Boasting around 300 days of sunshine every year, affordable living, a large expat community and stunning scenery and beaches, Portugal is a great choice for a home overseas.
But where is the best place to live in Portugal? Well, whether you want to settle in a bustling city or enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of a coastal town, there are some incredible locations to call home. Let’s explore the top five most popular regions in Portugal for anyone considering moving to this amazing country:
1. Porto, Douro Litoral
Situated along the Douro River, Porto is 186 miles from Lisbon in the north of Portugal. This historic city is located in the fourth most populous municipality in the country and is alive with vibrant bars, wine cafes, and restaurants. It is also home to the second busiest airport in Portugal, serving over 10 million passengers annually.
Over the last ten years, Porto has become a major tourism hub in Portugal. It is renowned for its incredible Port wine and outstanding architecture. The city has a mild oceanic climate with hot summers and relatively mild winters, although it may be slightly colder than other parts of Portugal.
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It is relatively easy to find good accommodation in Porto, compared to Lisbon. Some popular neighborhoods for expats moving to Portugal include:
• Foz do Douro, a seaside neighborhood off the Douro River with many upmarket apartments with spectacular views of the Atlantic.
• Boavista, a central area only 20 minutes’ walk away from downtown. The apartments in Boavista are moderately priced.
• Riberia, a picturesque neighborhood by the riverside not too far from the renowned Port wine cellars. It is a bubbly area and well served by public transport.
If you are moving to Portugal and are interested in entrepreneurial activities, there is also a start-up scene rapidly growing in Porto.
2. Coimbra, Beira Litoral
If the idea of living in a university town appeals to you, then Coimbra is your best bet. While Coimbra is one of Portugal’s biggest cities, it still has the charm of a small historic town.
Coimbra is home to the University of Coimbra, the oldest university in Portugal, originally founded in 1290. And with 25% of the population being students, this charming city is livened up by boundless youthful energy. Professionals and entrepreneurs, young families and retirees all enjoy the friendly culture of Coimbra.
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The cost of living here is lower than in Algarve, Porto and Lisbon. Accommodation is also cheaper and there are many options to choose from, including old fixer-uppers, cheaper apartments, and plush luxury townhouses.
For jobseekers, there are some opportunities for English speakers, but most expats work from home in Coimbra.
3. Lagos, Algarve
The peace, safety and picturesque landscapes of the Algarve make it one of the best regions for expats to live in. The area, on the southern coast of Portugal, is known for its sunny weather, long summers and excellent food.
If you’re thinking of living in the Algarve, Lagos is a great town to consider. The tranquil beaches with turquoise blue water make this town a favorite among both locals and tourists.
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Lagos offers something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping hiking sites and exciting water parks to interesting museums and historical cafes. Lagos is also home to one of the longest beaches in the country, spawning 2.5 miles.
The cost of living in Lagos is surprisingly low, but the quality of life is high. The property market is also at an important stage, with both rentals and purchases being relatively low.
While Lagos does not offer many job opportunities for expats, it is a great area for remote workers.
5. Lisbon, Estremadura
In the heart of the Lisboa or Estremadura region is Portugal’s capital Lisbon. This cosmopolitan city is the perfect location for culture lovers and anyone who enjoys an active lifestyle in the cultural hub of continental Europe.
What makes Lisbon so popular among expats is that it uniquely mixes modern and developing infrastructure and busy cultural life with the sleepy, magical charm of a historical town.
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While Lisbon’s cost of living and accommodation is less expensive than other European capitals, it is still higher compared to other regions in Portugal. Lisbon is, however, the central hub for finding jobs. There are plenty of opportunities for English-speaking job seekers living in Lisbon.
For expats, some of the best areas in Lisbon to settle in include:
• Alfama and Graca, the city’s oldest neighborhood found around the castle and down the hill towards the river. It has the charm and atmosphere of a small town.
• Bairro Alto, home to some of Lisbon’s best nightlife spots. Between cheap eateries and stunning architecture, you’ll find a mixture of bohemians, pensioners and expats all living together.
• Cascais, a coastal resort town located 18 miles west of Lisbon. It is often named the Portuguese Riviera and is popular for its sandy beaches and bustling marina.
5. Beja, Alentejo
In the heart of the Alentejo region, you will find the city of Beja. Its name comes from the Arabic word “Baja”, meaning peace, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here. Beja is a relaxed city that offers a real hit of local life and culture removed from the buzzy resort towns and summertime tourists.
The city sits on a hill overlooking the vast fields of the whole Baixa Alentejo region, dotted with cork oaks and olive trees. Summers are very hot, and temperatures can reach over 100 F, while winters are cold and wet.
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Compared to other areas on the list, Beja offers very affordable living and accommodation that is far below the country’s average. However, work opportunities are scarce, especially for English speakers living in Portugal. Therefore, most expats find employment online and work from home.
For those who appreciate a rural, slow-paced lifestyle and being immersed in the local community, Beja is the perfect spot.
Find your new home in Portugal
Portugal is a beautiful and safe expat-friendly country with cosmopolitan cities, stunning beaches, bustling beach towns and sleepy fishing villages. If you are thinking about moving to Portugal from US, you are sure to find a spot to call home.
