Category: About Portugal

Portugal was announced the winner of 16th prizes at the Annual World Travel Awards

 

europe-gala-ceremony542x146

Winners at the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2014 have been revealed during a night of suspense at the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso in Athens, Greece.

Hailed as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’, World Travel Awards celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade.

The brand aims to celebrate those organisations that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence.

It is with a great pleasure that after the 9 prizes achieved last year, Portugal was now announce the winner of 16th prizes of the 21st World Travel Awards, voted by travel agents worldwide.

World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said:”Europe is presently in the middle of a fast paced recovery after a couple of tough years, and the brands that have taken our awards tonight are at the forefront of this. Our voters have recognised these are the key industry players who will be leading the pack over the coming years. This is a springboard to their continued success”

Europe’s Leading Airline to South America TAP Portugal
Europe’s Leading Airline to Africa TAP Portugal
Europe’s Leading All Inclusive Resort Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel Vila Joya, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Boutique Resort Choupana Hills Resort & Spa, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination Lisbon, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Cruise Port Porto de Lisboa, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Design Hotel The Vine Hotel, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Hotel Residences Pine Cliffs Residence, Albufeira, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Landmark Hotel Bairro Alto Hotel, Portugal
Europe’s Leading Island Destination Madeira Islands
Europe’s Leading Luxury Resort Conrad Algarve, Portugal
Europe’s Leading River Cruise Company DouroAzul
Europe’s Leading Tourist Board Turismo de Portugal
Europe’s Leading Villa Resort Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel, Portugal
Europe’s Most Romantic Resort Vila Vita Parc, Portugal

 

WTA’s global media partner network includes International New York Times, TV5Monde, CNBC Arabiya, Newsweek, Outlook Traveller, Travel & Leisure, Khaleej Times, Trade Arabia, TTN, Trav Talk India, Publituris, ASTA Network, Breaking Travel News, eTurboNews, Travel Daily News International and Focus on Travel News.

 
 

 

Portugal recession over!

euro

Portugal will not enter another recession, assured the Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas on Monday (July 7).

Although he acknowledged that the Portuguese economy hasn’t yet reached “great or even very good levels”, the deputy PM stressed that it is “better than it was a year ago” and that recent statistics indicate the country is experiencing an economic recovery.

a story from: http://portugalresident.com/

Moving to Portugal…

_7522772

It is always difficult to make the decision to move permanently to a different country. And the decision is #Portugal?

What considerations you may have? Here you go…

If weather is a deciding factor you need to check out regional temperatures especially in the winter. The Algarve for example, is far warmer and drier than other areas.

Do you want to live inland, or by the sea?

Do you prefer the bustle and noise of a large town, village community or a rural location?

Do you want to be part of an Expat community, or as far away from your fellow countrymen as possible?

Is public transport important?

How important is the proximity of shops and amenities?

Are you a golfer? Do you want to live on a golf complex or just within easy access?

Do you need to be near an International School or will opt for the local school?

If need some expert advise to choose the best location call us now!

Algarve Property Sales start the year strong

IMG_3663

The Algarve has seen a very strong start of the year with property sales returning to a very positive levels,  as well as rentals and hotel occupancy.

After more than three years of house prices decreasing due to the state of the economy, Portugal’s property market is now improving and prices are beginning to escalate.

According to Statistics Portugal (INE) property prices have increased in the first quarter of 2014 and this trend is set to continue over the next 5 years.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have also confirmed this fact as highlighted in a recent article in the British newspaper, The Telegraph. The OECD  in their latest study, they highlighted that property markets in Australia and France are overpriced yet Portugal’s properties are undervalued.

New buyers under the golden visa program have boosted the luxury real estate prices. These “new” buyers are creating a fresh perspective and a well needed boost to our market. We have seen many new shops opening up, renovations being done, new building projects being started and sold in a very short time, showing positive signs that the Algarve is recovering.

Anyone looking to buy property in Portugal should act sooner rather than later to take advantage of the improving state of the property market.

If you are still looking for a property in the Algarve, we should advise to start looking seriously at purchasing this year as the market is recovering faster than expected. There are still good deals to be found, but the discount deals are quickly disappearing.

