Located on Portugal’s Silver Coast in Central Portugal, Nazare is one of Portugal’s most quaint fishing towns. You might have only heard of it in the last decade due to the likes of surfer Garrett McNamara. Nazare, Portugal is home to the largest surfable waves on the planet! However, way before the rest of the world found out about Nazare, the Portuguese had been living and traveling to this unique surfing mecca.
But surfing is not all that Nazare has to offer. From the colorful fishing boats and local traditional market to breathtaking viewpoints and Catholic buildings, Nazare welcomes thousands of tourists every year. Let’s take a look at the 7 best things to do in Nazare, Portugal, for our favorite activities in this picturesque fishing village.
Nazare is home to the largest surfable waves on the planet, particularly Praia do Norte. Fun fact, Garrett McNamara actually discovered and surged on the biggest wave in the world in Nazare. Therefore, keep in mind that most of these waves are not for beginner surfers. However, regardless of your ability, you can always opt to just observe these magnificent waves. Better safe than sorry!
The season for big waves in Nazare runs between October and March during winter in Portugal. They say that you should stay at least two weeks in Nazare to catch at least one day of huge waves. You can check out the waves in real-time via live webcams so you do not miss them.
The best place to spot these huge waves is in sitio da Nazare, right next to the lighthouse. This is also a safe place to observe the waves. Make sure not to go down to the beach at these times, as tourists have drowned before doing so.
Waves in Nazare, Portugal. Photo by Gil Ribeiro (Unsplash)
2. Take the funicular for a breathtaking view
Nazare boasts a beautiful funicular trip. This is like a modernized 19th-century train that connects downtown and sitio, the uptown of Nazare. You can walk between these two main areas, but for the best view of Nazare, we recommend the funicular.
The funicular of Nazare runs every 15 minutes and is 318 meters long. You will get views of the town, beach, and the vast Atlantic ocean. When you get o sitio, we recommend walking around the square and streets, offering cute stores with hand-crafted souvenirs. There is also a range of seafood restaurants you should not miss.
Photo by Magda B (Unsplash)
3. Visit the enchanting Matriz da Pederneira church
Located in the center of Nazare, a stunning 16th-century church, also known as the church of the Nossa Senhora das Areias, this beautiful building looks similar to other Portuguese churches on the outside. However, when you walk inside, you get to witness the unique and rich architecture of this Catholic church. An altar stands in the middle of the church in gilded gold, with other gold accents throughout the building. The wood ceiling provides a beautiful contrast with patterned tiles with green, blue, and yellow colors.
4. Explore the Nazare market
There is no better place to experience the authentic atmosphere of a seaside town than at the local market. The Mercado Municipal de Nazare boasts a lively and inviting environment featuring colorful stalls of all kinds. From organic vegetables and fresh fish to Portuguese pastries, this place is bound to call your name. We recommend looking for the iconic Pastel de Nata and perhaps purchasing some codfish to cook at home.
A great thing about the Nazare market and most traditional Portuguese markets, in general, is that they are mostly frequented by locals. You will be buying products sourced and made by the locals of Nazare. If you are looking to avoid a tourist trap, this is the place to be, not some glorified food court.
5. Find the best viewpoints
Nazare’s exclusive location on the coast makes for some mindblowing views. This next activity in Nazare is actually free! Head to one of Nazare’s miradouros, the Portuguese word for viewpoint. A miradouro is a sort of terrace built to let you take in the view, with many featuring seating for resting.
Our favorite viewpoint in Nazare is Miradouro do Suberco, located on top of a hill at the corner of O Sitio, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the beach below. This viewpoint is probably the most famous in Nazare and is 110 meters high.
Another miradouro worth visiting in Nazare is Miradouro da Pederneira, located in Pederneria, near the Matriz da Pederneira church. This viewpoint provides views over the fishing town of downtown Nazare, as well as the Atlantic Ocean.
This last recommendation is not an official viewpoint in the Portuguese sense, but it also provides a gorgeous view. The Sao Miguel Arcanjo Fort was built in the 16th century to protect the locals of Nazare from pirates.
Centuries later, a beacon was built on the fort to guide fishermen and boats. This beam is still working today, and you can visit the fort! However, our favorite part of this historic building is that it has one of the best views over Nazare and the ocean.
6. Discover a 14th-century Sanctuary
Located on the hilltop of O Sitio, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare was built to pay homage to Nossa Senhora da Nazare as a Marian shrine. Founded in the 14th century, the sanctuary is considered the first of its kind in Portugal. On September 8 of each year, a religious festival is held at the sanctuary, with hundreds of locals and tourists gathering to celebrate.
Throughout the centuries, the sanctuary underwent various renovations, with the last major change being made in the 19th century. The inside of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazare features Portuguese azulejo tiles all over, alluding to the Bible, as well as a beautiful high altar made of a golden-toned altarpiece with marble.
Nazare is the starting point of several day trips close by! We recommend taking a full-day private tour that goes to the following nearby towns and cities: Alcobaca, Batalha, Fatima, and Tomar. This particular tour is organized by a couple of locals for the perfect day. You can even customize the tour if there are other particular places you would rather go to!
You will stop at various iconic spots, including the Monastery of Alcobaca, the Sanctuary of Fatima, Tomar Castle, Batalha Monastery, and more. It’s nearly impossible to see all these spots by public transport in one day. Rather than renting an expensive car and going out on your own, having experienced guides provides a more personalized and interesting experience.
Sanctuary of Fatima. Photo by Tânia Mousinho (Unsplash)
A Singaporean man died during Ironman in Cascais, Portugal, on October 15. Ironman Portugal posted a statement to their Facebook page confirming the death of Derrick Tee. He was the only Singaporean who participated in the triathlon event that had over 4,000 participants.
“During the swim portion of Saturday’s race, the athlete required and received medical assistance before being transported from the event,” said Ironman Portugal. The athlete ended up passing away in the ambulance while rushed to the hospital.
The post also said: “we thank the swim safety personnel and first responders who worked quickly to provide the athlete with medical support.”
Derrick Tee had participated in six other Ironman races between 2016 and 2019 in Vietnam, the Philippines, Sydney, and Bintan.
The Ironman Portugal triathlon comprised a 3.8 km swim, 180 km bicycle ride, and 42 km run, amounting to over 70 km.
This is not the first time someone has died during a triathlon, with over 15 deaths in 2022 alone reported. In most cases, the deaths occur during the swimming event.
The Ironman is considered one of the most difficult sporting events in the world and is a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC).
This past event in Cascais was Portugal’s second full-distance Ironman race.
To many looking to relocate to Europe, there are two top contenders: Portugal or Spain. The question of where to move doesn’t always have a simple answer. We can’t make that decision for you, but we can let you know the differences between living in Portugal and Spain so you can make the right choice for you.
The two countries that divide the Iberian Peninsula have a similar culture but simultaneously unique customs, economies, ways of living, and more.
Let’s take a look at the different factors to consider about moving to Portugal or Spain. From the climate and cost of living to taxes and the culture, it’s important to think about every little detail.
Madrid, Spain. Photo by Florian Wehde (Unsplash)
Portugal and Spain’s Climate
Portugal and Spain have very similar climates. They both have really hot areas, such as the Alentejo in Porto and Andalucia in Spain, as well as colder parts in the north. Their islands away from the mainland also have unique climates.
Winters are pretty mild in both countries, with certain areas seeing less rain, such as the Algarve in Portugal. However, summers tend to be sometimes hotter in Spain than in Portugal. The sea is also much warmer, as Portugal has the Atlantic ocean.
Albufeira, Algarve in Portugal. Photo by Dan Gold (Unsplash)
Cost of Living
The cost of living will vary by city, but if you make more than €2,000 a month, you can live very comfortably in both Spain and Portugal. Let’s take a look at the average cost of living in the capitals: Lisbon and Madrid.
It’s hard to compare the cost of living between Lisbon and Madrid, but overall, the Portuguese capital is relatively cheaper. However, rent is around 6% more expensive in Lisbon than in Madrid. However, consumer prices are 8% higher in Madrid, and restaurant prices are around 9% higher.
Photo by Mathieu Stern (Unsplash)
Cost of Living in Lisbon
A single expat needs around €1,700 a month to live in Lisbon.
Housing & Utilities: A one-bedroom costs an average of €1,035 in the center of lisbon. Utilities, including electricity, wifi, etc, won’t cost you more than €150 a month.
Transportation: Public transport is extremely affordable at €50 a month.
Groceries: Food shops should not run you more than €200 a month.
Healthcare: You can use the national health service (SNS) as a legal resident. If you want to access private healthcare, insurance is around €50 a month, depending on many health factors.
Eating Out & Leisure: Budget around €200 a month for restaurants, concerts, going out, and any leisure activity.
Cost of Living in Madrid
A single expat needs around €1,800 a month to live in Madrid.
Housing & Utilities: You can get a one-bedroom in the city center for an average of €1,023. Utilities, including electricity, wifi, etc., won’t cost you more than €180 a month.
Transportation: Public transport costs around €55 a month.
Groceries: Food shops should not run you more than €200 a month.
Healthcare: Spain has free healthcare, which residents that are employed or self-employed in Spain can access. If you want private insurance, this is around €50 a month, depending on your age and other factors.
Eating Out & Leisure: Budget around €250 a month for restaurants, concerts, going out, and any leisure activity.
Salaries in Portugal and Spain
The average gross monthly salary in 2020 in Portugal was around €1,300 a month. However, the minimum salary in Portugal is €822.5 per month, considering 12 payments per year (or €705 per month in 14 payments).
The minimum salary in Spain is a lot higher than in Portugal. For 12 months, it is around €1,166.67 gross a month (or €1,000 in 14 payments). However, the average salary in Spain is even higher at around €1,950 a month for 14 payments.
Therefore, while the cost of living is slightly higher in Spain in some places, the country offers better salaries. Still, if you work remotely for a company outside of Portugal or are self-employed, chances are Portugal might be the better option, especially when it comes to the tax regime for non-habitual residents.
Taxes: Spain vs. Portugal
Spain and Portugal have high taxes for most residents. However, both these countries also have attractive tax regimes for non-habitual residents. These seek to attract high-quality professionals and boost the economy. However, these regimes are quite different.
In Portugal, NHRs are taxed at a flat rate of 20% on their income. See what you would save below.
You will also not pay any tax on dividends, interest, royalties, capital gains, rental income from real estate outside Portugal, and income from employment in another country.
The NHR tax regime is available to all new tax residents in Portugal that were not Portuguese tax residents for the five years prior. The NHR status is granted for 10 years and cannot be renewed.
In Spain, NHRs are taxed at a flat rate of 24%, but up to a maximum of €600,000. Once this threshold is exceeded, a 45% tax is applied.
The Spanish NHR regime also only applies to those who have not been tax residents in the last 10 years, rather than 5 in Portugal. Moreover, this benefit only applies for six years, rather than 10 in Portugal.
So while taxes for most residents are higher in Portugal than in Spain, for non-habitual residents, the tax benefits are more beneficial in Portugal.
If you don’t have an EU nationality, you will need a residency visa to move to Spain or Portugal. Both countries have visas that attract retirees and those with passive incomes. However, Portugal’s D7 visa is much more affordable than Spain’s.
Portugal’s D7 visa is both a passive income and retirement visa that requires no investment. The minimum passive income required is €8,460 per year for the main applicant.
For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,230). However, the Spanish version of this visa costs €33,893 for a couple.
The Portugal D2 Visa is also a great path to take if you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, or independent service provider from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland looking to reside in Portugal.
Similar visas in Spain and other European countries require higher amounts of seed capital to be eligible for such visas.
Portugal’s Golden Visa is also more attractive than Spain’s. It is much easier to get citizenship in Portugal through this visa after only five years. In Spain, you need to be a resident for at least 10 years.
Moreover, in some cases, you can buy property in Portugal for €350,000 to be eligible, while you need at least €500,000 in Spain.
Take a look at our guide to these three types of visas in Portugal. We also have detailed guides for each visa so that you find out how to apply and their benefits.
