VILA DO BISPO PROPERTY GUIDE

Why invest in a property in Vila do Bispo, Portugal?

Are you interested in investing in a Vila do Bispo property? It is the ideal location for those seeking a second home in a place where they can truly ‘get away from it all’ and enjoy unspoilt natural beauty. The Municipality of Vila do Bispo stretches from the little town of Burgau to Cabo Sao Vicente, occupying the south-western tip of Portugal and of the entire mainland Europe. To the north it is bordered by the district of Aljezur, with the municipality of Lagos to the east. It is the only municipality featuring both a southern and a western coastline.

Photo by Mariusz Hermansdorfer via Flickr

Vila do Bispo is the centre of the municipality which includes towns such as Sagres, Budens and Raposeira. It is a pretty little town featuring mainly older, typical Algarvean houses.

Moving to Portugal has become significantly more popular in recent years, and one of the reasons why many internationals are drawn to Portugal is because of the attractive tax benefits. Many Scandinavians, British, French, Belgians, Germans and people from other European countries, benefit from the NHR (non habitual residence) tax program. If you are a non EU/EFTA residence, you still have the opportunity to get a so-called ‘Golden Visa’, which is entitled to those who invest in properties in Portugal.

There is a Health Centre in Vila do Bispo and the nearest hospital is approx 15 kilometres away, at Lagos. Vila do Bispo also has a Fire Station and an office of the Guardia Nacional da Republica.

Local schools are available, with the nearest International School being around 50 kilometres away, at Lagoa.

Photo by Mariusz Hermansdorfer via Flickr

Vila do Bispo is the least developed side of the Algarve, where life continues much as it has always done, for most of the year. It is most notable for its wild and rugged coastline, with high cliffs enclosing secluded sandy beaches. Inland is an extensive area of pine and scrub-covered hills, which form a large part of the Costa Vicentina National Park. As well as being part of the national park, the area has also been designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds and Site of Interest for Conservation, because of its varied wildlife habitats.

Beyond the scrubland, there are large areas of agricultural land, mainly devoted to cereals, pine and cork oak and the grazing of cows, sheep, and goats, where many local traditions still survive.

Traditional festivals, such as the Percebe (goose barnacle) festival and Carnival, are still an important feature of the annual calendar here.

The Sagres Birdwatching Festival in October also attracts many visitors who are keen to spot the huge variety of migrating birds which pass through here at this time of year.

What to do when living in Vila do Bispo, Portugal

Although the western Algarve is less developed than the eastern and central regions, there are still many delightful, luxury properties on offer in the Vila do Bispo area. In the hills around Burgau, Budens and Salema, you will find lots of luxury villas, most with stunning views over the cliffs, beaches and ocean. But if you prefer to be a little less isolated, you will also find luxury villas and apartments, located in condominiums and golf resorts in the area. And further up the west coast, areas such as Vale de Telha and Odeceixe, near Aljezur, are becoming increasingly popular.

As well as newly-built and other more modern properties, there are also numerous investment opportunities to be found in this area. Investing in a Vila do Bispo property will give you access to not just the beautiful city of Vila do Bispo, but to many other areas that are increasing in popularity.

Photo by manjerix via Flickr

Shopping and dining out

There are many interesting local shops, markets and supermarkets around the Vila do Bispo area and, along the EN125, you will find garden centres and other outlets offering various household goods. If you prefer a mall shopping experience, these are to be found a little over an hour’s drive away in Guia, near Albufeira, and in Faro.

Although this region does not offer the Michelin-starred restaurants of the eastern and central Algarve, there are still many wonderful spots offering both local and international cuisine. Freshly caught fish and shellfish feature largely on the menus, but you will also find suckling pig, the famous Algarvean ‘black pork’ and, in season, quail, partridge, and wild boar offered on many menus.

Photo by manjerix via Flickr

Golfing and other attractions

The Parque da Floresta golf resort, at Budens, is the region’s best known golf course, featuring an 18-hole course designed to suit players of all skill levels. The resort is also residential and offers many luxury villas and apartments for sale.

Within a half hour’s drive, you will also find courses at Espiche, Boa Vista and, just a little further, the beautiful course of Onyra Palmares, in Lagos.

Golfing is just one of many outdoor activities on offer in this area – wind and kite surfing, sea-fishing trips, diving, cycling and bird-watching are all available at various locations around the coast. The west coast is famous for its challenging surfing opportunities.

Photo by Mariusz Hermansdorfer via Flickr

And if you are interested in the history of the area, there are a number of archaeological sites. These are where remains of the Roman occupation have been uncovered and there are also numerous megaliths (huge standing stones) scattered around the landscape.

This semi-wild landscape, abundance of wildlife and slow pace of life are the main attractions for those who choose to live in this region of the Algarve. Have a look at Casafari’s database and find a Vila do Bispo property for sale!

Hero Picture by Hendrik Daquin via Flickr