I have a house in castro Marim, the great advantage to live in this place, at least for me is having Spain in less than 10 minutes by car. You can buy in Spain some things like petrol (a little more cheap there) and some beauty/hygiene products there and buy in Portugal vegetables, fruit and meat (more cheap in Portugal at least in farms markets). The advantages of both countries, i advise you to eat in the Portuguese restaurants, even dont eat in the Spain restaurants that say they have a Portuguese cook in the sign, because sometimes is not true and they cost little more and the food is not the same. And why you cant live in Ayamonte. One advise to ppl that prefer move to Spain than move to Portugal, Spain have a law if somebody enter in your house for more than 48 hours even when you call the police they cant do nothing you need to wait for the court to rule them out and you going to live with them sometimes for monthsIt's called in Spanish Ocupas. Go to Street view and compare the two cities separated by the river, see for yourselves why in Castro Marim/Vila Real Sto Antonio there are no bars on windows and doors? And in Ayamonte (Spain almost every house have bars in the doors and windows at lower level)?
Hi there, check out www.idealista.pt/en for an idea of house costs. If you're ready to buy it'll be a lot easier using my property broker as most of the properties online are sold already.
Thanks for this. This is one of the areas I’m considering for retirement. Great to see Veronica. I’ m a subscriber of hers and she and I are from the same area of Southern California.
I miss the old VRSA. Before, the population had more income and the city economics was not based entirely in tourism. Today is not possible for the young population to stay on this city. VRSA has a huge potential: it has the river, sea coast, a beautiful pine forest and a little part of countryside. Many local politicians made huge mistakes to develop the city properly.
Yup, the price of progress. Sadly it's inevitable, but one can find some good in everything. I often think how amazing the whole planet would have been 100 years ago with tons of flora and fauna. We can't get it back though.
Castro Marim is pretty but small. Alcoutim is also lovely. Both of these "concelhos" are underrated in terms of tourism for Algarve standards, maybe cause they're more interior. Alcoutim is one of the places that is losing the most population in the recent census. And you're right, Mértola is stunning, maybe one day you'll do a video from there.
Há uns 30 anos estava no início do dia no molhe de Vila Real. O sol ainda não aparecia no horizonte oriental. Esperei até aquele gigante aparecer na linha do horizonte! Nunca vi um sol nascente tão belo. Era o mês de agosto.
Eu também vi este belo 🌞 nascente 👏🏼 há 10 anos.❤ Foi um tempo maravilhoso o que morei em Altura (pertinho de VRSA) e ia muito a VRSA De carro e bicicleta 🚲 😅
@@lucinhapisarro4272 Olá Lucinha. O meu caso foi incomum. Estava a dormir no meu pajero em cabanas e pelas 6 h da manhã acordei com frio porque não tinha cobertor! E a inspiração levou-me imediatamente até ao molhe de Vila Real para assistir ao nascer do sol. Ele ainda não estava à vista mas devagar com tamanho descomunal começou a mostra-se de cor de prata por detrás do mar. Era um sol gigante! Nunca mais esqueci está experiência. 💗
Dear Nick, I love so much seeing Veronica in your videos. She is so full of life and so luminescent, it was a real pleasure watching VRDSA completely cleared from vehicles queueing for the ferry. I have learned so much history about this town, thanks to you. On my next visit, I will enjoy VRDSA differently. Thank you for making this great video. I am looking forward to seeing the next one! Good Wishes! A.
Thanks for the nice comments Albertino. Nick did such a great job! These videos take so much time to research, film and edit that it's so nice to have such great comments.
