Silver Coast Villa Rental

What’s New in 2022? 

We have invested in a 2nd rental property on the popular Silver Coast (Costa da Prata) just North of Lisbon, it is a new 3 bedroom 3 bathroom villa with pool and is now ready for rentals all year around. Located in a quiet rural location just a few minutes drive from Sao Martinho do Porto and within walking distance to the cliff tops and beaches.
Villa Vida Nova Silver Coast lends itself to longer stays, for those seeking to escape cold winter climes or those wanting to immigrate and take time to explore and search for a property themselves.


Less than an hours drive from Lisbon and the airport and with public transport to the centre of Lisbon so you don’t need to take the car with the hassles of traffic and parking.
It will be an ideal location to take day trips to explore, Lisbon, the palaces of Sintra, the medieval castle of Obidos, the Obidos lagoon and Foz do Arelho, the gigantic waves of Nazare, historic Alcobaca, Aveiro the Venice of Portugal, Porto, Coimbra, Tomar, these are just a few places to visit, there are many more.

The new villa is just 2 years old and 3 bedrooms 2 upstairs both en-suite, both have patio door access to a wrap around sun terrace, on the ground floor is a 3rd bedroom and a family bathroom. Open plan lounge, diner and kitchen with patio doors on two sides to the garden bbq and pool area. All windows and doors have electric shutters and all rooms have airco/heat. 

 
It is located in a tiny hamlet called Venda Nova about 5 minutes drive from Sao Martinho do Porto which is delightful town on an amazing semi-circular bay. There are a couple of restaurants within a 2km walk and 30 plus restaurants within 5 minutes drive. The closest beach is Salgado, it is huge and one can walk to it in about 15 minutes or drive in under 5 minutes. There is traditional market and an Intermarche 5 minutes away. And the big box stores in Caldas da Rainha at 15 minutes.

If this is of interest to you just shoot me an email 

“May will be very different. Summer will be practically normal”, predicts virologist

Virologist Pedro Simas – one of the Portuguese ‘experts’ who has become almost a household name (if not face) during the pandemic – has given a hugely uplifting press interview in which he predicts that “May will be very different” to the complicated times we are still all experiencing, while June and the rest of the summer “will be practically normal”. Read More

The Algarve remains the best place in the world today to retire overseas.

The Algarve, Portugal Takes Top Honors Yet Again!

For the fifth year in a row, The Algarve remains the best place in the world today to retire overseas.

A view of the coast of the Algarve region in Portugal, with blue and green water and bright trimmed houses.From health care to beaches, The Algarve has something for everyone in Portugal.

But what is it that makes the Algarve so special? The weather is a good place to start. There is sunshine throughout the year and the winters are short and mild. You will never have to shovel snow again. The Algarve receives over 3000 hours of sunshine per year. From May until the end of August there are 12 hours of glorious sunshine per day. The expat community is well established and welcoming.

The medical facilities and health care are affordable and high quality with two major hospitals close by. There are undervalued properties, including ocean views available to suit all budgets. English is widely spoken, thanks to the longstanding British presence. The infrastructure is first class, and you can easily get around the Algarve. The well maintained roads allow for easy access to the rest of Portugal and into the rest of Europe. Portugal’s retiree residency program rolls out the welcome mat for foreign pensioners who they are attracting in greater numbers each year. The Golden Visa process has also been made. Source: Liveandinvestoverseas.com

Portugal is on the Green List!

Book your villa rental in the Algarve direct for and get the best possible rates. No commission.

It looks like 2021 can happen after all, don’t be disappointed book your holiday now.

Have a look at or availability and special offers page. Thank you.

Special offers at Villa Vida Nova

Algarve is the 2nd Cheapest European Resort for Travelers and Brexit Proof!

The Algarve is the 2nd cheapest European resort for travelers, an analysis of 20 seaside holiday destinations reveals.

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In first place, comes Bulgaria followed closely by Portugal’s Algarve and in 3rd place was Turkey, the UK’s Post Office Travel Money said.

