lPortugal is a beautiful country with a plethora of idyllic locations for making a home. From it’s vibrant city centres to it’s tranquil seaside towns, Portugal offers something for everyone.
In this blog, we will explore eight of the most ideal places to live in Portugal, highlighting the unique character and charm that each one has to offer.
So if you’re looking for the perfect Portuguese getaway, look no further!
1. Lisbon
Located on the southwest coast, Lisbon’s neighbourhoods offer diverse lifestyles across the diverse neighbourhoods of the nation’s capital. In addition to bustling shopping districts and thriving nightlife hubs, it is home to some of Portugal’s most famous landmarks. These historical delights, along with the numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops available on the streets, attract millions of tourists each year.
It is easy to navigate the city and enjoy the various local attractions with good public transport links. For sun-seeking expats, its temperate maritime climate makes it an ideal destination.
Lisbon is also home to one of our many RHJ offices- we love how bright, spacious and oozing in history it is!
2) Chaves
It’s a very small rural town that’s just south of the Spanish border. It’s name comes from the Spanish word ‘chave’, which means key. They’re famous for their spas, and their reputation of therapeutic waters that make people healthier. For example, the Caldas da Rainha bathhouses, since Roman times, have been used for various ailments and have recently been developed into a modern spa. In addition to great architecture, the town boasts a tall tower which is the remaining remnants of Chaves Castle.
However, many of the nearby villages are extremely impoverished and the residents have gained a reputation for being exceedingly friendly. When you compare property in Chaves to the prices in Lisbon, the housing costs are a fraction of the price. But your summers are shorter and winters are a little colder. Nevertheless, there are plenty of airports close by so you’ll never be far away from your next sunny vacation.
3) Porto
The city of Porto, the second largest in the country, is located along the Douro River estuary. Porto is well known as the home of lots of entertainment and cultural events that rival those in Lisbon. Additionally, it’s historic centre is designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, meaning that it is a popular tourist attraction. Moving away from the city centre may be worth considering when deciding where to live.
Porto is also home to another RHJ office- You’ll find amazing Beaux Arts and Baroque churches, palaces and other buildings scattered around the city.
The prices of property in the suburbs are lower than in the city centre and a good variety of houses are also available, between apartments and houses for families. Take the new quarter, Vila Nova da Gaia, for example it is popular among expats. The waterfront properties at Madalena and Lavadores are also among the first on the list.
4) Braga
This elegant city is characterised by narrow streets lined with lively cafés and upscale boutiques. Braga is Portugal’s third-largest city after Lisbon and Porto. Several ancient churches can also be found in this area, including one of Portugal’s most famous landmarks, the hillside church of Bom Jesus do Monte. Despite it’s rich heritage, Braga has plenty of modern properties. Expats seeking a laid-back lifestyle and attractive prices can find it in the northern quarter and the areas near Universidade do Minho, which are rarely on the market in the city’s old quarter.
The towns and villages on the outskirts of the city, however, offer larger properties with plenty of land. You should keep in mind that these often require a lot of renovation.
5) Aveiro
The city of Aveiro, located in the centre of Portugal, is known for its beautiful canals, Nouveau architecture, and colourful gondolas (known as moliceiros). The rich historical heritage of Aveiro makes it popular with expats despite its lack of tourists; recently, the city centre has been modernized, with more pedestrianized areas to encourage walkers and cyclists.
This has led to it becoming a popular place for expats seeking a quiet, family-friendly environment. Despite this, residents still have access to shopping malls, cosy cafés, and indoor markets. Apartments are the most popular type of property in the centre, however, you can find better value nearer to the university.
6) Coimbra
Coimbra is halfway between Lisbon and Porto, and the medieval capital for more than 100 years. Coimbra also has the oldest and most prestigious university in Portugal, the University of Coimbra. A low cost of living combined with a high quality of living, a large and well-established expat community, and popularity among retirees make it an appealing choice for living abroad.
One lucky thing is that it’s easy to find a place to live in Coimbra & there’s a lot of selection depending on what you prefer. There are other options like older properties that require some renovations and houses on rural outskirts.
7) Setúbal
This charming historic town is at the heart of the Portuguese sardine industry and is best known for it”s sweet moscatel wine due to its proximity to Lisbon. Visitors flock here throughout the year for its tree-lined boulevards, atmospheric alleyways, and bustling food markets, while expats settle here too for its affordability and variety of property options.
Expats with larger budgets often opt to live in the more expensive apartment complexes near the beach. The area is particularly popular with retirees, who appreciate the good leisure facilities available. In contrast, those seeking more tranquillity tend to live in nearby small towns.
8) The Algarve
Close to the towns of Faro and Sagres, this area is full of some of the most attractive beaches. With glorious weather year-round, the area attracts visitors from all over the world. For many decades, buyers from all over the world have flocked to Algarve because they were getting older.
They often found homes that could be rented out on a short-term basis more than anything else, so it’s no surprise that it’s hard for these buyers to find a permanent residence. It will help to know that there is a variety of both older and newer buildings around town, in addition to the modern apartment blocks.
For people looking for a slower-paced lifestyle, the modern city of Faro, offers a tranquil and more affordable atmosphere. With an international airport nearby and new residential development close to the beaches, this neighbourhood can be expensive.
Let’s go…
If you’re considering moving to Portugal and want the best possible experience – look no further.
Not only can we help you move there. But we’ll also make sure that everything is set up for your arrival. This includes opening a bank account or even establishing your own business in the country if need be.
