Sunny weather, affordable living, fresh ingredients, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture – what’s not to love about retiring in Portugal? Below, we explore the eight most popular areas for expats, highlighting unique aspects, activities that will enrich your retired life in Portugal, and expat community groups that will help you feel more connected as you settle into your new life.

1. Lisbon

Let’s start with the biggest expat community of them all: Lisbon, Portugal’s capital. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, from the cobblestone streets of Alfama to the riverside charm of Belém, offer something for everyone. Retirees love the easy access to cultural attractions such as museums, theaters, and fado music venues, as well as the proximity to beaches like Costa da Caparica. The vibrant café culture and international dining scene enhance the quality of life here.

Expats are drawn to its culturally rich neighborhoods like Alfama, Baixa, and Belém, which each offer unique activities. The city’s iconic trams, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene provide endless exploration opportunities. Lisbon’s international community also makes it easy to find people who can help you in your language.

For those retiring here, the quality of life is exceptional. The city’s infrastructure is excellent, boasting reliable public transport, numerous shopping options, and a lively food scene with both Portuguese and international cuisines.

Lisbon also has some of Portugal’s best hospitals. Expats often turn to Hospital da Luz Lisboa, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and English-speaking staff. Other excellent options include CUF Tejo and Hospital de Santa Maria, both renowned for specialized care.

Be sure to check out Internations Lisbon, the 1000 Club Lisbon, and the Americans and Friends in PT Facebook group to connect with like-minded expats. Meetup.com is also another great place to meet people in the city. Once you start connecting to the expat community, there is no end to the activities that you can find.

2. Cascais

Cascais, a scenic coastal town just west of Lisbon, has been enchanting the Portuguese since the Royal Family made it their September residence in the 1870s. It has been a popular seaside resort ever since and a now serves as a haven for wealthy retirees looking to enjoy the relaxing shoreline. Its pristine beaches, upscale marina, and laid-back atmosphere make it a favorite destination. The current President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has its private home in Cascais and even Portugal’s most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, has commissioned the most expensive house in Portugal, his future €20 million mansion in Quinta da Marina.

The charming old town is filled with boutique shops and restaurants, while the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park provides outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can also play golf and go sailing or even gamble at the Casino Estoril nearby.

Healthcare in Cascais is excellent, with facilities like Hospital CUF Cascais, Hospital de Cascais Dr. José de Almeida providing top-tier medical services. Many expats also utilize private clinics like Joaquim Chaves Cascais, which is known for its personalized care and English-speaking staff.

Retirees in Cascais can enjoy creative workshops at the Cascais Cultural Centre, join social events organized by the International Women in Portugal, or participate in the Rotary Club Cascais-Estoril or Expats Cascais Facebook group.

3. Porto

Porto, with its scenic Douro River views and historic charm, is Portugal’s second largest city and offers retirees a big dose of Portuguese charm. Known for its Port wine cellars, colorful architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Porto provides plenty to explore including easy access to the beaches of the Silver Coast. Neighborhoods like Foz do Douro or Matosinhos combine seaside living with easy access to the city’s amenities, which make them a top choice for retirees.

Porto is also gaining recognition as a tech hub, so it is actually attracting younger retirees and professionals. Its manageable size means everything is within reach, even the beautiful Douro Valley with its vineyards climbing the surrounding hills. If you’re a oenophile trying to decide between Lisbon and Porto, there is really no contest. Settle down in Porto. 

Like Lisbon, Porto’s healthcare system is robust, with hospitals like Hospital de São João and CUF Porto providing comprehensive care. The city also has numerous private clinics catering to expats, which ensures access to high-quality medical services.

To connect with fellow expats, check out the Porto chapter of Internations. You can also join over 46,000 expats in the Porto Expats Facebook group. Despite its gloomier weather compared to Lisbon, Porto has fantastic infrastructure, engaged expats, and an exciting future. 

4. The Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s longest running retirement community originally for people mostly from the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany, but it now has retirees from around the world who come for its golden beaches, mild climate, and mix of interesting towns like Lagos, Albufeira, and Tavira. Stroll along the Ria Formosa Natural Park, golf at Portugal’s best golf courses, enjoy fresh seafood, and live life on what feels like a permanent holiday. 