Both Spain and Portugal are relatively safe. However, figures show that Portugal is a safer country. Portugal takes 6th place in the Global Peace Index (out of 163) with an overall score of 1.300 (out of 5). Spain takes 29th place with an overall score of 1.600. The lower the number, the better.
Spain has a perceived criminality in society of 1.889 out of 5, while Portugal scores 1.693. Portugal ranks 1/5 for violent crime, while Spain ranks 2/5. When it comes to safety and security, Portugal scores 1.533, while Spain scores 1.827. Terrorist activity is uncommon in Portugal, ranking 1.5. Spain ranks worse, with 2.149 out of 5.
Portugal and Spain have similar cultures, but they are not identical. Especially not their people!
While they are both extremely family-oriented, Spanish people than to be more extroverted, talkative, and all-around more positive. The Portuguese are more reserved, into politeness, and tend to see the glass as half empty.
Their everyday lives are also impacted by their culture and customs. Spanish people eat lunch at around 2 to 3 pm, while the Portuguese eat at 1 pm. Spanish people might have dinner between 9 and 10 pm, while the Portuguese have dinner at around 8:30 pm.
The traditional nap after lunch is more of a Spanish custom, while the Portuguese reserve this for the weekends.
In both countries, women greet each other with two kisses, but in Portugal, they kiss from right to left. This is the opposite in Spain. Men usually shake hands in Spain, but a hug is normal between male friends in Portugal.
The Portuguese believe in titles such as Doctor or Engineer, while the Spanish are more informal. They often use the “you” without any titles such as level of education.
Family having lunch in Portugal. Photo by Ines Castellano (Unsplash)
Portuguese is often confused with Spanish, but this is a big no-no, whichever country you move to. In Portugal, people speak Portuguese, and in Spain, people speak Spanish.
However, Spain has some regional language differences. The regional languages include Castilian, Basque, Andalusian, Galician, and Catalan.
In Portugal, the only language is Portuguese. However, there are still different accents through mainland Portugal and the islands.
Both of these languages are equally hard to know if you do not know a Latin language like Italian. Over 215 million people around the world speak Portuguese, and it is the 6th most spoken language in the world. There are even more Spanish speakers, with 500 million worldwide.
Another important thing to know about language is that the Portuguese have an easier time adapting to other languages like English. In Spain, most English shows are dubbed into Spanish, while this rarely happens in Portugal unless it’s a kid’s show or movie.
22% of the eligible population speak English in Spain, while this is higher at 27% in Portugal.
Why do so many move to Portugal?
Portugal boasts more than 300 days of sun, a relatively warm climate all year long, and beautiful natural landscapes.
With a population of around 10 million people and thousands of kilometers of coastal shore, this small country is making strides as one of the top places to relocate to in Europe.
Thousands have been choosing to relocate their lives to Portugal every year. Between 2011 and 2021, Portugal’s immigrant population increased by a whopping 40%.
Moving to Portugal is a life-changing decision that allows you to enjoy a relatively affordable cost of living while maintaining a high quality of life.
If you have chosen Portugal as your next some, Our Ultimate Guide to Moving to Portugal has everything you need to know. From how to find housing and the work culture to taxes and the cost of living, our guide makes sure you are more than prepared to relocate.
Cascais, Portugal. Photo by Jeroen den Otter (Unsplash)
A Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF) inspector is under investigation by the Judiciary Police and the Investigation and Penal Action Department (DIAP) of Lisbon for the suspected rape of a foreign woman at Lisbon airport.
The alleged rape occurred at the same time that the Ukrainian Ihor Homeniuk was murdered by three other SEF inspectors in the Spring of 2020.
The victim, a 35-year-old woman, has identified the inspector and told the police what happened. She landed in Lisbon and was suspected of wanting to stay in the Schengen area illegally rather than coming for tourism.
According to her account, she was transported in a vehicle alone with a SEF inspector to the Temporary Stay Center, where she was placed in a closed room without cameras. She was allegedly raped in this room by the accused SEF inspector in the same location where Ihor Homeniuk was murdered.
She was ashamed to speak up about the incident and was repatriated days later. In her home country, she told her boyfriend what happened. They later came back to Lisbon to report the rape and were collaborative throughout the investigation.
CNN Portugal contacted the official source at SEF. They have not said whether the SEF inspector has been suspended. However, SEF did say that the case was a sexual harassment claim rather than rape.
Nevertheless, CNN says that it knows for a fact that the investigation underway is dealing with an alleged rape, as harassment is not even a crime in the Penal Code.
As the oldest country in Europe, Portugal has a culturally rich history, delicious cuisines, and some of the best wines in the world. Millions of tourists travel to Portugal throughout the year, many choosing to drive their way around the country to experience its beauty to the max.
This 10-day Portugal itinerary begins in the city of Porto, including close-by day trips, and then moves south toward Coimbra, ending in the capital of Lisbon.
If you want to visit as much as possible of Portugal within a 10-day time frame, we recommend renting a car. You will get some of the best views and get to stop at places where public transport is pretty much nonexistent.
When renting your vehicle, you can select to pick up the car at Porto airport and return it at the end of your trip at Lisbon airport, where this itinerary ends.
For everything you need to know before traveling to Portugal, check out our Portugal Survival Guide.
Day 1: Arrive in Porto
Porto lies along the Douro river and features one of the oldest historical centers in Europe, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Although your arrival day should be more relaxing, we recommend exploring the historical center first thing.
Do not miss the Livraria Lello, one of the oldest bookstores in the country, founded in 1906. It was once rumored that this bookstore was where JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books, but she went on to deny this. Still, the atmosphere inside the bookstore is like no other.
Right close by is Clérigos Tower. Built in 1763 by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the Clérigos Tower offers a panoramic view of the historical center of Porto. At 75 meters high, visitors can climb 225 steps to the top of the tower which is worth the workout.
Torre dos Clerigos. Photo By Isabella Mann Machado (Unsplash)
NH Hotel Porto Jardim: This four-star hotel feels like its five stars. It has a 70 cm deep outdoor people, a spa a few meters away, and a gym. It is located within walking distance of main attractions like Bolhão market, Aliados Avenue, and Ribeira. If you have a dog or cat, this hotel is pet-friendly.
