Aveiro
Aveiro is exceptionally beautiful and has the vibes of the bigger cities in Portugal. This city is close to the sea giving expats the unique opportunity of enjoying what the big cities have to offer without the chaos that comes with it. Families are motivated by the good education that Aveiro has to offer to University students to be specific. Additionally, there is great medical care and English-speaking locals. Aveiro is a flat city, where it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, which makes it inviting for long walks.
Braga
Braga is a charming city, rich in culture and history, laid-back and with relatively less tourist action compared to other popular destinations like Algarve or Lisbon. While Braga is not located right at the beach, there are several smaller fluvial beaches and the freedom to do whatever you want, whether outdoor or indoors, because of the reliable weather.
Cascais
Cascais is a wonderful place to raise a family, especially one that loves to connect with nature. It has access to parks and beaches and is still close to the biggest urban center. Cascais is the epitome of exquisite beauty, sophistication and luxury. It is the fourth-safest place to reside worldwide and the healthcare and education are top-notch. Often referred to as the Portuguese Riveria, Cascais has transformed from being a small fishing community to a destination with yachts and luxury. The village offers an excellent quality of life – it has lovely weather, it’s clean, and it offers a tranquil lifestyle close to the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.
Chaves
Located in the North of Portugal near the River Tâmega, Chaves is a haven for peace and tranquility. This historic town boasts some great architecture which dates back to Roman times and a fort which is a reminder of the war of Independence with Spain. For those wishing to live like a true local, the expat community is practically non-existent in Chaves. If you’re looking to dive right into local culture this will be a beautiful place to do so.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a charming medieval city that is built on the grounds of a former palace. Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and rich in history, this riverfront city manages to expertly contrast the old with the new, tradition with modernity. Coimbra used to be the capital of Portugal. This Portuguese city boasts a diverse population and plenty of restaurants, cultural events, sports, and activities and provides a quieter life than the larger cities.
Évora
When people think of Alentejo, Évora is exactly what people think of. It´s no surprise that the city of Évora is one of the most important cities in the entire Alentejo region. This vast district is characterized by its many long plantations, wine production, cattle raising, and rural tourism, located only 130km away from Lisbon (82mi). If you like city life, Évora is the exact opposite. Sheep, cattle and horses graze across the plains that stretch for as far as one´s eyes can see. To live a slow-paced lifestyle, this wonderful piece of paradise is calling you.
Faro
There are so many reasons why expats are flocking to the southernmost city of the Algarve region. With beautiful cobblestone streets and the promise of good weather all year round, it´s no surprise that expats love Faro. The tax benefits for expats, delicious local food, the pristine beaches and the affordability make Faro highly desirable.
Funchal
If what you’re looking for is easy access to nature, including the ocean, greenery, waterfalls, and more, as well as city life, Funchal is the place to move to. With over 100,000 people living in Funchal, it is the main center of Madeira. The capital is known for its lively nightlife, incredible restaurants and for having a variety of cultural activities to enjoy. Funchal is more expensive than other parts of the island. However, it is still more affordable than most cities in Europe.
Lagos
Lagos has a large international community, with over 38% of its population being foreign.
If you want to live somewhere relaxing, with charming villages, as well as a large riverside promenade, and historical attractions, Lagos is a great option. With an excellent public transportation infrastructure, a mild climate, beautiful beaches and attractive property prices, Lagos has a lot to offer, whether you’re relocating with family, retiring, or setting up as a digital nomad.
Lisbon
What makes this city so appealing that it frequently tops the best European Capital Cities list, the best City-break, and more recently, the best European city to relocate and start a new life. It is a go to destination for expatriates and digital nomads. Lisbon has it all, romantic cobble-stoned lanes, ornate architecture, mouth-watering cuisine, Fado music, and rich colonial history make Lisbon an exciting destination. It is the largest city in Portugal. A large number of expatriates already reside in Lisbon, and that number is growing daily. According to a recent study, Lisbon is one of the cities where expats are happiest with life abroad.
