Wondering where to retire in Portugal in 2025? You’re not the only one. With its golden beaches, peaceful pace of life and strong public healthcare, Portugal continues to attract retirees from across Europe and beyond. It ranks highly for safety, cost of living and overall quality of life, making it an appealing choice for a new chapter in the sun.
Whether you’re after sea views, city culture or countryside charm, Portugal has something for everyone. This guide explores 12 of the best retirement-friendly locations, with tips on gentle activities, transport, healthcare and local expat life. You will also find practical hints on property prices and what to expect day to day.
If you are considering retiring to Portugal and want somewhere beautiful, affordable and welcoming, you are in the right place.
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Firstly, why retire to Portugal in 2025?
Retiring to Portugal may sound like a fantasy involving custard tarts, endless sunshine and the occasional sea view. And in fairness, that is not far off. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, a cost of living that remains refreshingly reasonable, and a pace of life that positively encourages a second glass of wine at lunch, Portugal continues to top the list for retirement destinations.
The healthcare is rather good too. Portugal’s public system, the SNS, has made strides in recent years, with many expats reporting competent care and shockingly low bills. If you prefer to skip waiting rooms altogether, private options like Medicare and Multicare offer speedy appointments and are far cheaper than their counterparts in the UK or US.
For those coming from outside the EU, the D7 visa provides a perfectly sensible route in. Just ensure your paperwork is impeccable and your timing better. The generous NHR tax regime is being phased out, so if you want to benefit from Portugal’s famously friendly tax treatment, best to get a move on.
Add in decent trains, low-cost flights, and a curious national fondness for bureaucracy that can be overcome with patience or a paid fixer, and Portugal becomes a rather attractive option. The food is excellent, the people warm, and the Atlantic views are rather hard to beat.
Lagos is one of the Algarve’s most popular retirement destinations, offering a strong mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage and well-established expat support. With long summers, mild winters and a relaxed atmosphere, it is well suited to retirees looking for a coastal lifestyle with modern amenities.
There is plenty to enjoy here, from morning walks along the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade to exploring the historic town centre. The local retirement community is one of the most active in Portugal, with people taking part in dozens of weekly activities in English.
Lagos is connected by regional train to Faro and Lisbon, and Faro Airport is around 90 km away, with regular low-cost flights across Europe.
Healthcare is accessible through the public hospital in nearby Portimão, and Lagos has several private clinics with English-speaking staff, including Hospital São Gonçalo.
The property market is competitive, with central flats typically starting from €3,500 per m². Seafront homes command higher prices but remain good value compared to other Western European locations.
Matosinhos is a coastal city just north of Porto known for its flat, walkable promenades, excellent seafood and easy access to the amenities of a major urban centre. It offers a slower pace than Porto itself, making it an appealing choice for retirees who want both convenience and calm.
The city is home to wide beachfront paths, several local markets and a lively food scene centred around fresh fish and shellfish. Parks and museums add variety to the lifestyle, and the area is popular with walkers and cyclists.
Matosinhos is connected to Porto by metro in around 30 minutes, and Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is just 10 km away. Trains to Lisbon and beyond are available from Porto’s main stations.
The nearest public hospital is Hospital Pedro Hispano, and there are several private options nearby including CUF Porto Hospital and Trofa Sáude.
The international community is growing, supported by English-speaking meet-ups, community classes and cultural clubs.You can meet fellow expats in the area through the popular Expats in Porto Facebook group.
Property is relatively affordable for a coastal setting, with flats from around €2,500 per m² and houses starting from €3,000 per m² depending on location and size.
Calheta is a peaceful coastal town on the southwest coast of Madeira, known for its mild climate, year-round sunshine and laid-back lifestyle. With access to both sea and mountains, it is a strong choice for retirees who enjoy nature, walking, and island life with modern comforts. The marina, sandy beach, and nearby Levada trails offer plenty of gentle outdoor activity.
Funchal is around 35 km away and offers regular flights to Lisbon and mainland Europe. The local road network makes it easy to explore the island, and buses connect Calheta with nearby towns.
Healthcare is covered by the public hospital in Funchal, Hospital Dr. Nélio Mendonça. Private options such as Hospital Particular da Madeira also serve English-speaking patients.
The expat presence is growing, with many international retirees drawn to the region’s safety and scenery. There are language schools, cultural events and informal social groups across the island. You can learn more in local expat groups, including Expats in Calheta/Ponta do Sol- Madeira.
Property prices are moderate. Flats in Calheta start around €2,000 per m², with hillside houses or villas priced from €2,500 per m².
Marinha Grande is a quiet town near Portugal’s Silver Coast, offering a blend of forest, beach and small-town living. Best known for its glassmaking history, it is an ideal spot for retirees who want a more peaceful setting within reach of larger urban centres. The nearby Pinhal de Leiria pine forest and São Pedro de Moel beach offer relaxing day-to-day activities.
The town is well connected by road, with the A8 motorway linking to Lisbon in around 90 minutes. Regional trains and buses run to Leiria and the surrounding area. Lisbon Airport is around 130 km away.
