Guide to Property for Sale or Rent

Property for sale in Vale do Lobo.
Vale do Lobo resort is just 20 minutes from Faro airport and is set along a 2km stretch of sandy white beach. Founded in 1962, it was the first large property development in the Algarve and was developed into a unique resort by a Dutch entrepreneur in 1977. Over 30 years later, Vale do Lobo is a mature, 400 hectare, resort attracting both residents and visitors from all over Europe. As this is a well known resort, property for sale in Vale do Lobo is in high demand. Gatehouse International currently have over 70 properties for sale in the Vale do Lobo area. Visit their site for information and pictures.

If you buy a property in vale do Lobo, there’s not much need to leave! Within Vale do Lobo resort, you will find everything you need to make your stay an enjoyable one. Sports facilities include one of the largest tennis centres in Portugal, a lawn bowling club and 2 beautiful golf courses- the Royal and the Ocean. The sports centre of Barringtons offers squash courts, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, jacuzzi, fitness classes and a restaurant. The Royal Spa offers a variety of treatments such as massage, facial treatments and holistic therapies. There are also a number of boutiques, bank, newsagent, supermarket and medical centre all on site.
There are 15 first class restaurants within the resort offering Italian, Chinese and Portuguese cuisine. There are a number of bars including the popular Monty’s bar where you can partake in a spot of late night Karaoke should you be feeling brave enough!

The beach at Vale do Lobo is perfect for relaxing and spending some of the 300 days of sunshine that the Algarve benefits from every year. For the more adventurous there are watersports after which you can sip a cocktail at one of the beach bars whilst taking in the fabulous view.

There is a whole range of property for sale in Vale do Lobo from apartments, town house, smaller villas, golf front first line properties to grand luxury villas overlooking the golf courses.

Here’s a selection for you:
Apartments for sale on Vale do Lobo
Town houses for sale on vale do Lobo
Villas for sale on Vale do Lobo
Luxury villas for sale on vale do Lobo

Polaris World property is a company that promotes, develops and builds a comprehensive concept: resorts with golf courses. The firm manages services of the entire resort, not just the housing-related, which makes the homes and their setting a great investment.Currently, two resorts are fully operational with four more underway, making Polaris World property a leader in Residential Tourism. These Polaris resorts are an invitation to discover a world full of conveniences for the client: daily press, supermarkets, catering, car hire, travel, mini club, gardening, cleaning service, decorating, telecommunications, and more. Endless possibilities in an ideal setting to practice your sporting activities.

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Many of those who discover this up-and-coming coastal region go on to fall in love with it. The Silver Coast is rapidly becoming the most desirable part of Portugal for discerning property investors, and the price movements are beginning to reflect this growth in popularity. For those seeking property for sale in the Silver Coast (Costa Prata as it’s known), the advice would be to act sooner rather than later, before the prices soar to match the properties for sale in the Algarve.

The Silver Coast stretches from north of Lisbon up the west coast to Porto. The most popular areas of the Silver Coast are currently the areas from Lourinhã up to Peniche, on to São Martinho do Porto and Nazaré on the coast, and a little inland to the town of Caldas da Rainha and the medieval walled city of Óbidos.

Property on the Silver Coast is currently in hot demand, and provides a fashionable alternative for those seeking an option away from the hustle and bustle of the Algarve. Of course, there are differences between the two regions. In the Silver Coast not so much English is spoken and in some inland areas it will be almost non-existent. One should be prepared for the adventure that comes with choosing a region, like the Silver Coast, that is untarnished by tourism. In fact, the Silver Coast remains the real Portugal, where traditions and culture abound. The beaches are incredibly popular in July and August with Portuguese holiday makers, thus maintaining a distinct Portuguese feel to the area, even since its recent discovery by foreign tourists searching for their bargain holiday beach home.

There is also a marginal difference between the weather fronts of the Silver Coast and the Algarve. More marked though is the huge difference in weather fronts between anywhere in Portugal and the U.K! Central and Northern Portugal boast beautifully hot summers, blue skies and sunshine throughout the winter, and what maybe even be considered a bonus is that they don’t experience the fierce dry heat of the Algarve. However one looks at it, the weather will always be a joy compared to that of the U.K.

Another reason to choose the Silver Coast, is that property prices are still a lot less than most other destinations in Southern Europe. However, with the recent trend to buy in this region, investors are hoping that the Silver Coast will see the sort of price hikes that the early investors of the Algarve enjoyed. Most are also hoping that further development will be controlled as the local authorities are promising so that the peaceful charm of the area won’t be swamped. But can there be hope for a rise in prices and yet coasts and towns remain unspoilt? Some say yes as the Portuguese have watched and learned from the rate of progresss in neighbouring Spain.

If you have not yet discovered this delightful region of Portugal, put it on the top of your list of destinations before you consider investing anywhere else. You won’t be disappointed.

For examples of properties for sale on the Silver Coast, go here.

Alpujarra Valley in Granada Province.

The Alpujarra mountain range, is about thirty miles from Granada city and 25 miles from the coast. It is as much part of Granada as it is of Almeria province. It is well known for the great views and the white towns; its mountain landscapes, the house balconies full of flowers; its friendly people and the atmosphere they create - and most importantly - the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. All of these attributes led to it being designated a Global Reserve by UNESCO, as well as a national park and a nature reserve, especially for its native flowers and distinctive ecosystems.

