Wondering where the best place to live in Portugal is? Well, you may be spoilt for choice…
There are numerous reasons to live in Portugal. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard about the advantages of living here.
But, when it comes to choosing where to live in Portugal, where do you start?
Things are already difficult for you—you’re thinking about moving to a foreign country but don’t know which city or town is best for you.
Choosing the best place to live in Portugal for you, your family and your personal needs can feel like a mammoth task.
From big city living to rural areas to resort towns with sea views over the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a country packed with beautiful places to choose from.
Don’t worry – we’re here to help and this article will answer all of your questions!
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Why move to Portugal?
Portugal, a fascinating country in western Europe, is a one-of-a-kind place to live. So, if you’re looking for a new place to call home, Portugal could be the ideal choice.
From the enviable climate and numerous areas of natural beauty to the outstanding food and wine, Portugal is a treat for the senses.
Plus, the Portuguese people are famous for being some of the friendliest and most hospitable people in the world. So you’ll have no problem feeling at home.
Houses in Portugal are typically much cheaper than those in France or Italy, so you get more value for money when investing in real estate here.
Plus, real estate in Portugal has seen some of the steadiest increases in value over recent years – something to think about if you’ll be buying (and inevitably selling) property here.
In comparison to other countries in Western Europe, Portugal has an incredibly low crime rate, making it the perfect place for families.
Being the third safest country in the world and the number one European country for retirement makes Portugal pretty hard to beat.
What to consider when choosing the best place to live in Portugal
When choosing the best place to live in Portugal, you’ll want to take a number of factors into account.
Despite its small size and population, Portugal has a number of distinctive towns and regions.
Therefore, you’ll want to do some research to find one that best fits your lifestyle and meets your needs.
Consider your desired lifestyle and the amenities that are important to you. Are there any particular schools or religious organisations that you value? Do you want to be close to an airport?
Here are some things to take into account:
Climate
If you’re a sunseeker who loves nothing more than relaxing on the beach, living in the Algarve will be a dream come true.
However, if you prefer to experience all four seasons – and don’t mind the rain – perhaps the north of Portugal will be more fulfilling for you.
On the other hand, anyone who can’t stand hot and humid conditions will likely want to stick to the western coast of Portugal, which benefits from a regular Atlantic breeze.
Diet
While Portuguese is healthy and delicious, it’s not for everyone.
If you eat a specialised diet, you’ll certainly find it easier in some places than others.
Lisbon and Porto, as the two biggest cities, generally have something for every need. They’re also the best places to find international cuisine.
However, Lagos – a small city in the Western Algarve – and the surrounding towns have become a bit of a goldmine for vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food.
Amenities
Do you have young children?
If so, the best places to live in Portugal for you may depend on the schools available.
Whether you choose to enrol your children in a Portuguese or international school, this may be the starting point for your search.
Work
If you will be working from Portugal, what do you need to get the job done?
While many regions – including the Algarve – now have lightning-fast fibre-optic broadband, not all parts of Portugal promise a fast (or stable) internet connection.
Or, perhaps you prefer to work from a dedicated office or co-working facility.
You’ll find plenty of these in most Portuguese cities, include in the Algarve, but it’s worth checking the style, rates and availability.
Leisure
Finally, if all else is taken care of, your decision on where to live in Portugal will probably come down to how you like to spend your free time.
Love being outside? Head south to enjoy surfing, sports and hiking in the Algarve.
Prefer enjoying a theatre show or concert? Lisbon is where you’ll have the most variety.
Or, if you simply love immersing yourself in nature, the dramatic landscapes and abundant nature of the Azores might be a great fit for you.
What is the best part of Portugal to live in?
So, now you know what you’re looking for out of your new life in Portugal, where are some good places to start looking?
While we can’t possibly list every place in Portugal, these are the most popular places to live in Portugal for ex-pats.
(And, if you’d like some personal recommendations, please feel free to get in touch!)
The capital of Portugal: Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal, is probably the first place you’ll check out. The capital and largest city in Portugal, it’s a city that offers many advantages to residents and visitors.
Lisbon is largely considered one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe, with plenty of culture and history.
It also has a vibrant nightlife and an inviting atmosphere, making it among the best place to live in Portugal!
