For years, the Algarve was just a sunny vacation spot on the map for me, a Brit yearning for some winter warmth and a break from seasonal depression. But then life took an unexpected turn, and I found myself trading the grey skies of London for the vibrant blue horizons and Mediterranean climate of Faro, Portugal.
Let me tell you, it's been an adventure—and a revelation!
Faro, the capital of the Algarve region in Southern Portugal, isn't just a beach paradise (although it definitely has that going for it!). It's a city steeped in history, brimming with culture, and surprisingly affordable for someone coming from the UK.
While many expats who dream of moving to Portugal set their sights on the bigger cities of Lisbon or Porto, I'm so happy I chose Faro. Not sold? There are plenty of great places to live in Portugal for you to find your perfect fit.
Deciding to move here wasn't a decision I took lightly, so I did my research—and let me tell you, the resources online weren't always the most personal. Sure, there are some adjustments—pastéis de nata (custard tarts) might not be a full English breakfast, but it's a delicious way to start the day!
So, here's my take on what it's really like living in Faro, Portugal, from finding your dream flat to soaking up the local charm.
Short on time? Here's the cheat sheet
💭Living in Faro means great beaches, sunny weather, yet plenty of tourists.
🛂Most non-European foreigners who move here are on the D7, D8, or Golden Visa.
🏠To me, the best area to live in is Faro's city centre.
🛏️I recommend staying at a hotel or apartment rental right when you arrive to house hunt in person. Book your stay at Main Street Apartments to stay in Old Town and see if you agree that this is the best area to live.
🤕Don't rely on luck alone. SafetyWing now offers 2 types of Nomad Insurance coverage options: Essentials for travelers and Complete for expats and digital nomads.
💰The cost of living has been affordable for me but you might as well earn travel rewards on all expenses with a Capital One Venture Card.
📞Save the hassle of getting a local SIM or the cost of roaming with Airolo, an e-SIM that’ll have you connected from the moment you arrive.
☂️You'll have to deal with an influx of tourists in the summer...
☀️But the Algarve region is full of beautiful beaches, great weather, and friendly locals.
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Where to Live in Faro
The first hurdle, of course, was finding a place to live. Luckily, Faro offers a variety of options, from charming townhouses in the historic centre to modern apartments with stunning sea views.
I wasn't looking for anything too fancy, but a place with character and easy access to the city centre was what I was dreaming up.
Thanks to some online research (and a fair bit of legwork! ), I found a delightful little apartment in the "Cidade Velha" (Old Town). It's a short walk from the harbour, with cobbled streets lined with cafes and shops. In the evenings, the air fills with the sound of laughter and music spilling out from the restaurants. It's the perfect spot to feel the pulse of the city.
📍Book a hotel or vacation rental home to get a feel for the Old Town before signing a lease on a long term rental. Consider booking a stay at:
- Budget Stay: Casa Amarela: This guest house is located in the heart of Old Town. You'll get a private bedroom with a shared bathroom and living spaces. For those on a budget, this is a great location for the price.
- Mid-Tier Stay: Main Street Apartments: Want more space and privacy? The one-bedroom apartment here is clean, cozy, and in a central location.
- Luxury Stay: 3HB Faro: This luxury hotel offers great amenities and a variety of rooms to choose from. Just be careful starting your life in Faro off here as the shock from vacation mode to real life might be a jolt!
The Cost of Living
The cost of living in Faro is significantly lower and far more affordable compared to London. Finding a flat within my budget was a breeze, and everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are much more manageable.
The rent for my one-bedroom apartment is around €700 per month. Groceries are surprisingly affordable, especially fresh produce at local markets, and dining out can be quite reasonable if you explore local spots.
Utilities like electricity and internet run about €100 per month.
Eating out regularly can add up, but with a bit of planning, it's easy to enjoy delicious and affordable meals at local restaurants.
Living the Local Life
One of the things that surprised me most about Faro is the sense of community. The friendly locals are incredibly welcoming, always happy to chat and offer a helping hand.
Whether it's the friendly shopkeeper who remembers your coffee order or the neighbour who offers to translate a tricky document, the warmth of the people here makes Faro feel at home.
