Best known for its sea and ski properties, Bulgaria has been a hot bed of property activity for the last few years. Early buyers have reaped the benefits of their investments, word has spread about the meteoric profits to be made and there’s been considerable media interest. New developments are continually going up and there are some tempting opportunities available. But what is it that’s so appealing about this former Communist backwater? 

A relatively small country, Bulgaria is in south-east Europe, in the north-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsular. It’s bordered on the east by the Black Sea, on the west by the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia, by Romania on the north and Greece on the south. It’s a country of contrasts, with both stunning coastlines and high mountainous areas, but the differences it boasts have merely added to its popularity.

For fans of the sea, there are numerous beach resorts along the Black Sea, where it’s easy to feel the Mediterranean influence, or for those preferring a cooler climate the mountainous areas – there are mountains covering half of the country - have several great ski resorts. Other outdoor activities, such as golf, walking and hiking, are plentiful, plus there are several new luxurious spas to indulge in. In fact, the country is well known for its natural hot mineral water springs and has a total of 1600 of them.

It’s also a country where you’ll find a rich history of culture and tradition, spanning its 1300 year history. There are nine UNESCO World Culture Heritage sites and plenty of old buildings to explore. Now a member of the EU, Bulgaria is only 3 ½ hours away from the UK, served by a variety of budget airlines and has proved itself to be a good year-round destination.

As a bonus to buyers, the cost of living here is still relatively low, with both food, drink and taxes costing a lot less than other parts of Europe. For example, you can expect to pay as little as 50p for tea or coffee, snap up a bottle of beer for 90p and treat yourself to a three course meal from about £6. Add to that the fact that it won’t break the bank to buy here in the first place, and you’ve got yourself a good deal.

Around the Country 

There are many picturesque places around the country, but property-wise, there are several notable areas around the coast and mountains.

The capital, Sofia, retains the claim of being the highest European capital city, as it sits 545m high at the foot of Mount Vitosha, in the west of Bulgaria. It successfully blends old and new, with old churches, museums and art galleries working well alongside modern shopping centres and cosmopolitan restaurants. The low cost of living here, as well as in the rest of the country, is especially appealing and, thanks to several low cost airlines, accessibility from the UK has been greatly improved. Not surprisingly, as it’s the capital, property prices in Sofia do tend to be higher, but there are good opportunities for rental.

Bansko, which is located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains and about 100 miles south of Sofia, is a well maintained ski resort suitable for all ski abilities. It’s been subject to a lot of investment in the last few years, which has improved its infrastructure, and is one of the popular resorts for ski holidays. The town itself has a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as several four and five star hotels, and a good selection of shops. Bansko is one of the key winter resorts, with over 40 miles of ski runs in the high mountains and more planned, and the first ski gondola opened here in 2003.

The largest resort on the Black Sea, Golden Sands lies north of the port of Varna. It’s aptly named, as it does indeed have golden sands – 3.5km of it. It’s bordered by wooded hills and the average temperature reaches 27-30C in the summer, making it perfect for holidaymakers. Another key beach resort is Sunny Beach, which has the longest and widest beach in the country. It’s 35km north of Bourgas and 95km from Varna, and is easily accessible via flights to Bourgas. Over the last few years, new developments have been rife here and it’s now a thriving beach resort.

As a location for property investors, Bulgaria first hit the headlines a few years ago, when prices were particularly low. It’s since been the subject of a buying flurry, with many investors snapping up properties at bargain prices. But whilst there clearly were bargains to be had in the early days, the ability to pick up property at rock bottom prices has dwindled now. Although prices have risen, they’re still not at the level of many other European destinations, but you’re unlikely to get the same instant returns that early buyers secured.

Prices are still temptingly low in many areas, but are beginning to fluctuate. In Bankso, for example, studio and one bedroom apartments start at around £26,000, in Sofia from about £28,000, £30,000 in Sunny Beach and £32,000 at Golden Sands.

