ST JAMES GLOBAL, NOW ESTABLISHED IN THE ALGARVE... WITH OVER 30 YEARS INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE IN HELPING EXPATS PROTECT AND PRESERVE GLOBAL WEALTH. THURSDAY We welcome you to an EVENING at THE BLACK ANCHOR IRISH BAR & GRILL 5 th MAY TAVIRA hosted by ST JAMES GLOBAL PRIVATE CLIENTS in the Eastern Algarve. Arrival and drinks: 4pm The event will be opened by a welcome drink followed by a short presentation by St James Global and a BARBEQUE accompanied by WINE AND BEER. INVITATION This will be an informative and fun evening. St James Global welcome all who may have an interest in: . How to structure your financial affairs for maximum benefit under the current NHR and residency rules and regulations in Portugal? . How to convert your world-wide income into EU sourced income with significant tax benefits for Portuguese residents . How to remove your global assets from potential inheritance taxes and capital gains tax. . How to ensure that your global assets pass onto future heirs immediately and without complicated and expensive probate High level financial advice to British Nationals and other Europeans settling RSVP in the EU for a better quality of life, looking at all aspects of planning their financial affairs, whilst carefully considering the tax laws in their country of [email protected] residence and the country in which their assets are domiciled. St James Global have established themselves as a family office to a loyal clientele of first and second generations. WWW.STJAMESGLOBAL.COM / [email protected] W W W. S T J A M E S G LOB A L . C O M 47 O F F I C E 5 3 , AV. C E R R O D A V I L A , V I L A M A R I N A , 8 1 2 5 - 4 7 3 , V I L A M O U R A , P O RT U G A L [email protected] ∙ TELEPHONE +351 289 005 251 ∙ +44 75 251 34693 www.eastalgarvemag.com
Expert financial advice Keep up to date with our Finance expert, chartered accountant Ricardo Chaves from All Finance Matters. READERS Q&A Each month we receive NHR, when should we do it? taxed at 20% and not the company and there different questions from our readers, although some of You will only be able to change your tax will be no tax on the dividends because the these questions are related to residency once you have the residency permit, fiscal transparency implies that the profit of specific situations, sometimes therefore you will be non-resident in 2021 the company is taxed in the personal sphere, the answer may help you to (despite being here) and resident for 2022 and this means that as the profit is already better understand the tax system in Portugal taxed it can be transferred to and answer the queries from other readers. When you movefrom the date you change the shareholder without any Q We moved from Sweden in 2015 it at the tax office. This way further taxation. and we will still benefit from the In view of your level of NHR status for a few more years. Can you have no obligation to to Portugal, income, we would normally you let us know how the Portuguese tax submit a tax return for 2021, there is no authorities will tax our pensions once our unless you had income NHR finishes at the end of 2024? We are recommend choosing the especially concerned now that there is no from Portuguese sources. obligation to company route, but you Double Tax Agreement between Portugal In terms of NHR as you contribute can start as a sole trader, and Sweden. will become resident only take advantage of the Social A Currently your pensions are declared in 2022, you will have until to the Social Security exemption and then on your Portuguese Tax Return, but you 31-03-2023 to submit your Security system, set up the company when are not paying any tax on these in Portugal. application. Even though there is no double tax agreement Q I am 37 years old and you are reaching the end of between Portugal and Sweden, this will not recently moved to unless you work the exemption period. affect your tax position and you will continue Portugal. I used to be self- in Portugal, to benefit from the exemption that the NHR employed in the UK as an either as an Q We recently moved offers you until 31-12-2024. IT Developer and most of employee, or as from the US to Tavira. From the 1st of January 2025 the situation my clients are in the UK. Can you let us know if we will be different because you no longer benefit will have to pay Social from your NHR status and will be taxed per the progressive tax rates. If until that date the What will the taxes I pay be self-employed. Security contributions on Swedish and Portuguese Governments do when I move my business This means that the whole income, such as not sign a new Double Tax Agreement, this to Portugal? Would it dividends and capital gains will have some effect on your tax liability in Portugal. be better to continue as your investment