12 Peaceful Places To Retire in Portugal That Are So Perfect, You’ll Wonder Why You Didn’t Move Sooner
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Portugal is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the Mediterranean, and it’s easy to understand why. Portugal has everything, from breathtaking seaside towns and beautiful landscapes to historic cities and a unique culture. Furthermore, Portugal has a low cost of living and more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
However, deciding where to retire in Portugal takes time and effort because there are so many beautiful places to choose from. That’s where we come in. In this article, we’ll show you 12 serene places to retire in Portugal. These destinations have been selected based on beauty, peacefulness, and things to see and do.
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Porto
The first serene Portugal retirement destination for you is Porto, a beautiful coastal city in the northwest. Porto is a fascinating city best known for its vibrant houses, picturesque views, stately bridges, and medieval district. You’ll spend most of your time in the city admiring the architecture, walking along the promenade, and sipping local wines.
The city’s central hub centers around the medieval Ribeira (Riverside) district, which sits alongside the Douro River. Winding cobblestone streets pass old merchants’ houses, quaint cafes, and authentic Portuguese restaurants. Keep your eyes peeled for São Francisco Church, Palácio de Bolsa, and Porto Cathedral.
Read also: Unmissable Things To Do in Porto
Madeira
Madeira is a famous Portuguese island belonging to an archipelago located northwest of the coast of Africa. The main draw to the island is its year-round great weather. All year round, Madeira boasts warm and pleasant weather. Better still, Madeira is much quieter than the Algarve despite offering many of the same things.
This island is best known for its impressive landscapes, architecture, traditional cuisine, and traditions. Madeira’s capital, Funchal, features a fascinating mix of Gothic, Romanesque, and Manueline styles visible in the city’s buildings, fortresses, and churches. Significant points of interest on the island include Funchal Cable Car, Ponta de São Lourenço, and Madeira Botanical Garden.
Read also: 2-Week Itinerary in Spain & Portugal
Cascais
Cascais is a beautiful seaside town west of Lisbon. Famed for its stunning beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and picturesque waterfront, this town is perfect for retirees seeking a retirement jam-packed with sunbathing, scenic walks, and watersports. Like Madeira, you can also expect year-round good weather, which is a nice bonus.
Cascais’s pedestrian esplanade, narrow streets, and historic squares are a joy to explore. You’ll find countless shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and many fine examples of traditional Portuguese architecture. When you’re not exploring Cascais, you’re only a 30-minute train ride from Lisbon, where you’ll find many things to see and do. Popular things to see in Cascais include Boca do Inferno, Cascais Marina, and Santa Maria House Museum.
Read also: Must-Visit Cities in Europe
São Miguel
The next Portugal retirement destination on our list is São Miguel, a place loved most by nature enthusiasts. São Miguel is the largest of the nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago. Boasting breathtaking natural beauty, it’s an excellent place to retire if you want to explore the great outdoors.
The island features volcanic scenery, lush forests, bright blue lakes, and a rich marine life that can be seen by boat. This includes blue whales, leatherback turtles, and blue sharks. In Ponta Delgada, the capital, you can find architecture that dates back to the 16th century, traditional restaurants, and a yacht-filled harbor. Don’t miss the 18th-century City Gates and the 16th-century Fort of São Brás.
Read also: Most Charming European Small Towns
Coimbra
Coimbra is a riverfront city in central Portugal best known for its medieval Old Town, cosmopolitan aura, natural beauty, and historical charm. With a population of 140,000, it’s also one of the quieter cities in Portugal. Not to mention, Coimbra has a low cost of living, so your money will go further.
Expats living in Coimbra benefit from a predominantly English-speaking community, year-round warm weather, and a vast range of things to see and do. When you’re not exploring the city in search of its hidden gems or walking along the Mondego River, you can head out of the city and hike in Bussaco National Forest or the Serra de Estrela mountains.
Read also: Insta-Worthy Spots in Europe
Sintra
If you love history, Sintra is the best place for you. This charming and historical town in Portugal’s Lisbon district is like something out of a fairy tale. Bursting with cultural heritage and natural beauty, it has historic landmarks, ancient castles, and out-of-this-world countryside views.
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The National Palace of Pena is the star of the show. This multi-colored palace is a Romanticist castle that sits proudly above the town atop a hill in the Sintra Mountains. Quinta da Regaleira and the Moorish Castle are other landmarks you don’t want to miss. That’s not it either, as Sintra Old Town is also jam-packed with historic architecture to admire. What’s not to like?
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Read also: Unique Places for Your European Bucket List
Azenhas do Mar
If you want the best of both worlds, you could retire to Azenhas do Mar instead. This gorgeous coastal town is less than a 16-minute drive from Sintra, so you can admire local history and architecture while living somewhere with pristine beaches and fantastic sea views.
