Wondering what are the best places to live in Portugal? We understand! Portugal is becoming the country everyone wants to visit, and many want to live in.
Why? Well, it isn’t just because of the sun, the proximity of the sea and the cheap prices. The increasing quality of life in this small corner of Europe is making people come to Portugal and stay there.
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Without further ado, let’s explore the places where you could be living in Portugal.
Lisbon
Lisbon… the capital and biggest city in the country. It’s becoming more and more a touristy city appreciated by foreigners not only because of its nice weather and proximity to the beach but also because of its history and monuments.
Besides being the biggest city in Portugal, Lisbon is also the most expensive one to live in.
But if you compare it to the main European capitals, it is cheaper. There are many things to do in Lisbon which are great for both expats and travelers.
Porto
Porto is the 2nd largest city in the country and is in the North of Portugal. It’s one of our favorite spots in our 10-day itinerary in Portugal.
It has its own airport and it is surrounded by a lot of smaller cities that are worth a visit.
Known for the wine, Porto has around 200,000 residents and it’s becoming a touristic favorite. It is not as expensive as Lisbon but still one of the most expensive cities in Portugal.
Coimbra
Located in the center of Portugal (kind of halfway between Porto and Lisbon), Coimbra is a smaller yet beautiful city.
It is known for its university which was the first in Portugal. Students are a big part of the city and the academic tradition is in every corner.
With public transportation and highways connecting it to the whole country, this is the place to choose if you are looking for something less touristic.
Faro
Are you a lover of the sun and the beach? Faro is the perfect place for you then.
With sunny days in the summer and mild winters, Faro is filled with the best Portuguese beaches and warm water (the only place in the country where you can actually find this).
It is filled with tourists during the summer, but it is a lot quieter during the winter.
Guimarães
This is the place where the whole country was born. It’s located in the north (further north than Porto) and it’s a city filled with history.
It is the least touristic city mentioned in this text and, therefore, the cheapest one to live in too.
Summers are warm and dry, and winters can be colder than in most of the other places in Portugal.
Guimarães is one of the most affordable cities in Portugal and it is close to Braga and Porto and connected to Lisbon by train.
Things To Consider Before Moving To Portugal
If you’re planning your big move, once you know where to live in Portugal, there are a few things you’ll need to prepare for.
Language
Even if Portuguese appears to be Spanish, it isn’t the same thing and there are quite a few false friends that might leave you embarrassed.
Learning Portuguese in Portugal is the best option if you want to make quick progress.
Locals will definitely help with everything you need, and most Portuguese people can speak English but everyone will appreciate if you try to learn the language.
Temperature
Is there sun most of the days? Yes, there is. Is it summer all year round? Not really.
Even if temperatures can go up to 35º during the summer months, they can also go down to less than 10º in winter.
Winters aren’t as cool as in most European countries, but it is a mistake to assume that you don’t need any jackets or winter clothes, also many houses don’t have central heating, so may be colder than you may be used to.
Food
If you are a fan of meat, fish, and sugar, Portugal is the right place for you.
You will probably find it weird when you ask for a dish and someone brings you a plate filled with meat, fries and rice that is enough for your whole family. It is not weird, it’s the Portuguese way.
Portuguese people eat lots of meat and fish, but they are also known for their sweets such as the famous pastéis de nata (my favorite).
Transportation
If you‘ve moved to a new city, public transport can be a real challenge. Fortunately, there is a possibility to find all possible connections online.
On the Omio platform, you can easily enter your start and destination. You will get an overview of all connections with just one click. That is how easy public transport can be!
Portugal isn’t a big country, but it has everything one needs to have a great life. If you are looking for the best place to live in the country, fear not as we have the details to help you choose.
Lisbon might be the obvious choice as it is the most well-known city, but there are other options all over the country that you can choose from.
Whether you prefer the city life or something calmer, the beach or the countryside, Portugal can offer you all of these, we have selected the best cities to help you to decide.
Final Thoughts On The Best Cities To Live In Portugal
Have you made your decision already? Think about the pros and cons of each city and your priorities.
Once that is figured out, you’ll be able to pick the best city to live in Portugal.
All you need to do is move to that small corner of Europe and enjoy the sun!
Want to learn more about Portugal? Read one of the following blog pots:
