Join our FREE Portuguese webinar with Liz Sharma on January 21st!Sign up here: https://luma.com/czavpk6p

Liz Sharma is the founder of Talk the Streets, a Portuguese language learning platform that focuses on practical Portuguese in plain English. She studied Portuguese at university in Manchester, fell in love with the language, did an Erasmus exchange in Coimbra, and eventually moved to Lisbon nine years ago at age 30 when she was ready for a new chapter.

Liz shares how she went from working in PR and traveling constantly to Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, to deciding she wanted to put down roots in Lisbon. When the pandemic hit in 2020, she started a YouTube channel teaching European Portuguese, and it took off immediately because she was filling a gap in how Portuguese was being taught online.

We discuss why you're missing out on 50-80% of experiences and connections in Portugal if you can't speak the language, even in big cities where everyone speaks English. Liz explains her PRO method: Pronunciation (so people actually understand you and don't respond in English), Real-life dialogues (not just colors and animals), and Only essential grammar (not pages of fill-in-the-gap exercises).

You'll hear about the common misconceptions about Portuguese pronunciation, why native English speakers find language learning so daunting, and practical examples like students leaving notes in neighbors' postboxes that spark real friendships. Liz also shares stories of her students joining knitting circles, hiking groups, and clearing yards with neighbors because they made the effort to learn the language.

Perfect for anyone considering relocation to Portugal who's intimidated by language learning, retirees moving to more remote areas where Portuguese is essential, or anyone frustrated that Portuguese people keep responding to them in English.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Meet Liz from Talk the Streets01:08 Studying Portuguese at University in Manchester03:24 Moving to Lisbon Nine Years Ago at Age 3004:38 What Lisbon Was Like Before the Digital Nomad Boom07:15 From PR Travel to Teaching Portuguese08:23 Starting a YouTube Channel During the Pandemic10:38 Why Learning Portuguese Matters Even When Everyone Speaks English12:38 The Problem with Traditional Language Learning12:55 Stories of Students Integrating Through Portuguese15:37 The PRO Method: Pronunciation, Real-Life, Only Essential Grammar16:23 Why People Respond to You in English (And How to Fix It)18:16 What We'll Cover in the Free Webinar

➣ CONTACT US for relocation assistanceGet on a free discovery call and we can outline how we can work with you.https://www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

Check out our Instagram @algarveaddicts

Connect with Raw Algarve Adventures:Website: https://www.rawalgarve.com/

Meet Chris Holt, a Canadian who runs Raw Algarve Adventures, showing visitors the hidden side of the Algarve that most tourists miss. Chris first visited Lagos in 2014, fell in love with the place, but couldn't see how to afford life here on hostel and bar wages. After teaching English in Madrid and returning every summer, he finally started his adventure tour business in 2018.

Chris shares how he navigated setting up a business in Portugal as a foreigner, dealing with finances for the first time, and switching from a British to Irish passport after Brexit. We talk about why Lagos is the perfect base for exploring the western Algarve triangle, how the season has extended from just summer to nearly year-round, and what visitors miss when they only hit the greatest hits like Benagil.

You'll discover the hidden beaches and interior spots worth exploring, why winter hiking in the Algarve is underrated, and how a group of hostel workers became a network of business owners in Lagos. Chris also shares practical advice on over tourism, the Via Algarviana trail, and why being willing to walk a bit and drive 30 minutes opens up completely different experiences.

Perfect for people considering adventure tourism businesses in Portugal, relocators wanting to understand Lagos beyond the party reputation, hikers looking for less crowded trails, or anyone curious about building a life here starting from scratch.