I appreciate your über informative videos especially the map content. It's great to get the aerial views of the towns and perhaps it's not a big thing, but I'm impressed with your skill of using Google Earth. It all comes together and gives me a better view of the towns and cities featured. I'm hoping you'll do another video about the eastern Algarve, maybe a comparison of Tavira to VRSA and Castro Marim. I'd love a deep dive on the best (not so touristy) areas to live in these towns.
thanks Nick another great video! Liked the short summary of properties available and costing - wondering if you could do a little video summarising the general trends / costings across Algarve - east/central/west - just like you quickly summarised here - looking at average costs for T2 & T3s - p.s. loved the added video interview with Veronica, who really gave a real-life feel for living in VRSA
@@AlgarveAddicts Avid would be putting it mildly, lol. We had VRSA as the top cities to make it home base when we retire and your video didn't disappoint.
I like your videos. I was in VRSA today. 11/4/2022. Cool to see Spain on the other side of the river. But…the flies were terrible! The constant bugs landing on me really ruined the trip. I decided to leave and go back to Faro where there were no issues like this. Hopefully this is a short term problem.
In my experience the flies get more prevalent in September October when it's warm and humid and disappear for the rest of the year. I'm not sure about VRSA though.
very interesting but as spanish who goes often to vilareal ,its the same they close for siesta or for avoid the heat ....same in spain that in Portugal
Great informative video! One question - is it easy to access the Spanish border? Is there an immigration point where you're passport/id is checked or is there nothing at all?
There is nothing at all going out to Spain. When I came back from Spain a few weeks ago there were a few foreign cars being checked though (on entry into Portugal). It's really easy though.
Wich city is best if not have a car? Now we live 3-4 km from a big city but still have quiet area with nice grocery stores hospital , school etc Is there and such areas that is decent quiet but still close to alot of stuff.
@@AlgarveAddicts I been looking at areas around Vilamoura, Quarteria . How are these areas compairs to Portimão? We want somewhat clean place and not to much tourist close in the neighborhood. But still walking distace to nice grocery stores. Also is the Airplane sounds a problem in Vilamoura? I heard People complain in Quarteria.
I'm looking to rent for a few months until I can establish a resident and work. I'm in the United States and wanting to move and eventually retire after a period of time of working. Possibly thank you 😊 for this and I appreciate any help or advice
As a US COAST GUARD sailing captain, are there any Captain's jobs there either for taking out groups or teaching sailing ? Am from Florida but in Brasil now.
Hi! We’re thinking about VRSA due to its proximity to Spain. I need to get to Rota Naval Base, and by car it’s almost 3 hours. If we take a ferry, what’s the transportation situation once we get to Spain? Your answers are very much appreciated.
Hi Alyce, you don't need to take a ferry, you could just drive over the bridge. However you're asking what are your public transport option from Ayamonte to Rota Naval Base?
@@AlgarveAddicts That is great news but I have watched so many videos about Portugal and have not seen any solar except for one or two small cabins and some very determined people who have installed some small systems. Considering the current energy situation in EU and in UK I would expect some serious push to move EU off Russian natural gas and fissile fuels. Induction cooking and solar is the long-term answer except that there isn't much of a long-term.
Hi. I'm a solo female traveler and I'm planning a 2-week trip to the Algarve in March. I don't want to rent a car. Is it easy to get around by train, bus and Uber? Could you suggest towns I should not miss?
Hi Patri, I'd suggest you watch my "Where to live in the Algarve" video. Public transport isn't the best here but it works (I have a video on that too). If you'd like more info you could book a paid video call with me www.algarveaddicts.com/chat 👍🏼 I hope this helps.
This was an IMMIGRANT's view, not an EXPAT's view. Expats don't have time to learn this much about the country they work in, as they work in shifts with food and accommodation provided by the company. As soon as you settle in and BUY property, you are an IMMIGRANT :) .
It’s beautiful but a little sad … Why do I say that ? In other parts of Europe this place would be thriving! A blend of history and tasteful commerce. Sadly the “left leaning” political world in Portugal keeps it on its knees. It’s challenging to start a business here, high taxes, red tape and awful bureaucratic legislation. The outcome is that VRS is partly-dead. Full of low-income Dutch retired folk. (Not that there is anything wrong with them) I’m just trying to make a point that the town could be so different with free -economic thinking and Lower taxes.
