Time here is the same as in England, but the days are noticeably longer. The way of living is slower and calmer, people take time to chat and relax, and the Portuguese are extremely friendly and hospitable.

The cost of living is less than half compared with England. There is no council tax, no TV licence and house rates are negligible.
 
The Portuguese food is varied and tasty, ranging from traditional fish stews, various shellfish dishes, lamb, suckling pig (leitão), chicken dishes and the national speciality, bacalhau (cod) for which there are, apparently, 365 recipes!

The wine is excellent in this area. Dão, Bairrada and Vinho Verde, as well as superb port, are delicious and incredibly cheap,as is any spirit or liqueur that you care to sample.
 
The climate in this region is wonderful. November to March are the so called winter months with more rain than the rest of the year, but mild temperatures. Long, hot summers are guaranteed with temperatures sometimes rising to 40º C. in July and August. The pleasant, warm evenings are enjoyable for barbeques and looking at the brilliant array of stars in the clear night skies.