If you have any queries on our properties , please contact one of our Property Advisors such as Teodora Aquino, Georgina, Sofia, James Hobson.

Contact us now  to discuss your current property criteria to find you a dream home under the sun.

  • You can reply to us in English
  • Vous pouvez repondre en Francais
  • Pueden contactarnos en Espanol

 

 

French invaders are welcomed by the taxman

 

IMG_2311[1]

More than 2,200 French national bought house in Portugal last year and 20,000 will live in the country by the end of 2015.

This is the estimate from the Franco-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry , French retirees are moving to Portugal attracted by the golden retirement package offered by the Portuguese tax man, “there are many migrants who live eight or nine months in Portugal and the rest of the time in France. They already can benefit from new laws and not pay taxes on retirement income or on capital gains or dividends.”

The status of non-habitual resident in Portugal, in force since January 2013, allows any retired EU citizen tax exemption for ten years, provided he or she has not been a tax resident in Portugal in the last five. The laws also cover professionals pursuing a high added value job, which may benefit from an income tax reduction to an attractive 20%, somewhat more attractive than France’s top rate of 75%.

In the first Real Estate and Portuguese Tourism fair, between 70% and 75% of visitors were French, mostly retired, but the tax benefits can also be taken full advantage of by Portuguese immigrants who want to return to the country.

 

Story from: algarvedailynews.com

Visit Portugal’s Algarve on any budget!

One of the great things about a holiday in the Algarve is that it can be as cheap or as lavish as your budget will stretch to.

There is a variety of Algarve Accommodation from campsites, rooms, guesthouses and hostels, to 5* hotels, luxury resorts and villas to rent. Restaurants, bars and cafes that are popular with Algarvian locals offer amazing value for money and a literal ‘taste of Portugal’ and at the other end of the scale there are fine dining establishments, including Michelin Star restaurants.

In terms of things to do, at the top end there are spas, champagne cruises and yacht charters, but of course, the best things to do in the Algarve are free…the beaches, landscape and culture, and admission-charging historical tourist attractions are always very reasonable. Similarly with Algarve travel the public transport system is an incredibly cheap way of travelling around (and the buses and trains are both very efficient and clean) but if you’ve got the budget, you can use taxis, hire a car, 4×4, jeep or mini-van or even book a limousine!

If you are looking for a accommodation for your holidays, visit www.algarvepropertyrentals.com… great properties available for your summer holiday here

IMG_8978

!

(a story from: http://www.algarveuncovered.com/)

Holiday pound stretches furthest in Bali and the Algarve

IMG_2208[1]

Swings in the pound and local price changes makes Bali the cheapest destination with the Algarve best value in Europe.

Bali has emerged as the best value holiday destination for British travellers this year, as a strengthening pound helps budgets stretch further in most resorts and cities.

Holiday costs for Britons were down in 70pc of the 44 destinations surveyed in the Post Office Travel Money report, with prices falling by up to 30pc.

Bali is the cheapest holiday destination overall, with a typical basket of holiday goods costing £31.48 compared with £115.06 in New Zealand, the most expensive destination surveyed.

The Portuguese Algarve came out as the cheapest destination in Europe, with a basket of items costing £35.37.

The survey showed that although the pound was slightly weaker against the euro compared to last year (-1.9pc), prices have fallen 18pc in the Algarve. Conversely, Spain was the only country to record a significant price increase, with meal costs rising 22pc on the Costa del Sol. This pushed Spain’s basket of goods to £39.14, pushing Spain into sixth place.

Paul Havenhand, head of travel at Post Office, said: “We urge cost-conscious holidaymakers to include a comparison of exchange rates for all the destinations they are considering before coming to a final decision. This is likely to make a positive difference to the overall cost of a holiday.”

He added: “At the moment sterling is stronger against three quarters of the top Post Office holiday currencies.”

Resorts are cheaper in Cyprus, Greece and Italy, the survey found, although Italy remains the most expensive destination in Europe with a basket costing around £81, twice as much as Portugal.