Great video Nick & Veronica. Always interesting and informative. Thank you guys!
Thanks Alex 👍🏼
thank you, thank you…..Will be there in 5 days, and can’t wait!👍
Great stuff, enjoy your adventure.
Vids getting better and better everytime Nick, thank you!
Cheers, that's very kind! It feels good to read that, it really does.
I have a house in castro Marim, the great advantage to live in this place, at least for me is having Spain in less than 10 minutes by car.
You can buy in Spain some things like petrol (a little more cheap there) and some beauty/hygiene products there and buy in Portugal vegetables, fruit and meat (more cheap in Portugal at least in farms markets). The advantages of both countries, i advise you to eat in the Portuguese restaurants, even dont eat in the Spain restaurants that say they have a Portuguese cook in the sign, because sometimes is not true and they cost little more and the food is not the same.
And why you cant live in Ayamonte. One advise to ppl that prefer move to Spain than move to Portugal, Spain have a law if somebody enter in your house for more than 48 hours even when you call the police they cant do nothing you need to wait for the court to rule them out and you going to live with them sometimes for monthsIt's called in Spanish Ocupas.
Go to Street view and compare the two cities separated by the river, see for yourselves why in Castro Marim/Vila Real Sto Antonio there are no bars on windows and doors? And in Ayamonte (Spain almost every house have bars in the doors and windows at lower level)?
Can you some idea cost of house in that area?
Hi there, check out www.idealista.pt/en for an idea of house costs. If you're ready to buy it'll be a lot easier using my property broker as most of the properties online are sold already.
Love your videos Nick, always informative with awesome footage plus the history is amazing.
Thanks Hilary, I'm loving the history too! It's really fascinating.
Ohhh, been looking forward to this one :-)
Awesome, I hope you enjoyed it. 👍🏼
Me too :) Thank you so much for all your great efforts Nick! Excellent interview with Veronica too: Great job 👍
Thanks Macy 👍🏼
Great sounds and another great vid!!
Aaah, cheers Andrew!👍🏼
another great video. Thanks Nick
Hey Amadou 🖐🏼 Thanks!
Another great video , Thanks Nick always so very interesting, must visit this place, looks lovely.
👍😎
Glad you enjoyed it Sheena, 👍🏼
WOW Nick and Veronica another awesome Video full of history and beauty thanks .
You're welcome guys. Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Thanks for this. This is one of the areas I’m considering for retirement. Great to see Veronica. I’ m a subscriber of hers and she and I are from the same area of Southern California.
Hi Cheryl, yes she's full of life! Thanks for watching 👍🏼
Veronica is awesome with great vibes and information for future expats!
She sure is!
Howzit Nick! Loving your videos boetie! Coming to Algarve soon and your info is a great help - thank you
You're welcome Craig 👍🏼
I miss the old VRSA. Before, the population had more income and the city economics was not based entirely in tourism. Today is not possible for the young population to stay on this city. VRSA has a huge potential: it has the river, sea coast, a beautiful pine forest and a little part of countryside. Many local politicians made huge mistakes to develop the city properly.
Yup, the price of progress. Sadly it's inevitable, but one can find some good in everything. I often think how amazing the whole planet would have been 100 years ago with tons of flora and fauna. We can't get it back though.
You do a great job on covering the Algarve, Nick! Kudos!
Thanks so much Paula👍🏼
Castro Marim is pretty but small. Alcoutim is also lovely. Both of these "concelhos" are underrated in terms of tourism for Algarve standards, maybe cause they're more interior. Alcoutim is one of the places that is losing the most population in the recent census.
And you're right, Mértola is stunning, maybe one day you'll do a video from there.
I love Alcoutim and yes I definitely want to do that. I know the area so well as we organized a stand up paddle event there for four years running.
Such an interesting video Nick - we are so hoping that we are able to visit the Algarve in the near future and VRSA in particular!
