Navigating where to live in Portugal: city, countryside, and coastal delights

When deciding where to live in Portugal you're faced with a wealth of options. And for many, the starting point is just where in the country do you want to be?

From health care and transport links to real estate, lifestyle and job opportunities, where is best for you – a city, the countryside, or the coast?

So if you’ve secured your Golden Visa, D7 Visa or have joined the NHR (non-habitual resident) program – here’s a guide to the pros and cons of each.

City Life

Portugal’s major cities, such as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro boast excellent infrastructure, including well-developed public transportation networks comprising buses, trams, and metro systems, making commuting and exploring the cityscape convenient and efficient.

There are large expat communities in these cities and a wealth of employment opportunities, particularly in sectors such as finance, technology, and tourism.

Lisbon, as the capital city, stands out as a thriving entrepreneurial hub, attracting start-ups and fostering innovation.

Cities provide an array of apartments, townhouses, and luxury penthouses, catering to urban lifestyles.

Real estate comes at a premium due to its high demand but are valuable investments. According to the Instituto Nacional de Estatistica, which provides statistics on Portugal's property market;

House prices have been increasingly steadily since 2014. In Lisbon, for example, house prices were up by more than 15% in November 2022 on figures a year before.

Cities such as Braga and Coimbra tend to be more affordable due to their distance from the coast.

International schools are widely available, ensuring expat families have access to quality education for their children.

Another key advantage of city living is wide access to high-speed broadband connections.

Country Life

Opting for a more rural area like Alentejo will open up a wider selection of real estate and more opportunity to develop your own property.

Contrary to popular belief, you’re likely to have good internet access, with over 90% of rural homes in Portugal having stable broadband connections.

If you have trouble with traditional broadband providers such as MEO, NOS, and Vodafone, there may be a solution.

Elon Musk’s new Starlink satellite connection is available across Portugal and promises high speed connection courtesy of SpaceX low Earth orbit satellite coverage. It comes at a premium, but it could be the best option to ensure stable connections while living in the countryside.

In terms of transportation and general infrastructure, you will be more limited in rural areas. That is perhaps particularly applicable in terms of proximity to major hospitals.

Coastal Life

Coastal areas are popular when moving to Portugal for a reason. Beach towns around Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve region are home to large expat and retiree communities, such as the former fishing village of Cascais, making business and social connections an easier task.

You’ll find a host of luxury properties available, with villas and grand estates overlooking the ocean.

Real Estate Values

Property prices can vary, but a high demand means you’ll be looking at the €1,000,000 plus mark for high-end properties.

Many coastal towns have built up infrastructure – fuelled by their popularity with tourists and expats - including high quality healthcare systems and transport links. Rail connections make trips to and from major international airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro a breeze.

There are plenty of upmarket restaurants and bars, making it a perfect location for entertaining clients and guests.

Some of the most popular beach towns include Portimão, Tavira, Carvoeiro, in the Algarve, as well as Funchal on the coast of Madeira.

The Silver Coast is rapidly becoming one of Portugal's most desirable regions. Between Lisbon and Porto, with stretches of charming towns and beaches whilst boasting a lower cost of living than the Algarve whilst also providing luxury accommodation.

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