Portimao, Portugal - A Place in the Sun

Situated at the mouth of the Arade river, Portimao is one of the biggest cities in the Algarve with a population of around 50,000 – though this more than trebles in the tourist season. The city dates back to Grecian times and has a number of historical sites worth visiting if you want a break from sunbathing. But if beach life is your thing its close to a number of lovely ones, including the Praia de Rocha, which many people think is Portugal’s most stunning seaside spot. Portimao on Portugal’s south western coast is pretty easy to get to – you can fly to Faro from most UK airports in just under 3 hours – then it’s about an hours drive away

- Our first property is a 10 minute drive from Portimão. This 6th floor apartment has not one but two balconies, one with a sea view and one with a view inland. Inside there’s an open plan living and dining area, separate kitchen, one bedroom which opens onto a balcony and a shower room. No longer available, view the agent's website here.

Valued at £137,156 at the time of filming.

Our second property is in the area of Oásis Parque is an área, which is very close to the city but retains a relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. There are a lot of shops and amenities nearby, and many residents live there all-year round. This apartment is close to the communal pools – including an indoor one – and tennis courts. It has a balcony overlooking the gardens, a light filled open plan living and dining room, a separate fitted kitchen, two bedrooms one of which is currently empty, and a bathroom. No longer available, see more from the agent here.

Valued at £117,431 at the time of filming.

- Our third property lies in the Bemposta district, one of the most centrally located residential areas in Portimao. This ground floor apartment has a large back garden with a patio dining and cooking area, a light and bright open plan living area and kitchen, another light filled room which opens onto the garden, two bedrooms, one of which is currently unfurnished, and a shower room. This property is no longer available, see more from the agent here.

Valued at £160,458 at the time of filming

Our fourth property is in the area of Parchal, which is on the other side of river Arade and is quieter than Portimão but still very close. This ground floor apartment has not one but two gardens. Inside there’s a good sized living room, a large light filled kitchen which leads into a dining room, two bedrooms, one of which is next into the dining room, a bathroom and a shower room. It also has a separate garage. This property is no longer available, visit the agent's website here.

Valued at £137,523 at the time of filming.

This 6th floor apartment has a balcony at the front with stunning views, plus a larger balcony slash terrace at the side. Inside has a light and airy living and dining room, separate kitchen, two bedrooms both of which open onto balconies, and a bathroom. It also has an underground parking space. The property is no longer available, visit the agent's website here.

Valued at £137,615 at the time of filming.

This luxury villa lies about halfway between Portimao and Albuferia. Moroccan themed, it has its own lake, stunning views to the mountains and a very plush pool. It's built in a Moroccan style and is one of the only luxury villas in the area. It is rented out in the summer months for £7,500 a week. View this property here.

Valued at £3,211,009 at the time of filming