While I have continued to explore and enjoy the delights of Portugal, I have also spent some time this week sitting in front of a screen. I know, I can hear the question. Did you move to Portugal to sit in front of a screen?
No. But there are a few things I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time. I do though, have a damn good view from where I am working. So, I’m not complaining. Actually, I just have one complaint. Could the sun please move slightly further west so it’s not directly in my line of sight?
So the draw to get me back in front of a screen? The main reason was to get a few tasks off my to-do list.
YouTube – to Tube or not to Tube?
With more than one billion YouTube videos watched every day, it is the second largest social media platform after Facebook. Over the last couple of years, I have added quite significantly to that statistic as I have lost interest in the main tv channels in the UK.
After making the decision to move to Portugal, I have increased my viewing of videos made by people who are ahead of me in their adventure or are in a similar position.
A year ago, there were maybe a dozen channels. Now, they are there in abundance. Every week there seem to be new creators launching channels. Clearly, some of the algorithms on YouTube are working as I do get recommendations for fledgling new video makers.
However, I like a challenge and my inquisitive mind tries to beat the algorithms. In doing so I have compiled a list of YouTube channels focused on Portugal. Yes, you can do the searching yourself or wait for the channel to pop up in your recommended list, but I’ve done most of the hard work for you. A few of these have literally a handful of subscribers.
There are now more than 80, yes that is correct, more than 80 YouTube channels are now included in the YouTube – Portugal listing. Probably the most comprehensive Portugal YouTube channel listing available.
The breadth and diversity of what is available are immense. Irrespective of whether you are looking for inspiration from people who are moving to Portugal, living off-grid, renovating a property, or searching for property, there is something for everyone. And, I anticipate that whatever stage you are at, you’ll be able to find something on YouTube to give you inspiration.
Throughout my adventure, I have been grateful to those people who are prepared to share their journeys and insight into their lives.
Remember, kindness doesn’t cost anything and if you like a video, give the creator a thumbs up, subscribe, add a kind comment, and hit the notifications bell. If you don’t like a video or creator, just move on.
Finally, several people have asked if I am going to launch a YouTube channel. It’s not on the agenda at the moment, although I have 25 subscribers patiently waiting for the first video. Maybe. One day.
Portugal property search – directory
The other “task” I have completed over the last couple of weeks is relaunching the Portugal property search directory.
Throughout my property search, I have become very familiar with property listing websites. Anyone looking for property in Portugal will, I am sure, will also be spending lots of time searching the “usual” websites.
However, there are a lot of smaller, more bespoke websites and, as I explained in last week’s blog, there is immense value in visiting the estate agent’s website.
Therefore, I’ve developed a more comprehensive directory of property listing websites and real estate agents. Hopefully, this will provide a valuable resource to other people looking for, or just inquisitive, about property in Portugal.
What? No walking?
For reassurance, I have still done lots of walking this week. I completed PR5-OLR walk which is a 9km walk around Oleiros. I still had a little more energy so added an extra 5km by walking the newly opened Ribeira de Oleiros pathway which took me to the fluvial praia of Açude Pinto.
In Portugal, there are two signposted routes – PR and GR.
PR footpaths, which I believe are Pedestres Rota [Pedestrian Route], are shorter walks (up to 15km) and every municipality in Portugal must provide seven PR routes. Given there are 308 municipalities, that is more than 2,100 signposted walks across Portugal.
GR footpaths, Percursos Pedestres de Grande Rota, are routes that are part of the long-distance walking trails of Europe. There are 17 across Portugal which range from 35km to 540km. Yes, you read that correctly, the Rota das Aldeias Históricas is a circular route of 540km. Part of it is currently closed due to the recent fires in the Serra da Estrela mountains. Maybe one for the future.
I’ve also been out on the mountain bike and have realised that coming down mountains is much more fun than going up them.
Muito obrigado
As always, I’d like to thank everyone who reads my blog. I am humbled by your interest in my little world. Please do get in touch or reach out by adding a comment below.
Muito obrigado.
Marc
Footnote
While I have included external links in this blog and on the website, I am not affiliated with nor do I receive compensation from any of the companies listed or YouTube channels included.
There are many more YouTube channels and property companies that are not included. If your company or channel is not listed and you would like it added, simply drop me an email.