Places in Portugal
Written By PortugalXpert
The best places to live in Portugal is, of course, subjective, depending on what ‘best’ means to you, and there is simply too many choices of wonderful places in Portugal for everywhere to make this list. Whether you're seeking an urban lifestyle close to bustling city centers or prefer tranquil days by the sea, Portugal truly has something for everyone.
Nestled in southwestern Europe, Portugal has become a popular destination for expats from around the world, especially the US, the UK and elsewhere in Northern Europe. With its beautiful beaches, charming cities, safe neighborhoods, and quaint beach towns, Portugal offers a high-quality life that is hard to resist for retirees and digital nomads alike, and often we get asked where the best places to live in Portugal are, so as a very brief introduction to just some of Portugals main expat centers, we'll dive in and take a look at some of the best places to live in Portugal for expats.
Why Choose Portugal?
Portugal offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.
The quality of life is high, with a strong emphasis on family, food, and enjoying life's simple pleasures and the cost of living is generally lower than in many other European countries, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget further.
Best Cities in Portugal for Expats
Each city in Portugal has its unique character and charm, offering different lifestyles and experiences, so of course any list like this is subjective, however we’ve listed here some of the best places to live in Portugal for expats:
Lisbon - Portugal's Capital City
Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal spread across its famous seven hills, is known for its rich history, vibrant nightlife, and stunning architecture, and the city center is a bustling hub of activity, with a mix of modern amenities and historic charm.
The diverse population of Lisbon makes it an excellent choice for expats, and of course, the top choice for expats who want to live in a big city.
The city’s historical center and beautiful nearby beaches make this region one of Portugal’s best cities to live in. It’s easy to meet new people in Lisbon, as it has a large expat community and many digital nomads.
Pros of Living in Lisbon
Good public transportation
International airport with regular flights to North America and beyond
High-quality education
Great weather
A charming and beautiful historic center, with modern city amenities
Large variety of shopping, from quaint stores in the historic center to large, modern shopping malls
Cons of Living in Lisbon
It can get crowded and noisy
More expensive than the rest of Portugal
Porto - Portugal's Second Largest City
Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is a vibrant, modern metropolis with a rich history.
Located on the prestigious Douro River, in the heart of the port wine making region for which it's famous, you’ll be able to enjoy scenic views while also exploring some beautiful places in this historical Portuguese city, and like Lisbon, Porto is a very safe city, even in the city center, and is one of Portugal’s best places to live.
Pros of Living in Porto
Safe
Affordable
Wine!
Cons of Living in Porto
Less expat community (although of course, you might consider this to be a ‘pro!’)
Cold winter weather
Faro - Gateway to the Algarve
Faro, the main city in the Algarve southern region, is often overlooked by expats in the Algarve who are making a beeline west for more famous destinations such as Lagos and Albufeira, but it is a bit of hidden gem of places for expats to live in Portugal.
In the east of the Algarve, and less than an hour from the Spanish border, it is a cheaper and smaller city than both Lisbon and Porto, but with most of the big city amenities that you'll need.
With its laidback lifestyle and less touristy feel compared to other Algarve hotspots, Faro boasts a world-class international airport and beautiful historic center, making this place perfect for enjoying golden beaches with towering cliffs or hidden bays.
Pros of Living in Faro
Lively open-air markets
English is widely spoken
Safety
Cons of Living in Faro
Real estate prices
Limited job opportunities
Coimbra - The University City
Coimbra, a university city located in northern Portugal, caters to a wide range of interests with a low cost of living and a slight small rural town feel.
Coimbra is home to Portugal’s oldest university, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which gives the city a vibrant atmosphere. Furthermore, the city is well connected by train to other parts of the country, such as Lisbon, Porto and other cities across Portugal.
Pros of Living in Coimbra
Safe and well-connected
The nightlife is fantastic
Good medical care
Cons of Living in Coimbra
Away from the coast
Weather that is constantly changing
Lagos - the Gem of the Algarve
Situated on the South West coast of Portugal, the stunning city of Lagos is repeatedly voted by many expats as one of the best places to live in Portugal.
With stacks of nearby breathtaking beaches, cobbled streets and a beautiful historic city centre with a rich heritage, it's a very in-demand place and this has been reflected recently in the property prices - still affordable compared to many places, especially in bigger cities in the US, but unfortunately not the bargain it was a few years ago.
