Thinking of Moving abroad? Here’s the Best Cities to Live in Portugal

If you are considering moving to Portugal from the UK, there are some excellent cities you can call home. Portugal is a highly welcoming country and already boasts an impressive multicultural, diverse foreign population. Considering all the visa options, subclasses, and types the Portuguese government has introduced to attract professionals, it is no surprise that Portugal is regarded as a favourable expat destination. 

With nearly 300 days of sunshine, a great climate, friendly people, and great work and educational opportunities, what’s not to like about Portugal? It has thousands of kilometres of coastline, pristine beaches, and great food. No wonder Portugal sees so many expats from the UK shifting here. UK residents moving to Portugal have several visa options and categories that they can avail of. Even residents in the UK on a fiancé visa are eligible to apply for a visa to Portugal. However, it is necessary to have all the documentation and paperwork ready before applying, or the wait times may get extended. 

Let us look at the best cities to live in Portugal. 

Lisbon:

Lisbon is hands down the best place to live and work in Portugal. Considered the London of Portugal, Lisbon has its own unique identity that is a marvellous mix of Portugal’s cultural influence and history mixed with modernity and urban architecture. For those hoping to live and work in Lisbon, there are never-ending career and work opportunities with many large multinationals calling the city home. 

It is also the hub for educational institutes and is known for its thriving student population. Lisbon always has a music festival, exhibition, museum tours, gastronomic experiences, sports matches mixed with movies, concerts, pubs, nightlife, entertainment options, and more. 

Lisbon has excellent paying jobs. However, the standard of living in the capital is higher than in other cities in Portugal. 

Faro:

Faro in the Algarve region of southern Portugal is known for its delicious seafood, sun, and the sea. Faro has a laid-back vibe that attracts many families with senior citizens or small children. Faro is not known for its massive work opportunities but is known as an excellent place for start-ups and small businesses (especially online businesses). 

The real estate sector in Faro is booming and has survived relatively unscathed from the pandemic. The rental and ownership properties are much more affordable than those in larger cities like Lisbon and Porto. The public transport system is also well connected with a good health infrastructure for residents. 

Faro also has a large expat community, so most foreign residents feel at home. 

Porto:

Porto is probably one of the most stunning cities in Portugal and tends to attract many expatriates. It is famous for its Porto wine, local foods, gastronomic experiences, and stunning architecture. Like Faro, Porto is also known for its incredible start-up culture and is home to many small and medium-sized businesses. This is one of the main reasons Porto sees several international entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and banking institutions in the city. 

Porto has some good schools and colleges, with a decently-sized student population. Considering the average age group of Porto’s population, there are a substantial number of entertainment and nightlife options. The housing costs are cheaper than in Lisbon, but not as cheap as in Faro. 

Some great places to live in Porto are the neighbourhoods of Ribeira, Foz do Douro, Boavista, Avenida do Aliados, and Campanha.

Evora:

Evora isn’t mentioned as often as Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, but it is an equally wonderful city to permanently move to. Evora has its own old-world charm mixed with modernity that appeals to many. This is primarily due to medieval architecture and Evora’s ancient history. The temperature remains nearly the same all year, and it can get slightly hot in summer. However, the rest of the year is average, leading to a comfortable life.

Evora is perfect for people averse to large crowds and boisterous, noisy places. It is also a fabulous place to start a small business, raise children, or retire with loved ones. It has plenty of quaint cafes, restaurants, and eateries to sip coolers and drink wine on hot days. 

Viseu:

Viseu in central Portugal is known for its fantastic quality of life. The city has a well-connected public transportation system, excellent infrastructure, great educational institutions, healthcare, and outstanding career and work opportunities. 

The housing costs are not as expensive as in Lisbon. But Viseu is known for its equally well-paying job opportunities. There are very few cons to Viseu, with mostly all pros for students, educationists, professionals, families, and sports enthusiasts. Viseu is also renowned for its natural beauty, Renaissance-style architecture, and affordable lifestyle.