Ten good reasons to move to northern Portugal

Escaping the consumerism of the south of England, my parents have hidden themselves away in northern Portugal. Shunning the golf courses and country clubs of the Algarve and Lisbon area, they prefer to get back to the land and enjoy a more natural rhythm to their day. I spent a week with them in December and found the lifestyle a perfect antidote to the pressures of that end-of-year holiday period. Trouble is, they’ve sworn me to secrecy, so I can’t reveal the exact area they’ve claimed as their own little piece of paradise.

But I can give you a few reasons why, if I was more of a countrified person, I’d move there in a heartbeat…

1. Property and the cost of living are much cheaper than in the Algarve (a full set menu for two, with good wine and coffee, can be as little as 12 euro—or $16, and small rural cottages can be found for under 50,000 euro—or $65,000).
2. The landscape is green; endless pine, eucalyptus, and walnut trees as well as the usual olive trees cover the hills here.
3. It’s safe—the neighbors really look out for each other, and will for you if you settle here.
4. The weather—frosty nights in winter, but still bright sunshine and gloriously blue skies during the days, and hot summers with the cool of the forest to retreat to.
5. It is still remarkably un-commercial and rural—no global chains or shopping malls for miles and miles. The only sign of Christmas was a nativity scene on the main square of the nearest town.

6. The wildlife: crested tits, rare red squirrels, buzzards, wild strawberries, and budding mimosa.

7. The people—welcoming without being intrusive; friendly—and patient with visitors who have only minimal Portuguese.
8. Remote—the mountains are a natural screen to Spain, and it can take up to 11 hours to get from certain areas to Paris by public transport.
9. The peace, quiet, and clean air—the lack of heavy industry and major traffic make this a very healthy choice.
10. The food—this is the home of real hearty peasant fare: thick pork, cabbage and bean stews, braised beef, tasty roast chicken, and sonios: tiny doughnuts often flavored with the zest of fragrant local oranges. Perhaps not so healthy after all…

Real Estate
Lapis Lazuli, tel: (+351) 239-455773; e-mail : sales@lapis-lazuli.co.uk ; website : www.lapis-lazuli.co.uk
Rustic Portugal, website: www.rusticportugal.com

Further Reading:
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