Portugal, is considered the 4th Best Country to Retire

Portugal, the 4th Best Country to Retire

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Published: 24th January 2022, 10:51am

Updated: 28th January 2022, 4:12pm

Thinking of where to retire abroad? There are endless possibilities of where to relocate for retirement, and finding the country is key, where you can live a healthier, and happier life without breaking the bank.

The Retirement Index annually conducts a very comprehensive and thorough survey research in order to determine which countries offer the best retirement destinations across the globe. According to the 2022 Annual Global Retirement Index, Portugal is considered of the 4th best places for retirement living; which are based on the following metrics:

Our opinion at Portugal Homes may be biased; however the data cannot be fooled! Portugal has been honoured as the best place to retire through the years, and truth be told this country offers a multitude of sights and activities fit for everyone, with an amazing quality of life. Portugal holds never-ending charm, in its beautifully ornate architectural landmarks that bear rich century-old history noted by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, and important traditions that continue to be passed on through the generations; and not to forget the vast landscape of the country with a large amount of annual sunshine, you will boost your vitamin D with plenty of peacefulness and tranquility whether you are by the city, beach or countryside.

Living in Portugal like a local is key; you will need to get acquainted with Portuguese customs such as the double-cheek kiss greeting, and learn the language which will undoubtedly enrich future friendships with fellow Portuguese. Efforts to speak Portuguese will always be graciously received, although, if ever in despair; not to fret as Portugal is considered to have one of the highest English-speaking populations in Europe, ranked in 2021, in 7th place! Portugal also has implemented free Portuguese language classes at schools throughout the country, and there is a Portuguese language test, called the CIPLE Exam, if you wish to hold permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.

The Portuguese cost of living is relatively low; a couple can live comfortably in Portugal on €2,500 a month; this also varies upon region, as the closer you are to major destination districts such as Lisbon, Porto, Cascais and the Algarve, the cost of living can go up in price but not drastically; and in all fairness it is all about holding a balanced lifestyle, and living like a true Portuguese in the community.

Portugal Homes invites you to look into relocating to Portugal, popular locations such as Lisbon, Cascais, and Porto.

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Now it all comes down to selecting the best location that fits your lifestyle! If you are a city lover that prefers apartment living with a terrace, and to stay in close proximity to city centres, then perhaps a city like Porto or Lisbon are your best bet; both of these riverside cities are beautiful with plenty of entrancing qualities, with a vast offer of cultural events, and gastronomical experiences for retirement living.

Porto, the oldest European city center, most famously known for its port wine production, with the Douro River as its main sightseeing feature in a university-bound city with a colourful artistic inclination in its joie de vivre. You can enjoy a stroll along the Douro River at Ribeira District, get enthralled by the stacked apartment building, each one featuring a different tone, and find beauty in its rusted and faded paint façades.

As for the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon holds a collection of wonderful must-see landmarks, museums, and magnificent riverside views of the Tagus river sitting pretty on top of the famous eight hills. Lisbon offers wonderful apartments for the city lover, options to live in a refurbished building with old world charm, or live in a modern apartment in areas such as Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), or venture further along the seaside into Cascais, and Sintra location areas.

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Now for those seeking pure paradise locations with plenty of beach adventures, we suggest purchasing your home sweet home for retirement in the Algarve region, or even a more tropical choice with the Madeira, and Azores islands. The Algarve region has been beloved by many newcomers and tourists, offering amazing beaches, oceanview apartments, and villas that are a dream to retire in. You can indulge in living with the local Algarvians; at old fishing towns-turned cities, hosting numerous commerce, golf courses, green spaces, with plenty of nature attractions, and of course, fabulous seafood and fish restaurants.

In the archipelago islands of Portugal, Madeira and Azores the natural landscape is utterly breathtaking; in which the Azores island was honoured in 2021 as Europe’s leading adventure tourism destination by the World Travel Awards, and the city of Funchal in Madeira ranked as the 5th best city to property invest in the globe. The islands are known for their agriculture, producing national dairy products, and high quality fruits such as Madeiran bananas, and the Azorean pineapple.

Here in the Azores or Madeira, a perfect home or villa with ample yard space for gardening would make a perfect place to retire; as you can still be close by to the city centre of the island, experience the surrounding nature views, and as well enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. Ultimately, Portugal offers many different location options for retirement living!

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When living in Portugal, we suggest venturing into traditional markets for your weekly produce, fish, meats, cheese, bread, and baked goods; they are fresh, locally sourced, and you will be supporting local businesses in your neighbourhood. The Portuguese are known for their culinary and pastries, as we are absolutely positive that you will be delighted with the variety of meat and fish dishes to choose from, or taste the numerous versions of the beloved codfish. Portugal is the country that consumes the most codfish, next to Spain, and Malta; so if you are a seafood and fish lover - Portugal is the right place for you! For eating out in Portugal, check out the restaurants that serve traditional food, generally, eating out is very reasonable, even with a good bottle of wine, and also note if there is a lineup of people outside, then it’s a clear sign that it is a good restaurant.