Chapters00:03 Introduction: Life in Lagos Since 201800:32 From Canada to France to Lagos01:20 The Hostel Friend Group That Became Business Owners01:51 The Four Years Before Starting Raw Algarve03:17 Setting Up a Business in Portugal as a Foreigner04:34 Switching from British to Irish Passport After Brexit05:23 Managing Your Own Business: Marketing and Guiding05:32 How the Season Has Extended Beyond Summer06:30 What Most Visitors Miss in the Algarve07:40 Lagos: Perfect Base for the Western Triangle08:12 Vetting People for Cliff Walks09:17 The Seven Hanging Valleys Hike10:42 Safety on the Cliffs: Darwin Awards and Selfie Deaths12:04 Dogs Wine Beach: The Unique Dog Shelter Partnership14:57 Meet Bento: Chris's Rescue Dog15:40 Wine Under Seven Euros: Portugal's Hidden Gems16:44 Adding History to the Tours18:07 The Moorish Influence on the Algarve19:38 Henry the Navigator and Lagos History20:24 How Salazar Changed Portuguese Architecture22:22 The 1974 Revolution's Impact on Portuguese Culture23:53 Social Responsibility and Leave No Trace25:26 Over Tourism: Are We On That Path?26:26 What the Government Should Focus On28:25 Meet Dolores: The 1999 Toyota Hiace31:22 What Relocators Should Know About Lagos32:25 Managing Mold and Real Life in Portugal33:38 Learning Portuguese: Why It Matters More Than Ever35:49 The Best Way to Learn Portuguese37:09 Making an Effort to Integrate39:39 What's Next for Chris40:46 Exploring the Interior: Hidden Restaurant Gems42:47 Via Algarviana and Winter Hiking44:21 Madeira: The Best Hike Outside the Algarve46:13 Future Collaboration Plans

➣ CONTACT US for relocation assistanceGet on a free discovery call and we can outline how we can work with you.https://www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

Check out our Instagram instagram.com/algarveaddicts

Connect with Marta and Fábrica do Empreendedor Lagos:Instagram (Fábrica): https://www.instagram.com/fabricadoempreendedorlagos/Instagram (Marta): https://www.instagram.com/martasofiacdinis/

Meet Marta Dinis, who works at Fábrica do Empreendedor in Lagos, a completely free resource funded by the city hall that helps people start businesses and find jobs. Located right in the Lagos marina, this organization supports entrepreneurs and job seekers without charging a cent for workshops, one-on-one consultations, or business development help.

Marta shares what kinds of businesses people are actually starting in Lagos (spoiler: not all tourism related), the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make, and why you should never rent a space before checking with the city hall. We talk about legal requirements for home-based food businesses, how the Lagos entrepreneurial scene is growing, and why international entrepreneurs and Portuguese locals working together creates something special.

You'll discover how to access free business support, what their training covers, and why Lagos is becoming a hub for tech events and entrepreneurship in the western Algarve. Marta also explains the partnership approach that makes things happen, from TEDx to DevFest, and why the city hall actually supports these initiatives.

Perfect for anyone considering starting a business in Portugal, relocators wanting to understand the entrepreneurial landscape, or people curious about what free resources exist to help you launch successfully in the Algarve.

00:00 Introduction: From Lisbon to Lagos02:31 What Is Fábrica do Empreendedor?04:27 How It's Different From Government Employment Services06:13 What Kinds of Businesses Are Starting in Lagos07:12 Creating Community Among Entrepreneurs07:57 Partnership with Events: TEDx Lagos and DevFest14:54 How Many Projects Pass Through Each Year20:39 Most Common Reasons Projects Fail30:55 Is Entrepreneurship Growing in the Algarve?32:55 Why Lagos Is Where Things Are Happening34:47 How City Hall Supports Entrepreneurship36:10 Visit Them at the Marina

➣ CONTACT US for relocation assistanceGet on a free discovery call and we can outline how we can work with you.https://www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

Check out our Instagram instagram.com/algarveaddicts - we'd love to connect with you there!

Thumbnail image credits to Mathias: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ4QjYMjAjW/

Connect with Mathias Explores:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mathias.explores/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mathiasexplores

Meet Mathias Fernandes, the photographer behind Mathias Explores and the guy who earned the nickname "The Algarve Guy" for knowing all the best spots along Portugal's southern coast. With 80k Instagram followers, Mathias has built a thriving photography and videography business capturing the landscapes he calls home.

Mathias shares how a simple trip to the Azores with his mom sparked a photography journey that went from casual hobby to full career. Through consistency and sharing his work on social media, opportunities naturally evolved into client work. We talk about how Instagram growth has changed over the years, why he's shifting focus to YouTube for deeper storytelling, and what keeps the Algarve fresh after shooting it for nearly a decade.

But this conversation goes beyond photography. Mathias reflects on what makes Portuguese culture special, from the slow pace of meals to the 20-minute goodbye rituals with family. He explains why quality of life here beats the hustle culture elsewhere and why even after traveling the world for work, he always comes back grateful to live in the Algarve.

Perfect for aspiring photographers building a business, content creators navigating social media changes, digital nomads considering Portugal, or anyone curious about what slow living actually looks like in practice.