If you’re thinking of buying in Bulgaria, then it’s worth doing your research thoroughly and ensuring the location really is for you. There have been cases of people being tempted into buying property without ever having visited the country, not least the property they’re buying, and then they discover it’s not quite as they’d expected, or with new developments, that it’s not even built.

It’s especially important to do your homework if you’re buying in any of the coastal areas, as resorts such as Golden Sands and Sunny Beach have been heavily developed over the last few years. At times, they’ve resembled building sites and the long stretches of unspoilt coastline that first attracted some buyers have been transformed by the appearance of numerous hotels and apartments. The developments are reminiscent of those seen in Spain, so if that’s your cup of tea, you could be happy here.

Whether you’re thinking of relocating to Bulgaria, want a holiday home near the slopes or sea, or are keen to invest in a rental property, it’s an interesting and diverse country and may still have plenty to offer.

Article written by Rachel Newcombe

Imagine a Spanish village which is beautiful on the eye, full of the finest Iberian restaurants, brimming with traditional tapas bars and festooned with art galleries where you could smell the sea. It would be near stunning sandy beaches, have a shopping Mecca close by and be surrounded by mountains that offer breathtaking panoramic vistas.

What sounds like an unlikely paradise only the sweetest of dreams could muster does actually exist. You have just read a description of the village of Benahavis, Andalucía.

Unlike much of the heavily developed Costa del Sol, Benahavis is remarkably unspoiled. The winding narrow streets are comically ill-suited to cars, the architecture is classically Andalucían and there is the picturesque feel you'd hope in a traditional pueblo Blanco. 

The village stands 500 metres above sea level, on the southern face of La Serrania de Ronda mountain range and is a mere seven kilometres inland from the coastal road at San Pedro. You know you're onto something special as the only road into the village is reached by driving through the panoramic Rio Guadalmina Gorge and high up into the hills.

A RICH HISTORICAL PAST
The village began life at the end of the 11th century, when the Moors built Montemayor castle to defend themselves against local attacks.  The fortification was a defence masterpiece for the Taifa de Al-Andalus factions, having views over 100 kilometres of Spanish and African coastline. With the Moors' reign coming to an end in 1485 Mohammed Abunefa handed the keys of Benahavis over to Ferdinand and Isabel and the village's Christian era began. The various towers, castles and the magnificently strategic position of the village were key in fighting the invading French in the early 19th century. These days, the only invaders are tourists coming to enjoy the sensational food and atmosphere of this mountain village.

THE INCREDIBLE GASTRONOMY
Benahavis has over 40 high class restaurants and its reputation for quality cuisine is richly deserved. It's why the village is nicknamed the dining room of the Costa del Sol and Andalucía's gastronomic capital.  The range of dishes on offer is as extensive as it is diverse. You will always find mouth-watering fresh seafood on the menus with local specialties Sea Bass, Hake, Codfish, Rosada, Monkfish and Squid.  Though the local favourite is pork you will find many tempting chicken, beef and duck dishes and for those with a sense of foody adventure, how about bull's tail? The three themes common to all of Benahavis' restaurants are huge portions, beautifully cooked food and extremely reasonable prices.

BENAHAVIS BARS
There is always a warm welcome waiting at the local bars, most of which are situated in and around the village square. Most are cosy Tapas bars, where delicious snacks are as plentiful as the extensive choices of Rioja. There are also some British-orientated and late night bars so whatever mood you're in there is something for everyone.

GOLF
With an average of 320 sunny days a year, golf is understandably the most popular sport around. Some of the local golf courses near Benahavis are championship standard, having been designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jack Nicklaus. Somewhat challenging, they tend to be hilly but with lush fairways and greens to putt or die for.

OTHER SPORT AND ACTIVITIES
There are many local tennis courts easily rented by the hour, an Astroturf football pitch, a children's playground and an excellent large municipal swimming pool. The more actively mobile can trek up to Montemayor castle, cycle up and over the mountains, paraglide off them, fish the local rivers or ride horses round the area.

