Read about some of the best locations for retirement in Portugal, to help you narrow down your choices when considering this gorgeous country for your next home base.
Portugal is a wonderful location and retirement in Portugal is a choice that more and more British people are opting for. Of the many British people choosing to make Portugal their home, over 39% are over 65 so you’ll be in great company if you do choose to relocate. The question is, where are the best retirement locations in Portugal? We know that there are bustling cities, stunning coastlines and friendly villages, but where is best to retire to in Portugal? To help you start to consider locations for the next stage in your life, here are some of the best Portugese cities for retirement:
Lagos
Lagos is situated in The Algarve and even just visiting you will see lots of expats settled here already. The area is relaxed and there is a large focus on the beach and coastal activities. There are also lots of restaurants and most evenings there’s a buzz about the restaurant areas. Lots of expats also organise events so, there’s already a social scene there for you to get straight into when you move. The key consideration to make when thinking about retiring in Lagos is in regards to its popularity with tourists. If you like to feel surrounded by activity and people, then it is a really good choice. Lots of people flock to Lagos on holiday so, you do have to share it during the busiest months.
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal, and so you’ll find plenty to do here. Museums, shops, music, nightlife, culture – everything is here. There are also plenty of little winding streets, nooks and crannies to explore and enjoy so, it never gets boring. The culture is also extremely friendly and the aesthetics of the city never get old.
Getting around is easy with public transport being modern and well designed, which can be useful if you no longer want to drive.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a younger area compared to other expat areas, in that it is a university location so draws a lot of young blood to the area. That element of the location isn’t a negative for retirees who enjoy the grandeur of the cobbled streets and the beautiful riverside location. There is a lot of character to Coimbra which has old and new architecture, lovely eateries and bars, and a year-round mild climate.
Coimbra is a great option for those looking to enjoy a later-life location that has plenty of life to it, whilst still enabling you to enjoy a slower pace of life if that is what you envisioned.
Take Your Time Exploring Portugal’s Retirement Options
When considering a later life location, it isn’t something you can simply guess at because it has such a huge impact on the next part of your story. It is a great idea to do as much research as you can and ideally, visit the areas you are interested in so you can get a feel for what you like. Eventually you will find a place in Portugal that feels right, and the next exciting steps of buying a house and moving your belongings will take you into the exciting next stage of your life.