Five Pretty Villages In Portugal

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Five Pretty Villages In Portugal

Monsanto. A small, fortified village previously named the ‘most Portuguese village in Portugal’. Houses and streets in Monsanto are packed tightly and carved from the cliffs and boulders that surround the town. The castle overlooking Monsanto provides an excellent panorama of the plains and nearby mountains of the Serra de Estrela.

Monsaraz. This village still retains its historic and medieval atmosphere. 16^th and 17^th century whitewashed houses are dotted across Rua Direita. This street leads to the main square, where a parish church housing beautiful gilded altars and painted pillars awaits. A little hike takes you to the castle, with great views across the Alqueva Dam and olive groves.

Nazare. Portugal’s most famous fishing village, Nazare has always attracted visitors to its glorious beach and vibrant village life, where the locals still wear traditional dress. The fishing boats continue to be painted in Phoenician-inspired designs of bright colours. This is also the home of surfing in Portugal, with frighteningly high waves.

Obidos. One of Europe’s most romantic villages, Obidos has colourful houses and is filled with bougainvillea, Gothic passageways, cobblestone streets and whitewashed churches leading to its 12th century castle. Visiting in July means you might experience the Medieval Fair of music, knights and historic theatre – Portugal circa 1500.

Marvao. Another medieval mountain-top village with unspoilt charm. The village retains its streets, houses and churches and magnificent 13th century castle. Look over the walls for impressive panoramic views.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.