Comparing LAGOS & TAVIRA | The TOP TWO Expat Destinations in The Algarve, Portugal

[@ramirorosa2377]

Some extra info: sea water temperature is cooler in Lagos (also more windy) and in Tavira the sea water is much warmer. In summer nights Lagos sometimes is (too) windy; on the other end in Tavira the summer night tend to be warmer (and sometimes hotter!). Tavira has a some other plus: less tourism than Lagos and the time to get to Seville in Spain is half the time as from Lagos…

[@lucchese20]

Thanks for this feedback. I heard about this some time ago so appreciate the reminder. 👍🏻 Obrigado. 🙏🏻

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Great info, Ramiro! Thank you. 🙏

[@valeriebarber4325]

Just exactly what I wanted to know.

[@aleksandarbrzic8351]

which is exactly why I sold my apartment in Lagos and am moving to Tavira as soon as I can :)

[@izabellavianna5464]

@@valeriebarber4325 Me too!

[@stevenmarcus8933]

Loved the comparison. I have read that one charm of Tavira is it has retained the charm of a Portuguese village and isn't too touristy, at least as far as the Algarve goes. As a 63-year-old hoping to make the move in a couple of years, I guess I would lean toward Tavira verses Lagos. I am really attracted to Porto, but the weather there does turn me off a bit. Keep up the great work.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you. You can always come up to Porto or travel during those hotter months. 😅 - Josh & Kalie

[@sharonreesechud7881]

I’m liking tavira and looking to move in 2 years. Are you there yet

[@tristandehaan4740]

I have been to both places and Lagos has a better temperature in the summer with the cools winds. The big problem I found with Tavira is the mosquitoes, because of the nature water area. I couldn’t eat out at night as a result. In addition, Tavira is being majorly developed so it won’t be long before it’s a tourist haven and bang goes your calmer pace of life during the tourist season

[@anamariajesu]

They say that Tavira has as many churches as there are days in the month. It is the most beautiful city in the Algarve. You must visit Ilha de Tavira beach, it is one of the best beaches especially for those with small children. You can take the boat from the pier, which is within walking distance. Tavira is part of the Ria Formosa nature reserve that begins in CACELA VELHA and ends in Faro on Ilha de Faro or Faro island.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

😁 We were about to try to film them all and then we realized that it would take all day. 😂 - Josh & Kalie

[@janebaldock7995]

Long distance bus to Faro and westerly beyond, Spain and Lisbon. Train to the western Algarve. All terminals within walking distance of river. It’s got best of all worlds.

[@kathyw9439]

Excellent overview - I'm sure a lot of people looking at the Algarve (myself included!) have those 2 cities on their radar and this is super helpful! The car issue and lack of public transit is a big one...I'm all for water taxi-ing between towns if that's a good option! If you are trying to lose the automobile ownership mentality, need to have good alternatives to get around.

[@lucchese20]

I’m with you! FYI there’s also a train along the coast. Based on my internet search looks like service every 60-90 minutes. Not great but could be an option for that weekend trip to another town. PLUS the eastern train terminus at Vila Real de Santo Antonio is very close to the ferry that brings you to Spain. Again, may have to plan this trip but appears to be another car free option.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

The trains are absolutely an option. We've taken trains from Faro to Lagos and Tavira and a bus to Loulé with ease, but our returns to Faro was very much dictated by the schedule so you lose that friends of choice in a sense. - Josh & Kalie

[@raulcabral8661]

Lagos has a good night life, shopping is good, I have a place near the train station on the beach, I love it there my mother is 92 and she never gets enough of Lagos

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing, Raul.- Josh & Kalie

[@suevialania]

Nice cities! Faro is the bigest city and the capital of the Provínce of Algarve! And is in the center of Algarve, and ... the airport, train station, boats, buses, etc

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

That's right. We also did a Faro episode. - Josh & Kalie

[@jennybertenshaw7694]

Its interesting to hear your views on Lagos and Tavira. I have lived in the Lagos area for over eleven years now. As an older person I would agree that you need a car in both places. Tavira in my opinion has been the 'Sleeping Beauty' of the Algarve It was extremely quiet and relatively poor re.shops etc when we first moved here. Lagos for me was better placed ,being very close to the main highway north to Lisbon and an hour from the airport in Faro etc..Plus the train to Lisbon Tavira is out on a limb ,it is equidistant from the airport. but main interests and city type facilities will be over the border in Spain.. Lagos has more facilities for ex-pats with kids with more than one International school and English speaking educational facilities right across to the west coast.The whole Algarve is about tourism. main source of income. The Government is trying to encourage shops and restaurants to keep open in the winter .( They used to close end of October and not re-open until March/ April giving the place a dead feeling during the winter) . So be aware Tavira is much quieter then than Lagos, which stays open in the main. It's great that digital nomads are moving here and giving the area a much needed younger ex-pat,. but do remember 'its not your country of origin' and will not provide the things you are used to ,like fast food , fast reliable internet ( altho that's now a lot better ) home deliveries etc ,It's another life to be respected for what it is If not being able to grab a takeout ,or coffee as and when is big deal.. Its not for you..

