Studying in the Algarve / Portimão

Studying in the Algarve / Portimão The Algarve is a region in the far south of Portugal and is undoubtedly Portugal's
biggest tourist destination, distinguished by its exuberant natural beauty, beautiful beaches with warmer waters and a mild climate all year round.

The Algarve is organised into 16 municipalities that correspond to 16 cities, of which we would highlight Portimão, home to ISMAT - Instituto Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes, a university institute that teaches undergraduate, master's and postgraduate courses and specialisations.

Coming to study in Portugal and choosing the Algarve means combining quality of life, culture and tranquillity with studying and obtaining a university degree, which in Portugal and at ISMAT is 3 years for a bachelor's/master's degree and a further 2/3 years for a master's degree.

There are places where you feel happier, more alive and inspired and where you can realise your dreams.

There are many testimonies and descriptions to be found on the web about living and studying in the Algarve. For us, these were the most suggestive and best describe the experience a student can have when choosing the Algarve and ISMAT-Instituto Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes to obtain their bachelor's or master's degree.

1. The climate in the Algarve and why Portimão?

In 2017, Portimão was the municipality that recorded the highest increase in the ‘living’ indicator of the Portugal City Brand Ranking/2017 - Portuguese Municipalities, promoted by Bloom Consulting, occupying 25th place in this indicator, having risen 6 places in national terms and compared to 2016.

Here we have more than 300 days of sunshine a year and little rainfall, which allows us to enjoy many outdoor
activities. The influence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans and the proximity of the Algarve region to North Africa allow you to enjoy mild winters with little rain and dry, hot summers.

2. Accessibility_How to get there

Portimão is located close to Faro airport, the bus terminal, the railway line and a fast motorway connection that allows a quick connection to all regions of Portugal, namely Lisbon and Oporto and other Spanish towns due to its proximity to Spain.

3. Hospitality_ feeling at home!

The Portuguese are hospitable, friendly, very tolerant and welcoming people. The vast majority of younger people speak English and/or French. And the Algarve has long been home to different communities from various countries: Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Brazil and Africa, among many others.

4. Healthy environment _Reserves and protected areas

The air and water are clean and fulfil legal requirements that guarantee water quality. The national planning regime is strict and preserves areas of biological interest, such as the Ria Formosa Natura Park, and protects them by not allowing property development. To the west of Lagos is the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, with its 150 kilometres of protected coastline, rock formations and some of the best beaches in the world.

The Barão S. João zoo is an example of conservation and protection, and is a model of modern practice, with beautiful habitats for its 120 species, much appreciated by children and adults alike.

5. Sport and leisure_ Favour outdoor activities

The Algarve has more than 30 golf courses, including some of the best in Europe. Many of these courses have
privileged views of the ocean and the Algarve's magnificent beaches.

Along the trails of the Costa Algravia and Costa Vicentina we can find many cliffs marked with climbing fields, excellent places for birdwatching, particularly during seasonal migrations. One of these great spots is Sagres, which is at the western end of the Rota Vicentina, a hiking trail that crosses 300 kilometres of the Algarve's most beautiful countryside.

Throughout the Algarve you can find excellent facilities for tennis, paddle tennis, squash, mountain biking, karting and microlite flying. A highlight here in Portimão is the Kartódromo at the Autódromo de Portimão, which is among the world's leading karting venues, while the Autódromo itself is on the World Superbike Championship circuit.

In the Algarve you can practise all water sports, the west is the best for surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, sport fishing, yachting and sailing courses, water skiing, diving and underwater fishing.

In addition to all the cultural programmes and events sponsored by Turismo do Algarve, most towns organise national and international gastronomic events, exhibitions and sporting activities.

In Portimão there are several such as the sardine festival or the Praia da Rocha sports area.

Other great activities in the Algarve region include theme parks such as Slide ‘n’ Splash, Aqualand, Zoomarine and the Fiesa sand sculpture park.

6. Gastronomy

Portuguese gastronomy is rich and varied and is a veritable roadmap of the Mediterranean diet.

With the sea being one of our main attractions and the markets an ex-libris of the region, here you can find the delights
of the Atlantic Ocean, such as sea bass and sea bream, among other varieties, as well as oysters, mussels, clams and barnacles, in short, you can also enjoy the local seafood.

Olives, figs, almonds, pine nuts, grapes and citrus fruits, as well as a wide range of seasonal produce, including sweet potatoes and carob beans, are all grown locally. The cheeses, especially the buttery cheeses, the cured hams and the famous acorn-fed black pork from the Alentejo, are excellent, as is the olive oil.

The wine tradition goes back to antiquity, Portugal has a wide variety of wines and distinct regions, resulting in a variety of excellent wines.

And of course you can't forget the regional sweets, many of which are made from almonds, figs and carob flour. Highlights include the irresistible Dom Rodrigo, the fine and colourful massapão sweets, the Morgadinhos, the Carriços and the fig cheeses.

7. Reasonable cost of living

Portugal has until now been one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Wages in Portugal are much lower than in northern Europe. This means that the cost of living, public transport and healthcare are lower, with services generally cheaper than in northern Europe. However, in summer the cost of living tends to rise in this region due to the increase in tourism.

8. Health

The national health service is complemented by a network of private practices and hospitals, which can be relatively cheap depending on health insurance. However, the National Health Service is low cost and mostly free.

9. Safety

We are a safe country Portugal ranks among the safest countries in Europe and has low crime rates, both in the big cities and in the more inland regions.

These are some of the reasons we've found on the web that define Portimão, the Algarve region, the place where ISMAT - Instituto Superior Manuel Teixeira Gomes is located and where you can choose to spend the next few years of your academic career, either as an undergraduate or a master's student.

You can find out more about Portimão at Viva Portimão.

Find out more about Portugal and why you should choose Portugal to study, research and live this experience.

See Study Research.