Vila Gale Porto: Vila Gale is a well-known chain of hotels in Portugal and is always a safe option. This one was built in 1999 and recently renovated. The hotel has a spa with an indoor pool, a gym, a restaurant, and two bars.
Hotel Premium Porto Downtown: Located in the old town, this modern 4-star hotel has a sun terrace with views of the city of Porto, the perfect place to enjoy some port wine. You’ll be close to everything you need, Santa Catarina street, Aliados Avenue, and the cathedral.
Your second day in Porto will be busier. You have seen Clerigos and Lello, but now that you have a full day, make sure to visit other iconic attractions.
Bolsa Palace, for example, is a great activity for the morning. Palacio da Bolsa’s construction began in 1842 by the Porto Commercial Association on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent. The name Palácio da Bolsa translates into “Stock Exchange Palace”.
Palacio da Bolsa. Photo by Kevin Ohashi
This palace was built in neoclassical style and displays furniture by Portuguese architect José Marques da Silva and sculptures by the famous sculptor Teixeira Lopes.
Then head to Porto Cathedral, known as Sé do Porto. This Roman Catholic cathedral is a national monument and the most important religious building in all of Porto. The Porto Cathedral still holds a mass every day at 11 am that you can attend for free.
Porto Cathedral. Photo by Wendell Adriel (Unsplash)
A 15-minute walk away, you will find Carmo Church. This monument is therefore one of the oldest in the old town of Porto. The church is built in baroque style, the same as the Clérigos Tower. A part of the church is decorated with Portuguese blue azulejos (tiles) made locally in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro river from Porto.
Stop for lunch at Taberna dos Mercadores, for some beautiful Portuguese food at an affordable price. We recommend the seafood rice.
After lunch, why not take a tuk tour to see more of the city? Here are our three tuk tuk tours in Porto:
After dinner, head to a Fado house to listen to the iconic style of Portuguese music. Most fado houses offer you a Port wine glass to enjoy with the live show. Book this Fado Live Show in Porto for an intimate setting in Casa da Guitarra near Sé.
Start the day with breakfast at Confeitaria Cristal in Cedofeita, a pastry shop. We recommend the courgette and ginger cookies, as well as the classic pastel de nata with an espresso.
After breakfast, head to Estiva Quay to board a top-rated full-day river cruise to discover the Regua and Douro, a famous Port wine region. The cruise includes a large breakfast, as well as lunch while you admire the Douro valley and goes through the 14-meter Crestuma-Lever Dam and the Carrapatelo Dam.
Audio guides are also included in four different languages. The cruise stops at Regua where you can enjoy the town with friends. The route back is done by train.
For dinner, head to Vila Nova de Gaia for dinner at the 5-star hotel, the Yeatman. 15 minutes away from Porto, across the Dom Luis Bridge. You get a full view of Porto across the Douro river and get to try some of the best food in the country as the Yeatman has 2-Michelin stars.
Before heading back to Porto, explore the city center of Vila Nova de Gaia. Enjoy one last night in Porto, before driving south towards Lisbon, with a stop in the beautiful city of Coimbra.
Around a 1-hour drive from Porto, Coimbra is your next stop. We recommend leaving early in the morning so you can enjoy your day in the city.
Your first stop should be the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world. To get to the university, start from the Almedina Tower, the entrance gate forming part of the wall surrounding the old city situated in the lower section of the city. Here, you can explore the alleys that date back to the 8th century.
Visit the Joanine Library, a Baroque library situated in the center of the University of Coimbra, by the university tower. The library was built in the 18th century, and it is considered a national monument with priceless historical value. For a full experience, book a tour of the university.
For lunch, head to Italia in the Docks of Coimbra, a restaurant serving high-quality Italian food, or Cordel Maneirista, a Portuguese restaurant near the S. Francisco Convent. We recommend the alheira and the Santa Clara dessert.
After lunch, take a walk in the Botanical garden, one of the oldest in Portugal. With 13 hectares of beauty, the garden was established in 1772 by the Marquis de Pombal with the purpose of supplementing the study of medicine and natural history at the University of Coimbra.
Next, visit the Santa Cruz Monastery and the Convent of Santa Clara, built in 1314. If you still have time, head to Quinta das Lagrimas. This estate has been the setting for the forbidden romance between King D. Pedro I and Inês de Castro. The gardens have a canal, “Fonte dos Amores” that, according to the legend, transported love letters between the Estate and the Royal Palace.
Enjoy your night in Coimbra with dinner at Arcadas Restaurante, a fine-dining restaurant with an extraordinary collection of wines and cuisine made of traditional ingredients.
Best Hotels in Coimbra
Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas: A 5-star hotel, Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas is located in a historic medieval palace that was recently renovated. Featuring botanical gardens and a luxurious spa with views of the city, as well as a 9-hole golf course, this hotel has all the facilities you need and more.
Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra: Located in the heart of Coimbra, only 400 meters from the University of Coimbra, Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra is a 4-star boutique hotel that features views of the city. A historical building, its traditional architecture has been kept intact, while including all the modern amenities necessary for a comfortable stay.
Lisbon is a 1-hour drive from Coimbra. The capital of Portugal, Lisbon gets over 4 million tourists a year for a reason. One of the oldest cities in Western Europe, Lisbon is a cosmopolitan city filled with historical heritage, culture, and architecture that will leave a mark to remember.
You might only arrive in Lisbon at lunchtime, depending on what time you leave Coimbra. For lunch, take a look at our favorite restaurants in Lisbon.
If you are vegan or just enjoy plant-based food and want to try some Portuguese food, we definitely recommend Ao 26 Vegan Food Project. Located close to Chiado, Ao 26 serves a plant-based version of traditional Portuguese food. Every single dish at this place tastes like the real thing – or even better.
Another great option for lunch for the meat-lovers is Alfaia, one of the oldest restaurants in Lisbon that opened in 1880.
Photo by André Lergier (Unsplash)
After lunch, head to Sao Jorge Castle. The 5th-century palace was restored in 1938 by the dictatorship of Salazar to look the way it is presented now.