SHOPPING
If you like shopping you will simply love this part of Andalucia. Along with some local jewellery, bikini, and golf shops is the must-see gallery of British sculptor David Marshall. For serious shopaholics Puerto Banus, with its exclusive designer boutiques, is only 15 km away. And to cap it all, there is Marbella's designer dynasty and the biggest megastore in Spain, El Cortes a further 20 minutes away. So bring an empty suitcase with you and don't forget your credit cards (your ever-flexible friends).

SIGHTSEEING
Local sights include the Buddhist temple at Benalmadena where there is also a cable car ride takes you up to an animal sanctuary in the mountains. Another beautiful village with a sensational view is Mijas, where the vista stretches all the way to the sea. It is a great place to visit for lunch, dinner or bullfighting in the antiquated old ring. Up in the mountains and only an hour away from Benahavis is the medieval town of Ronda. It is one of Spain's most spectacular journeys as you wind up the mountain and across the plateau before reaching the town across a deep chasm spanned by a medieval bridge that will take your breath away. The attractive and peaceful town has art galleries, museums, many restaurants and souvenir shops with a low tat rating. Ideally located on the south coast, Benahavis is only two hours from charming Cadiz and sensational Seville and less than an hour from Malaga airport.
 
BUYING PROPERTY AND DEVELOPMENT IN BENAHAVIS
With over 70 per cent of the Benahavis area officially classified as an area of environmental interest only developments that have been carefully vetted get the go ahead. This planning restriction has actually helped many ex-pats and other foreign investors in the village, since purchases are scrutinised to conform legally, thereby avoiding complications often found in other parts of Spain. There are still good buys to be found in the area.

Article written by Matthew Court

This part of Atlantic Canada is known as Acadia Country. It was named by the French who settled here around four hundred years ago and they compared it with Acadia, after an Eden-like place in ancient Greece where the inhabitants lived in rustic simplicity and content.

BRITISH RULE
Everything changed in 1744 when England and France once again declared war with the result that Acadia became a British colony. But the majority of those living here were French-speaking Acadians, and Catholic to boot. Their numbers were growing and they lived on the richest farmland. The British wanted them out to make room for Protestant settlers and the governor decided to settle the problem by expelling the Acadians from Nova Scotia

It’s a sorry tale. In 1755 ten thousand people were forced onto British ships, their homes burned and belongings scattered. They were dispersed along the Atlantic seaboard of the American colonies, some finding their way to Louisiana where the present French population, known as Cajuns, are the direct descendents of the exiled Acadians.

In time, when the political climate was less severe, many made their way back to Canada where they settled along the rocky coastline of Nova Scotia and what is now northern New Brunswick.

SELF DRIVE IS BEST
The best way to see present day Acadia is to drive. You’ll probably fly into Halifax airport. so arrange to have a hire car waiting for you and the rest is easy.   Roads are good and there’s little traffic - it’s a big country with a small population and lots of space. The roads are lined with lupins in summer and there are dozens of beautifully restored 19th century mansions now operating as very reasonably priced B&Bs.

Halifax is a bracing seaport with a magnificent harbour and a restored waterfront that looks much as it did in 1912 when the Titanic sank just off the coast here. Lots to see and do but if you are eager to get out onto the road and exlplore other parts, in particular the Acadian trail, get onto highway 101 near Lower Sackville. This leads north straight to Grand Pré.

GRANDE PRE
The bitter expulsion from Acadia became the theme for Longfellow’s narrative poem ‘Evangeline’ in which he tells the tale of two Acadian lovers, Evangeline and Gabriel, seperated at the time of the deportation. Evangeline spends the rest of her life looking for her lover and eventually finds him on his death bed. And although a ficticious character, Evangeline has become a romantic symbol of her people and her statue, along with a bust of Longfellow, stands in Grand Pré National Historic Park.

Grand Pré is just a mile or so east of Wolfville and the park is considered the most important historic site by the Acadians. It recalls their saddest moment, when over two thousand people were deported from Grand Pré alone. In the small stone church, built on the site of the original where they were told of their expulsion, there’s a beautiful stained-glass window which shows them being loaded onto boats to be taken away into exile.

