Most people travelling to Portugal go because they love the country or perhaps love the sunny weather and the magnificent beaches, but why not try something a little different next time? For instance, why not combine your next trip (be it holiday or a property viewing trip) with a local event that will allow you to share a happy and celebratory time with local people? It’s great way to have fun and to make new friends.
This thought occurred to me when I saw something about the fantastically colourful carnivals in Portugal. For instance Loures, just 15 minutes away from Lisbon, has a great carnival tradition. There you can see an amazing carnival parade with over a thousand participants and many costumed characters in floats. This year the parade is scheduled to take place between the 6th and the 8th of March at 2:30 p.m. weather permitting – do check all dates and times before travelling by the way.
Then what about the carnival at Torres Vedras, only about 43 kms north of Lisbon, from Friday 4th to Wednesday 9th March 2011? This, they say, is the most ‘Portuguese’ carnival in the country - whatever that may mean! Evidently the parade has decorated streetcars satirising society and politics – it sounds interesting and quirky, doesn’t it?
As a confirmed bookaholic I rather liked the idea of the Lisbon Book Fair – no Kindle books for me! Evidently this has been held in Lisbon’s Edward VII Park (Parque Eduardo VII) since the 1930s and offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to browse through both old and new books, including comic books for the young/young at heart! It takes place some time from April to May – to my mind that’s worth bearing it in mind. And perhaps there will be a whole lot of like-minded locals to get chatting to…
The other thing I love to do when travelling is to walk, either alone, with friends or on arranged walks locally. It doesn’t have to be for miles – just a wander out into the country around Óbidos for instance is an utterly lovely experience. Spring is of course the perfect time to do this, with spring flowers popping up all over the countryside.
I also walked the walls that surround the town of Óbidos. I have to confess that I love peeping into people’s lives and seeing how they differ from ours – or indeed how often they are in many ways the same.
What I have often found is that if you walk just a few yards off the tourist trail you sometimes come upon enchanting places that are quiet and totally unspoilt, even in pats of the country that are otherwise quite crowded. Walking through the woods up to the palaces that rise above the town of Sintra was one such experience. All around me was it was quiet and cool and lovely with glimpses of birds and squirrels, while crowds of tourists drove to the top in their hot buses or cars!
There are so many towns and cities in Portugal that are fascinating to wander around – I did quite a bit of walking around Tomar for instance and found many small, intriguing insights into the town that I would never otherwise have seen. It is a mediaeval city with the streets and squares arranged in a chessboard pattern with lovely interesting Renaissance and Baroque buildings, medieval churches and the Castle. There is rumored to be a secret passageway between the Santa Maria dos Olivais church and the Castle – perhaps you may stumble across it!
So do a little research and pack those walking shoes next time you travel to Portugal: you may find the most wonderful things to do as you travel the country.
Have fun until next time…
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Showing posts with label holidays in portugal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holidays in portugal. Show all posts
Thursday, 3 March 2011
Wednesday, 26 January 2011
Travelling around Lisbon in trams!
One of the things I remember most about my visit to the lovely city of Rio in Brazil was the truly spectacular tram ride in the district of Santa Teresa, so you can imagine my pleasure when I discovered that there are still old trams in Lisbon too!
Tramways are not just a good way of getting about a city – they are enormous fun, and Lisbon’s trams are no exception. The trams and tram lines were built in the early 19th-century. Like the trams in Rio, they are a bright, cheerful yellow and run on rails through the old streets of Lisbon.
Lisbon sprawls over seven hills, great for views but hell on the legs so the Tram 28 is the total answer - it takes you to four of the seven summits. Your trip starts at Praça Luis de Camões in Chiado district and drops into the town below, through Alfama and past the Sé Cathedral. It also passes Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and the National Pantheon and ends in Martim Moniz in the north. You can also get off at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and walk the rest of the way to St George Castle – not too far, I promise!
Tram 12 takes a short circular route, starting and ending in Rossio – actually tram 15 does too. It travels through the Alfama district, past the Sé Cathedral and then carries on up to Martim Moniz and back to Rossio. It's a wonderful way to view the very narrow and precipitous streets of Alfama without totally exhausting yourself!