The Portuguese are known for their friendliness and openness, making it easy for newcomers to feel at ease in Lisbon.
The weather is generally pleasant all year round, making it an ideal destination for retirees or anyone looking to spend time outside.
As the Portuguese capital, Lisbon also has a thriving economy that supports all types of businesses, so there are numerous opportunities for both entrepreneurs and those looking for work locally!
The best alternative city: Porto
If you’re not moving to Portugal for the weather and don’t mind a little more rain, Porto – the largest city in northern Portugal – might be worth considering.
Porto has all of the excitement and charm of a European city, but with lower living costs and less crime than cities such as Paris or Rome.
You’ll be able to eat and drink well while saving money on rent or mortgage payments. Furthermore, the weather is ideal for year-round activity!
The city is split in two by the famous Douro River, making it a great option for anyone who likes to be near water but doesn’t necessarily need the best beaches.
Plus, you’ll be well-located to explore Peneda-Gerês National Park, possibly Portugal’s most beautiful landscapes, and many of the quaint towns around the area.
The upcoming best place to live in Portugal: Braga
Not far from Porto and close to the Spanish border, Braga is a lovely city with plenty of amenities and a thriving economy.
The city has a thriving manufacturing sector, so if you’re looking for work in this field, you’ll have no trouble finding it here.
A city with a small town feel, Braga is a great place for anyone who doesn’t want to depend on a car.
Braga is also a city with a rich religious heritage, and this is seen clearly in daily life here. If you are a practising Christian, you will find no shortage of community here.
Braga is well-known for its cuisine, with some of Portugal’s best restaurants. If you get hungry after all your exploring around town (or after work), you can dine at the city’s best restaurants!
The island alternative: Madeira
Have you always dreamed of moving to an island? Well, Portugal has several!
The Portuguese islands are found in two autonomous archipelagos: The Azores and Madeira.
The latter, which is closer to mainland Africa than it is to mainland Europe, benefits from pleasant weather during most of the year.
Moving to Madeira could be a great option for you if you like to be surrounded by nature and enjoy a calmer pace of life. Plus, it’s incredibly beautiful!
The region with the best weather: The Algarve
One of Europe’s most popular vacation spots, the Algarve is a favourite among both Portuguese and international visitors.
And it’s not hard to see why: from the turquoise waters to the countless award-winning sandy beaches to the picturesque white buildings, the region is stunning.
The Algarve also benefits from around 300 days of sunshine every year, making it a popular destination for retirees who want to enjoy its year-round warm climate.
In recent years, the Algarve region has made its way up the list of the best places to live in Portugal for expats of all types.
From second home-owners and real estate investors to young people, families and solo digital nomads, the region is now one of the most sought-after places to live.
Plus, while Faro airport can’t (yet) compete with Lisbon, it is still an international airport with regular flights to many major cities in Europe and direct flights to Canada.
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Of course, there is no single best place to live in Portugal. And, as many expats will attest to, it’s hard to go wrong in this wonderfully diverse and inviting country.
Where in Portugal do most expats live?
Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it’s also a fantastic place to live, particularly for expats.
While most expats used to head straight to Lisbon, many are now branching out all over Portugal.
Indeed, the Algarve is no longer mostly made up of tourists and retirees, and many previously unknown towns are starting to attract foreigners.
Generally speaking, Portugal has a relatively low cost of living compared with other European countries. Add to that the high quality of life, and it’s easy to see why so many are der
Is it better to live in Portugal or Spain?
While Spain used to be the dream destination for retirees and expats, Portugal is rapidly stealing its crown.
Portugal and Spain are both excellent places to settle down. They share many similarities, but some key differences may make one the better option for you.
Although Spain can be less expensive than Portugal, Portugal is much less crowded and arguably has better weather.
Both countries boast beautiful beaches with gorgeous blue waters and white sands that stretch out into the horizon beyond your imagination (or at least mine).
But if you want to find some of the best beaches around at an affordable price? Go to Portugal!
While Spain is well-known for its food and wine, Portugal’s cuisine is equally delectable (if not more so).
And, while Spain has been named “the most exciting destination” to visit, we think Portugal offers an incomparable quality of life and a very warm welcome to anyone who chooses to make it home.