The Algarve, Portugal: The PERFECT Winter Retreat for Retirees

First time visitor guide to winter in Portugal, Tired of cold winters? Escape the snow and embrace the sun as a snowbird in the Algarve, Portugal! This video explores the beauty of the Algarve, highlighting its stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, and affordable lifestyle. Discover why the Algarve is the perfect winter retreat for retirees seeking warmth, adventure, and a vibrant community. #Algarve #Portugal #SnowbirdLiving #RetirementLiving #Travel #Europe #ExpatLife #WinterEscape #BeachLife
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[@rachelpetry5888]

Hi, we ran into you last year in Albufeira when we were on our scouting trip. Also from Ontario, recently retired and we are here now in the algarve for 3 months. Splitting our stay between Armacao de Pera and Lagos. Your videos have all been very helpful! 😊

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great to hear! Glad you are enjoying your time Rachel in the Algarve, we too love Armacao de Pera 🇵🇹🍻🇨🇦🍷

[@paulhunter6652]

Hi Norm and Tina: Portugal sounds great. We have been only once. Certainly will not be travelling to the United Sates. Canada Strong!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Certainly strange times in Canada 🇨🇦

[@annemartins2135]

We love the Algarve but this winter we are heading to Madeira. We were there in October and absolutely fell in love. Funchal is always hopping (cruise ships dock daily) so not for those who enjoy the quiet but my goodness, it is a spectacularly beautiful place with a lovely climate, excellent food, friendly people and such a diverse landscape. Also very safe.

[@desertdweller8520]

I agree! I live in Madeira. Safe in terms of crime but you can fall off the many cliffs. :)

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Madeira sounds like a lovely place we too were there on a cruise ship , we found finding flights and accommodation a lot harder for over winter have a great time and let us know how your stay went Cheers 🇵🇹🙂🇨🇦🍷🌺

[@barfed64]

300 Canadian dollars for 28 days is a great deal! Could you, please, share how to secure that rate?! Who do you use?

[@davidburnett372]

Thanks guys always enjoy your video's, very informative. Fellow Ontarian down here in Windsor. My wife and I are looking at going to Portugal next winter instead of Florida. Thank you

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are glad you enjoy our videos! We think Portugal is a great alternative to Florida David Cheers 🇵🇹🍻🙂🇨🇦

[@nonnasstitchingloungewithr7281]

We aren't doing Portugal this year, but you don't even need a car because Uber is so cheap and timely. As well, groceries are pretty reasonable . We went in March and April last year and had some places closed until April 1st. But we had great weather and met great people! Watch out in the DR. I know three people from Toronto that died of food poisoning at two all inclusive hotels.I suppose it could happen anywhere, but that is weird.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Uber and Bolt are great for travel in the city, the time wasting is traveling between cities on the bus that runs once evey 30 minutes or one hour. Rental cars are far more time efficient. We have done both.

[@jjoel609]

Algarve is wonderful! I went last year, stayed in Lagos and Portimao, right near the beach and the caves were incredible! I flew from USA to Lisbon stayed there a week, took Flixbus to Lagos ( very cheap, nice and safe). Great food and people! Highly recommend!

[@brettgoodall5171]

Thank you for your introduction of Portugal for us. I love the way you do your talks.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thank you! 😃

[@wsgriffi]

We really enjoyed our month long stay in Portugal December 2023. Thanks for the tips.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great to hear, we are glad you enjoyed your time there 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦

[@arnoldmonk6381]

Faro airport is very, very busy in the Summer months, May to end of September, wouldn’t recommend that time of year if you don’t like crowds. Car hire, book in advance and collect at the airport, in resorts it will be much more expensive. Driving in Europe is fine, most hire cars are available with GPS/Car Play and you can specify an automatic transmission, although it will cost more than a manual.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Everywhere is busy in the summer, luckily Faro airport is smaller. Also you can get a toll reader in the car and pay the rental company for toll roads used. In winter when we go itnot busy at all, no crowds.

[@barfed64]

In the process of packing our bags for our vacation! Thanks for reminding us about the weather! We are making sure we pack raincoats and umbrellas. Cheers!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have a wonderful time!