There’s almost nothing left of the original French settlement at Grand Pré, but the dykes the Acadians built are still there and the land is still as lush and fertile. There was nothing for the them to come back to - their farms no longer existed and strangers had taken over their lands.

WINDSOR
Following the trail of the Acadians leads you to other discoveries which, although not French, are equally interesting. One of these is at Windsor, which you will pass through on the way to Grand Pré. Here is the beautifully preserved 19th-century home of Judge Thomas Chandler Haliburton who was born in Windsor in 1796. He was also a humourist and author and in his book 'The Clockmaker', he created Sam Slick, a fictional Yankee clock peddler who wandered around Nova Scotia selling his clocks. It was from Sam Slick’s lips that first sprung familiar phrases that we use every day, such as 'raining cats and dogs', 'quick as a wink', 'truth is stranger than fiction', and many more.

THE EVANGELINE TRAIL
The highway continues west along what has become known as the Evangeline Trail - named after Longfellow’s fictional Acadian heroine. The Trail meanders through the lush Annapolis Valley and along the Acadian region of St. Mary’s Bay which is dotted all along the coast with small French-speaking villages just waiting to be explored. (Most people also speak English).

ANAPOLIS ROYAL
Annapolis Royal is the site of Canada’s first permanent settlement, founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1604. It’s a pretty little town with some fine restaurants and good hotel and B&B accommodation.

There’s plenty to do. As you make your way around the coastline you can go clam digging on the beaches, explore the shoreline by canoe, fish off the rocks - all things the Acadians would have done over two hundred years ago, and still do today of course.

TRADITIONAL CUISINE
Try local cafes and restaurants. Fresh steamed lobster, wild blueberry pie and creamy seafood chowders are everywhere. Digby is famous for its scallops and is home to one of the world’s largest scallop fishing fleets. It is also well-known for its 'Digby chicks', a type of smoked herring. Traditional Acadian foods are available in many of these small villages. Look out for Rapie Pie - a type of meat pie topped with grated potato from which all the starch has been squeezed.

AN ACADIAN FESTIVAL
Church Point is the site of St. Mary’s Church, the tallest and largest wooden church in North America, built in 1903. The oldest of the annual Acadian cultural festivals, Festival Acadien de Clare, is held here during the second week of July.

THE OUTDOOR LIFE
There are over 120 accessible beaches, plus over 60 golf courses. The province is a camper's heaven, with everything from tent-and-trailer villages to wiilderness campsites for those who want to get away from it all. Because of its extensive coastline, Nova Scotia offers all-year-round surfing.

Article written by Cathy Smith

Those looking to invest in a ski destination, though, should head for Kranjska Gora, an easy drive from the capital. This mountain resort styles itself as the ‘Sunny Side of the Alps’ and sits right on the Austrian border. An activity-based resort, Kranjska Gora is popular with walkers and mountain bikers in summer, with skiing, snowboarding and ski jumping in winter. The slopes cater for everyone from beginners, with snow cannons on the lower slopes, through to expert skiers with challenging runs that test the world’s best in rounds of the World Cup held here. Slovenia’s busiest mountain resort also boasts some lively bars and a couple of nightclubs.

Down on the coast another Slovenia awaits, one of relaxed Mediterranean living on the country’s short stretch of Adriatic coast. Since EU membership, coastal properties have been getting snapped up rapidly, so if you are hoping to find a reasonable deal you will need to get in here soon. Having a clear picture of what you want from a property and ensuring that your finances are in order will mean that you too can act quickly.

The most charming town is postcard perfect Piran. This historic gem, set dramatically on its own peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic, is one of the prettiest towns on the entire Adriatic coast. The legacy of the Venetians is clear to see in a compact old core that overflows with churches, Venetian palaces and winding cobbled streets. The old town houses may seem an attractive buy, but check renovation costs in advance of any negotiation.