The history of Alpujarra is just as important because it was the last refuge of the Arabs in Andalucia. It was here that Boabdil, the last Moorish king, lived for some months after the Christians captured Granada. And, it was to the Alpujarra that the Moors, who refused to convert to Christianity, fled and found refuge during almost a century before they were finally expelled.

The Alpujarra also still has many features of Berber culture, particularly in everyday houses and in their unique irrigation aqueducts that farmers are still using.

The Alpujarra valley gained modest notoriety in more recent times from people like Chris Stewart, who wrote ‘Driving over Lemons’, which captures the unique charm of the area. Many have followed his example and have sought to buy a small farm, or cortijo in the Alpujarra valley.

Properties there are still great value and the ellusive ‘real Spain’ can still be bought with a modest budget.
Properties in the Alpujarra.

Property for sale in the Granada region of Spain is fast becoming the new area to buy.

Granada - The Spanish Province of Granada is one of great importance in the cultural and religious history of Southern Spain, and many great authors have capitalised on it’s flavour in books that will overwhelmingly outdo this writers notes on the area.

With historical centres like the captivating Alhambra Palace and the highest mountain range on the Iberian Peninsular, how could one overlook Granada when planning a potential overseas property purchase. While new developments are available for you to buy off plan, there are plenty of good value resale properties for sale in the Granada area.

Granada too also has it’s share of pretty unspoilt coastal towns and villages, and the coastline from Castell de Ferro to Nerja is some of the most beautiful and dramatic in Andalusia. This coastline is sometimes known as the Costa Tropical, mostly on account of the ambient temperature there. It takes about an hour to travel from the beaches in Costa del sol to Granada city and just 30 more minutes North will take you straight to the Ski slopes!

Its easy to understand why so many people are searching for property for sale in Almeria, Granada and Andalusia.

 For properties for sale in the Granada region, visit this site.

Or for a selection of properties in the Alpujarra valley, go to this site.

If you have missed this opportunity, don’t worry, we have more available on our Polaris World resorts site. 

Travel, Dublin to Polaris World in Spain, for the weekend, on a FREE viewing trip with our flight departing March the 8th, returning March 9th.

Come and see how good it all is for yourself.

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Portugal has been attracting surfers to its shores for decades. It offers quality surf year long with excellent sandy beaches and point breaks. It delivers a decent sized surf peak and, with waters never dropping too low, offers a great year-round destination for world-class surf and a wonderful culture to match.

The Algarve is well known amongst the surfing fraternity for its lively Atlantic coastline. The areas with the greatest quality and quantity of waves are the south west of the Algarve and the west coast, going all the way up the country to the border with Spain. The surf found to the far west of the region offers some amazing surfing conditions in a beautiful back drop of cliffs and bays. Swells are generated out of the Atlantic Ocean arriving along the Portuguese coastline with train like regularity and the Algarve benefits even more due to its geographical make up of bays and points. There is surf to suit all standards of surfer in the Algarve. The south coast tends to have nice waves during the bigger winter swells but the further you go away from the west coast, the smaller they become. It is these two very different coasts that make for such a special surfing location. With one coast facing south and the other facing predominantly west, if there is any swell around there will always be waves somewhere. Depending on the swell direction, it only takes an ocean swell of 2 or 3 feet for the better breaks to start working.

Summer on the west coast will usually see clean waves from waist to chest high (depending on the height of the surfer!). Either side of summer, the west coast produces consistent swell that can be nicely over head. The west coast can have regular 15ft swells and Carrapateira has been known to hit 25ft!

With an enviable climate and year round waves the Algarve is fast becoming one of the continent’s most popular surfing destinations. It is also home to one of Europe’s most established surf camps - ‘The Surf Experience’, based in Lagos. Their package includes half-board, transportation, equipment hire, and tuition.

Across the length and breadth of Portugal, surfers of all standards should find what they are looking for. If you want to experience unique European surf in the sun all year long then this should be your first choice.

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.

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.

‘The Savannahs’ is a wonderfully exclusive village providing a peaceful secure environment for people that appreciate tranquility, glorious surroundings, and the idea of living amongst peers from generations that they are familiar with and understand. The village is only available to people over 55 years of age, thus creating a unique environment and atmosphere. It is located in Almancil, just a short drive from shops, restaurants, the beach, and the renowned golf courses of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.

The Savannahs will consist of 250 residences – townhouses and apartments; a piazza with a small supermarket, local shops, and boutiques; a clubhouse with function rooms for get-togethers and club activities; bar and restaurants; leisure facilities such as indoor and outdoor pools, putting course, tennis and bowls; guest accommodation suites; a business centre; spa and medical facilities; and a nursing home.

The village is set in small clusters of houses along a one way street that meanders through the village, accessed by the sole security gated entrance. A multi-denominational chapel will be located near to the heart of the village. Each of the generously appointed properties will have a private terrace or roof terrace looking onto the glorious gardens designed by Charlie Dimmock. The walkways that wind through the village, linking residences, gardens, and village centre, will be illuminated at night and will be suitable for the journey of electric buggies and wheelchairs. Each property will have a private covered parking space.

Community fees will cover communal insurance, repairs, decoration, gardening, and cleaning etc. When required, meals, medical care, and home nursing will also be available.