The survey looks at the costs of several typical expenses that the average tourist will encounter, including lunch and evening meals, drinks, etc.

The most expensive destination was Sorrento in Italy, where prices were three times more expensive than the survey leaders…ouch!Typical Food 6

The survey concludes that these whilst any result is affected by the strength of sterling against the euro it is better than it was 12 months ago. The real reduction in costs are due to  competitive pricing in restaurants, bars and shops by as much as a third in some resorts.

The survey reflects what costs to expect in various resorts but not the quality of service, food or products bought there. Cheap is not always least just as expensive is not always best. I can speak personally for the Algarve and as many tourist will agree, quality has and still does rate very highly here whilst still being the 2nd cheapest destination in Europe.Typical food 8

So the Algarve comes out tops for value for money notwithstanding favourable weather for 12 months of the year not just the season and has the most frequent flights in and out compared to its close competitors.

But what about Brexit and the Algarve and Portugal?

Brexit means Brelcome, well at least it does in Portugal!

“Brelcome, Portugal will never leave you” affirms new tourism campaign aimed at the British.

– tourism bosses in Portugal unveiled a campaign in March 2019 to reaffirm Portugal’s ongoing commitment to its ‘oldest ally’ Britain. No Visas, access to the SNS health service and to the transport of pets is to remain the same………….read more

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Monchique, Foia and Picota Road Trip

Cobbled streets and artisan shops, a ruined convent and wonderful gardens are well worth a visit. Monchique is famous for it’s cork oak forests, wild boar and black pork cuisine,

Serra da Monchique the “Upper Algarve”

From either the EN125 or the A22 you will find an intersection with the EN266 just north of the coastal city of Portimao. Following this road you will pass through Rasmalho (Stork City), one of the largest colonies of White Storks in Portugal. White Storks in AlgarveYou will be gradually climbing the wooded foothills of the Serra and will come across a famous Spa village, Caldas de Monchique, turn off here and walk this tiny but fascinating village, you may get to see bread being made in the communal ovens, walk the shaded pathways to the thermal streams, or indulge in rituals at the spa itself.

Caldas da Monchique Algarve PortugalContinue upwards to the town of Monchique, cobbled streets and artisan shops, a ruined convent and wonderful gardens are well worth a visit. Monchique is famous for it’s cork oak forests, wild boar and black pork cuisine, if you intend to eat out in the Algarve then Monchique would be a great choice.

Foia, Algarve’s Highest Point

From the town centre continue upwards along the EN266-3 to Foia, the highest point in the Algarve at 902m above sea level. Here you will have spectacular 360 deg views. An unforgettable experience. You can retrace your steps to Monchique or take any of two other roads that descend, one to the east and one to the north, both will bring you back town.

Picota Contour Route

Monchique Algarve Portugal

There is a gorgeous contour drive that you can take from Monchique: Head to the roundabout that you first encountered when you arrived at Monchique, next to the petrol stations, and take the exit marked Alferce EN267. Take a right 20 meters (literally) after entering this road, which goes behind the bar on the corner, (local labour exchange). You are now on the contour road that circumnavigates the smaller mountain of Picota.Superb Views from Foia and Picota in the Algarve Again the coastal views are spectacular, you will also look down on the Oudelouca dam wall. Stay on this road until you hit a T junction, turn left in the direction of Alferce. Take a drive through the village, just a typical sleepy mountain village where sleeping dogs will not raise an eyebrow as you pass by. Follow signs back to Monchique.

Side trip to Silves

Leave Monchique by the way you came on the EN266, if you still have a few hours, at Porto de Lagos roundabout turn left on the EN124 in the direction of Silves. You can have a taste of this historic walled town with Moorish castle, archaeological museum and Roman bridge, though this could be a full half day trip in its own right.

Algarve West Coast Road Trip.

The Algarve West Coast. Some of the best coastal scenery in Europe awaits you here, pristine, deserted beaches and rugged cliffs will captivate you.

Fishing villages, deserted beaches, rugged cliffs and views, views and more views!