Two emerging property markets come in the form of Slovenia’s second city, Maribor, and the little known Prekmurje region to its northeast. In March 2007 Ryanair announced that it would be launching the first budget flights from the UK to Maribor. This makes both city centre flats and houses in the Prekmurje countryside, which is popular for hiking and cycling holidays in summer, more attractive. Prekmurje in particular currently offers good value for money, but prices across the country are on the rise. If you are interested in buying property then the best advice is to get out and take a look as soon as possible. In ‘Europe in Miniature’ you are guaranteed a great research trip, whether you end up buying or not.

Article written by Robin and Jenny McKelvie

Sir Cliff comes here on his 'Summer Holiday', Bonnie Tyler cut an album here, A-list footie teams train here, while Jimmy Tarbuck holds charity golf tournaments bursting at the bunkers with stars.  Celebrity homeowners include Chris Evans, Steve Davies, Judith Chalmers and ex-Big Brother 'inmate', MP George Galloway. And it's not hard to see the appeal... Angela West takes a peek at Portugal's exclusive celebrity world.

With 300 days of sunshine a year, stunning beaches, top-class golf courses, excellent restaurants and a luxurious lifestyle to boot, it's no wonder the rich'n'famous flock to Portugal. A celebrity-favourite for holidays and snapping up properties, summer sees an influx of illustrious British celebs mingling with Hollywood stars, attracted to the glamorous, jetset lifestyle, outstanding natural beauty and colourful culture.

Portugal's accessibility's part of the appeal (just a couple of hours from the UK by private jet!) along with year-round sunshine, mild winters, sweeping, golden-sand beaches and picturesque rocky coves, attracting millionaires after a place in the sun amongst orange groves, whitewashed villages or overlooking fairways. With championship courses a go-go, it's a golfer's paradise, rivalling football as the country's most popular sport.

The exclusive area of Quinta do Lago, the 'Beverley Hills' of the Algarve, is the place to spot a star while house-hunting. The list of high-profile celebs attracted to this elite playground goes on-and-on. Madonna's a regular, Trevor McDonald too, while the exclusive Hotel Quinta do Lago has David Beckham, Princess Caroline of Monaco and Pavarotti on its recent guestlist. The deluxe beach resort has holiday homes belonging to Alan Shearer, Frank Warren, Rubens Barichello and Jimmy Tarbuck: "I've had some wonderful times here. The Portuguese seem to like us. We're their oldest allies," he tells me. "I've had some funny times, too. Eddie Large drove into a lake here once...and I don't mean his golf-ball!"

Jimmy hosts his annual charity 'Golf Classic', raising funds for a Faro children's home, at the renowned San Lorenzo course: "We've had the 'Who's who' of showbiz in the past. Des O'Connor...Bobby Charlton. Frankie Vaughan...Sir Henry Cooper...Jasper Carrott...Kevin Keegan..."

Many of the big-name players stay at the course's luxurious hotel, Le Meridien Dona Filipa, which has hosted Audrey Hepburn, George Michael and Julio Iglesias.

The Valverde and Quinta Verde developments are luxury holiday havens for a younger generation of celebs, including Ronan Keating and Steven Gerrard: "I come to my villa every year to relax with my family and friends. I try to visit as often as I can to play golf and chill out on the lovely beach," he tells me.

A golfer's paradise, key PGA events, including the Portuguese Open, are held at Quinta do Lago...Wayne Rooney's practised his swing at the golfing getaway. Boasting chic designer boutiques like MaxMara, footballers' wives can follow his fiancée, Coleen McCloughlin and 'I'm a Celebrity' runner-up, Sheree Murphy's footsteps and shop-'til-they-drop nearby.

Barry Dickins of International Talent Booking says buying in this exclusive enclave is now more expensive than St.Tropez. He introduced Alanis Morrissette to the Algarve: "Alanis wanted a break and as I've had a home in Quinta do Lago for years, I recommended it and told her the best restaurants to go to."

Among those recommendations is one of the Algarve's best-known beach restaurants, Gigi's, famous for its fish dishes in a spectacular sunset setting.

