It is not surprising that retirees from the West or those who are yet to retire are entering the keywords “best retirement places in Portugal” more often in their Internet search engines.
Portugal has become one of the most popular places in Europe for retirees from North America, the UK, and a number of EU countries, and for good reason.
With over 300 days of sunshine each year, reasonable living and health care costs, a big expat network, magnificent landscapes and beaches, an easy immigration procedure, and English is widely spoken, this country is ideal for expats.
And not only in Europe – Portugal is No.1 country in the world to retire to, according to the new Annual Global Retirement Index 2023. The adjustments made to Portugal’s retirement tax legislation make it even more appealing for foreigners to retire in Portugal.
The country also happens to be one of the safest places in the world, according to the Global Peace Index 2022.
Comfortable life for 1,500-2,000 euros a month
A comfortable life in Portugal’s smaller towns could be had for somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 euros per month. In bigger cities like Porto or Lisbon, the monthly cost will go up to 2,000 to 2,200 euros.
People who have already retired or are about to retire have a lot of choices, and if you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, we’re here to help. Let’s look at some of the best places to retire in Portugal and see why it really is one of the best places to retire.
Which are the best retirement places in Portugal?
One of the main reasons why people from other countries choose to retire in Portugal is because it has a nice climate, a beautiful coast, and homes that aren’t too expensive. It also has a lower cost of living than many other countries. Portugal has something for everyone, from old but beautiful fishing villages to charming, busy cities. Let’s look at some of the best places for retirees to live in Portugal:
Algarve
The most beautiful part of Portugal for retirees is the Algarve, which is on the country’s southern coast. Forbes has called this area the “most affordable choice in Europe for retirees” in recent years. It has beautiful golden beaches and tall cliffs. There are a lot of English-speaking expats in the Algarve, as well. Depending on where you move, you’ll be surrounded by other retirees.
Within the region, with its 16 municipalities and many retirement communities, there is a lot to choose from. Prices for homes in the Algarve depend on where they are located. But, they are generally lower than in other parts of the country. Furthermore, the cost of living is also lower than in the big cities. The area is known for being very safe, and is a great place for retirees fond of an active life. Especially convinient for golfers, since the area is known for some of the best golf courses in Portugal and Europe.
Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese island located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is about 1,000 kilometers from mainland Portugal and 600 kilometers from Africa. This beautiful place has a temperate climate and warm weather for most of the year, which makes it another great choice for a place to retire in Portugal. There aren’t as many tourists in the archipelago as there are in the Algarve, but the number of expats and people who have retired here is growing.
The Algarve is the southernmost part of Portugal. It is known for its beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and golf resorts.It is close to nature and has a laid-back island vibe. Even though the cost of living in Madeira is a little higher than in the Algarve, there is a wide range of reasonably priced homes for sale or rent.
Lisbon
The province of Lisbon is also a great choice for people who want to retire in Portugal. Here, Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is the most popular destination for spending the autumn of your life. In many ways, it is the country’s beating heart, and retirees from all over the world love to live there. Lisbon was recently named one of the top 10 cities with the best living conditions for retirees. It has a large expat community and a lot going on for people who want a busy retirement.
Even though Lisbon is one of the best places to retire in Portugal, keep in mind that real estate in the city center is more expensive than in other parts of the country. As well, the neighborhoods can be crowded and noisy. If you live on the outskirts, you can avoid these problems. Setubal is another good choice in the Lisbon area. Although it is a smaller city, it is just as charming. It is close to nature and the beautiful natural parks in the area, and it is only a short drive from Lisbon.
Silver Coast
The Silver Coast is a gorgeous coastal location in Portugal that stretches along the country’s western coast. It is located between Lisbon and Porto and is home to attractive villages and beautiful beaches.
The town of Caldas da Rainha is an hour north of Lisbon. It was built around one of the oldest thermal hospitals in the world. The lively old town has a fruit and vegetable market every day, a fish market close by, and a flea market every week just up the hill. This small city has big grocery stores, a modern shopping center with several levels, a wide range of restaurants, and a few museums. Dom Carlos Park attracts locals and tourists who walk the paths, or paddle boats on the lake. A lot of foreigners live in Caldas, and the city has public and private hospital, and a few smaller clinics.
On a hot summer day, the nearby beaches of Foz do Arelho and Nadadouro are a welcome break. People of all ages can go to the lagoon and enjoy the calm water or hang out with friends at a cafe on the water. Also, the summers are warm and feel like spring, while the winters are cold and wet.
Porto and Northern Portugal
People often forget about Northern Portugal when thinking about where to live and retire in Portugal. However, the charm of the area and the beauty of its cities and countryside make it one of the best places in Portugal for retirees. Aside from the charming city of Porto, which has a lot to offer expats and retirees, this area has a lot to offer in other ways as well. This mountainous area has beautiful countryside and vineyards, and it is a very affordable choice for retirees who want to live in a place with fewer tourists. Particularly, the stunning Douro Valley is a peaceful place that is perfect for wine lovers.
Northern Portugal has some of the cheapest real estate prices in the country. But, just because you live in the north doesn’t mean you can’t go to the beach. This part of Portugal has over 100 km of rugged coastline.