Great stuff, thanks for watching 👍🏼
Really well done and informative, thank you!
You're welcome Tom
Over the border you have Welva and Catarina island on the Spanish sithe.
Cool video. Never knew about this town. I did cringe just a little bit when she said Praka though 😂😂
Hahaha, 😂
Great Video!! Thank you.
You're welcome Ana, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I was at the ‘ Hotel Guadiana ‘ when it was newly renovated, felt like a princess. See you in August 2022 🥳
It's a gorgeous place! 👍🏼
Very interesting town, thanks Nick.
Cheers Larry, it is, isn't it?
If you want to be on the border in a beautiful area of Portugal on the ocean where it meets the river go to the very far north to Camina
Caminha sounds lovely. I'd imagine the weather would be pretty different to VRSA up there though.
Há uns 30 anos estava no início do dia no molhe de Vila Real. O sol ainda não aparecia no horizonte oriental. Esperei até aquele gigante aparecer na linha do horizonte! Nunca vi um sol nascente tão belo. Era o mês de agosto.
Espectacular! Ei vi o nascer do sol lá também, mas foi em Janeiro. ☀️🌅
Eu também vi este belo 🌞 nascente 👏🏼 há 10 anos.❤
Foi um tempo maravilhoso o que morei em Altura (pertinho de VRSA) e ia muito a VRSA
De carro e bicicleta 🚲 😅
@@lucinhapisarro4272 Olá Lucinha. O meu caso foi incomum. Estava a dormir no meu pajero em cabanas e pelas 6 h da manhã acordei com frio porque não tinha cobertor! E a inspiração levou-me imediatamente até ao molhe de Vila Real para assistir ao nascer do sol. Ele ainda não estava à vista mas devagar com tamanho descomunal começou a mostra-se de cor de prata por detrás do mar. Era um sol gigante! Nunca mais esqueci está experiência. 💗
Great video and excellent interview!!
Thanks Gabriella 👍🏼
Great video! Got married in Castro Marim, visit every year and we looking forward to try to relocate and live there someday ....
Wow, that's cool Kieran. Did you get married in the castle?
In the local chapel
Awesome.
Dear Nick, I love so much seeing Veronica in your videos. She is so full of life and so luminescent, it was a real pleasure watching VRDSA completely cleared from vehicles queueing for the ferry. I have learned so much history about this town, thanks to you. On my next visit, I will enjoy VRDSA differently. Thank you for making this great video. I am looking forward to seeing the next one! Good Wishes! A.
Thanks for watching Albertino 🖐🏼😁
Thanks for the nice comments Albertino. Nick did such a great job! These videos take so much time to research, film and edit that it's so nice to have such great comments.
Great video as always. To bad that your friend keeps her sunglasses on during the interview.
I appreciate your über informative videos especially the map content. It's great to get the aerial views of the towns and perhaps it's not a big thing, but I'm impressed with your skill of using Google Earth. It all comes together and gives me a better view of the towns and cities featured. I'm hoping you'll do another video about the eastern Algarve, maybe a comparison of Tavira to VRSA and Castro Marim. I'd love a deep dive on the best (not so touristy) areas to live in these towns.
thanks Nick another great video! Liked the short summary of properties available and costing - wondering if you could do a little video summarising the general trends / costings across Algarve - east/central/west - just like you quickly summarised here - looking at average costs for T2 & T3s - p.s. loved the added video interview with Veronica, who really gave a real-life feel for living in VRSA
Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼
GRAND HOUSE's CEO is from South Africa/Mozambique.
I know, he's a great guy.
I'm here right now! 😎
Perfect timing!👍🏼
Whoo hoo! Enjoy!
You had me at Golf courses.:)
So you're an avid golfer?
@@AlgarveAddicts Avid would be putting it mildly, lol. We had VRSA as the top cities to make it home base when we retire and your video didn't disappoint.