Tourists can visit the castle complex, which consists of the castle itself, the ruins of the royal palace, gardens, and a terraced square with panoramic views of the city. A ticket to visit costs between €5 and €10. You can also pay a little extra to skip the line.
A 5-minute walk away, head to Alfama, the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon and the home of fado. Explore the neighborhood and look out for Fado spots, as well as historical monuments such as the Lisbon Cathedral, the Convent of the Grace, and more.
After dinner, walk to Bairro Alto, the most popular area for drinking outdoors. Tons of locals and tourists line the streets of Bairro Alto with a beer in hand. We recommend Ze dos Bois Gallery, a musical center that has live music and serves tasty drinks.
Selena Secret Garden: This hostel also has a rooftop deck, CoWork space for professionals, and a movie room. In the heart of Cais do Sodre, you are close to contemporary art galleries, bars with riverfront views, and within walking distance to Chiado.
Turim Av Liberdade Hotel: Located in central Lisbon, this 4-star hotel has over 150 rooms of different sizes and will soon also have a spa. It also has a reading room, a multimedia room, and a famous pizzeria and steakhouse.
Hotel Lisboa Plaza: Looking for the Portuguese experience? This 4-star family-owned hotel is decorated in the style of Portuguese homes. With 24-hour room service, a terrace, and a gym, this small hotel has been in the same family since the 1950s. The hotel has won many travel awards, including the Experts’ Choice Awards in 2021.
Spend your second day in Lisbon exploring Belem. Belem lies along the Tejo Estuary and is home to two UNESCO sites, Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos is a former monastery in Belém constructed in Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style, and you can visit the church for free. A 2-minute walk from the monastery, head to Pasteis de Belem where the traditional Portuguese custard tart was first invented.
Jeronimos Monastery. Photo by Maria Orlova (Pexels)
Belem has some great lunch spots. Portugalia Cervejaria is a classic franchise restaurant in Portugal that has tasty steak with a variety of sauces.
After lunch, head to Berardo Collection Museum, located in the Belem Cultural Center. Ever since it opened in 2007, it has been one of the most impressive museums in Portugal. There are around 1000 pieces in the collection, starting in the 20th century.
The collection focuses mostly on European and American art. You will get to see pieces from Andy Warhol, Picasso, Paula Rego, and more across two floors.
Before dinner, head to one of Lisbon's miradouros to see the sunset. . Miradouros are city lookout points where you get beautiful panoramic views of Lisbon. You’ll always find people listening to music and drinking beer on the hundreds of miradouros in the city.
Grab a bottle of wine and some cheese to enjoy the sunset. You’ll also find some small kiosks that sell drinks and coffee next to miradouros. Wondering which miradouros have the best views and environment? Our favorite lookout spots are Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Alfama. Photo by Liam McKay (Unsplash)
If you are in Alfama, we recommend grabbing dinner here while watching a fado show. This experience allows you to explore Alfama on a guided walking tour, as well as the quaint neighborhood of Mouraria. You will get to discover all about the Fado genre, as well as listen to the melodies of Fado at a traditional Fado house. Finish with a Portuguese dinner while you listen to live fado.
Lisbon is a pretty large city, at least to Portuguese standards. Since you only have 14 days to enjoy as much of Portugal as possible, we recommend a guided tour of Lisbon so you get to see as much as you can of the capital. For your second day in Lisbon, here are the best guided tours to explore the city:
Lisbon 3-Hour Sightseeing Tour by Tuk Tuk: This tuk-tuk tour rides up and down the hills of Lisbon, going through the city's oldest neighborhoods and main attractions.
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Book a 24-hour ticket with an audio guide. This affordable ticket allows you to visit different routes and hop in as you would like.
Lisbon 3-Hour Tour by E-Bike: This tour allows you to cycle through Lisbon on comfortable e-bikes with a guided tour. You will get to visit different viewpoints and historical attractions.
After your tour, we recommend heading to CasaNova in Santa Apolonia for some pizzas cooked on a wood-burning stove. You can then walk to Terreiro do Paco, the harbor-facing plaza and one of the largest in Portugal. If you are there at sunset time, sit near the river with a beer and enjoy the view!
Day 8: Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais from Lisbon
What makes Lisbon one of the best cities in Portugal is that you are very close to stunning hidden gems that are perfect for a day trip. It would be a waste not to take advantage of its location. Therefore, you should take a full day to visit Sintra and Cascais.
We recommend driving to these locations (around 30 minutes from Lisbon) or booking a guided tour.
In the morning, head to Sintra for breakfast. Grab a “travesseiro”, a Sintra staple at Piriquita, in the city's heart. Then walk toward Castle of the Moors, a medieval castle that sits on a hilltop and was built by the Moors in the 8th century.
Palacio da Pena is another must-see. The exterior of this palace is painted in multiple colors and is in a romanticist style. You can also wander around the castle and see the beautiful green area that surrounds it. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale. Tickets cost around €15.
For lunch, drive towards Cascais and stop at a restaurant called Furnas do Guincho. This is one of the best seafood restaurants in the area, but it is quite pricey. For a more affordable alternative, drive to the center of Cascais and eat at Baia do Peixe.
After lunch, discover the town of Cascais, located on the Portuguese Riviera. One of the richest municipalities in the country, it is home to the best hotels and beaches. Head to “Praia da Rainha,” a secluded beach with a wonderful view, perfect for a family photograph.
Then, walk for a minute toward “Frederico Arouca” street. This is essentially the high street with the major stores, as well as smaller vendors selling Portuguese souvenirs.
From there, walk toward the City Hall of Cascais in “Praça 5 de Outubro”. This beautiful building with traditional Portuguese architecture stands in the middle of the commerce square, featuring authentic cobblestone streets.
If you’re still energized, and the weather is good, exploring Guincho beach is next. A 10-minute ride from the center of Cascais, Guincho is the of the best beaches in Portugal. It is perfect for swimming and tanning in the summer and also beautiful to walk through in the colder months.
If you prefer a guided tour, this tour of Sintra and Cascais takes you to all the best spots. It also includes a guided ticket to the Pena Palace, allowing you to skip the long lines. You can also pick between a shared or private tour. The tour includes free time and transportation.
