10 Best Places to Retire in Portugal, According to Locals and Expats

Travel + Leisure

3 days ago

Time and time again, Portugal makes its way onto lists of the best places to retire around the world. And as a newly minted local, it's easy for me to see why. Four years ago, I hopped on a plane to relocate to Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, to pursue my PhD and have a brand-new adventure. And while I may not be ready for retirement yet, the country has most certainly made its case, maybe even convincing me to stay well into my golden years.
Portugal offers a rare balance of nature and culture that travelers adore, along with a strong public healthcare system and a relaxed pace of life that is sought after for retirees. It also remains relatively affordable for immigrants, although prices are increasing for locals. Still, its golden beaches, cliffside villages, and vineyard-covered valleys pack an incredibly attractive punch.
But before you move here, or anywhere, experts want you to ask yourself one question: Is this really forever?
'One of the most important questions to ask yourself is: Is this a forever move, or just a chapter?' Colleen Showalter, the CEO and co-founder of relocation agency Portugal the Place, told Travel + Leisure . 'Some people move to Portugal thinking they'll stay forever, only to find they miss family back home or want to return later in life. Others settle in and can't imagine leaving.'
That understanding is key, especially when it comes to finances, healthcare access, and obtaining the right visa if you do decide to move. While Portugal's D7 and new digital nomad visas are widely used by retirees, managing immigration paperwork, tax structures, and healthcare enrollment can be a heavy lift here without the right guidance. 'Start with patience,' Showalter said. 'There's a learning curve; having support helps.' And that's why every time I get a text, email, or DM asking for tips, my first response is always, "invest in a good lawyer."
Still, all that paperwork can certainly be worth it. But next is finding the right place to live, because, while Portugal may be small, there's a lot more to the country than just Lisbon and Porto.
'This move isn't just about finding a cheaper or sunnier place to live," Showalter said. "It's about how you want to spend your time, who you want around you, and what kind of life you're trying to build.'
Ready to explore the spots that will make the perfect place for your retirement in Portugal? Here are 10 destinations outside of the major cities that offer something for every kind of retiree. Cityscape of Obidos on Portugal's Silver Coast.
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'The Silver Coast feels like Portugal at its most balanced,' Showalter shared about the region that sits about an hour north of Lisbon. This stretch of coastline, home to towns like Caldas da Rainha, Nazaré, and Óbidos, combines accessibility with authenticity, and it's famous for its surf. 'You've got golden beaches, hilltop villages, and cities," Showalter said, "big enough to have what you need, but small enough to feel like home.'
It's an ideal spot for retirees craving a quieter spot without big-city noise, and is especially appealing to those who want to live near the ocean while enjoying the slow pace of valley villages and local markets. 'It's the kind of place where you can spend your morning at a local market, your afternoon at the beach, and your evening enjoying grilled fish with neighbors who quickly become friends,' Showalter added. Colorful buildings in Setubal.
Setúbal came up several times with our experts, and for good reason. Just 45 minutes south of Lisbon, this port town has become one of the most talked-about retirement spots in the country, known for its sheer beauty and proximity to the city.
'Setúbal is a great choice for those who want to be close to Lisbon without living in the city itself,' Jen Barnett, the co-founder of the consultancy Expatsi, said. Barnett called out its "nice coastal scenery, cool local food scene (especially if you like fried cuttlefish!), and access to some of the best beaches in Portugal' as top reasons to give it a try.
'Setúbal is a working port town with real grit and beauty,' Showalter explained. 'It's got markets, museums, music, and some of the best seafood in Portugal. This isn't a resort town, it's a place where life unfolds slowly and richly." Cityscape of Amarante, Portugal.
'This one's for romantics—or anyone who dreams of living somewhere that feels like a postcard,' Showalter said of Amarante, a postcard-worthy town tucked in the Douro Valley. Located 45 minutes from Porto, this riverside town is known for its arched stone bridge, vineyard views, and more of that Portuguese slow living so many people are after.
'The town itself has a charming historic center, excellent restaurants, and a deep connection to wine and food culture. It's the kind of place where time slows down and seasons actually mean something,' she said. And again, it's just a quick drive to those busy city streets if you're craving even more culture. The sun setting over Sesimbra.
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Located just down the road from Setúbal, retirees can find a sleepy town that could just be their forever home. 'Sesimbra is smaller, slower, and framed by cliffs and sea,' Showalter explained. 'It has a distinctly local feel, especially in the off-season, and the sunsets there are unreal.'
Its walkability and coastal charm make it a strong choice for those seeking serenity with occasional bursts of summer buzz and plenty of coastline to stretch out on all year long. Looking down on a village on Madeira.
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Madeira, an island about a two-hour flight from the mainland, is another location that consistently rises to the top of expert lists of the best places to retire in Portugal. 'Madeira is great for Americans," Jeremy Savory, founder of Millionaire Migrant, said, noting direct flights from the U.S. are under seven hours long.
Federica Grazi, founder and managing director at Mitos Relocation Solutions, agreed, adding that 'Madeira is for nature and wine lovers. Despite its small size, this island off the coast of Morocco offers untouched nature, endless hiking opportunities, and some of the best wines in the country.' Colorful striped houses in Aveiro, Portugal.Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal" for its gorgeous canals, is more than just a pretty face. 'Expect a relaxed pace of life, beautiful architecture, and a strong sense of place without the high prices or tourist crowds of Lisbon or Porto,' Barnett said.
Savory also called out Aveiro as a great spot for retirees, adding it's 'a charming place" that's ideally located between Porto and Lisbon. Savory explained that the city is well-connected through trains and is a walkable destination, which certainly scores it some points over Lisbon. A narrow cobblestone street in Coimbra.
Coimbra is an inland option worth noting, especially if you're academically-minded. 'Coimbra hosts a historical university, around which rotate year-long cultural activities of various types,' Grazi shared.
But it's not just a brainiac hub, it's a healthcare hotspot, too. 'Coimbra also hosts CHUC, an internationally recognised medical and research center,' Grazi added, which makes it doubly appealing for retirees looking for intellectual stimulation and peace of mind. A Carvoeiro beach with colorful fishing boats.
No list of the top retirement spots in Portugal would be complete without mention of the Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region. While places like Lagos and Albufeira tend to dominate headlines, Barnett offered an alternative: Carvoeiro. "It's a small seaside town that's especially popular with people looking to spend days on the beach or the golf course," Barnett said. 'It's surrounded by gorgeous cliffs and has one of Europe's sunniest climates with 300 days of sunshine each year." The town has a strong expat presence, and English is widely spoken, making the transition here easier. 'There are lots of services tailored to older folks," Barnett added. "While housing costs more than inland areas, Carvoeiro still has good value compared to similar coastal destinations elsewhere in Europe.' People swimming near the Cascais lighthouse.Cascais remains a perennial favorite for retirees looking to stay close to Lisbon but still have quick access to the beach and nature. Though be warned, it does require a larger budget: 'Cascais is great if your money can go a little further,' Savory said. This seaside enclave offers luxury shops, coastal promenades, and public transportation to Lisbon's world-class hospitals, theaters, and international airport. The historic village of Pidao in Serra da Estrela.
RuiDon't worry, powder hounds and ski bunnies—there's a retirement destination here for you, too. 'Did you know that it snows in sunny Portugal?' Savory shared. 'It does in the Serra da Estrela, where you can ski and play in the snow with your family.' Real estate in this region is surprisingly affordable, and the area's mountainous landscape offers gorgeous scenery that differs from Portugal's more popular coastal destinations.