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Jenny. We really appreciate your detailed comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@marianagiraudo]

Lagos is 1 hour from Faro airport. Tavira less than 30 minutes. Which is one reason we are moving to Tavira, so we can travel by plane to more places.

[@Yasin_Affandi]

Thanks for this wonderful video. Thanks for showing Lagos n Tavira.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome. Which one is for you? - Josh & Kalie

[@Yasin_Affandi]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Both r good. 😀

[@moward301]

Rent? Check. Transportation? Check. Walkability? Check. Vibe? Check. Weather? Check. Another awesome video guys! Thank you so much, I appreciate all you do!!!👍🏽❤

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Mo! We appreciate that feedback. We've gotten some negative feedback about our energy levels (true story we were tired and saw it too after the video was already edited 😂) and that maybe the video is too surface-y. Maybe it's just that we can't please everyone, but we're glad to please you! 🙌 - Josh & Kalie

[@moward301]

@@ExpatsEverywhere No one has an upbeat energy all the time, it's inhuman. Plus travelling is EXHAUSTING. I don't think you guys should have to live up to anyone's "energy expectations." The important thing is quality content which you guys hustle to provide. Great job! Thank you! Ignore the ignorant noise. ❤👍🏽

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@moward301 Thank you very much. We appreciate that you know. Real recognize real. We trying our best and will certainly fail from time to time but hope to limit. We basically shot all 4 videos in a week and only now have the knowledge and wisdom of how each other works so that we can improve our workflow as a team. The hustled cranks up again tomorrow when we move on to Alentejo. Thanks for your massive support. - Josh & Kalie

[@purplelove3666]

Your little girl looks so happy walking 😂,she's too cute!, With the wind blowing,looks like she is having fun walking through it lol.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks so much. She was having a blast. She's much bigger now. 😁 What a difference a year makes. - Josh & Kalie

[@tamirose787]

You guys are knocking it out of the ballpark. Giving us all the information we need. Thank you!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much! More to come! We appreciate your support, Tami. - Josh & Kalie

[@tamirose787]

Don't know why it posted twice, but you deserve it. LOL.

[@paulvieira9191]

Having lived by the ocean my entire life I’m totally a fan of Lagos and the beach vibe/lifestyle (definitely over Albufeira). I’ve also visited during winter and Lagos felt a bit desolate, which is typical of a beach/resort towns that normally boom during summer months. Totally different vibe in winter than what you probably experienced now but I’d say that is fairly typical for most of the Algarve.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Great input, Paul. That's the general sentiment for sure. - Josh & Kalie

[@gilang1431]

Great review and video. However it would be appropriate to always quote the temperature in Celsius . Or both C and F .

[@helenavilhena5804]

To go to the beach in Tavira you cross the river by boat it's only a few minutes and the sea water is at least 4 or 5 degrees warmer than Lagos and is much less windy than Lagos too.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Good call. It's about 3 km walk by our estimations from the city to the beach so one could get a car or take a bike. - Josh & Kalie

[@tomandersonjr.7399]

Two ferries in Tavir take you to the barrier islands for sandy beaches.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

That's right. The point we were trying to make is that compared to Lagos, there's not a beach in the town itself. It's a 3 km walk to the closest beach. - Josh & Kalie

[@justusewater1]

Tom that is awesome! I will have to check into the ferries.

[@pbohearn]

I stayed in Faro but visited Tavira on my last visit to Portugal, and liked Tavira a lot. It has the historic charm and a cohesion you don’t always find in beach resort towns. Plus close to Spain and one of my fav cities, Seville!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@pbohearn you hit the nail on the head! - Josh & Kalie

[@jfdbcpv1983]

in my opinion, these are some of the best beaches in Portugal. also the water is the warmest in the whole country!

[@RichD2024]

Thanks for covering this. Tavira was on my list as potential candidates to eventually settle in. When you guys are done with the Algarve, do you have plans on doing a video on Setubal?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome, Richard. We're going to see how the vote falls to be honest. Right now we're frantically trying to figure out our logistics for getting to Évora. - Josh & Kalie

[@RichD2024]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Evora, nice. Also on my list. Keep up the great work guys!

[@ShannaTrenholm]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Setúbal is connected by train to Évora. If you come to Setúbal, look me up if so inclined. I write ✍️ a lot about this little city and am one of her biggest boosters :)

[@elizabethreynolds6874]

@@ShannaTrenholm truly! Love your blog! 👏💓

[@bklyntraveler9705]

@@ShannaTrenholm your blog is awesome indeed!