Just over 30 minutes from Lisbon, Setubal is a city in the Arrabida Mountains with natural landscapes that blend beautiful beaches and mountains. You can enjoy hikes in the natural park’s astonishing nature and spot some dolphins at the beach.
Head here from Lisbon for a beach day. One of our favorite beaches is Portinho beach, located in the Serra da Arrabida Natural Park in Setubal. Portinho Beach is a clear watered beach with white sands and deep green hills. This beach features a bay that is suitable for diving and discovering marine life, while fishing is prohibited.
The beach features umbrellas to rent, as well as watercrafts and games. A 17th-century fort guards the beach, which now hosts the Oceanographic Museum. You can also enjoy a Portuguese meal at the seafront restaurant called Beira Mar, which serves quality seafood.
Fly back home from Lisbon Airport. You can return the car you rented in Porto at Lisbon airport. Just make sure you selected this option when booking the car rental.
Lisbon Airport. Photo by Humphrey Muleba (Unsplash)
Bullying in schools in Portugal increased by 37% in 2021/22, with the police registering 2,847 criminal incidents of injury and threats throughout the school year. This Portuguese police data reveals the highest value in the last nine school years.
Of these 2,847 incidents, 1,169 were physical violence, and 752 were threats.
In comparison to 2020/2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, there were 783 more cases reported to PSP, including 418 more physical incidents and 208 more threat incidents in 2021/2022.
Since October 10, PSP has been hosting the operation “Bullying is for the weak,” directed at students from the ages of 6 to 18 years old. The operation ends this Friday.
PSP said that the last school year, the police had heavily invested in education surrounding bullying, with 6,250 education events to teach children about bullying and cyberbullying, reaching over 100,000 students.
These actions will “contribute along with other conditions to contradict this turnaround in the decreasing (bullying) tendency that was consistent since the school year 2013/2014,” said PSP.
The police data found that most victims were boys between the ages of 12 and 15 years old.
Particularly since the 2008 recession, Portugal has been dealing with the issue of unemployment. However, despite most thinking otherwise, Portugal has been able to tackle large degrees of unemployment, with a major dip in 2014, after reaching over 17%. As of August 2022, the unemployment rate stands at around 6.6% in Portugal, below the EU average.
However, the same cannot be said about youth unemployment. Although significant progress has been made, in Portugal, youth unemployment stands at 16.7% in August 2022. This is above the EU average of 13%.
Still, Portugal has a social security system that offers unemployment allowances.
In June of 2022, the unemployment rate stood at 6.1% in Portugal. This is below the average Eurozone rate for this period of 6.6%. However, the unemployment rate in Portugal decreased to 5.7% in July of 2022.
Back in august 2020, the unemployment rate took a hit due to the Covid-19 pandemic, rising to 8%. It improved throughout 2021 to around 6% to 7% and then fell below 6% in early 2022.
Unemployment rates in Portugal have been decreasing since 2013, although it rose again during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Youth Unemployment in Portugal
Portugal is way above the EU average for youth unemployment, unfortunately. Youth unemployment stands at 13% in the EU. However, in Portugal, youth unemployment stands at 16.7% in August 2022.
It has, however, reduced in the last year. In September 2021, Portugal’s youth unemployment rate was 23.7%. Back in 2015, youth unemployment in Portugal was 35%, so progress has been made.
Does Portugal have a high unemployment rate?
Portugal’s unemployment rate is not higher than the EU average. Countries such as Spain (14.7%), Greece (14.8%), and Italy (9.8%) have higher unemployment rates. However, Portugal has a really high youth unemployment rate at 16.7% in August 2022. This is much higher than the EU average of 6%.
Unemployment Benefits in Portugal
The Portuguese Social Security system secures citizens’ basic rights and ensures equality in opportunities, providing support measures such as unemployment allowances, paternal leave, and other financial support. The Social Security system is valid for Portuguese and foreign citizens who make contributions.
Portugal’s Social Security system has multiple types of unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits usually pay 65% of your earnings. However, the minimum monthly rate is €439, and the maximum is €1,097.
Residents can access the main unemployment benefit if they have lost their job or come to the end of a contract. However, you must be registered as a job-seeker and have worked for at least 360 days in the 24 months before you lost your job.
Another type of unemployment benefit is the social unemployment benefit. You might qualify after either your regular unemployment benefit has run out or you do not meet the conditions for unemployment benefit. You need to have worked for 180 days in the one year before becoming unemployed.
In Portugal, you also have a partial unemployment benefit. To access this, you need to have already received unemployment benefits and begin working in a part-time or self-employed job. The earnings from this job must be lower than the amount of the unemployment benefit.
Data gathered by Pordata for the International Day of Poverty reveal that the Portuguese population is getting poorer, reports Diario de Noticias. The number of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion in Portugal increased by 12.5% in 2020 compared to 2019, the first increase since 2014.
In the European Union, Portugal is the second country with the most people living in poor material conditions. The findings also reveal that while the poorer are getting poorer, the richer are getting richer in Portugal.
Luis Loura, director of Pordata has said that Portugal is now further away from reaching its goal by 2030 of less than 765,000 people living in poverty.
“Portugal deviated from its poverty reduction trajectory that it was on since 2014. In 2020 there was an aggravation. Without social support, 4.4 million people are in poverty or have anincome below the poverty line (554 euros monthly),” said Luis Loura.
In the case of the risk of poverty and social exclusion in comparison to 2017, it has now increased from 43.5% at the time to now 43.7%. Poverty hits 18.4% of the Portuguese population after social support.
In comparison to countries in the European Union, Portugal’s position has worsened. There are three key indicators of regression, “the population percentage at risk of poverty and social exclusion, the poverty risk rate, and inequality in income distribution.”
Portugal remains in 8th place in regard to these findings, only improving to 10th place after social support from the government. This includes parental leave, unemployment allowances, and more.
In recent years, many have become digital nomads, living in a nomadic way while working remotely online. In the United States alone, 10.9 million Americans described themselves as digital nomads.
Lisbon, Portugal, is one of Europe’s largest digital nomad hotspots. The Portuguese capital is a favorite all year long, especially for those looking to escape cold winters.