from stocks and shares? Normally when there is a double tax self-employed or to set income will not agreement, the private pension is taxed in up a company? My yearly A When you move to the country of residency. If there is no DTA Portugal, there is no in place, Sweden will continue taxing you, income is around 75-100k. be assessed for obligation to contribute to but the Portuguese tax law still allows you to Social Security the Social Security system, deduct the tax paid in Sweden. A Providing you were not unless you work in Portugal, The way this tax credit works is not automatic, resident in Portugal in and you will need to obtain tax residency the previous 5 years, you purposes. either as an employee, or as certificates and evidence of the tax paid at will be eligible to apply for self-employed. This means source, when submitting your yearly tax return in Portugal. This way the tax paid in Sweden the NHR (Non Habitual that your investment income will be credited against the tax payable in Portugal, in the same way as if there was a Resident) tax status. This will give you several will not be assessed for Social Security DTA in place. tax benefits and exemptions and, as in your purposes. This will also be applicable to those that have case, you have an eligible occupation your Please note that once you become a resident, NHR and pay 10% tax on their pensions. It maximum tax rate will be 20% irrespective of you will have access to the Portuguese Health will be possible to claim a credit of tax up to System, but to apply for the D2 or D7 visa in 10%, but it needs to be requested separately, your level of income. when submitting the tax return. If you register as a self-employed under the Portugal, applicants will need to purchase simplified regime, the 20% will be levied on travel insurance with health coverage for one Q We have been living in Tavira since 75% of your gross income. You can benefit year. Proof of this cover will be requested September last year, but we are still from a 12 month exemption for social security along with other documents when applying waiting for our Residency Permit. We have payments, but please note that after the 13th for the Visa. a meeting with SEF to complete our D7, month, your social security contributions will Please feel free to send us the questions you but the meeting is only in June. Do I need be assessed each quarter, based on your may have to [email protected]. We will to file a tax return for the period we were select some of these to be published. residents in 2021? We want to apply for the level of income. As an alternative to this 15% effective rate (20% of 75%) you can also be taxed as 20% of your profit under the normal organised accountancy regime. But please note that in theory this should only be an option if you have considerable investments to make at the beginning and or if your costs are higher than 25% of your gross income. Another option is to create a company, which is eligible to be on the fiscal transparency, and which activity is one of the listed as per the NHR rules. In this case, you will be 52 www.eastalgarvemag.com
We’ll look after your tax a airs while you look after your lifestyle www.eastalgarvemag.com 45
Expert financial advice By Andy Oliver, CEO of Private Client Consultancy MANAGING FINANCES AS A COUPLE Joining bank accounts may sound like a daunting task, and some couples communication and a stronger foundation. separate instead, the two of you can still may not even consider it an option. Because so many people are meeting Having a joint bank account creates a sense work together towards a united vision for your online now, there is more potential for romance fraud. While romance fraud of openness within your relationship. Having financial future as a couple. is a worst-case scenario, its very existence increases the worry of what could happen the ability to review your joint bank statements What about combining investment should you merge finances with a partner. As more women gain financial independence, may help you feel confident in your partner’s accounts? they are becoming an increasingly important contributor to their household’s income. ability to manage their finances. This can then You will also need to consider your investments Because of this autonomy, some women may be hesitant to open a joint bank account with result in a more trusting dynamic between the when making financial decisions with your their partner for fear of losing that freedom. This is especially true for younger women. In a 2018 two of you. In fact, the study found that couples spouse. If you have each been investing report from Bank of America, it was found that 72% of partnered or married millennials have with shared finances have fewer finance-based individually, you will need to determine how you combined finances. This is a dramatic decrease from previous generations who were closer to conflicts. will manage your investments moving forward. 