Portugal's Slow Cities

Many house buyers are attracted to Portugal by the prospect of a slower pace of life -the time to savour the pleasures of the land- the fine wine and food, good company, capitivating landscapes and the warmth of the sun. Now the Slow Cities movement has come to Portugal to enshrine these values.

The Slow Cities movement was founded in Italy in 1999 with the aim of preserving the traditions of the towns and cities that take part. To be named a Slow City one must aim to provide a superior quality of life for residents and visitors, promote tranquility, gastronomy, hospitality and respect for the local environment and history. Ana Albuquerque, who was responsible for bringing the Slow Cities movement to Portugal explains that the movement "is not in anyway against evolution but we want to fight globalization it its worse sense as it leads to a uniform society and, subsequently, mediocrity".

The historical Algarvean cities of Tavira, São Brás de Alportel, Silves and Lagos are the first in Portugal to join the movement. It seems likely that they will be the first of many as the movement embraces so much of what makes Portugal so popular and appealing.

It is possible to find such towns and cities throughout Portugal Madeira and the Azores so if you are house hunting and this lifestyle appeals to you please contact us for suggestions


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