Some of the best coastal scenery in Europe awaits you here, pristine, deserted beaches and rugged cliffs will captivate you. Take the A22 or EN125 to Lagos, Lagos is a day trip all on its own so don’t include it on this itinerary there is simply not the time. Continue west along the EN125. At Vale Verde turn left on the EN537 to visit Praia da Luz and Burgau. Don’t turn north at Burgau keep going west along a much smaller coast road to Salema. These are all small fishing villages that are popular but not swamped with tourism. Great fish restaurants in all of them.2004 hols nigels camera 008

Changes in Scenery and landscape

Head north again until you hit the EN125 again and head west in the direction of Villa do Bispo and Sagres. You will notice that the landscape has changed drastically, very few trees and quite windswept, not unlike Cornwall in the UK, for much the same reason. At Sagres visit the Fortaleza de Sagres and the Cabo de Sao Vicente light house. The cliffs here are spectacular albeit dangerous, don’t go too close to the edge! You are also at the most South Western corner of Europe.West coast 1

Retrace your steps to Vila do Bispo and find the north west corner of the village near the market, head out on the M1265 to Praia do Castelejo, this is one of the best unspoiled beaches in the Algarve, if not Portugal. Back to Vila do Bispo and then head north on the EN268. There are about a dozen small tracks that head west off this road to some spectacular and remote beaches, each about 4kms long, you may need a 2nd day to try some of these. Head north and (don’t miss this section), just 2-30 meters before the quaint village of Carrapateira there is a turn to the left that goes south west to Praia do Amado and from here a wonderful cliff top road that runs north, don’t take a right turn to Carrapateira but continue along the cliff road. There are some great cliff top board walks you can go on. Eventually this road will look down on Praia do Bordeira which is a kite surfers paradise and end up back on the EN268.

Historic Aljezur

Head north again. The EN268 will join the EN120 continue north in the direction of Aljezur which is an old village to explore with a castle and some excellent traditional restaurants. Drive through the narrow streets and keep going uphill to the castle (to save your legs). A few kms before Aljezur you will have passed a turning to the coast, if you have time, track-back and take the M1003-1 to Praia da Arrifana, a surfers haven with stunning scenery, fishing harbour and a small fort that was badly damaged by a tsunami in 1755 which stands atop a 200 foot cliff, yes a tsunami, seriously.

DSC_0251At this point you can turn back on the EN120 to Lagos about an hours drive. Or from Aljezur take the EN267 in an easterly direction towards Monchique. This is a delightful route via the village of Marmelete and then along a contour road to the EN266 just south of Monchique, turn right in the direction of Portimao, this route will take about one hour 15 minutes.

Algarve has Perfect Weather for a Convertible

300 days of sunshine each year make holidays in the Algarve  very popular and driving a convertible a real pleasure. No better place to get your top down! Sightseeing couldn’t be better, secluded coves along the coast or panoramic views from Foia.

Honda S2000 in the Algarve

300 days of sunshine each year make holidays in the Algarve  very popular and driving a convertible a real pleasure. No better place to get your top down! I have to say though when we lived in the Algarve full-time, during July and August, the top only came down for half an hour or so then up it went and airco on. Those months are just too hot to drive without airco! The rest of the year though is perfect and now that we only spend winters here we take every opportunity to zip around the twisties here in Monchique with the wind in my (grey) hair! (Weather Statistics)

Enjoying the "Twisties" in our Honda S2000
Enjoying the “Twisties” in our Honda S2000

We also try to get away for a few days here and there, New Year in Cadiz Spain, the weather was glorious with temps in the high teens, no rain and blue sky, a great trip, only spoiled by the rudeness of the local Spanish people. Well there you go symptoms of Brexit perhaps?

We love to tour Portugal there are so many interesting places to visit, stacked with culture, history and excellent food, any excuse and we off to somewhere and above all the people are polite and friendly, Portugal is England’s oldest ally!

Javali (wild boar) not usually this curious!
Javali (wild boar) not usually this curious!

One of our favourite places to visit is Tomar, it has a Monastery and castle of the Knights Templars well worth seeing, the town is picturesque with great restaurants.

