Crossing the Guardian – Portugal is closer than you think 

This week we bring an article written by our partner Hux & Gold:

Iberia has long been the favourite destination for those looking to escape the dark cold damp winters of northern Europe and even the cold climes of the East Coast on the northern American seaboard.  Indeed, it has become home to a thriving expat community along the whole of Spain´s coast, from the Costa Brava all the way down to Ayamonte , the last town in Andalucia. It is precisely there that our journey begins.

Cross the Guardiana, as many Spaniards do every weekend to day trip into Vila Real do Santo Antonio, and you enter into the last kingdom of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal. The differences from our eastern neighbours could not be more pronounced: food, language, climate, even time all change in the blink of an eye.

So why has Portugal been so long Iberia´s best kept secret?  The reasons are various and complex. Spain has captivated and enchanted many travellers and expats over the years  indeed as it still does , and perhaps the ‘embrujo’ of Andalucia really does have a magical quality that holds people there.

Portugal on the other hand is low key, quieter and under-stated. You will notice straight away as you alight here that people speak in the main with less decibels than their cousins across the river. The pace of life is slower. It is perhaps this that attracts a new generation of expats to find a different rhythm for their life and makes Portugal a safe bet.

Over 10 years of a growing and robust property market surely must point to the growing popularity, vibrant cities such as Lisbon and Porto have both renovated considerably offering world class cuisine and opportunities. With a fantastic start up culture in both cities, events such as Web Summit in Lisbon amongst others, give a glimpse of a new dynamism. That start up culture also permeates down to the Algarve to some extent, perhaps being more of the digital nomad culture.

Indeed, it is easy to live down in the Algarve and be in Lisbon in a couple of hours which is very handy indeed. So, what are the other advantages of living here? Some of the lowest crime rates in Western Europe, indeed the world, make Portugal a supremely attractive place to live. This is a reason that many of the snowbirds on the other side of the Atlantic choose Portugal as a destination. Then the lifestyle – Portugal has some of the most incredible beaches in the world, brushed by the Atlantic and quite spectacular. Wherever you are and at whatever season, the power of the surf never ceases to inspire.

Inspiration can also come with a myriad of fiscal advantages if things are planned right, were you to think about moving to Portugal. Each person’s circumstances are unique but with the right planning, there are good options on the table. In terms of home acquisition, you should always use a good real estate broker who can go to bat for you and help you maximize value and guide you every step of the way and indeed every step after the purchase. Portugal offers some incredible real estate opportunities but as always get the right advice and advisor. This will pay dividends over the long term.

The secret unfortunately is out about Portugal and over the next few instalments we shall drill down more into specific regions and trends to build your picture of this amazing and unique country tucked away in the most southwestern corner of Europe with its own unique fado style  ‘embrujo’.