90%. Though some may feel apprehensive about it, No matter what the circumstances are, it is Tradition has been for married people to combining finances with your significant other can be beneficial to your relationship. A recent always wise to carefully assess Stockholm University study found that it can both yours and your partner’s In a 2018 report from Bank result in both better financial situation so that you can of America, it was found make an informed decision. This week, we’re addressing what that 72% of partnered or you should be aware of before married millennials have joining bank accounts, plus giving you tips on how to manage your combined finances. This is finances as a couple. a dramatic decrease from Questions to ask yourself before combining finances previous generations who Whether you are married or not, it were closer to 90%. is important to ask yourself: 1 Does my partner have loans or balances on their credit cards? combine everything. While it may seem 2 Do they frequently use their overdraft? appealing to combine investments, as it would 3 Does my partner have a poor credit score? result in an inflated portfolio balance, it is not 4 Do they have problems with debt? always advisable to do so. If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, you There are both advantages and disadvantages may want to reconsider opening a joint bank to combining your investment accounts. One account. This is because you will have advantage is that it would make managing your equal liability. For example, if your money together easier. Combined investments relationship ends and you decide to also mean fewer accounts and less fees. close the account, your bank can On the other hand, combined investments refuse to do so until the debts could be a source of friction. This is particularly are settled. Therefore, if you true if both of you have strong differing opinions have any doubt at all, there on how the money should be invested. For is no harm in keeping your example, if you have a low tolerance for risk finances separate until you but your partner enjoys taking on more risky feel confident that your projects, this could be an issue and create a partner has gained financial strain. Additionally, if you were to split up, you stability. may disagree on how to divide your shared If you do decide to investment accounts. combine finances but still If you ultimately decide to keep your investments want to retain some of your separate, remember that you will still be able financial independence, to add one another as beneficiaries to your you may decide to keep individual accounts. While your beneficiaries a personal account. It is would not be able to contribute to these always advisable to have accounts, knowing they would have access to a back-up plan. If your your funds should anything happen to you may relationship were to come provide you with a sense of security. to an end, you then have the Consult with an expert safety of falling back on your When making any sort of large decision own funds that you kept out of around finances, it is crucial to consult with a the joint account. professional. They will consider both yours and Contrastingly, if you decide not to your partner’s needs and help you reach the combine finances and keep them best decision for your situation. 54 www.eastalgarvemag.com
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Sara de Melo Castanheira is an expert in Occupational Therapy and Quality of Life. She is also the Technical Director of SER Igual, an Association of special rehabilitation services in Tavira HOW MUCH IS B TOO MUCH?ehind every behaviour is an emotion. Recognising much stuff and living a life that is too fast. these emotions, labelling And be aware: your words matter! them, and then working Instead of: through them helps “- You did it so fast!” … Try: “- I saw you experience, these individuals tend to refrain worked so hard and stayed focused till the from engagement in activity. Nowadays we are living an era where children are suffering from symptoms similar to a sensory integration dysfunction, but because they are children develop skills to living in a sensory overload world, where they end. Well done!” deal with similar situations in the future. are engaging in too many occupations, and “- It's ok you´ll get it next time!” … Try: “- When you simplify a child's world, you make with too much stimulus and without time to Mistakes happen! Let's figure out what went space for positive growth, creativity and organise the stimulus in their little brains and wrong here.” relaxation. The benefits of simplifying your bodies and not because they truly suffer from “- Just try harder!” … Try: “- Let's solve this child's world are many, and it can make your a neural and sensory dysfunction. mystery. What else can you try?” life more fulfilling, Being able to significantly To give time to children “- It's incorrect!” … Try: “- Show me how you too. Children flourish and stop a wave of got to this answer!” when they have the reduce a child's daily stress, them coming to therapy “- It's not that hard!” ... Try: “- You can do hard time and space to which can lead to happier, because they are things too!”