Chapters00:00 Introduction: The Algarve Guy00:24 How He Got That Nickname01:35 Photography Started on a Trip to the Azores02:41 From Action Cam to Full Frame Cameras04:04 When Hobby Became Career05:40 Growing on Instagram: Then vs Now08:04 80k Followers and Staying Inspired36:29 What He Tells People About Living Here38:22 The Portuguese Way: Slow Meals and Long Goodbyes41:16 What's Next: Focusing on YouTube43:38 Connecting With Fishermen in Ferragudo

➣ CONTACT US for relocation assistanceGet on a free discovery call and we can outline how we can work with you.https://www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

Check out our Instagram https://instagram.com/algarveaddicts - we'd love to connect with you there!

Is Portugal still worth moving to in 2025? With rising property costs, changing visa policies, and concerns about overtourism, it's a legitimate question that deserves an honest answer based on current realities.

Nick Smith, Commercial Director at Algarve Addicts and Chartered Surveyor (MRICS), provides an unfiltered assessment of Portugal's relocation landscape. This isn't a promotional session or cheerleading for Portugal. It's a straightforward analysis of what relocating to Portugal actually looks like right now.

What we cover:

• Financial reality: How Portugal's cost of living compares to other European destinations in 2025

• Immigration updates: What's actually changing with visa policies and how it affects your plans

• Quality of life comparison: Portugal today versus five years ago

• The "missed the boat" myth: Whether it's genuinely too late or just noise

• Who should still move: The types of people for whom Portugal still makes complete sense (and who might want to reconsider)

This webinar gives you the information you need to make an informed relocation decision for YOUR specific situation.

About Nick Smith:

Nick is a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with extensive property industry experience from London's global firms and boutique agencies. After making his own spontaneous move to the Algarve, he's helped countless families navigate their relocation journeys. As a family man himself, Nick understands that getting it right means more than just finding the perfect property - it's about the entire lifestyle shift.

Ready to explore your Portugal relocation options?

Contact us: https://www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

Follow us on Instagram: / algarveaddicts

Subscribe for more honest insights about relocating to Portugal!

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Overview of Portugal's Appeal

00:03:01 Cost of Living in Portugal: A Deep Dive

00:05:56 Visas and Immigration Policies: What's Changing?

00:08:52 Quality of Life: Then vs. Now

00:11:51 Housing Market Insights: Renting vs. Buying

00:15:03 The Future of Property Prices in Portugal

00:17:47 Navigating the Real Estate Market: Tips and Strategies

00:20:56 Q&A Session: Addressing Audience Queries

00:34:44 Navigating the Car Market in Portugal

00:39:45 Understanding Property Taxes and Insurance

00:42:54 Cost of Living Insights

00:44:29 Changes in Visa and Immigration Policies

00:50:10 Quality of Life: Then and Now

01:08:31 Who Portugal is For: Lifestyle Considerations

01:11:50 The Cost of Living and Quality of Life

01:13:36 Investment Opportunities in Portugal

01:15:12 Future Outlook: Is Portugal a Good Long-Term Choice?

01:17:01 Tourism Dynamics: The Summer Experience

01:20:51 Navigating Property and Legal Challenges

01:22:48 Final Thoughts

#MoveToPortugal #PortugalRelocation #LivingInPortugal #AlgarveLife #ExpatLife #PortugalVisa #DigitalNomadPortugal #RetireInPortugal #PortugalRealEstate #Algarve

Connect with Coach Kat:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kat.cut.fit/Website: https://www.katcutfit.com/

Meet Coach Kat, an online mobility and flexibility coach who runs her thriving business from Albufeira. With over 100k Instagram followers, she helps people move pain-free and regain strength through her online coaching platform. Her approach to relocation? Just show up and figure it out as you go.

Kat shares how she chose Albufeira simply because it was the first apartment she found, why she's stayed, and what makes the town work for entrepreneurs and digital nomads. We talk about the reality of getting your NIF and residency as an EU citizen, how she built community by starting "Walk and Talk" hiking meetups every Saturday, and why she learned Portuguese through one-on-one coaching instead of group classes.

You'll discover what daily life looks like in Albufeira beyond the party reputation, how to find your people when you arrive, and why being present matters more than planning everything perfectly from abroad. Kat also shares her perspective on why the Algarve attracts people who want to build businesses while actually enjoying life.

