portugal and Expats

I like meeting locals and eating at small family run restaurants when I visit a country, but if I am going to stay in Portugal for an extended period of time I would want to be around some English speaking visitors or expats. 

My favourites so far are Albufeira and Armação de Pêra, but I might look to go farther east where the climate is usually milder in winter.

The website VivEurope has a couple of articles on expat living in Portugal: 

Top 10 Cities for Expats

Where Expats Live in Portugal

Banking in Portugal (you have to be a resident to open an account).

Some statistics (percent of foreign residents and apartment cost per month): 

  • Quarteira                              25.9%    €735
  • Albufeira                              37.1%    €650
  • Lagos                                   34.8%    €635
  • Portimão                              20.1%    €570
  • Tavira                                   26.3%   €520
  • Vila Real de Santo António 17.2%   €535

One website noted that the weather in the Algarve is milder in the winter as you travel eastward.