Healthcare is provided by the nearby Hospital de Santo André in Leiria. Private clinics, including Clínica Dr. Luís Viegas, offer general and specialist care locally.
Marinha Grande has a smaller but friendly expat population. Language cafés, art workshops and community volunteering are common ways to integrate.
Flats typically start from €1,300 per m², and family homes or villas begin around €1,800 per m².
Portugal’s capital city remains a top choice for retirees seeking culture, comfort and world-class healthcare. While busier than smaller towns, Lisbon offers exceptional access to museums, historic sites, parks and riverside walks. Neighbourhoods such as Belém and Parque das Nações are especially popular among retirees for their calmer pace and excellent local services.
The city is Portugal’s main transport hub. Humberto Delgado Airport serves direct flights to the UK, US and across Europe. Trains and buses connect the capital to all regions, and the metro system is efficient and affordable.
Public healthcare is excellent, with major hospitals including Hospital de Santa Maria. There are also many private hospitals, such as Hospital da Luz and CUF Descobertas, both offering English-speaking services.
Lisbon’s international population is large and diverse. You’ll find English-language meet-ups, book clubs, and classes in everything from painting to Portuguese. Find fellow expats in meet-up groups, or Expats in Lisbon Facebook group.
Just across the Douro River from Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia offers a slower pace of life with quick access to a major city. It’s known for its riverside boardwalks, leafy parks and port wine cellars. Retirees enjoy the scenic views, easy walking routes and cultural sites such as the Yeatman Wine Museum and World of Wine complex.
Gaia is connected to Porto via metro and train, with direct routes to Porto’s airport and onward connections throughout Portugal. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is around 20 km away.
Healthcare is well supported. The public Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia covers most needs, while private options include Trofa Saúde and Hospital Luz Arrábida.
The local expat community is growing, with English-speaking groups meeting for language exchange, yoga and cultural outings. There are also local volunteering opportunities.
One of the Algarve’s best-known resort towns, Albufeira has matured into a popular retirement hub thanks to its walkable old town, accessible beaches and wide range of amenities. It offers a blend of holiday buzz and residential calm, especially in quieter neighbourhoods like Olhos de Água or Vale de Parra.
Albufeira is served by Faro Airport, 45 km away, which offers year-round flights across Europe. Local buses and regional trains connect the town to the rest of the Algarve.
Public healthcare is available in nearby Loulé and Faro, with private services provided by Clínica Particular do Algarve and Hospital Lusíadas in Albufeira.
The international community here is well established, with many English-speaking retirees. Retirement groups, walking clubs and regular social events help newcomers settle in.
Across the river from Lisbon, Almada combines beach access with city convenience. Its surf-friendly coastline, flat promenades and new senior activity hubs make it appealing for retirees who want a lively, well-connected base without living in the capital itself.
Almada is connected to Lisbon by ferry and metro in under 30 minutes. Public buses and local trains serve the region, and Lisbon Airport is just 18 km away.
The main public hospital is Garcia de Orta. Private clinics such as Hospital Cuf Almada offer a wide range of specialist services.
Almada has an active local community, with language schools, cultural groups and volunteering opportunities for English-speaking residents. Events are often posted through local expat networks and libraries.
Flats in Almada typically start from €2,500 per m², with larger homes from €3,200 per m² depending on location and views.
Sesimbra is a small coastal town south of Lisbon, popular for its calm atmosphere, fresh seafood and beautiful natural surroundings. Backed by the Arrábida Natural Park and fronted by a protected bay, it offers an easygoing lifestyle with plenty of opportunity for gentle outdoor activity. Walking trails, beachfront cafés and a local fish market add to its appeal.
The town is about 40 km from Lisbon and connected by road and regular bus services. Lisbon Airport is around a 45-minute drive.
Healthcare is provided by the local health centre and the nearby Hospital de São Bernardo in Setúbal. Private care is available in Almada and Lisbon, including Clínica de Sesimbra and CUF Almada.
Sesimbra attracts both Portuguese and international retirees. While the expat community is smaller than in the Algarve, there are opportunities to join walking groups, cooking classes and cultural associations.
Property prices are reasonable, with flats from €2,200 per m² and detached homes starting from €2,800 per m².
Santa Maria da Feira is a historic inland town known for its medieval castle and cultural events. It offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with good links to larger cities. The local spa retreats and green spaces make it well suited to retirees seeking peace, comfort and value for money.
The town lies around 30 km south of Porto and is well connected by train and road. Porto Airport is about 45 minutes away by car.
Healthcare is available through Hospital de São Sebastião, a modern public hospital serving the area. Private options include Centro Hospitalar de Gaia and Trofa Saúde in nearby Espinho.
The expat population is modest but growing, with opportunities for integration through language cafés, volunteering and local arts programmes.
Property is affordable. Flats start from around €1,400 per m², with traditional houses and villas available from €1,800 per m² depending on location and size.