The basket includes items like an evening meal for two, a cup of coffee and sun cream.

Popular destinations this year are likely to include South Africa, Vietnam, Burma and Qatar, the Post Office said.

Post Office Travel Money Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer:

Story from: The Telegraphy

Best European countries: Portugal wins Readers’ Choice vote

 

Algarve

Portugal Tops With Readers

USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice contest for ‘Best European Country,’ voting was heaviest for one nominee in particular.  Portugal has apparently stolen the hearts of our readers as it secured the lion’s share of votes.

Portugal is less iconic than other well-known countries, but it offers a wealth of opportunities to travelers: charming villages, great food, fascinating regional music, cultural opportunities, a beautiful coastline and even world-class surfing.

Italy and Austria landed solid in second and third, while a mere 47 votes separated 4th place finisher Germany from Spain in 6th place.  The (very large) United Kingdom, with no language barriers for Americans and a wealth of well-known landmarks, took 5th place.

The biggest surprise? Iceland, which trumped Greece, Norway, and several other more exotic countries, to land in the top 10.

The full list of winners in the ‘Best European Country’ contest category for 10Best Readers’ Choice is as follows:

  1. PORTUGAL
  2. Italy
  3. Austria
  4. Germany
  5. United Kingdom
  6. Spain
  7. Ireland
  8. France
  9. Iceland
  10. Switzerland

Congratulations to all the winners.  Wondering where to take your next trip?  This list makes a fabulous overseas bucket list.

All nominees were chosen by experts in the Travel Industry. Thus, the other 10 nominees also deserve some consideration. They were  Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Turkey.

Story from : USA TODAY 2014

Dutch squad prepares World Cup in Lagos

 

Robben

The Algarve is once again elected by the Dutch national football team for conducting an internship destination before a big international event, revealed the newspaper “Algemeen Dagblad”. According to the publication, the Oranje team will be in the region from the 20-27 of May, before the start of the World Cup football in Brazil.

The Algarve has many municipal and private practice fields and some of them are within hotels and resorts and provide great conditions for any sport throughout the whole year this fact makes the Algarve an usual destination stages of major European football teams during low season.

The Cascade Resort in Lagos has been chosen to host the Dutch national football team for a week-long training period before this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

The runners-up of the last edition in South Africa will be fine-tuning their tactics for the competition between May 20 and 27. And Coach Louis van Gaal will feel very much at home in the Algarve as he owns a property in Vale do Lobo.

The Netherlands will face Spain in the first game of the ‘ Worldcup 2014 ‘ on 13 June. The choice of Algarve was due, according to the newspaper”Algemeen Dagblad”, similar climate to that expected in Brazil.

It was already known that the Netherlands national team had chosen the Algarve, but only now was it announced that the Cascade’s Performance Football Academy will be its host.

Algarve tourism chief Desidério Silva had already praised the decision back in December, deeming it “excellent news” for the Algarve.

The resort is delighted, stating that “with this prestigious football team, the Cascade Resort and Performance Football Academy is closing a very successful football season.”

Since its opening in 2011, the resort has received top-class squads from all around the world, such as Zenit St. Petersburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Spartak Moscow.

It will be the second time the Dutch squad practises for a major competition in the Algarve, after having chosen the region to prepare for the Euro 2004 held in Portugal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accomplished Austrian chef puts Algarve on the fine-dining map

The WORLDS´S 50 Best Restaurantsvila_2014_rest_1

The only restaurant in Portugal to feature among The World’s 50 Best list, Vila Joya has also become a destination for international chefs, who attend its annual International Gourmet Festival.

The restaurant at this luxury spa and beach resort on the Algarve, overlooking the rugged Atlantic coastline,  truly is a ‘house of joy’ thanks to the culinary talents of executive chef Dieter Koschina. Originally from Austria, he honed his skills in leading establishments in Vienna and Germany before settling in his adopted country of Portugal more than two decades ago. These countries’ contrasting food cultures continue to inspire Koschina with fabulous Portuguese produce combined with northern European cooking techniques to create truly original and delicious dishes.

Story from: http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/vila-joya