Learning Portuguese

Whether you are just looking to spend your holidays in Portugal or perhaps you are thinking of a more permanent move, it is worth considering learning the language.

Of course, English is widely spoken in areas such as the Algarve but it is nice to be able to understand a Portuguese menu or even order yourself a drink or meal in Portuguese.

There are many options available to assist you including books, cds, internet based learning and language schools. There are many colleges in the UK
offering Portuguese evening classes and if you are going to be living here you can attend one of the local language schools.

The Europa Algarve language school is located in the old part of Loule close to the Loule Camera (council) building. The school offers group, private and intensive courses and is a great way to meet new people whilst learning the Portuguese language.

Here are a few words and phrases that might come in useful!

Ola- Hello

Bom Dia- Good Morning

Boa tarde- Good Afternoon

Boa Noite- Good Evening

Tudo Bem?/Como esta?- How are you?

Com Licenca- Excuse me

Desculpe- Sorry

Obrigado/a-Thank you

De nada!- You are welcome!

And of course a very important request- Uma cerveja se faz favor! A beer please!

Go on give it a try!

Horse riding in the Algarve

There is an abundant selection of facilities for both horse riding and stabling across the Algarve. Below are a few of these establishments:

Pinetrees Riding Centre is a British run riding school in a 5 star holiday resort in Almancil. The team provides qualified riding teachers speaking many languages amongst them. The two arenas are used for dressage, jumping, beginners’ lessons, and ‘Riding for Disabled Riders’ sessions. The horses can cater for children and adults of up to 14 stone. Changing rooms with toilets and showers are on site and riding equipment is supplied.

Vale Ferros is a well equipped riding centre close to Portimão and Lagos, a short distance from the sea and beautiful sandy beaches of the Algarve. Programmes are designed for novices – ‘Learn to Ride’ – and for riders who seek a more intensive experience on horseback – ‘Discovery Trail’ – a true adventure with rides taking place in the mountains, on the beach, and on the plains of the Algarve, mainly within the Monchique Natural Park. Another programme provided is entitled ‘Dressage with Lusitano Stallions’.

Tiffany’s Riding Centre is situated in Almádena, on the outskirts of Lagos. It caters for all the family, including lead reins for tiny tots, beginners’ rides, hacks from 1 to 3 hours, and all day adventure trails through stunning scenery.

 

Quinta de Paraíso Alto is one of the largest stables in the area. They offer a wide variety of quality rides and competition horses, and lessons from qualified instructors, rides to suit all standards, individuals or small groups, all through beautiful scenery with breath taking views. They also accept horses for livery and training.

Quinta do Lago Riding Centre has stabling for 26 horses and a large arena for show jumping and dressage. The staff caters for all standards, from novice to advanced riders. Quinta do Lago has miles of riding trails and the surrounding countryside and uncrowded beaches have much to offer the horseback explorer.

Red Horse Ranch, tucked away beneath the gently hills above Loulé, is the ideal base for horseback safaris. A 1 or 2 hour trek in the immediate surroundings of the ranch incorporates spectacular panoramic views of the coast and the Algarvean countryside. These short rides are suitable for the less experienced riders. For more experienced riders there is a choice of whole day, overnight, and week long treks.

Wildlife in the Algarve

The Algarve is a haven for an eclectic mix of wildlife species, many of which are sadly waning in numbers.

The Algarve makes an ideal stopping point for migratory birds during the winter months. Storks are a common sight and often build their nests on church bell towers, chimneys, and other high buildings in town. The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is considered the most important wildlife sanctuary in the Algarve. This natural reserve stretches along 40 miles and its rich ecosystem is ideal for the development of varied flora and fauna. The Ria Formosa lagoon was created by the last great earthquake in 1755 and has been a nature reserve since the mid-eighties, where sea water birds can find protected breeding places. Its lagoons, marshes, channels and islets are abundant in shellfish such as cockles, clams and oysters, and shelter a variety of birds such as flamingos, the cattle egret, white stork, oyster catchers, ibis, and cranes, to name but a few. Another nature reserve is that of Castro Marim, covering over 5 acres of land. The biggest attraction here is the large number of birds, especially aquatic birds. There are 153 species to spot including storks, avocets, sand pipers, mallards, and flamingos. This reserve is also home to many species of mollusc, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. A visitors’ centre at Cerro da Rocha provides literature and guided visits.

The Portuguese water dog has long been associated with the Algarve and is now a regular character in the Ria Formosa National Park. The breed was long ago used by fishermen to work on the boats and was treated as much a part of the crew as the men, earning the right to their fair share of the catch. Renowned for its ability to swim, dive, and retrieve, they were used to herd fish, retrieve nets, and relay messages between the boats. This dog is highly intelligent and possesses incredible swimming and diving techniques, magninfied by its characteristic webbed feet. It also has the ability to detect sharks by staring into the water. As the number of working boats began to dwindle due to modern fishing techniques, so did the need for the water dog. Whilst this creature can still be found in the Algarve as a pet or working dog, it is still recognised as a rare breed. The kennel in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, near Olhão, specialises in this breed and gives visitors the opportunity to see and stroke the dogs, talk to their handlers, and learn more about the breed.The Iberian Lynx, the most endangered of the world’s 36 cat breeds, teeters on the edge of extinction. This cat is just over twice the size of a domestic cat but with longer legs. They have distinctive bob tails and tufts on the ear tips. An average adult can weigh up to 15kgs. Their ideal habitat is a mixture of mature Mediterranean scrub and forest, and open meadows in which to hunt. To avert the tragedy of extinction, the conservation organisation ‘SOS Lynx’ has been formed.

