Portugal is renowned for its remarkable beauty, making it a desirable place to live. However, selecting an ideal location can prove to be a challenging task. The country’s rich cultural heritage blends seamlessly with contemporary architecture and an active nightlife, making it an attractive destination for job seekers, retirees, and those seeking to start afresh. If you intend to visit or relocate to this sunny European nation, you must first identify the city or region that caters to your specific requirements.
Here are the top best places to live in Portugal:
Algarve, a haven for Beach Lovers and Nature Enthusiasts
The Algarve region in Portugal boasts some of Europe’s most attractive and high-quality beaches. It is the 3rd wealthiest region in the country, offering visitors stunning coves and limestone caves along its coastline. The region’s breathtaking views of the sea and mountains make it the perfect destination for nature and beach lovers. Moreover, the beautiful weather in this area makes it an ideal place to retire or live year-round.
Prospective residents can choose from a wide array of idyllic cities, towns, and villages, each with its unique identity, such as Albufeira, Faro, Tavira, Lagoa, Silves, and Portimao. The excellent climate in the Algarve throughout the year not only makes it an ideal vacation spot but also a wonderful location to call home.
Lisbon, the city of light
Lisbon, the largest city in Portugal, is an excellent city for expats to live in. It’s a vibrant and bustling city with a lot to offer. From restaurants and museums to concerts, movies, and theaters, there’s always something to do and see in Lisbon. Being the capital city, it has all the essential amenities, including well-paying jobs, hospitals, banks, administrative buildings, schools, and tourist attractions.
Compared to other cities in Portugal, Lisbon is slightly more expensive, but there are attractive property deals available, especially outside the city center. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Lisbon include Alameda, Areeiro, Entrecampos, Almada, and Oeiras.
Lisbon is also known for its beautiful gardens and numerous viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River, which contribute to its nickname as the “city of seven hills.” Furthermore, Lisbon’s proximity to stunning beaches allows residents to enjoy both vibrant city life and relaxed beach life. Setúbal, an hour south of Lisbon, is an excellent place to live, with the stunning Arrábida Natural Park and a world-famous fish market. Day trips can also be made to nearby destinations such as Sintra and the Silver Coast, as well as Évora, just a two-hour drive to the east.
Setúbal, the Hub of Portuguese Sardine Industry and Acclaimed Moscatel Wine
Setúbal is a city just outside Lisbon, reachable by a 40-minute drive, and is popular among expats who desire a peaceful life with access to the big city, while also enjoying a lower cost of living. Setúbal provides a tranquil lifestyle surrounded by scenic nature reserves and stunning beaches, with a charming town center that serves as the heart of Portugal’s sardine industry, featuring docked fishing boats, seafood restaurants, and bustling food markets.
However, if you prefer a more urban lifestyle, Setúbal may not be the right fit for you. Commuting to Lisbon is possible but can be challenging during rush hour or early morning. Although properties near the port area are affordable, they are in high demand among locals. Expats with higher budgets, especially retirees looking for leisure options, usually prefer pricier apartments located close to the beaches.
Viseu, an historic and beautiful city
Viseu is a small city located in Central Portugal. It has been ranked as the best city to live in Portugal multiple times, as well as one of the best cities to live in Europe. This is due to Viseu’s excellent quality of life. From great weather and excellent education to efficient public transportation and an outstanding healthcare system, Viseu has all it takes to be happy.
In Viseu, housing is not expensive, and the job market is thriving. The city’s Renaissance architecture is also very charming, and as it is surrounded by nature, living in Viseu is perfect for hikers and excursion lovers. Considerably less well-known than Lisbon and Porto, the city is a perfect place to live for expats looking for an affordable, tranquil, and top-quality lifestyle.
Coimbra, the eternal student city
Coimbra, once the medieval capital of Portugal for over a century, is situated between Lisbon and Porto. It’s a highly desirable location for expat students, digital nomads, and retirees due to its exceptional quality of living at a reasonable cost.
The University of Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution, is located in the heart of the city. As a result, areas surrounding the city center and university are in high demand, but there are still numerous options available to suit various preferences.
With its vibrant culture, remarkable architecture, and the university at its heart, Coimbra has a lively and safe atmosphere. To top it off, the city also boasts excellent train links to the rest of Portugal, including Lisbon and Porto.
However, expats who prefer coastal living will have to skip Coimbra. Furthermore, the city’s unpredictable weather may be frustrating for those who prefer more predictable weather patterns.
Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal
Aveiro, located in the heart of Portugal, is a city that exudes a rich cultural history and a relaxed lifestyle that is highly appealing to expat retirees and remote workers due to its relatively smaller size. Often referred to as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro’s scenic canals, striking Nouveau architecture, and lively gondolas (moliceiro) make it a quintessentially Portuguese destination that offers a genuine living experience beyond Porto.
What makes Aveiro even more attractive to expats is that it remains off the beaten track for most tourists. However, one point to note is that English is not as widely spoken here as it is in other major cities in Portugal.
Aveiro has undergone significant modernization in recent years, with more pedestrianized areas, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a range of shopping malls, cafes, and markets to keep residents occupied. Additionally, the city benefits from decent road links to both Lisbon and Porto, allowing residents to enjoy the big city life whenever they desire by simply taking a road trip to one of these two destinations.
Porto, an historic and vibrant city
Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, is a picturesque and authentic destination situated along the Douro river in the north of the country. It’s a top choice for expats, offering many tourist attractions such as traditional Portuguese architecture with stunning tiles, charming cobbled streets, and world-famous Porto wine and gastronomy.
Porto has also become an upcoming hub for the startup scene, attracting many international entrepreneurs. For those looking for a quick escape, about an hour south of Porto is Costa Nova, known for its colorful striped houses and stunning beaches, making it a perfect day trip destination.
Besides being a bit cheaper than Lisbon, Porto has some great neighbourhoods to live in, such as Foz do Douro, Riberia, Boavista, Campanha, and Avenida do Aliados. The historic center of Porto is also a charming place to live. The only negative aspect about Porto is that its weather can be colder than the rest of Portugal. Apart from that, living in Porto is absolutely worth it and is definitely one of the best cities for expats to live in Portugal.
Braga, a beautiful city renowned for its collection of historic buildings, monuments, gardens, and fountains.
Braga, Portugal’s third-largest and oldest city after Porto, is an attractive option for expats seeking a smaller, more affordable city with a blend of rich history and modern amenities. However, as the city gains popularity, the cost of living is steadily increasing.
Braga’s charming narrow streets are lined with alluring eateries, cafes, nightlife spots, high-end boutiques, and famous ancient churches like Portugal’s iconic Bom Jesus do Monte on the hillside.
Despite its modest size, Braga’s location is unbeatable, offering easy access to beaches, mountains, and neighboring Spain. Additionally, the city boasts a diverse array of schools, making it an ideal choice for families.
Expats who are considering moving to Braga have a range of options when it comes to choosing a place to live. For those who are seeking a more relaxed lifestyle and affordable living costs, the northern districts of the city are a great option. In contrast, those who are looking for greater peace and tranquility may find it in the towns and villages located on the outskirts of the city.
Chaves, famed for its healing thermal waters
Chaves, a small rural town located just 10 km south of the Spanish border, has historically served as a gateway into Portugal, which is reflected in its name, meaning “keys.” With its wallet-friendly cost of living and peaceful surroundings, it has become a popular choice among expat retirees.
Chaves is renowned for its spa resorts and thermal springs, which are believed to have healing properties that have been attracting visitors since Roman times. The town’s proximity to mountainous areas makes it an attractive and tranquil location, although this also means that it experiences relatively low temperatures, resulting in shorter summers and cooler winters.
Compared to other parts of Portugal, particularly large cities like Lisbon, the cost of living in Chaves is much more affordable. However, it may not be the ideal destination for expats who prefer the hustle and bustle of city life, despite being located near several airports that make getaways convenient.
Funchal on Madeira Island, known for its appealing temperatures, wine and crafts.
Funchal, the largest city on the island of Madeira, remains a somewhat undiscovered destination for many expats. However, it is becoming increasingly popular with remote workers who desire to take advantage of the island’s stunning natural surroundings and warm climate.
Were you aware that the small village of Ponta do Sol in Madeira has been designated specifically for digital nomads and remote workers? It is being hailed as Portugal’s most impressive offering for the remote working community so far.
Madeira enjoys year-round sunshine, being situated 600 km off the Moroccan coast, on the same latitude as Marrakesh. It also boasts magnificent natural landscapes, particularly from its cliff tops and high-level hiking trails.
Although the island is relatively undiscovered, it is not particularly touristy, giving it a safe, secluded, and family-friendly ambiance. However, expats who do not speak Portuguese may find it challenging to communicate, as English is not widely spoken.
Why Portugal?
Portugal boasts all the necessary features to attract expats from all around the globe, making it an appealing destination. With bustling metropolitan cities, charming smaller towns, and tranquil island locations, Portugal offers affordable, high-quality living standards, a secure and safe environment, and a wealth of cultural opportunities.
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