With a gentler pace of life, better weather, and lower cost of living, it’s easy to see why life in Portugal for families is so attractive. And there’s no right or wrong way to do it. City, coast or countryside, there isn’t only one way to experience life in Portugal.
And whether you feel more comfortable mingling with expats or integrating with the locals, with so many great destinations to live, you can choose the ideal lifestyle for you and your family.
Here are our nine best places to live in Portugal for families.
Share this:
Coimbra
Coimbra is located in Portugal’s Central region near the unspoilt Silver Coast; an area locals call the Algarve of the north. Situated inland, the city is spared extreme temperatures, giving it a warm, pleasant climate. Charming and compact, the former capital of Portugal is home to medieval monuments, botanical gardens, and the renowned University of Coimbra.
Residents enjoy an enviable quality of life thanks to the beautiful surroundings and affordable cost of living, one of the lowest amongst Portuguese cities. The standout neighbourhoods for families are the Vale das Flores and the adjacent Solum area. Even though they’re centrally located, they still offer a relaxing, peaceful lifestyle.
With around 150,000 residents, Coimbra is smaller than Porto and Lisbon, but there’s still plenty going on, especially for children. The areas along the banks of the Mondego River are great for a range of fitness activities, while there are plenty of museums, shopping malls, parks and cultural events to keep the whole family entertained. Local schools are generally good, while the Colégio de S. José international school is a popular choice for expats.
Braga is in the northwestern corner of Portugal near the Spanish border. The temperature’s a little cooler here, but still very pleasant. Something of a hidden gem, expats are increasingly waking up to Braga’s charm, and If you like great food, a laid-back vibe and friendly atmosphere, this small city of just under 200,000 people has plenty to offer.
A thriving business hub with a buoyant jobs market, the city is safe, liberal and tolerant. And although it isn’t right on the coast, Braga has some fantastic beaches nearby. Housing is affordable with the pick of the neighbourhoods for families being Briterios, Vila Verde or Espinho. Here you’ll have all the space you need along with good transport links into the city centre. Private education is also available at The Braga International School.
The city itself is historic and picturesque, with plenty going on. One of the highlights of the year is the Braga Romana festival at the start of June complete with a Roman style procession, market and entertainment.
Braga combines urban living with access to fantastic coast and countryside. It’s safe, compact, and full of attractions the whole family will enjoy. And if you find yourself craving the big city buzz, Porto is only a short train ride away, and it’s easy to cross into Spain to explore further afield.
If it’s year-round sunshine you’re after, bypass the mainland altogether and head to Madeira where the temperature rarely drops below twenty degrees celsius, even in winter. Surrounded by the Atlantic ocean, Madeira offers laid-back island living with many of the trappings of the mainland.
With a population of 120,000, the capital city of Funchal is an excellent choice for expat families keen to combine an urban existence with an outdoor lifestyle. Friendly and safe, Funchal has many shops, bars and restaurants, along with a famous cable car and botanical gardens, and is home to two major football teams. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo famously nurtured his talents here and there’s even a museum dedicated to his career. Other attractions include the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Madeira Whale Museum. There are only two international schools in Madeira and they’re both located here.
The best place to live in the city will depend on whether you prefer to be close to the ocean or tucked away in the quiet of the hills. São Pedro or Madalena offer good value, while still being within walking distance of the city centre. Beyond Funchal, there’s plenty to see in the lush green interior of the island. Here you can visit the Laurisilva of Madeira, one of the largest areas of surviving laurel forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Matosinhos is a modern city of 170,000 people just north of Porto. Renowned for its quality of life, the city’s Blue Flag beaches are a magnet for fitness fanatics, swimmers and surfers keen to take advantage of these surroundings. The city has fantastic green spaces too. Enjoy some downtime in the Jardim Senhor do Padrão, Parque Basílio Teles, or Parque da Cidade.
One of the best places to eat and drink in the whole country, seafood lovers in particular are in for a treat. As well as superb restaurants, Matosinhos is home to numerous food festivals as well as fantastic markets. And you’ll also find a thriving cultural scene with plenty going on.
As a working port, the jobs market revolves around shipping and marine science as well as tourism, while some people commute into Porto which also has several international schools including the Oporto British School and CLIP Oporto International School. If you want to live by the beach, but don’t want to give up the convenience of the city, Matosinhos is a great place to raise your family.