Nonetheless, if you are planning a scouting trip to Portugal, Lagos can't be missed.
Pros of living in Lagos
Probably some of the best weather in Portugal, with the western Algarve coastal location protecting Lagos from extremes of heat and cold, with over 300 sunny days per year
Some of the best beaches in the country
Large expat community, particularly many expat retirees
A diverse and cosmopolitan food scene
Cons of living in Lagos
Fewer employment opportunities than the bigger cities
Less amenities than you'd get with big city life (e.g., no theatre, fewer cultural events, 1hr drive to the airport)
Living in Portugal: Practical Considerations
When considering a move to Portugal, it's important to think about practical considerations such as housing, healthcare, and education. Here's what you need to know:
Housing in Portugal
Finding the right housing in Portugal can be a challenge, especially in popular areas like Lisbon, the Algarve and Porto where demand is high. The housing market in these cities can be competitive, with high demand and limited supply driving up prices.
It's important to start your housing search early and to be patient. Working with a local real estate agent can be very helpful, as they can provide valuable insight into the local market and assist with the negotiation process.
Healthcare in Portugal
Portugal has a high-quality healthcare system, with both public and private healthcare options available. As a resident, you'll be eligible to access the public healthcare system, which is funded through taxes and is free at the point of use. There are also many private healthcare providers, which offer a higher level of service and shorter waiting times, but at a higher cost.
In addition, many expats choose to continue with their expat health insurance (that you need to have to get your visa to move here), as it will offer lots of additional benefits, such as repatriation.
Education in Portugal
Portugal has a good education system, with a mix of public and private schools. The public schools are free and are generally of a good standard, although the quality can vary between regions. There are also many international schools, which offer an international curriculum and are popular with expats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of Portugal is best to live in?
The best part of Portugal to live in depends on your personal preferences. If you love city life, Lisbon or Porto might be the best options. If you prefer a slower pace of life, the Algarve or a smaller city like Coimbra might be more suitable.
Where do most British expats live in Portugal?
The Algarve is a popular destination for British expats due to its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and large expat community.
Which part of Portugal is best for families to live?
Families might enjoy living in Cascais, a town near Lisbon which is known for its high-quality schools and family-friendly amenities.
Which part of Portugal is best to retire?
The Algarve is often considered the best part of Portugal to retire, thanks to its warm climate, affordable cost of living, and large community of retirees.
Which city in Portugal has the best weather?
The Algarve, located in southern Portugal, generally has the best weather, with warm, sunny summers and mild winters.
Which city in Portugal has the best job opportunities?
Lisbon, as the capital and largest city, generally has the most job opportunities, particularly in sectors such as technology, finance, and tourism.
Which city in Portugal is the best for students?
Coimbra, home to one of the world's oldest universities, is a popular choice for students, offering a vibrant student life and a range of educational opportunities.
Which city in Portugal has the best food?
Portugal as a whole is known for its delicious cuisine, but if you're a food lover, you might particularly enjoy Porto and Lisbon, which offer a wide range of restaurants serving both traditional Portuguese dishes and international cuisine.
Which city in Portugal is the most affordable?
Cities in the interior of Portugal, away from the tourist hotspots, tend to be the most affordable.
Which city in Portugal has the best nightlife?
Lisbon and Porto are known for their vibrant nightlife, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Which city in Portugal is the safest?
Portugal as a whole is a very safe country, and crime rates are low. However, smaller cities and towns tend to have lower crime rates than the larger cities.
Which city in Portugal has the best quality of life?
The quality of life is generally high across all of Portugal, but many people rate cities like Lisbon and Porto, as well as the Algarve, as offering the bestquality of life due to their mix of lifestyle, culture, and amenities.
Which city in Portugal has the best healthcare?
Lisbon and Porto, as the largest cities, have the best healthcare facilities, including a range of public and private hospitals.
Which city in Portugal is the best for English speakers?
Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region are generally the best for English speakers, as these areas have large expat communities and English is commonly spoken.
Which city in Portugal has the best education system?
Lisbon and Porto have a wide range of schools, including many international schools, and are generally considered to have the best education options.
Which city in Portugal is the best for tourists?
Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region are the most popular tourist destinations, offering a range of attractions, beautiful scenery, and cultural experiences.