Tram 25 is another great option. It runs from near the docks below the Sé Cathedral and along the river, then up through Lapa to the Basilica and Jardim da Estrela before ending at a huge cemetery at Prazeres. I don’t know about you but I love visiting cemeteries: somehow the peace and the beauty of them really fascinate me.
Tram 18 and 25 and run west along the waterfront to Santos. Tram 18 continues north through the up-and-coming district of Alcântara to the cemetery at Ajuda. From here you can get to the Ajuda Palace with very little trouble.
Belém is the museum district and the Tram 15 is the one to take to get here.
Much like our buses here in the UK, tickets can be purchased from the tram driver but you can save money by buying a Viva Viagem travel pass that allows unlimited travel on trams, the metro, buses and elevadores for 24 hours from the time of purchase. You can get them at metro and train stations plus from some newsagents and cafés in Lisbon, again the same as in the UK.
They also run tours of Lisbon in old restored tramcars. A company called Carristur runs these tours every 20 minutes from 10pm and 7pm June to September and every 30 minutes October to May. The tours depart from the corner of Praça do Comércio – sounds great to me!
And now for a zany, unusual ‘transport’ option that only Portugal can provide: Lisbon's elevadores, or funiculars. These will take you up to fine viewpoints overlooking Lisbon and were built in the early 1900s by student of Gustave Eiffel – no need to tell you what HE built! You will find one of these unusual methods of transport in the centre of Lisbon's Baixa district – it will bear you up from the Rua do Ouro to the Convento do Carmo, 45 above. There you will be able to take in great views sipping a cup of much needed coffee! There are a number of these great steel giants, usually taking you up to wonderful vantage points that overlook the lovely city of Lisbon – why not give them a try?
I hope this has inspired you to get out your passport and set off – just writing it has me looking up a few cheap flights…see you there!
Incidentally, I just need to add that the article on SCUT motorways was reproduced by kind permission of HeyPortugal.com , the magazine for Central Portugal in English. My apologies for omitting this last week and my thanks for this very useful information.
You will find much useful info on this and other issues is updated regularly so please check the latest information on Scut Motorways there. The information was correct at the time of publication - 17th Jan 2011 – as you know, one of my readers added to this info too – things are always changing aren’t they?
Have a great week!
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Tramways are not just a good way of getting about a city – they are enormous fun, and Lisbon’s trams are no exception. The trams and tram lines were built in the early 19th-century. Like the trams in Rio, they are a bright, cheerful yellow and run on rails through the old streets of Lisbon.
Lisbon sprawls over seven hills, great for views but hell on the legs so the Tram 28 is the total answer - it takes you to four of the seven summits. Your trip starts at Praça Luis de Camões in Chiado district and drops into the town below, through Alfama and past the Sé Cathedral. It also passes Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and the National Pantheon and ends in Martim Moniz in the north. You can also get off at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia and walk the rest of the way to St George Castle – not too far, I promise!
Tram 12 takes a short circular route, starting and ending in Rossio – actually tram 15 does too. It travels through the Alfama district, past the Sé Cathedral and then carries on up to Martim Moniz and back to Rossio. It's a wonderful way to view the very narrow and precipitous streets of Alfama without totally exhausting yourself!
Tram 25 is another great option. It runs from near the docks below the Sé Cathedral and along the river, then up through Lapa to the Basilica and Jardim da Estrela before ending at a huge cemetery at Prazeres. I don’t know about you but I love visiting cemeteries: somehow the peace and the beauty of them really fascinate me.
Tram 18 and 25 and run west along the waterfront to Santos. Tram 18 continues north through the up-and-coming district of Alcântara to the cemetery at Ajuda. From here you can get to the Ajuda Palace with very little trouble.
Belém is the museum district and the Tram 15 is the one to take to get here.