While English is widely spoken here due to the number of tourists the region is used to receiving, if you plan on moving to Faro, I highly recommend you do your best to learn at least some Portuguese.
Depending on your goals, I recommend these apps/platforms for language learning:
- Drops: Use the free version of this app for 5-minutes of vocab lessons a day. This is good for improving vocab but little else.
- Mondly: If you want to have a little bit more practice, this app is similar to Duolingo but has less silly prompts and more realistic phrases and sentences.
- Babbel: Babbel is similar to Mondly but also teaches cultural tidbits during the language lesson.
- iTalki: If you're more serious about learning to speak the language, this platform allows you to have 1:1 or group lessons with native teachers.
Best Things to Do in Faro
Although Faro is relatively small, I've been pleasantly surprised to find that there's always something going on in town or in one of the neighboring towns.
Local Events
There's always something going on in Faro, from lively festivals celebrating local traditions to open-air concerts and art exhibitions. The city also boasts a rich history with its ancient city walls and the Faro Cathedral standing as testaments to its past.
Exploring these historical sites is a great way to spend an afternoon, and there are always new discoveries to be made around every corner.
Of Course, There's the Beach!
Let's not forget the Algarve's most famous attraction: its stunning coastline, filled with a plethora of pristine beaches.
Faro itself has a beautiful beach, Praia de Faro, perfect for lazy afternoons soaking up the sun. But if you're feeling adventurous, there are countless other beaches within easy reach, each with its own unique charm.
Whether you're a surfer seeking the perfect wave or a family looking for a safe spot for the kids to build sandcastles, the Algarve coastline has something for everyone.
Public Transportation
Getting around Faro is surprisingly easy. The city centre is compact and walkable, making it a joy to explore on foot. However, for those venturing further afield, a reliable public transportation system is essential.
The Próximo network operates a comprehensive bus service within the city, connecting key areas like the airport, the city centre, and the beaches.
As of publication, these are the prices you can expect:
- A single bus ticket typically costs between €2.30 and €4.00.
- For frequent travellers, consider purchasing a daily pass (€5.00-€7.00) or a weekly pass (€15.00-€20.00) for unlimited travel within the city.
- Monthly passes are also available for around €32.00-€40.00, offering significant savings for regular commuters.
Navigating the Visa & Residence Maze
One of the first hurdles, of course, was navigating the Portuguese visa system. Thankfully, the D7 Visa for passive income earners proved to be a viable option for me and it worked perfectly.
While visas weren’t something that scared me because of the price, I really just wanted to do it once and be done with it, so I did actually get help from immigration lawyers London.
While the process wasn't always straightforward, they were really helpful, and I was fortunate to have been put with a solicitor who guided me through the complexities and always found time for my questions, which was so important to me because I have a million questions about everything.
Other Visa Options
The D7 visa (the visa I'm on) is the most common one for foreigners moving to Portugal, followed by the newer D8 visa for remote workers.
Portugal offers one of the best digital nomad visas out there but here's a look at other European countries that offer a similar visa if you want some options.
Another great option is Portugal's Golden Visa. Although just know to qualify for this visa, you'll need to have a pretty big sum you can invest in the country in exchange for the visa.
Finding Work as a Freelancer
Finding work as a freelancer in Faro has been surprisingly easy. The city has a growing digital nomad community, and there are plenty of co-working spaces and cafes with reliable internet. I've even connected with other expats who have offered valuable advice and support.
Building a social circle has been a rewarding experience. Joining local language exchange groups and attending community events has helped me connect with both locals and other expats. The friendly and welcoming nature of the Portuguese people has made it easy to feel at home.
My Faro Fairytale
Moving to Faro was a leap of faith, but it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made. This charming city offers a relaxed pace of life, a rich culture, and a stunning natural environment—all at a price that won't break the bank.
The visa process, while challenging at times, was ultimately manageable. Finding a comfortable and affordable apartment within the city centre was easier than I anticipated. And the warm welcome from the local community has made all the difference.
If you're considering a move to Portugal, I recommend giving Faro a chance. It's a city that truly captures the essence of the Algarve—a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.
This expanded version includes more specific details on visas, housing, cost of living, and finding work, making it a more comprehensive and informative guide for those considering a move to Faro.
All photos courtesy of depositphotos.com
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