Photo: Apartment in the Marina of Vilamoura
No destination occupies as many pages of literature and of collective imagination as paradise. Some people think paradise is a legend; others, that it is a made-up place where everybody would live happily ever after; others still, establish a connection with humanity’s first home, a Garden of Eden that no one ever knows where it is. Some claim paradise is in heaven, and some argue that it is on earth. But, in essence, all theories refer to geographical impossibility. We are sure that paradise exists, it is on earth and it has a name: Algarve. It is a small portion of land in the south of Portugal that allows you to fulfill the choices motivated by the desire for happiness. For this purpose, finding houses for sale in this place bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and choosing the real estate property that meets most requirements of our demand, and even of our extravagance, is decisive. Once you find the villa or the apartment, it will be easier to believe that paradise exists. Because we have no doubts about this either: the window from which we see the world changes completely the world we see. Would you like to try seeing it from Vilamoura? Or Almancil?
The Algarve, with its 16 geographical possibilities (from Albufeira to Vila Real de Santo António), that have specific virtues spread over more than one hundred beaches, remains immune to the natural disasters that have plagued the world. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods or landslides have not occurred in Portugal for almost 300 years, and even less in this region, which is recognised by golf resorts, by the green blankets of the parks, the blue sheets of the sea, the endless golden sands and luxury condominiums. It's different to see the world from a secure garden, isn't it? Having a daiquiri in the swimming pool and not holding your heart in your hands, or being in a luxurious marina without any fear of water movements. That's what happens in the Algarve. Besides, there are no natural or human disasters.
Portugal has been one of the three safest countries in the world, for several consecutive years. This month it was also elected by a British travel agency and by the United Kingdom Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself as one of the five most peaceful countries in the world to travel alone. The result comes from a survey conducted on residents of 142 countries, who answered questions about robberies, assaults and level of confidence in the police authorities. There is no paradise without security, and Portugal leads as far as security is concerned.
A cold, grey, rainy place may have its charms, but no, it's not paradise. Paradise involves us in a mild climate throughout the 365 days of the year, it has beaches with warm water (more than 20ºC), sunny terraces with stunning views, restaurants with delicacies to make your mouth water, and entertainment nights that invite you to go out and socialize in all seasons of the year. It is the place where we would like to settle or, at least, to buy a holiday house. Or else a plot area on the sea shore to quietly build a private paradise to enjoy one’s retirement.
The real estate market is the third main point of this heavenly Algarve. Because all the strengths of the region would lose much of their value if it wasn’t possible to combine their natural qualities and security with a construction that has always favoured comfort, glamour and tranquility. And, at the same time, openness to the world. It is not by chance that there are now more than 250,000 foreigners living in the Algarve, particularly in the famous Golden Triangle.
The real estate properties that prove this are available for sale at the best real estate brokers. A quick tour through the portal of LUXIMOS Christie's International Real Estate allows you to find houses like this, a traditional villa, in Vale do Lobo, close to golf, sea and tennis. Or, in a radically opposite style, this futuristic-architecture villa, five minutes from Lagos. Or this stunning retreat at Alvor, near Portimão. And all the houses still have the bonus of being half an hour away, or less, from Faro International Airport.
Do you still think paradise doesn't exist? Do you really want to keep looking for it in literature instead of contacting a real estate agent and start taking advantage of paradise in real life?