Much like our buses here in the UK, tickets can be purchased from the tram driver but you can save money by buying a Viva Viagem travel pass that allows unlimited travel on trams, the metro, buses and elevadores for 24 hours from the time of purchase. You can get them at metro and train stations plus from some newsagents and cafés in Lisbon, again the same as in the UK.
They also run tours of Lisbon in old restored tramcars. A company called Carristur runs these tours every 20 minutes from 10pm and 7pm June to September and every 30 minutes October to May. The tours depart from the corner of Praça do Comércio – sounds great to me!
And now for a zany, unusual ‘transport’ option that only Portugal can provide: Lisbon's elevadores, or funiculars. These will take you up to fine viewpoints overlooking Lisbon and were built in the early 1900s by student of Gustave Eiffel – no need to tell you what HE built! You will find one of these unusual methods of transport in the centre of Lisbon's Baixa district – it will bear you up from the Rua do Ouro to the Convento do Carmo, 45 above. There you will be able to take in great views sipping a cup of much needed coffee! There are a number of these great steel giants, usually taking you up to wonderful vantage points that overlook the lovely city of Lisbon – why not give them a try?
I hope this has inspired you to get out your passport and set off – just writing it has me looking up a few cheap flights…see you there!
Incidentally, I just need to add that the article on SCUT motorways was reproduced by kind permission of HeyPortugal.com , the magazine for Central Portugal in English. My apologies for omitting this last week and my thanks for this very useful information.
You will find much useful info on this and other issues is updated regularly so please check the latest information on Scut Motorways there. The information was correct at the time of publication - 17th Jan 2011 – as you know, one of my readers added to this info too – things are always changing aren’t they?
Have a great week!
Carol.
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Renovation - how easy is this in Portugal?
Times economically are hard and more and more people are opting to buy a property that is reasonably priced but that needs restoration. And that would seem to make a lot of sense. Just looking on the internet it’s amazing to see how may properties you can find in Portugal that are in the €20,000 range – but just bear in mind that old South African saying: “Goedkoop is deurkoop”, which, loosely translated, means buying cheaply can end up being very expensive!
So…you have looked far and wide and finally found an utterly delightful property with beautiful views in exactly the part of Portugal that you fancy living in - BUT – it needs extensive restoration…
There are a number of questions you need to ask yourself: how practical is this in a country that is foreign to you, working in a language that is too? And how expensive will it turn out to be? Are you planning on doing some of it yourself? This is great if you have some sort of experience, but forget all those TV programmes you have watched if not: it’s hard work, and in the end you may have to get an expert in to complete the job effectively so have a care if you are thinking of going this route.
Be aware that different rules and regulations apply to property in Portugal. You need to know UPFRONT that you will be allowed to do what you both want and need to do to get the place in good order without having to wait years to get plans passed…that’s if they get passed at all.
Generally, restoration properties fall into two categories; those requiring full planning permission and those that don’t need any further permission at all but just some TLC. Buying a property without public utilities connected for instance is generally not a good idea. Getting mains water and electricity connected isn’t a simple process and may need planning application, which can take a very long time. I would suggest you make it a condition of purchase that you can get plans passed for work that you need to have done and that you do your research very carefully before signing anything. Your own independent lawyer would be essential here…a local recommended Portuguese lawyer who speaks English.
Unless, as previously mentioned, you have personally carried out a renovation project before, it would be advisable to get a Portuguese builder to help you. They are far cheaper than builders in the UK and there are many skilled tradesmen available at a fraction of the cost of their UK counterparts.
Generally the quality of workmanship in Portugal is very high, but you would be well advised to use someone that comes personally recommended and to ask to see examples of their completed jobs. This will give you a good idea not only of their workmanship but also of their reliability and integrity. It would also be a good idea to get your lawyer to draw up a contract outlining not only exactly what work is to be done but when it is to be done by and when payment is to be made. Payment should be on a stage-completion basis and NOT time based…
Personally I would accompany the builders to the local builders’ merchants and DIY supermarkets to buy materials. That way you supervise the cost yourself and don’t end up paying what the builder thinks you should pay! Failing that, INSIST on till slips and make it clear that this is essential upfront. I had an unpleasant wrangle with a builder once who maintained that he had ‘lost’ the slips. No slips, no payment is my future maxim.