Barry's neighbours include Gareth Southgate, Paul Ince and Michael Owen, who purchased Ayrton Senna's £2million villa. The Melting Pot pub is popular with famous footballers and golfers alike. For a taste of Italy, big names book tables at Tarantino's, Casa do Campo for authentic Portuguese cuisine or gourmet decadence at Henrique Leis Restaurante. Rub shoulders with the stars in the O-Bar or on T-Clube's dancefloor.

Along the coast, Albufeira is frequented by Paul Gascoigne. Bryan Ferry has played at Sheraton Algarve Pine Cliffs Resort, while big names dine at Vila Joya or trendy beach restaurant, Evaristo, firm favourite for Figo, Ronaldo and Rui Costa, who heads on to Kiss club or Europe's largest, Kadoc.

Among the first famous faces to purchase Portuguese property, Sir Cliff bought back in the '60s and has a vineyard in nearby Guia, producing award-winning wine, Vida Nova. Further along the coast, David Seaman has a house is in Carvoeiro, Ian Rush and Carlton Palmer have homes on Parque da Floresta Golf and Leisure Resort, between Lagos and Sagres, while Bruce Grobbelaar chose Portimão as his holiday getaway.

Ex-Goodie, Tim Brooke-Taylor's owns a villa in Meia Praia, near Lagos: "Eric Morecambe recommended the Algarve in the mid-'70s and we've been addicted ever since," he tells me. Among Tim's favourite spots is Adega da Marina: "The food's delicious, all sorts of fish, shellfish and good meat courses, including Chicken Piri Piri, of course!" and Bar Quim: "Do try the spicy Camaraos. Have a look at the photograph on the wall...I'm very proud to say that I took the picture!"

Nick Faldo visited his new 'Design Project' at Amendoeira Golf Resort near Silves recently: "This project has the potential to be a real talking point and with so many courses in the region, that's no mean feat," he says.

Vila Vita Parc in Porches is a 5*secret retreat favoured by sport, TV and music stars, while those in need of thalassotherapy (seawater) treatments head to the spa at the luxuryVilalara hotel.

Portugal's answer to Spain's glitzy star-hangout, Puerto Banús, is Vilamoura, a celeb-magnet. The impressive Lake Resort tempts stars with its spa, while Rui Costa is often seen strolling around the millionaire's marina (the biggest in Europe and home to some of the world's largest and most luxurious superyachts). He can also be spotted at the casino's  Black Jack disco or enjoying an apéritif in
Luís Figo's bar, Sete before dining next door in the Mayflower.

Hosting an eclectic mix of funky boutiques and traditional restaurants, Lisbon is a sizzling hotspot for familiar faces seeking retail therapy by day, followed by hot nights out-on-the-town. Bursting with boutiques, the cosmopolitan capital is home to more designer outlets and trendy eating establishments than
you can shake your credit card at! Versace, Valentino. you'll find them all here. VIPs, from models to actors, have splashed their cash in Hugo Boss, and Loja das Meias and Coccinelle are among the chic-est local boutiques.

Cinco Lounge is the place for cool cocktails in the fashionable Bairro Alto, historical old town of charming, narrow backstreets. Pap'Açorda draws a celebrity crowd of models and TV personalities, while the highly-acclaimed Terreiro do Paço welcomes Ministers and Secretaries of State, 'power-lunching' here daily, enticing the A-list by night with the gourmet cuisine of Portugal's best-known chef, Vitor Sobral.

Affording stunning views over the city and river Tagus, Michelin-starred Eleven is among the city's classiest, trendiest hangouts, attracting well-known personalities from the world-over. Famous faces gracing dockside restaurant Kais-K include Kim Basinger, Bryan Adams and Jean Paul Gaultier. Housed in an ancient convent, A Travessa appeals to international politicians, showbiz personalities and models, while Varanda at Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, offers sophisticated gastronomy to a discerning clientele. Roman Abromovich's £60m-plus gin-palaces, Pelorus and Grand Bleu bobbed side-by-side here recently.

