[albert]

hi,
Albufeira and Lagos are not too dissimilar. Both have marinas, old parts and new parts, a large English contingent and more or less everything in walking distance.
Looks like you're gonna get a fair choice of 2 bed apartments for your ?250,000 in either of those places, but Inish is right about the need to try before you buy. We've been renting here for over a year now and still haven't narrowed down where we'd most like to live.
Once you're actually living here, it takes time to work out what kind of mix suits you best. However, the rents are not cheap compared to the UK. Expect to pay at least 800 Euros for a half decent place, unless you crave the 'authentic' lifestyle.
Not a lot here is cheap, except local wines, fags, sardines and soup, oh and the English Breakfast from Mary Anns on 'The Strip' at Albufeira.
Best of Luck