Lifestyle in Portugal

Portugal has long been one of Europe’s easiest countries for a short break — compact, welcoming, and rich in atmosphere.

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.

Cascais is one of those seaside towns just outside Lisbon that’s easy to underestimate until you actually spend time there. Once a royal summer retreat, it still carries that polished feel.

On the night of 8 February 2026, António José Seguro won the second round of Portugal’s presidential elections with around 67.12% of the vote, defeating his opponent André Ventura, who received approximately 32.88%.It was one of the largest victory margins ever seen in a race for the Belém Palace.

When is Valentine's Day in Portugal? Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide on 14th February, and Portugal is no exception. Known locally as Dia de São Valentim or Dia dos Namorados, this day of love combines centuries of history with modern romantic traditions.

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.

When people look for the best resorts in Portugal for couples for Valentine's Day, it’s usually about ease rather than excess.

With Valentine’s Day coming up, holidays in Portugal for couples tend to move higher up the wish list, and it’s easy to see why.

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

Portugal doesn’t do national parks in the same way as Spain or Italy. Instead, most protected areas fall under the natural park label.

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.

Portugal has quietly cemented itself as one of Europe’s most reliable golf destinations.

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.

The Azores are one of those places that still feel like a bit of a secret in the middle of the Atlantic.

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

Carnival in Lisbon isn’t a single huge Rio‑style parade. It’s more a patchwork of street bands, neighbourhood parties and a few big anchor events.

Carnival in Portugal is one of those times of year when the country drops its guard a bit.

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

Carnival in Portugal 2026 promises a vibrant celebration full of colour, music, and festive traditions.

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.

Portugal has quietly climbed to the top of the tables for retirees, ranking number 1 as the world’s safest place to retire and number 7 globally for peace and stability.