6 Great Places to Live in Portugal (Beyond Lisbon & Porto) [Video Included]

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Portugal has been gaining global attention as one of the best places to live and retire, and it’s easy to see why! Recently ranked the 2nd best country to retire in 2025 by the International Living Report, Portugal continues to attract expats, retirees, and investors looking for a high quality of life, affordability, and access to EU residency.

If you’ve been considering moving to Portugal, now is the perfect time to explore your options. While Lisbon and Porto often top the list of most popular destinations, there are many other amazing cities and regions that offer a lower cost of living, beautiful surroundings, and a relaxed lifestyle.

At The Golden Portugal, we specialize in helping people relocate to Portugal through investment and immigration programs. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of six fantastic places to live in Portugal in 2025—whether you’re looking for a coastal paradise, a historic city, or a charming countryside retreat.

6 Great Places to Live in Portugal in 2025

1. Sintra – A Fairytale Destination Close to Lisbon

If you dream of living in a place straight out of a storybook, Sintra is the perfect choice. Located just 30 minutes from Lisbon, this UNESCO World Heritage town is famous for its misty forests, colorful palaces, and historic charm.

  • Great for families – excellent schools, parks, and a welcoming community.
  • Close to Lisbon – easy access to the capital while enjoying a peaceful lifestyle.
  • More affordable than Lisbon – offering a great balance between price and quality of life.

2. Ericeira – Portugal’s Surf Capital with a Relaxed Lifestyle

Located on Portugal’s stunning Atlantic coast, Ericeira is a laid-back fishing village and world-famous surfing destination. With breathtaking cliffs, golden beaches, and a welcoming community, it’s ideal for retirees, digital nomads, and families looking for a coastal retreat.

  • Perfect for outdoor lovers – surfing, hiking, and stunning ocean views.
  • Authentic Portuguese charm – fresh seafood, local markets, and traditional cafés.
  • Close to Lisbon – only a 40-minute drive to the capital.

3. Braga – A Historic Yet Modern City in Northern Portugal

For those considering Northern Portugal, Braga is an excellent choice. Known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and thriving cultural scene, Braga offers a high quality of life at a much lower cost than Lisbon or Porto.

  • One of Portugal’s most affordable cities – lower property prices and cost of living.
  • Strong community feel – family-friendly with great schools and healthcare.
  • A blend of history and modern life – a dynamic mix of old-world charm and contemporary living.

4. Aveiro – The “Venice of Portugal”

With its colorful buildings, charming canals, and iconic moliceiro boats, Aveiro is one of the most unique places to live in Portugal. Beyond its beauty, Aveiro is an affordable, vibrant city with great amenities and easy access to beaches like Costa Nova.

  • Rich cultural scene – festivals, museums, and a strong expat community.
  • Excellent public transportation – well-connected to Porto and other major cities.
  • Relaxed lifestyle – a perfect balance of urban convenience and coastal charm.

5. The Algarve – Portugal’s Most Popular Region for Expats & Retirees

If warm weather, golden beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle sound like your dream, the Algarve is the place to be. This southern region is a favorite among retirees, digital nomads, and investors, offering stunning coastlines and a well-established expat community.

  • Top retirement destination – popular among North Americans and Europeans.
  • Breathtaking scenery – dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and picturesque towns.

6. Funchal (Madeira) – Island Paradise with a Vibrant Community

For those seeking an island lifestyle, Funchal, the capital of Madeira, offers an affordable, peaceful, and nature-filled environment. With its mild climate, lush landscapes, and welcoming community, Funchal is perfect for those looking to escape busy city life.

  • Warm weather year-round – ideal for those who love sunny climates.
  • Outdoor paradise – hiking, beaches, and breathtaking scenery.
  • Strong expat community – English is widely spoken, making it easy to settle in.

Ready to Make the Move to Portugal?

With so many incredible places to choose from, Portugal truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a retirement, an investment opportunity, or a new home, we can help guide you through the process.

If you are considering applying to the Portugal Golden Visa, or have any questions about the program, do not hesitate to contact us. You can also book your 30-minute free call directly here.

Portugal says see you soon!

We have helped more than 500 families on their Portugal Golden Visa journey. 

We are also the pioneer firm to help clients to invest through funds back from 2020 until now. Come talk with us.

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