Thanks Alan👌🏼
I like your videos. I was in VRSA today. 11/4/2022. Cool to see Spain on the other side of the river. But…the flies were terrible! The constant bugs landing on me really ruined the trip. I decided to leave and go back to Faro where there were no issues like this. Hopefully this is a short term problem.
In my experience the flies get more prevalent in September October when it's warm and humid and disappear for the rest of the year. I'm not sure about VRSA though.
@@AlgarveAddicts great to hear. I’ll have to go back in the future. 👍
Thanks!
You're welcome Bradley 👍🏼
very interesting but as spanish who goes often to vilareal ,its the same they close for siesta or for avoid the heat ....same in spain that in Portugal
Thanks for sharing Tomas
Nice, hi from Norway.
Hello Egil! 🖐🏼 Welcome to the club.
Very enjoyable video, thanks. Any recommendations for local real estate with English as an option please?
Thanks! Certainly, get in touch with these guys www.algarveaddicts.com/contact 😎 We're now certified real estate agents and we'd love to help you.
Thank you
I was surprised you didn't mention the great sport and training facilities which for me is one of the main draws...but again great vid 👍
Great informative video! One question - is it easy to access the Spanish border? Is there an immigration point where you're passport/id is checked or is there nothing at all?
There is nothing at all going out to Spain. When I came back from Spain a few weeks ago there were a few foreign cars being checked though (on entry into Portugal). It's really easy though.
I'm a rower. Did you see any rowing boats on the river there?
Hi there, I didn't but I know there is a large community of kayakers in Portugal. Rowing isn't so big down here in the Algarve.
In the old days was only the ferry
Yup, times must have changed a lot when the bridge was built.
I could live here,looks a great place.
I might be able to too, however it is a little away from it all.
Nick is the Guardian Hotel still operating as a Hotel
Do you mean the Grand Hotel?
Wich city is best if not have a car? Now we live 3-4 km from a big city but still have quiet area with nice grocery stores hospital , school etc Is there and such areas that is decent quiet but still close to alot of stuff.
I don't think so, if you look at all the hospital's they're pretty much in towns/cities: Lagos, Alvor, Portimão, Loulé, Faro etc
@@AlgarveAddicts I been looking at areas around Vilamoura, Quarteria . How are these areas compairs to Portimão? We want somewhat clean place and not to much tourist close in the neighborhood. But still walking distace to nice grocery stores. Also is the Airplane sounds a problem in Vilamoura? I heard People complain in Quarteria.
Sorry it's tough to answer all your questions on these comments. I do offer a paid chat if that would work for you: www.algarveaddicts.com/chat
I'm looking to rent for a few months until I can establish a resident and work. I'm in the United States and wanting to move and eventually retire after a period of time of working. Possibly thank you 😊 for this and I appreciate any help or advice
Hi C, check out my video on rentals in the Algarve th-cam.com/video/GzLeSkDqkZg/w-d-xo.html
SOUNDS like you need a D7 visa
It's not pronounced "PRACA" but "PRASSA".
It's written PRAÇA... The dangling thing on the "C" turns it into a "SS".
The dangly thing 🤣 It's a "cedilha" for all you non Portuguese speakers (I'm sure Jorge knew this one, heheh).
As a US COAST GUARD sailing captain, are there any Captain's jobs there either for taking out groups or teaching sailing ? Am from Florida but in Brasil now.
Hi! We’re thinking about VRSA due to its proximity to Spain. I need to get to Rota Naval Base, and by car it’s almost 3 hours. If we take a ferry, what’s the transportation situation once we get to Spain? Your answers are very much appreciated.
Hi Alyce, you don't need to take a ferry, you could just drive over the bridge. However you're asking what are your public transport option from Ayamonte to Rota Naval Base?
It could take you a while on public transport: www.rome2rio.com/map/Ayamonte/Base-Naval-C%C3%A1diz-Spain
this Comboios go to Lisbone ou just arround this place
The train leaves VRSA and goes to Faro where you can change to either carry on to Lagos or head up to Lisbon and Porto.