Partly-owned by John Malkovich (who also co-owns riverside restaurant Bica do Sapato next-door), one of Europe's most fashionable nightclubs, Lux, attracts Cameron Diaz and Prince. Catering to the city's clubbing elite, Kapital's VIP lounge appeals to a fashionable crowd of singers, models and footballers, while U2 hosted a party at Buddha LX.

Laid-back Lisbon boasts numerous, luxurious hotels for stars after some 5*r&r, such as Four Seasons Hotel Ritz and Hoteis Heritage Lisboa. The legendary Hotel Aviz and its acclaimed restaurant have been graced by Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner. The Lapa Palace is frequented by international aristocracy (suites have hosted the Queen and President Bush) as well as Tina Turner, Cher, Robin Williams and Catherine Deneuve, while our PM and Bill Clinton have stayed at the Pestana Palace.

Known as the 'Portuguese Riviera', the elegant seaside town of Estoril positively oozes glamour. At the Hotel Cascais Mirage, past guests include Marianne Faithfull, Boris Becker and Jamie Cullum.

The town's celebrity count soared as stars flocked in their droves to the casino for the Laureus World Sports Awards. Winners Kelly Holmes and Ellen McCarthur were there, Morgan Freeman hosted the prestigious event, with guests Jackie Chan, Teri Hatcher, Joely Richardson and Woody Harrelson among the star-studded audience. Sven-Goran Eriksson and the Beckhams attended, along with sporting legends Ian Botham and Sebastian Coe.

Nearby Cascais, Portugal's answer to St.Tropez, boasts gourmet restaurants, designer outlets and polo ground. The Albatroz Hotel's celebrity guestlist includes Shania Twain, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen.

Presidents and Prime Ministers, along with Mel Gibson, Lou Reed and Jose Carreras, have stayed at stunning 300-year-old palace, Quinta das Lágrimas Hotel in Portugal’s ancient capital, Coimbra.

One of the country's best-kept secrets, Minho province is famous for stately homes and manor houses favoured by celebrities seeking tranquillity in authentic Portugal.

With a sub-tropical climate, brimming with tradition, grandeur and decadent, distinguished old hotels, Madeira has long been a draw for the rich'n'famous seeking solace in the sun. Hollywood heavyweights head to the island for star pampering at cutting-edge spa resorts or sample the saltwater pool at the Albatroz. Early arrivals at legendary Reid's Palace include Churchill and Gregory Peck, more recently Margaret Thatcher and Roger Moore.

Now you know the hotspots, you're practically guaranteed at least a C-list sighting during your property-hunt...but be careful not to overindulge in these celeb-hangouts, like one well-known 'Minder': "Dennis Waterman was sampling the Portuguese food, along with too much Portuguese wine," Jimmy Tarbuck explains; "He subsequently went to the wrong hotel and wondered why
his key didn't work!"

If you want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous and increase your celeb networking potential, look for a property in Portugal and hang out there at the right times of year. For guidance of the best calibre property portal myPropertyPal.com provides a unique, independent, live research tool for buying a home abroad. Featuring over 70 spectacular properties in Portugal, myPropertyPal.com offers everything from private villas on the outskirts of Lagos and and super detached properties on the unexplored Silver coast, to a manor house just east of the market town of Loulé. Whether you are looking for plots in Óbidos, or a rural farmhouse in Benfarras, myPropertyPal.com can recommend the best agents and developers for the pick of the best Portuguese properties around.

Although he may not be able to guarantee you a celeb as a next door neighbour, Portuguese Property Pal Patrick has the kind of first hand knowledge and experience that is worth its weight in gold when you are buying for the first time in a new country. Whether you need information on firming up your budget, viewing or building a property, understanding what local facilities you might need or seeking a good lawyer, Patrick knows the locale and can offer ongoing advice throughout the purchasing process.

The myPropertyPal website also offers ongoing email support, 24-hour telephone support and a friendly customer forum where consumers can share their experiences with others.

Article written by Angela West