. explore their world more successful children. overstimulated, living a In SER Igual you can get free development without the constraints sensory overload life, and behavioural screenings for your children. of “too much”. Kids we as parents need We have therapists that speak English and are experiencing sensory overload with “too to adopt an approach using simplicity as a we have collaborators that can translate and many trinkets, too many choices and too framework. Being able to significantly reduce help. If you have a child who, at a certain much information.” a child's daily stress, which can lead to time, shows behavioural difficulties or raises Occupations are the activities that we do that happier, more successful children. doubts about his/her development or the make life worth living. They range from routine Children need time to become themselves way he/she is learning or instead you know activities we must do to maintain health and through play and social interaction. If you someone needing help, please come along hygiene to the types of engagement that overwhelm a child with stuff, with choices and or share this article with those you know. We express our loves and passions. Occupational pseudo choices, before they are ready, they can help! deprivation can be described as a state in will only know one emotional gesture: More! How can you help Associação SER Igual? which a person does not have the opportunity As you decrease the quantity of your child's Associação SER Igual is a non-profit to engage in occupations that develop toys and clutter, you increase their attention association for handicapped people and capacities, sustain health or contribute to and their capacity for deep play. Too much with Public Utility. By sharing this article, you happiness. Nowadays we see in children stuff leads to too little time and too little depth help spread the name of SER Igual, so more what I, as an occupational therapist define, in the way kids see and explore their worlds. people can contact us. You can sponsor one an “occupational overload”. And what does Along the same lines, simplifying your family's of our social projects or sponsor a child from this mean? Children are in mental, sensory, schedule can reduce the frantic feeling of our association and help him/her to carry out physical and emotional overload as they always being on the go. Kids with a full plate their therapies. are involved in so many daily occupations! of school work, extracurricular activities or We will be glad to talk about our ideas and Too many occupations and most of them sports each day may feel stressed and chaotic projects. If you are interested in our work, composed principally of mental tasks, and since they are lacking the free time children please visit us on our FB page (@SerIgualPT) oriented tasks. One of the key barriers to need for creative play and exploration. And and IG (@igual.ser) or make an appointment occupational justice for children, as well when you set effective screen time limits, you to [email protected] or by phone 918180020. as for some adults, is sensory integration will keep your child distraction-free and help And dear reader, Associação SER Igual dysfunction. Children and adults with this them learn to enjoy the present moment. in Tavira is a non-profit association for condition typically experience some degree By simplifying, we can concentrate on what handicapped people, that is helping children, of occupational deprivation, not because we really value, not just spend our days teenagers and their caregivers to get better of poverty or social injustice, but because reacting to everything the world throws at us. life quality and helping change the paradigm neural mechanisms within their bodies are Many of today's behavioural issues that lead of inclusion in our community. multifunctioning. Unable to adequately children to development and behavioural Thanks once more for your attention. Stay interpret the sensations that arise from evaluation, come from children having too safe and stay tuned for next article. 56 www.eastalgarvemag.com