Nazaré
Nazaré is not only famous for its breathtaking views, but also for its relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major cities in Portugal. This means you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank. The surf, the cuisine, the culture, and the laid-back atmosphere are some of the reasons expats flock to Nazaré. Nazaré is a quaint fishing town – one of the main secrets to its incredible cuisine.
Ponta Delgada
Boasting a history of over five centuries and precious testimonies of the past, Ponta Delgada is a multifaceted city where tradition lives hand-in-hand with the present and cosmopolitanism with wholesome tranquility of the Azorean life. Ponta Delgada is a cosmopolitan city with a lively economic and cultural life. The extensive coastline road, which borders the harbor and the sea outlining the city, is the expression of its dynamism, adapting to new times and also the access road to the city. Although the city is definitely more remote, the island’s natural beauty makes it one of the best places to live in Portugal.
Portimão
The Algarve region is widely known as the best place to live in Portugal for English speakers. With a large expat community and retirees as well, sunny Portimão has a relaxed feel and lots of up and coming trendy beach cafés and places to soak up the atmosphere in the historic town center. Portimão offers a desirable coastal lifestyle, a range of amenities, and a pleasant climate, making it an appealing place to live, especially for those who enjoy beachside living and a vibrant atmosphere.
Porto
Porto, is often overlooked by expats moving to Portugal due to its more northern location, but this beautiful city on the banks of the River Douro should not be ruled out. Like Lisbon, Porto is also a very safe city, making it perfect for families and is also a cheaper option compared to Lisbon. Porto is famous for its port wine, incredible local gastronomy and its colorful streets, while English is also well spoken in most cases.
Porto Santo
What sells Porto Santo Island is nature. Whether you want to climb Pico da Gandaia and Pico do Facho or dive into the Atlantic Ocean every morning, the island has something for you. The European Best Destinations has given the island the “European Safest beach 2021” award. Porto Santo is packed to the brim with restaurants, cafés, bars, shopping centers, museums, churches, etc. The city has everything you might need. You can also participate in some of the many festivals, like the Columbus festival or the Tuna or Grape harvest festivals.
Setubal
Setúbal, located just outside Lisbon, requiring only a 40-minute drive, is popular with expats who want the best of both worlds: a tranquil life with access to the big city. Plus Setúbal’s cost of living is also lower than Lisbon! Living in Setúbal is to enjoy the countryside and the quality of life it offers. The city has over 120,000 inhabitants and is surrounded by nature reserves and beautiful beaches. The town center is small, charming, and picturesque with a beach feel to it, with moored fishing boats, restaurants serving fresh fish and the Municipal Market with local producers selling fresh fruits, vegetables and fish along with all those wonderful typical products you can only find here. Setúbal means easy access to the most beautiful beaches with the capital city on your doorstep.
Sintra
If fairytale-like charm and a relaxed approach to life are your goals, then living in Sintra could provide your ultimate expat paradise! Located close to the Atlantic coastline of Portugal and only a 30-minute train ride from the country’s capital Lisbon, Sintra is an idyllic location for expats.
It boasts an array of cultural heritage and natural beauty—with palaces, castles, lakes, forests, towers, grottoes and beaches all within mere minutes of each other. What’s more, expats in Sintra can enjoy the laid-back approach to life that the Portuguese are so well known for, with all of the dazzling vibrancy of a large international city only a short journey away.
Tavira
Tavira is known for its charming historic center with its top attractions of the Roman bridge, Tavira castle, and Igreja da Misericórdia. As well as its close proximity to Ria Formosa Natural Park. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, smaller and scattered urban centers and natural scenery make Tavira an ideal place to enjoy a wonderful quality of life. It has stunning beaches, mountain ranges with their own microclimate, and even white sandbanks. In other words, it is the place with the ideal conditions to have fun with mountain biking, running, bird watching, golfing, sailing, and kayaking. Sounds great, doesn’t it?