[@BM-if9zn]

Lagos seems to be a nice place to be for the beach lovers. Your yorkie 🐶 is adorable!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Absolutely! Thank you 😁 - Josh & Kalie

[@Pizpor]

We'll be expating to Portugal in October. Your videos have been extremely helpful for us as we decide where we want to check out and ultimately live. Keep up the great work. Thanks!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

That's so amazing to hear, Pizpor. We're really encouraged by it and so happy for you all to be coming to Portugal. Keep us posted on where you go in Portugal. 💪 - Josh & Kalie

[@SylviaW2022]

Looking to retire from teaching in US and possibly teach at an International school in Portugal to help with the transition. These videos are perfect because I'm still in process of narrowing my choices of where I will apply to work first. I'm older (56) and want a slower-paced, smaller town location. The most important factor - I do not do cold winters well at all. So your trip south is of high interest.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing, Sylvia. International teaching is pretty awesome in our opinion. 😁 The south would be good if you don't like cold winters. We don't think that the northern part of Portugal is that bad, but it's all relative and houses can get cold. - Josh & Kalie

[@shinyshinythings]

Make sure you talk to recruiters, it’s a great way to get a placement in an international school. With a high level of experience, especially.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@shinyshinythings yes, the top two databases/recruiters in terms of postings that we know are ISS and Search Associates. - Josh & Kalie

[@SylviaW2022]

@@shinyshinythings Thank you for this advice! As a teacher, I've never needed to use a recruiter, so I would not have thought of this.

[@SylviaW2022]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Thank you! I'll look them up for sure.

[@fredh3152]

Thanks for the great video, is there any cities in Algarave that have a metro system or do we need a car for all of the cities in Algarave? Thanks so much.

[@melinda5777]

Great video and cities! I really enjoyed the video of the cities and different places in both! Obrigada! ❤

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Melinda! Which do you prefer. - Josh & Kalie

[@playcryptx2238]

there is a beach in tavira actually, and you don't need a car to get there, the beach is in an island so you have to go downtown to buy a boat tiket (arount 1,5 euros per trip).

[@scottmacconnell470]

I know this video is old, but he mentioned needing a car to go to the beach. There’s a furry for just a few euros right there in the old town that will take you to Tavira Island. It’s a fantastic beach with restaurants.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

That's right. There is a ferry. - Josh & Kalie

[@tippywyatt]

Thank you for showing us these two cities! We’ve been to Lagos and really enjoyed the beaches and it is like you said hilly. Tavira seems cute but I can see what Josh is saying, maybe short term rental may be the way to go.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome. Thanks for your comment and sharing your personal experience! Good to hear from you. - Josh & Kalie

[@PeeGeeThirteen]

Lagos has amazing cliff views and beaches but they require good cardio. I died trying to walk up the road out of Porto Mos Beach. I'm going to check out Eastern Algarve next time, like Tavira and VRSA

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing. We didn't make it to VRSA but we have a city overview on Tavira. - Josh & Kalie

[@amitmazumdar4284]

Thanks a lot - you guys validated some of the research/impressions I had formed, but for our initial move, we'd still prefer being close to an airport with flights to the US - though Tavira sounds like a nice area to retire in. BTW, don't know if you got there, but the whole Rio Formosa barrier islands chain looks gorgeous! Also, what I've read is that the tourist hordes tend to go west after landing in Faro ;-) One potential benefit of the Algarve is the fresh fruits and vegetables - grown in abundance in the area - here in Virginia fruit and vegetables are mostly crappy (after coming from California). Mentioning that because it seems like a common comment about life in Portugal - cheap fresh organic produce.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Yes, very true. Loulé might be a great options because it's not far from Faro airport. Yes, we've heard the same thing from locals and expats that live here. Tourists tend to hit Faro and head west. - Josh & Kalie

[@sineadmcwalters3645]

Brilliantly done. Thank you.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you too! - Josh & Kalie

[@JohnJones-fg1dd]

We just spent the week in Lagos, and the water was COLD. Great restaurants though!

[@helderamaral1938]

Another great video guys! You are really helping my wife and I narrow down our options to relocate from Toronto Canada

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the feedback, Helder! So glad to know that we're helping. Stay in touch. 🙏 - Josh & Kalie

[@johnmeyer2072]

Tavira sounds perfect for my lifestyle. Big cities are a nice place to visit, but... You know. BTW you both did a great job showing what I think are the two big contrasts for small coastal communities. Big cities I assume would be a totally different story, especially farther inland, like Coimbra. Each one's different in it's own way I assume. I just started reading Rick Steves's book on Portugal, and he absolutely gushes about Sagres, so hope you can hit that one while you're down there.

[@luismarques9280]

Coimbra is not that big and is sorrounded by a lot of small villages around, you can be in the countryside and only a few minutes from the city!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey John, we really appreciate your words here and how you viewed this. It's amazing to think that Portugal is the size of Indiana but the variety here from town to town is outstanding and you wouldn't get that uniqueness in such a small state in the US by example. We've heard great things about Sagres. Nick from Algarve Addict spoke to me the other day about Sagres and it's a place that we would like to visit but its geographical proximity makes it hard for us. - Josh & Kalie

[@jennybertenshaw7694]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Sagres is TINY Its charm is that in history it was known as the 'End of the known world ' Henry the Navigator had his school there for sailors who went out and 'discovered' most of the world we know today. in their tiny ships. There is a fort or two. and one street with a restaurants etc. One supermarket. It's a surfers village really. We go there to enjoy a beer and the sunset which is famously spectacular.