Expert currency advice By Rachel Canales from GC Partners 4 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE UPS AND DOWNS OF EXCHANGE RATES You don’t need to be an expert to know that exchange rates 1Stay informed you need – when you make money transfers, have been a bit volatile Being able to speak to an experienced who you make them to, how much they are recently – Coronavirus and currency specialist about when to transfer for etc. Then they’ll be able to present the Brexit are just two of the money is vital. Having someone with in-depth options that are going to work best for you, market knowledge, who can keep you up to and you’ll benefit from a completely tailored reasons things have been a date on market movements, will give you the service. little unsettled. But the good news is there are peace of mind to make better, more informed some simple ways you can protect your own decisions. 3Wait for the right exchange rate 2money transfers from these currency ups and Using an automated service that monitors Understand your options the market 24/7 you can agree a preferred rate dGoLwOnsa.dvert 118x130.5 NEW STYLE V3.qxp_LayoutT1alk1t9o/0y8o/u2r0c1u9rre1n1c:3y1spPeacgiaeli1st about what in advance with your currency specialist, and only buy your currency when that target rate Currmeandceysimple is reached. This allows you to take advantage Since 2003, we’ve made it easy for over of overnight spikes in rates, and means you’re 100,000 people like you to transfer money not restricted by normal office hours. to more than 125 markets across the world. Last year alone, we transacted over $5bn in 4Secure your exchange rate in advance foreign currency and made more than If you’re planning ahead and want to know 400,000 payments on behalf of our clients. exactly how much money transfers are going to cost you over the next 2 years, you can use T. +44 (0) 203 974 4738 / +351 289 093 137 a forward contract to buy your currency at a E. [email protected] www.gcpartners.co fixed rate now and pay later. Visit our offices in Lagos and Vilamoura By fixing your exchange rate in advance, you can minimise the risk of any currency movements. Simply buy your currency at a fixed rate, pay a small deposit, and the currency is held for you until you pay the balance in the future. Perfect if you’re paying a deposit on a property and have a balance to pay at a later date. The GC Partners difference Taking care of your money at every step – our dedicated currency specialists offer a simple and fast way to move money abroad – as well as great exchange rates for over 125 currencies. We’ve had an office in Vilamoura, Portugal since 2005 so we understand the local market well, and our 4.9 out of 5 TrustPilot rating is one of the highest in our industry, so you and your money are in safe hands. Call us today on Portugal +351 282 768 136 / UK +44 (0) 203 974 4738 or email portugal@ gcpartners.co to find out more about the currency services we offer or find out more online at www.gcpartners.co. Global Currency Exchange Network Limited T/A GC Partners is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Payment Services Regulations 2017, FRN 504346. Global Custodial Services Limited T/A GC Partners is authorised and regulated by the FCA and holds Part IV Permissions under the FSMA 2000. Registration number 595875. www.eastalgarvemag.com 57
Health HOW TO REVERSE OR AVOID SERIOUS ILLNESS As I write, spring is in the air. A time when we become more I energised following the hibernation months of autumn and winter. wonder if you are still able to take The kidney disease is called Medullary poking in your ears, looking at your tongue up sports like you used to when you Sponge Kidneys where the tubes at the and into your eyes just doesn’t cut it. This is were young? bottom of my organs were not functioning old style medical training which has long since Can you run, hop, skip, and jump properly. This resulted in frequent bouts of been abandoned by modern practitioners. with your grandchildren? projectile vomiting and/or urinary infections. As I write this article, I am reading the new How is your golf swing, or your As a competitive swimmer in my teens, often book by Tony Robbins called Lifeforce. I surfing skill going to be this year? training twice daily, my body was subjected highly recommend it if you’d like to know Did you know that from the age of 30, and to the chemicals within the swimming pool about some of the most amazing ways you even more so in our 40s and 50s, our body environment which was thought to have been can regenerate your body, although you do chemistry can change significantly which a potential cause. I was poked and prodded need a healthy bank balance to do so. results in declining health? for years and misdiagnosed on many Typically, in the past, my clients have been I am sure you may have noticed that your occasions by the medical profession. sent home to die, and