My Month-Long Journey of Discovery Through Portugal’s Eastern Algarve

I arrived in Portugal’s Eastern Algarve in early spring, a time when the air still holds a crisp morning chill but the sun is already warm enough to hint at summer. I did not have a fixed plan, just a one-way ticket, a month off work, and the growing desire to slow down, explore, and see what life on this stretch of coast could teach me.

My first stop was Olhão, a fishing town that still feels refreshingly real. It is a bit rough around the edges, but that is part of its charm. I rented a small flat near the waterfront and spent my days wandering the market, sampling grilled sardines, and ferry-hopping to the nearby islands.

One afternoon, I shared a table at a local tasca with a couple from Germany who had recently viewed a property in nearby Moncarapacho. They spoke about how they were looking for something peaceful but still close to the coast and how surprised they were by the variety of eastern Algarve property for sale, especially around the quieter inland villages. It got me thinking. I was not house-hunting, but I began noticing “vende-se” signs everywhere I went, and it became a bit of a game to imagine what it would be like to live in one of those sun-faded villas surrounded by orange trees.

I cycled east toward Tavira, following quiet backroads lined with fig orchards and wildflowers. Of all the towns I visited, Tavira stayed with me the most. It is old and elegant, with soft golden light reflecting off the river and a slow rhythm that pulls you in. I rented a small studio near the castle and found myself looking at local listings in the evenings, partly out of curiosity, partly out of longing. Tavira has a steady rhythm and quiet confidence, and I noticed how much care people seem to put into their homes. It turns out there is a strong market for property for sale in Tavira, Portugal, especially among those looking for a mix of history, walkability, and that subtle coastal magic.

What struck me throughout my stay in the Eastern Algarve was how different it felt from the more developed western coast. There is less of a resort atmosphere and more of a lived-in, local energy. That said, I did venture west for a few days to Vilamoura, just to see the contrast. It is undeniably polished with marinas, golf courses, and neatly planned boulevards but still welcoming. I stayed in a holiday apartment in the Old Village, which had a quiet charm even amid the glitz.

It made me understand why some people choose to rent for a season first before committing to buy. Browsing through listings one night, I came across a few places in the Old Village — charming little townhouses with pastel shutters and terracotta roofs. I had not expected it, but something about the balance of design and calm in that neighborhood really appealed to me. There is quite a bit of Old Village Vilamoura property for sale, and I started to understand why people choose to settle in that pocket of Vilamoura specifically. It felt a bit like its own world, tucked away yet close to everything.

By the time my month was up, I had a camera roll full of memories, a journal filled with half-formed plans, and a head swirling with what-ifs. I do not know if I will ever move to Portugal, but this trip left its mark.

There is something in the rhythm of life here — unhurried, warm, open. You start to imagine that a different kind of life really might be possible. And sometimes, that is all it takes to start something new.