[@ireneandjohnbrown8597]

Hi Tina and Norm, as fellow Canadians we used JM Vacations out of Toronto who have long term stays in Portugal which package air, transfers or car rental and accommodation. We found them reliable. Cheers, keep up the great work.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great to hear 🙂🇵🇹

[@lisajel52]

I went to Portugal for two months in Feb/Mar in 2023, one mo with a lifelong friend and 1 mo with my sister in law. We stayed in Portimao and Albufeira for 3 weeks each and then to Porto for a week and Lisbon for a week. We went because YOU recommended Portugal. I so appreciate you telling us how wonderful it is, and it was one of my favorite trips! My sister in law and I are heading to Boston and to Quebec City for Winter Carnival on Saturday. Looking forward to my Canadian trip! Thank you so much for your tips and inspiration!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great to hear Lisa we hope you have a great time Cheers 🇺🇸🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🍻

[@RetiredLovingIt]

Great information guys! You definitely have experience there!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Thanks for watching! We have been going there for many years 🙂

[@lauriekay6214]

Thanks for your many, many tips on travel to Portugal, Norm and Tina. We are in Portugal for the first time since our honeymoon in 1987! We flew Transat from Toronto (in a snowstorm) last Tuesday, to Lisbon, and took the train to Luz today (Saturday). Train was €33 each, but half price for seniors like us. The train is a bit slower than bus, but very comfortable, with washrooms and a bar car and wifi. Lovely to see the citrus groves as we travelled. We changed trains at Tunes, then a taxi from Lagos to Luz (€14). We booked our apartment with Casas do Barlavento - many English speaking staff there, which is helpful. I would also recommend visiting Evora, a small walled city about 90 minutes drive east of Lisbon - very interesting Cathedral of Bones (!!💀), Roman ruins, and a cork processing facility nearby (I bought a purse, of course!). So nice to leave the snow behind!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It's wonderful that you are there Laurie we hope you have a great time in Portugal! Yes it’s snowing 🌨️☃️back home glad we too aren’t there Cheers 🇵🇹🚢🇨🇦🍷🍻

[@ddavidson5]

We are enjoying our annual stay in central Mexican highlands. Currently it's sunny and 26C with an overnight low of 16C which is pretty typical year round. The winter is also the dry season so very little rain, if any, until June sometime. This year Flair is running a direct flight from Toronto to the international airport that's about a 1/2 hour from the small town where we stay. Life is good. Portugal, Mexico, Greece or wherever, enjoy your time wherever you decide to go - so many places to choose from.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Totally agree David enjoy life while you can and still have the health to do it , lots of places to still on the list to go enjoy your trip Cheers 🍻🇨🇦🍷🚢✈️

[@sulemanpiracha8123]

Just came back yesterday after spending 52 days in Spain and Algarve. We have been traveling to Portugal since 2018 and I totally agree with you and Tina for the reasons- safety, weather, cost of living. We bought a cart full of grocery and produce for 54 Euros(USD 55.50). Here in the US, it would cost over $100. The weather was between 15-18 degrees C (59-65 F). We had a couple of rainy days though. I would add very affordable healthcare to the advantages. Most of the restaurants on the beaches are closed until mid February, both in Spain and Portugal.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Glad you had a great time we will be there in March , the temps are enjoyable away from the snow ⛄️Cheers 🇨🇦🇵🇹🇺🇸🍻🍷🙂

[@peterferreira1025]

I'm glad to hear that you are again planning on vacationing in the algarve this winter. Still considering Quarteira? My wife and I are in Lagos. If we can assist, let me know. Cheers

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great to hear from you! We hope you have a great time in Lagos this year. Thanks for the offer 🇵🇹🍻🇨🇦

[@slebeau30]

This is where we are right now…. Thanks to your videos!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great! Hope you are enjoying your time! 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦

[@az2pt]

Stop by Lagos while here! 😎

[@dlg5485]

I just starting to plan my first trip to Portugal from Ohio for next year, probably for a 10 day stay. It's not a lot of time, but I plan to spend a few days each in Porto and Lisbon. I thought about trying to squeeze in a couple days in The Algarve, but that area deserves it's own trip, so I'm saving it for next time. I've been wanting to visit Portugal for years and I'm considering living there full time after I retire. This trip will be sort of an exploratory mission.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds like you’ve got a great plan, Portugal is very addictive! 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦

[@iany2448]

Train between Lisbon and Faro is also quite convenient. Last year we flew into Faro direct on BA and got to Lisbon by train.

[@tommyjames789]

Hi Tina and Norm....I'm heading to Portugal April and May 2025 focussing on Central and Northern Portugal this time. Thanks for the information.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have a great time!