get their affairs in order friends, if not you personally, are showing Stage IV cancer can be difficult to reverse, as the medics were unable to throw any more signs of ageing, pain, mobility challenges or however it is possible with guidance, medication, treatment, or surgery at their even full-blown illness or disease. dedication and focus alongside the will to live body. ‘Thank goodness’ I’d say to them. Now Have you felt ill, been to see your doctor and and deep faith that you will recover. you can begin your detox and recovery. told, after enduring many tests, that there When I was told that I had less than one year Over the years, I have been privileged to is nothing wrong with you, yet are given a to live in 2015, I set in motion my recovery support many beautiful people to recover variety of prescriptions for medications to try? strategy and gained the all clear in just 14 their health and enjoy extra time with their Has your GP suggested that because the weeks. When you put in the work, the rewards families and a better quality of life, or even medics and their testing has found nothing are life changing – and in my case, lifesaving! reverse their condition. conclusive, that your problem is one of mental How we contract disease is different for Through lab testing which is undertaken by health? everyone. Every ‘body’ is different and there is you at home, and two online assessments, we Have you, or your friends been given anti- no one size fits all recovery protocol. However, get to the root cause of the health challenge depressants or prescription painkillers as a there is a simple strategy to follow which is so that recovery can begin on an informed sticking plaster to cement over the problem? guaranteed to have you feeling better and basis and a bespoke recovery plan set in My condolences if this describes your world. potentially to enable a full recovery. I show my place. However, it needn’t stay like this. clients how to do this for themselves through a One lady recently came to me after her GP Prevention is better than cure! bespoke programme that brings together the gave her seven prescriptions and said their In my experience, and that of thousands of benefits of my many years of experience and testing could find nothing wrong, yet she felt health practitioners worldwide, 99% of health training, plus referrals to my extensive health terrible. We identified the root causes for her challenges can be reversed when you know practitioner associate network of experts. situation within two weeks when I received how. Please don’t allow your body to get into this her lab test results. I speak from experience because I was born situation though. Prevention is far better than If you’d like to know how I beat kidney disease with a rare kidney condition that wasn’t cure. It’s much easier to prevent illness than in my 40s and stage IV cancer in 14 weeks in detected until my early 20s, told my condition fix it! my 50s then feel free to arrange a 30 minute was incurable, and that I would be on Serious illness doesn’t happen overnight. video call in which I will give you some free medication (antibiotics) for life. Your body is subjected to a variety of toxins health tips and explain how you might avoid I know about reversing serious disease on a daily basis which gradually breaks down becoming ill https://bit.ly/121withelaine because I’ve also experienced four different the chemical balance to manifest illness over Elaine Godley MBA, O.A.Dip (Psych) is a versions of cancer, including stage IV, which a period of years. multi-published author, nutritional advisor I reversed by ignoring the medical profession, And don’t think your regular health insurance and online health mentor from the UK and following my intuition, and taking an integrated or GP check is good enough because a tap living in Portugal [email protected] approach to changing my situation. on the knee, a listen to your lungs and heart, 58 www.eastalgarvemag.com
WHAT IS MESOBOTOX BOTOX-LIKE A brand new and exciting treatment now Alegria available at Alegria Beauty Salon Beauty Salon MesoBotox, Botox-Like is a cosmetic meso procedure that can reduce fine lines and Beauty Treatments · Plasma Jet · Lash/Eyebrow wrinkles, resulting in smoother, younger Lifting and Colouring · Microblading looking skin. The technique can also shrink pores and reduce oil production and reduce · Eyeliner/Lip Liner Tattoos · Facial Waxing facial sweating. This procedure is similar to · Massages · Manicure/Pedicure · Chiropodist Botox in that the client receives injections of botulinum toxin into the skin. AMmaarziang However, Mesobotox, Botox-Like, uses a small amount of diluted Alegria Botox combined with hyaluronic acid. It is a fusion of hyaluron Beauty Salon with botox serum and is funnelled by