From stunning islands to vibrant cities, these are the top locations to retire in Portugal.

For many, retiring in Portugal is not just a dream but a reality. This European nation is a favored retirement spot thanks to its superb climate and affordable living costs. Additionally, it ranks among the world’s safest countries.
1.Lagos

Lagos is a city located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. “The Algarve is a popular destination for retirees, celebrated for its sunny climate, picturesque beaches, and laid-back lifestyle”. Lagos is a historic city brimming with stunning beaches, golf courses, dining options, and Portuguese charm. It provides a relaxed ambiance that favors outdoor cafe dining over noisy, lively nightclubs.
While the golden coastline and mild winters create an ideal setting for outdoor activities and relaxation.
An efficient public transport system links Lagos to other cities in the region, making it an excellent base for retirees eager to explore everything Portugal has to offer.
2.Lisbon

Lisbon is the largest city and capital of Portugal. Situated along the Tagus River, it provides retirees with a cosmopolitan lifestyle that blends historic allure with modern conveniences.
“Lisbon, with its lively neighborhoods, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene, is ideal for retirees seeking a dynamic urban life with easy access to top-notch dining and cultural events.
Mild winters with daytime temperatures averaging nearly 16 degrees make Lisbon an excellent place for outdoor activities. There are numerous beaches, parks, and golf courses to discover. Additionally, it’s a great city for walking, and its excellent public transportation system means retirees can easily live without a car.
Retirees who enjoy traveling will appreciate the easy access to Lisbon Airport (LIS), the largest international airport in the country, offering over 140 nonstop flights daily to destinations worldwide.
3.Porto

Porto is a delightful city located on Portugal’s west coast, approximately three hours north of Lisbon. It ranks as the country's second-largest city after Lisbon. In Porto, you’ll encounter vibrant, historic architecture, cobblestoned streets, parks, and beaches. Locals enjoy strolling along the Douro River, shopping on Rua Santa Catarina, or tasting port in the city's numerous tasting rooms.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Portugal’s first and only national park, Peneda-Gerês National Park, as well as Serra da Estrela Nature Park, the nation’s largest protected area.
“Porto’s lower cost of living compared to Lisbon, coupled with its excellent healthcare and services, makes it an appealing choice for retirees,”
4.Caldas da Rainha

Caldas da Rainha is a medium-sized city on Portugal’s Silver Coast, favored by expats. It provides a relaxed lifestyle rich in art and culture, featuring nine museums and plenty of public art. Ceramics are a major highlight in Caldas, with a ceramics museum, factory, and school located in the area.
Caldas da Rainha is a pedestrian-friendly city with a comprehensive bus network, making it easy for retirees to get around without a car. Additionally, outdoor markets in the city center offer all the essentials.
5.Cascais

For retirees seeking a small-town atmosphere near a major city, Cascais may be ideal. This town, originally a fishing village, is just over a 30-minute drive from Lisbon.
With a moderate climate, where temperatures range from 15 to 22 degrees, plenty of outdoor activities, and a thriving expat community, Cascais is a favored destination for retirees.
“Renowned for its luxury resorts, seaside promenades, and sophisticated vibe, Cascais is perfect for those looking for a blend of beach life and urban amenities while staying close to the capital.” Outdoor lovers will appreciate the town’s proximity to Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais, which offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities. Golfing, kite surfing, and sailing are also popular pastimes. Naturally, in a place often dubbed “the Portuguese Riviera,” there’s nothing wrong with relaxing on one of the city’s stunning beaches.
6.Madeira

Madeira Island is part of an archipelago with the same name, situated off Morocco's coast. Although it's nearer to Africa than to mainland Europe, it's less than a two-hour flight from Lisbon.
"The cost of living is lower compared to mainland Portugal, and the friendly locals along with a strong expat community make retirees feel at home in this beautiful Atlantic haven." This island paradise enjoys consistently warm, yet not hot, weather with temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees , making it ideal for outdoor activities. Residents can swim in clear waters, hike through forests and mountains, birdwatch, bike, or golf on one of the three courses. In fact, Madeira is becoming a popular golf destination; it has been nominated in the "World's Best Emerging Golf Destination" category for the 2024 World Golf Awards, which occurred in November.
7.Faro

Faro, the capital of the Algarve region, is situated at the southernmost point of Portugal.
Retirees will enjoy its combination of historic charm and modern conveniences, along with a mild climate ideal for outdoor activities throughout the year.” Often overlooked, this resort town maintains a distinctly Portuguese character with a relaxed lifestyle. Nonetheless, it remains well-connected: Faro’s international airport (the primary international airport in southern Portugal) provides nonstop flights to 89 destinations worldwide, including two in North America (Toronto and Newark).
Retirees can wander through centuries-old buildings in Faro’s old town (Faro Cathedral dates back to 1251), savor traditional dishes, visit museums and galleries, or unwind on one of the area’s stunning beaches.
8.Setúbal

Coastline of Setubal, Portugal. BrasilNut1/Getty Images
Setúbal is a port city known for its industrial past, located on the Sado River estuary, roughly an hour southeast of Lisbon. “American retirees will be drawn to its laid-back vibe, low cost of living, and access to fresh seafood and local wines.” The pedestrian-only streets in the city center are lined with shops and historic buildings. Residents can enjoy a walk along the waterfront promenade or visit one of the nearby nature reserves, such as the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve and Arrábida Natural Park.
The Mercado Do Livramento is the main market in Setúbal and is regarded as one of the best in the country. This remarkable market offers fresh seafood, meat, produce, and traditional Portuguese delicacies.
9.Coimbra

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