11 Best Cities to Live in Portugal
A wonderful blend of old and new…
Portugal is one of the most famously beautiful countries in which to live, but choosing exactly where to live can be quite the task. Ancient traditions mix with modern architecture and a lively nightlife. More and more people are moving here to start a new life, find a job or retire. If you are planning to visit or start a new life in this sunny European country, you must first decide which city or region best suits your needs.
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Here are the 11 Best Cities to Live in Portugal
Lisbon: The Authentic Experience
A recent study ranked Lisbon 4th among the world's cities with the best quality of life. The largest city in Portugal is high on the list above Madrid, Rome, and other emblematic capitals. With a vast population of 2,986,000, Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the 11th most populous metropolitan area in the European Union. With cool breezes from the Atlantic Ocean, mild climate, and many hours of sunshine, Lisbon is a paradise to discover.
A city that includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Belém Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and modern structures can be seen all across Lisbon.
The Algarve: A Retirement Haven
While not a specific city, the Algarve region has some of the most attractive and highest-quality beaches in Europe. It is the 3rd richest region in Portugal. Its coast contains wonderful coves and limestone caves. Wherever you look, the sea and the color of the mountain will always be with you. The Algarve is the perfect destination for nature and beach lovers. The calm weather in this area is another reason why it is an ideal place to retire. The excellent climate in the Algarve throughout the year not only makes it an ideal vacation spot but also a wonderful location to live.
Those wishing to move here can choose from a variety of idyllic cities, towns, and villages, each offering its own unique identity including Albufeira, Faro, Tavira, Lagoa, Silves, and Portimao.
Porto: The Beginning of Portugal
With over 237,559 inhabitants, Porto, or Oporto as it is commonly known, is the second largest city in Portugal and the gateway to the Douro Valley wine region. Many of the largest organizations from various economic sectors are based in the municipalities of Porto, Mais, Matosinhos, and Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto has earned its place as a city of culture, science, business, and entertainment. In 2001, this historic city was named the European Capital of Culture.
Like Lisbon, Porto is the center of fado music. Here, many singers and musicians play folklore guitar music and sing nostalgic songs about love and longing. Porto is one of the most industrialized regions in Portugal and is also known as the "working city" because of the traditional dynamism, honesty, and self-confidence of the city bourgeoisie.
Coimbra: A City of Culture
This city is famous for its university, the University of Coimbra, which is among the oldest in Europe. It has students from more than 80 different nationalities. As Portugal's first capital for 200 years, Coimbra is home to a wide range of historical monuments, museums, libraries, churches, and an intense cultural life. This city has a vibrant music scene and many beautiful parks and gardens.
Coimbra, the cultural capital of Portugal, organizes various kinds of international shows on a regular schedule every year. The nightlife here is colorful. The many public spaces, coffeehouses, bookstores, and art galleries, which are mostly run by students, are particularly crowded and noisy here. When you come to Coimbra, you can feel that there is only a paradise full of happiness.
Sintra: The Town of Fairy Tales
A city in the north of Lisbon, Sintra has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its romantic architecture dating back to the 19th century. It is a true gem for those who enjoy photography and make friends and family at home to envy. The palaces on the hills are simply stunning with their Egyptian, Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance architectural features.
Sintra is located along a wonderful coastline, so it has beautiful beaches. Are you looking for beautiful cities to live in in Portugal? You don't want to miss out on this beauty at any cost! As Robert Southey once said: "Sintra is the most blessed place in all the habitable world."
Cascais: The Beauty On The Bay
Originally a small fishing village caught between the Atlantic Ocean and the waterfront area leading back to Lisbon sometimes referred to as the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais has grown into a very popular tourist destination and home to many Portuguese nationals as well as expats from all over the world.
Some of the country's wealthiest and most famous citizens call Cascais home, including the President of Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, when he’s not scoring goals for the Premier League’s Manchester United football club.
Offering innumerable amenities, fantastic restaurants, tons of culture, stunning beaches, and more, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Portuguese city more liked by long-time locals and newbies alike. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re deciding where to live in Portugal.
