What’s it really like to live in Silves — a medieval Algarve town with cobblestone streets, citrus groves, and a red sandstone castle overlooking it all? In this episode, Portugalist takes you on a virtual scouting trip to Silves, Portugal — a place where history meets sunshine, and expats are finding their dream lifestyle.

You’ll hear about the pros and cons of life in Silves, the cost of housing, what families and retirees can expect, and how daily life compares to Portugal’s busier coastal towns. From schools and healthcare to markets and restaurants, this episode will give you the insider’s perspective so you can decide if Silves could be your perfect home abroad.

Whether you’re considering retirement, raising a family overseas, or just dreaming about moving to Portugal, this episode paints a picture of life in one of the Algarve’s most charming and authentic towns.

For more info on living in Silves: https://www.portugalist.com/place/algarve/silves/

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Thinking about Portugal for your remote-work base? In this episode, we go beyond the Instagram reels to break down the real day-to-day—rents that bite, houses without heating, slow-moving bureaucracy, integration hurdles, language realities, taxes, and mixed local attitudes—alongside the reasons so many nomads still choose Portugal: lifestyle, safety, community, beaches, and a clear residency pathway.

What you’ll learn

• The Digital Nomad (D8) Visa in plain English—who it’s for and why it’s so popular
• The real cost of living (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira vs cheaper regions) and why your choices (flat whites, co-working, international restaurants) move the needle
• Housing realities: insulation, heating/AC, mould, noise—and how to spot liveable apartments
• Bureaucracy 101: why timelines slip, AIMA delays, renewals limbo, and when lawyers are worth it
• Taxes after NHR: what changed, why Portugal isn’t a tax haven, and the trade-offs for EU life
• Food & lifestyle: simple, tasty Portuguese staples vs. limited spice/variety—and where Lisbon/Porto shine
• Integration & language: why Portuguese is hard, why immersion is tricky for WFH nomads, and how to actually progress
• Local sentiment: housing pressures, bubbles vs. belonging, and how to be a good guest
• The upside: world-class nomad community, safety, family-friendly culture, beaches, surf, and the EU citizenship pathway

Who this episode is for

• Freelancers, founders, and remote employees weighing Portugal against Spain, Bali, Mexico, or Dubai
• Digital nomads looking to settle down
• Anyone eyeing the D8 (digital nomad) or D7 route and wanting the unvarnished picture
• Lisbon/Porto/Algarve/Madeira curious listeners who want lifestyle and logistics

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat

Thinking about moving to Portugal? In this episode of the Portugalist Virtual Scouting Trip series, James (creator of Portugalist.com
and author of Moving to Portugal Made Simple) takes you on an in-depth tour of Armação de Pêra, a small but lively coastal town in Portugal’s Algarve region.

You'll discover:

• What day-to-day life feels like in Armação de Pêra
• Why it’s more affordable (and more Portuguese) than nearby tourist hotspots
• Pros and cons of renting or buying property here
• What the weather's really like year-round
• The expat and local communities you’ll find
• Access to supermarkets, restaurants, healthcare, public transport, and international schools

James shares honest insights about the town's charm—and its shortcomings—so you can decide if this sun-drenched beach town could be your new home.

Whether you’re a retiree, expat family, or beach-loving remote worker, this episode gives you all the context you need to consider Armação de Pêra as your potential new hometown in Portugal.

Like our content?

Visit Portugalist.com for more info our check out our book: Moving to Portugal Made Simple

We're also on YouTube if you prefer to watch videos.

Don't forget to book your Free Consultation today: https://www.portugalist.com/chat