Despite its apparent beauty, Azenhas do Mar isn’t one of Portugal’s most famous beach towns. That makes it the perfect destination for retirees seeking serenity, tranquility, and escape. The town is devoid of high-rise buildings and noisy resorts, so you can enjoy the whitewashed homes, scenic views, and quiet beaches in peace. Things to do include sunbathing at Praia das Azenhas do Mar, eating fresh seafood, swimming, hiking, and visiting historic landmarks.
Read also: Top Cities in Europe for Spring
Sesimbra
If you like the idea of retiring somewhere by the sea but enjoy a livelier atmosphere, consider Sesimbra. This famous seaside town is adored by locals and tourists who flock to enjoy its pristine beaches, emerald waters, fresh seafood, and vibrant nightlife. Sesimbra Beach is the main attraction in Sesimbra.
This gently curved beach cradles the town, offering retirees an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy town center. Along the beach, you’ll find local marisqueiras (seafood restaurants) serving the day’s catch, shops, and quaint cafes. Other notable attractions in the town include Sesimbra Castle, Praia da Califórnia, and Sesimbra Marina.
Read also: Where To Stay in Lisbon
Porto de Mós
According to Portugal Residency Advisors, Porto de Mós is Portugal’s most affordable seaside town. Despite the town’s impressive natural beauty and stunning architecture, property in the town is incredibly reasonable. Considering Porto de Mós is home to some of the best beaches in the Leiria District, it’s certainly an appealing proposition.
Admittedly, there isn’t much to do in Porto de Mós, but that’s the joy of it. You’ll likely spend most days sunbathing on the golden sands of Praia do Porto de Mós, swimming in the turquoise waters, and strolling through the town. You can expect plenty of local shops, cafes, and restaurants serving traditional Portuguese cuisine in the main town.
Read also: Affordable European Cities
Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, has many things to offer retirees. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Lisbon is much lower than in other major cities across Europe, including London and Paris. The city also has a low crime rate and excellent healthcare services. However, these aren’t the things Lisbon is best known for.
Lisbon is most famous for its lively cultural scene, serene architecture, and rich history. You’ll love everything about the city, from the imposing São Jorge Castle and traditional pastel-colored houses to historical landmarks like Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Party-going retirees might be pleased to hear the city has a vibrant nightlife. Retirees can also visit a string of Atlantic beaches just outside the city.
Read more: Unmissable Things To Do in Lisbon
Faro
Faro, the capital of Portugal’s Algarve region, is a popular retirement destination that offers a unique blend of modern amenities, traditional Portuguese charm, and natural beauty. If you decide to retire to Faro, your golden years will be filled with morning walks along the beach, days spent exploring the Old Town, ancient history, and delicious Portuguese cuisine.
You’ll find everything you need in the city, including medical care, affordable housing, and many things to do. Faro boasts a rich history, so make sure you soak it all in. Explore the ancient Roman ruins, get lost in the Old Town, and admire the beautiful cathedral. The rest of the time, eat fantastic food, hike along the coast, and try your hand at golfing.
Read also: 13 Best Neighborhoods and Hotels To Stay in Lisbon
Caldas da Rainha
The final Portuguese retirement destination we have for you is Caldas da Rainha. It’s a medium-sized city in the Oeste region, in Portugal’s historical Estremadura province. Caldas da Rainha is famed for its sulfur hot springs, from which the city takes its name. The city’s name in English means ‘the Queen’s Hot Springs.’
Caldas da Rainha is home to one of the world’s oldest thermal hospitals (15th century) and is also loved for its lush gardens and historic architecture. These ingredients and all the essential amenities you need are the perfect recipe for a fulfilling retirement. Places in the city worth mentioning include Parque Dom Carlos I, Museu de José Malhoa, and Museu da Cerâmica.
Read also: Hidden Islands in Europe
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Low cost of living? How long has your head been in the sand.
You’re absolutely right that Portugal is not technically a Mediterranean country, as it has no Mediterranean coastline. However, it is often included in the list of Mediterranean countries.
“While not having a coastline in the Mediterranean, Portugal, Andorra, San Marino, Vatican City, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Jordan are located within the Mediterranean Basin and are often included on the list of Mediterranean countries. Such classification is mostly based on their geographical, economic, geopolitical, historical, ethnic and cultural (language, art, music, cuisine) ties to the region as a whole. Other factors include climate and flora.”
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Mediterranean_countries
Portugal is not a Mediterranean country. It has no Mediterranean coastline and its climate is much less extreme than Spain, Italy, Greece or even the South of France. Thankfully you have left out most of the best unspoilt and historic Portuguese cities that I live in and visit!!