Algarve Road Trips

There are plenty of day road trips from our Villa Rental in the Algarve and also into the Alentejo, the next province north of here. We often explore and redo trips to Sagres the most south-western point of Europe and from there the west coast right up to the Alentejo border.  Easily done in a day with a stopover at one of the many restaurants along the way. Spectacular unspoiled scenery around every corner.

Our Honda is popular with the wildlife too, this Javali, (wild boar) was inquisitive and kindly left his muddy nose print on my pride and joy, bless him!

Slalom at one of the Portuguese Honda S2000 weekends in the north of Portugal.

Honda S2000 slalom in Viseu Portugal
Honda S2000 slalom in Viseu Portugal

Winters day on the west coast of the Algarve.

A typical winters day on the west coast of Portugal
A typical winters day on the west coast of Portugal

Villa Vida Nova receives coveted Certificate of Excellence!

Algarve villa rental “Villa Vida Nova” receives coveted TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for providing consistently outstanding experiences and whose owners offer first-class customer service to their guests.

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(24 October 2018)

Villa Vida Nova villa rental in Algarve receives coveted Certificate of Excellence

TripAdvisor has given Nigel Stringer and Beverly Herrington-Stringer, owners of Villa Vida Nova, its exclusive Certificate of Excellence accolade – presented to the best of TripAdvisor Rentals’ hundreds of thousands of homes.

The Certificate of Excellence is given annually to those properties that provide consistently outstanding experiences and whose owners offer first-class customer service to their guests.

Owner of Villa Vida Nova, a home that received the accolade, Nigel Stringer said that he is thrilled with the recognition.

“We are very pleased to earn the Certificate of Excellence for our property. We have listed with TripAdvisor Rentals for nine years and we always strive to provide great customer service. It’s great to be rewarded by TripAdvisor after all of our hard work and it’s wonderful to know that our many guests over the last years have really valued their stay.”

Laurel Greatrix, Communications Director, TripAdvisor Rentals, said: “We’re excited to recognise and honour the top homes and homeowners on our site. This is a hard-earned accolade, and we’d like to thank Nigel and Beverly for their dedication to providing travelers with consistently outstanding experiences.”

Villa Vida Nova is available to book directly or if you prefer through TripAdvisor Rentals  where travelers can search, compare and book hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. Choose properties with Payment Protection to enjoy safe and secure payment.

The Certificate of Excellence recognises properties that meet strict criteria, which take into account customer service as well as quantity and quality of reviews. 

About TripAdvisor Rentals

TripAdvisor Rentals is the holiday rentals branch of TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site. Travelers can search, compare and book hundreds of thousands of rental properties worldwide on TripAdvisor Rentals, including beach houses, ski cabins, private islands, treehouses and city apartments. Feel confident in your decision with our Payment Protection. For more information, please visit: TripAdvisor Rentals.

Villa Vida Nova
               Villa Vida Nova villa rental Algarve Portugal book direct and save                       weeks from Euro 595

Portugal on track for biggest property price rise in Europe

Strong national and international demand for property coupled with a housing shortage have put Portugal on track for a forecast 9.5 percent rise in property prices this year

The Portuguese real estate market should “remain dynamic over the next few years!

Source: The Portugal News Online  NEWS · 06-09-2018 09:39:00 ·

Strong demand for property in Portugal

Strong national and international demand for property coupled with a housing shortage have put Portugal on track for a forecast 9.5 percent rise in property prices this year, which means Portugal, along with Ireland, will be the European country with the sharpest increase in real estate prices, among the 10 countries analysed by the US financial rating agency S&P.

Portugal on track for biggest property price rise in Europe

This forecast, according to a piece by business and economy site Economia Online, is made in the ‘Europe’s Housing Market’ report published on Monday by S&P.

In the report, the agency analyses real estate price developments in Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

S&P predicts only in the UK will prices remain unchanged this year, with increases in all other cases; up until 2021, Portugal will remain among the countries with the highest increases.

