Ideal Homes Portugal shows off the Algarve’s hidden gems

Resort living in the Algarve certainly has its benefits. It provides an easy entry into life in Portugal for those who don’t speak the language fluently and comes with an on-site community that often includes fellow expats. But what about those in search of a more ‘authentic’ style of life in Portugal?

According to real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, this is when it’s time to look beyond the resorts. In doing so, buyers can uncover a vast trove of hidden property gems, from charming farmhouses to cosy homes surrounded by acres of mature fruit trees. The gently rolling Algarve countryside is also home to villas of all shapes and sizes, many tucked away in serene pockets of land that come complete with on-site pools.

“Portugal offers an outstanding range of property types. In the Algarve, families can choose between homes in lively towns, sleepy fishing villages and bustling resorts, as well as properties dotted around the picturesque countryside that offer a delightful degree of seclusion. There are homes to suit every taste.” -Chris White, Chairman & Founder, Ideal Homes Portugal

Those looking to leave the resorts behind would be well served by this spacious villa in Paderne, which comes with its own pool and a host of traditional Portuguese architectural and interior design features. It’s the perfect location for enjoying a traditional, peaceful life in the Algarve, though near enough to the shops and restaurants of Paderne that life admin isn’t a chore.

Of course, enjoying an authentic Algarve lifestyle doesn’t only mean relaxing in the sun in the countryside. The region is also home to plenty of vibrant towns and cities. Buying property in a town or city means that you can surround yourself with the local community and dive headfirst into learning the language and discovering the Portuguese way of life.

Being in an urban area also means access to a wide range of services and events, from local food festivals to pop-up markets to open air music events. These take place throughout the year, often running late into the evening. An urban location also doesn’t rule out easy access to beautiful beaches – far from it, as pretty much whichever Algarve town or city you choose will have its own beach.

The city of Faro is the perfect example of this. Whilst being a busy commercial and residential hub, and home to the Algarve’s airport, it still has a beautiful beach with fine white sand, plus gentle, peaceful waterways that are perfect for exploring in a kayak or on a paddleboard.

Buying in a city doesn’t mean you have only apartments to choose from, though Faro does of course have an outstanding selection of those. The city is also home to some surprising and unique homes, such as this contemporary three-bedroom villa with private pool, which is just a five-minute stroll from Faro’s municipal market.