One of the Algarve’s standout features is its active expat community, which organizes numerous social events. Healthcare in the Algarve is excellent, with facilities like the University Hospital Center of Algarve, a public hospital in Faro, the Hospital de Portimão, and the Hospital de Lagos offering public care and the Hospital Particular do Algarve in Gambelas offering some of the best private care. 

Expats can join hiking clubs such as Hiking Algarve on Facebook to explore the region’s stunning landscapes or join over 87,000 members on the Algarve Expats Facebook group. The sky truly is the limit for retirees in the Algarve.

5. Coimbra

Known as the intellectual heart of Portugal, Coimbra is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1290. The city’s affordable cost of living, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to other parts of Portugal make it an attractive option for retirees. Highlights include the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the lively Fado music performances that echo through the historic streets. The city also boasts beautiful riverside parks and a slower pace of life compared to Lisbon or Porto.

Coimbra is home to Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra (CHUC), one of Portugal’s leading medical institutions. Its reputation for specialized care and medical research attracts patients from across the country.

For social integration, retirees can join book clubs at Livraria Almedina, explore Coimbra’s music heritage with local Fado performances, or participate in gardening initiatives at the Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra. Join the Coimbra Expats and Immigrants Facebook group for more community opportunities. 

6. Madeira

Madeira, the “Island of Eternal Spring,” offers retirees a subtropical paradise with lush landscapes and a relaxed pace of life. Known for its levada trails, botanical gardens, and fresh seafood, the island is ideal for nature lovers. Its compact size makes it easy to get around (although you will need a car in Madeira), and the international airport provides easy connections to mainland Europe and the United States. 

Healthcare in Madeira is well-developed, with facilities like Hospital dos Marmeleiros, Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça, and Hospital Particular da Madeira in Funchal providing quality care. Several private clinics also cater to expats and offer services in multiple languages.

If you’re going to retire in Madeira, then we highly recommend joining a hiking club, the Madeira Expat community on Facebook, or participate in cultural events organized by Arte M cultural and artistic association. 

7. Braga

Braga, the oldest city in Portugal and one of the world’s oldest Catholic cities, is perfect for retirees looking for a slower pace of life yet still full of modern amenities. Known for its Baroque architecture, lively festivals, and affordable cost of living, the city offers a welcoming environment for expatriates. 

Despite its rich history, Braga is a forward-looking city with a young population, thanks to its universities. This mix of old and new creates a dynamic environment for retirees looking to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture.

Braga has excellent healthcare services, with Hospital Lusíadas Braga being a top choice for both locals and expats. The hospital offers specialized treatments and has a reputation for quality care.

Retirees can take part in traditional cooking classes through Braga’s many tourist initiatives, explore local history with guided tours, or attend cultural events at the Theatro Circo. You can also join the Braga+ Expat Group on Facebook.

8. Ericeira

Ericeira, a charming fishing village on Portugal’s west coast, is renowned for its surfing culture and relaxed atmosphere. Its cobblestone streets, traditional seafood restaurants, and scenic Atlantic views create an idyllic setting for retirees. The town’s proximity to Lisbon, only 45 minutes away by car, gives retirees the best of both worlds – allowing them to retreat to their beautiful surfing village after an exciting trip to Portugal’s capital.

For retirees who enjoy the outdoors, Ericeira offers plenty of opportunities for beach walks, fishing, and exploring nearby Sintra. Ericeira has access to quality healthcare through nearby facilities like Hospital de Santa Maria, the new Mafra Norte Health Center, and private clinics in the area. For more specialized care, Lisbon’s top hospitals are just a short drive away.

Retirees can participate in surfing lessons at several surf schools in the area, join a cooking club to learn traditional Portuguese recipes, or find a variety of local events through the Expats in Ericeira area Facebook group.

These eight destinations illustrate Portugal’s diversity and appeal and offer retirees unique lifestyles and vibrant communities to integrate into. As you can see, Portugal has something for everyone supported by active and welcoming expat networks. Come and see for yourself!