[@turbobrick09]

I haven't been to Lagos, but, I've been to Tavira 👍🏼 and like it a lot. Ideas for perhaps next places: Altura, Praia Verde is a nice beach🙌🏼 Monte Gordo, Praia de Monte Gordo💯. Nice work on this comparison, curiosity has been piqued for Lagos.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing! You've been a long time subscriber of ours and we appreciate it! 🙏 Next up for us is Alentejo. 2 days in Beja and then our base is going to be Évora. - Josh & Kalie

[@atlanticdowserssociety4279]

What a sweet little fur baby. Thanks, we’re both seniors looking at going to Portugal next year for a couple months, feb and march but like a less touristy and less crowded area but close to the Spanish border. We’re considering Tavira as a possibility. We both enjoy walking and the arts. Does Tavira have art galleries?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing a bit about you both. Alentejo might also be a place you want to consider depending on if you'll have a car or not. There are some cute towns near the Spanish border too. Tavira has a few galleries, yes. - Josh & Kalie

[@vodcome]

Hello again …I can’t say the dynamic duo and a half anymore, as there are 4 of you now…😜 I put Tavira on my check out list now that you’ve been there. This older soul appreciates the flatter areas. Thanks again 😁

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

😁 We've lost count how many there are of us and how to count our team. 😂 Pincho is feeling left out. Thanks for sharing your take and let us know what you think of Tavira when you scope it out. - Josh & Kalie

[@stevozrepto5558]

HELLO THERES A TRAIN STATION, runs all along g the algarve

[@stevozrepto5558]

Yep but it's slow and infrequent And doesn't go to the airport 😡

[@justusewater1]

Loved it guys! We are looking in this area now and loved seeing some footage. Thanks!!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! We were hoping that we balanced us talking with showing you all footage of the area. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the drone up in Lagos as it was too windy. No drone in Faro because of the proximity to the airport. - Josh & Kalie

[@missblackrose8144]

I never owned a car in Lagos :) the public buses are cheap and they are reliable. Lagos is a backpackers town, that’s why everyone is so layed back, that vibe is still pretty much intact.it’s an open town,full of hidden gems. The night life is amazing. A welcoming town to everyone. 💙 thank you for this

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing! You're welcome. We really enjoyed our time in Lagos. We could see ourselves coming back down from Porto for a bit in the rainier months. 😁 But for now, there's more of Portugal for us to explore. - Josh & Kalie

[@missblackrose8144]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Have fun!!!

[@alvafaleiro]

I'm Portuguese and in Portugal there are always events happening everywhere, even in winter, with the highway system you can go anywhere quickly and enjoy everything a little, this is the best in Portugal. Nothing is boring. Lets hope covid finish soon

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, let's hope it finishes soon. - Josh & Kalie

[@Dili0077]

Com a estrangeirada toda a vir para Portugal ... no final do verão está tudo com o cu em casa de novo! Se ficassem lá nos países deles faziam-nos um enorme favor!!! Americanos então.... não valem 1€!!!

[@bristolishome8049]

Lagos is also near to surfing beaches. I remember going here as a backpacker 20 years ago and surfed at a beautiful beach, but can't remember the name!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Good shout. Bring a wet suit from what we've heard. 😁 - Josh & Kalie

[@jennybertenshaw7694]

@@ExpatsEverywhere You can surf from the beach in Praia da Luz ( fifteen mins from Lagos) and the west coast beaches are 20 mins + away for superb surfing

[@richvangogh]

I am a Beach Guy, this is perfect. How are the 5 of you and that sweet puppy doing? I'll bet all of you are wishing you had a funny guy, and Artist, and a bad ass driver right about now! Much Love, Your future driver, Rich

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

😁 Hello Future Driver! How's your paperwork coming along? We're doing well. Pincho's paw is doing much better after he broke those two toes. The 4 of us are coming to the end of our time in the Algarve. Our last video, which was actually the first one that we filmed, just went live. We have our energy back after a fast paced and hot week. - Josh & Kalie

[@mr.hardevsingh8327]

Wow that's great work by both of you

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks a lot 😊- Josh & Kalie

[@APeeKay]

Have been watching your videos again. Any idea of current rents? Have heard that they have increased a lot in Algarve over the last year.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for watching them again. Honestly, the best thing to do to check current rents would be Numbeo and Idealista for the size of place you're looking for. Those two site should put you in the ballpark. - Josh & Kalie

[@rachelrigby390]