You need to decide before repairs begin how much you are thinking of spending. Inform your builder of this and do not be coerced into going over budget. Remember that the property market is not great at the moment and, if you should want to sell in the future, you don’t want to over-capitalise in your property.
Damp is probably the most common problem in many older Portuguese properties, so be aware of this and make sure it can be sorted before rather than after you buy.
Good luck and I would be so interested in your story if you are going this route.
Have fun and speak soon,
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
So…you have looked far and wide and finally found an utterly delightful property with beautiful views in exactly the part of Portugal that you fancy living in - BUT – it needs extensive restoration…
There are a number of questions you need to ask yourself: how practical is this in a country that is foreign to you, working in a language that is too? And how expensive will it turn out to be? Are you planning on doing some of it yourself? This is great if you have some sort of experience, but forget all those TV programmes you have watched if not: it’s hard work, and in the end you may have to get an expert in to complete the job effectively so have a care if you are thinking of going this route.
Be aware that different rules and regulations apply to property in Portugal. You need to know UPFRONT that you will be allowed to do what you both want and need to do to get the place in good order without having to wait years to get plans passed…that’s if they get passed at all.
Generally, restoration properties fall into two categories; those requiring full planning permission and those that don’t need any further permission at all but just some TLC. Buying a property without public utilities connected for instance is generally not a good idea. Getting mains water and electricity connected isn’t a simple process and may need planning application, which can take a very long time. I would suggest you make it a condition of purchase that you can get plans passed for work that you need to have done and that you do your research very carefully before signing anything. Your own independent lawyer would be essential here…a local recommended Portuguese lawyer who speaks English.
Unless, as previously mentioned, you have personally carried out a renovation project before, it would be advisable to get a Portuguese builder to help you. They are far cheaper than builders in the UK and there are many skilled tradesmen available at a fraction of the cost of their UK counterparts.
Generally the quality of workmanship in Portugal is very high, but you would be well advised to use someone that comes personally recommended and to ask to see examples of their completed jobs. This will give you a good idea not only of their workmanship but also of their reliability and integrity. It would also be a good idea to get your lawyer to draw up a contract outlining not only exactly what work is to be done but when it is to be done by and when payment is to be made. Payment should be on a stage-completion basis and NOT time based…
Personally I would accompany the builders to the local builders’ merchants and DIY supermarkets to buy materials. That way you supervise the cost yourself and don’t end up paying what the builder thinks you should pay! Failing that, INSIST on till slips and make it clear that this is essential upfront. I had an unpleasant wrangle with a builder once who maintained that he had ‘lost’ the slips. No slips, no payment is my future maxim.
You need to decide before repairs begin how much you are thinking of spending. Inform your builder of this and do not be coerced into going over budget. Remember that the property market is not great at the moment and, if you should want to sell in the future, you don’t want to over-capitalise in your property.
Damp is probably the most common problem in many older Portuguese properties, so be aware of this and make sure it can be sorted before rather than after you buy.
Good luck and I would be so interested in your story if you are going this route.
Have fun and speak soon,
Carol
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Portugalbuyingguide.com
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Importing a car into Portugal: Part 4
Hello again.
Okay, let’s continue. You have the required paperwork for the car; just a few things you need to be aware of upfront.
Road Tax or Imposto Único de Circulação) is paid annually, during the month in which the vehicle was registered, on-line at your local tax office – the Loja do Cidadão. This tax is payable in respect of all vehicles, regardless of whether or not they are in use. Proof of payment is made by showing the receipt issued by the relevant authority.
The amount of tax paid is different for vehicles registered before and after July 2007. Owners of cars registered before July 2007 pay an amount of tax directly related to the age of the vehicle and its cubic capacity. The tax on vehicles registered after July 2007 will also take into account the vehicle's CO2 emissions and the power of the engine.