The Dolphin is a natural visitor to the shores of the Algarve. Dolphin watching boat trips provide visitors the chance to see the dolphin in its natural environment. Several companies run these trips from the marinas of Lagos and Portimão and Alvor Harbour.

Take the opportunity to appreciate the natural wildlife of the Algarve whilst you are here on holiday. After all, there is more to know of the Algarve than simply lying on one of its beautiful beaches.

Mortgages and financial advice in Portugal

When buying a property in Portugal, it is worth contacting a Portuguese bank with regards to mortgages available as they can often offer superior rates or conditions than that offered by your current bank.

We recommend that you contact an independent mortgage adviser in order that they can establish your particular requirements and find the best deal for you. We currently recommend such a company here who are based in Almancil although they are happy to meet you in any area of the Algarve. They do not charge a fee for their services and by contacting them you will not have to navigate your way around the banking system if you have limited Portuguese. They work independently and are able to offer a great range of mortgage and investment products through a number of well known financial institutions here in Portugal. As well as mortgage advice, they are able to offer a range of services such as investment advice, home, car and life insurance and foreign exchange transfers.

General documentation required to apply for a mortgage in Portugal is listed below.

• Portuguese tax number (the company can arrange this for a small fee)
• Copy of ID card or passport
• Last 6 months of bank statements (current and savings)
• Birth certificate
• Last years tax return (P60)

Further documentation will be required with regards to your current employment status. Mortgages for non residents are offered up to 80% loan to value. The borrowing level is based on the house valuation and not the purchase price.

Please contact us if you would like more information and we would be pleased to ask a representative to contact you to discuss your requirements further. You can email us on gatehouse@sapo.pt or call on our UK number +44 208 123 1880. This will divert free of charge to our office in the Algarve.

Algarve Marinas – Chic waterfront living

The Portuguese have long been a maritime nation and the sea is in the blood of the Algarveans. For such a compact area of land, it enjoys a vast expanse of coastline. The climate and gentle waters of the Algarve ensure a pleasant voyage along its 150 kms of coastline, and the marinas and ports provide safe harbour and excellent facilities.

There are currently 5 marinas in the Algarve, all enjoying facilities such as restaurants and bars, and 3 future constructions in the pipeline including one in Ferragudo, one in Olhao and a second marina in Vilamoura.

VILAMOURA MARINA was the first in the Algarve. It features a working shipyard but is generally known as a vibrant, sparkling hub of entertainment within the tourist resort of Vilamoura. This marina is popular with local residents, tourists from over seas, and Portuguese holiday makers from outside the Algarve. It boasts many restaurants and a sprinkling of bars, including the bar owned by the Portuguese footballer Figo which has a football theme and shows all the big football matches on large screens. Vilamoura is also home to a marina and a nightclub, both open until the early hours, and many shops, and enjoys a lively, bustling atmosphere.

view properties for sale in the Vilamoura area, here.

ALBUFEIRA MARINA is a recent addition to the directory of marinas in the Algarve. Once seen, never forgotten, this marina is of a unique design involving an unusual use of pastel shades for the residences that line the bowl of the marina. Visitors can enjoy a few bars and restaurants but the marina is gradually building up its range of tenants so a more eclectic mix can be expected in the future. The marina is a stone’s throw from the bustling tourist town of Albufeira where you will find all the normal facilities associated with tourism, but if you look hard enough, some traces of the quaintness of the older Albufeira remain.

LAGOS MARINA has received many awards over the years and is currently titled a ‘5 Anchor Award’ marina. Within the marina you will find lots of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities, including health clubs, swimming pools, and adventure parks. The historical town of Lagos played an active part in creating the history of the world. It was from this port that the ‘caravelas’ of Prince Henry sailed to discover parts of our present world. The town has maintained a lot of its architectural charm and this, coupled with its popularity with the tourists, makes it a good location for food, drink, and entertainment.

PORTIMÃO MARINA, a neighbour of Lagos, features some 300 apartments, plenty of shops, a reserved beach, boating facilities with a shipyard, and a huge swimming complex. It is within walking distance of the beach of Praia da Rocha and the town of Portimão – a commercial area once known for its fish canning industry. The advantageous position of this marina provides excellent opportunities for wind surfing.

VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTONIA MARINA was opened in 1998. The port town itself was rebuilt in 1755 after a disastrous earthquake destroyed its previous buildings. Across the Guadiana River is the Spanish town of Ayamonte. This area also offers the opportunity to explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park. With many rare species of flora and fauna, this park covers some 60 kms of coastline and is home to rare breeds such as the Portuguese water dog.

Whether you are a boat lover or simply appreciate historical towns or modern nightlife, you are bound to find a marina on the Algarve where you can feel at home.

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