Love the commentary! Tavira is more my type of place for long term living

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Nice! So you'd #expatthat. - Josh & Kalie

[@PennyGetsItTogether]

Is that a snake poking its head through the crack at 2:09? Enjoying the view haha

[@coleendenty9332]

I'm looking at spending a month in Tavira. I didn't like Lagos at all but I think Tavira is more my style

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing! Let us know how it goes. - Josh & Kalie

[@dave232]

Nice work. I sense an improvement in production value. Looking forward to more.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Much appreciated! This is what G and Ami were really brought on to help us with (among other things 😁). We'll have a mix of Josh and G editing stuff just due to volume really. Thanks for the encouragement. - Josh & Kalie

[@LifeinGlow]

Thank you for the video! It would be great though if you added temperature in videos in Celsius as well. Do you guys have a video about which towns are ok for biking in Portugal? And also the best places for swimming

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We got better at this as the project went on. 😅 We aren't bikers so we wouldn't be the best to give that advice. Sorry. As far as swimming goes, what kind of swimming are we talking about? In the ocean or pool? - Josh & Kalie

[@jodiehebert8285]

Seems better prices are in Tavira. Like the bridges. Sounds great for retirees. How hilly is it there? Also, what is closest international airport?

[@patriciaa9372]

Sea water temperature? Lagos will have the freezing type/Atlantic even in August, Tavira way better throughout the year (more mediterranean)

[@anabengalinha4049]

18 to 24 ...

[@briahanson3127]

Great review! Thank you for sharing!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Cheers, Bria! - Josh & Kalie

[@ChuloFernandez]

Love this content!! Thank you. I'd love to request Aveiro if you are headed up the coast on the way back to Porto.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! Thanks for the public sub too. We'll have that poll out whenever we're heading to Central Portugal and Aveiro will definitely be on it. - Josh & Kalie

[@jacquelinebalderas4204]

Can you please add hospitals to your exploration of the argarve. Example how far is the nearest hospital or urgent care facility.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Our exploration of the Algarve has wrapped up really. We leave tomorrow for Alentejo and we've filmed everything already, but we'll look at how to integrate that into our future productions. To be honest though, in any of the cities we've talked about, they have major hospitals. - Josh & Kalie

[@AKOETV]

I've wintered in both towns nd you've done a nice job reviewing both. If you want a bigger town then Faro should suit you better. It's got beaches, and international airport and and nice railway link to Lisbon.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing! We appreciate it and it's nice to hear your opinion. - Josh & Kalie

[@pauloviegas5299]

Tavira does have an amazing beach Island, you would have to grab the fairy to get there.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Yup, that's right, Paulo. 😊 - Josh & Kalie

[@elizabethreynolds6874]

Really valuable input you guys! Another great video!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you so much, Elizabeth. We appreciate it! Which place to you prefer. - Josh & Kalie

[@elizabethreynolds6874]

@@ExpatsEverywhere I think Lagos. I’ve been there and liked the vibe but I think I need a city like Porto. 🤗

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@elizabethreynolds6874 If you need a city, that city is Porto. You'll have two friends there when you arrive. - Josh & Kalie

[@elizabethreynolds6874]

@@ExpatsEverywhere 🤗🙏💓😘

[@droops63]

Hmm, good stuff. It's funny, I've seen videos of both of these towns, but you all add information and perspectives that I haven't seen before. Strange question: how "Portuguese" does the Algarve feel? I get the impression that the region is fairly different from the rest of the country.

[@luismarques9280]

The Algarve of the beaches is a bit diferent from the rest of the country alright but the good things is that there is a other side of the Algarve not that far from the beaches, search for Silves for instance

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, John. It still feels Portuguese for sure. Over the whole, people are nice and accommodating. The levels of tourism here compared to other places certainly changes things, right? Each region and town in Portugal varies from each other, however, Algarve feels Portuguese nonetheless. Language, laidback culture, food.... - Josh & Kalie

[@shinyshinythings]

I haven’t heard “expat” used as a verb before. It’s short for expatriate though, which can be either a verb or a noun! So I guess it works!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

😁 Yeah, it's more of a playful thing though, especially with the hashtag. - Josh & Kalie

[@Pizpor]

Thanks!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Wow! This is so incredibly kind of you, Pizpor! We really appreciate the support for the channel. - Josh & Kalie

[@mrsiz218]

TAVIRA! OOOOOH! Loving it! And it is hubby approved! You guys look so summery with your sunkissed glows! Much love!❤️❤️

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Yay! Thank you! Loulé and Olhão were cool too but we haven't been able to produce a piece about them yet. - Josh & Kalie

[@mrsiz218]

@@ExpatsEverywhere I actually got to see a walking video with Olhão. Gorgeous! He did Albufeira too. He does have a Loule one I haven’t seen yet. They’re really great for my visualization as they’re filmed from the perspective of the walker. I just have to imagine the warmth of the sun and the amazing smells. Can’t wait! ❤️❤️

