If you’re planning to retire overseas for a better life, why compromise? You could spend your golden years in the Algarve’s Golden Triangle. It promises days on sun-soaked golf courses, Blue Flag beaches, superyachts, luxury shopping and the finest cuisine. Some might even say that it’s like retiring to paradise…
A little confusingly, the Golden Triangle is made up of four prestigious resorts, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura and Almancil. They form a triangle shape on Portugal’s glittering southern coastline, with Almancil sitting a little more inland than the other three resorts. While each resort has its own personality, the entirety of the Golden Triangle offers a laidback, leisurely lifestyle.
Europe’s most par-fect place for golf
A tee-rific view from a course in Vale de Lobo.
If a retirement of mooching and knitting is not for you, a retirement spent on the golf course might suit you better. In the Golden Triangle, you can enjoy sun-soaked golf courses, catching a view of the Atlantic as you take a shot. Vale do Lobo is home to two beautiful pine and fig tree lined courses, Royal and Ocean. The Royal’s 16th hole is the most photographed in Europe. Other incredible courses include: Victoria Golf Course, The Old Course Golf Club, San Lorenzo Golf Club and Quinta do Lago.
Plus, while you may love playing golf in the dramatic landscapes of Scotland, the weather does not always play ball. With over 300 days of sunshine, you can expect to be out in the golf course far more frequently in the Algarve.
The best of the Algarve’s beaches
Sunset on a beach near Vilamoura.
If you’re a golfing widow, there’s plenty of joy for you in the Golden Triangle too. For one, you can hit the beach. Clear blue skies and soft, golden sands are a given. There are mix of quieter stretches, decked with sun loungers and cocktails, and family-friendly sections, with volleyball and water sports. If you’d like to meet your spouse for lunch, he could head to the Royal Golf Club, you to the nearby Praia de Vale do Lobo, framed by the Algarve’s gorgeous red cliffs. Other terrific beaches include: Praia da Quinta do Lago, Praia de Quarteira and Praia do Ancão.
July and August see highs of 30°C and up to twelve hours of sunshine a day. But beach bathers can be seen soaking in the sunrays through October.
Shop till you drop…into a chair at a Michelin restaurant
Tired of tanning? You can head to the open-air shopping centre of Quinta do Logo, perfect for purchasing the best pieces from high-end boutiques. Right next door, you can step into Bougainvillea Plaza, which features fashion, home décor and convenience shops.
The Golden Triangle is known for its superb high-end dining scene. There are twenty-three restaurants in Faro featured in the Michelin Guide, including two with two stars and five with one star.
Add a little green to your gold
As wonderful as tiny plates of the richest food, golden sands and superyachts can be, sometimes, you just want to step into a lovely green landscape. For days when you feel like that, you can visit the incredible Ria Formosa Natural Park with its labyrinth of canals, islands, marshes and sandbanks. You could take a nature trail or bob along in a boat. Perhaps you will even befriend a wild flamingo or two.
Plus, just a short drive from the coast, nestled in rolling hills, you’ll find traditional Algarvian villages. Full of pretty little houses and an abundance of almond, fig and carob trees.
.
Settle into an international community
You won’t be alone…many choose to retire to the gorgeous Golden Triangle.
While we always recommend learning the language of the country you are moving to, you don’t have to put your move on hold until you’ve grasped Portuguese. This is because around 20% of the Algarve’s population are expats.
While Brits adore the Algarve, a growing number of Americans have come to feel at home here, too. You are also likely to hear French, German and Spanish.
The Golden Triangle has a reputation for attracting a celebrity clientele. Bonnie Tyler, former British PM David Cameron, Cristiano Ronaldo and Holly Willoughby have all been spotted enjoying the region’s perks. Perhaps you’ll spot David Cameron tanning on soft, golden sands or Holly Willoughby stunning on a golf course.
Pop back home easily
Retiring abroad can be nerve-raking for those that are afraid of missing out on birthdays, Christmas and other celebrations back home. Fortunately, Faro airport is just half an hour away from Vale do Lobo. It has a steady stream of flights to the UK, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Norway and other European destinations. There has been talk of introducing flights to North America but for now you will have to catch a flight to Lisbon and go from there.
Where in the triangle will you strike gold?
Quinta do Logo makes up the bottom right of the Golden Triangle. It is known for its golf courses, brilliant shopping, luxury villas and a large lake with great water sports. Vale do Lobo is the Algarve’s oldest premium resort – but don’t worry, it doesn’t feel old-fashioned. It boasts of a clifftop golf course and Michelin restaurants. The most popular of the resorts with holidaymakers, Vilamoura is home to Portugal’s largest, liveliest marina. Located inland, Almancil has the most traditional feel, thanks in part to the 18th century whitewashed church of São Lourenço de Almancil.
Finding the home for you in the Golden Triangle
In Vale do Lobo, €400,000 is a typical price for a small apartment, ideal for a single person or a pair retiring. Out of the Golden Triangle, Almancil has the most affordable property prices.
If you would like a house big enough for your loved ones to come and stay, then you will need a budget of at least €600,000 for a townhouse.
Naturally, the Golden Triangle has an incredible luxury property market. These homes come in the form of shiny new penthouses with spectacular views and sprawling villas with features like a swimming pool, sauna and gym.
.
A good investment
A home in the Golden Triangle is an investment into the guarantee of a golden retirement. But it makes financial sense too. If you are only semi-retiring or fancy heading back to northern Europe (or elsewhere) for the peak of summer, you could see a lucrative sum from renting out your home to holidaymakers. This is when tourists flock to the Algarve for their own round of golf and a splash in the Atlantic.
Properties in the Golden Triangle are highly sought after and that is reflected in market growth. According to Savills, average prices for primary properties in the Algarve have risen by 30% in the last year.
You might also like:
- Move to Portugal and live like a royal
- Seaside homes in Portugal: where to buy & 8 properties
- Discover what kind of Algarve property would suit you best