Insurance. All vehicles must have at least third party insurance cover. The insurance company will provide an insurance stamp for display in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen, at the time the policy is issued.
These documents, as well as the driver’s ID and licence, should be carried at all times and shown to the authorities on request.
MOT Testing and Certificates
MOT testing is compulsory in Portugal for all vehicles over four years old. Cars aged between 4-7 years must be tested every two years and thereafter every year. The test (Insepecção Periódica Obrigatória – IPO) must be carried out at an approved garage. The garage is required to request the vehicle’s ownership documents (Titulo de Registo de Propriedade and Livrete or the more recent Certificado de Matrícula) and the owner’s taxpayer’s identification card (cartão de contribuinte) before carrying out the test.
A stamp confirming that the vehicle has passed the test should be displayed below the insurance stamp, in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen.
Okay, let’s continue. You have the required paperwork for the car; just a few things you need to be aware of upfront.
Road Tax or Imposto Único de Circulação) is paid annually, during the month in which the vehicle was registered, on-line at your local tax office – the Loja do Cidadão. This tax is payable in respect of all vehicles, regardless of whether or not they are in use. Proof of payment is made by showing the receipt issued by the relevant authority.
The amount of tax paid is different for vehicles registered before and after July 2007. Owners of cars registered before July 2007 pay an amount of tax directly related to the age of the vehicle and its cubic capacity. The tax on vehicles registered after July 2007 will also take into account the vehicle's CO2 emissions and the power of the engine.
Insurance. All vehicles must have at least third party insurance cover. The insurance company will provide an insurance stamp for display in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen, at the time the policy is issued.
These documents, as well as the driver’s ID and licence, should be carried at all times and shown to the authorities on request.
MOT Testing and Certificates
MOT testing is compulsory in Portugal for all vehicles over four years old. Cars aged between 4-7 years must be tested every two years and thereafter every year. The test (Insepecção Periódica Obrigatória – IPO) must be carried out at an approved garage. The garage is required to request the vehicle’s ownership documents (Titulo de Registo de Propriedade and Livrete or the more recent Certificado de Matrícula) and the owner’s taxpayer’s identification card (cartão de contribuinte) before carrying out the test.
A stamp confirming that the vehicle has passed the test should be displayed below the insurance stamp, in the lower right-hand corner of the vehicle’s windscreen.
Registration is recorded at both the local customs office and the IMTT. The Portuguese authorities may ask for documents other than those listed below. It's advisable to first check on forms and documents required. The application should be made to your nearest Customs office. This application should be submitted with:
- A fiscal certificate or tax clearance form issued by customs. In some instances, there are customs and tax charges payable – this will depend on the model, power, age and mileage of the vehicle
- Original receipt of purchase showing taxes paid
- A Certificate of Compliance (Form Model 9) issued by the IMTT confirming that the vehicle has undergone an inspection
- A certificate of Homologacão from the vehicle manufacturer or certified representative in Portugal to identify that the vehicle is of a recognised type in Portugal or the EU
- A Copy of the foreign vehicle registration certificate
- A Certificate of conformity, called a COC (Certificado de Conformidade)
- A certificate of roadworthiness
The technical inspection or Inspecção Periódica Obrigatória should be made at an IMTT approved garage. This checks vehicle identification, brakes, tyres, emissions, noise levels, lights, steering, windscreen and wipers, and chassis (inside and out) condition.
Believe it or not, there’s more. I’ll complete the document list next week…that way it doesn’t look so totally overwhelming! Bye until next time, all best wishes – and keep warm!
Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/
Friday, 20 August 2010
Why I would think of buying property in Portugal
Hey – how are you today?
I am still racing around London showing off my ‘home town’ to my South African friend! The highlight of this week is going to be the Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past over Whitehall at 4pm, Friday 20th August 2010, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The flyover is preceded by a reading of Winston Churchill's speech outside the Churchill War Rooms at 3.52pm.” Never in the field of human conflict...” and all that! I am really looking forward to it.