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@mrsiz218 😃 can’t wait for smell-o-vision

[@mrsiz218]

@@ExpatsEverywhere YESSSS!!😂

[@Music-ge8gk]

Thank you for another very good video. I always seem to miss your live streams due to other obligations, but have a couple of questions. Hopefully, you can answer here or in the next video. 1. How are these cities accepting of people of color? G may have some thoughts in particular. Are there any differences town to town? 2. Are there residential areas in Lagos that are a little away from the beach? The best of both worlds is to live within easy access to beach, but not too close.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome. It's a shame that you've missed our Live streams but let's see if we can answer these here. 1. They seems fine, although, we weren't there over a long period of time to be able to tell. Over the whole, Portuguese people are very welcoming and color-blind in a sense. Now, speaking honestly, there might be more problems with an individual Portuguese person and another person based on nationality rather than race. 2. In Lagos, you can get away from the beach into a more residential area, sure. There are also some incredible villas looking out over the water but they're not right down in the city of Lagos. - Josh & Kalie

[@richardburpee1367]

Tavira has a great beach, accessible by ferry

[@craftbrewer4032]

nope, no car for the beach. For euro 2.50(in 2023) you get a round trip on a shuttle boat from the tow center out to the beach, it takes 10 minutes, plus its fun

[@lucchese20]

Great info and great skin color! 😊 Since I’m kinda of big city person, Josh, how does Tavira compare w/Faro in a “city” sense. My sense is Faro feels bigger due to airport, fast trains to Lisbon, many hospitals, etc. But would you say Faro “feels” more like a city that Tavira or are they kinda equal…in your humble opinion? Thanks.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! For both compliments. This is Josh btw. You know, it's like we said with the two Faros video, there's the old city of Faro and that in a sense compares to Tavira's old city but Tavira is nicer and larger. As far as which is bigger or feels bigger, that would be Faro. Faro has more amenities that make it feel like a city. Neither place gives off a "city" vibe. The feel of the city happens in Porto and Lisbon in our opinion. Faro has 61k population and by comparison in the US if it's a place with 61k, it feels similar in the sense to how the new part of the city is developed and laid out with new construction, grocery stores, and other shops. One difference might be that in the US and Canada, there are many places that don't have shops and restaurants on the ground floor of buildings and here in Portugal (Europe), it's the norm. That in a sense gives off a more city feel, but by no stretch of the imagination would I call Faro "urban". - Josh & Kalie

[@jayonenote7527]

I wouldn't call Tavira a City. It's a Town

[@katehansen6339]

How is access to rental cars? Is it humid? Do the homes have A/C?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Access to rental cars is pretty good. Off peak prices are pretty good. Different places around Portugal can be humid and it varies if homes have A/C or heating. Newer homes tend to put in some form of A/C and heating. - Josh & Kalie

[@MichaelAlumbaughEDHRealtor]

Would love to have you guys check out Portimao.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi Michael, sorry. We don't have enough time down here to do it all, but from the train, Portimão certainly looked like a place worth checking out. - Josh & Kalie

[@WeaveTheStory]

Tavira...for old souls, how very dare you! 😂 Tavira for me anytime! I do agree it feels pretty isolated from the rest of Algarve but close enough to Spain. I like Tavira but like Josh, I do prefer bigger cities due to diversity and more things to do. Have you guys been to Carvoeiro? Luz (the one closer to Lagos) is quite nice. Villa Real de Santo Antonio feels very different from the other Algarve cities/towns. Great share guys!

[@lucchese20]

Thanks for your comments. Just curious…how does Vila Real de Santo Antonio “feel very different” from other Algarve towns? Cheers.

[@WeaveTheStory]

@@lucchese20 It feels more local, less tourists and expats are based there. The atmosphere feel most relaxed in the Algarve to me.

[@lucchese20]

@@WeaveTheStory Good to know. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

That's Veronica's home base! In her opinion it's the hidden gem in the region. 😁. Thanks for the comment, Sophian! - Josh & Kalie

[@africandreamchild]

@@ExpatsEverywhere which is Veronica’s Homebase?

[@johnwilliamyoung2710]

Can you do car rentals on the cheap for exploring on day trips in Tavera?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

In short, YES. Car rentals locally can be quite reasonable. There are a few good, local car rental agencies. If you're living down here, talk to other locals and expats for the best deals. We're talking under $30 per day. - Josh & Kalie

[@Jthegreat84]

What’s the name of the beach at 2:51? 😍

[@richvangogh]

Whoa! Snap!!! "Would you #Expat That!" Oh Damn, that's a new one, and I expect to hear that term again!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

😂 We will certainly be using it more. It's a funny one for us to play with and we hope that you all play along and let us know which cities you would live abroad in. - Josh & Kalie

[@shinyshinythings]