While Lisbon is more expensive than other Portuguese cities, it still offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to cities such as London and Amsterdam.
Along with delicious food, plenty of coworking spaces, and fun activities, it is no surprise Lisbon is a digital nomad favorite. Our Digital Nomad Guide to Lisbon, Portugal has everything you need to know!
If you are not an EU national, the Portugal D7 Visa is the most suitable visa for digital nomads. It requires no investment!
This visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want residence in Portugal and have a reasonable passive income. This income can come from real estate, a retirement pension, a salary, etc.
The minimum passive income required is €8,460 per year for the main applicant. For a spouse, you must add 50% to this (€4,230), and for a dependent child, you must add 30% to this (€2,538).
However, you might not need a visa at all, depending on the timeframe and your nationality. If you are a UK citizen, you can travel and stay in the United Kingdom up to 90 days out of any six-month period. US and Canadian citizens can also stay in Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa.
Applications for the new Portugal Digital Nomad Viusa start on October 30, three months after the Portuguese government amended immigration law.
Remote workers can apply for a one-year temporary stay visa or a residency permit that can be renewed for up to five years. Applicants need to make at least €2,800 per month a month, four times the minimum wage in Portugal.
Only those from outside the EU and EEA can apply. You must also be employed by a company outside of Portugal or self-employed. These will naturally be checked officially through tax residency documents, proof of employment, and proof of income for the last three months.
You can apply for this digital nomad visa at a Portuguese Consulate in your home country or at the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service, also known as SEF.
As a digital nomad in Lisbon, you need at least €1,000 a month. This value will, however, depend heavily on your lifestyle. Let’s take a look at a breakdown of the costs.
Assuming you’re looking to rent a coworking space, this will run you at least €100 a month, and transportation passes cost around €50 a month.
Accommodation will also vary, but for a shared room in a hostel, prices start at €15 a night, amounting to €450 a month. If you are looking for a private room in a hostel, this will cost you around €1,200 a month, and a private Airbnb is at least €1,500 a month.
If you have a kitchen available, you can opt to cook your food, and groceries are around €200 a month. If you want to eat out 3x a day, budget at least €1,000 a month.
To explore the city’s museums, clubs, bars, and more, you will need at least €200 a month.
Therefore, the cost of living in Lisbon for a digital nomad can be anywhere from €1,000 to upwards of €3,000 if you want to splurge.
Where to stay as a digital nomad in Lisbon will depend heavily on your budget, timeframe, and lifestyle. Are you looking for privacy? Are you staying more long-term or just a few weeks? Let’s take a look at your options.
Digital Nomad Hostels Lisbon
A hostel is often a top contender for digital nomads looking to socialize while living comfortably. You have all the amenities you need, such as a shared kitchen and often a coworking space. If you are on a strict budget, you can book a bed in a shared dormitory that will usually cost you around €15 a night.
Alternatively, if privacy is key, you can book a private room in a hostel starting at €40 a night. You will often need to share a bathroom, but not always.
Here are some of our favorite hostels in Lisbon for digital nomads:
Yes! Lisbon Hotel: Located in the heart of the city in Chiado, this youth hostel won the best “Hostel in the World” in 2019. You are very close to the best places in the city, like Alfama and Bairro Alto. The hostel offers everything you need from a lounge room for socializing, 24-hour reception and security services, laundry facilities, and even a PlayStation and book exchange service.
Urban Garden Hostel: Lisbon’s first eco-hostel, Urban Garden wants to minimize its environmental footprint through “green initiatives”. The hostel has an extensive recycling program, dual flush toilets, only use recycled paper products, and more.
Selena Secret Garden: The hostel also has a rooftop deck, pool, Coworking space for professionals, and a movie room. They also have weekly programs with activities such as yoga, meditation, and Portuguese lessons.
Selena Secret Garden, Lisbon.
Medium-Term Apartment Rentals
If you are looking to stay between 1 to 6 months in Lisbon, there are plenty of apartment options for medium-term rentals that are reasonably priced. Airbnb is mostly used for shorter-term rentals, although they have beautiful apartments offered in Lisbon. Still, some hosts offer discounted prices if you stay for over a month.
However, other platforms focus more on medium-term apartment rentals. For example, Housing Anywhere and Flatio offer longer stays between 1 to 6 months. These. tend to offer better pricing.
Renting an Apartment – 6 months +
Renting an apartment with a landlord is also possible if you stay for at least six months. Usually, landlords won’t rent you an apartment for less than six months, but this will depend on how much you are willing to pay. Even finding an apartment for six months can be difficult, but it is possible.
Keep in mind that Lisbon is the most expensive place to rent a house in Portugal. In June 2022, the price of renting in Lisbon is €14.50 per m2.An 80 m2 apartment could cost around €1,160 in the Lisbon district. However, this will be cheaper than renting a short-term apartment.
Most landlords require expats and digital nomads to have a Portuguese guarantor, known as a fiador. If you cannot find one, you will be asked to pay rent upfront, usually 6 to 12 months.
Coworking in Lisbon: 3 Best Coworking Spaces in Lisbon
If you’re not staying at a hostel with a coworking space or do not have a comfortable office at your apartment, there are plenty of other places to work in Lisbon. In the last five years, several coworking spaces have been opening, costing anywhere between €100 and €250 a month. Here are our three favorite coworking spaces in Lisbon:
1. Second Home
Located in Mercado da Ribeira, Second Home is a large coworking space with green plants and high ceilings. This place believes that being in a green space surrounded by nature nurtures people’s well-being. Second Home’s amenities include fiber-optic broadband, unlimited printings, full-time reception, mailing, and registered address, as well as free coffee.
This place is very diverse, with half of its community being Portuguese and the other half from 23 different countries. You can also purchase extras such as access to showers, 5 days a month access to Second Homes in London and LA, daily cleaning, and more.
A hot desk here costs €235 + VAT, including access to all services. For a private office full of plants and natural light, this costs €365 + VAT.
