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My Dolce Casa
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Posts by: Elsa Lacock

Elsa Lacock

Elsa is a writer at My Dolce Casa, an expat from South Africa living in Portugal. She works remotely from the beautiful Castelo Branco District. When she's not writing, she enjoys exploring the magical Portuguese countryside with her family.

Nazare Portugal
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Countries Guides Lifestyle Living Portugal

Nazaré, Portugal: The surfing and fishing capital of the country

by Elsa Lacock on April 7, 2023
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If you’re thinking about visiting or moving to Portugal, you might want to consider Nazaré. This scenic fishing town on Portugal’s Atlantic coast is famous for its awe-inspiring waves and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a surfing enthusiast, a history…

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Aveiro Portugal
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Countries Guides Lifestyle Living Portugal

Aveiro, Portugal: Discover the Venice of the Iberian Peninsula

by Elsa Lacock on April 5, 2023
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Get ready to embark on a journey to one of Portugal’s most gorgeous cities, Aveiro, also known as the “Venice of Portugal.” This unique coastal town in Northwestern Portugal will capture your heart with its stunning canals, colorful architecture, and…

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Lagos Portugal
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Countries Guides Lifestyle Living Portugal

Lagos, Portugal: A sunny paradise town amid dramatic cliffs and golden beaches

by Elsa Lacock on March 22, 2023
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Located in the southern region of Portugal, Lagos boasts a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty and amazing weather. Whether you are a retiree looking for a peaceful and welcoming community, a sun lover seeking the warmth of the…

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Faro Portugal
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Countries Guides Lifestyle Living Portugal

Faro, Portugal: Discover the best-kept secret of southern Europe

by Elsa Lacock on March 10, 2023
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Located in the heart of the Algarve, Faro is a popular choice for expats and tourists alike who find the city highly desirable to live in. From the narrow alleys of the old town to the idyllic beaches, Faro offers…

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Portugal apartment building
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Countries Guides Living Portugal Real Estate

Finding an apartment rental in Portugal: a step by step guide

by Elsa Lacock on March 7, 2023
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You’ve decided to take the plunge and start the process of moving to Portugal. Now, you have to consider things like applying for a resident visa and deciding on an ideal area to settle in. One of the very first steps…

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Cascais Portugal
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Countries Guides Living Portugal

Cascais, Portugal: The best lifestyle and natural amenities at your doorstep

by Elsa Lacock on February 26, 2023
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Nestled along the stunning coastline of Portugal lies Cascais, a gem of a town with a unique blend of traditional charm and modern sophistication. Cascais, a former fishing village turned glamorous seaside resort, is a place where the Atlantic Ocean…

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Sevilla Spain
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Countries Guides Spain Working

How to find a job in Spain as an expat when you don’t speak Spanish

by Elsa Lacock on February 14, 2023
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Because of the laidback lifestyle, high standard of living, rich culture, beautiful weather, and friendly communities, Spain has been a dream destination for expats of all ages. However, finding a job when moving to Spain is not as simple as enjoying…

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Mallorca Spain
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Countries Guides Retiring Spain

The expat’s guide to retiring in Spain

by Elsa Lacock on February 8, 2023
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Spain is one of the most sought-after locations in Europe for an exciting relocation after retirement. With its warm climate, affordable cost of living, beautiful architecture, and modern lifestyles, the country offers many attractive perks most retirees look for. If…

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Barcelona Spain
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Countries Guides Living Living Abroad Spain

The expat’s starter guide to living in Spain

by Elsa Lacock on January 30, 2023
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Living in Spain offers a wonderful life in a beautiful, modern country, with excellent infrastructure and a safe living environment. Spain is a vivacious country, and the expat lifestyle is exciting, with so many things to do and see. If…

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Madrid, Spain
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Countries Guides Living Living Abroad Spain

Living in Spain: How to obtain a visa, residency, and Spanish citizenship

by Elsa Lacock on January 22, 2023
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Every year, thousands of foreigners from around the globe move to Spain. Great quality of life, friendly people, excellent weather, incredible cities and villages, and delicious food make Spain the perfect place to start a new life. If you’re thinking about moving…

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Denia Spain houses
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Countries Guides Real Estate Spain

How to buy a house in Spain as a foreigner

by Elsa Lacock on January 10, 2023
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The current data on the Spanish real estate market indicates that there has been a significant “boom” in foreign property purchases in Spain: Since 2009, foreign buyers of homes in Spain have increased significantly. Spain is a top destination for…

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Spain flag
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Countries Lifestyle Spain

10 Surprising facts to know before moving to Spain

by Elsa Lacock on December 28, 2022
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When most people think about Spain, they think about sunny Mediterranean beaches and lazy afternoon siestas. But, there is a lot more to Spain as a society. Think of interesting cultural nuances and unique traditions.  If you’re moving to Spain…

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Churros and hot chocolate
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Countries Lifestyle Spain

Top 10 most famous Spanish dishes (and 3 lesser known you should try)

by Elsa Lacock on December 13, 2022
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If you’re planning to explore Spain and to fully experience this wonderful land, there’s no better way to do so than with your taste buds. Spanish cuisine is among the most varied and celebrated in the world. Many dishes are…

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Spanish Villa
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Celebrity Countries Lifestyle Real Estate Spain

Rub shoulders with the stars: American celebrities who own or rent real estate in Spain

by Elsa Lacock on December 10, 2022
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If you’re considering moving to sunny Spain, you’ll be following in the footsteps of celebrities who have fallen in love with this gorgeous country. The idea of living in Spain has attracted thousands of stars from all over the world…

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Countries Living Abroad Spain

Top 10 Places to Live in Spain for Expats

by Elsa Lacock on November 30, 2022
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It’s not hard to find many amazing places to live in Spain. In fact, with Spain being so diverse in terms of the lifestyle it offers, the choices are almost unlimited. You could opt for a cosmopolitan city, a peaceful…

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Working as an expat
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Countries Guides Living Abroad Portugal Working

How to find a job in Portugal when you don’t speak Portuguese

by Elsa Lacock on November 27, 2022
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People of all ages, from retirees to young professionals, are moving to Portugal for the weather, low cost of living, culture, and all-around high quality of life. Finding a new home in Portugal and making friends in the country is…

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retiring in porto portugal
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Countries Guides Living Portugal

The expat’s starter guide to living in Portugal

by Elsa Lacock on November 11, 2022
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For many people, considering the challenges of being an expat prevents them from seizing the opportunity to live in a different country. However, if you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, you’ll find that the benefits of being an expat in…

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Real estate in Portugal
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Countries Guides Living Portugal Real Estate

How to buy a house in Portugal as a foreigner

by Elsa Lacock on October 22, 2022
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Portugal’s real estate market is thriving in part thanks to expats from around the world who are looking to buy a house in Portugal. From beautiful sunny weather and delicious cuisine to safe communities and an excellent healthcare system, there…

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Portugal Lisbon
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Countries Guides Portugal Retiring

Your complete guide to retire in Portugal – everything you need to know before the big move

by Elsa Lacock on October 8, 2022
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Retiring in Portugal is a great way to fulfil your wish to see the world and experience a different culture after many years of working in the same town or city. Portugal has become one of the top choices for…

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Portuguese food Cataplana
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Countries Lifestyle Portugal

Top 12 most famous and a few lesser known Portuguese dishes you must try

by Elsa Lacock on September 16, 2022
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The Portuguese love great food. Influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, traditional Portuguese food is rich, varied and it offers some unique dishes that you won’t find any place else. From crispy sardines and creamy cod to sweet and deliciously flaky egg…

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