People often ask me why I would think of buying property in Portugal. It’s not as well known as Spain as a property destination but to me that’s half its charm! It's an inexpensive and fascinating country that is still catching up with the rest of Europe after forty years of dictatorship. This means that it has a far more rural, unspoilt feel and of course it often means that it costs less to live or holiday there.
Portugal, meaning ‘beautiful port’, has miles of unspoilt coastline coupled with a unique culture and a rich history. When I last travelled around I could not believe the beauty and the cultural heritage that I found in even the smallest towns and villages.
Many of the greatest seafarers and explorers were born in Portugal, and the Portuguese Empire once stretched from Brazil to the Indies, with Portuguese the most widely spoken language in the world. Today Portugal’s beaches and ports are far more likely to be catering to happy tourists. The long sandy beaches of the Algarve are well known, but all along the coastline there are opportunities to enjoy a whole selection of water sports in crystal clear waters, all to be enjoyed in the lovely warm climate, with temperatures of around 35°C in summer.
Inland, small towns and villages are surrounded with olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees. I went in spring and it was so delightful to walk through fields of spring flowers. There are also vast national parks, thickly forested and with an abundance of wildlife. To the north are snow-capped mountains, while to the south are the gently rolling plains where locals farm their lands.
Let’s not forget too the wonderful festivals with almost every town and village celebrating a regular saint’s day with a festival, usually in summer. There is also of course an endless selection of historic attractions plus many beautiful architectural gems. My especial favourite is the Palace of Pena at Sintra, which beautifully combines gothic, Islamic, and renaissance styles. I also love the ancient ramparts around towns like Ronda and Óbidos – one of the things I loved doing was walking around the whole of Óbidos along the walls – it’s a great way to see how the locals live!
To top it all off, there are also a number of excellent golf courses, plus other sporting facilities – but all pale into comparison with football, that Portuguese obsession, which you can watch from the many stadiums dotting the country. So…the question really is: why wouldn’t everyone think of buying property in Portugal? Do you feel the same? Please tell me of your experiences and why you are looking at moving to Portugal – or why you love the country so much.
Bye for now and happy summer days, Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com
I am still racing around London showing off my ‘home town’ to my South African friend! The highlight of this week is going to be the Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past over Whitehall at 4pm, Friday 20th August 2010, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The flyover is preceded by a reading of Winston Churchill's speech outside the Churchill War Rooms at 3.52pm.” Never in the field of human conflict...” and all that! I am really looking forward to it.
People often ask me why I would think of buying property in Portugal. It’s not as well known as Spain as a property destination but to me that’s half its charm! It's an inexpensive and fascinating country that is still catching up with the rest of Europe after forty years of dictatorship. This means that it has a far more rural, unspoilt feel and of course it often means that it costs less to live or holiday there.
Portugal, meaning ‘beautiful port’, has miles of unspoilt coastline coupled with a unique culture and a rich history. When I last travelled around I could not believe the beauty and the cultural heritage that I found in even the smallest towns and villages.
Many of the greatest seafarers and explorers were born in Portugal, and the Portuguese Empire once stretched from Brazil to the Indies, with Portuguese the most widely spoken language in the world. Today Portugal’s beaches and ports are far more likely to be catering to happy tourists. The long sandy beaches of the Algarve are well known, but all along the coastline there are opportunities to enjoy a whole selection of water sports in crystal clear waters, all to be enjoyed in the lovely warm climate, with temperatures of around 35°C in summer.
Inland, small towns and villages are surrounded with olive groves, vineyards and fruit trees. I went in spring and it was so delightful to walk through fields of spring flowers. There are also vast national parks, thickly forested and with an abundance of wildlife. To the north are snow-capped mountains, while to the south are the gently rolling plains where locals farm their lands.
Let’s not forget too the wonderful festivals with almost every town and village celebrating a regular saint’s day with a festival, usually in summer. There is also of course an endless selection of historic attractions plus many beautiful architectural gems. My especial favourite is the Palace of Pena at Sintra, which beautifully combines gothic, Islamic, and renaissance styles. I also love the ancient ramparts around towns like Ronda and Óbidos – one of the things I loved doing was walking around the whole of Óbidos along the walls – it’s a great way to see how the locals live!