I'm looking for a 3 week Portugal honeymoon destination in November, any suggestions???
Hi Dave, I responded to your 1st comment already.
This is beautiful and it should be 100% powered by solar ... unfortunately is don't see any of it in these videos 😩
What should be powered by solar, the entire town? Much of Portugal is...
@@AlgarveAddicts That is great news but I have watched so many videos about Portugal and have not seen any solar except for one or two small cabins and some very determined people who have installed some small systems. Considering the current energy situation in EU and in UK I would expect some serious push to move EU off Russian natural gas and fissile fuels. Induction cooking and solar is the long-term answer except that there isn't much of a long-term.
In March 2021 alone, renewables produced 78.4% of electricity in mainland Portugal, or 3,334 GWh. we're getting there.
@@AlgarveAddicts That is great news! I wish it was better publicized.
@@AlgarveAddicts
And that's why Portugal has the most expensive electricity in the European Union and Europe as a whole !
can you live there without a car ? thanks very much
You can and it's possible, but I couldn't.
Hi. I'm a solo female traveler and I'm planning a 2-week trip to the Algarve in March. I don't want to rent a car. Is it easy to get around by train, bus and Uber? Could you suggest towns I should not miss?
Hi Patri, I'd suggest you watch my "Where to live in the Algarve" video. Public transport isn't the best here but it works (I have a video on that too). If you'd like more info you could book a paid video call with me www.algarveaddicts.com/chat 👍🏼 I hope this helps.
Hi Nick, question. Is Vila Real de Santo Antonio a tourist destination with all drunk parties associated with it?
Hi Vadim, no not at all. You can get that in Albufeira.
@@AlgarveAddicts THX, that's the reason I'm avoiding Albufeira
I'm 80, single and healthy, and eager to get out of US. Does it make any sense to move to the Algarve?
Sure, why not. But bear in mind it may be very different to where you are now. That could be the attraction though.
where are you and your content???
? Vila Real do Santo Antonio?
I got a question, you live in my country and call yourself an ex-pat I live in yours and they call me an immigrant why is that?
Who knows???
@@AlgarveAddicts hahaha good answer
SO FUNNY, I like it
I CANT FIND VERONICA!
Are you stalking her? 😂 This is her channel th-cam.com/users/AmericanInPortugalExpatlifeinPortugal
This was an IMMIGRANT's view, not an EXPAT's view.
Expats don't have time to learn this much about the country they work in, as they work in shifts with food and accommodation provided by the company. As soon as you settle in and BUY property, you are an IMMIGRANT :) .
Thanks for the clarification 😳
ho the bel sardinha kkkkk
"Expat" What's the problem with "immigrant"?
No problem?
It’s beautiful but a little sad …
Why do I say that ?
In other parts of Europe this place would be thriving!
A blend of history and tasteful commerce.
Sadly the “left leaning” political world in Portugal keeps it on its knees.
It’s challenging to start a business here, high taxes, red tape and awful bureaucratic legislation.
The outcome is that VRS is partly-dead. Full of low-income Dutch retired folk. (Not that there is anything wrong with them) I’m just trying to make a point that the town could be so different with free -economic thinking and Lower taxes.
YOU mean like the rest of Europe ???
Too much talking not enough viewing and a one person opinion! Please so like Loule tour on VRSA as that you did well
an immigrants view...
What about a relocator's view? Or a country transferrer or a foreigners view...? I always need help with writing titles for my videos 😎👍🏼
@@AlgarveAddicts how would you compare tavira v ericeira as retirement options
I'd definitely compare those two places on a 45 min paid call www.algarveaddicts.com/chat
@@AlgarveAddicts I'd definitely rather visit myself
Those divided sections in the water look like FISH FARMS ? MAYBE SALMON ?
No, they're salt pans. We call them "Salinas".