Guide to Property for Sale or Rent

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!

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.