As a result of strong demand, both domestic and international, and supply shortages, prices are expected to increase by 9.5 percent this year, slowing down to seven percent in 2019, six percent in 2020 and 5 percent in 2021. This, after last year, having already increased by 10.5 percent, and another 7.7 percent in 2016.

The Portuguese property market “remains affordable”

Nonetheless, S&P believes that the Portuguese market “remains affordable”, with “a price-earnings ratio still seven percent below the long-term average”.

In any case, S&P points out, “limited supply coupled with strong domestic and external demand is fuelling house price inflation”.

Bolstering this demand is “robust economic growth, job creation and low interest rates” as well as falling unemployment and “special incentives” such as the granting of gold visas and the programme for non-residents.

In this context, the agency anticipates that Portugal’s economic growth will remain “solid” this year, despite a slowdown compared to 2017, pointing to an increase of 2.3 percent of GDP.

Thus, the Portuguese real estate market should “remain dynamic over the next few years, supported by job creation and increased incomes, as well as by external demand”, S&P concluded.

The gap between supply and demand is also expected to continue over the next few years. This is because the number of properties under construction is increasing, but still small, so it will likely not keep pace with the growth of demand.

A few Interesting facts about Portugal!

Portugal is well ranked of countries that best know English as a second language. Portugal comes in first place in Southern Europe and 18th worldwide

Portugal is well classified in the ranking of countries that best know English as a second language

Portuguese are the best English speakers in southern Europe

FEBRUARY 6, 2018 4:47 PM

With tourism reaching peaks of demand from the all four corners of the world, it is not surprising that Portugal is well classified in the ranking of countries that best know English as a second language. According to the English Proficiency Index prepared by Education First, Portugal comes in first place in Southern Europe and 18th worldwide, set at the “High” level of knowledge of the English language.

Tourism weight in economy increases 47% in eight years

JANUARY 30, 2018 4:45 PM

According to data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), holidaymakers spent more than €23 billion in Portugal in 2016. Over 28 million visitors entered the country. The number of overnight stays exceeded 144 million. Tourism is growing four times faster than the rest of the Portuguese economy and represents 7% of the gross domestic product.

Lisbon and Porto among the most popular European tourist destinations

JANUARY 16, 2018 4:42 PM

Lisbon was the fifth most popular destination for European holidaymakers in 2017, registering a 17% jump when compared to the year before. Porto came in ninth place, 12% above 2016. Registering a 24% increase, London was the first choice for European tourists, followed by Barcelona, Mallorca and Paris.

Source – Nalle.pt

Cowichan Valley Seasonal Contrasts

Different moods for different seasons

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One June evening in the summer of 2017 we were blessed with this awesome sunset whilst sitting on our deck with a glass of wine. We live for the best part of the year in British Columbia Canada, on Vancouver Island in the Cowichan Valley. Our house sits in an elevated position on terraced land with views over lake Quamichan to the mountains beyond.

It is early May now and the last of the snow has melted from the top of that mountain in the photograph, temperatures here are warming up with averages of about 15 or 16 deg C and highs of 24.

By contrast here is a photograph of the same view in winter.

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And here is an early morning summer photograph not a breath of wind.

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And by way of even more contrast an early morning autumn mist covers the lake.

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Same view but different moods for different seasons!

Strange Aloe type plant near the Villa

In the small lane that leads down to our villa this Aloe type plant is just growing wild at the side of the road. We had never noticed a plant growing there but now it is flowering it is very noticeable, the flowers are opening up from the bottom a few more inches every day. To give a perspective the flowering part is about 6-8 foot long.

We suspect that a seed has been dropped by a bird and taken root. We have not seen one like this on our travels  in Portugal or Spain so wonder if it has come from Morocco and the Sahara. If any one knows more about this mysterious plant please let me know.

The trees in the back ground, by the way, are Cork Oaks. The cork has been stripped off part way up the trunk. When the cork has been stripped the trunk underneath is dark orange but turns black after 6 months or so. The cork will grow back and be ready for stripping again after a minimum of  9 years.