With sunny weather and welcoming communities, Portugal is often considered a good holiday destination. However, what is Portugal like for somebody who wants to live there? What could they look forward to daily?
There are plenty of different places where you could put down roots if you want to move to Portugal, and we are here to look at some of your best options.
1. The Algarve
The first location in Portugal that would be ideal for anybody to live in is the Algarve. This is a very expat-friendly location with a strong community of people from all over the world. You will find other experts in the UK, as well as the US, Canada, Germany, and France, to name a few.
There’s a lot to appreciate about living in the Algarve. For example, you have a lot of great international schools to choose from. The vast majority of these schools also teach the British curriculum in the classrooms, so it’s easy for students coming from the UK to transition into schooling in a new country. There are also plenty of international and British supermarkets you will find recognisable scattered around.
2. Lagos
Lagos is an excellent choice for anybody who wants to live in an area surrounded by nature and values staying physically active. Lagos is a city which is incredibly active, and presents numerous opportunities for exercise such as mountain and road biking, hiking, paddle boarding and surfing. It also has a unique vibe and atmosphere, with a combination of restaurants and cute, alternative coffee shops.
It has a strong expat community and is very popular with digital nomads, so it’s one of the more tech-oriented areas in Portugal. With that being said, Lagos is a very expensive place to live relative to other parts of Portugal, so it’s worth noting that unless you have a bit of cash, you may struggle to find a good property here.
3. Lisbon
Obviously, we cannot talk about good places to live in Portugal without talking about the capital. Lisbon is a city which strikes a delicate balance between the tranquil allure of the coast and the promise of a sophisticated urban life.
Not only do you have a large quality of expats, but you also have digital nomads and remote workers to create a diverse economy. From retirees to full-fledged families, Lisbon has a lot to offer.
The thing that makes Lisbon such an interesting place to live is the fact that it is the capital city but also an incredible proximity to the beaches. You get a hybrid approach of both cultures and worlds, so there is a laid-back atmosphere coupled with a vibrant art scene, incredible culinary options and the normal hustle of city life.
The only real consideration for Lisbon is that the cost of rent and owning property is quite high, so it’s best to approach moving to the area with a reliable income stream.
5. The Silver Coast
The Silver Coast is an area which exists between Porto and Lisbon. It’s considered to be a budget friendly way to live in an area similar to the Algarve.
There are a few trade-offs for reduced prices. For example, the climate is a little milder than other areas. If you appreciate the sun but don’t want to pay full price for it, this is a good place to live.
With that being said, this area is one of the most authentically Portuguese you will find. The experience you encounter here has a few tourists and a much bigger connection to the cultural history of the country.
All of the small cities in the area contain a unique atmosphere and history that make it well worth checking them all out. Thankfully, the area is also incredibly strategically positioned, so international travel is quite straightforward if you need to leave the country for whatever reason.
6. Porto
Porto may not stand out as much to visitors in comparison to Lisbon, being the second largest city and thus holding the distinction of little brother by proxy. However, with that being said, quite a lot of natural charm and enjoyment comes out of Porto, and it is well worth taking a look at what’s available.
One of the first things you notice about this area is that it does have a very strong expat community. There is an incredibly diverse mix of residents who have come from all around the world and have built an atmosphere which focuses on connection and friendship. There is also a fantastic culinary component to Porto, which means if you appreciate good food, you will probably fit in well here.
Something else which is enjoyable about the area is that the climate is very relaxing and warm. You will be able to spend the evenings outside cafés and restaurants, and appreciating the beauty of the area. Plus, if you need to travel, the airport is connected to all the major destinations in Europe.
Living in Portugal
There is quite a bit to gain from life in Portugal. It’s a wonderful place to live and it can offer quite a few amazing benefits for anybody who does choose to put down roots in the area. With that being said, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, this is a more expensive place to live than others.
This should definitely not be a reason to avoid the area, but it is worth moving with the secure job and quite a bit of funding available. That being said, it’s up to you to be careful with where you choose to live and pick an area that prioritises what you’re looking for.
There is something different in every location, so well worth taking a look at what’s available. If you do want a removal service to Portugal, then we would be more than happy to help you, using all of our experience to assist with the process.