Where to live in Portugal

High street retail in Portugal has been the focus of a recent study analysing its dynamics, looking in particular at pedestrian behaviour and the commercial positioning of five of the main arteries in Lisbon and Porto.

It is widely recognised that Portugal is now highly sought after by international buyers, as well as valued by locals, as an ideal place to retire.

Albufeira is one of the most popular coastal cities in the Algarve region of Portugal.

The number of people living outside their country of birth has nearly doubled over the past three decades, and the reasons for moving have shifted just as quickly.

Thinking about living in Setúbal? Just 40–50 minutes south of Lisbon, this coastal city sits between the Sado Estuary and the green slopes of Arrábida Natural Park.

If you’ve ever felt that Porto is a particularly good place to live and work, there’s now data to back that up.

One Portuguese city has been named the best city in Portugal for quality of life, topping an international ranking. This isn’t about postcard appeal or weekend charm; the index measures the realities of daily life, including safety, traffic, pollution, healthcare and cost of living.

Living in Coimbra means choosing a historic Portuguese city with a strong academic identity, a slower pace of life and property prices that are still lower than Lisbon or Porto. Set along the River Mondego in central Portugal, Coimbra blends medieval streets and student energy with practical ad

Property prices in Portugal have climbed steadily over the past few years, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. That shift has pushed more buyers to look inland, where square metre prices are far easier to digest.

Portugal’s rental market has shifted sharply over the past 12 months, with rent prices no longer moving in a single direction.

Exclusivity in the Algarve usually comes down to four things: high property prices, privacy and security, access to golf or the sea, and proximity to premium services such as international schools and fine dining.

Tucked into the hills of the central Algarve, Silves is a small historic town about 15 kilometres inland from the coast and roughly 45 minutes from Faro Airport.

Southern Portugal, and the Algarve in particular, keeps popping up on relocation lists for good reason. The weather is kind, daily life is fairly straightforward, and there’s a well-worn path for foreigners who want a slower pace without feeling cut off.

Portugal keeps coming up in conversations about slowing down, stretching a pension, and finding a place that still feels liveable year‑round.

Living here isn’t one single experience, which is why pinning down the best places to live in the Azores often trips people up. Each island runs at its own pace, with different levels of infrastructure, housing pressure and social life.

Living in Guimarães means settling into a northern Portuguese town where daily life still runs very much on local terms.

Living in Vilamoura often feels very different from the rest of the Algarve.

Portugal has been named the safest country in the world to retire in 2026, according to International Living’s latest Safest Places to Retire index. With its combination of family values, inclusive communities, and welcoming locals, Portugal is quickly becoming the go-to destination for retirees seeking peace of mind and a high quality of life.

Life in the Azores feels a bit like stepping sideways out of mainland Europe and landing somewhere quieter, greener and far more slow-paced.

Thinking about swapping your current life for sunshine, seafood and slower evenings by the sea?

The demand for luxury homes in Portugal continues to rise in 2026, driven by the country’s outstanding lifestyle, stable property market and international appeal.

Moving to the Algarve isn’t just about sun and sea. The exact town you choose will shape your daily life more than the country itself.

With safety rankings that regularly place it among the world’s calmest countries, looking for the safest places to live in Portugal tends to be about finding the calmest neighbourhoods and towns within an already safe country.

Is it expensive to live in Portugal? How much do you actually need each month to feel comfortable, rather than counting every coffee?

The Algarve keeps coming up whenever people talk about the best coastal places to move to in Portugal, and it’s not hard to see why.