[@janettevandenbroeck-sv6lx]

Thanks for the informative video…….what is the name of the Hotel you mentioned The Luna ? There appears to be several Luna hotels. Best regards

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Luna SolAqua, Albufeira

[@wilfs1196]

Arriving @ Albuferia March 14/25 via AirTransit. All booked through CAA.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have a lovely time 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦

[@lindanash444]

Arrived a week ago in Quarteira and has been cool and rainy til today🌞. Still offering you a home made Portuguese meal.💐✨🇨🇦

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hi Linda, we are looking forward to meeting you,

[@bruceprentice6441]

Thanks, very informative

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

You are very welcome! 🍻🙂

[@lorrainethomson9850]

We are going in mid February to see if we’d like to retire there… 2 months, looking at Lagos and Tavira - and places in between. Bit worried about summer heat tho…

[@robtuck5011]

We go every year for a month and we just love the algarve. Although you can hire a car but it is certainly not a necessity. We use the bus or trains to travel all over. The tours are very good and priced fairly. We also use Portugal as a base and travel around Europe. Looking forward to seeing you guys there.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds like we all like being there Cheers 🇵🇹🍻🇨🇦🍷

[@cliffsmith7756]

Tina and Norm love your talks on my favourite winter home in Portugal. We will be back next month in Praia da Luz and hope to see you there ? We used to go in January / February but the weather is too cool and rainy. March / April starts to get warm and most places are then open. Just wondering your thoughts on the next best winter destination as Portugal is becoming more and more expensive with our sinking loonie?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Madeira would be nice but it’s not as cheap as the Algarve , actually some prices are looking not bad this year Cheers 🇨🇦🍷🍻🇵🇹

[@wcg66]

Flying there on Sunday!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Have a great time 🇵🇹🍻🇨🇦

[@pensacola321]

Have you guys ever considered doing a transatlantic cruise to get to Portugal? Or back? I understand a lot of people do it. And a nice day to extend the holiday.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We have done them but they don’t coincide when we are there over Winter 🇵🇹🙂

[@annekennedy8127]

Portugal is so great. We rent a T2 (two bedroom, two bathroom) beautiful, luxurious apartment, full kitchen, on Lagos Marina.February and March, for approximately $1400.00 per month plus hydro. ..can walk everywhere,. So safe, and the Portuguese people are so lovely....Anne from Kincardine.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Sounds like you have found a great spot Anne to enjoy Portugal! We thought you no longer had that place have a great time we will be in the Algarve in March Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦

[@grazadziasek]

We are in Florida this winter, but it is too cold .Next year for sure we will go to Algarve. May I ask how you fund your rental ?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Try Booking.com, Expedia , air B&B we have done many videos on this please check our playlist 🇵🇹🍻🇨🇦

[@shamrocks54]

Staying mid March to mid April in Albufeira, arriving via Air Transat and returning from Porto, booked in there for 4 days. Liked what you said about missing the car on your last visit, we have rented a car in the past, but gave up when my hair turned grey lol Last year we got the senior 1 month bus pass for Albufeira and it worked well, as it rained lots.even a sandstorm, It might be time to do the car rental once again. What company do you use for car rental ? Enjoying your videos, might bump into you. Will get the train from Albufeira to Porto.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We did the Senior bus pass last year it was great but a lot of waiting around 🤔 we are looking to book the car through Air Transat site as they do car 🚙 rental Cheers 🇵🇹🍻🇨🇦

[@2011mrmars]

Looking for a rental car at Faro airport, Any one you can recommend? We watch your videos a lot, great work, keep it up.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We don’t have any recommendations, sorry

[@BillRicketts-c6m]

Thanks for another wonderful video on the Algarve! We are heading to Albufeira for the month of March as a rece for possibly three months next year..we are intrigued about your car rental this time. Can you please share which company and how insurance works? Many thanks and safe, happy travels!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are booking through Air Transat website, also this time instead of using our credit card car insurance, we will buy the comprehensive coverage from the car rental company.

[@BillRicketts-c6m]

Thank you!

[@BeFree-BeFrugal]

I’ve a friend who bought a home there. And decided to retire to Portugal, they’ve never looked back

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are happy for them we like to visit but Canada 🇨🇦 is home for us 🇵🇹🙂🇨🇦

[@danield9182]

Perfect if you love cold weather…

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Actually it’s warm there in Winter 🙂

[@markbajek2541]

Got to 40 ish in mid Michigan, saw a few people out and about in T shirts , one or two even in shorts hand shoveling their driveways

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

😂😂❄️

[@KP-uj1wf]

Thanks to your advice and videos, my wife and I are heading to Portimao for the month of March. We appreciate all your advice! PS… there seems to be a delay in getting the Euro Travel Pass (ETIAS) to Portugal, as we haven’t been able to access the website. The ETIAS App says there will be a grace period of 6 months, once the Pass is available. Cheers!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s great we hope you have a wonderful time , yes ETIAS is delayed again so we won’t need it this trip Cheers 🍷🇵🇹🇨🇦🍻

[@barbaraebner5889]

What is the most popular area in Portugal? Would you suggest a guided tour or you can self guide? Thanks.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Depends what you are looking for but The Algarve , Lisbon or Porto both would be good 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦

[@darrylmcleman6456]

CHEERS from HERE!!!

