
The free ‘Living in the Algarve’ seminar in Carvoeiro is a practical, English-language event for anyone considering relocating, retiring or investing in Portugal, bringing together trusted local experts in a relaxed hotel setting on the Algarve coast.
7 July 2026
What is the ‘Living in the Algarve’ seminar?
The ‘Living in the Algarve’ seminar is a long-running series of information sessions created to help international residents understand what is involved in moving to Portugal. The 2026 edition in Carvoeiro is organised by Open Media Group and hosted at the Tivoli Carvoeiro Hotel, a clifftop hotel in the central Algarve.
This will be the 20th seminar in the series, reflecting strong ongoing interest from people looking to relocate, retire or buy property in the region. The focus is on clear, independent guidance rather than sales pitches, with plenty of time for questions.
Why visitors and expats will enjoy this event
If you are already spending time in the Algarve as a tourist, digital nomad or part-time resident and are wondering about a more permanent move, this seminar is designed for you. It brings together specialists who work with international clients every day, so the content is tailored to foreign nationals and English speakers.
The event is also useful if you are still in the research phase. You can get a realistic overview of residency options, tax implications and the property market in one place, instead of trying to piece everything together online. It is a relaxed environment where you can meet other people at a similar stage of their Algarve journey.
What to expect at the 2026 Carvoeiro seminar
The programme covers many of the key questions people have before moving to Portugal. Topics include:
- Portuguese residency rules and visa options, including the D7 and Golden Visa
- Taxation and financial planning for new residents
- How to buy property safely and understand the current Algarve real estate market
- Healthcare and health insurance options
- Practical aspects of relocation and settling in
The seminar is hosted by Bruce Hawker, CEO of Open Media Group, and features a panel of experienced professionals from relocation, legal, financial, insurance and property sectors. Confirmed speakers include representatives from AFPOP, The Sovereign Group Portugal, MEDAL Insurance Brokers, Fine & Country Algarve, The Spectrum IFA Group, Global International Relocation, DS Intermediários de Crédito and Martínez-Echevarría.
Two identical sessions are scheduled, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, so you can choose the time that suits you best. There will be opportunities to ask questions during and around the presentations, as well as informal networking breaks with refreshments, including local wines.
Practical information
Dates and opening times
The free ‘Living in the Algarve’ seminar in Carvoeiro takes place on Tuesday 7 July 2026 at the Tivoli Carvoeiro Hotel. There are two identical sessions, one starting at 10:30 and another at 15:00, so you can attend either morning or afternoon.
Tickets and prices
Admission to the seminar is free, but advance registration is required and places are limited. Full registration details are available via the official Living in the Algarve website. No ticket prices have been announced because this edition is confirmed as a free event.
Who is it for?
The event is aimed at:
- People planning to relocate to the Algarve or wider Portugal
- Retirees considering a move for lifestyle or tax reasons
- Digital nomads and remote workers exploring longer stays
- Overseas buyers interested in Algarve property or investment
Talks are delivered with international attendees in mind, making it especially useful if you are not familiar with Portuguese bureaucracy or the local market.
How to get there
Carvoeiro sits on the central Algarve coast, roughly midway between Lagos and Albufeira, and is easily reached by road from across the region. The Tivoli Carvoeiro Hotel is in the main resort area, on the cliffs above the sea.
If you are arriving via Faro Airport, it is straightforward to drive to Carvoeiro along the A22 motorway and local roads. Many visitors choose to hire a car at the airport for flexibility during their stay; you can compare options using guides to the best car rental companies at Faro Airport.
Taxi and ride-hailing services are also widely available in the central Algarve, and local accommodation providers can usually advise on the quickest route to the hotel.
Tips for making the most of your visit
As this is an information-heavy event, it is worth bringing a notebook or digital device for taking notes, along with any key questions you want to ask the speakers. Arrive a little early to check in, find a good seat and make the most of the networking breaks.
Smart-casual clothing is perfectly appropriate, and the hotel setting makes it easy to combine the seminar with a relaxed lunch, coffee or a walk along the nearby cliffs. Allow some extra time in your schedule in case you want to stay and chat with the experts afterwards.
Make a day of it in the Algarve
Carvoeiro is a lovely base for exploring the central Algarve, with dramatic coastal scenery and several beaches within a short drive. After the seminar, you could head to the shore or plan more things to do in the Algarve during your stay. This part of the coast is also ideal if you want to join one of the popular Benagil cave and coastal cruises, which you can research via dedicated guides to the best local boat trips.
