Portugal, located on the Iberian Peninsula, is one of Europe’s most visited countries. Expats from all over the world come to admire the country’s charms and culture and decide to call it home. It’s easy to see why: not only does Portugal have amazing cuisine and friendly people, but it also boasts a reasonable cost of living and a diversified landscape. This means that Portugal can accommodate you whether you choose to live on a gorgeous beach, in a little town, or in the midst of breathtaking mountain ranges. The following are the greatest places to live in Portugal.
1. The city of Lisbon
Lisbon is a multicultural city that is ideal for ex-pats, families, and students. Lisbon is a forward-thinking city with a welcoming LGBT+ community and a booming tech industry, which explains the city’s appeal to ex-pats.
Lisbon, being Portugal’s capital, boasts a thriving commercial sector and a vibrant nightlife scene. For ex-pats who prefer peaceful and quiet neighbourhoods, there are charming local apartments and picturesque seaside places nestled among the bustle. Many individuals speak English in Lisbon because it is such a popular tourist destination. However, learning Portuguese is essential if you want to truly immerse yourself in the culture and way of life in Lisbon. Lisbon’s iconic monuments, such as the 11th-century So Jorge Castle and the 16th-century Torre de Belém, may also teach you a lot about Portugal’s history and culture.
The climate of Lisbon is a feature of the Mediterranean, with short, moderate winters and pleasant summers. As a result, it’s a fantastic site to visit throughout the year. However, if you’re a digital nomad, March to May or September to October are the best months to visit Lisbon. The weather is still pleasant during these months, there are fewer tourists, and accommodation costs are lower. The cost of living in Lisbon is incredibly low; a family may get by on under $2200 per month, and a single individual can get by on much less. In quality of living surveys, Lisbon is ranked to be ahead of other cities like Barcelona, London, Rome, Madrid and even New York.
2. Porto
Many people consider Porto to be Lisbon’s calmer sibling, ideal for individuals who want to live in the city. It’s no surprise that it’s a favourite destination for retirees and families. The city’s low crime rate and kind residents provide a welcome and caring environment.
The riverbanks of Porto are dotted with chic pavement eateries and fashionable new bars. Along the Rua de Miguel Bombarda, there are also modern art exhibitions and world-class concerts at Casa de Musica. Aside from the natural and architectural beauties of Porto, living there is also very inexpensive. A couple’s monthly living expenses are around $1550.
3. Aveiro
Aveiro might be an excellent alternative for people who want to avoid crowded regions. Because of its beautiful canals, lively gondolas, and Nouveau architecture, Aveiro is frequently referred to as the Venice of Portugal. The city has added additional pedestrianized zones in recent years to encourage people to walk and ride. As a result, ex-pats looking for peaceful and quiet neighborhoods will find it appealing. It’s also good for families because there’s not much traffic in the city.
Aveiro boasts a lot of retail malls, indoor markets, and pleasant cafés while being quieter than the larger cities. Walking through Aveiro, visitors may see the Hotel Aveiro Palace, note the black and white Portuguese pavement, and visit the Aveiro Museum. A couple’s monthly living expenses are around $2500, whereas a single person’s expenses are roughly a third of that.
4. Coimbra
The Institution of Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest and most famous university, is located in Coimbra, a popular student destination in Portugal. Coimbra was the medieval capital of Portugal for nearly a century, and it is rich in history. Aside from the city’s historical core, architecture, churches (such as Sé Velha and Sé Nova), and pavements may all be used to learn about Coimbra’s past.
Coimbra also has one of the largest and most attractive botanical gardens in Portugal, as well as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Coimbra attracts not just students but also foreigners from all walks of life, particularly seniors, due to its inexpensive cost of living and good quality of life. At around $2200 per month, a couple may live comfortably. If you spend enough time in Coimbra, a city where history and modernity coincide, you could decide to make it your permanent home.
5. Sintra
Even to the native eye, the bright buildings and beautiful architecture of Sintra, which is located in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains, are awe-inspiring. Nature enthusiasts will never want to leave this place because of its dewy woods, cascading mountains, and unique vegetation.
The town’s closeness to Lisbon also allows you to experience the big-city lifestyle while yet being able to return to Sintra’s peaceful and quiet city, which is tucked in the town’s natural scenery. The cost of living in Sintra can range from $1140 to expensive $2100, depending on your personal preferences.
Portugal is a one-of-a-kind country that offers a variety of lifestyles in various locations. Every sort of ex-pat may find a home in Portugal, from the beautiful Sintra to the busy Lisbon. The rising popularity of the nation among ex-pats is a result of its great quality of life and inexpensive cost of living. If you are relocating and moving your belongings to Portugal remember we can help you with all your logistics with our international luggage shipping service. Pack everything you need and we can pick up your luggage and deliver it to your destination without you having to lift a finger.