Perfect for digital nomads and online entrepreneurs considering Portugal, anyone curious about Albufeira beyond the tourist stories, or people who want practical advice on building community and learning Portuguese after relocating.

Chapters00:02 Introduction: Turning People Into Supple Leopards01:12 100k on Instagram and Running Business From Albufeira01:40 How She Chose Albufeira (First Apartment She Found)02:52 What's Actually Good About Albufeira04:06 Getting Your NIF as an EU Citizen05:54 Building Community and Making Friends06:28 Starting the Albufeira Meetup Groups07:30 Creating Walk and Talk: Saturday Hiking Meetups20:13 Learning Portuguese: The One-on-One Approach23:08 What Makes Portugal Different From Other Countries25:38 Advice for Newcomers: Just Arrive and Figure It Out27:19 How to Connect With Coach Kat

➣ CONTACT US for relocation assistanceGet on a free discovery call and we can outline how we can work with you.https://www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

Check out our Instagram @algarveaddicts - we'd love to connect with you there!

Meet Simone Cimiluca-Radzins, an American entrepreneur and community builder who went from Santa Monica to the South of France to Lagos, all while raising a young daughter. Her story shows what happens when you trust your gut about where you're meant to be.

After building a life in the French Riviera through COVID lockdowns, Simone and her French husband visited Lisbon in January 2022. The warmth and openness they felt was undeniable. Within months, they'd packed up and moved to Lagos based on a consultation call and pure intuition, without ever visiting first.

Simone shares the reality of that first year (she didn't actually like it at first), how she went from feeling isolated to co-organizing TEDx Lagos, and why building community became central to her life here. We also tackle the complexities of being a foreigner in Portugal right now and practical ways expats can integrate and give back.

Perfect for families considering Portugal with young kids, entrepreneurs building location-independent businesses, or anyone navigating what it means to be a thoughtful expat in today's Portugal.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Entrepreneur, Mom, Community Builder

01:58 Life in the South of France During COVID

03:18 Having a Baby During French Lockdown

05:36 The Lisbon Trip That Changed Everything

07:09 Booking a Consultation and Choosing Lagos Sight Unseen

08:06 Landing in Lagos and the First Impressions

39:59 Words of Advice for Future Relocators

➣ CONTACT US for relocation assistanceGet on a free discovery call and we can outline how we can work with you.https://www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

Check out our Instagram @algarveaddicts - we'd love to connect with you there!

Connect with Elena: https://freedomseekerphoto.com/

Meet Elena Dimitrova, the Bulgarian marketer and photographer behind Freedom Seeker who's building a life of creative freedom in Lagos. From discovering marketing through Seth Godin's "Purple Cow" at 15 to co-organizing TEDx Lagos, Elena's journey shows what happens when you follow your intuition and let things unfold naturally.

Elena shares how she went from studying business in Bournemouth to becoming a freelancer in Portugal, why she asked strangers for advice before launching her business, and how audience-first marketing actually works in practice. You'll discover what it's like running multiple businesses under one brand: from managing marketing campaigns to hiding behind rocks to capture secret proposals at Ponta da Piedade.

We dive into the magic of TEDx Lagos (and why you should come to the next one!), the challenges of Portuguese bureaucracy, and how living near the ocean changes your entire relationship with life. Elena also reveals her favourite secret Algarve spots and why Portugal has made her feel freer than ever before.

Perfect for aspiring freelancers wondering how to start, creatives building portfolio careers, marketers who want to do it differently, or anyone curious about what life looks like when you design it around freedom instead of fitting into someone else's structure.

Chapters00:00 Introduction00:30 Meet Elena: Freedom as a Core Value01:07 Growing Up in Bulgaria with Outdoor Freedom03:48 Moving to Bournemouth and a Career in Marketing09:00 Moving to Portugal and Starting Fresh21:30 What is TEDx Lagos and Why Come?29:30 The TEDx Lagos Experience32:30 Life as a Freedom Seeker: Marketing and Photography33:34 Secret Proposals in the Algarve36:23 How Portugal Changed Elena36:51 Reconnecting with Nature in Portugal

➣ CONTACT US for relocation assistanceGet on a free discovery call and we can outline how we can work with you.https://www.algarveaddicts.com/contact

Check out our Instagram @algarveaddicts - we'd love to connect with you there!