The heat wave that invaded Portugal has left many people unsure of how to deal with the high temperatures. Have you ever dreamed of living in a cool place, where the temperature is mild all year round and the sun's rays never disturb? The truth is that the excessive heat wave we are experiencing can even make it difficult for you to think and for that very reason, we are here to help you.
We have put together a list of the coolest places to live in Portugal and the most stunning houses at the best price. From the north to the south of the country - islands included - there are several places you can move to refresh your ideas and start from scratch.
Best cities to live in Portugal and escape the heat
Have you been wondering which are the best cities to live in Portugal and where it is possible to escape the heat? Below we present you some of the most emblematic places, with mild temperatures in summer and quite bearable winters.
The choice of places was made on the basis of their temperature, air quality and also according to the cost of living. In fact, it is easy to buy cheaper and equally cosy houses in the cooler cities of our country.
Choose your favourite city
Vila do Conde
This small Portuguese town with less than 80,000 inhabitants has a pleasant climate and panoramic views over beaches and the Atlantic Ocean. A big advantage is the fact that it belongs to the Metropolitan Area of Porto, so it is easy to get around the whole northern region.
Peniche
Buying a house in Peniche is something unique. We are talking about one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, known for Cabo Cervero, haberleas archipelago and a vast historical and cultural heritage. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of people living in Peniche who are delighted with the average annual temperature of 20ºC.
Torres Vedras
This Portuguese city is famous for the quality of its water, its houses in the heart of vineyards and the most Portuguese Carnival in Portugal. In Torres Vedras, the biggest highlight is the sun that insists on disappearing, so the temperature never exceeds a mild 30ºC. In addition, Torres Vedras is only 45 minutes from Lisbon.
Madeira
Increasingly sought after by digital nomads, life in Madeira is an experience like no other. On the pearl of the Atlantic, temperatures vary little throughout the year and hover around 25ºC. It's like being on holiday all year round and after work or school you can go to the beach or adventure up into the hills.
Azores
This isn't just one cool place, but 9 incredible places. With many sporting activities and gastronomic events, the Azorean islands are among the most idyllic places in Portugal, perfect for those who want to be surrounded by nature.
Nobody regrets buying a house in the Azores because the average annual temperatures do not exceed 20ºC and peace prevails. The island of São Miguel, for example, has houses and flats for all budgets.
Faro
Fans of the more arid parts of Portugal will love Faro. With an average annual temperature of 18 °C, the capital of the Algarve region has found new ways to become a city of the future with the growing investment in renewable energies.
Other Algarve municipalities worth a look are Portimão, Silves and Loulé, all in contact with cosmopolitan life and next to the ocean.
Pros and cons of living in areas of Portugal with mild temperatures
Living in Portugal in fresh areas can be a reality. There are houses with breathtaking landscapes for sale, that could become your home instead of just vacation spots.
But then what are the pros and cons of living in cities with mild temperatures in Portugal? Follow the points:
- Advantages of living in fresh areas of Portugal:
- Mild temperature: the best cities in Portugal are those where summer is neither too dry nor too humid and where it rains occasionally. Most cool areas do not go beyond 25°C throughout the year;
- Friendly neighbours: in these less populated areas, people are more approachable and you can chat with the neighbours in the street;
- Treelined avenues: the streets of the cooler cities in Portugal are alive with flowers and trees that give constant shade;
- Lower cost of living: transport, schools and education are usually cheaper, outside the more tourist areas;
- Contact with nature: whether it's trips to the beach or picnics in the mountains after work, school or on weekends, Portugal’s cooler cities are in direct contact with the environment and organic, stress-free living. Children grow up concerned about the cleanliness of public spaces and aware of the welfare of all living beings;
- Security and air purity are other advantages of living in cooler areas of Portugal.
- Disadvantages of living in cool areas in Portugal
- Distance: the routes between some of the coolest areas in Portugal and the major urban centres can be longer. This could be a disadvantage for those who need to commute every day for work;
- Strong wind: the best cities in Portugal are almost all by the sea, so they are known for their year-round breeze. So beware, because on some days the wind can be really unpleasant;
- Employment: some of the best cities to live in Portugal, such as Funchal, are very much geared towards the tourism sector. Fortunately, in recent years, they have updated technological resources, but the supply is still limited.