2. Impact Hub
Located in Alcantra, Impact Hub offers an inspiring coworking space in the heart of Lisbon. This space offers multiple meeting rooms, call booths, and more. This place is more than just a coworking space, offering a place to connect with innovators and organize community activities.
They offer a variety of memberships:
Digital: This virtual membership gives you access to local and global communities plus business benefits such as registering your company in their location for €35 + VAT.
Connect: A flexible seat in a shared desk once a week for €50 + VAT a month.
Flexible: A flexible seat twice a week in a shared desk for €100 + VAT a month.
Fixed: A dedicated seat in a fixed desk where you can keep your equipment and your own economic chair for €200 + VAT.
3. Village Underground Lisboa
Village Underground is located near Lx Factory with 14 refurbished metal shipping containers for a trendy feel. More than a coworking space, you can rent these for a lab, store, office, and more. This place gives you access to some of the best Lisbon networking, workshops, exhibitions, and regular parties.
Unlike other spaces, you have 24/7 access to work flexibility, as well as air conditioning and supersonic fast internet. Prices start at €18 per day, €150 per month for a shared container, or €600 per month for a private container.
What to Do in Lisbon: 5 Things to Do in Lisbon for Digital Nomads
Lisbon has a variety of activities for digital nomads to enjoy, from monuments to wine tastings at a range of prices to accommodate all visitors. Here are our five top things to do in Lisbon:
1. Relax on wonderful beaches near Lisbon
It is rare to find a cosmopolitan city that is so close to the beach. Lisbon is only 15 minutes away from the sea, and you can get there by public transportation. And you won’t be going to just any beaches, Lisbon has some of the best European beaches, perfect for a city break.
Costa da Caparica is only 20 minutes away, an area with some of the best beaches in Greater Lisbon. Another alternative is going to Cascais or Sintra, where there are fewer busy beaches with loads of space.
Here are our favorite beaches near Lisbon:
Praia da Cornélia (Costa da Caparica)
Praia da Mata (Costa da Caparica)
Praia do Guincho (Cascais)
Praia da Adraga (Sintra)
Praia do Magoito (Sintra)
Costa da Caparica. Photo by Fabian Keller (Unsplash)
2. Taste delicious Portuguese cuisine in Lisbon restaurants
Lisbon’s food scene is renowned all over Europe. If you visit the capital, you must explore traditional restaurants called tascas (taverns). These provide a relaxing environment where you can try out some cheap traditional Portuguese food for anywhere between €10 and €15. Our favorite tascas are Zé dos Cornos, 1 de Maio, and Alfaia.
We recommend ordering the following:
Sardinhas (sardines)
Frango de churrasco piri-piri (piri-piri chicken)
Bacalhau (codfish)
Polvo à la lagareiro (octopus)
Bitoque (thin steak)
Secretos de porco preto (Iberico pig)
Caldo verde (green soup)
Cozido à portuguesa (meat stew)
Pastel de nata (custard tart)
Baba de camelo (camel drool or condensed milk mousse)
One of the best things about Lisbon is its proximity to nearby cities and towns that are perfect for a day trip. Our favorites are Sintra and Cascais.
Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, only a 30-minute drive from Lisbon or a 45-minute train from Oriente station (around €2). Sintra is a hidden gem in Portugal, filled with greenery and palaces that once belonged to royalty.
One of the most iconic palaces in Portugal, Pena Palance is located in Sintra. The palace is designed in a romanticist style, painted in multiple colors to make you feel like you are witnessing a fairytale. Purchase your entrance ticket here to skip the line, with a free cancellation option.
Palacio da Pena, Sintra. Photo by Natalie Viklicka (Unsplash)
Cascais is located on the Portuguese Riviera, around a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon. It is one of the richest municipalities in Portugal, known for its luxurious restaurants, hotels, and inviting beaches.
We recommend taking the train to enjoy a view of the ocean as you travel toward Cascais. Stop in the station Estoril before Cascais to visit the largest casino in Europe. When you arrive in Cascais, we recommend exploring the City Hall, the bay, and the Citadel of Cascais.
They say the best things in life are free, and Lisbon’s miradouros agree. Miradouros are city lookout points where you get beautiful panoramic views of Lisbon. You’ll always find people listening to music and drinking beer on the hundreds of miradouros in the city. Grab a bottle of wine and some cheese to enjoy the sunset.
You’ll also find some small kiosks that sell drinks and coffee next to miradouros. Wondering which miradouros have the best views and environment? Our favorite lookout spots are Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Lisbon viewpoint. Photo by Jeroen den Otter (Unsplash).
5. Tram 28 – A Scenic Route of Lisbon
One of the best ways to see Lisbon is the number 28 tram. Although the tram is a public transport service, due to the places it rides through, think of it as an affordable tourist tour.
This tram line connects Martim Moniz with Campo do Ourique. The tram stops in popular tourist districts such as Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and grace.
In a traditional yellow tram, you will ride a scenic route through Lisbon’s narrow and steep streets, the perfect morning in Lisbon.
We recommend riding the train early in the morning to avoid crowds. Make sure to beware of pickpocketers!
Seven districts in mainland Portugal are under a yellow warning due to the heavy rain coming to Portugal on Wednesday between 3 am and 3 pm. The rain will begin in the afternoon on Tuesday, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA), and is expected to remain until the end of the week.
The IPMA has said that a “significant change to the weather conditions is predicted in mainland Portugal.” The possibility of an “atmospheric river” is said to bring persistent periods of rain caused by the “arrival of tropical air masses with a large content of water vapor.”.
Along with the rain, cold weather is expected in Portugal this week.
Due to the weather predictions, the IPMA put the districts of Viseu, Porto, Viana do Castelo, Leiria, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga under a yellow warning between 3 am and 3 pm on Wednesday.
The districts of Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Braga are under yellow warning due to south wind, with win up to 85 kilometers an hour expected between 12 am and 9 am on Wednesday.
The districts of Porto, Faro, Setúbal, Viana do Castelo, Lisboa, Leiria, Beja, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Braga are under a yellow warning due to the maritime agitation between 3 am on Thursday and 3 am on Friday. Waves of 4 to 5 meters are to be expected.
In early October, just a few weeks ago, Portugal saw temperatures above 30 degrees.
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