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Hi 👋 Darryl we are cruising 🚢 along Cheers 🇨🇦🍻

[@MyGrandfathersGranddaughter]

I want to visit the Algarve and the island of Madeira (I love Madeira wine). Anyway, the only reason to go to the Caribbean is to lie on the beach and relax - maybe do some hiking or other outdoor activities - but that’s it.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Both great places to visit 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦

[@TheAngela2C]

Nothing can beat Hawaii stay for us Hot, beautiful ocean, endless beaches Real summer Portugal is too cold in winter: 12-15 degrees only Really cold in apartment No swimming Frequent rain Language barrier Cheaper of course

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We are looking forward to Hawaii , but for us The Algarve is perfect over the Winter months usually around 18-20°but not too busy which we like as we are there either one or two months Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇺🇸🇨🇦🍻

[@gjmarc]

Very informative for people who like Portugal or perhaps are interested in spending time there. Unfortunately we have been to Portugal twice, once ventured up to Porto and once to the Algarve and did not enjoy it. We can't put our finger on it but the locals seem to be the reason. I guess if you like to play golf, it's okay. Sorry but Greece gets our nod, and will be spending a month on Crete.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We understand not everyone has the same experience. It’s great you found a place you enjoy, like Crete.😊 We will put that on our list Cheers 🍻🍷

[@gjmarc]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement exactly true. But glad you are providing info to people. We took the Flixbus to the Algarve, great service and yes you do need a car in the Algarve.

[@willymueller4587]

Yes you’re right , we just came back from D.R. Was a rat race, 4 people drowned at our resort, airport was crazy. If we go back to Portugal I can use our night light & collapseable kettle HaHa keep up the good work

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Wow quite the experience, makes Portugal look tame 😂😂

[@susanseymour9838]

Thanks for your great information! Heading there very soon..I liked the idea of using Portugal as a base to explore other countries.

[@wandadabrowski8745]

How busy was it when you went? Did you feel it was overcrowded? Thanks.

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

It’s very quiet people wise during Jan and Feb, starts to get little more busier in March . You will find also not as many restaurants are open but we are OK with that Cheers 🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦

[@LindaDelsnider]

Sounds like you’re going back; which area will you be? 👍🇨🇦

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Back to the Algarve in March Linda 🇨🇦🍷🇵🇹🌺

[@JohnnaManson-l8y]

Hi , my husband and I are newly retired. We are both reluctant travellers. Maybe a bit of anxiety to get going, but for me, I worry about walking because I have arthritis in both knees. Do you have any tips for people with limited accessibility? Thanks, Johnna

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Possibly cruising might be a good option for you to consider, the ship takes you to all the places and then walking or doing tours is up to you . If you are looking at Portugal pick a town that is flat as a lot are hilly and wouldn’t work for you . Also bus tours congratulations 🥳 on your retirement 🥳🙂

[@JohnnaManson-l8y]

@@ThisIsOurRetirement Thanks, yes we are considering a cruise. I just thought it might be an interesting topic to consider. I have kind of searched around for sites that consider the topic. (Maybe I will have to start my own youtube for the hobblers out there. LOL. Darn knees!) Love your channel and your positive energy.

[@Mike-t7l2g]

$1200-$1500.00 CAD for a week or a month?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

That’s for a month Mike 🍻🇵🇹🍷🇨🇦

[@barbaraebner5889]

Looking at flights $$$$ 900 to 1400 from Philadelphia to Lisbon.

[@barbaraebner5889]

Norm when you say winter, when are you going?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Anytime from February to April 🇵🇹🙂

[@EarlLantz-d6j]

Tina, Are you ok. Your looking a bit tired! Is the travelling taking a toll

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

Not at all

[@jdavid1707]

Are you thinking about boycotting anything related to the US?

[@ThisIsOurRetirement]

We boycott talking about politics

[@jdavid1707]

@ pity, we who enjoy our Canadian identity need to stand strong in these circumstances. I thought for sure you’d be doing a series on great Canadian destinations so supportive Americans could find ways to show their support.

[@louisomara7145]

There are far better towns than Albufiera to stay in. Not very authentic and a bit tacky