Originally published at: Where To Live in the Algarve as a Digital Nomad: Best Algarve Cities | Go VisaFree
The Algarve, the southern region of Portugal is famous for its beaches, warm climate, and safe environment security. Plus, it has a big expat community that has the region as its second home.
But where should you live in the Algarve? There are many cities and towns that cater to different needs. In this article, we will give you information about the most popular cities in the region. We’ll also provide some figures we’ve collected from Numbeo to give you an understanding of the cost of living. Let’s begin.
Best Cities in the Algarve
1. Faro
Faro is the capital and gateway to the Algarve region. Faro airport is the third largest external entrance to the country, behind Lisbon and Porto.
Because it has a lot of commerce and a university, Faro has its own economy and does not depend only on tourism to sustain itself.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, picturesque Faro may be ideal.
Coworking Spaces in Faro
If you’re looking for a coworking space in Faro, you’re in good hands. You can check out Faro Avenida for monthly memberships.
How To Reach Lisbon and Porto from Faro
If you want to visit Lisbon, note that it takes around four hours by train. By car, it’ll take around two hours. Flights are available too and take around 45 minutes.
From Faro to Porto, the train ride takes around seven hours. The flight from Faro to Porto takes one hour and 10 minutes.
Cost of Living in Faro
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant Cappucino Domestic beer (market) |
€8.75 €1.85 €1.14 |
|
A bottle of wine (market) Apples (1 kg) Banana (1 kg) |
€3.79 €1.45 €1.16 |
|
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apt. in the city center Basic utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) |
€630
€93 |
Things To Do in Faro
In the city, you can stroll through the historic center surrounded by ancient walls, beaches of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and enjoy charming shops near the marina. Especially during the summer, Faro is the stage for many festivals and cultural events. However, note that in the winter the city can be quiet so be prepared.
2. Albufeira
Albufeira is one of the busiest cities in the Algarve, with lively days and nights, known for being one of the most emblematic of the southern region of Portugal, with beauty, good location, and infrastructure.
Coworking Spaces in Albufeira
As of the publication date of this article, there is no specific coworking space in Albufeira. However, note that as there are many cafes and restaurants, it’s going to be easy to find a space in urgent situations.
How To Reach Lisbon and Porto From Albufeira
Albufeira is reachable from Lisbon in around 2.5 hours by car. From Porto, it’s a 5 hours drive from Porto.
Faro airport is 40 minutes away.
Cost of Living in Albufeira
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant Cappucino Domestic beer (market) |
€7.50 €1.37 €0.97 |
|
A bottle of wine (market) Apples (1 kg) Banana (1 kg) |
€5 €1.83 €0.98 |
|
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in the city center Basic utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) |
€550
€103 |
Things To Do in Albufeira
Albufeira has gorgeous beaches, excellent restaurants, pubs, and cafes, a lively city center with many shopping alternatives. If you’re in this city you can enjoy the gastronomy’s richness and diversity, and cultural events such as the Fisherman’s Festival. Galé, Oura, Falésia, and Pescadores are among the most well-known beaches in the region.
3. Portimão
Portimão is one of the largest cities in the district of Faro. The city center is located about two km from the sea and is an important center for fishing and tourism.
With excellent infrastructure, it is ideal both for tourism and for digital nomads who want to live in the Algarve. It’s also one of the cheapest cities in Portugal.
Coworking Spaces in Portimão
If you’re staying in Portimão, you can benefit from the Hub Ativo as your coworking space. Although it lacks the atmosphere of an actual coworking space, it’s good when you need to get some work done.
How To Reach Lisbon and Porto From Portimão
By car, Portimão is approximately 2.30 hours from Lisbon and 4.5 hours from Porto.
From Faro airport, you can reach Portimão in around 50 minutes.
Cost of Living in Portimão
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant Cappucino Domestic beer (market) |
€8 €1.70 €1.24 |
|
A bottle of wine (market) Apples (1 kg) Banana (1 kg) |
€4 €1.40 €1.04 |
|
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in the city center Basic utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) |
€462
€150 |
Things To Do in Portimão
Those who live in Portimão can enjoy the beautiful beaches in the city such as Praia da Rocha, as well as beachfront bars and renowned restaurants. In addition, for cultural visits, there is the beautiful Portimão museum and the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church.
Portimão is also the stage for several interesting championships, such as the Mundialito de Futebol de Praia, the Portuguese stage of the European Beach Football League, water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing, and the world championship in powerboating.
4. Lagos
Lagos is a beautiful and ancient city in the Algarve, known mainly for its beaches and beautiful rock formations. If you’re a beach lover, Lagos might be the perfect base for you.
Coworking Spaces in Lagos
Centro Lagos is a famous coworking space in Lagos. A hot desk in Centro Lagos is €150 monthly. The Giramar Coworking space is another popular option.
How To Reach Lisbon and Porto From Lagos
Reaching Lisbon from Lagos takes around three hours by car. From Porto, it’s five.
You can reach Lagos from Faro Airport in around one hour.
Cost of Living in Lagos
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant Cappucino Domestic beer (market) |
€7.50 €1.75 €0.80 |
|
A bottle of wine (market) Apples (1 kg) Banana (1 kg) |
€3 €2.70 €1.04 |
|
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in the city center Basic utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) |
€725
€110 |
Things To Do in Lagos
In Lagos, you can admire historic buildings, visit small shops, and enjoy the Marina de Lagos, which is very close to the city’s train station and bus station. A good walk along the Avenida dos Descobrimentos and the Praça Infante Dom Henrique leads to the Municipal Market of Lagos and the wonderful restaurants.
The highlight of the city, however, are the beaches, with Praia Dona Ana, and the rocks of Ponta da Piedade.
5. Loulé
Loulé is a large, well-kept city located 17 km north of Faro. It’s cultural, the buildings are typical and it has a life of its own that is independent of mass tourism. As it is not a coastal town, Loulé is a town with a strong personality and a lot of history in the castle ruins and walls along the streets.
Coworking Spaces in Loulé
There are many coworking spaces in Loulé. Regus, Mucancas, the Green Building, and Golden Creative are some of the coworking space alternatives in Loulé. The daily price for a hot desk is around €10.
Distance to Lisbon and Porto
From Loulé, you can reach Lisbon in around 2.5 hours by car. Faro Airport is reachable in 25 minutes by car from Loulé.
Cost of Living in Loulé
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant Cappucino Domestic beer (market) |
€7.61 €1.30 €1 |
|
A bottle of wine (market) Apples (1 kg) Banana (1 kg) |
€3.55 €1.51 €1.11 |
|
Monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apt. in the city center Basic utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) |
€457
€90 |
Things To Do in Loulé
Loulé is known for its big events in the Algarve. The biggest carnival parade in the region, the Carnaval de Loulé takes place here. The city is a cultural reference with concerts and plays always taking place at the Cine-Teatro Louletano and at the beautiful Municipal Market.
In addition, Loulé hosts sporting events at the Municipal Stadium, such as tennis tournaments and international water polo competitions. In the city, there is also a large shopping center with the biggest movie screen in the Algarve.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy a peaceful life while working remotely, the Algarve region can be a good choice for you. Although some areas are very touristy, especially in the summer, there are many local spots where you can enjoy a traditional Portuguese life. Plus, Lisbon and many other cities are easy to reach which will give you the opportunity to explore the country.
From east to west, on the beach or in the mountains, the sun shines all year round, there is little rain and the view is always beautiful.
Have you ever been to any of these cities we’ve listed above? Have you ever thought of living there? Let us know. We’d be happy to hear about your experience.