Santarém sits on a hilltop overlooking the Tagus River and is known for its Gothic architecture, traditional markets and warm climate. It has a quiet but well-connected lifestyle, with river-view gardens and plenty of historic charm. The relaxed pace makes it attractive to retirees seeking affordability and comfort inland.
The city is on the main Lisbon–Porto train line, with frequent services to the capital in under an hour. Lisbon Airport is around 80 km away.
The main public hospital is Hospital Distrital de Santarém. Private care is available through local clinics and nearby facilities in Lisbon.
Santarém has a welcoming community with a growing number of expats. Local councils support language lessons and cultural programmes, and hobby groups and church events are open to newcomers.
Flats in Santarém start from €1,500 per m², and family homes or quintas in the surrounding countryside begin around €1,900 per m².
Often called the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobbled streets, elegant plazas and a peaceful, well-kept atmosphere. With a mild micro-climate and a strong cultural calendar, it offers a high quality of life for retirees who enjoy heritage, nature and community life.
The town is about 55 km from Porto and connected by train and motorway. Porto Airport is around an hour away by car or shuttle.
Healthcare is available at Hospital Senhora da Oliveira. Private options include Clínica de Guimarães and facilities in nearby Braga or Porto.
Guimarães has an active expat presence, particularly among retirees and walkers. Cultural centres host language classes and community events, and local associations welcome volunteers and newcomers.
Before packing your sunhat and congratulating yourself on a life well planned, here are a few practical matters to consider. Portugal is friendly, yes, but it still enjoys a good bit of red tape. The good news is that, with patience (and perhaps a Portuguese-speaking ally), most of it is navigable.
Visas and timing If you are not an EU citizen, you will likely need a D7 visa. This allows retirees with a regular passive income (such as a pension) to live in Portugal legally. The application process involves gathering financial documents, health cover, proof of accommodation and a commendable level of personal organisation. Once you arrive, you will need an appointment with AIMA (the immigration authority formerly known as SEF). These can be rare creatures, so book early, check regularly, and try not to take it personally when the online portal crashes.
Healthcare options Portugal’s public healthcare system (SNS) is good, affordable, and surprisingly functional most of the time. Once legally resident, you can register with your local health centre and receive care for a nominal fee. That said, many expats opt for private insurance too. Providers such as Medicare and Multicare offer quick appointments and English-speaking doctors, which are helpful when your Portuguese doesn’t stretch beyond ordering coffee.
Cost of living and taxes Portugal remains relatively affordable, but it’s not the budget paradise of a decade ago. Expect higher prices in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve. Property taxes include IMI (like council tax), AIMI (for properties worth over €600,000), and various stamp duties and fees that appear unexpectedly, much like distant relatives at Christmas. Budget for utilities, groceries and the odd bureaucracy-related bottle of wine.
The NHR regime The popular Non-Habitual Resident tax scheme — which once offered 10 years of tax breaks — is in the process of being phased out for new arrivals. If you are thinking of applying, check the current rules carefully. There are still double-taxation treaties with the UK and US that can help avoid paying tax twice, but it’s wise to speak with a cross-border tax adviser before making assumptions. Or bookings.
Dealing with bureaucracy Portugal’s bureaucracy is nothing if not consistent. Appointments must be booked. Photocopies must be made. Entire afternoons will vanish at the local town hall. If you value your sanity, consider hiring a despachante — a local fixer who understands the system and knows whom to call (and more importantly, when). It is money well spent.
So, where to retire in Portugal in 2025? You are rather spoilt for choice. From vineyard-covered hills in the north to sunlit beaches in the Algarve, Portugal offers a rare combination of charm, practicality and good weather. It also manages to remain surprisingly affordable, provided you are not insisting on a penthouse in Lisbon with ocean views.
Whether you prefer coastal walks, quiet cafés or just the satisfaction of not needing central heating, there is a corner of Portugal to suit. The healthcare system is solid, the food is excellent and the pace of life is designed to discourage unnecessary stress.
Retirement here is not just about slowing down. It is about living well and remembering what time is for.
I would like to find out more about property values or rental opportunities in Viana Del Costelo or anywhere on the coast. I would also like to know in which areas English is spoken or understood.
Admin
03 Jun. 2024
Hi Dan, thanks for your comment. You can check out our location guide for Viana Del Costelo here. You can browse rental properties for the area and further refine results using our search filters here. In regards to where English is spoken in Portugal, the Portugues are very proficient in English and you will find large expat communities in the larger cities and popular holiday destinations such as the Algarve.
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Add your voice25 Apr. 2024
I would like to find out more about property values or rental opportunities in Viana Del Costelo or anywhere on the coast. I would also like to know in which areas English is spoken or understood.
03 Jun. 2024
Hi Dan, thanks for your comment. You can check out our location guide for Viana Del Costelo here. You can browse rental properties for the area and further refine results using our search filters here. In regards to where English is spoken in Portugal, the Portugues are very proficient in English and you will find large expat communities in the larger cities and popular holiday destinations such as the Algarve.