The 12 Best Cities to Live in Portugal in 2024

I understand that your target audience is foreigners who would prefer to be in the heart of a city for multiple reasons. But i was born in Portugal, raised in the US for almost 60 years, and go back there on a regular basis, sometimes 2 to 3 times a year. The issue i have is the same as most guidebooks, certain areas are overhyped and others are completely ignored or mentioned only as a footnote. Portugal has something for everyone regardless of tastes! One big issue i see often is high cost of living, comparatively, of living in the city center. Nobody seems to mention that just by living in the outskirts, and driving 20 minutes, you can buy a home with land instead of an apartment for substantially less! Slower lifestyle, less convenient, but much cheaper. Smaller communities are a great way to go as far as cost while the amenities are still available with a short commute! Where i live, i can be in Porto in 45 minutes, and Aveiro in 15. I know its not feasible to cover everything, but putting it out there for anyone interested!

Great job! I am a portuguese from Braga, and a plus i would mention is that Braga will recive high speed trains in 2030-2035, the project is confirmed and this will conect Braga-Vigo(spain) in 30 min and Braga - Porto airport in 20 min. Coimbra and Aveiro will also benefit a lot from this project reducing the time to Porto/Lisbon by hours.🙂

With all of this natural beauty and cultural diversity, how can anyone not choose Portugal as their holiday destination or permanent home?? 😃

Nice list. Here's mine, fwiw. :) 12. Guimaraes. 11. Loule. 10. Leiria. 9. Tavira. 8. Caldas da Rainha. 7. Porto. 6. Braga. 5. Cascais. 4. Lisbon. 3. Viana do Costelo. 2. Coimbra. 1. Setubal. Honorable mention: Viseu.

Good video, Josh. Could I give you a challenge? Make a video about Central Portugal. No farther north than Aveiro, no farther south than Leiria, but stay off the coast. And the last parameter - towns with 50,000 people or less. There are so many scenic, historic towns in this area. You would be the first to do a video like this that I've seen (and I live in Central Portugal so my radar's up!). Obrigada

Your accent for city names is as impressive as rare. Congrats!

Pour Moi, PORTUGAL & JAPAN Are The Two Most Beautiful, Fabulous and Diverse Countries In The World! I LOVE Them Both More Than Anywhere Else On Our Planet; and I've Travelled Extensively To Most Countries...(Not Australia, New Zealand Or Mauritius...Yet) Thanks For The Video.🌹 xox

Excellent guide. I think Tavira, Guimaraes, Lagos, Faro, Coimbra, Setubal and Nazare deserve a mention. Also if you can stand the summer heat in Beja, then you should consider Évora. Also Caldas Da Rainha is losing its main hospital so should really have a red light. Keep up the good work.

I can't believe Lagos didn’t make it on your list. It's the best! 🙂

Excellent video, comprehensive, well produced AND well PRONOUNCED!! Muito Bem !! ❤️🇵🇹💚

I’m glad Setúbal didn’t make your list because it’s high on mine and don’t want it to become too well advertised. 😊

I lived in Ericeira for 6 months and definitely it is like you said. Very cool vibe and beautiful.

Great video. Will be moving to the Azores (Terceira) in about three years. Met my wife there in 1993 and we are about to retire and return. Will be doing tons of travel around Portugal. Spent 2 weeks in the Algarve a few years back stayed in Praia de Luz.

The was the best video I’ve seen about the different cities in Portugal. I’m starting the process now to move to Portugal in October of next year and I’m officially moving to Vila De Gaia and really looking forward to relocating. My concern was finding healthcare and this video was definitely helpful! You all are really great! Thanks again!

Hi... Maybe yourself are not familiar that it also snows in Portugal, and a lot of people likes it a lot. So i dare you to go to "Serra da Estrela" this winter (if you are allowed to get to the top because of the snow). There are gorgeous places nearby with different cultures and foods on the surrounds of the mountain. The most popular city nearby is Covilhã, but you can also explore Guarda, Fundão (visit in spring to see the flourish of cherry trees) or Castelo Branco. People that prefers the country-side will also find these places a good place to live or visit. Enjoy this trip :)

I want to express my appreciation for your exceptional content about Portugal. Your work is commendable, and I wish you continued success. I am located in Setubal and would be delighted to extend my hospitality whenever you guys decide to visit, offering my assistance to explore the natural beauty of Setubal.

Congratulations for the video. Very well done. Just one observation, though: there is no "capital" in Madeira, or, better saying, the capital of Madeira is not Funchal; it's Lisbon. The capital of any point, place, town, city, region of Portugal is Lisbon. And, if you're wondering: that's right, Lisbon is also the capital of the Azores Islands, which sadly weren't mentioned in the video...

Great information, good job!

Very nice list! My family is from the Valpacos/Chaves area in the north. Definitely worth checking those cities out too! Very close to Spain

You should cover cities in Beira Alta & Beira Baixa for those looking for a quieter & more rural lifestyle. Those areas are gorgeous!!