Chaves is a peaceful town in the north of Portugal near the Spanish border. Famous for its Roman architecture and thermal spas, it’s the perfect place to escape the daily grind. You’re off the beaten track, living more authentically in this rural part of Portugal. There are several museums including the Museu de Arte Contemporanea Nadir Afonso with its collection of abstract art. Rejuvenate at the local hot springs at Jardim do Tabalado or relax in the gardens of the Jardim Público de Chaves. Get your history fix by visiting the town's famous Roman bridge or the fantastic museum of artefacts from the Roman city of Aquae Vita. With only 40,000 residents, Chaves is small and safe,making it ideal for families looking for a gentler pace of life and a real sense of community. Entertainment options are naturally more limited here. However, Braga is nearby, and you can be in Porto, Portugal’s second biggest city, in just a few hours.
Famous for its brightly coloured houses, Moorish castle, and medieval palaces, arriving in Sintra is like stepping into a fairytale. Historic and picturesque, it’s a nature lover’s paradise too. The town sits on the edge of a huge national park; the Park Natural de Sintra-Cascais offers scenic hiking trails through the stunning pine forests. And although Sintra isn’t quite on the coast, it’s the gateway to some fantastic beaches that are popular with surfers including Praia Grande, Praia das Maçãs, and Praia da Adraga.
Families are drawn to the area by the fact that these beautiful surroundings are just 33 kilometres from Lisbon where you can enjoy the abundant cultural offerings or simply commute into work. Understandably, you’ll pay a premium to live in the town’s historic centre where prices match that of the capital’s more exclusive suburbs, but the town’s modern side is more affordable, although you do have to forgo some of the picture-postcard charm. If you want a private international school, the Carlucci American International School of Lisbon follows an American academic programme, but students can opt to study for the International Baccalaureate in the final two years.
Guimarães (population 157,000) is a medium-sized city located in the north west of Portugal, between Porto and Braga. As the birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, Guimarães can claim to be the most historic city in Portugal, and the entire centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over time, this medieval settlement has grown into a thriving modern city with good infrastructure, and living in this former European Capital of Culture and European City of Sport, you won’t be short of family friendly things to do. At the Cidade Desportiva you’ll find swimming pools, various courts, a gym and a playground, while history lovers will enjoy the museums, churches and palaces, and visiting the Castle of Guimarães that dates back to the 12th century is a highlight. The city is safe, easy to navigate, and has many attractive neighbourhoods. Costa and Mesão Frio are especially popular with families because of the good schools.
Figueira da Foz is located in the Coimbra region between Porto and Lisbon. If you’ve ever dreamt about living by the beach, this peaceful town with 60,000 inhabitants could be the place for you. Situated where the Mondego river meets the Atlantic and sheltered by Serra da Boa Viagem mountains, Figueira was once a fishing port before becoming the tourist destination it is today. Here you’ll find the ‘Rainha das Praias’, Portugal’s largest beach. The white sands stretch for several kilometres and the beachfront is lined with cafes, restaurants and bars. The nicest spot is Buarcos, about two kilometres from the centre of town. Next to the beach you’ll also find fitness facilities, cycle routes, fun fairs and playgrounds that the whole family can enjoy. For a laid back, outdoor lifestyle, Figueira is hard to beat.
Alentejo is the largest region in Portugal. Predominantly rural and unspoilt by tourism, the coast here offers the kind of affordability you won’t find in the Algarve. The pace of life is slower and you’ll find some of the best food and drink in Portugal, especially the wine from the local vineyards. English isn’t widely spoken here and you’ll have to live more like the locals if you want to fit in. Tranquil and traditional, Alentejo appeals to families looking to experience authentic countryside living.
The weather’s fabulous, although it can get extremely hot in summer, but there are plenty of great beaches on the coast or inland rivers where you can cool down. Popular coastal towns include Odemira, Vila Nova de Milfontes and Porto Covo, while inland, there are some great places to live like Beja, Castelo de Vide and the regional capital, Evora. Here you’ll find a host of historical attractions like Capela dos Ossos (bone chapel), the Aqueduto da Água de Prata, as well as the famous Roman Temple of Evora.
Be the first to comment!