To top it all off, there are also a number of excellent golf courses, plus other sporting facilities – but all pale into comparison with football, that Portuguese obsession, which you can watch from the many stadiums dotting the country. So…the question really is: why wouldn’t everyone think of buying property in Portugal? Do you feel the same? Please tell me of your experiences and why you are looking at moving to Portugal – or why you love the country so much.
Bye for now and happy summer days, Carol.
http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com
Friday, 30 July 2010
What to do in Portugal?
Hello again.
Have you seen the Grace Kelly exhibition at the V & A recently? I haven’t, but I did go along to a talk by her friend and biographer Donald Spoto. He gave a fascinating insight into the real person behind the iconic image – it was so interesting. There’s always something to do in London isn’t there?
Are you going to Portugal to look at property this summer, or indeed just to holiday? I know when I used to take my kids on holiday I always used to like to plan it so that there was something to occupy their days – nothing like an exhausted child to ensure a good night’s sleep!
The possibilities are endless in Portugal really, both for families with kids and those without. There are endless World Heritage sites, natural wonders and cultural surprises and all are far quieter – and less expensive - than in neighbouring Spain. Plus of course you have the benefit of sandy beaches, traditional fishing villages and an expansive stretch of rugged coastline. Diving and swimming are of course popular and you could learn how to surf in the southern region or along the western coastline. Or what about deep sea fishing or a Douro river cruise exploring the river and nearby ancient ruins?
Many championship golf courses dot the country plus horseback riding is a fun activity. You could perhaps combine that with a visit to the quieter rural areas, staying at renovated farm houses and traditional homes that provide accommodation for tourists and allow a glimpse into a more tranquil way of life.
And while you holiday you can be taking in what your area of choice looks like in the busy summer season. That lovely village that you first saw in spring or autumn may be simply too busy for you in summer. Or you may find that you enjoy a revived night life and having a few folk around…but for my money it really is best to see your chosen area at all times of the year before committing yourself.
I know for instance that the places I would chose to buy if I could are either Marvão or Castelo de Vide but I visited last in early May. What are they like in the middle of summer I wonder? Food for thought. Have lots of fun and do let me know your findings won’t you.
With all best wishes for happy summer days,
Carol.
Have you seen the Grace Kelly exhibition at the V & A recently? I haven’t, but I did go along to a talk by her friend and biographer Donald Spoto. He gave a fascinating insight into the real person behind the iconic image – it was so interesting. There’s always something to do in London isn’t there?
Are you going to Portugal to look at property this summer, or indeed just to holiday? I know when I used to take my kids on holiday I always used to like to plan it so that there was something to occupy their days – nothing like an exhausted child to ensure a good night’s sleep!
The possibilities are endless in Portugal really, both for families with kids and those without. There are endless World Heritage sites, natural wonders and cultural surprises and all are far quieter – and less expensive - than in neighbouring Spain. Plus of course you have the benefit of sandy beaches, traditional fishing villages and an expansive stretch of rugged coastline. Diving and swimming are of course popular and you could learn how to surf in the southern region or along the western coastline. Or what about deep sea fishing or a Douro river cruise exploring the river and nearby ancient ruins?
Many championship golf courses dot the country plus horseback riding is a fun activity. You could perhaps combine that with a visit to the quieter rural areas, staying at renovated farm houses and traditional homes that provide accommodation for tourists and allow a glimpse into a more tranquil way of life.
And while you holiday you can be taking in what your area of choice looks like in the busy summer season. That lovely village that you first saw in spring or autumn may be simply too busy for you in summer. Or you may find that you enjoy a revived night life and having a few folk around…but for my money it really is best to see your chosen area at all times of the year before committing yourself.
I know for instance that the places I would chose to buy if I could are either Marvão or Castelo de Vide but I visited last in early May. What are they like in the middle of summer I wonder? Food for thought. Have lots of fun and do let me know your findings won’t you.
With all best wishes for happy summer days,
Carol.
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