Honestly I found it a little cringe-y at first, but it’s growing on me.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@shinyshinythings 😂 no joke, that’s the way I felt about the word cringe-y when my middle schoolers used it but it grew on me too. Expat That was a silly phrase take actually came up when Kalie and I traveled with 4 other teacher friends around Europe one Christmas break and we just basically used it as would you live/work here for a bit. It stuck with us. 😂 Hope it grows on you and doesn’t grow in cringe 😬 - Josh

[@1990-t1j]

I didn't realise rents were so high. I own a big T1 with an underground garage in the Torraltinha area of the Lagos. I got a real deal in late 2011. It's a great town. It is a lot hotter than 70s F in summer. Where did you get that idea? It can get up to 40 degrees Celsius, sometimes more. It is always over 30 in summer. I have always said that the only two places worth living on the Algarve are Tavira and Lagos. Lagos has got a much better nightlife. It is dead in winter. And it is cheap if you know where to eat etc. No need to get pulled into tourists prices.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

The averages temps in Lagos are in the 70s F. It doesn't mean that heatwaves won't hit and you get much higher temperatures. - Josh & Kalie

[@1990-t1j]

@@ExpatsEverywhere I have lived in Lagos since 2011. The average summer temperature is far higher. 70s F must be the year round average. Summer is far hotter every day.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Here's one of the sites we used. weatherspark.com/y/32175/Average-Weather-in-Lagos-Portugal-Year-Round - Josh

[@1990-t1j]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Maybe that's why I don't believe everything I read on the Internet.

[@taisdominguez2476]

Can you tell me if in Lagos they are asking for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccine card, and if so, is the USA card ok?

[@brucerandoll7270]

How much for a studio apt ???? Just me from Tucson.

[@wendyurquia4034]

Tavira was already on my list and now doubly so. Great video guys - thank you. Cameo appearance by pup very much appreciated. 🐶☺️

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing, Wendy. Thank you for the compliment. Pincho was feeling a bit left out. - Josh & Kalie

[@DarthFurball]

Just a thought but how about trying out local food spots and highlighting them in your video too...

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We're having a hard time figuring out where to put food into these videos because they aren't really vlogs and when we stop for lunch in a place, it might seems jarring to just jump into a restaurant in the middle of giving a city overview. Thanks for the feedback, we'll give it a think. Since we've been down here we've mainly eaten at Portuguese restaurants. By local food spots, do you mean owned by locals or Portuguese food? The only chain I think we've been to is 100 Montaditos. - Josh & Kalie

[@DarthFurball]

@@ExpatsEverywhere Thanks for even considering it! I do mean Portuguese restaurants / fare (including anything regional...like the wines Kalie 😋) as you happen to stop and have a bite. Cheers!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@DarthFurball You're welcome. We are putting some of this stuff on Instagram as well because what we're eating in the city that we're staying in doesn't always fit in the context of the video. We'll try to cover some of the foods we eat in the vlog. We've already included some local dishes we ate in Loulé. We unfortunately didn't capture our meal from Lagos, but it was a nice restaurant up from the main touristy square. - Josh & Kalie

[@dave232]

Super video! I applauded for $5.00 👏👏

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Woah! Thanks for the applause, Dave! - Josh & Kalie

[@Ann-oh6qw]

We found Tavira a bit snobby. Richer ex pats than usual!. Lovely town but we prefer Lagos with it's multinational rural community.

[@whiskycentral]

Would you expat that... Haha 😂 Can you please do a video on places outside of Lisbon? Like Seixal and Setúbal?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

😂 We're heading to Alentejo next. Make sure you're voting on our community tab. You all are informing us there best on what content you wanna see. - Josh & Kalie

[@henrysantos121]

Nice video well done✓

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! - Josh & Kalie

[@StevenBrener]

Is a T2 what we'd call a 2-bedroom in the States? BTW, this is interesting...I was in Faro, Tavira (and Faro) back in 2009. I didn't realize that Tavira was bigger. Maybe it's because it feels 'smaller' that I had the impression that it was. Charming place.

[@RichD2024]

Yes T = bedroom, essentially

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi Steven, basically, yes. T is the number of bedrooms (aka room with a window) and if you see a + it'll be another room or space of varying size that could be used for a variety of things but obviously if you own it, it could become a "bedroom". - Josh & Kalie

[@Jim_in_AR]

They said Tavira is bigger than Lagos, not Faro.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@Jim_in_AR yes, that’s right. The comparison was between Tavira and Lagos.

[@StevenBrener]

@@Jim_in_AR Yeah. Got that. I had thought Lagos was bigger than Tavira. I wrote Faro accidentally

[@janebaldock7995]

Tavira has a ferry to an idyllic beach on the Island of Tavira, 15 minutes away….1.5 euros return!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Yup! That's right. - Josh & Kalie

[@richvangogh]

30,000 party coming up for your homies? Yeah! Let's get Movin'!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

What shall we do?! How should we celebrate? - Josh & Kalie

[@filipvernica258]

Any fixer upper up too? To retire

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

There are fixer uppers everywhere. 😁 - Josh & Kalie

[@Luckyamor]

It would be better to buy a house from the banks than to rent it. Because the banks get the ones that their customers stopped paying for it they get cheaper and the banks don't want to keep the house and also help finance. And the main problem is that you have to do construction work.

