Attractions

Over the last decade Portugal has become an idyllic investment and lifestyle location for many overseas buyers. The country enjoys stunning coastlines, numerous golf courses, an appealing climate and effortless access from the UK and Europe.

Economy

Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly service-based economy since joining the European Community in 1986. Since 1993, the economy has grown at 3.3%, well above the EU average. Tourism and foreign investment play significant importance in the ongoing growth of the country.

Climate

Portugal has a warm and sunny climate, with mild winters. Summer temperatures in the Algarve can top 30°C, and the mercury climbs in the Alentejo and Alto Douro too, with temperatures recorded as high as 47°C in the Alentejo. In the northwest weather is milder and damper, so bring an umbrella. Up to 2000mm of rain can fall annually (the national average is 1100mm).

Health

There are varying accounts of the Portuguese healthcare system. Some are full of praise and others recall nightmare stories, so it really depends on the individual hospital involved. For minor complaints the standard public system is probably fine, but for specialist treatment, operations or chronic illnesses, it's probably best to go private.

Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein receive free or reduced cost state provided health care cover with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC replaced the E111 in 2006. Each family member will need a separate card. You can apply for this card online (www.ehic.org.uk) or pick up an application at any British post office. The EHIC will not cover you for non-emergencies or emergency repatriation.

Travel

For those buying on the Algarve, a wide selection of low-cost flights is available to Faro throughout the year from most regional airports around the UK and Europe. There are also plenty of options for scheduled flights to major cities such as Lisbon and Porto, available through airlines such as BA and TAP.

Tourism

The importance of tourism to the economy of Portugal is unquestionable. The Algarve coastline is one of the more famous holiday destinations in the world and is easily accessible from Faro Airport.

Visas

According to your nationality, time and purpose of travel you may require a visa. EU citizens do not need a visa.

Tourist (Schengen) Visa

Those not exempt need a Schengen Visa, named after the agreement that abolished passport controls between Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. It allows unlimited travel throughout the entire zone within a 90-day period.

Applications are made with the consulate of the country you are entering first, or that will be your main destination. Among other things, you will need medical insurance and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.

If you enter Portugal overland, it is unlikely that your visa will be checked at the border, but major problems can arise if you don't have one later on.

Tourist visas cannot be extended except in emergencies (such as medical problems); you'll need to leave and reapply from outside Portugal when your visa expires.

Useful Links

• www.portugal.org
• www.portugal-info.org
• www.visitportugal.com

Hotspots to Buy Portugal property

Algarve property
With property agents discounting some resort properties by as much as 30% and offering 100% mortgages, you might think that property that property in Algarve is moving into freefall. But with its enduring holiday rental market and if short-term capital growth is not your priority, there's probably never been a better time to buy here.

Silver Coast property
Portugal's Silver Coast (Costa da Prata) was, until quite recently, a secret well kept by the Portuguese. With it's expanse of beautiful sandy beaches, historic towns and verdent farmland all bathed in the region's fabled 'silver' light. Silver Coast properties offer buyers cheaper prices and authentic Portuguese lifestyle.

Property in Madeira
Madeira has no sandy beaches but spectacular 600-metre cliffs and 70% of the island is protected conservation land. It has year-round golfing weather; a spring-like climate, incredible mountain views, colourful flowers and excellent gift shopping.

Port History

The drink known as Port became popular in England at the end of the seventeenth century. The local produced wine was found to be a better traveler by ship when brandy was first added. The abbot of the monastery in Lamego in 1678 is credited with successfully adding brandy to wine to produce a palatable drink. It was some 100 years later before the quality of Port reached the more refined levels that we know today.

The Port demarcated region is in the upper Rio Douro valley. The terraced vineyards are on slopes that reach to about 500 m. The land is divided into Quintas that are private estates, many of which are owned by the old English Port Lodges located at the mouth of the Rio Douro in the town of Vila Nova de Guia. A visit to a Lodge is recommended as they are interesting and have lots of character within besides imparting the knowledge about preparing Port.

Vintage Port is blended from the wine of the best vineyards in the same year and stored whilst maturing for not less than 15 years. It must be bottled and racked within two years of harvesting. It is the cream of all Ports.