Updated: September 24, 2024
Portugal has championed attracting retirees to its shores, with countless expats from all over the world selecting Portugal as their ideal choice to enjoy their golden years. This is particularly seen among American retirees and other expats. According to the 2023 Portugal Migration and Asylum Report, 14,126 US citizens are residing in Portugal as of 2023.
According to the 2024 report by the World Population Review, Portugal is among the top five preferred destinations among retirees because of the lower cost of living, but also the factors that make for a comfortable lifestyle in retirement, including healthcare, entertainment, safety, and cultural factors.
Alongside stylish condos and villas, Portugal also has retirement villages and resorts that are growing in popularity and demand. Here, we explore the best places to retire in Portugal and the living options specifically tailored to retirees.
Advantages of Retiring in Portugal
Portugal’s popularity among retirees goes further than just its affordability. It is a utopia of natural landscapes, rich culture, art, and high-quality cuisine. The stunning country also boasts future-forward cities and a host of recreational activities to enjoy in retirement, such as golfing, wine tasting, or simply taking in the sun and waves along the coast.
A Peaceful lifestyle
Portugal is currently the seventh safest country in the world according to the 2024 Global Peace Index and offers a stable socio-economic and political environment, ensuring a location fit for a peaceful retirement. English is also widely spoken in the major cities and regions, making it easier for foreigners to adapt without the pressure of learning a new language before relocating.
Great weather
The weather will vary slightly depending on where you choose to live, but the overall climate in Portugal is pleasantly warm, with an average of over 300 days of summer per year and mild winters with minimal rain. This favorable climate means more time to enjoy hobbies outdoors and to get to know your local community.
Excellent healthcare
Portugal has over 200 hospitals in the country and is ranked 21st in Numbeo’s 2024 mid-year Global Healthcare Index. There are also world-class private healthcare options available at a fraction of the cost you would pay in the US and Western Europe.
Best Places to Retire in Portugal
While you could close your eyes and pick any location within Portugal and land on a great place to live, some locations are well suited for retirees specifically. Here are some of the more popular locations.
The Algarve
The Algarve has long been a favorite with retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in style. In many ways, this region of Portugal is geared up towards its expat population, with around 10 percent of the population of the Algarve being expats. Known as a beach paradise, the Algarve offers stunning waterfront properties and caters to nature and sea lovers. The Algarve provides a slower pace of life compared to the bustling cities.
For those looking to retire in style, here you can find some stunning luxury waterfront properties for sale in Vilamoura or Portimão. However, buyers can find a wide range of Algarve real estate options across the region. Make sure to look up Lagos and Tavira in the Algarve region too, for an authentic experience along the Portuguese coast.
Porto
Overflowing with history and culture, Porto offers cobblestoned streets and beautiful properties for retirement.
It is a great location for food enthusiasts and wine lovers with ample restaurants and markets, as well as some Michelin-starred fine dining options.
If you decide to retire in Porto, you will benefit from a lower cost of living and property prices compared to Lisbon. With scenic beauty, friendly communities – the locals are known in Porto and the north to be amongst the friendliest in the country – and diverse recreational activities to enjoy in your retirement.
Lisbon
As Portugal’s capital city, it is a common choice to retire in Lisbon. The city combines the best that Portugal has to offer, from a vibrant city scene with top-rated cuisine options and historic cultural sites to relaxing beachside escapes.
Lisbon’s strong expat community is another great reason to settle in this location. This makes it easy to establish your network and make your adjustment to your new surroundings a little easier.
Lisbon offers something for everyone. There will always be a new restaurant to try with some of the best cuisine in the country, inspiring history and architecture to explore, natural landscapes and beaches to soak in, iconic sights to take in – such as the Castle of Saint George (Castelo de São Jorge) and the Belém Tower – and countless sports and hobbies to take up in your retirement.
Retirement Villages and Resorts in Portugal
If you are considering a village or resort specifically designed to ensure you make the most of your retirement, Portugal has great options available.
Retirees might want to look into Monte da Palhagueira, a luxury retirement village and professional nursing home located on sun-soaked hills near Faro in the Algarve.
This English-speaking retirement village offers tranquil houses, villas, and apartments for independent retirement living with the peace of mind that qualified medical assistance is available if needed. For those who require assisted living support, the nursing home provides 24/7 care from a team of qualified medical staff who are fluent in English.
The village has been designed intentionally for those over 55 years old, with 22 acres of artfully landscaped grounds. It offers an ornamental lake, fine dining options, a swimming pool, a clubhouse, and the only consecrated Anglican church in the region.
If you prefer to settle in a retirement resort, Life Plan Resorts, situated about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon, is the ideal place to retire in style and places an intentional focus on promoting healthy aging.
The resort offers fine dining restaurants, a 36-hole golf course, fitness activities, beauty facilities, a cinema, and so much more. You will also have access to high-quality assisted living, nursing care, memory and cognitive care, and rehabilitation services, with living options suited to your unique needs.
Let Us Help Find Your Dream Home to Retire in Portugal
As you can see, Portugal is in many ways, the perfect location to enjoy your golden years in style, whether you are looking to hone your golf skills, delight in a new culture, or simply soak up the sunshine. With top-quality, affordable healthcare options and an array of stunning locations to choose from, retirees from across the world have set Portugal in their sights.
If you are ready to start your journey to retirement in Portugal, we have streamlined the process to ensure your move is stress-free. Get in touch with our team of local experts who are able to offer advice and guidance tailored to your unique needs.
Looking to learn more about purchasing real estate in Portugal? Check out our ultimate guide.
