Portugal regularly tops lists for the best quality of life thanks to its healthy cuisine, gorgeous countryside and delightful climate. Those seeking an active and outdoor life will thrive in Portugal, but where exactly are the healthiest places to live? We list 3 that might take your fancy …
Lisbon
You might not expect a large city to make it into our top 3 healthiest places in Portugal list but there are several reasons it has.
Lisbon is a well-developed city with a plethora of high-class sports facilities. You’ll find everything from gyms and health clubs to racket sports complexes and swimming pools. What’s more, the city is extremely hilly – it is actually built on seven hills! – so you would have no trouble getting in your 10,000 steps a day.
All this exercise combined with the culture and vibrancy of the city makes for a very high quality of life indeed.
Property prices vary, with more affordable homes on the outskirts or nearby towns. However, if you do want to live in the city centre, apartments start from about €180,000.
Vilamoura
With a plentiful supply of golf courses, cycle paths, walking trails and beaches, Vilamoura is an active expat’s paradise.
There is plenty to do, whether you’re into watersports, lounging on the beach or sipping cocktails with an ocean view. The glitzy marina will make you feel like a celebrity for the day and is a real ‘feel good’ spot to enjoy the beauty of the Algarve.
Vilamoura is incredibly convenient too, being just 20 minutes from the airport and easily reached using public transport.
Due to its rather glamourous vibe, property can be on the pricier side. Nonetheless, you can find lovely one-bedroom apartments from just €150,000.
Madeira
We couldn’t finish our list of healthiest places in Portugal without including the island of Madeira. Often described as being an ‘eternal spring’, the island is brimming with colourful flowers, dramatic mountains and lush vegetation.
One of the most popular pastimes on the island is Levada walking. Levadas are water drainage channels that run down the steep mountains. Over the years, many walking trails have been established along these routes and make for a truly unforgettable hike. You can choose to either walk both up and down the mountain, or, take the cable car to the top and enjoy a leisurely stroll down.
In the capital city of Funchal, you can find apartments from around €120,000. Your other options are to buy a more rustic home in one of the villages and renovate it. You can find homes in need of a little TLC for less than €100,000.
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If you would like further advice on the buying process in Portugal, download your free Portugal Guide.
Why not split the cost and double the fun of owning a holiday home in Portugal by buying with family or friends? Read our guide to Buying Abroad with Family
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