Viseu: A City of Opportunity
A survey conducted by Deco Proteste (a national magazine) showed that Viseu is one of the best cities to live in in Portugal. The research was conducted on more than 3,000 people in 21 different cities. Survey respondents said that Viseu offers the best security facilities and job opportunities in the country. It also offers great public transportation and a nice neighborhood to live in. This city has witnessed significant economic growth, especially in the sectors of education, commerce, industry, and telecommunications.
This small hilltop town is often overlooked. You will also enjoy walking through its historic center with Romanesque and Gothic Se (Cathedral) as its central axis.
Évora: A Glimpse of the Golden Age of Portugal
Southeast of Lisbon and the Tagus River lies a region of great plains known as the Province of Alentejo. The historic city of Évora is located in the central part of this region. With a population of 152,436 in 2021, Évora is a forward-looking place but has a city center so well-preserved that it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Much of the old city walls are intact, and within the old city walls, there are over 4,000 different monuments of interest including; palaces, gates, churches, plazas, and more, representing styles from Romanesque to Visigothic, Moorish, and more.
Funchal, Madeira: The Pearl of the Atlantic Ocean
The Madeira Islands consists of two inhabited islands: Madeira and Porto Santo, and two uninhabited islands, Desertas and Selvagens. Madeira Island is the largest of all with a small population. Funchal, a colorful commercial center, is the capital of Madeira Island. There are not only beautiful landscapes and a mild climate, but also a place where the famous Madeira wine is made.
This city is a place for urban people to maintain their health. You can also take a nice bath in the black basalt pool, enjoy the view of the hill, taste delicious, fresh seafood, or fall asleep to the sound of the sea waves.
Tomar: A Break from Portugal’s Tourist Tumult
A small city that attracts hundreds of American and British expats every year, it has a total area of 351 square kilometers and a population of 43,007. Thanks to its elevated position in the Ribatejo region, it has a warm and pleasant climate throughout the year. For sports lovers, there are many mountain biking and hiking trails. The castle and convent on the hill are great to visit, and there’s a lovely kids’ playground across one of the bridges from the main square.
It's a pleasure to stroll down medieval Tomar Street, and this old town is full of cafés serving local sweets and restaurants with Portuguese specialties.
Sao Miguel, Azores: The Green Island
São Miguel of the Azores is known as the green island of the Acores Islands. It is the most populous and largest of the islands, but don't be fooled by "the largest and most populous" phrase. This is just a green little paradise in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
This island has gorgeous landscapes, quaint towns, a capital city with historic buildings and modern amenities, beautiful beaches, hiking, and so much more. The landscape of the island is covered with flowers, wood, and beautiful gardens. The capital of Sao Miguel of the Azores is Ponta Delgada. A city with a long history with a town charter dating back to 1499.
Finding “Home” in Portugal
Moving to Portugal is a rewarding experience that will improve your quality of life and offer up many adventures and experiences. Whether you move to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or the interior, you are sure to enjoy the wonderful and relaxing lifestyle that this unique European country has to offer.
From sporting facilities and green spaces to historic monuments and impressive architecture to the best beaches and plethora of wineries, Portugal has something for everyone. Finding the perfect place for you may take time, but with everything Portugal has to offer, you really can’t go wrong!
Move to Portugal Resources
House Hunting in Portugal
Looking for a place to buy or rent in Portugal but don't know where to start?
Here you'll find a comprehensive list of resources for short-term, mid-term, and long-term rentals as well as real estate resources for primary and investment properties.
Get a Portugal NIF Online
A Portugal NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) is essential to living or doing business in Portugal.
A Portugal NIF is necessary for visa applications, buying property, business transactions, and a whole host of other activities in Portugal.
Learn Portuguese
What’s the difference between Brazilian and European Portuguese? All this and more to help you choose the best learning tools for you.
From apps to subscriptions to tutors to audio lessons, here is a list of resources to help you learn European Portuguese.
Best Books for Moving to Portugal
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Move to Portugal