pressing 100 bar into the Rua 5 Outubro 41, Vila Real de Santo António. treated area and in a wider distribution over the face, usually in Tel.; 961 818 625 the T-zone, smileline and cheeks. Email: [email protected] Unlike traditional Botox treatments, Mesobotox is not injected, there are no needles, a machine disperses the MesoBotox into 59 the area, into a deeper level of the skin or dermis, resulting in: instant smoothness of the face, smaller pores and reduces sweating. Mesobotox treatments are not permanent. The skin will gradually return to normal after 4 to 6 months, after which the treatments should be repeated if desired. The anti-wrinkle effect of MesoBotox, Botox-Like, delays the return of expression lines in the crow's feet area, t-zone, smile lines, and neck lines. MesoBotox stimulates the skin's natural regeneration and healing processes, it promotes the production of collagen, elastin and the products are better absorbed into the skin. The skin becomes smoother and firmer and takes on a fresher appearance. If you are interested in this treatment, or others, please feel free to contact me by email, WhatsApp or Facebook. Mara, from Alegria Beauty Salon, has over 20 years of experience in treatments and procedures in the beauty and nail industry. Tel.; 961 818 625 Email: [email protected] www.eastalgarvemag.com
Gardens SAnLaIVkeEs Spring has sprung Horseshoe Whip Snake, and so the gardening Coluber Hippocrepis, season has begun! For Cobra-de-Ferradura this edition we thought we would introduce the Non-Venomous slender, shy and fast moving. legless garden dwellers They can reach a length of 180cm, however, they you may encounter are usually smaller. while weeding and Markings: Large black or brown spots uniformly clearing brush that placed along the dorsal line with smaller has accumulated over alternating spots along the flanks. The paler areas the winter months. within the pattern are fine with a dark appearance, Hopefully this article sometimes almost black. The belly is pale peach, Southern Smooth Snake, will put you at ease yellow or orange with dark marks near the head Coronella Girondica, should you come in and more dense near the tail. Cobra-Lisa-Bordalesa contact with them. What they eat: Rodents, the largest being rats, Unlike occasionally lizards and small birds. Habitat: Docile and harmless to humans. Slow, secretive, most They live close to humans in cultivated areas and slim, elegant, with a rounded body. Around 60cm orchards, hunting around buildings or ruins and long. Venomous, but back-fanged and unable to countries with a making use of dry stone walls. Generally ground effectively bite humans. dwelling, these snakes are also agile climbers Markings: There is a dark strike from their neck to warmer climate, going into bushes, vertical banks and dry stone the rear corner of the eye. The eye has an orange/ walls searching crevices for prey. red ring around a circular black pupil. The body Portugal has When disturbed: This snake will flee rapidly from colour can vary between grey/brown to ochre humans, but if cornered and handled it will defend with darker bands or spots crossing the back in itself by hissing and biting. a non-uniform way. The underside is creamy or orangey yellow with a haphazard checked pattern very few snakes of dark scales. What they eat: Small lizards and smaller snakes. and they are It hunts at dusk and at night Habitat: Found in dry open scrub lands or rocky quite harmless. The Algarve hillsides, hedgerows and open woods or around older cultivated trees. counts only 8 different species www.eastalgarvemag.com of snakes, of these, none are considered or classed as highly venomous. 60
LANDSCAPING & GARDEN CENTER BEM-VINDO • WELCOME QUINTA DAS PALMEIRAS CENTRO DE JARDINAGEM EN 125, c.p. 126-E 8800-118 To To Moncarapacho Luz de Luz de Tavira Olhão EN125 Tavira e-mail: [email protected] Fuseta To Tavira www.geojardim.com Tel: 281 961 189 Look out for the flags Find us on facebook at: Geojardim Landscaping & Garden Center Ladder Snake, Elaphe Scalaris, Montpellier Snake, Malpolon Cobra-de-Escada Monspessulanus, Cobra-Rateira Non - Venomous. The Ladder Snake has a pointed snout, is medium- Harmless to humans, reaching up to 240cm, usually 200cm. A sized, with a max length of 160cm and averaging 120cm. ground-dwelling snake, often seen slithering across roads in summer Markings: Laterally striped snake, only young snakes have the bold and frequently killed by vehicles. Although venomous, they are back- ladder pattern. The adult Ladder Snake has a shade of brown, from fanged and unable to effectively bite humans. yellow to dark brown and with a pair of darker longitudinal stripes Markings: A narrow head with a very pronounced “eye-brow” over running down the length of the body from the neck to the tip