[@apalencia7300]

Just bought a home is Lagos!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Congrats! How was the process? Did you enjoy it? When do you move in? - Josh & Kalie

[@swisstrader]

A t2? What does that mean?

[@VADACHE]

So now Americans flocking to Portugal are going to driving cost of living to create another California?

[@ruipina5636]

No beaches in Tavira? Well, you need to explore a little bit more...

[@luismarques9280]

Baril, Tavira island, El Rei....

[@Davidian8001]

True story. Not only there's plenty of beaches, but they also are the best in the Algarve (in my opinion, ofc).

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Sure, there isn't a beach in the town/city like Lagos. It's a 3 km walk to the nearest beach. - Josh & Kalie

[@ruipina5636]

​@@ExpatsEverywhere Just pick a boat right in the center of town and enjoy a 15m sail to the so call Tavira Island (not really an Island but an isthmus, a long one BTW, with an ocean beach of several KMs). As a matter of fact, if the weather is ok, I encourage you to try.

[@Julio-rk7qw]

Wow

[@TravelPortugalBrasilTPB]

Thanks for sharing this nice video. Have you seen our latest and best videos? Hope to see you all always 🗺️👍💯

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

You're welcome. Thank you. We haven't but when we catch our breath from content creation, we'll try to check it out. - Josh & Kalie

[@muiremccarthy3162]

I don't know Lagos, but they obviously didnt actually go to beach in Tavira. Its a 5 min boat ride (& only a few euro) from centre (& miles of beach). Also train access from Tavira all across Algarve & very cheap!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hi, Muire. I think we explained this somewhere else in the comments. Our comment was in wide regard to the beach access of Lagos (in town beach) compared to Tavira (45 min walk away from town or as you said a paying boat ride). If you consider Tavira to have a beach, we respect that. We do invite you to check out Lagos and tell us which on has a beach town vibe. - Josh & Kalie

[@mariam5964]

I don't mean to be critical, however I want to explain why I didn't care for this video and have enjoyed many of yours in the past. Giving personal opinions is one thing, but having said that Lagos may only be for particular young people like yourselves who enjoy the beach life and not too family friendly, and then Tavira may be for the older souls. Now, I am 60 and I can take either one of those towns and enjoy it to my advantage, but I don't want to be considered an old soul...lol. I think most people will see for it themselves where they would want to live, however, giving some guidance is well appreciated, so thank you. Also, forgetting the wife's name here..sorry, you are a pretty woman but try to look at the camera more instead of always looking to your husband, it's just nice to see your face looking at us. I trust that I will see more of you guys...and thank you for what you do!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Maria. We understand. To us an old soul is someone that likes a slower paced life and stuff that stereotypically generations older than them would like. Next up for us is Alentejo - Josh & Kalie

[@Peartree1765]

Consider ebikes also as an alternative to owning a car. Let us know if you can get by with an ebike.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We haven't seen ebike shops stick out nor have we seen many people riding them, but they're available. There is a massive Decathlon in Faro. - Josh & Kalie

[@sirgalahad1470]

If you are single, can you get around the Algarve pretty well on a scooter or motorbike ?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

If you feel comfortable taking a scooter or motorbike on whatever kind of road, then yes. Why not? Are you asking about safety? It seems very safe. - Josh & Kalie

[@richvangogh]

How is Tiny's foot?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

He's moving well but we know it can't be healed yet. You know? Thanks for asking. - Josh & Kalie

[@jetfowl]

I thought Lagos got into the 80s during the summer and Tavira got into the upper 80s to low 90s?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

It can and it did when we were there (Lagos) but the averages are in the mid to upper 70s from June through September. - Josh

[@wangwang2048]

Macao is like that

[@leneekay1]

Pretty!! :-)

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! 😊- Josh & Kalie

[@Luckyamor]

In Lagos it has more English and Germans than the Portuguese, That's why it's too expensive to live in the city

[@Simona_midulcevida]

Lagos and Tavira for vacation, I don't want to need a car and doesn't seem like enough to do...couldn't live there all year. The weather sounds amazing! I am a NYC girl...I need a city more activity and noise. Me...no I would NOT #expatthat. :) But will definitely visit. BTW, you guys look great..very tan and glowy! Love it. Keep up the good work we appreciate you doing all the legwork! Ha Ha...but you guys aren't suffering. Hi Cia!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Simona! We get the sense that on a holiday, using the trains and buses would be fine, but over the long-term,, a car is necessary. Thanks 😊 We got a lot of sun, while walking around and filming, and Kalie is trying to not peel. This week it's been cooler and more overcast. We appreciate the encouragement. Let's see how the next region goes. One more video about Algarve this Sunday. - Josh & Kalie