Which city in Portugal is the best for remote work?
Lisbon and Porto, with their mix of coworking spaces, good internet connectivity, and expat communities, are popular choices for remote workers.
Which city in Portugal has the best beaches?
The Algarve region is famous for its beautiful golden beaches, making it a popular choice for beach lovers. However, other coastal cities like Cascais and Lagos also offer stunning beaches.
Which city in Portugal has the best cultural attractions?
Lisbon and Porto are rich in cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historic sites. Coimbra, home to the historic University of Coimbra, is also a great choice for culture lovers.
Which city in Portugal has the best public transportation?
Lisbon and Porto have the most comprehensive public transportation systems, including buses, trams, and metro systems, but getting anywhere in Portugal on public transport is quick, safe, efficient and easy.
Which city in Portugal is the most bike-friendly?
Cities like Lisbon and Aveiro have made efforts to become more bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.
Which city in Portugal has the best weather for outdoor activities?
The Algarve, with its warm, sunny climate, is a great choice for outdoor activities. However, if you're into hiking or mountain biking, you might enjoy the more varied terrain and cooler weather of northern Portugal.
Which city in Portugal is the most pet-friendly?
Most cities in Portugal are pet-friendly, with plenty of parks and outdoor spaces. However, Lisbon and Porto, in particular, have a number of pet-friendly cafes and restaurants.
Which city in Portugal has the best expat community?
Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region have large and active expat communities, making them a great choice for those looking to meet other expats.
Conclusion
Portugal is a fantastic place to live, offering a high quality of life, a low cost of living, and a warm and welcoming culture. Whether you're looking for bustling city centre life in Lisbon or Porto, a relaxed beach lifestyle in the Algarve, or a quieter life in a smaller city or rural town, Portugal has something to offer everyone.
As far as the best places to live in Portugal go, it's an almost impossible question to answer depending on personal taste,
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LisbonPortoFaroLagosCoimbraexpat communityCost of livingAlgarveDigital NomadsImmigrationD7 visaD8 visa
PortugalXperthttps://www.portugalxpert.com
I am an expert on Portugal with a deep understanding of the country's geography, culture, and lifestyle. My knowledge extends to various aspects, including the best places to live in Portugal, the unique features of its cities, and practical considerations for those considering a move. I possess first-hand expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the factors that make Portugal an attractive destination for expats, retirees, and digital nomads.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the provided article:
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Lisbon:
- Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal, known for its rich history, vibrant nightlife, and stunning architecture.
- Pros include good public transportation, an international airport, high-quality education, great weather, and a diverse population.
- Cons include crowded and noisy conditions, higher living costs than other Portuguese regions.
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Porto:
- Porto is Portugal's second-largest city, located on the Douro River, famous for its port wine.
- Pros include safety, affordability, and scenic views.
- Cons include a less prominent expat community and cold winter weather.
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Faro:
- Faro is the main city in the Algarve region, often overlooked but considered a hidden gem.
- Pros include lively open-air markets, safety, and English widely spoken.
- Cons include limited job opportunities and real estate prices.
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Coimbra:
- Coimbra is a university city in northern Portugal with a vibrant atmosphere.
- Pros include safety, good medical care, and a fantastic nightlife.
- Cons include being away from the coast and unpredictable weather.
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Lagos:
- Lagos is situated on the South West coast and is considered one of the best places to live.
- Pros include excellent weather, stunning beaches, a large expat community, and a diverse food scene.
- Cons include fewer employment opportunities and fewer amenities than big cities.
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Practical Considerations:
- Housing in Portugal can be competitive, especially in popular areas like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
- Portugal has a high-quality healthcare system with public and private options.
- The education system includes public and private schools, with many international schools.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
- The FAQ section covers topics such as the best part of Portugal to live in, popular destinations for British expats, ideal places for families, retirees, students, and remote workers.
- Information about weather, job opportunities, healthcare, education, and lifestyle preferences is provided for various cities.
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Conclusion:
- Portugal is described as a fantastic place to live, offering a high quality of life, a low cost of living, and a warm culture.
- The conclusion emphasizes the difficulty in determining the best place to live, highlighting the diverse options available based on personal taste.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the best places to live in Portugal, taking into account different preferences and practical considerations for individuals considering a move to this European destination.