of the a large eye, sometimes accentuated by a white mark. The eye can tail. Often a dark stripe running backwards from the rear of the eye sometimes appear orange/red. The colouration of the adults is usually to the jaw and subtle, darker markings on the sides. The underside a uniform grey, olive, greenish, blackish or red/brown. The belly is is silver-grey to whitish, sometimes with a few dark spots. The eye is often a yellowish shade and blotched with dark markings. dark brown to black. What they eat: Lizards, geckos, but also small birds, the chicks of What they eat: Rodents, spiders, insects, and lizards. Being a fair ground nesting birds, rats, mice, small rabbits and other snakes. climber it will seek out nests with chicks or eggs in trees or on walls. Habitat: Incredibly adaptable, from coastal sand dunes and salt- Habitat: Found in areas with plenty of bush cover, including vineyards, marshes to mountains. Their preference is for sandy or rocky open hedges and overgrown dry-stone walls. Sunny and stony habitats are terrain with plant coverage and rock or log piles. preferred. When disturbed: When disturbed: It will hiss and lunge forward with an open mouth. It Emits a loud and persistent hiss, they raise their heads, flatten out has a sharp bite if you pick it up and will empty the glands around the their neck and appear very aggressive. Receiving a venomous bite is cloaca, the smell is quite offensive! unlikely, unless you are handling this snake as the fangs are at the very back of the top jaw. The venom can create symptoms that pass after a www.eastalgarvemag.com few hours including numbness, stiffness, swelling and possibly fever. 61
Gardens Grass Snake, Natrix Viperine Snake, Natrix, Cobra-de- Natrix Maura, Cobra- Água-de-Colar de-Água-Viperina Non-venomous, usually 70-95cm in Non-Venomous, small to medium-sized, not length. exceeding 65-70cm in overall length, but Markings: The most common colour occasionally can reach 90-100cm. is brown or dark green, with small dark Markings: This well-patterned snake spots. The young have a yellowish is coloured yellow with a dark brown, white collar edged with black, which sometimes checkerboard pattern, along the may disappear entirely in adults. back and marks almost forming eye spots What they eat: These are strong along the sides. It has large, round pupils swimmers, feeding on amphibians, set high on its head as it hunts mostly in the especially frogs, toads, their larvae and water. fish. What they eat: Small fish, tadpoles and Habitat: Found close to water, rivers frogs. Swimming slowly along the banks and streams. Generally preferring edge or through weeds with an ability to stay shrubby locations near water. Can be underwater for up to 15 minutes. found in meadows, hedgerows and Habitat: Close to water, natural pools, rivers. woodland along the sides of rivers and wells, water deposits for irrigation. They can other water bodies. also tolerate salty water at river outlets. When disturbed: Often irritable when When disturbed: When cornered, hisses disturbed. and strikes repeatedly like a viper but is non- venomous. 62 Lataste’s Viper, Vipera Latastei, Vibora-Cornuda Venomous snake, but its bite is not considered very serious. Slow moving with a short and thick variable length, but normally less than 60cm. Markings: A clear edged dark band in a zigzag striped snake, on a grey or brown background. The head is well defined, triangular in shape and grey with a very distinct and unmistakable upturned snout. What they eat: Rodents, lizards and chicks of small birds. Habitat: Prefers stony or rocky areas with plenty of scrub, woodland, steep slopes and stone walls with vegetation. When disturbed: They tend to flee, but if approached this snake will bite. www.eastalgarvemag.com
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Vistas Rui Silvestre restaurant at Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, headed by Chef Rui Silvestre, offers a complete gourmet experience – fresh, locally sourced ingredients used to create the finest gastronomic delights, a welcoming ambience, uncompromising levels of service and stunning views over rolling hills, to the Atlantic Ocean. Rui’s style of cooking represents a return to culinary essentials. A respect for nature, pure tastes, genuine aromas and superb flavours. Recognised with a Michelin star in the Michelin Guide since 2020, Vistas Rui Silvestre became the first starred restaurant in the East Algarve region, establishing the local area as a destination for gastronomy lovers. OPENING HOURS RESERVATIONS From March to November Call +351 281 950 950 Email [email protected] Tuesday to Saturday Website www.vistasruisilvestre.com 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm
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