Villa Real de Santo is a lovely region to live in. I am a retired Irish Nurse, 71, living in Monte Gordo, opposite the train Sation. There is so much to do it's unbelievable. The people are friendly and welcoming. I have been here for 12 mths and it has been the happiest time since I started comi...
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...ng to the Algarve. You can take the train or the bus to Spain, or the rest of Europe. The beaches are is fantastic and there is so much fish in the sea if you are into fishing.Sunday morning there is Yoga and exercises free on the beach. It is safe to walk at night on one's own. It is the only safe place where I have felt comfortable with 4 very young grandchildren of 10,7,5, and a little girl of 3, I just open the door in the mornings and they have complete freedom in a locked Villa, the owner a retired school teacher and her son a Pilot love to watch them playing when they are at home. They don't have any screen time and never watch the TV. We collect scraps when we are out and they make tents to play in and out of. On the other side of the railway track is a gipsy camp, and their horses graze in the field beside us and the kids feed them carrots and hay. Now it's winter and I have spent 3 wks making an advent calendar for my host and Hostess. They were speechless when I gave it to them last night. Accommodation is best secured through word of mouth. My Landlord may be able to help you if you like. It takes me 3 quarters of an hour, but I am looking at different things enrouteI know he has another apartment in Monte Gordo. I walk to Villa Real in the morning time about once a month, shop in Continental, Pingo Doce and Lidl and take a taxi home. I like to give a bit of business so get Milk, fish, bread and cakes in Monte Gardo, There are plenty of Indian Shops and 1 guy I have made friends with would turn somersaults to do what he can for me.I sometimes look after his shop while he gets tea..The winter snowbirds are mainly Dutch and, Scandinavian.Really lovely people. Then I don't see any bad in people. You won't regret coming and I look forward to meeting up with you..I am going home for Xmas.
Joan